xproject gutenbergxs the complete works of william shakespearex by william shakespeare

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this ebookx


titlex the complete works of william shakespeare

authorx william shakespeare

release datex january xxxx xebook xxxxx
last updatedx august xx xxxx

languagex english

character set encodingx utfxx

xxx start of this project gutenberg ebook the complete works of william shakespeare xxx




the complete works of william shakespeare



by william shakespeare




      contents



               the sonnets

               allxs well that ends well

               the tragedy of antony and cleopatra

               as you like it

               the comedy of errors

               the tragedy of coriolanus

               cymbeline

               the tragedy of hamletx prince of denmark

               the first part of king henry the fourth

               the second part of king henry the fourth

               the life of king henry the fifth

               the first part of henry the sixth

               the second part of king henry the sixth

               the third part of king henry the sixth

               king henry the eighth

               king john

               the tragedy of julius caesar

               the tragedy of king lear

               lovexs labourxs lost

               the tragedy of macbeth

               measure for measure

               the merchant of venice

               the merry wives of windsor

               a midsummer nightxs dream

               much ado about nothing

               the tragedy of othellox moor of venice

               periclesx prince of tyre

               king richard the second

               king richard the third

               the tragedy of romeo and juliet

               the taming of the shrew

               the tempest

               the life of timon of athens

               the tragedy of titus andronicus

               the history of troilus and cressida

               twelfth nightx orx what you will

               the two gentlemen of verona

               the two noble kinsmen

               the winterxs tale

               a loverxs complaint

               the passionate pilgrim

               the phoenix and the turtle

               the rape of lucrece

               venus and adonis






the sonnets

                    x

from fairest creatures we desire increasex
that thereby beautyxs rose might never diex
but as the riper should by time deceasex
his tender heir might bear his memoryx
but thou contracted to thine own bright eyesx
feedxst thy lightxs flame with selfxsubstantial fuelx
making a famine where abundance liesx
thy self thy foex to thy sweet self too cruelx
thou that art now the worldxs fresh ornamentx
and only herald to the gaudy springx
within thine own bud buriest thy contentx
andx tender churlx makxst waste in niggardingx
  pity the worldx or else this glutton bex
  to eat the worldxs duex by the grave and theex


                    x

when forty winters shall besiege thy browx
and dig deep trenches in thy beautyxs fieldx
thy youthxs proud livery so gazed on nowx
will be a tattered weed of small worth heldx
then being askedx where all thy beauty liesx
where all the treasure of thy lusty daysx
to sayx within thine own deep sunken eyesx
were an allxeating shamex and thriftless praisex
how much more praise deservxd thy beautyxs usex
if thou couldst answer xthis fair child of mine
shall sum my countx and make my old excusexx
proving his beauty by succession thinex
  this were to be new made when thou art oldx
  and see thy blood warm when thou feelxst it coldx


                    x

look in thy glass and tell the face thou viewestx
now is the time that face should form anotherx
whose fresh repair if now thou not renewestx
thou dost beguile the worldx unbless some motherx
for where is she so fair whose uneared womb
disdains the tillage of thy husbandryx
or who is he so fond will be the tomb
of his selfxlove to stop posterityx
thou art thy motherxs glass and she in thee
calls back the lovely april of her primex
so thou through windows of thine age shalt seex
despite of wrinkles this thy golden timex
  but if thou live remembered not to bex
  die single and thine image dies with theex


                    x

unthrifty loveliness why dost thou spendx
upon thy self thy beautyxs legacyx
naturexs bequest gives nothing but doth lendx
and being frank she lends to those are freex
then beauteous niggard why dost thou abusex
the bounteous largess given thee to givex
profitless usurer why dost thou use
so great a sum of sums yet canst not livex
for having traffic with thy self alonex
thou of thy self thy sweet self dost deceivex
then how when nature calls thee to be gonex
what acceptable audit canst thou leavex
  thy unused beauty must be tombed with theex
  which used lives thx executor to bex


                    x

those hours that with gentle work did frame
the lovely gaze where every eye doth dwell
will play the tyrants to the very samex
and that unfair which fairly doth excelx
for neverxresting time leads summer on
to hideous winter and confounds him therex
sap checked with frost and lusty leaves quite gonex
beauty oxerxsnowed and bareness every wherex
then were not summerxs distillation left
a liquid prisoner pent in walls of glassx
beautyxs effect with beauty were bereftx
nor it nor no remembrance what it wasx
  but flowers distilled though they with winter meetx
  leese but their showx their substance still lives sweetx


                    x

then let not winterxs ragged hand defacex
in thee thy summer ere thou be distilledx
make sweet some vialx treasure thou some placex
with beautyxs treasure ere it be selfxkilledx
that use is not forbidden usuryx
which happies those that pay the willing loanx
thatxs for thy self to breed another theex
or ten times happier be it ten for onex
ten times thy self were happier than thou artx
if ten of thine ten times refigured theex
then what could death do if thou shouldst departx
leaving thee living in posterityx
  be not selfxwilled for thou art much too fairx
  to be deathxs conquest and make worms thine heirx


                    x

lo in the orient when the gracious light
lifts up his burning headx each under eye
doth homage to his newxappearing sightx
serving with looks his sacred majestyx
and having climbed the steepxup heavenly hillx
resembling strong youth in his middle agex
yet mortal looks adore his beauty stillx
attending on his golden pilgrimagex
but when from highmost pitch with weary carx
like feeble age he reeleth from the dayx
the eyes xfore duteousx now converted are
from his low tract and look another wayx
  so thoux thy self outxgoing in thy noonx
  unlooked on diest unless thou get a sonx


                    x

music to hearx why hearxst thou music sadlyx
sweets with sweets war notx joy delights in joyx
why lovxst thou that which thou receivxst not gladlyx
or else receivxst with pleasure thine annoyx
if the true concord of wellxtuned soundsx
by unions married do offend thine earx
they do but sweetly chide theex who confounds
in singleness the parts that thou shouldst bearx
mark how one string sweet husband to anotherx
strikes each in each by mutual orderingx
resembling sirex and childx and happy motherx
who all in onex one pleasing note do singx
  whose speechless song being manyx seeming onex
  sings this to theex xthou single wilt prove nonexx


                    x

is it for fear to wet a widowxs eyex
that thou consumxst thy self in single lifex
ahx if thou issueless shalt hap to diex
the world will wail thee like a makeless wifex
the world will be thy widow and still weepx
that thou no form of thee hast left behindx
when every private widow well may keepx
by childrenxs eyesx her husbandxs shape in mindx
look what an unthrift in the world doth spend
shifts but his placex for still the world enjoys itx
but beautyxs waste hath in the world an endx
and kept unused the user so destroys itx
  no love toward others in that bosom sits
  that on himself such murdxrous shame commitsx


                    xx

for shame deny that thou bearxst love to any
who for thy self art so unprovidentx
grant if thou wiltx thou art beloved of manyx
but that thou none lovxst is most evidentx
for thou art so possessed with murdxrous hatex
that xgainst thy self thou stickxst not to conspirex
seeking that beauteous roof to ruinate
which to repair should be thy chief desirex
o change thy thoughtx that i may change my mindx
shall hate be fairer lodged than gentle lovex
be as thy presence is gracious and kindx
or to thy self at least kindxhearted provex
  make thee another self for love of mex
  that beauty still may live in thine or theex


                    xx

as fast as thou shalt wane so fast thou growxstx
in one of thinex from that which thou departestx
and that fresh blood which youngly thou bestowxstx
thou mayst call thinex when thou from youth convertestx
herein lives wisdomx beautyx and increasex
without this follyx agex and cold decayx
if all were minded sox the times should ceasex
and threescore year would make the world awayx
let those whom nature hath not made for storex
harshx featurelessx and rudex barrenly perishx
look whom she best endowedx she gave thee morex
which bounteous gift thou shouldst in bounty cherishx
  she carved thee for her sealx and meant therebyx
  thou shouldst print morex not let that copy diex


                    xx

when i do count the clock that tells the timex
and see the brave day sunk in hideous nightx
when i behold the violet past primex
and sable curls all silvered oxer with whitex
when lofty trees i see barren of leavesx
which erst from heat did canopy the herd
and summerxs green all girded up in sheaves
borne on the bier with white and bristly beardx
then of thy beauty do i question make
that thou among the wastes of time must gox
since sweets and beauties do themselves forsakex
and die as fast as they see others growx
  and nothing xgainst timexs scythe can make defence
  save breed to brave himx when he takes thee hencex


                    xx

o that you were your selfx but love you are
no longer yoursx than you your self here livex
against this coming end you should preparex
and your sweet semblance to some other givex
so should that beauty which you hold in lease
find no determinationx then you were
your self again after your selfxs deceasex
when your sweet issue your sweet form should bearx
who lets so fair a house fall to decayx
which husbandry in honour might upholdx
against the stormy gusts of winterxs day
and barren rage of deathxs eternal coldx
  o none but unthriftsx dear my love you knowx
  you had a fatherx let your son say sox


                    xx

not from the stars do i my judgement pluckx
and yet methinks i have astronomyx
but not to tell of goodx or evil luckx
of plaguesx of dearthsx or seasonsx qualityx
nor can i fortune to brief minutes tellx
pointing to each his thunderx rain and windx
or say with princes if it shall go well
by oft predict that i in heaven findx
but from thine eyes my knowledge i derivex
and constant stars in them i read such art
as truth and beauty shall together thrive
if from thy selfx to store thou wouldst convertx
  or else of thee this i prognosticatex
  thy end is truthxs and beautyxs doom and datex


                    xx

when i consider every thing that grows
holds in perfection but a little momentx
that this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
whereon the stars in secret influence commentx
when i perceive that men as plants increasex
cheered and checked even by the selfxsame skyx
vaunt in their youthful sapx at height decreasex
and wear their brave state out of memoryx
then the conceit of this inconstant stayx
sets you most rich in youth before my sightx
where wasteful time debateth with decay
to change your day of youth to sullied nightx
  and all in war with time for love of youx
  as he takes from youx i engraft you newx


                    xx

but wherefore do not you a mightier way
make war upon this bloody tyrant timex
and fortify your self in your decay
with means more blessed than my barren rhymex
now stand you on the top of happy hoursx
and many maiden gardens yet unsetx
with virtuous wish would bear you living flowersx
much liker than your painted counterfeitx
so should the lines of life that life repair
which this xtimexs pencilx or my pupil pen
neither in inward worth nor outward fair
can make you live your self in eyes of menx
  to give away your selfx keeps your self stillx
  and you must live drawn by your own sweet skillx


                    xx

who will believe my verse in time to come
if it were filled with your most high desertsx
though yet heaven knows it is but as a tomb
which hides your lifex and shows not half your partsx
if i could write the beauty of your eyesx
and in fresh numbers number all your gracesx
the age to come would say this poet liesx
such heavenly touches nexer touched earthly facesx
so should my papers xyellowed with their agex
be scornedx like old men of less truth than tonguex
and your true rights be termed a poetxs ragex
and stretched metre of an antique songx
  but were some child of yours alive that timex
  you should live twice in itx and in my rhymex


                    xx

shall i compare thee to a summerxs dayx
thou art more lovely and more temperatex
rough winds do shake the darling buds of mayx
and summerxs lease hath all too short a datex
sometime too hot the eye of heaven shinesx
and often is his gold complexion dimmedx
and every fair from fair sometime declinesx
by chancex or naturexs changing course untrimmedx
but thy eternal summer shall not fadex
nor lose possession of that fair thou owxstx
nor shall death brag thou wandxrest in his shadex
when in eternal lines to time thou growxstx
  so long as men can breathe or eyes can seex
  so long lives thisx and this gives life to theex


                    xx

devouring time blunt thou the lionxs pawsx
and make the earth devour her own sweet broodx
pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tigerxs jawsx
and burn the longxlived phoenixx in her bloodx
make glad and sorry seasons as thou fleetxstx
and do whatexer thou wilt swiftxfooted time
to the wide world and all her fading sweetsx
but i forbid thee one most heinous crimex
o carve not with thy hours my lovexs fair browx
nor draw no lines there with thine antique penx
him in thy course untainted do allowx
for beautyxs pattern to succeeding menx
  yet do thy worst old timex despite thy wrongx
  my love shall in my verse ever live youngx


                    xx

a womanxs face with naturexs own hand paintedx
hast thou the master mistress of my passionx
a womanxs gentle heart but not acquainted
with shifting change as is false womenxs fashionx
an eye more bright than theirsx less false in rollingx
gilding the object whereupon it gazethx
a man in hue all hues in his controllingx
which steals menxs eyes and womenxs souls amazethx
and for a woman wert thou first createdx
till nature as she wrought thee fell axdotingx
and by addition me of thee defeatedx
by adding one thing to my purpose nothingx
  but since she pricked thee out for womenxs pleasurex
  mine be thy love and thy lovexs use their treasurex


                    xx

so is it not with me as with that musex
stirred by a painted beauty to his versex
who heaven it self for ornament doth usex
and every fair with his fair doth rehearsex
making a couplement of proud compare
with sun and moonx with earth and seaxs rich gemsx
with aprilxs firstxborn flowers and all things rarex
that heavenxs air in this huge rondure hemsx
o let me true in love but truly writex
and then believe mex my love is as fairx
as any motherxs childx though not so bright
as those gold candles fixed in heavenxs airx
  let them say more that like of hearsay wellx
  i will not praise that purpose not to sellx


                    xx

my glass shall not persuade me i am oldx
so long as youth and thou are of one datex
but when in thee timexs furrows i beholdx
then look i death my days should expiatex
for all that beauty that doth cover theex
is but the seemly raiment of my heartx
which in thy breast doth livex as thine in mex
how can i then be elder than thou artx
o therefore love be of thyself so waryx
as i not for my selfx but for thee willx
bearing thy heart which i will keep so chary
as tender nurse her babe from faring illx
  presume not on thy heart when mine is slainx
  thou gavxst me thine not to give back againx


                    xx

as an unperfect actor on the stagex
who with his fear is put beside his partx
or some fierce thing replete with too much ragex
whose strengthxs abundance weakens his own heartx
so i for fear of trustx forget to sayx
the perfect ceremony of lovexs ritex
and in mine own lovexs strength seem to decayx
oxercharged with burthen of mine own lovexs mightx
o let my looks be then the eloquencex
and dumb presagers of my speaking breastx
who plead for lovex and look for recompensex
more than that tongue that more hath more expressedx
  o learn to read what silent love hath writx
  to hear with eyes belongs to lovexs fine witx


                    xx

mine eye hath played the painter and hath stelledx
thy beautyxs form in table of my heartx
my body is the frame wherein xtis heldx
and perspective it is best painterxs artx
for through the painter must you see his skillx
to find where your true image pictured liesx
which in my bosomxs shop is hanging stillx
that hath his windows glazed with thine eyesx
now see what good turns eyes for eyes have donex
mine eyes have drawn thy shapex and thine for me
are windows to my breastx wherexthrough the sun
delights to peepx to gaze therein on theex
  yet eyes this cunning want to grace their artx
  they draw but what they seex know not the heartx


                    xx

let those who are in favour with their starsx
of public honour and proud titles boastx
whilst i whom fortune of such triumph bars
unlooked for joy in that i honour mostx
great princesx favourites their fair leaves spreadx
but as the marigold at the sunxs eyex
and in themselves their pride lies buriedx
for at a frown they in their glory diex
the painful warrior famoused for fightx
after a thousand victories once foiledx
is from the book of honour razed quitex
and all the rest forgot for which he toiledx
  then happy i that love and am beloved
  where i may not remove nor be removedx


                    xx

lord of my lovex to whom in vassalage
thy merit hath my duty strongly knitx
to thee i send this written embassage
to witness dutyx not to show my witx
duty so greatx which wit so poor as mine
may make seem barex in wanting words to show itx
but that i hope some good conceit of thine
in thy soulxs thought xall nakedx will bestow itx
till whatsoever star that guides my movingx
points on me graciously with fair aspectx
and puts apparel on my tattered lovingx
to show me worthy of thy sweet respectx
  then may i dare to boast how i do love theex
  till thenx not show my head where thou mayst prove mex


                    xx

weary with toilx i haste me to my bedx
the dear respose for limbs with travel tiredx
but then begins a journey in my head
to work my mindx when bodyxs workxs expiredx
for then my thoughts xfrom far where i abidex
intend a zealous pilgrimage to theex
and keep my drooping eyelids open widex
looking on darkness which the blind do seex
save that my soulxs imaginary sight
presents thy shadow to my sightless viewx
which like a jewel xhung in ghastly nightx
makes black night beauteousx and her old face newx
  lo thus by day my limbsx by night my mindx
  for theex and for my selfx no quiet findx


                    xx

how can i then return in happy plight
that am debarred the benefit of restx
when dayxs oppression is not eased by nightx
but day by night and night by day oppressedx
and each xthough enemies to eitherxs reignx
do in consent shake hands to torture mex
the one by toilx the other to complain
how far i toilx still farther off from theex
i tell the day to please him thou art brightx
and dost him grace when clouds do blot the heavenx
so flatter i the swartxcomplexioned nightx
when sparkling stars twire not thou gildxst the evenx
  but day doth daily draw my sorrows longerx
  and night doth nightly make griefxs length seem stronger


                    xx

when in disgrace with fortune and menxs eyesx
i all alone beweep my outcast statex
and trouble deaf heaven with my bootless criesx
and look upon my self and curse my fatex
wishing me like to one more rich in hopex
featured like himx like him with friends possessedx
desiring this manxs artx and that manxs scopex
with what i most enjoy contented leastx
yet in these thoughts my self almost despisingx
haply i think on theex and then my statex
xlike to the lark at break of day arising
from sullen earthx sings hymns at heavenxs gatex
  for thy sweet love remembered such wealth bringsx
  that then i scorn to change my state with kingsx


                    xx

when to the sessions of sweet silent thoughtx
i summon up remembrance of things pastx
i sigh the lack of many a thing i soughtx
and with old woes new wail my dear timexs wastex
then can i drown an eye xunused to flowx
for precious friends hid in deathxs dateless nightx
and weep afresh lovexs long since cancelled woex
and moan thx expense of many a vanished sightx
then can i grieve at grievances foregonex
and heavily from woe to woe tell oxer
the sad account of forexbemoaned moanx
which i new pay as if not paid beforex
  but if the while i think on thee xdear friendx
  all losses are restoredx and sorrows endx


                    xx

thy bosom is endeared with all heartsx
which i by lacking have supposed deadx
and there reigns love and all lovexs loving partsx
and all those friends which i thought buriedx
how many a holy and obsequious tear
hath dear religious love stolxn from mine eyex
as interest of the deadx which now appearx
but things removed that hidden in thee liex
thou art the grave where buried love doth livex
hung with the trophies of my lovers gonex
who all their parts of me to thee did givex
that due of manyx now is thine alonex
  their images i lovedx i view in theex
  and thou xall theyx hast all the all of mex


                    xx

if thou survive my wellxcontented dayx
when that churl death my bones with dust shall cover
and shalt by fortune once more rexsurvey
these poor rude lines of thy deceased loverx
compare them with the bettxring of the timex
and though they be outstripped by every penx
reserve them for my lovex not for their rhymex
exceeded by the height of happier menx
o then vouchsafe me but this loving thoughtx
xhad my friendxs muse grown with this growing agex
a dearer birth than this his love had brought
to march in ranks of better equipagex
  but since he died and poets better provex
  theirs for their style ixll readx his for his lovexx


                    xx

full many a glorious morning have i seenx
flatter the mountain tops with sovereign eyex
kissing with golden face the meadows greenx
gilding pale streams with heavenly alchemyx
anon permit the basest clouds to ridex
with ugly rack on his celestial facex
and from the forlorn world his visage hide
stealing unseen to west with this disgracex
even so my sun one early morn did shinex
with all triumphant splendour on my browx
but out alackx he was but one hour minex
the region cloud hath masked him from me nowx
  yet him for thisx my love no whit disdainethx
  suns of the world may stainx when heavenxs sun stainethx


                    xx

why didst thou promise such a beauteous dayx
and make me travel forth without my cloakx
to let base clouds oxertake me in my wayx
hiding thy bravxry in their rotten smokex
xtis not enough that through the cloud thou breakx
to dry the rain on my stormxbeaten facex
for no man well of such a salve can speakx
that heals the woundx and cures not the disgracex
nor can thy shame give physic to my griefx
though thou repentx yet i have still the lossx
thx offenderxs sorrow lends but weak relief
to him that bears the strong offencexs crossx
  ah but those tears are pearl which thy love shedsx
  and they are richx and ransom all ill deedsx


                    xx

no more be grieved at that which thou hast donex
roses have thornsx and silver fountains mudx
clouds and eclipses stain both moon and sunx
and loathsome canker lives in sweetest budx
all men make faultsx and even i in thisx
authorizing thy trespass with comparex
my self corrupting salving thy amissx
excusing thy sins more than thy sins arex
for to thy sensual fault i bring in sensex
thy adverse party is thy advocatex
and xgainst my self a lawful plea commencex
such civil war is in my love and hatex
  that i an accessary needs must bex
  to that sweet thief which sourly robs from mex


                    xx

let me confess that we two must be twainx
although our undivided loves are onex
so shall those blots that do with me remainx
without thy helpx by me be borne alonex
in our two loves there is but one respectx
though in our lives a separable spitex
which though it alter not lovexs sole effectx
yet doth it steal sweet hours from lovexs delightx
i may not evermore acknowledge theex
lest my bewailed guilt should do thee shamex
nor thou with public kindness honour mex
unless thou take that honour from thy namex
  but do not sox i love thee in such sortx
  as thou being minex mine is thy good reportx


                    xx

as a decrepit father takes delightx
to see his active child do deeds of youthx
so ix made lame by fortunexs dearest spite
take all my comfort of thy worth and truthx
for whether beautyx birthx or wealthx or witx
or any of these allx or allx or more
entitled in thy partsx do crowned sitx
i make my love engrafted to this storex
so then i am not lamex poorx nor despisedx
whilst that this shadow doth such substance givex
that i in thy abundance am sufficedx
and by a part of all thy glory livex
  look what is bestx that best i wish in theex
  this wish i havex then ten times happy mex


                    xx

how can my muse want subject to invent
while thou dost breathe that pourxst into my versex
thine own sweet argumentx too excellentx
for every vulgar paper to rehearsex
o give thy self the thanks if aught in mex
worthy perusal stand against thy sightx
for whoxs so dumb that cannot write to theex
when thou thy self dost give invention lightx
be thou the tenth musex ten times more in worth
than those old nine which rhymers invocatex
and he that calls on theex let him bring forth
eternal numbers to outlive long datex
  if my slight muse do please these curious daysx
  the pain be minex but thine shall be the praisex


                    xx

o how thy worth with manners may i singx
when thou art all the better part of mex
what can mine own praise to mine own self bringx
and what isxt but mine own when i praise theex
even for thisx let us divided livex
and our dear love lose name of single onex
that by this separation i may givex
that due to thee which thou deservxst alonex
o absence what a torment wouldst thou provex
were it not thy sour leisure gave sweet leavex
to entertain the time with thoughts of lovex
which time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceivex
  and that thou teachest how to make one twainx
  by praising him here who doth hence remainx


                    xx

take all my lovesx my lovex yea take them allx
what hast thou then more than thou hadst beforex
no lovex my lovex that thou mayst true love callx
all mine was thinex before thou hadst this morex
then if for my lovex thou my love receivestx
i cannot blame theex for my love thou usestx
but yet be blamedx if thou thy self deceivest
by wilful taste of what thy self refusestx
i do forgive thy robbery gentle thief
although thou steal thee all my povertyx
and yet love knows it is a greater grief
to bear greater wrongx than hatexs known injuryx
  lascivious gracex in whom all ill well showsx
  kill me with spites yet we must not be foesx


                    xx

those pretty wrongs that liberty commitsx
when i am sometime absent from thy heartx
thy beautyx and thy years full well befitsx
for still temptation follows where thou artx
gentle thou artx and therefore to be wonx
beauteous thou artx therefore to be assailedx
and when a woman woosx what womanxs sonx
will sourly leave her till he have prevailedx
ay mex but yet thou mightst my seat forbearx
and chide thy beautyx and thy straying youthx
who lead thee in their riot even there
where thou art forced to break a twofold truthx
  hers by thy beauty tempting her to theex
  thine by thy beauty being false to mex


                    xx

that thou hast her it is not all my griefx
and yet it may be said i loved her dearlyx
that she hath thee is of my wailing chiefx
a loss in love that touches me more nearlyx
loving offenders thus i will excuse yex
thou dost love herx because thou knowxst i love herx
and for my sake even so doth she abuse mex
suffxring my friend for my sake to approve herx
if i lose theex my loss is my lovexs gainx
and losing herx my friend hath found that lossx
both find each otherx and i lose both twainx
and both for my sake lay on me this crossx
  but herexs the joyx my friend and i are onex
  sweet flatteryx then she loves but me alonex


                    xx

when most i wink then do mine eyes best seex
for all the day they view things unrespectedx
but when i sleepx in dreams they look on theex
and darkly brightx are bright in dark directedx
then thou whose shadow shadows doth make bright
how would thy shadowxs formx form happy showx
to the clear day with thy much clearer lightx
when to unseeing eyes thy shade shines sox
how would xi sayx mine eyes be blessed madex
by looking on thee in the living dayx
when in dead night thy fair imperfect shadex
through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stayx
  all days are nights to see till i see theex
  and nights bright days when dreams do show thee mex


                    xx

if the dull substance of my flesh were thoughtx
injurious distance should not stop my wayx
for then despite of space i would be broughtx
from limits far remotex where thou dost stayx
no matter then although my foot did stand
upon the farthest earth removed from theex
for nimble thought can jump both sea and landx
as soon as think the place where he would bex
but ahx thought kills me that i am not thought
to leap large lengths of miles when thou art gonex
but that so much of earth and water wroughtx
i must attendx timexs leisure with my moanx
  receiving nought by elements so slowx
  but heavy tearsx badges of eitherxs woex


                    xx

the other twox slight airx and purging firex
are both with theex wherever i abidex
the first my thoughtx the other my desirex
these presentxabsent with swift motion slidex
for when these quicker elements are gone
in tender embassy of love to theex
my life being made of fourx with two alonex
sinks down to deathx oppressed with melancholyx
until lifexs composition be recuredx
by those swift messengers returned from theex
who even but now come back again assuredx
of thy fair healthx recounting it to mex
  this toldx i joyx but then no longer gladx
  i send them back again and straight grow sadx


                    xx

mine eye and heart are at a mortal warx
how to divide the conquest of thy sightx
mine eyex my heart thy picturexs sight would barx
my heartx mine eye the freedom of that rightx
my heart doth plead that thou in him dost liex
xa closet never pierced with crystal eyesx
but the defendant doth that plea denyx
and says in him thy fair appearance liesx
to side this title is impanelled
a quest of thoughtsx all tenants to the heartx
and by their verdict is determined
the clear eyexs moietyx and the dear heartxs partx
  as thusx mine eyexs due is thy outward partx
  and my heartxs rightx thy inward love of heartx


                    xx

betwixt mine eye and heart a league is tookx
and each doth good turns now unto the otherx
when that mine eye is famished for a lookx
or heart in love with sighs himself doth smotherx
with my lovexs picture then my eye doth feastx
and to the painted banquet bids my heartx
another time mine eye is my heartxs guestx
and in his thoughts of love doth share a partx
so either by thy picture or my lovex
thy self awayx art present still with mex
for thou not farther than my thoughts canst movex
and i am still with themx and they with theex
  or if they sleepx thy picture in my sight
  awakes my heartx to heartxs and eyexs delightx


                    xx

how careful was i when i took my wayx
each trifle under truest bars to thrustx
that to my use it might unused stay
from hands of falsehoodx in sure wards of trustx
but thoux to whom my jewels trifles arex
most worthy comfortx now my greatest griefx
thou best of dearestx and mine only carex
art left the prey of every vulgar thiefx
thee have i not locked up in any chestx
save where thou art notx though i feel thou artx
within the gentle closure of my breastx
from whence at pleasure thou mayst come and partx
  and even thence thou wilt be stolxn i fearx
  for truth proves thievish for a prize so dearx


                    xx

against that time xif ever that time comex
when i shall see thee frown on my defectsx
when as thy love hath cast his utmost sumx
called to that audit by advised respectsx
against that time when thou shalt strangely passx
and scarcely greet me with that sun thine eyex
when love converted from the thing it was
shall reasons find of settled gravityx
against that time do i ensconce me here
within the knowledge of mine own desertx
and this my handx against my self uprearx
to guard the lawful reasons on thy partx
  to leave poor mex thou hast the strength of lawsx
  since why to lovex i can allege no causex


                    xx

how heavy do i journey on the wayx
when what i seek xmy weary travelxs endx
doth teach that case and that repose to say
xthus far the miles are measured from thy friendxx
the beast that bears mex tired with my woex
plods dully onx to bear that weight in mex
as if by some instinct the wretch did know
his rider loved not speed being made from theex
the bloody spur cannot provoke him onx
that sometimes anger thrusts into his hidex
which heavily he answers with a groanx
more sharp to me than spurring to his sidex
  for that same groan doth put this in my mindx
  my grief lies onward and my joy behindx


                    xx

thus can my love excuse the slow offencex
of my dull bearerx when from thee i speedx
from where thou artx why should i haste me thencex
till i return of posting is no needx
o what excuse will my poor beast then findx
when swift extremity can seem but slowx
then should i spur though mounted on the windx
in winged speed no motion shall i knowx
then can no horse with my desire keep pacex
therefore desire xof perfectxst love being madex
shall neigh xno dull fleshx in his fiery racex
but lovex for lovex thus shall excuse my jadex
  since from thee goingx he went wilfulxslowx
  towards thee ixll runx and give him leave to gox


                    xx

so am i as the rich whose blessed keyx
can bring him to his sweet upxlocked treasurex
the which he will not every hour surveyx
for blunting the fine point of seldom pleasurex
therefore are feasts so solemn and so rarex
since seldom coming in that long year setx
like stones of worth they thinly placed arex
or captain jewels in the carcanetx
so is the time that keeps you as my chest
or as the wardrobe which the robe doth hidex
to make some special instant specialxblestx
by new unfolding his imprisoned pridex
  blessed are you whose worthiness gives scopex
  being had to triumphx being lacked to hopex


                    xx

what is your substancex whereof are you madex
that millions of strange shadows on you tendx
since every onex hath every onex one shadex
and you but onex can every shadow lendx
describe adonis and the counterfeitx
is poorly imitated after youx
on helenxs cheek all art of beauty setx
and you in grecian tires are painted newx
speak of the springx and foison of the yearx
the one doth shadow of your beauty showx
the other as your bounty doth appearx
and you in every blessed shape we knowx
  in all external grace you have some partx
  but you like nonex none you for constant heartx


                    xx

o how much more doth beauty beauteous seemx
by that sweet ornament which truth doth givex
the rose looks fairx but fairer we it deem
for that sweet odourx which doth in it livex
the canker blooms have full as deep a dyex
as the perfumed tincture of the rosesx
hang on such thornsx and play as wantonlyx
when summerxs breath their masked buds disclosesx
but for their virtue only is their showx
they live unwooedx and unrespected fadex
die to themselvesx sweet roses do not sox
of their sweet deathsx are sweetest odours madex
  and so of youx beauteous and lovely youthx
  when that shall fadex my verse distills your truthx


                    xx

not marblex nor the gilded monuments
of princes shall outlive this powerful rhymex
but you shall shine more bright in these contents
than unswept stonex besmeared with sluttish timex
when wasteful war shall statues overturnx
and broils root out the work of masonryx
nor mars his swordx nor warxs quick fire shall burnx
the living record of your memoryx
xgainst deathx and allxoblivious enmity
shall you pace forthx your praise shall still find roomx
even in the eyes of all posterity
that wear this world out to the ending doomx
  so till the judgment that your self arisex
  you live in thisx and dwell in loversx eyesx


                    xx

sweet love renew thy forcex be it not said
thy edge should blunter be than appetitex
which but toxday by feeding is allayedx
toxmorrow sharpened in his former mightx
so love be thoux although toxday thou fill
thy hungry eyesx even till they wink with fulnessx
toxmorrow see againx and do not kill
the spirit of lovex with a perpetual dulnessx
let this sad interim like the ocean be
which parts the shorex where two contracted newx
come daily to the banksx that when they seex
return of lovex more blest may be the viewx
  or call it winterx which being full of carex
  makes summerxs welcomex thrice more wishedx more rarex


                    xx

being your slave what should i do but tendx
upon the hoursx and times of your desirex
i have no precious time at all to spendx
nor services to do till you requirex
nor dare i chide the worldxwithoutxend hourx
whilst i xmy sovereignx watch the clock for youx
nor think the bitterness of absence sourx
when you have bid your servant once adieux
nor dare i question with my jealous thoughtx
where you may bex or your affairs supposex
but like a sad slave stay and think of nought
save where you arex how happy you make thosex
  so true a fool is lovex that in your willx
  xthough you do any thingx he thinks no illx


                    xx

that god forbidx that made me first your slavex
i should in thought control your times of pleasurex
or at your hand thx account of hours to cravex
being your vassal bound to stay your leisurex
o let me suffer xbeing at your beckx
thx imprisoned absence of your libertyx
and patience tame to sufferance bide each checkx
without accusing you of injuryx
be where you listx your charter is so strongx
that you your self may privilage your time
to what you willx to you it doth belongx
your self to pardon of selfxdoing crimex
  i am to waitx though waiting so be hellx
  not blame your pleasure be it ill or wellx


                    xx

if there be nothing newx but that which isx
hath been beforex how are our brains beguiledx
which labouring for invention bear amis
the second burthen of a former childx
o that record could with a backward lookx
even of five hundred courses of the sunx
show me your image in some antique bookx
since mind at first in character was donex
that i might see what the old world could sayx
to this composed wonder of your framex
whether we are mendedx or whether better theyx
or whether revolution be the samex
  o sure i am the wits of former daysx
  to subjects worse have given admiring praisex


                    xx

like as the waves make towards the pebbled shorex
so do our minutes hasten to their endx
each changing place with that which goes beforex
in sequent toil all forwards do contendx
nativity once in the main of lightx
crawls to maturityx wherewith being crownedx
crooked eclipses xgainst his glory fightx
and time that gavex doth now his gift confoundx
time doth transfix the flourish set on youthx
and delves the parallels in beautyxs browx
feeds on the rarities of naturexs truthx
and nothing stands but for his scythe to mowx
  and yet to times in hopex my verse shall stand
  praising thy worthx despite his cruel handx


                    xx

is it thy willx thy image should keep open
my heavy eyelids to the weary nightx
dost thou desire my slumbers should be brokenx
while shadows like to thee do mock my sightx
is it thy spirit that thou sendxst from thee
so far from home into my deeds to pryx
to find out shames and idle hours in mex
the scope and tenure of thy jealousyx
o nox thy love though muchx is not so greatx
it is my love that keeps mine eye awakex
mine own true love that doth my rest defeatx
to play the watchman ever for thy sakex
  for thee watch ix whilst thou dost wake elsewherex
  from me far offx with others all too nearx


                    xx

sin of selfxlove possesseth all mine eyex
and all my soulx and all my every partx
and for this sin there is no remedyx
it is so grounded inward in my heartx
methinks no face so gracious is as minex
no shape so truex no truth of such accountx
and for my self mine own worth do definex
as i all other in all worths surmountx
but when my glass shows me my self indeed
beated and chopt with tanned antiquityx
mine own selfxlove quite contrary i readx
selfx so selfxloving were iniquityx
  xtis thee xmy selfx that for my self i praisex
  painting my age with beauty of thy daysx


                    xx

against my love shall be as i am now
with timexs injurious hand crushed and oxerwornx
when hours have drained his blood and filled his brow
with lines and wrinklesx when his youthful morn
hath travelled on to agexs steepy nightx
and all those beauties whereof now hexs king
are vanishingx or vanished out of sightx
stealing away the treasure of his springx
for such a time do i now fortify
against confounding agexs cruel knifex
that he shall never cut from memory
my sweet lovexs beautyx though my loverxs lifex
  his beauty shall in these black lines be seenx
  and they shall livex and he in them still greenx


                    xx

when i have seen by timexs fell hand defaced
the richxproud cost of outworn buried agex
when sometime lofty towers i see downxrasedx
and brass eternal slave to mortal ragex
when i have seen the hungry ocean gain
advantage on the kingdom of the shorex
and the firm soil win of the watery mainx
increasing store with lossx and loss with storex
when i have seen such interchange of statex
or state it self confoundedx to decayx
ruin hath taught me thus to ruminate
that time will come and take my love awayx
  this thought is as a death which cannot choose
  but weep to havex that which it fears to losex


                    xx

since brassx nor stonex nor earthx nor boundless seax
but sad mortality oxersways their powerx
how with this rage shall beauty hold a pleax
whose action is no stronger than a flowerx
o how shall summerxs honey breath hold outx
against the wrackful siege of battxring daysx
when rocks impregnable are not so stoutx
nor gates of steel so strong but time decaysx
o fearful meditationx where alackx
shall timexs best jewel from timexs chest lie hidx
or what strong hand can hold his swift foot backx
or who his spoil of beauty can forbidx
  o nonex unless this miracle have mightx
  that in black ink my love may still shine brightx


                    xx

tired with all these for restful death i cryx
as to behold desert a beggar bornx
and needy nothing trimmed in jollityx
and purest faith unhappily forswornx
and gilded honour shamefully misplacedx
and maiden virtue rudely strumpetedx
and right perfection wrongfully disgracedx
and strength by limping sway disabled
and art made tonguextied by authorityx
and folly xdoctorxlikex controlling skillx
and simple truth miscalled simplicityx
and captive good attending captain illx
  tired with all thesex from these would i be gonex
  save that to diex i leave my love alonex


                    xx

ah wherefore with infection should he livex
and with his presence grace impietyx
that sin by him advantage should achievex
and lace it self with his societyx
why should false painting imitate his cheekx
and steal dead seeming of his living huex
why should poor beauty indirectly seekx
roses of shadowx since his rose is truex
why should he livex now nature bankrupt isx
beggared of blood to blush through lively veinsx
for she hath no exchequer now but hisx
and proud of manyx lives upon his gainsx
  o him she storesx to show what wealth she hadx
  in days long sincex before these last so badx


                    xx

thus is his cheek the map of days outwornx
when beauty lived and died as flowers do nowx
before these bastard signs of fair were bornx
or durst inhabit on a living browx
before the golden tresses of the deadx
the right of sepulchresx were shorn awayx
to live a second life on second headx
ere beautyxs dead fleece made another gayx
in him those holy antique hours are seenx
without all ornamentx it self and truex
making no summer of anotherxs greenx
robbing no old to dress his beauty newx
  and him as for a map doth nature storex
  to show false art what beauty was of yorex


                    xx

those parts of thee that the worldxs eye doth viewx
want nothing that the thought of hearts can mendx
all tongues xthe voice of soulsx give thee that duex
uttering bare truthx even so as foes commendx
thy outward thus with outward praise is crownedx
but those same tongues that give thee so thine ownx
in other accents do this praise confound
by seeing farther than the eye hath shownx
they look into the beauty of thy mindx
and that in guess they measure by thy deedsx
then churls their thoughts xalthough their eyes were kindx
to thy fair flower add the rank smell of weedsx
  but why thy odour matcheth not thy showx
  the soil is thisx that thou dost common growx


                    xx

that thou art blamed shall not be thy defectx
for slanderxs mark was ever yet the fairx
the ornament of beauty is suspectx
a crow that flies in heavenxs sweetest airx
so thou be goodx slander doth but approvex
thy worth the greater being wooed of timex
for canker vice the sweetest buds doth lovex
and thou presentxst a pure unstained primex
thou hast passed by the ambush of young daysx
either not assailedx or victor being chargedx
yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praisex
to tie up envyx evermore enlargedx
  if some suspect of ill masked not thy showx
  then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owex


                    xx

no longer mourn for me when i am deadx
than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
give warning to the world that i am fled
from this vile world with vilest worms to dwellx
nay if you read this linex remember notx
the hand that writ itx for i love you sox
that i in your sweet thoughts would be forgotx
if thinking on me then should make you woex
o if xi sayx you look upon this versex
when i xperhapsx compounded am with clayx
do not so much as my poor name rehearsex
but let your love even with my life decayx
  lest the wise world should look into your moanx
  and mock you with me after i am gonex


                    xx

o lest the world should task you to recitex
what merit lived in me that you should love
after my death xdear lovex forget me quitex
for you in me can nothing worthy provex
unless you would devise some virtuous liex
to do more for me than mine own desertx
and hang more praise upon deceased ix
than niggard truth would willingly impartx
o lest your true love may seem false in thisx
that you for love speak well of me untruex
my name be buried where my body isx
and live no more to shame nor mex nor youx
  for i am shamed by that which i bring forthx
  and so should youx to love things nothing worthx


                    xx

that time of year thou mayst in me beholdx
when yellow leavesx or nonex or few do hang
upon those boughs which shake against the coldx
bare ruined choirsx where late the sweet birds sangx
in me thou seest the twilight of such dayx
as after sunset fadeth in the westx
which by and by black night doth take awayx
deathxs second self that seals up all in restx
in me thou seest the glowing of such firex
that on the ashes of his youth doth liex
as the deathxbedx whereon it must expirex
consumed with that which it was nourished byx
  this thou perceivxstx which makes thy love more strongx
  to love that wellx which thou must leave ere longx


                    xx

but be contented when that fell arrestx
without all bail shall carry me awayx
my life hath in this line some interestx
which for memorial still with thee shall stayx
when thou reviewest thisx thou dost reviewx
the very part was consecrate to theex
the earth can have but earthx which is his duex
my spirit is thine the better part of mex
so then thou hast but lost the dregs of lifex
the prey of wormsx my body being deadx
the coward conquest of a wretchxs knifex
too base of thee to be rememberedx
  the worth of thatx is that which it containsx
  and that is thisx and this with thee remainsx


                    xx

so are you to my thoughts as food to lifex
or as sweetxseasoned showers are to the groundx
and for the peace of you i hold such strife
as xtwixt a miser and his wealth is foundx
now proud as an enjoyerx and anon
doubting the filching age will steal his treasurex
now counting best to be with you alonex
then bettered that the world may see my pleasurex
sometime all full with feasting on your sightx
and by and by clean starved for a lookx
possessing or pursuing no delight
save what is hadx or must from you be tookx
  thus do i pine and surfeit day by dayx
  or gluttoning on allx or all awayx


                    xx

why is my verse so barren of new pridex
so far from variation or quick changex
why with the time do i not glance aside
to newxfound methodsx and to compounds strangex
why write i still all onex ever the samex
and keep invention in a noted weedx
that every word doth almost tell my namex
showing their birthx and where they did proceedx
o know sweet love i always write of youx
and you and love are still my argumentx
so all my best is dressing old words newx
spending again what is already spentx
  for as the sun is daily new and oldx
  so is my love still telling what is toldx


                    xx

thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wearx
thy dial how thy precious minutes wastex
these vacant leaves thy mindxs imprint will bearx
and of this bookx this learning mayst thou tastex
the wrinkles which thy glass will truly showx
of mouthed graves will give thee memoryx
thou by thy dialxs shady stealth mayst knowx
timexs thievish progress to eternityx
look what thy memory cannot containx
commit to these waste blanksx and thou shalt find
those children nursedx delivered from thy brainx
to take a new acquaintance of thy mindx
  these officesx so oft as thou wilt lookx
  shall profit theex and much enrich thy bookx


                    xx

so oft have i invoked thee for my musex
and found such fair assistance in my versex
as every alien pen hath got my usex
and under thee their poesy dispersex
thine eyesx that taught the dumb on high to singx
and heavy ignorance aloft to flyx
have added feathers to the learnedxs wingx
and given grace a double majestyx
yet be most proud of that which i compilex
whose influence is thinex and born of theex
in othersx works thou dost but mend the stylex
and arts with thy sweet graces graced bex
  but thou art all my artx and dost advance
  as high as learningx my rude ignorancex


                    xx

whilst i alone did call upon thy aidx
my verse alone had all thy gentle gracex
but now my gracious numbers are decayedx
and my sick muse doth give an other placex
i grant xsweet lovex thy lovely argument
deserves the travail of a worthier penx
yet what of thee thy poet doth inventx
he robs thee ofx and pays it thee againx
he lends thee virtuex and he stole that wordx
from thy behaviourx beauty doth he give
and found it in thy cheekx he can afford
no praise to theex but what in thee doth livex
  then thank him not for that which he doth sayx
  since what he owes theex thou thy self dost payx


                    xx

o how i faint when i of you do writex
knowing a better spirit doth use your namex
and in the praise thereof spends all his mightx
to make me tonguextied speaking of your famex
but since your worth xwide as the ocean isx
the humble as the proudest sail doth bearx
my saucy bark xinferior far to hisx
on your broad main doth wilfully appearx
your shallowest help will hold me up afloatx
whilst he upon your soundless deep doth ridex
or xbeing wreckedx i am a worthless boatx
he of tall buildingx and of goodly pridex
  then if he thrive and i be cast awayx
  the worst was thisx my love was my decayx


                    xx

or i shall live your epitaph to makex
or you survive when i in earth am rottenx
from hence your memory death cannot takex
although in me each part will be forgottenx
your name from hence immortal life shall havex
though i xonce gonex to all the world must diex
the earth can yield me but a common gravex
when you entombed in menxs eyes shall liex
your monument shall be my gentle versex
which eyes not yet created shall oxerxreadx
and tongues to bex your being shall rehearsex
when all the breathers of this world are deadx
  you still shall live xsuch virtue hath my penx
  where breath most breathesx even in the mouths of menx


                    xx

i grant thou wert not married to my musex
and therefore mayst without attaint oxerlook
the dedicated words which writers use
of their fair subjectx blessing every bookx
thou art as fair in knowledge as in huex
finding thy worth a limit past my praisex
and therefore art enforced to seek anewx
some fresher stamp of the timexbettering daysx
and do so lovex yet when they have devisedx
what strained touches rhetoric can lendx
thou truly fairx wert truly sympathizedx
in true plain wordsx by thy truextelling friendx
  and their gross painting might be better usedx
  where cheeks need bloodx in thee it is abusedx


                    xx

i never saw that you did painting needx
and therefore to your fair no painting setx
i found xor thought i foundx you did exceedx
that barren tender of a poetxs debtx
and therefore have i slept in your reportx
that you your self being extant well might showx
how far a modern quill doth come too shortx
speaking of worthx what worth in you doth growx
this silence for my sin you did imputex
which shall be most my glory being dumbx
for i impair not beauty being mutex
when others would give lifex and bring a tombx
  there lives more life in one of your fair eyesx
  than both your poets can in praise devisex


                    xx

who is it that says mostx which can say morex
than this rich praisex that you alonex are youx
in whose confine immured is the storex
which should example where your equal grewx
lean penury within that pen doth dwellx
that to his subject lends not some small gloryx
but he that writes of youx if he can tellx
that you are youx so dignifies his storyx
let him but copy what in you is writx
not making worse what nature made so clearx
and such a counterpart shall fame his witx
making his style admired every wherex
  you to your beauteous blessings add a cursex
  being fond on praisex which makes your praises worsex


                    xx

my tonguextied muse in manners holds her stillx
while comments of your praise richly compiledx
reserve their character with golden quillx
and precious phrase by all the muses filedx
i think good thoughtsx whilst other write good wordsx
and like unlettered clerk still cry amenx
to every hymn that able spirit affordsx
in polished form of well refined penx
hearing you praisedx i say xtis sox xtis truex
and to the most of praise add something morex
but that is in my thoughtx whose love to you
xthough words come hindmostx holds his rank beforex
  then othersx for the breath of words respectx
  me for my dumb thoughtsx speaking in effectx


                    xx

was it the proud full sail of his great versex
bound for the prize of xall too preciousx youx
that did my ripe thoughts in my brain inhearsex
making their tomb the womb wherein they grewx
was it his spiritx by spirits taught to writex
above a mortal pitchx that struck me deadx
nox neither hex nor his compeers by night
giving him aidx my verse astonishedx
he nor that affable familiar ghost
which nightly gulls him with intelligencex
as victors of my silence cannot boastx
i was not sick of any fear from thencex
  but when your countenance filled up his linex
  then lacked i matterx that enfeebled minex


                    xx

farewellx thou art too dear for my possessingx
and like enough thou knowxst thy estimatex
the charter of thy worth gives thee releasingx
my bonds in thee are all determinatex
for how do i hold thee but by thy grantingx
and for that riches where is my deservingx
the cause of this fair gift in me is wantingx
and so my patent back again is swervingx
thy self thou gavxstx thy own worth then not knowingx
or me to whom thou gavxst itx else mistakingx
so thy great gift upon misprision growingx
comes home againx on better judgement makingx
  thus have i had thee as a dream doth flatterx
  in sleep a kingx but waking no such matterx


                    xx

when thou shalt be disposed to set me lightx
and place my merit in the eye of scornx
upon thy sidex against my self ixll fightx
and prove thee virtuousx though thou art forswornx
with mine own weakness being best acquaintedx
upon thy part i can set down a story
of faults concealedx wherein i am attaintedx
that thou in losing mex shalt win much gloryx
and i by this will be a gainer toox
for bending all my loving thoughts on theex
the injuries that to my self i dox
doing thee vantagex doublexvantage mex
  such is my lovex to thee i so belongx
  that for thy rightx my self will bear all wrongx


                    xx

say that thou didst forsake me for some faultx
and i will comment upon that offencex
speak of my lamenessx and i straight will haltx
against thy reasons making no defencex
thou canst not xlovex disgrace me half so illx
to set a form upon desired changex
as ixll my self disgracex knowing thy willx
i will acquaintance strangle and look strangex
be absent from thy walks and in my tonguex
thy sweet beloved name no more shall dwellx
lest i xtoo much profanex should do it wronkx
and haply of our old acquaintance tellx
  for theex against my self ixll vow debatex
  for i must nexer love him whom thou dost hatex


                    xx

then hate me when thou wiltx if everx nowx
now while the world is bent my deeds to crossx
join with the spite of fortunex make me bowx
and do not drop in for an afterxlossx
ah do notx when my heart hath xscaped this sorrowx
come in the rearward of a conquered woex
give not a windy night a rainy morrowx
to linger out a purposed overthrowx
if thou wilt leave mex do not leave me lastx
when other petty griefs have done their spitex
but in the onset comex so shall i taste
at first the very worst of fortunexs mightx
  and other strains of woex which now seem woex
  compared with loss of theex will not seem sox


                    xx

some glory in their birthx some in their skillx
some in their wealthx some in their bodyxs forcex
some in their garments though newxfangled illx
some in their hawks and houndsx some in their horsex
and every humour hath his adjunct pleasurex
wherein it finds a joy above the restx
but these particulars are not my measurex
all these i better in one general bestx
thy love is better than high birth to mex
richer than wealthx prouder than garmentsx costsx
of more delight than hawks and horses bex
and having theex of all menxs pride i boastx
  wretched in this alonex that thou mayst takex
  all this awayx and me most wretchcd makex


                    xx

but do thy worst to steal thy self awayx
for term of life thou art assured minex
and life no longer than thy love will stayx
for it depends upon that love of thinex
then need i not to fear the worst of wrongsx
when in the least of them my life hath endx
i seex a better state to me belongs
than thatx which on thy humour doth dependx
thou canst not vex me with inconstant mindx
since that my life on thy revolt doth liex
o what a happy title do i findx
happy to have thy lovex happy to diex
  but whatxs so blessedxfair that fears no blotx
  thou mayst be falsex and yet i know it notx


                    xx

so shall i livex supposing thou art truex
like a deceived husbandx so lovexs facex
may still seem love to mex though altered newx
thy looks with mex thy heart in other placex
for there can live no hatred in thine eyex
therefore in that i cannot know thy changex
in manyxs looksx the false heartxs history
is writ in moods and frowns and wrinkles strangex
but heaven in thy creation did decreex
that in thy face sweet love should ever dwellx
whatexer thy thoughtsx or thy heartxs workings bex
thy looks should nothing thencex but sweetness tellx
  how like evexs apple doth thy beauty growx
  if thy sweet virtue answer not thy showx


                    xx

they that have power to hurtx and will do nonex
that do not do the thingx they most do showx
who moving othersx are themselves as stonex
unmovedx coldx and to temptation slowx
they rightly do inherit heavenxs gracesx
and husband naturexs riches from expensex
tibey are the lords and owners of their facesx
othersx but stewards of their excellencex
the summerxs flower is to the summer sweetx
though to it selfx it only live and diex
but if that flower with base infection meetx
the basest weed outbraves his dignityx
  for sweetest things turn sourest by their deedsx
  lilies that festerx smell far worse than weedsx


                    xx

how sweet and lovely dost thou make the shamex
which like a canker in the fragrant rosex
doth spot the beauty of thy budding namex
o in what sweets dost thou thy sins enclosex
that tongue that tells the story of thy daysx
xmaking lascivious comments on thy sportx
cannot dispraisex but in a kind of praisex
naming thy namex blesses an ill reportx
o what a mansion have those vices gotx
which for their habitation chose out theex
where beautyxs veil doth cover every blotx
and all things turns to fairx that eyes can seex
  take heed xdear heartx of this large privilegex
  the hardest knife illxused doth lose his edgex


                    xx

some say thy fault is youthx some wantonnessx
some say thy grace is youth and gentle sportx
both grace and faults are loved of more and lessx
thou makxst faults gracesx that to thee resortx
as on the finger of a throned queenx
the basest jewel will be well esteemedx
so are those errors that in thee are seenx
to truths translatedx and for true things deemedx
how many lambs might the stern wolf betrayx
if like a lamb he could his looks translatex
how many gazers mightst thou lead awayx
if thou wouldst use the strength of all thy statex
  but do not sox i love thee in such sortx
  as thou being minex mine is thy good reportx


                    xx

how like a winter hath my absence been
from theex the pleasure of the fleeting yearx
what freezings have i feltx what dark days seenx
what old decemberxs bareness everywherex
and yet this time removed was summerxs timex
the teeming autumn big with rich increasex
bearing the wanton burden of the primex
like widowed wombs after their lordsx deceasex
yet this abundant issue seemed to me
but hope of orphansx and unfathered fruitx
for summer and his pleasures wait on theex
and thou awayx the very birds are mutex
  or if they singx xtis with so dull a cheerx
  that leaves look palex dreading the winterxs nearx


                    xx

from you have i been absent in the springx
when proudxpied april xdressed in all his trimx
hath put a spirit of youth in every thingx
that heavy saturn laughed and leaped with himx
yet nor the lays of birdsx nor the sweet smell
of different flowers in odour and in huex
could make me any summerxs story tellx
or from their proud lap pluck them where they grewx
nor did i wonder at the lilyxs whitex
nor praise the deep vermilion in the rosex
they were but sweetx but figures of delightx
drawn after youx you pattern of all thosex
  yet seemed it winter stillx and you awayx
  as with your shadow i with these did playx


                    xx

the forward violet thus did i chidex
sweet thiefx whence didst thou steal thy sweet that smellsx
if not from my lovexs breathx the purple pride
which on thy soft check for complexion dwellsx
in my lovexs veins thou hast too grossly dyedx
the lily i condemned for thy handx
and buds of marjoram had stolxn thy hairx
the roses fearfully on thorns did standx
one blushing shamex another white despairx
a third nor redx nor whitex had stolxn of bothx
and to his robbery had annexed thy breathx
but for his theft in pride of all his growth
a vengeful canker eat him up to deathx
  more flowers i notedx yet i none could seex
  but sweetx or colour it had stolxn from theex


                    xxx

where art thou muse that thou forgetxst so longx
to speak of that which gives thee all thy mightx
spendxst thou thy fury on some worthless songx
darkening thy power to lend base subjects lightx
return forgetful musex and straight redeemx
in gentle numbers time so idly spentx
sing to the ear that doth thy lays esteemx
and gives thy pen both skill and argumentx
rise resty musex my lovexs sweet face surveyx
if time have any wrinkle graven therex
if anyx be a satire to decayx
and make timexs spoils despised everywherex
  give my love fame faster than time wastes lifex
  so thou preventxst his scythex and crooked knifex


                    xxx

o truant muse what shall be thy amendsx
for thy neglect of truth in beauty dyedx
both truth and beauty on my love dependsx
so dost thou toox and therein dignifiedx
make answer musex wilt thou not haply sayx
xtruth needs no colour with his colour fixedx
beauty no pencilx beautyxs truth to layx
but best is bestx if never intermixedxx
because he needs no praisex wilt thou be dumbx
excuse not silence sox forxt lies in theex
to make him much outlive a gilded tombx
and to be praised of ages yet to bex
  then do thy office musex i teach thee howx
  to make him seem long hencex as he shows nowx


                    xxx

my love is strengthened though more weak in seemingx
i love not lessx though less the show appearx
that love is merchandizedx whose rich esteemingx
the ownerxs tongue doth publish every wherex
our love was newx and then but in the springx
when i was wont to greet it with my laysx
as philomel in summerxs front doth singx
and stops her pipe in growth of riper daysx
not that the summer is less pleasant now
than when her mournful hymns did hush the nightx
but that wild music burthens every boughx
and sweets grown common lose their dear delightx
  therefore like herx i sometime hold my tonguex
  because i would not dull you with my songx


                    xxx

alack what poverty my muse brings forthx
that having such a scope to show her pridex
the argument all bare is of more worth
than when it hath my added praise besidex
o blame me not if i no more can writex
look in your glass and there appears a facex
that overxgoes my blunt invention quitex
dulling my linesx and doing me disgracex
were it not sinful then striving to mendx
to mar the subject that before was wellx
for to no other pass my verses tendx
than of your graces and your gifts to tellx
  and morex much more than in my verse can sitx
  your own glass shows youx when you look in itx


                    xxx

to me fair friend you never can be oldx
for as you were when first your eye i eyedx
such seems your beauty stillx three winters coldx
have from the forests shook three summersx pridex
three beauteous springs to yellow autumn turnedx
in process of the seasons have i seenx
three april perfumes in three hot junes burnedx
since first i saw you fresh which yet are greenx
ah yet doth beauty like a dial handx
steal from his figurex and no pace perceivedx
so your sweet huex which methinks still doth stand
hath motionx and mine eye may be deceivedx
  for fear of whichx hear this thou age unbredx
  ere you were born was beautyxs summer deadx


                    xxx

let not my love be called idolatryx
nor my beloved as an idol showx
since all alike my songs and praises be
to onex of onex still suchx and ever sox
kind is my love toxdayx toxmorrow kindx
still constant in a wondrous excellencex
therefore my verse to constancy confinedx
one thing expressingx leaves out differencex
fairx kindx and truex is all my argumentx
fairx kindx and truex varying to other wordsx
and in this change is my invention spentx
three themes in onex which wondrous scope affordsx
  fairx kindx and truex have often lived alonex
  which three till nowx never kept seat in onex


                    xxx

when in the chronicle of wasted timex
i see descriptions of the fairest wightsx
and beauty making beautiful old rhymex
in praise of ladies deadx and lovely knightsx
then in the blazon of sweet beautyxs bestx
of handx of footx of lipx of eyex of browx
i see their antique pen would have expressedx
even such a beauty as you master nowx
so all their praises are but prophecies
of this our timex all you prefiguringx
and for they looked but with divining eyesx
they had not skill enough your worth to singx
  for we which now behold these present daysx
  have eyes to wonderx but lack tongues to praisex


                    xxx

not mine own fearsx nor the prophetic soulx
of the wide worldx dreaming on things to comex
can yet the lease of my true love controlx
supposed as forfeit to a confined doomx
the mortal moon hath her eclipse enduredx
and the sad augurs mock their own presagex
incertainties now crown themselves assuredx
and peace proclaims olives of endless agex
now with the drops of this most balmy timex
my love looks freshx and death to me subscribesx
since spite of him ixll live in this poor rhymex
while he insults oxer dull and speechless tribesx
  and thou in this shalt find thy monumentx
  when tyrantsx crests and tombs of brass are spentx


                    xxx

whatxs in the brain that ink may characterx
which hath not figured to thee my true spiritx
whatxs new to speakx what now to registerx
that may express my lovex or thy dear meritx
nothing sweet boyx but yet like prayers divinex
i must each day say oxer the very samex
counting no old thing oldx thou minex i thinex
even as when first i hallowed thy fair namex
so that eternal love in lovexs fresh casex
weighs not the dust and injury of agex
nor gives to necessary wrinkles placex
but makes antiquity for aye his pagex
  finding the first conceit of love there bredx
  where time and outward form would show it deadx


                    xxx

o never say that i was false of heartx
though absence seemed my flame to qualifyx
as easy might i from my self departx
as from my soul which in thy breast doth liex
that is my home of lovex if i have rangedx
like him that travels i return againx
just to the timex not with the time exchangedx
so that my self bring water for my stainx
never believe though in my nature reignedx
all frailties that besiege all kinds of bloodx
that it could so preposterously be stainedx
to leave for nothing all thy sum of goodx
  for nothing this wide universe i callx
  save thou my rosex in it thou art my allx


                    xxx

alas xtis truex i have gone here and therex
and made my self a motley to the viewx
gored mine own thoughtsx sold cheap what is most dearx
made old offences of affections newx
most true it isx that i have looked on truth
askance and strangelyx but by all abovex
these blenches gave my heart another youthx
and worse essays proved thee my best of lovex
now all is donex have what shall have no endx
mine appetite i never more will grind
on newer proofx to try an older friendx
a god in lovex to whom i am confinedx
  then give me welcomex next my heaven the bestx
  even to thy pure and most most loving breastx


                    xxx

o for my sake do you with fortune chidex
the guilty goddess of my harmful deedsx
that did not better for my life providex
than public means which public manners breedsx
thence comes it that my name receives a brandx
and almost thence my nature is subdued
to what it works inx like the dyerxs handx
pity me thenx and wish i were renewedx
whilst like a willing patient i will drinkx
potions of eisel xgainst my strong infectionx
no bitterness that i will bitter thinkx
nor double penance to correct correctionx
  pity me then dear friendx and i assure yex
  even that your pity is enough to cure mex


                    xxx

your love and pity doth thx impression fillx
which vulgar scandal stamped upon my browx
for what care i who calls me well or illx
so you oxerxgreen my badx my good allowx
you are my all the worldx and i must strivex
to know my shames and praises from your tonguex
none else to mex nor i to none alivex
that my steeled sense or changes right or wrongx
in so profound abysm i throw all care
of othersx voicesx that my adderxs sensex
to critic and to flatterer stopped arex
mark how with my neglect i do dispensex
  you are so strongly in my purpose bredx
  that all the world besides methinks are deadx


                    xxx

since i left youx mine eye is in my mindx
and that which governs me to go aboutx
doth part his functionx and is partly blindx
seems seeingx but effectually is outx
for it no form delivers to the heart
of birdx of flowerx or shape which it doth latchx
of his quick objects hath the mind no partx
nor his own vision holds what it doth catchx
for if it see the rudxst or gentlest sightx
the most sweet favour or deformedxst creaturex
the mountainx or the seax the dayx or nightx
the crowx or dovex it shapes them to your featurex
  incapable of morex replete with youx
  my most true mind thus maketh mine untruex


                    xxx

or whether doth my mind being crowned with you
drink up the monarchxs plague this flatteryx
or whether shall i say mine eye saith truex
and that your love taught it this alchemyx
to make of monstersx and things indigestx
such cherubins as your sweet self resemblex
creating every bad a perfect best
as fast as objects to his beams assemblex
o xtis the firstx xtis flattery in my seeingx
and my great mind most kingly drinks it upx
mine eye well knows what with his gust is xgreeingx
and to his palate doth prepare the cupx
  if it be poisonedx xtis the lesser sinx
  that mine eye loves it and doth first beginx


                    xxx

those lines that i before have writ do liex
even those that said i could not love you dearerx
yet then my judgment knew no reason whyx
my most full flame should afterwards burn clearerx
but reckoning timex whose millioned accidents
creep in xtwixt vowsx and change decrees of kingsx
tan sacred beautyx blunt the sharpxst intentsx
divert strong minds to the course of altxring thingsx
alas why fearing of timexs tyrannyx
might i not then say xnow i love you bestxx
when i was certain oxer incertaintyx
crowning the presentx doubting of the restx
  love is a babex then might i not say so
  to give full growth to that which still doth growx


                    xxx

let me not to the marriage of true minds
admit impedimentsx love is not love
which alters when it alteration findsx
or bends with the remover to removex
o nox it is an everxfixed mark
that looks on tempests and is never shakenx
it is the star to every wandxring barkx
whose worthxs unknownx although his height be takenx
lovexs not timexs foolx though rosy lips and cheeks
within his bending sicklexs compass comex
love alters not with his brief hours and weeksx
but bears it out even to the edge of doomx
  if this be error and upon me provedx
  i never writx nor no man ever lovedx


                    xxx

accuse me thusx that i have scanted allx
wherein i should your great deserts repayx
forgot upon your dearest love to callx
whereto all bonds do tie me day by dayx
that i have frequent been with unknown mindsx
and given to time your own dearxpurchased rightx
that i have hoisted sail to all the winds
which should transport me farthest from your sightx
book both my wilfulness and errors downx
and on just proof surmisex accumulatex
bring me within the level of your frownx
but shoot not at me in your wakened hatex
  since my appeal says i did strive to prove
  the constancy and virtue of your lovex


                    xxx

like as to make our appetite more keen
with eager compounds we our palate urgex
as to prevent our maladies unseenx
we sicken to shun sickness when we purgex
even so being full of your nexerxcloying sweetnessx
to bitter sauces did i frame my feedingx
and sick of welfare found a kind of meetnessx
to be diseased ere that there was true needingx
thus policy in love tx anticipate
the ills that were notx grew to faults assuredx
and brought to medicine a healthful state
which rank of goodness would by ill be curedx
  but thence i learn and find the lesson truex
  drugs poison him that so feil sick of youx


                    xxx

what potions have i drunk of siren tears
distilled from limbecks foul as hell withinx
applying fears to hopesx and hopes to fearsx
still losing when i saw my self to winx
what wretched errors hath my heart committedx
whilst it hath thought it self so blessed neverx
how have mine eyes out of their spheres been fitted
in the distraction of this madding feverx
o benefit of illx now i find true
that better isx by evil still made betterx
and ruined love when it is built anew
grows fairer than at firstx more strongx far greaterx
  so i return rebuked to my contentx
  and gain by ills thrice more than i have spentx


                    xxx

that you were once unkind befriends me nowx
and for that sorrowx which i then did feelx
needs must i under my transgression bowx
unless my nerves were brass or hammered steelx
for if you were by my unkindness shaken
as i by yoursx yxhave passed a hell of timex
and i a tyrant have no leisure taken
to weigh how once i suffered in your crimex
o that our night of woe might have remembered
my deepest sensex how hard true sorrow hitsx
and soon to youx as you to me then tendered
the humble salvex which wounded bosoms fitsx
  but that your trespass now becomes a feex
  mine ransoms yoursx and yours must ransom mex


                    xxx

xtis better to be vile than vile esteemedx
when not to bex receives reproach of beingx
and the just pleasure lostx which is so deemedx
not by our feelingx but by othersx seeingx
for why should othersx false adulterate eyes
give salutation to my sportive bloodx
or on my frailties why are frailer spiesx
which in their wills count bad what i think goodx
nox i am that i amx and they that level
at my abusesx reckon up their ownx
i may be straight though they themselves be bevelx
by their rank thoughtsx my deeds must not be shown
  unless this general evil they maintainx
  all men are bad and in their badness reignx


                    xxx

thy giftx thy tablesx are within my brain
full charactered with lasting memoryx
which shall above that idle rank remain
beyond all date even to eternityx
or at the leastx so long as brain and heart
have faculty by nature to subsistx
till each to razed oblivion yield his part
of theex thy record never can be missedx
that poor retention could not so much holdx
nor need i tallies thy dear love to scorex
therefore to give them from me was i boldx
to trust those tables that receive thee morex
  to keep an adjunct to remember thee
  were to import forgetfulness in mex


                    xxx

nox timex thou shalt not boast that i do changex
thy pyramids built up with newer might
to me are nothing novelx nothing strangex
they are but dressings of a former sightx
our dates are briefx and therefore we admirex
what thou dost foist upon us that is oldx
and rather make them born to our desirex
than think that we before have heard them toldx
thy registers and thee i both defyx
not wondxring at the presentx nor the pastx
for thy recordsx and what we see doth liex
made more or less by thy continual hastex
  this i do vow and this shall ever bex
  i will be true despite thy scythe and theex


                    xxx

if my dear love were but the child of statex
it might for fortunexs bastard be unfatheredx
as subject to timexs love or to timexs hatex
weeds among weedsx or flowers with flowers gatheredx
no it was builded far from accidentx
it suffers not in smiling pompx nor falls
under the blow of thralled discontentx
whereto thx inviting time our fashion callsx
it fears not policy that hereticx
which works on leases of shortxnumbered hoursx
but all alone stands hugely politicx
that it nor grows with heatx nor drowns with showersx
  to this i witness call the fools of timex
  which die for goodnessx who have lived for crimex


                    xxx

werext aught to me i bore the canopyx
with my extern the outward honouringx
or laid great bases for eternityx
which proves more short than waste or ruiningx
have i not seen dwellers on form and favour
lose allx and more by paying too much rent
for compound sweetx forgoing simple savourx
pitiful thrivers in their gazing spentx
nox let me be obsequious in thy heartx
and take thou my oblationx poor but freex
which is not mixed with secondsx knows no artx
but mutual renderx only me for theex
  hencex thou suborned informerx a true soul
  when most impeachedx stands least in thy controlx


                    xxx

o thou my lovely boy who in thy powerx
dost hold timexs fickle glass his fickle hourx
who hast by waning grownx and therein showxstx
thy lovers witheringx as thy sweet self growxstx
if nature xsovereign mistress over wrackx
as thou goest onwards still will pluck thee backx
she keeps thee to this purposex that her skill
may time disgracex and wretched minutes killx
yet fear her o thou minion of her pleasurex
she may detainx but not still keep her treasurex
  her audit xthough delayedx answered must bex
  and her quietus is to render theex


                    xxx

in the old age black was not counted fairx
or if it were it bore not beautyxs namex
but now is black beautyxs successive heirx
and beauty slandered with a bastard shamex
for since each hand hath put on naturexs powerx
fairing the foul with artxs false borrowed facex
sweet beauty hath no name no holy bowerx
but is profanedx if not lives in disgracex
therefore my mistressx eyes are raven blackx
her eyes so suitedx and they mourners seemx
at such who not born fair no beauty lackx
slandering creation with a false esteemx
  yet so they mourn becoming of their woex
  that every tongue says beauty should look sox


                    xxx

how oft when thoux my musicx music playxstx
upon that blessed wood whose motion sounds
with thy sweet fingers when thou gently swayxst
the wiry concord that mine ear confoundsx
do i envy those jacks that nimble leapx
to kiss the tender inward of thy handx
whilst my poor lips which should that harvest reapx
at the woodxs boldness by thee blushing standx
to be so tickled they would change their state
and situation with those dancing chipsx
oxer whom thy fingers walk with gentle gaitx
making dead wood more blest than living lipsx
  since saucy jacks so happy are in thisx
  give them thy fingersx me thy lips to kissx


                    xxx

thx expense of spirit in a waste of shame
is lust in actionx and till actionx lust
is perjuredx murdxrousx bloody full of blamex
savagex extremex rudex cruelx not to trustx
enjoyed no sooner but despised straightx
past reason huntedx and no sooner had
past reason hated as a swallowed baitx
on purpose laid to make the taker madx
mad in pursuit and in possession sox
hadx havingx and in questx to have extremex
a bliss in proof and provedx a very woex
before a joy proposed behind a dreamx
  all this the world well knows yet none knows wellx
  to shun the heaven that leads men to this hellx


                    xxx

my mistressx eyes are nothing like the sunx
coral is far more redx than her lips redx
if snow be whitex why then her breasts are dunx
if hairs be wiresx black wires grow on her headx
i have seen roses damaskedx red and whitex
but no such roses see i in her cheeksx
and in some perfumes is there more delightx
than in the breath that from my mistress reeksx
i love to hear her speakx yet well i knowx
that music hath a far more pleasing soundx
i grant i never saw a goddess gox
my mistress when she walks treads on the groundx
  and yet by heaven i think my love as rarex
  as any she belied with false comparex


                    xxx

thou art as tyrannousx so as thou artx
as those whose beauties proudly make them cruelx
for well thou knowxst to my dear doting heart
thou art the fairest and most precious jewelx
yet in good faith some say that thee beholdx
thy face hath not the power to make love groanx
to say they errx i dare not be so boldx
although i swear it to my self alonex
and to be sure that is not false i swearx
a thousand groans but thinking on thy facex
one on anotherxs neck do witness bear
thy black is fairest in my judgmentxs placex
  in nothing art thou black save in thy deedsx
  and thence this slander as i think proceedsx


                    xxx

thine eyes i lovex and they as pitying mex
knowing thy heart torment me with disdainx
have put on blackx and loving mourners bex
looking with pretty ruth upon my painx
and truly not the morning sun of heaven
better becomes the grey cheeks of the eastx
nor that full star that ushers in the even
doth half that glory to the sober west
as those two mourning eyes become thy facex
o let it then as well beseem thy heart
to mourn for me since mourning doth thee gracex
and suit thy pity like in every partx
  then will i swear beauty herself is blackx
  and all they foul that thy complexion lackx


                    xxx

beshrew that heart that makes my heart to groan
for that deep wound it gives my friend and mex
isxt not enough to torture me alonex
but slave to slavery my sweetxst friend must bex
me from my self thy cruel eye hath takenx
and my next self thou harder hast engrossedx
of himx my selfx and thee i am forsakenx
a torment thrice threexfold thus to be crossedx
prison my heart in thy steel bosomxs wardx
but then my friendxs heart let my poor heart bailx
whoexer keeps mex let my heart be his guardx
thou canst not then use rigour in my gaolx
  and yet thou wiltx for i being pent in theex
  perforce am thine and all that is in mex


                    xxx

so now i have confessed that he is thinex
and i my self am mortgaged to thy willx
my self ixll forfeitx so that other minex
thou wilt restore to be my comfort stillx
but thou wilt notx nor he will not be freex
for thou art covetousx and he is kindx
he learned but suretyxlike to write for mex
under that bond that him as fist doth bindx
the statute of thy beauty thou wilt takex
thou usurer that putxst forth all to usex
and sue a friendx came debtor for my sakex
so him i lose through my unkind abusex
  him have i lostx thou hast both him and mex
  he pays the wholex and yet am i not freex


                    xxx

whoever hath her wishx thou hast thy willx
and will to bootx and will in overplusx
more than enough am i that vex thee stillx
to thy sweet will making addition thusx
wilt thou whose will is large and spaciousx
not once vouchsafe to hide my will in thinex
shall will in others seem right graciousx
and in my will no fair acceptance shinex
the sea all waterx yet receives rain stillx
and in abundance addeth to his storex
so thou being rich in will add to thy will
one will of mine to make thy large will morex
  let no unkindx no fair beseechers killx
  think all but onex and me in that one willx


                    xxx

if thy soul check thee that i come so nearx
swear to thy blind soul that i was thy willx
and will thy soul knows is admitted therex
thus far for lovex my lovexsuit sweet fulfilx
will will fulfil the treasure of thy lovex
ayx fill it full with willsx and my will onex
in things of great receipt with case we provex
among a number one is reckoned nonex
then in the number let me pass untoldx
though in thy storexs account i one must bex
for nothing hold mex so it please thee holdx
that nothing mex a something sweet to theex
  make but my name thy lovex and love that stillx
  and then thou lovxst me for my name is willx


                    xxx

thou blind fool lovex what dost thou to mine eyesx
that they behold and see not what they seex
they know what beauty isx see where it liesx
yet what the best isx take the worst to bex
if eyes corrupt by overxpartial looksx
be anchored in the bay where all men ridex
why of eyesx falsehood hast thou forged hooksx
whereto the judgment of my heart is tiedx
why should my heart think that a several plotx
which my heart knows the wide worldxs common placex
or mine eyes seeing thisx say this is not
to put fair truth upon so foul a facex
  in things right true my heart and eyes have erredx
  and to this false plague are they now transferredx


                    xxx

when my love swears that she is made of truthx
i do believe her though i know she liesx
that she might think me some untutored youthx
unlearned in the worldxs false subtletiesx
thus vainly thinking that she thinks me youngx
although she knows my days are past the bestx
simply i credit her falsexspeaking tonguex
on both sides thus is simple truth suppressedx
but wherefore says she not she is unjustx
and wherefore say not i that i am oldx
o lovexs best habit is in seeming trustx
and age in lovex loves not to have years toldx
  therefore i lie with herx and she with mex
  and in our faults by lies we flattered bex


                    xxx

o call not me to justify the wrongx
that thy unkindness lays upon my heartx
wound me not with thine eye but with thy tonguex
use power with powerx and slay me not by artx
tell me thou lovxst elsewherex but in my sightx
dear heart forbear to glance thine eye asidex
what needxst thou wound with cunning when thy might
is more than my oxerpressed defence can bidex
let me excuse theex ah my love well knowsx
her pretty looks have been mine enemiesx
and therefore from my face she turns my foesx
that they elsewhere might dart their injuriesx
  yet do not sox but since i am near slainx
  kill me outright with looksx and rid my painx


                    xxx

be wise as thou art cruelx do not press
my tonguextied patience with too much disdainx
lest sorrow lend me words and words expressx
the manner of my pityxwanting painx
if i might teach thee wit better it werex
though not to lovex yet love to tell me sox
as testy sick men when their deaths be nearx
no news but health from their physicians knowx
for if i should despair i should grow madx
and in my madness might speak ill of theex
now this illxwresting world is grown so badx
mad slanderers by mad ears believed bex
  that i may not be sox nor thou beliedx
  bear thine eyes straightx though thy proud heart go widex


                    xxx

in faith i do not love thee with mine eyesx
for they in thee a thousand errors notex
but xtis my heart that loves what they despisex
who in despite of view is pleased to dotex
nor are mine cars with thy tonguexs tune delightedx
nor tender feeling to base touches pronex
nor tastex nor smellx desire to be invited
to any sensual feast with thee alonex
but my five witsx nor my five senses can
dissuade one foolish heart from serving theex
who leaves unswayed the likeness of a manx
thy proud heartxs slave and vassal wretch to bex
  only my plague thus far i count my gainx
  that she that makes me sinx awards me painx


                    xxx

love is my sinx and thy dear virtue hatex
hate of my sinx grounded on sinful lovingx
o but with minex compare thou thine own statex
and thou shalt find it merits not reprovingx
or if it dox not from those lips of thinex
that have profaned their scarlet ornamentsx
and sealed false bonds of love as oft as minex
robbed othersx bedsx revenues of their rentsx
be it lawful i love thee as thou lovxst thosex
whom thine eyes woo as mine importune theex
root pity in thy heart that when it growsx
thy pity may deserve to pitied bex
  if thou dost seek to have what thou dost hidex
  by selfxexample mayst thou be deniedx


                    xxx

lo as a careful huswife runs to catchx
one of her feathered creatures broke awayx
sets down her babe and makes all swift dispatch
in pursuit of the thing she would have stayx
whilst her neglected child holds her in chasex
cries to catch her whose busy care is bentx
to follow that which flies before her facex
not prizing her poor infantxs discontentx
so runxst thou after that which flies from theex
whilst i thy babe chase thee afar behindx
but if thou catch thy hope turn back to mex
and play the motherxs partx kiss mex be kindx
  so will i pray that thou mayst have thy willx
  if thou turn back and my loud crying stillx


                    xxx

two loves i have of comfort and despairx
which like two spirits do suggest me stillx
the better angel is a man right fairx
the worser spirit a woman coloured illx
to win me soon to hell my female evilx
tempteth my better angel from my sidex
and would corrupt my saint to be a devilx
wooing his purity with her foul pridex
and whether that my angel be turned fiendx
suspect i mayx yet not directly tellx
but being both from me both to each friendx
i guess one angel in anotherxs hellx
  yet this shall i nexer know but live in doubtx
  till my bad angel fire my good one outx


                    xxx

those lips that lovexs own hand did makex
breathed forth the sound that said xi hatexx
to me that languished for her sakex
but when she saw my woeful statex
straight in her heart did mercy comex
chiding that tongue that ever sweetx
was used in giving gentle doomx
and taught it thus anew to greetx
xi hatex she altered with an endx
that followed it as gentle dayx
doth follow night who like a fiend
from heaven to hell is flown awayx
  xi hatexx from hate away she threwx
  and saved my life saying xnot youxx


                    xxx

poor soul the centre of my sinful earthx
my sinful earth these rebel powers arrayx
why dost thou pine within and suffer dearth
painting thy outward walls so costly gayx
why so large cost having so short a leasex
dost thou upon thy fading mansion spendx
shall worms inheritors of this excess
eat up thy chargex is this thy bodyxs endx
then soul live thou upon thy servantxs lossx
and let that pine to aggravate thy storex
buy terms divine in selling hours of drossx
within be fedx without be rich no morex
  so shall thou feed on deathx that feeds on menx
  and death once deadx therexs no more dying thenx


                    xxx

my love is as a fever longing stillx
for that which longer nurseth the diseasex
feeding on that which doth preserve the illx
thx uncertain sickly appetite to pleasex
my reason the physician to my lovex
angry that his prescriptions are not kept
hath left mex and i desperate now approvex
desire is deathx which physic did exceptx
past cure i amx now reason is past carex
and franticxmad with evermore unrestx
my thoughts and my discourse as mad menxs arex
at random from the truth vainly expressedx
  for i have sworn thee fairx and thought thee brightx
  who art as black as hellx as dark as nightx


                    xxx

o mex what eyes hath love put in my headx
which have no correspondence with true sightx
or if they havex where is my judgment fledx
that censures falsely what they see arightx
if that be fair whereon my false eyes dotex
what means the world to say it is not sox
if it be notx then love doth well denotex
lovexs eye is not so true as all menxsx nox
how can itx o how can lovexs eye be truex
that is so vexed with watching and with tearsx
no marvel then though i mistake my viewx
the sun it self sees notx till heaven clearsx
  o cunning lovex with tears thou keepxst me blindx
  lest eyes wellxseeing thy foul faults should findx


                    xxx

canst thou o cruelx say i love thee notx
when i against my self with thee partakex
do i not think on thee when i forgot
am of my selfx allxtyrantx for thy sakex
who hateth thee that i do call my friendx
on whom frownxst thou that i do fawn uponx
nay if thou lourxst on me do i not spend
revenge upon my self with present moanx
what merit do i in my self respectx
that is so proud thy service to despisex
when all my best doth worship thy defectx
commanded by the motion of thine eyesx
  but love hate on for now i know thy mindx
  those that can see thou lovxstx and i am blindx


                    xxx

o from what power hast thou this powerful mightx
with insufficiency my heart to swayx
to make me give the lie to my true sightx
and swear that brightness doth not grace the dayx
whence hast thou this becoming of things illx
that in the very refuse of thy deedsx
there is such strength and warrantise of skillx
that in my mind thy worst all best exceedsx
who taught thee how to make me love thee morex
the more i hear and see just cause of hatex
o though i love what others do abhorx
with others thou shouldst not abhor my statex
  if thy unworthiness raised love in mex
  more worthy i to be beloved of theex


                    xxx

love is too young to know what conscience isx
yet who knows not conscience is born of lovex
then gentle cheater urge not my amissx
lest guilty of my faults thy sweet self provex
for thou betraying mex i do betray
my nobler part to my gross bodyxs treasonx
my soul doth tell my body that he mayx
triumph in lovex flesh stays no farther reasonx
but rising at thy name doth point out theex
as his triumphant prizex proud of this pridex
he is contented thy poor drudge to bex
to stand in thy affairsx fall by thy sidex
  no want of conscience hold it that i callx
  her lovex for whose dear love i rise and fallx


                    xxx

in loving thee thou knowxst i am forswornx
but thou art twice forsworn to me love swearingx
in act thy bedxvow broke and new faith tornx
in vowing new hate after new love bearingx
but why of two oathsx breach do i accuse theex
when i break twentyx i am perjured mostx
for all my vows are oaths but to misuse theex
and all my honest faith in thee is lostx
for i have sworn deep oaths of thy deep kindnessx
oaths of thy lovex thy truthx thy constancyx
and to enlighten thee gave eyes to blindnessx
or made them swear against the thing they seex
  for i have sworn thee fairx more perjured ix
  to swear against the truth so foul a bex


                    xxx

cupid laid by his brand and fell asleepx
a maid of dianxs this advantage foundx
and his lovexkindling fire did quickly steep
in a cold valleyxfountain of that groundx
which borrowed from this holy fire of lovex
a dateless lively heat still to endurex
and grew a seeting bath which yet men provex
against strange maladies a sovereign curex
but at my mistressx eye lovexs brand newxfiredx
the boy for trial needs would touch my breastx
i sick withal the help of bath desiredx
and thither hied a sad distempered guestx
  but found no curex the bath for my help liesx
  where cupid got new firex my mistressx eyesx


                    xxx

the little lovexgod lying once asleepx
laid by his side his heartxinflaming brandx
whilst many nymphs that vowed chaste life to keepx
came tripping byx but in her maiden handx
the fairest votary took up that firex
which many legions of true hearts had warmedx
and so the general of hot desirex
was sleeping by a virgin hand disarmedx
this brand she quenched in a cool well byx
which from lovexs fire took heat perpetualx
growing a bath and healthful remedyx
for men discasedx but i my mistressx thrallx
  came there for cure and this by that i provex
  lovexs fire heats waterx water cools not lovex


the end



allxs well that ends well



contents

act i
scene ix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex
scene iix parisx a room in the kingxs palacex
scene iiix rossillonx a room in the palacex


act ii
scene ix parisx a room in the kingxs palacex
scene iix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex
scene iiix parisx the kingxs palacex
scene ivx parisx the kingxs palacex
scene vx another room in the samex


act iii
scene ix florencex a room in the dukexs palacex
scene iix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex
scene iiix florencex before the dukexs palacex
scene ivx rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex
scene vx without the walls of florencex
scene vix camp before florencex
scene viix florencex a room in the widowxs housex


act iv
scene ix without the florentine campx
scene iix florencex a room in the widowxs housex
scene iiix the florentine campx
scene ivx florencex a room in the widowxs housex
scene vx rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex


act v
scene ix marseillesx a streetx
scene iix rossillonx the inner court of the countessxs palacex
scene iiix the samex a room in the countessxs palacex


 dramatis personx

king of francex
the duke of florencex
bertramx count of rossillonx
lafewx an old lordx
parollesx a follower of bertramx
several young french lordsx that serve with bertram in the florentine
warx
rynaldox servant to the countess of rossillonx
clownx servant to the countess of rossillonx
a pagex servant to the countess of rossillonx
countess of rossillonx mother to bertramx
helenax a gentlewoman protected by the countessx
an old widow of florencex
dianax daughter to the widowx
violentax neighbour and friend to the widowx
marianax neighbour and friend to the widowx

lords attending on the kingx officersx soldiersx xcxx french and
florentinex

scenex partly in francex and partly in tuscanyx


act i

scene ix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex

 enter bertramx the countess of rossillonx helenax and lafewx all in
 blackx

countessx
in delivering my son from mex i bury a second husbandx

bertramx
and i in goingx madamx weep oxer my fatherxs death anewx but i must
attend his majestyxs commandx to whom i am now in wardx evermore in
subjectionx

lafewx
you shall find of the king a husbandx madamx youx sirx a fatherx he
that so generally is at all times goodx must of necessity hold his
virtue to youx whose worthiness would stir it up where it wantedx
rather than lack it where there is such abundancex

countessx
what hope is there of his majestyxs amendmentx

lafewx
he hath abandonxd his physiciansx madamx under whose practices he hath
persecuted time with hopex and finds no other advantage in the process
but only the losing of hope by timex

countessx
this young gentlewoman had a fatherxo that xhadxxx how sad a passage
xtisxxwhose skill was almost as great as his honestyx had it stretchxd
so farx would have made nature immortalx and death should have play for
lack of workx would for the kingxs sake he were livingx i think it
would be the death of the kingxs diseasex

lafewx
how called you the man you speak ofx madamx

countessx
he was famousx sirx in his professionx and it was his great right to be
sox gerard de narbonx

lafewx
he was excellent indeedx madamx the king very lately spoke of him
admiringlyx and mourninglyx he was skilful enough to have livxd stillx
if knowledge could be set up against mortalityx

bertramx
what is itx my good lordx the king languishes ofx

lafewx
a fistulax my lordx

bertramx
i heard not of it beforex

lafewx
i would it were not notoriousx was this gentlewoman the daughter of
gerard de narbonx

countessx
his sole childx my lordx and bequeathed to my overlookingx i have those
hopes of her good that her education promises her dispositions she
inheritsx which makes fair gifts fairerx for where an unclean mind
carries virtuous qualitiesx there commendations go with pityx they are
virtues and traitors toox in her they are the better for their
simplenessx she derives her honestyx and achieves her goodnessx

lafewx
your commendationsx madamx get from her tearsx

countessx
xtis the best brine a maiden can season her praise inx the remembrance
of her father never approaches her heart but the tyranny of her sorrows
takes all livelihood from her cheekx no more of thisx helenax go tox no
morex lest it be rather thought you affect a sorrow than to havex

helenax
i do affect a sorrow indeedx but i have it toox

lafewx
moderate lamentation is the right of the deadx excessive grief the
enemy to the livingx

countessx
if the living be enemy to the griefx the excess makes it soon mortalx

bertramx
madamx i desire your holy wishesx

lafewx
how understand we thatx

countessx
be thou blestx bertramx and succeed thy father
in mannersx as in shapex thy blood and virtue
contend for empire in theex and thy goodness
share with thy birthrightx love allx trust a fewx
do wrong to nonex be able for thine enemy
rather in power than usex and keep thy friend
under thy own lifexs keyx be checkxd for silencex
but never taxxd for speechx what heaven more willx
that thee may furnish and my prayers pluck downx
fall on thy headx farewellx my lordx
xtis an unseasonxd courtierx good my lordx
advise himx

lafewx
he cannot want the best
that shall attend his lovex

countessx
heaven bless himx farewellx bertramx

 xxexit countessxxx

bertramx
the best wishes that can be forgxd in your thoughts be servants to youx
xxto helenaxxx be comfortable to my motherx your mistressx and make
much of herx

lafewx
farewellx pretty ladyx you must hold the credit of your fatherx

 xxexeunt bertram and lafewxxx

helenax
ox were that allx i think not on my fatherx
and these great tears grace his remembrance more
than those i shed for himx what was he likex
i have forgot himx my imagination
carries no favour inxt but bertramxsx
i am undonex there is no livingx nonex
if bertram be awayx xtwere all one
that i should love a bright particular starx
and think to wed itx he is so above mex
in his bright radiance and collateral light
must i be comfortedx not in his spherex
thxambition in my love thus plagues itselfx
the hind that would be mated by the lion
must die for lovex xtwas prettyx though a plaguex
to see him every hourx to sit and draw
his arched browsx his hawking eyex his curlsx
in our heartxs tablexxheart too capable
of every line and trick of his sweet favourx
but now hexs gonex and my idolatrous fancy
must sanctify his relicsx who comes herex

 enter parollesx

one that goes with himx i love him for his sakex
and yet i know him a notorious liarx
think him a great way foolx solely a cowardx
yet these fixxd evils sit so fit in him
that they take place when virtuexs steely bones
looks bleak ix thx cold windx withalx full oft we see
cold wisdom waiting on superfluous follyx

parollesx
save youx fair queenx

helenax
and youx monarchx

parollesx
nox

helenax
and nox

parollesx
are you meditating on virginityx

helenax
ayx you have some stain of soldier in youx let me ask you a questionx
man is enemy to virginityx how may we barricado it against himx

parollesx
keep him outx

helenax
but he assailsx and our virginityx though valiantx in the defencex yet
is weakx unfold to us some warlike resistancex

parollesx
there is nonex man setting down before you will undermine you and blow
you upx

helenax
bless our poor virginity from underminers and blowersxupx is there no
military policy how virgins might blow up menx

parollesx
virginity being blown downx man will quicklier be blown upx marryx in
blowing him down againx with the breach yourselves madex you lose your
cityx it is not politic in the commonwealth of nature to preserve
virginityx loss of virginity is rational increasex and there was never
virgin got till virginity was first lostx that you were made of is
metal to make virginsx virginityx by being once lostx may be ten times
foundx by being ever keptx it is ever lostx xtis too cold a companionx
away with itx

helenax
i will stand forxt a littlex though therefore i die a virginx

parollesx
therexs little can be said inxtx xtis against the rule of naturex to
speak on the part of virginity is to accuse your mothersx which is most
infallible disobediencex he that hangs himself is a virginx virginity
murders itselfx and should be buried in highways out of all sanctified
limitx as a desperate offendress against naturex virginity breeds
mitesx much like a cheesex consumes itself to the very paringx and so
dies with feeding his own stomachx besidesx virginity is peevishx
proudx idlex made of selfxlovex which is the most inhibited sin in the
canonx keep it notx you cannot choose but lose byxtx out withxtx within
the year it will make itself twox which is a goodly increasex and the
principal itself not much the worsex away with itx

helenax
how might one dox sirx to lose it to her own likingx

parollesx
let me seex marryx illx to like him that nexer it likesx xtis a
commodity will lose the gloss with lyingx the longer keptx the less
worthx off withxt while xtis vendiblex answer the time of requestx
virginityx like an old courtierx wears her cap out of fashionx richly
suitedx but unsuitablex just like the brooch and the toothpickx which
wear not nowx your date is better in your pie and your porridge than in
your cheekx and your virginityx your old virginityx is like one of our
french witherxd pearsx it looks illx it eats drilyx marryx xtis a
witherxd pearx it was formerly betterx marryx yet xtis a witherxd pearx
will you anything with itx

helenax
not my virginity yetx
there shall your master have a thousand lovesx
a motherx and a mistressx and a friendx
a phoenixx captainx and an enemyx
a guidex a goddessx and a sovereignx
a counsellorx a traitressx and a dearx
his humble ambitionx proud humilityx
his jarring concordx and his discord dulcetx
his faithx his sweet disasterx with a world
of prettyx fondx adoptious christendoms
that blinking cupid gossipsx now shall hex
i know not what he shallx god send him wellx
the courtxs a learningxplacex and he is onex

parollesx
what onex ix faithx

helenax
that i wish wellx xtis pityx

parollesx
whatxs pityx

helenax
that wishing well had not a body inxt
which might be feltx that wex the poorer bornx
whose baser stars do shut us up in wishesx
might with effects of them follow our friendsx
and show what we alone must thinkx which never
returns us thanksx

 enter a pagex

pagex
monsieur parollesx my lord calls for youx

 xxexit pagexxx

parollesx
little helenx farewellx if i can remember theex i will think of thee at
courtx

helenax
monsieur parollesx you were born under a charitable starx

parollesx
under marsx ix

helenax
i especially thinkx under marsx

parollesx
why under marsx

helenax
the wars hath so kept you underx that you must needs be born under
marsx

parollesx
when he was predominantx

helenax
when he was retrogradex i think ratherx

parollesx
why think you sox

helenax
you go so much backward when you fightx

parollesx
thatxs for advantagex

helenax
so is running awayx when fear proposes the safetyx but the composition
that your valour and fear makes in you is a virtue of a good wingx and
i like the wear wellx

parollesx
i am so full of business i cannot answer thee acutelyx i will return
perfect courtierx in the which my instruction shall serve to naturalize
theex so thou wilt be capable of a courtierxs counselx and understand
what advice shall thrust upon theex else thou diest in thine
unthankfulnessx and thine ignorance makes thee awayx farewellx when
thou hast leisurex say thy prayersx when thou hast nonex remember thy
friendsx get thee a good husbandx and use him as he uses theex sox
farewellx

 xxexitxxx

helenax
our remedies oft in ourselves do liex
which we ascribe to heavenx the fated sky
gives us free scopex only doth backward pull
our slow designs when we ourselves are dullx
what power is it which mounts my love so highx
that makes me seex and cannot feed mine eyex
the mightiest space in fortune nature brings
to join like likesx and kiss like native thingsx
impossible be strange attempts to those
that weigh their pains in sensex and do suppose
what hath been cannot bex who ever strove
to show her merit that did miss her lovex
the kingxs diseasexxmy project may deceive mex
but my intents are fixxdx and will not leave mex

 xxexitxxx

scene iix parisx a room in the kingxs palacex

 flourish of cornetsx enter the king of francex with lettersx lords and
 others attendingx

kingx
the florentines and senoys are by thx earsx
have fought with equal fortunex and continue
a braving warx

first lordx
so xtis reportedx sirx

kingx
nayx xtis most crediblex we here receive itx
a certaintyx vouchxd from our cousin austriax
with cautionx that the florentine will move us
for speedy aidx wherein our dearest friend
prejudicates the businessx and would seem
to have us make denialx

first lordx
his love and wisdomx
approvxd so to your majestyx may plead
for amplest credencex

kingx
he hath armxd our answerx
and florence is denied before he comesx
yetx for our gentlemen that mean to see
the tuscan servicex freely have they leave
to stand on either partx

second lordx
it well may serve
a nursery to our gentryx who are sick
for breathing and exploitx

kingx
whatxs he comes herex

 enter bertramx lafew and parollesx

first lordx
it is the count rossillonx my good lordx
young bertramx

kingx
youthx thou bearxst thy fatherxs facex
frank naturex rather curious than in hastex
hath well composxd theex thy fatherxs moral parts
mayst thou inherit toox welcome to parisx

bertramx
my thanks and duty are your majestyxsx

kingx
i would i had that corporal soundness nowx
as when thy father and myself in friendship
first tried our soldiershipx he did look far
into the service of the timex and was
discipled of the bravestx he lasted longx
but on us both did haggish age steal onx
and wore us out of actx it much repairs me
to talk of your good fatherx in his youth
he had the wit which i can well observe
today in our young lordsx but they may jest
till their own scorn return to them unnoted
ere they can hide their levity in honour
so like a courtierx contempt nor bitterness
were in his pride or sharpnessx if they werex
his equal had awakxd themx and his honourx
clock to itselfx knew the true minute when
exception bid him speakx and at this time
his tongue obeyxd his handx who were below him
he usxd as creatures of another placex
and bowxd his eminent top to their low ranksx
making them proud of his humilityx
in their poor praise he humbledx such a man
might be a copy to these younger timesx
whichx followed wellx would demonstrate them now
but goers backwardx

bertramx
his good remembrancex sirx
lies richer in your thoughts than on his tombx
so in approof lives not his epitaph
as in your royal speechx

kingx
would i were with himx he would always sayxx
methinks i hear him nowx his plausive words
he scatterxd not in earsx but grafted them
to grow there and to bearxxxlet me not livexx
this his good melancholy oft began
on the catastrophe and heel of pastimex
when it was outxxxlet me not livex quoth hex
xafter my flame lacks oilx to be the snuff
of younger spiritsx whose apprehensive senses
all but new things disdainx whose judgments are
mere fathers of their garmentsx whose constancies
expire before their fashionsxx this he wishxdx
ix after himx do after him wish toox
since i nor wax nor honey can bring homex
i quickly were dissolved from my hive
to give some labourers roomx

second lordx
youxre lovxdx sirx
they that least lend it you shall lack you firstx

kingx
i fill a placex i knowxtx how long isxtx countx
since the physician at your fatherxs diedx
he was much famxdx

bertramx
some six months sincex my lordx

kingx
if he were livingx i would try him yetxx
lend me an armxxthe rest have worn me out
with several applicationsx nature and sickness
debate it at their leisurex welcomex countx
my sonxs no dearerx

bertramx
thank your majestyx

 xxexeuntx flourishxxx

scene iiix rossillonx a room in the palacex

 enter countessx steward and clownx

countessx
i will now hearx what say you of this gentlewomanx

stewardx
madamx the care i have had to even your contentx i wish might be found
in the calendar of my past endeavoursx for then we wound our modestyx
and make foul the clearness of our deservingsx when of ourselves we
publish themx

countessx
what does this knave herex get you gonex sirrahx the complaints i have
heard of you i do not all believex xtis my slowness that i do notx for
i know you lack not folly to commit themx and have ability enough to
make such knaveries yoursx

clownx
xtis not unknown to youx madamx i am a poor fellowx

countessx
wellx sirx

clownx
nox madamx xtis not so well that i am poorx though many of the rich are
damnedx but if i may have your ladyshipxs good will to go to the worldx
isbel the woman and i will do as we mayx

countessx
wilt thou needs be a beggarx

clownx
i do beg your good will in this casex

countessx
in what casex

clownx
in isbelxs case and mine ownx service is no heritagex and i think i
shall never have the blessing of god till i have issue of my bodyx for
they say barnes are blessingsx

countessx
tell me thy reason why thou wilt marryx

clownx
my poor bodyx madamx requires itx i am driven on by the fleshx and he
must needs go that the devil drivesx

countessx
is this all your worshipxs reasonx

clownx
faithx madamx i have other holy reasonsx such as they arex

countessx
may the world know themx

clownx
i have beenx madamx a wicked creaturex as you and all flesh and blood
arex and indeed i do marry that i may repentx

countessx
thy marriagex sooner than thy wickednessx

clownx
i am out of friendsx madamx and i hope to have friends for my wifexs
sakex

countessx
such friends are thine enemiesx knavex

clownx
yxare shallowx madamx in great friendsx for the knaves come to do that
for me which i am axweary ofx he that ears my land spares my teamx and
gives me leave to in the cropx if i be his cuckoldx hexs my drudgex he
that comforts my wife is the cherisher of my flesh and bloodx he that
cherishes my flesh and blood loves my flesh and bloodx he that loves my
flesh and blood is my friendx ergox he that kisses my wife is my
friendx if men could be contented to be what they arex there were no
fear in marriagex for young charbon the puritan and old poysam the
papistx howsomexer their hearts are severxd in religionx their heads
are both onex they may jowl horns together like any deer ix the herdx

countessx
wilt thou ever be a foulxmouthxd and calumnious knavex

clownx
a prophet ix madamx and i speak the truth the next wayx
   xfor i the ballad will repeatx
   which men full true shall findx
   your marriage comes by destinyx
   your cuckoo sings by kindxx

countessx
get you gonex sirx ixll talk with you more anonx

stewardx
may it please youx madamx that he bid helen come to youx of her i am to
speakx

countessx
sirrahx tell my gentlewoman i would speak with herx helen i meanx

clownx
xxsingsxxx
x   was this fair face the causex quoth shex
     why the grecians sacked troyx
   fond donex done fondx
      was this king priamxs joyx
   with that she sighed as she stoodx
   with that she sighed as she stoodx
      and gave this sentence thenx
   among nine bad if one be goodx
   among nine bad if one be goodx
     therexs yet one good in tenxx

countessx
whatx one good in tenx you corrupt the songx sirrahx

clownx
one good woman in tenx madamx which is a purifying ox the songx would
god would serve the world so all the yearx wexd find no fault with the
tithexwomanx if i were the parsonx one in tenx quoth xax and we might
have a good woman born but or every blazing starx or at an earthquakex
xtwould mend the lottery wellx a man may draw his heart out ere he
pluck onex

countessx
youxll be gonex sir knavex and do as i command youx

clownx
that man should be at womanxs commandx and yet no hurt donex though
honesty be no puritanx yet it will do no hurtx it will wear the
surplice of humility over the black gown of a big heartx i am goingx
forsoothx the business is for helen to come hitherx

 xxexitxxx

countessx
wellx nowx

stewardx
i knowx madamx you love your gentlewoman entirelyx

countessx
faith i dox her father bequeathxd her to mex and she herselfx without
other advantagex may lawfully make title to as much love as she findsx
there is more owing her than is paidx and more shall be paid her than
shexll demandx

stewardx
madamx i was very late more near her than i think she wishxd mex alone
she wasx and did communicate to herself her own words to her own earsx
she thoughtx i dare vow for herx they touchxd not any stranger sensex
her matter wasx she loved your sonx fortunex she saidx was no goddessx
that had put such difference betwixt their two estatesx love no godx
that would not extend his might only where qualities were levelx diana
no queen of virginsx that would suffer her poor knight surprisxdx
without rescue in the first assault or ransom afterwardx this she
deliverxd in the most bitter touch of sorrow that exer i heard virgin
exclaim inx which i held my duty speedily to acquaint you withalx
sithencex in the loss that may happenx it concerns you something to
know itx

countessx
you have dischargxd this honestlyx keep it to yourselfx many
likelihoods informxd me of this beforex which hung so tottering in the
balance that i could neither believe nor misdoubtx pray you leave mex
stall this in your bosomx and i thank you for your honest carex i will
speak with you further anonx

 xxexit stewardxxx

 enter helenax

even so it was with me when i was youngx
if ever we are naturexsx these are oursx this thorn
doth to our rose of youth rightly belongx
our blood to usx this to our blood is bornx
it is the show and seal of naturexs truthx
where lovexs strong passion is impressxd in youthx
by our remembrances of days foregonex
such were our faultsx or then we thought them nonex
her eye is sick onxtx i observe her nowx

helenax
what is your pleasurex madamx

countessx
you knowx helenx
i am a mother to youx

helenax
mine honourable mistressx

countessx
nayx a motherx
why not a motherx when i said a motherx
methought you saw a serpentx whatxs in motherx
that you start at itx i say i am your motherx
and put you in the catalogue of those
that were enwombed minex xtis often seen
adoption strives with naturex and choice breeds
a native slip to us from foreign seedsx
you nexer oppressxd me with a motherxs groanx
yet i express to you a motherxs carex
godxs mercyx maidenx does it curd thy blood
to say i am thy motherx whatxs the matterx
that this distempered messenger of wetx
the manyxcolourxd irisx rounds thine eyex
xwhyx that you are my daughterx

helenax
that i am notx

countessx
i sayx i am your motherx

helenax
pardonx madamx
the count rossillon cannot be my brotherx
i am from humblex he from honoured namex
no note upon my parentsx his all noblex
my masterx my dear lord he isx and i
his servant livex and will his vassal diex
he must not be my brotherx

countessx
nor i your motherx

helenax
you are my motherx madamx would you werex
so that my lord your son were not my brotherxx
indeed my motherx or were you both our mothersx
i care no more for than i do for heavenx
so i were not his sisterx canxt no otherx
butx i your daughterx he must be my brotherx

countessx
yesx helenx you might be my daughterxinxlawx
god shield you mean it notx daughter and mother
so strive upon your pulsex whatx pale againx
my fear hath catchxd your fondnessx now i see
the mystery of your lonelinessx and find
your salt tearsx headx now to all sense xtis gross
you love my sonx invention is ashamxdx
against the proclamation of thy passion
to say thou dost notx therefore tell me truex
but tell me thenx xtis sox forx lookx thy cheeks
confess itx txone to thxotherx and thine eyes
see it so grossly shown in thy behavioursx
that in their kind they speak itx only sin
and hellish obstinacy tie thy tonguex
that truth should be suspectedx speakx isxt sox
if it be sox you have wound a goodly clewx
if it be notx forswearxtx howexerx i charge theex
as heaven shall work in me for thine availx
to tell me trulyx

helenax
good madamx pardon mex

countessx
do you love my sonx

helenax
your pardonx noble mistressx

countessx
love you my sonx

helenax
do not you love himx madamx

countessx
go not aboutx my love hath inxt a bond
whereof the world takes notex comex comex disclose
the state of your affectionx for your passions
have to the full appeachxdx

helenax
then i confessx
here on my kneex before high heaven and youx
that before youx and next unto high heavenx
i love your sonx
my friends were poorx but honestx soxs my lovex
be not offendedx for it hurts not him
that he is lovxd of mex i follow him not
by any token of presumptuous suitx
nor would i have him till i do deserve himx
yet never know how that desert should bex
i know i love in vainx strive against hopex
yet in this captious and inteemable sieve
i still pour in the waters of my love
and lack not to lose stillx thusx indianxlikex
religious in mine errorx i adore
the sun that looks upon his worshipperx
but knows of him no morex my dearest madamx
let not your hate encounter with my lovex
for loving where you dox but if yourselfx
whose aged honour cites a virtuous youthx
did everx in so true a flame of likingx
wish chastelyx and love dearlyx that your dian
was both herself and lovex o thenx give pity
to her whose state is such that cannot choose
but lend and give where she is sure to losex
that seeks not to find that her search impliesx
but riddlexlikex lives sweetly where she diesx

countessx
had you not lately an intentxxspeak trulyxx
to go to parisx

helenax
madamx i hadx

countessx
whereforex tell truex

helenax
i will tell truthx by grace itself i swearx
you know my father left me some prescriptions
of rare and provxd effectsx such as his reading
and manifest experience had collected
for general sovereigntyx and that he willxd me
in heedfullxst reservation to bestow themx
as notes whose faculties inclusive were
more than they were in notex amongst the rest
there is a remedyx approvxdx set downx
to cure the desperate languishings whereof
the king is renderxd lostx

countessx
this was your motive
for parisx was itx speakx

helenax
my lord your son made me to think of thisx
else parisx and the medicinex and the kingx
had from the conversation of my thoughts
haply been absent thenx

countessx
but think youx helenx
if you should tender your supposed aidx
he would receive itx he and his physicians
are of a mindx hex that they cannot help himx
theyx that they cannot helpx how shall they credit
a poor unlearned virginx when the schoolsx
embowellxd of their doctrinex have let off
the danger to itselfx

helenax
therexs something inxt
more than my fatherxs skillx which was the greatxst
of his professionx that his good receipt
shall for my legacy be sanctified
by thx luckiest stars in heavenx and would your honour
but give me leave to try successx ixd venture
the wellxlost life of mine on his gracexs curex
by such a dayx an hourx

countessx
dost thou believextx

helenax
ayx madamx knowinglyx

countessx
whyx helenx thou shalt have my leave and lovex
means and attendantsx and my loving greetings
to those of mine in courtx ixll stay at homex
and pray godxs blessing into thy attemptx
be gone tomorrowx and be sure of thisx
what i can help thee tox thou shalt not missx

 xxexeuntxxx


act iix

scene ix parisx a room in the kingxs palacex

 flourishx enter the king with young lords taking leave for the
 florentine warx bertramx parolles and attendantsx

kingx
farewellx young lordsx these warlike principles
do not throw from youx and youx my lordsx farewellx
share the advice betwixt youx if both gain allx
the gift doth stretch itself as xtis receivxdx
and is enough for bothx

first lordx
xtis our hopex sirx
after wellxentxred soldiersx to return
and find your grace in healthx

kingx
nox nox it cannot bex and yet my heart
will not confess he owes the malady
that doth my life besiegex farewellx young lordsx
whether i live or diex be you the sons
of worthy frenchmenx let higher italyxx
those bated that inherit but the fall
of the last monarchyxsee that you come
not to woo honourx but to wed itx when
the bravest questant shrinksx find what you seekx
that fame may cry you loudx i say farewellx

second lordx
healthx at your bidding serve your majestyx

kingx
those girls of italyx take heed of themx
they say our french lack language to deny
if they demandx beware of being captives
before you servex

bothx
our hearts receive your warningsx

kingx
farewellxxcome hither to mex

 xxthe king retires to a couchxxx

first lordx
o my sweet lordx that you will stay behind usx

parollesx
xtis not his faultx the sparkx

second lordx
ox xtis brave warsx

parollesx
most admirablex i have seen those warsx

bertramx
i am commanded herex and kept a coil withx
xtoo youngxx and xthe next yearx and xxtis too earlyxx

parollesx
an thy mind stand toxtx boyx steal away bravelyx

bertramx
i shall stay here the forehorse to a smockx
creaking my shoes on the plain masonryx
till honour be bought upx and no sword worn
but one to dance withx by heavenx ixll steal awayx

first lordx
therexs honour in the theftx

parollesx
commit itx countx

second lordx
i am your accessaryx and so farewellx

bertramx
i grow to youx and our parting is a torturxd bodyx

first lordx
farewellx captainx

second lordx
sweet monsieur parollesx

parollesx
noble heroesx my sword and yours are kinx good sparks and lustrousx a
wordx good metalsx you shall find in the regiment of the spinii one
captain spuriox with his cicatricex an emblem of warx here on his
sinister cheekx it was this very sword entrenchxd itx say to him i
livex and observe his reports for mex

first lordx
we shallx noble captainx

parollesx
mars dote on you for his novicesx

 xxexeunt lordsxxx

what will ye dox

bertramx
stay the kingx

parollesx
use a more spacious ceremony to the noble lordsx you have restrainxd
yourself within the list of too cold an adieux be more expressive to
themx for they wear themselves in the cap of the timex there do muster
true gaitx eatx speakx and movex under the influence of the most
receivxd starx and though the devil lead the measurex such are to be
followedx after themx and take a more dilated farewellx

bertramx
and i will do sox

parollesx
worthy fellowsx and like to prove most sinewy swordxmenx

 xxexeunt bertram and parollesxxx

 enter lafewx

lafewx
pardonx my lord xxkneelingxxx for me and for my tidingsx

kingx
ixll fee thee to stand upx

lafewx
then herexs a man stands that has brought his pardonx
i would you had kneelxdx my lordx to ask me mercyx
and that at my bidding you could so stand upx

kingx
i would i hadx so i had broke thy patex
and askxd thee mercy forxtx

lafewx
good faithx acrossx
butx my good lordx xtis thusx will you be curxd
of your infirmityx

kingx
nox

lafewx
ox will you eat
no grapesx my royal foxx yesx but you will
my noble grapesx and if my royal fox
could reach themx i have seen a medicine
thatxs able to breathe life into a stonex
quicken a rockx and make you dance canary
with sprightly fire and motionx whose simple touch
is powerful to araise king pippenx nayx
to give great charlemain a pen inxs hand
and write to her a lovexlinex

kingx
what xherx is thisx

lafewx
whyx doctor xshexx my lordx therexs one arrivxdx
if you will see herx nowx by my faith and honourx
if seriously i may convey my thoughts
in this my light deliverancex i have spoke
with one that in her sexx her yearsx professionx
wisdomx and constancyx hath amazxd me more
than i dare blame my weaknessx will you see herx
for that is her demandx and know her businessx
that donex laugh well at mex

kingx
nowx good lafewx
bring in the admirationx that we with thee
may spend our wonder toox or take off thine
by wondxring how thou tookxst itx

lafewx
nayx ixll fit youx
and not be all day neitherx

 xxexit lafewxxx

kingx
thus he his special nothing ever prologuesx

 enter lafew with helenax

lafewx
nayx come your waysx

kingx
this haste hath wings indeedx

lafewx
nayx come your waysx
this is his majestyx say your mind to himx
a traitor you do look likex but such traitors
his majesty seldom fearsx i am cressidxs unclex
that dare leave two togetherx fare you wellx

 xxexitxxx

kingx
nowx fair onex does your business follow usx

helenax
ayx my good lordx
gerard de narbon was my fatherx
in what he did professx well foundx

kingx
i knew himx

helenax
the rather will i spare my praises towards himx
knowing him is enoughx on his bed of death
many receipts he gave mex chiefly onex
whichx as the dearest issue of his practicex
and of his old experience the only darlingx
he bade me store up as a triple eyex
safer than mine own twox more dear i have sox
and hearing your high majesty is touchxd
with that malignant causex wherein the honour
of my dear fatherxs gift stands chief in powerx
i come to tender itx and my appliancex
with all bound humblenessx

kingx
we thank youx maidenx
but may not be so credulous of curex
when our most learned doctors leave usx and
the congregated college have concluded
that labouring art can never ransom nature
from her inaidable estatex i say we must not
so stain our judgmentx or corrupt our hopex
to prostitute our pastxcure malady
to empiricsx or to dissever so
our great self and our creditx to esteem
a senseless helpx when help past sense we deemx

helenax
my duty then shall pay me for my painsx
i will no more enforce mine office on youx
humbly entreating from your royal thoughts
a modest one to bear me back againx

kingx
i cannot give thee lessx to be callxd gratefulx
thou thoughtxst to help mex and such thanks i give
as one near death to those that wish him livex
but what at full i knowx thou knowxst no partx
i knowing all my perilx thou no artx

helenax
what i can do can do no hurt to tryx
since you set up your rest xgainst remedyx
he that of greatest works is finisher
oft does them by the weakest ministerx
so holy writ in babes hath judgment shownx
when judges have been babesx great floods have flown
from simple sourcesx and great seas have dried
when miracles have by the greatxst been deniedx
oft expectation failsx and most oft there
where most it promisesx and oft it hits
where hope is coldestx and despair most fitsx

kingx
i must not hear theex fare thee wellx kind maidx
thy painsx not usxdx must by thyself be paidx
proffersx not tookx reap thanks for their rewardx

helenax
inspired merit so by breath is barrxdx
it is not so with him that all things knows
as xtis with us that square our guess by showsx
but most it is presumption in us when
the help of heaven we count the act of menx
dear sirx to my endeavours give consentx
of heavenx not mex make an experimentx
i am not an impostorx that proclaim
myself against the level of mine aimx
but know i thinkx and think i know most surex
my art is not past power nor you past curex

kingx
art thou so confidentx within what space
hopxst thou my curex

helenax
the greatest grace lending gracex
ere twice the horses of the sun shall bring
their fiery torcher his diurnal ringx
ere twice in murk and occidental damp
moist hesperus hath quenchxd her sleepy lampx
or four and twenty times the pilotxs glass
hath told the thievish minutes how they passx
what is infirm from your sound parts shall flyx
health shall live freex and sickness freely diex

kingx
upon thy certainty and confidence
what darxst thou venturex

helenax
tax of impudencex
a strumpetxs boldnessx a divulged shamex
traducxd by odious balladsx my maidenxs name
searxd otherwisex ne worse of worst extended
with vildest torturex let my life be endedx

kingx
methinks in thee some blessed spirit doth speak
his powerful sound within an organ weakx
and what impossibility would slay
in common sensex sense saves another wayx
thy life is dearx for all that life can rate
worth name of life in thee hath estimatex
youthx beautyx wisdomx couragex all
that happiness and prime can happy callx
thou this to hazard needs must intimate
skill infinitex or monstrous desperatex
sweet practiserx thy physic i will tryx
that ministers thine own death if i diex

helenax
if i break timex or flinch in property
of what i spokex unpitied let me diex
and well deservxdx not helpingx deathxs my feex
but if i helpx what do you promise mex

kingx
make thy demandx

helenax
but will you make it evenx

kingx
ayx by my sceptre and my hopes of heavenx

helenax
then shalt thou give mex with thy kingly hand
what husband in thy power i will commandx
exempted be from me the arrogance
to choose from forth the royal blood of francex
my low and humble name to propagate
with any branch or image of thy statex
but such a onex thy vassalx whom i know
is free for me to askx thee to bestowx

kingx
here is my handx the premises observxdx
thy will by my performance shall be servxdx
so make the choice of thy own timex for ix
thy resolvxd patientx on thee still relyx
more should i question theex and more i mustx
though more to know could not be more to trustx
from whence thou camxstx how tended onx but rest
unquestionxd welcomex and undoubted blessxdx
give me some help herex hox if thou proceed
as high as wordx my deed shall match thy deedx

 xxflourishx exeuntxxx

scene iix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex

 enter countess and clownx

countessx
come onx sirx i shall now put you to the height of your breedingx

clownx
i will show myself highly fed and lowly taughtx i know my business is
but to the courtx

countessx
to the courtx whyx what place make you specialx when you put off that
with such contemptx but to the courtx

clownx
trulyx madamx if god have lent a man any mannersx he may easily put it
off at courtx he that cannot make a legx put offxs capx kiss his handx
and say nothingx has neither legx handsx lipx nor capx and indeed such
a fellowx to say preciselyx were not for the courtx but for mex i have
an answer will serve all menx

countessx
marryx thatxs a bountiful answer that fits all questionsx

clownx
it is like a barberxs chairx that fits all buttocksxthe pinxbuttockx
the quatchxbuttockx the brawnxbuttockx or any buttockx

countessx
will your answer serve fit to all questionsx

clownx
as fit as ten groats is for the hand of an attorneyx as your french
crown for your taffety punkx as tibxs rush for tomxs forefingerx as a
pancake for shrovextuesdayx a morris for mayxdayx as the nail to his
holex the cuckold to his hornx as a scolding quean to a wrangling
knavex as the nunxs lip to the friarxs mouthx nayx as the pudding to
his skinx

countessx
have youx i sayx an answer of such fitness for all questionsx

clownx
from below your duke to beneath your constablex it will fit any
questionx

countessx
it must be an answer of most monstrous size that must fit all demandsx

clownx
but a trifle neitherx in good faithx if the learned should speak truth
of itx here it isx and all that belongs toxtx ask me if i am a
courtierx it shall do you no harm to learnx

countessx
to be young againx if we couldx i will be a fool in questionx hoping to
be the wiser by your answerx i pray youx sirx are you a courtierx

clownx
o lordx sirx therexs a simple putting offx morex morex a hundred of
themx

countessx
sirx i am a poor friend of yoursx that loves youx

clownx
o lordx sirx thickx thickx spare not mex

countessx
i thinkx sirx you can eat none of this homely meatx

clownx
o lordx sirx nayx put me toxtx i warrant youx

countessx
you were lately whippxdx sirx as i thinkx

clownx
o lordx sirx spare not mex

countessx
do you cry xo lordx sirxx at your whippingx and xspare not mexx indeed
your xo lordx sirxx is very sequent to your whippingx you would answer
very well to a whippingx if you were but bound toxtx

clownx
i nexer had worse luck in my life in my xo lordx sirxx i see things may
serve longx but not serve everx

countessx
i play the noble housewife with the timex to entertain it so merrily
with a foolx

clownx
o lordx sirx whyx therext serves well againx

countessx
an endx sirx to your businessx give helen thisx
and urge her to a present answer backx
commend me to my kinsmen and my sonx
this is not muchx

clownx
not much commendation to themx

countessx
not much employment for youx you understand mex

clownx
most fruitfullyx i am there before my legsx

countessx
haste you againx

 xxexeunt severallyxxx

scene iiix parisx the kingxs palacex

 enter bertramx lafew and parollesx

lafewx
they say miracles are pastx and we have our philosophical persons to
make modern and familiar things supernatural and causelessx hence is it
that we make trifles of terrorsx ensconcing ourselves into seeming
knowledge when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fearx

parollesx
whyx xtis the rarest argument of wonder that hath shot out in our
latter timesx

bertramx
and so xtisx

lafewx
to be relinquishxd of the artistsxx

parollesx
so i sayx both of galen and paracelsusx

lafewx
of all the learned and authentic fellowsxx

parollesx
rightx so i sayx

lafewx
that gave him out incurablexx

parollesx
whyx there xtisx so say i toox

lafewx
not to be helpedx

parollesx
rightx as xtwere a man assurxd of ax

lafewx
uncertain life and sure deathx

parollesx
justx you say wellx so would i have saidx

lafewx
i may truly sayx it is a novelty to the worldx

parollesx
it is indeedx if you will have it in showingx you shall read it in what
do you call therex

lafewx
a showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly actorx

parollesx
thatxs itx i would have said the very samex

lafewx
whyx your dolphin is not lustierx fore mex i speak in respectx

parollesx
nayx xtis strangex xtis very strangex that is the brief and the tedious
of itx and hexs of a most facinerious spirit that will not acknowledge
it to be thex

lafewx
very hand of heavenx

parollesx
ayx so i sayx

lafewx
in a most weakx

parollesx
and debile ministerx great powerx great transcendencex which should
indeed give us a further use to be made than alone the recovxry of the
kingx as to bex

lafewx
generally thankfulx

parollesx
i would have said itx you say wellx here comes the kingx

 enter kingx helena and attendantsx

lafewx
lustiquex as the dutchman saysx ixll like a maid the betterx whilst i
have a tooth in my headx whyx hexs able to lead her a corantox

parollesx
xmor du vinagerxx is not this helenx

lafewx
fore godx i think sox

kingx
gox call before me all the lords in courtx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

sitx my preserverx by thy patientxs sidex
and with this healthful handx whose banishxd sense
thou has repealxdx a second time receive
the confirmation of my promisxd giftx
which but attends thy namingx

 enter several lordsx

fair maidx send forth thine eyex this youthful parcel
of noble bachelors stand at my bestowingx
oxer whom both sovereign power and fatherxs voice
i have to usex thy frank election makex
thou hast power to choosex and they none to forsakex

helenax
to each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
fallx when love pleasex marryx to each but onex

lafewx
ixd give bay curtal and his furniture
my mouth no more were broken than these boysxx
and writ as little beardx

kingx
peruse them wellx
not one of those but had a noble fatherx

 she addresses her to a lordx

helenax
gentlemenx
heaven hath through me restorxd the king to healthx

allx
we understand itx and thank heaven for youx

helenax
i am a simple maidx and therein wealthiest
that i protest i simply am a maidx
please itx your majestyx i have done alreadyx
the blushes in my cheeks thus whisper mex
xwe blush that thou shouldst choosex butx be refusedx
let the white death sit on thy cheek for everx
wexll nexer come there againxx

kingx
make choicex andx seex
who shuns thy love shuns all his love in mex

helenax
nowx dianx from thy altar do i flyx
and to imperial lovex that god most highx
do my sighs streamx xxto first lordxxx sirx will you hear my suitx

first lordx
and grant itx

helenax
thanksx sirx all the rest is mutex

lafewx
i had rather be in this choice than throw amesxace for my lifex

helenax
xxto second lordxxx the honourx sirx that flames in your fair eyesx
before i speakx too threatxningly repliesx
love make your fortunes twenty times above
her that so wishesx and her humble lovex

second lordx
no betterx if you pleasex

helenax
my wish receivex
which great love grantx and so i take my leavex

lafewx
do all they deny herx an they were sons of mine ixd have them whippxdx
or i would send them to thx turk to make eunuchs ofx

helenax
xxto third lordxxx be not afraid that i your hand should takex
ixll never do you wrong for your own sakex
blessing upon your vowsx and in your bed
find fairer fortunex if you ever wedx

lafewx
these boys are boys of icex theyxll none have herx surex they are
bastards to the englishx the french nexer got xemx

helenax
xxto fourth lordxxx you are too youngx too happyx and too goodx
to make yourself a son out of my bloodx

fourth lordx
fair onex i think not sox

lafewx
therexs one grape yetx i am sure thy father drank winex but if thou
beest not an assx i am a youth of fourteenx i have known thee alreadyx

helenax
xxto bertramxxx i dare not say i take youx but i give
me and my servicex ever whilst i livex
into your guiding powerx this is the manx

kingx
whyx thenx young bertramx take herx shexs thy wifex

bertramx
my wifex my liegex i shall beseech your highnessx
in such a business give me leave to use
the help of mine own eyesx

kingx
knowxst thou notx bertramx
what she has done for mex

bertramx
yesx my good lordx
but never hope to know why i should marry herx

kingx
thou knowxst she has raisxd me from my sickly bedx

bertramx
but follows itx my lordx to bring me down
must answer for your raisingx i know her wellx
she had her breeding at my fatherxs chargex
a poor physicianxs daughter my wifex disdain
rather corrupt me everx

kingx
xtis only title thou disdainxst in herx the which
i can build upx strange is it that our bloodsx
of colourx weightx and heatx pourxd all togetherx
would quite confound distinctionx yet stands off
in differences so mightyx if she be
all that is virtuousx save what thou dislikxstx
a poor physicianxs daughterxxthou dislikxstx
of virtue for the namex but do not sox
from lowest place when virtuous things proceedx
the place is dignified by the doerxs deedx
where great additions swellxsx and virtue nonex
it is a dropsied honourx good alone
is good without a namex vileness is sox
the property by what it is should gox
not by the titlex she is youngx wisex fairx
in these to nature shexs immediate heirx
and these breed honourx that is honourxs scorn
which challenges itself as honourxs bornx
and is not like the sirex honours thrive
when rather from our acts we them derive
than our forexgoersx the mere wordxs a slavex
debauchxd on every tombx on every grave
a lying trophyx and as oft is dumb
where dust and damnxd oblivion is the tomb
of honourxd bones indeedx what should be saidx
if thou canst like this creature as a maidx
i can create the restx virtue and she
is her own dowerx honour and wealth from mex

bertramx
i cannot love herx nor will strive to do xtx

kingx
thou wrongxst thyselfx if thou shouldst strive to choosex

helenax
that you are well restorxdx my lordx i am gladx
let the rest gox

kingx
my honourxs at the stakex which to defeatx
i must produce my powerx herex take her handx
proud scornful boyx unworthy this good giftx
that dost in vile misprision shackle up
my love and her desertx that canst not dream
wex poising us in her defective scalex
shall weigh thee to the beamx that wilt not know
it is in us to plant thine honour where
we please to have it growx check thy contemptx
obey our willx which travails in thy goodx
believe not thy disdainx but presently
do thine own fortunes that obedient right
which both thy duty owes and our power claimsx
or i will throw thee from my care for ever
into the staggers and the careless lapse
of youth and ignorancex both my revenge and hate
loosing upon thee in the name of justicex
without all terms of pityx speakx thine answerx

bertramx
pardonx my gracious lordx for i submit
my fancy to your eyesx when i consider
what great creationx and what dole of honour
flies where you bid itx i find that shex which late
was in my nobler thoughts most basex is now
the praised of the kingx whox so ennobledx
is as xtwere born sox

kingx
take her by the handx
and tell her she is thinex to whom i promise
a counterpoisex if not to thy estatex
a balance more repletex

bertramx
i take her handx

kingx
good fortune and the favour of the king
smile upon this contractx whose ceremony
shall seem expedient on the nowxborn briefx
and be performxd tonightx the solemn feast
shall more attend upon the coming spacex
expecting absent friendsx as thou lovxst herx
thy lovexs to me religiousx elsex does errx

 xxexeunt kingx bertramx helenax lordsx and attendantsxxx

lafewx
do you hearx monsieurx a word with youx

parollesx
your pleasurex sirx

lafewx
your lord and master did well to make his recantationx

parollesx
recantationx my lordx my masterx

lafewx
ayx is it not a language i speakx

parollesx
a most harsh onex and not to be understood without bloody succeedingx
my masterx

lafewx
are you companion to the count rossillonx

parollesx
to any countx to all countsx to what is manx

lafewx
to what is countxs manx countxs master is of another stylex

parollesx
you are too oldx sirx let it satisfy youx you are too oldx

lafewx
i must tell theex sirrahx i write manx to which title age cannot bring
theex

parollesx
what i dare too well dox i dare not dox

lafewx
i did think theex for two ordinariesx to be a pretty wise fellowx thou
didst make tolerable vent of thy travelx it might passx yet the scarfs
and the bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me from believing
thee a vessel of too great a burdenx i have now found theex when i lose
thee again i care notx yet art thou good for nothing but taking upx and
that thou art scarce worthx

parollesx
hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity upon theex

lafewx
do not plunge thyself too far in angerx lest thou hasten thy trialx
which ifxlord have mercy on thee for a henx sox my good window of
latticex fare thee wellx thy casement i need not openx for i look
through theex give me thy handx

parollesx
my lordx you give me most egregious indignityx

lafewx
ayx with all my heartx and thou art worthy of itx

parollesx
i have notx my lordx deservxd itx

lafewx
yesx good faithx every dram of itx and i will not bate thee a scruplex

parollesx
wellx i shall be wiserx

lafewx
evxn as soon as thou canstx for thou hast to pull at a smack ox thx
contraryx if ever thou beest bound in thy scarf and beatenx thou shalt
find what it is to be proud of thy bondagex i have a desire to hold my
acquaintance with theex or rather my knowledgex that i may say in the
defaultx xhe is a man i knowxx

parollesx
my lordx you do me most insupportable vexationx

lafewx
i would it were hellxpains for thy sakex and my poor doing eternalx for
doing i am pastx as i will by theex in what motion age will give me
leavex

 xxexitxxx

parollesx
wellx thou hast a son shall take this disgrace off mex scurvyx oldx
filthyx scurvy lordx wellx i must be patientx there is no fettering of
authorityx ixll beat himx by my lifex if i can meet him with any
conveniencex an he were double and double a lordx ixll have no more
pity of his age than i would have ofxixll beat himx and if i could but
meet him againx

 enter lafewx

lafewx
sirrahx your lord and masterxs marriedx therexs news for youx you have
a new mistressx

parollesx
i most unfeignedly beseech your lordship to make some reservation of
your wrongsx he is my good lordx whom i serve above is my masterx

lafewx
whox godx

parollesx
ayx sirx

lafewx
the devil it is thatxs thy masterx why dost thou garter up thy arms ox
this fashionx dost make hose of thy sleevesx do other servants sox thou
wert best set thy lower part where thy nose standsx by mine honourx if
i were but two hours youngerx ixd beat theex methinkxst thou art a
general offencex and every man should beat theex i think thou wast
created for men to breathe themselves upon theex

parollesx
this is hard and undeserved measurex my lordx

lafewx
go tox sirx you were beaten in italy for picking a kernel out of a
pomegranatex you are a vagabondx and no true travellerx you are more
saucy with lords and honourable personages than the commission of your
birth and virtue gives you heraldryx you are not worth another wordx
else ixd call you knavex i leave youx

 xxexitxxx

 enter bertramx

parollesx
goodx very goodx it is so thenx goodx very goodx let it be concealxd
awhilex

bertramx
undonex and forfeited to cares for everx

parollesx
whatxs the matterx sweetheartx

bertramx
although before the solemn priest i have swornx
i will not bed herx

parollesx
whatx whatx sweetheartx

bertramx
o my parollesx they have married mex
ixll to the tuscan warsx and never bed herx

parollesx
france is a dogxholex and it no more merits
the tread of a manxs footx to the warsx

bertramx
therexs letters from my motherx what thx import is
i know not yetx

parollesx
ayx that would be knownx to thx warsx my boyx to thx warsx
he wears his honour in a box unseen
that hugs his kickyxwicky here at homex
spending his manly marrow in her armsx
which should sustain the bound and high curvet
of marsxs fiery steedx to other regionsx
france is a stablex we that dwell inxtx jadesx
thereforex to thx warx

bertramx
it shall be sox ixll send her to my housex
acquaint my mother with my hate to herx
and wherefore i am fledx write to the king
that which i durst not speakx his present gift
shall furnish me to those italian fields
where noble fellows strikex war is no strife
to the dark house and the detested wifex

parollesx
will this caprichio hold in theex art surex

bertramx
go with me to my chamber and advise mex
ixll send her straight awayx tomorrow
ixll to the warsx she to her single sorrowx

parollesx
whyx these balls boundx therexs noise in itx xtis hardx
a young man married is a man thatxs marrxdx
therefore awayx and leave her bravelyx gox
the king has done you wrongx but hush xtis sox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx parisx the kingxs palacex

 enter helena and clownx

helenax
my mother greets me kindlyx is she wellx

clownx
she is not wellx but yet she has her healthx shexs very merryx but yet
she is not wellx but thanks be givenx shexs very wellx and wants
nothing ix the worldx but yet she is not wellx

helenax
if she be very wellx what does she ail that shexs not very wellx

clownx
trulyx shexs very well indeedx but for two thingsx

helenax
what two thingsx

clownx
onex that shexs not in heavenx whither god send her quicklyx the otherx
that shexs in earthx from whence god send her quicklyx

 enter parollesx

parollesx
bless youx my fortunate ladyx

helenax
i hopex sirx i have your good will to have mine own good fortunex

parollesx
you had my prayers to lead them onx and to keep them onx have them
stillx ox my knave how does my old ladyx

clownx
so that you had her wrinkles and i her moneyx i would she did as you
sayx

parollesx
whyx i say nothingx

clownx
marryx you are the wiser manx for many a manxs tongue shakes out his
masterxs undoingx to say nothingx to do nothingx to know nothingx and
to have nothingx is to be a great part of your titlex which is within a
very little of nothingx

parollesx
awayx thou art a knavex

clownx
you should have saidx sirx before a knave thou art a knavex that is
before me thou art a knavex this had been truthx sirx

parollesx
go tox thou art a witty foolx i have found theex

clownx
did you find me in yourselfx sirx or were you taught to find mex the
searchx sirx was profitablex and much fool may you find in youx even to
the worldxs pleasure and the increase of laughterx

parollesx
a good knavex ix faithx and well fedx
madamx my lord will go away tonightx
a very serious business calls on himx
the great prerogative and right of lovex
whichx as your duex time claimsx he does acknowledgex
but puts it off to a compellxd restraintx
whose wantx and whose delayx is strewxd with sweetsx
which they distil now in the curbed timex
to make the coming hour oxerflow with joy
and pleasure drown the brimx

helenax
whatxs his will elsex

parollesx
that you will take your instant leave ox the kingx
and make this haste as your own good proceedingx
strengthenxd with what apology you think
may make it probable needx

helenax
what more commands hex

parollesx
thatx having this obtainxdx you presently
attend his further pleasurex

helenax
in everything i wait upon his willx

parollesx
i shall report it sox

helenax
i pray youx comex sirrahx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx another room in the samex

 enter lafew and bertramx

lafewx
but i hope your lordship thinks not him a soldierx

bertramx
yesx my lordx and of very valiant approofx

lafewx
you have it from his own deliverancex

bertramx
and by other warranted testimonyx

lafewx
then my dial goes not truex i took this lark for a buntingx

bertramx
i do assure youx my lordx he is very great in knowledgex and
accordingly valiantx

lafewx
i havex thenx sinned against his experience and transgressed against
his valourx and my state that way is dangerousx since i cannot yet find
in my heart to repentx here he comesx i pray you make us friendsx i
will pursue the amity

 enter parollesx

parollesx
xxto bertramxxx these things shall be donex sirx

lafewx
pray youx sirx whoxs his tailorx

parollesx
sirx

lafewx
ox i know him wellx ix sirx hex sirx is a good workmanx a very good
tailorx

bertramx
xxaside to parollesxxx is she gone to the kingx

parollesx
she isx

bertramx
will she away tonightx

parollesx
as youxll have herx

bertramx
i have writ my lettersx casketed my treasurex
given order for our horsesx and tonightx
when i should take possession of the bridex
end ere i do beginx

lafewx
a good traveller is something at the latter end of a dinnerx but one
that lies threexthirds and uses a known truth to pass a thousand
nothings withx should be once heard and thrice beatenxx god save youx
captainx

bertramx
is there any unkindness between my lord and youx monsieurx

parollesx
i know not how i have deserved to run into my lordxs displeasurex

lafewx
you have made shift to run into xtx boots and spurs and allx like him
that leapt into the custardx and out of it youxll run againx rather
than suffer question for your residencex

bertramx
it may be you have mistaken himx my lordx

lafewx
and shall do so everx though i took him at his prayersx fare you wellx
my lordx and believe this of mex there can be no kernal in this light
nutx the soul of this man is his clothesx trust him not in matter of
heavy consequencex i have kept of them tamex and know their naturesx
farewellx monsieurx i have spoken better of you than you have or will
to deserve at my handx but we must do good against evilx

 xxexitxxx

parollesx
an idle lordx i swearx

bertramx
i think sox

parollesx
whyx do you not know himx

bertramx
yesx i do know him wellx and common speech
gives him a worthy passx here comes my clogx

 enter helenax

helenax
i havex sirx as i was commanded from youx
spoke with the kingx and have procurxd his leave
for present partingx only he desires
some private speech with youx

bertramx
i shall obey his willx
you must not marvelx helenx at my coursex
which holds not colour with the timex nor does
the ministration and required office
on my particularx prepared i was not
for such a businessx therefore am i found
so much unsettledx this drives me to entreat youx
that presently you take your way for homex
and rather muse than ask why i entreat youx
for my respects are better than they seemx
and my appointments have in them a need
greater than shows itself at the first view
to you that know them notx this to my motherx

 xxgiving a letterxxx

xtwill be two days ere i shall see youx so
i leave you to your wisdomx

helenax
sirx i can nothing say
but that i am your most obedient servantx

bertramx
comex comex no more of thatx

helenax
and ever shall
with true observance seek to eke out that
wherein toward me my homely stars have failxd
to equal my great fortunex

bertramx
let that gox
my haste is very greatx farewellx hie homex

helenax
prayx sirx your pardonx

bertramx
wellx what would you sayx

helenax
i am not worthy of the wealth i owex
nor dare i say xtis minex and yet it isx
butx like a timorous thiefx most fain would steal
what law does vouch mine ownx

bertramx
what would you havex

helenax
somethingx and scarce so muchx nothing indeedx
i would not tell you what i wouldx my lordx faithx yesx
strangers and foes do sunder and not kissx

bertramx
i pray youx stay notx but in haste to horsex

helenax
i shall not break your biddingx good my lordx
where are my other menx monsieurx
farewellx

 xxexit helenaxxx

bertramx
go thou toward homex where i will never come
whilst i can shake my sword or hear the drumx
awayx and for our flightx

parollesx
bravelyx coragiox

 xxexeuntxxx


act iiix

scene ix florencex a room in the dukexs palacex

 flourishx enter the duke of florence attendedx two french lordsx and
 soldiersx

dukex
so thatx from point to pointx now have you heard
the fundamental reasons of this warx
whose great decision hath much blood let forthx
and more thirsts afterx

first lordx
holy seems the quarrel
upon your gracexs partx black and fearful
on the opposerx

dukex
therefore we marvel much our cousin france
wouldx in so just a businessx shut his bosom
against our borrowing prayersx

second lordx
good my lordx
the reasons of our state i cannot yieldx
but like a common and an outward man
that the great figure of a council frames
by selfxunable motionx therefore dare not
say what i think of itx since i have found
myself in my incertain grounds to fail
as often as i guessxdx

dukex
be it his pleasurex

first lordx
but i am sure the younger of our naturex
that surfeit on their easex will day by day
come here for physicx

dukex
welcome shall they bex
and all the honours that can fly from us
shall on them settlex you know your places wellx
when better fallx for your avails they fellx
tomorrow to the fieldx

 xxflourishx exeuntxxx

scene iix rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex

 enter countess and clownx

countessx
it hath happenxd all as i would have had itx save that he comes not
along with herx

clownx
by my trothx i take my young lord to be a very melancholy manx

countessx
by what observancex i pray youx

clownx
whyx he will look upon his boot and singx mend the ruff and singx ask
questions and singx pick his teeth and singx i know a man that had this
trick of melancholy sold a goodly manor for a songx

countessx
let me see what he writesx and when he means to comex

 xxopening a letterxxx

clownx
i have no mind to isbel since i was at courtx our old lings and our
isbels ox thx country are nothing like your old ling and your isbels ox
thx courtx the brains of my cupidxs knockxd outx and i begin to lovex
as an old man loves moneyx with no stomachx

countessx
what have we herex

clownx
exen that you have therex

 xxexitxxx

countessx
xxreadsxxx xi have sent you a daughterxinxlawx she hath recovered the
king and undone mex i have wedded herx not bedded herx and sworn to
make the xnotx eternalx you shall hear i am run awayx know it before
the report comex if there be breadth enough in the worldx i will hold a
long distancex my duty to youx
              your unfortunate sonxx
                            bertramx

this is not wellx rash and unbridled boyx
to fly the favours of so good a kingx
to pluck his indignation on thy head
by the misprizing of a maid too virtuous
for the contempt of empirex

 enter clownx

clownx
o madamx yonder is heavy news within between two soldiers and my young
ladyx

countessx
what is the matterx

clownx
nayx there is some comfort in the newsx some comfortx your son will not
be killxd so soon as i thought he wouldx

countessx
why should he be killxdx

clownx
so say ix madamx if he run awayx as i hear he doesx the danger is in
standing toxtx thatxs the loss of menx though it be the getting of
childrenx here they come will tell you morex for my partx i only hear
your son was run awayx

 xxexitxxx

 enter helena and the two gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
save youx good madamx

helenax
madamx my lord is gonex for ever gonex

second gentlemanx
do not say sox

countessx
think upon patiencex pray youx gentlemenxx
i have felt so many quirks of joy and grief
that the first face of neither on the start
can woman me unto xtx where is my sonx i pray youx

second gentlemanx
madamx hexs gone to serve the duke of florencex
we met him thitherwardx for thence we camex
andx after some despatch in hand at courtx
thither we bend againx

helenax
look on this letterx madamx herexs my passportx

xxreadsxxx xwhen thou canst get the ring upon my fingerx which never
shall come offx and show me a child begotten of thy body that i am
father tox then call me husbandx but in such a xthenx i write a
xneverxxx
this is a dreadful sentencex

countessx
brought you this letterx gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
ayx madamx and for the contentsx sakex are sorry for our painsx

countessx
i prxytheex ladyx have a better cheerx
if thou engrossest all the griefs are thinex
thou robbxst me of a moietyx he was my sonx
but i do wash his name out of my bloodx
and thou art all my childx towards florence is hex

second gentlemanx
ayx madamx

countessx
and to be a soldierx

second gentlemanx
such is his noble purposex andx believextx
the duke will lay upon him all the honour
that good convenience claimsx

countessx
return you thitherx

first gentlemanx
ayx madamx with the swiftest wing of speedx

helenax
xxreadsxxx xtill i have no wifex i have nothing in francexx
xtis bitterx

countessx
find you that therex

helenax
ayx madamx

first gentlemanx
xtis but the boldness of his hand haplyx which his heart was not
consenting tox

countessx
nothing in france until he have no wifex
therexs nothing here that is too good for him
but only shex and she deserves a lord
that twenty such rude boys might tend uponx
and call her hourly mistressx who was with himx

first gentlemanx
a servant onlyx and a gentleman which i have sometime knownx

countessx
parollesx was it notx

first gentlemanx
ayx my good ladyx hex

countessx
a very tainted fellowx and full of wickednessx
my son corrupts a wellxderived nature
with his inducementx

first gentlemanx
indeedx good ladyx
the fellow has a deal of that too muchx
which holds him much to havex

countessx
yxare welcomex gentlemenx
i will entreat youx when you see my sonx
to tell him that his sword can never win
the honour that he losesx more ixll entreat you
written to bear alongx

second gentlemanx
we serve youx madamx
in that and all your worthiest affairsx

countessx
not sox but as we change our courtesiesx
will you draw nearx

 xxexeunt countess and gentlemenxxx

helenax
xtill i have no wifex i have nothing in francexx
nothing in france until he has no wifex
thou shalt have nonex rossillonx none in francex
then hast thou all againx poor lordx isxt i
that chase thee from thy countryx and expose
those tender limbs of thine to the event
of the nonexsparing warx and is it i
that drive thee from the sportive courtx where thou
wast shot at with fair eyesx to be the mark
of smoky musketsx o you leaden messengersx
that ride upon the violent speed of firex
fly with false aimx move the stillxpeering airx
that sings with piercingx do not touch my lordx
whoever shoots at himx i set him therex
whoever charges on his forward breastx
i am the caitiff that do hold him toxtx
and though i kill him notx i am the cause
his death was so effectedx better xtwere
i met the ravin lion when he roarxd
with sharp constraint of hungerx better xtwere
that all the miseries which nature owes
were mine at oncex nox come thou homex rossillonx
whence honour but of danger wins a scarx
as oft it loses allx i will be gonex
my being here it is that holds thee hencex
shall i stay here to doxtx nox nox although
the air of paradise did fan the housex
and angels officxd allx i will be gonex
that pitiful rumour may report my flight
to consolate thine earx comex nightx endx dayx
for with the darkx poor thiefx ixll steal awayx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix florencex before the dukexs palacex

 flourishx enter the duke of florencex bertramx drum and trumpetsx
 soldiersx parollesx

dukex
the general of our horse thou artx and wex
great in our hopex lay our best love and credence
upon thy promising fortunex

bertramx
sirx it is
a charge too heavy for my strengthx but yet
wexll strive to bear it for your worthy sake
to thxextreme edge of hazardx

dukex
then go thou forthx
and fortune play upon thy prosperous helmx
as thy auspicious mistressx

bertramx
this very dayx
great marsx i put myself into thy filex
make me but like my thoughtsx and i shall prove
a lover of thy drumx hater of lovex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex

 enter countess and stewardx

countessx
alasx and would you take the letter of herx
might you not know she would do as she has donex
by sending me a letterx read it againx

stewardx
xxreadsxxx xi am saint jaquesx pilgrimx thither gonex
ambitious love hath so in me offended
that barefoot plod i the cold ground uponx
with sainted vow my faults to have amendedx
writex writex that from the bloody course of war
my dearest masterx your dear sonx may hiex
bless him at home in peacex whilst i from far
his name with zealous fervour sanctifyx
his taken labours bid him me forgivex
ix his despiteful junox sent him forth
from courtly friendsx with camping foes to livex
where death and danger dog the heels of worthx
he is too good and fair for death and mex
whom i myself embrace to set him freexx

countessx
ahx what sharp stings are in her mildest wordsx
rynaldox you did never lack advice so much
as letting her pass sox had i spoke with herx
i could have well diverted her intentsx
which thus she hath preventedx

stewardx
pardon mex madamx
if i had given you this at overxnightx
she might have been oxertaxenx and yet she writes
pursuit would be but vainx

countessx
what angel shall
bless this unworthy husbandx he cannot thrivex
unless her prayersx whom heaven delights to hear
and loves to grantx reprieve him from the wrath
of greatest justicex writex writex rynaldox
to this unworthy husband of his wifex
let every word weigh heavy of her worthx
that he does weigh too lightx my greatest griefx
though little he do feel itx set down sharplyx
dispatch the most convenient messengerx
when haply he shall hear that she is gone
he will returnx and hope i may that shex
hearing so muchx will speed her foot againx
led hither by pure lovex which of them both
is dearest to me i have no skill in sense
to make distinctionx provide this messengerx
my heart is heavyx and mine age is weakx
grief would have tearsx and sorrow bids me speakx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx without the walls of florencex

 enter an old widow of florencex dianax violentax mariana and other
 citizensx

widowx
nayx comex for if they do approach the cityx we shall lose all the
sightx

dianax
they say the french count has done most honourable servicex

widowx
it is reported that he has taken their greatxst commanderx and that
with his own hand he slew the dukexs brotherx

 xxa tucket afar offxxx

we have lost our labourx they are gone a contrary wayx harkx you may
know by their trumpetsx

marianax
comex letxs return againx and suffice ourselves with the report of itx
wellx dianax take heed of this french earlx the honour of a maid is her
namex and no legacy is so rich as honestyx

widowx
i have told my neighbour how you have been solicited by a gentleman his
companionx

marianax
i know that knavex hang himx one parollesx a filthy officer he is in
those suggestions for the young earlx beware of themx dianax their
promisesx enticementsx oathsx tokensx and all these engines of lustx
are not the things they go underx many a maid hath been seduced by
themx and the misery isx examplex that so terrible shows in the wreck
of maidenhoodx cannot for all that dissuade successionx but that they
are limed with the twigs that threaten themx i hope i need not to
advise you furtherx but i hope your own grace will keep you where you
arex though there were no further danger known but the modesty which is
so lostx

dianax
you shall not need to fear mex

 enter helena in the dress of a pilgrimx

widowx
i hope sox lookx here comes a pilgrimx i know she will lie at my housex
thither they send one anotherx ixll question herx god save youx
pilgrimx whither are boundx

helenax
to saint jaques le grandx
where do the palmers lodgex i do beseech youx

widowx
at the saint francis herex beside the portx

helenax
is this the wayx

 xxa march afarxxx

widowx
ayx marryx isxtx hark youx they come this wayx
if you will tarryx holy pilgrimx
but till the troops come byx
i will conduct you where you shall be lodgxdx
the rather for i think i know your hostess
as ample as myselfx

helenax
is it yourselfx

widowx
if you shall please sox pilgrimx

helenax
i thank youx and will stay upon your leisurex

widowx
you camex i thinkx from francex

helenax
i did sox

widowx
here you shall see a countryman of yours
that has done worthy servicex

helenax
his namex i pray youx

dianax
the count rossillonx know you such a onex

helenax
but by the earx that hears most nobly of himx
his face i know notx

dianax
whatsomexer he isx
hexs bravely taken herex he stole from francex
as xtis reportedx for the king had married him
against his likingx think you it is sox

helenax
ayx surelyx mere the truthx i know his ladyx

dianax
there is a gentleman that serves the count
reports but coarsely of herx

helenax
whatxs his namex

dianax
monsieur parollesx

helenax
ox i believe with himx
in argument of praisex or to the worth
of the great count himselfx she is too mean
to have her name repeatedx all her deserving
is a reserved honestyx and that
i have not heard examinxdx

dianax
alasx poor ladyx
xtis a hard bondage to become the wife
of a detesting lordx

widowx
ayx rightx good creaturex wheresoexer she isx
her heart weighs sadlyx this young maid might do her
a shrewd turnx if she pleasxdx

helenax
how do you meanx
maybe the amorous count solicits her
in the unlawful purposex

widowx
he does indeedx
and brokes with all that can in such a suit
corrupt the tender honour of a maidx
but she is armxd for himx and keeps her guard
in honestest defencex

 enterx with a drum and coloursx a party of the florentine armyx
 bertram and parollesx

marianax
the gods forbid elsex

widowx
sox now they comex
that is antoniox the dukexs eldest sonx
that escalusx

helenax
which is the frenchmanx

dianax
hex
that with the plumex xtis a most gallant fellowx
i would he lovxd his wifex if he were honester
he were much goodlierx isxt not a handsome gentlemanx

helenax
i like him wellx

dianax
xtis pity he is not honestx yondxs that same knave
that leads him to these placesx were i his lady
i would poison that vile rascalx

helenax
which is hex

dianax
that jackxanxapes with scarfsx why is he melancholyx

helenax
perchance hexs hurt ix the battlex

parollesx
lose our drumx wellx

marianax
hexs shrewdly vexxd at somethingx lookx he has spied usx

widowx
marryx hang youx

marianax
and your courtesyx for a ringxcarrierx

 xxexeunt bertramx parollesx officers and soldiersxxx

widowx
the troop is pastx comex pilgrimx i will bring you
where you shall hostx of enjoinxd penitents
therexs four or fivex to great saint jaques boundx
already at my housex

helenax
i humbly thank youx
please it this matron and this gentle maid
to eat with us tonightx the charge and thanking
shall be for mex andx to requite you furtherx
i will bestow some precepts of this virginx
worthy the notex

bothx
wexll take your offer kindlyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix camp before florencex

 enter bertram and the two french lordsx

first lordx
nayx good my lordx put him toxtx let him have his wayx

second lordx
if your lordship find him not a hildingx hold me no more in your
respectx

first lordx
on my lifex my lordx a bubblex

bertramx
do you think i am so far deceived in himx

first lordx
believe itx my lordx in mine own direct knowledgex without any malicex
but to speak of him as my kinsmanx hexs a most notable cowardx an
infinite and endless liarx an hourly promisexbreakerx the owner of no
one good quality worthy your lordshipxs entertainmentx

second lordx
it were fit you knew himx lestx reposing too far in his virtuex which
he hath notx he might at some great and trusty businessx in a main
danger fail youx

bertramx
i would i knew in what particular action to try himx

second lordx
none better than to let him fetch off his drumx which you hear him so
confidently undertake to dox

first lordx
i with a troop of florentines will suddenly surprise himx such i will
have whom i am sure he knows not from the enemyx we will bind and
hoodwink him so that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried
into the leaguer of the adversaries when we bring him to our own tentsx
be but your lordship present at his examinationx if he do not for the
promise of his lifex and in the highest compulsion of base fearx offer
to betray youx and deliver all the intelligence in his power against
youx and that with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oathx never
trust my judgment in anythingx

second lordx
ox for the love of laughterx let him fetch his drumx he says he has a
stratagem forxtx when your lordship sees the bottom of his success
inxtx and to what metal this counterfeit lump of ore will be meltedx if
you give him not john drumxs entertainmentx your inclining cannot be
removedx here he comesx

 enter parollesx

first lordx
ox for the love of laughterx hinder not the honour of his designx let
him fetch off his drum in any handx

bertramx
how nowx monsieurx this drum sticks sorely in your dispositionx

second lordx
a pox on xtx let it gox xtis but a drumx

parollesx
but a drumx isxt but a drumx a drum so lostx there was excellent
commandx to charge in with our horse upon our own wingsx and to rend
our own soldiersx

second lordx
that was not to be blamxd in the command of the servicex it was a
disaster of war that caesar himself could not have preventedx if he had
been there to commandx

bertramx
wellx we cannot greatly condemn our successx some dishonour we had in
the loss of that drumx but it is not to be recoveredx

parollesx
it might have been recoveredx

bertramx
it mightx but it is not nowx

parollesx
it is to be recoveredx but that the merit of service is seldom
attributed to the true and exact performerx i would have that drum or
anotherx or xhic jacetxx

bertramx
whyx if you have a stomachx toxtx monsieurx if you think your mystery
in stratagem can bring this instrument of honour again into his native
quarterx be magnanimous in the enterprisex and go onx i will grace the
attempt for a worthy exploitx if you speed well in itx the duke shall
both speak of it and extend to you what further becomes his greatnessx
even to the utmost syllable of your worthinessx

parollesx
by the hand of a soldierx i will undertake itx

bertramx
but you must not now slumber in itx

parollesx
ixll about it this eveningx and i will presently pen down my dilemmasx
encourage myself in my certaintyx put myself into my mortal
preparationx and by midnight look to hear further from mex

bertramx
may i be bold to acquaint his grace you are gone about itx

parollesx
i know not what the success will bex my lordx but the attempt i vowx

bertramx
i know thxart valiantx and to the possibility of thy soldiershipx will
subscribe for theex farewellx

parollesx
i love not many wordsx

 xxexitxxx

first lordx
no more than a fish loves waterx is not this a strange fellowx my lordx
that so confidently seems to undertake this businessx which he knows is
not to be donex damns himself to dox and dares better be damnxd than to
doxtx

second lordx
you do not know himx my lordx as we dox certain it is that he will
steal himself into a manxs favourx and for a week escape a great deal
of discoveriesx but when you find him outx you have him ever afterx

bertramx
whyx do you think he will make no deed at all of thisx that so
seriously he does address himself untox

first lordx
none in the worldx but return with an inventionx and clap upon you two
or three probable liesx but we have almost embossed himx you shall see
his fall tonightx for indeed he is not for your lordshipxs respectx

second lordx
wexll make you some sport with the fox ere we case himx he was first
smokxd by the old lord lafewx when his disguise and he is partedx tell
me what a sprat you shall find himx which you shall see this very
nightx

first lordx
i must go look my twigsx he shall be caughtx

bertramx
your brotherx he shall go along with mex

first lordx
asxt please your lordshipx ixll leave youx

 xxexitxxx

bertramx
now will i lead you to the housex and show you
the lass i spoke ofx

second lordx
but you say shexs honestx

bertramx
thatxs all the faultx i spoke with her but oncex
and found her wondrous coldx but i sent to her
by this same coxcomb that we have ix the wind
tokens and letters which she did rexsendx
and this is all i have donex shexs a fair creaturex
will you go see herx

second lordx
with all my heartx my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix florencex a room in the widowxs housex

 enter helena and widowx

helenax
if you misdoubt me that i am not shex
i know not how i shall assure you furtherx
but i shall lose the grounds i work uponx

widowx
though my estate be fallxnx i was well bornx
nothing acquainted with these businessesx
and would not put my reputation now
in any staining actx

helenax
nor would i wish youx
first give me trustx the count he is my husbandx
and what to your sworn counsel i have spoken
is so from word to wordx and then you cannotx
by the good aid that i of you shall borrowx
err in bestowing itx

widowx
i should believe youx
for you have showxd me that which well approves
yxare great in fortunex

helenax
take this purse of goldx
and let me buy your friendly help thus farx
which i will overxpayx and pay again
when i have found itx the count he woos your daughter
lays down his wanton siege before her beautyx
resolvxd to carry herx let her in fine consentx
as wexll direct her how xtis best to bear itx
now his important blood will naught deny
that shexll demandx a ring the county wearsx
that downward hath succeeded in his house
from son to sonx some four or five descents
since the first father wore itx this ring he holds
in most rich choicex yetx in his idle firex
to buy his willx it would not seem too dearx
howexer repented afterx

widowx
now i see
the bottom of your purposex

helenax
you see it lawful thenx it is no more
but that your daughterx ere she seems as wonx
desires this ringx appoints him an encounterx
in finex delivers me to fill the timex
herself most chastely absentx afterx
to marry herx ixll add three thousand crowns
to what is passxd alreadyx

widowx
i have yieldedx
instruct my daughter how she shall perseverx
that time and place with this deceit so lawful
may prove coherentx every night he comes
with musics of all sortsx and songs composxd
to her unworthinessx it nothing steads us
to chide him from our eavesx for he persists
as if his life lay on xtx

helenax
why then tonight
let us assay our plotx whichx if it speedx
is wicked meaning in a lawful deedx
and lawful meaning in a lawful actx
where both not sinx and yet a sinful factx
but letxs about itx

 xxexeuntxxx


act ivx

scene ix without the florentine campx

 enter first lord with five or six soldiers in ambushx

first lordx
he can come no other way but by this hedgexcornerx when you sally upon
himx speak what terrible language you willx though you understand it
not yourselvesx no matterx for we must not seem to understand himx
unless someone among usx whom we must produce for an interpreterx

first soldierx
good captainx let me be thx interpreterx

first lordx
art not acquainted with himx knows he not thy voicex

first soldierx
no sirx i warrant youx

first lordx
but what linseyxwoolsey has thou to speak to us againx

first soldierx
exen such as you speak to mex

first lordx
he must think us some band of strangers ix the adversaryxs
entertainmentx now he hath a smack of all neighbouring languagesx
therefore we must every one be a man of his own fancyx not to know what
we speak one to anotherx so we seem to knowx is to know straight our
purposex choughsx languagex gabble enoughx and good enoughx as for youx
interpreterx you must seem very politicx but couchx hox here he comesx
to beguile two hours in a sleepx and then to return and swear the lies
he forgesx

 enter parollesx

parollesx
ten oxclockx within these three hours xtwill be time enough to go homex
what shall i say i have donex it must be a very plausive invention that
carries itx they begin to smoke mex and disgraces have of late knockxd
too often at my doorx i find my tongue is too foolhardyx but my heart
hath the fear of mars before itx and of his creaturesx not daring the
reports of my tonguex

first lordx
xxasidexxx this is the first truth that exer thine own tongue was
guilty ofx

parollesx
what the devil should move me to undertake the recovery of this drumx
being not ignorant of the impossibilityx and knowing i had no such
purposex i must give myself some hurtsx and say i got them in exploitx
yet slight ones will not carry itx they will say xcame you off with so
littlexx and great ones i dare not givex whereforex whatxs the
instancex tonguex i must put you into a butterxwomanxs mouthx and buy
myself another of bajazetxs mulex if you prattle me into these perilsx

first lordx
xxasidexxx is it possible he should know what he isx and be that he isx

parollesx
i would the cutting of my garments would serve the turnx or the
breaking of my spanish swordx

first lordx
xxasidexxx we cannot afford you sox

parollesx
or the baring of my beardx and to say it was in stratagemx

first lordx
xxasidexxx xtwould not dox

parollesx
or to drown my clothesx and say i was strippedx

first lordx
xxasidexxx hardly servex

parollesx
though i swore i leapxd from the window of the citadelxx

first lordx
xxasidexxx how deepx

parollesx
thirty fathomx

first lordx
xxasidexxx three great oaths would scarce make that be believedx

parollesx
i would i had any drum of the enemyxsx i would swear i recoverxd itx

first lordx
xxasidexxx you shall hear one anonx

parollesx
a drum now of the enemyxsx

 xxalarum withinxxx

first lordx
xthroca movoususx cargox cargox cargoxx

allx
xcargox cargox cargox villianda par corbox cargoxx

 xxthey seize and blindfold himxxx

parollesx
ox ransomx ransomx do not hide mine eyesx

first soldierx
xboskos thromuldo boskosxx

parollesx
i know you are the muskosx regimentx
and i shall lose my life for want of languagex
if there be here germanx or danex low dutchx
italianx or frenchx let him speak to mex
ixll discover that which shall undo the florentinex

first soldierx
xboskos vauvadoxx i understand theex and can speak thy tonguex
xkerelybontoxx sirx betake thee to thy faithx for seventeen poniards
are at thy bosomx

parollesx
ox

first soldierx
ox prayx prayx prayx
xmanka revania dulchexx

first lordx
xoscorbidulchos volivorcoxx

first soldierx
the general is content to spare thee yetx
andx hoodwinkxd as thou artx will lead thee on
to gather from theex haply thou mayst inform
something to save thy lifex

parollesx
ox let me livex
and all the secrets of our camp ixll showx
their forcex their purposesx nayx ixll speak that
which you will wonder atx

first soldierx
but wilt thou faithfullyx

parollesx
if i do notx damn mex

first soldierx
xacordo lintaxx
come onx thou art granted spacex

 xxexitx with parolles guardedxxx

 a short alarum withinx

first lordx
go tell the count rossillon and my brother
we have caught the woodcockx and will keep him muffled
till we do hear from themx

second soldierx
captainx i willx

first lordx
xa will betray us all unto ourselvesx
inform on thatx

second soldierx
so i willx sirx

first lordx
till then ixll keep him darkx and safely lockxdx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix florencex a room in the widowxs housex

 enter bertram and dianax

bertramx
they told me that your name was fontybellx

dianax
nox my good lordx dianax

bertramx
titled goddessx
and worth itx with additionx butx fair soulx
in your fine frame hath love no qualityx
if the quick fire of youth light not your mindx
you are no maiden but a monumentx
when you are deadx you should be such a one
as you are nowx for you are cold and sternx
and now you should be as your mother was
when your sweet self was gotx

dianax
she then was honestx

bertramx
so should you bex

dianax
nox
my mother did but dutyx suchx my lordx
as you owe to your wifex

bertramx
no more ax thatx
i prxythee do not strive against my vowsx
i was compellxd to herx but i love thee
by lovexs own sweet constraintx and will for ever
do thee all rights of servicex

dianax
ayx so you serve us
till we serve youx but when you have our rosesx
you barely leave our thorns to prick ourselvesx
and mock us with our barenessx

bertramx
how have i swornx

dianax
xtis not the many oaths that makes the truthx
but the plain single vow that is vowxd truex
what is not holyx that we swear not byx
but take the highest to witnessx thenx pray youx tell mex
if i should swear by jovexs great attributes
i lovxd you dearlyx would you believe my oaths
when i did love you illx this has no holdingx
to swear by him whom i protest to love
that i will work against himx therefore your oaths
are words and poor conditionsx but unsealxdxx
at least in my opinionx

bertramx
change itx change itx
be not so holyxcruelx love is holyx
and my integrity nexer knew the crafts
that you do charge men withx stand no more offx
but give thyself unto my sick desiresx
who then recoversx say thou art minex and ever
my love as it begins shall so perseverx

dianax
i see that men make hopes in such a casex
that wexll forsake ourselvesx give me that ringx

bertramx
ixll lend it theex my dearx but have no power
to give it from mex

dianax
will you notx my lordx

bertramx
it is an honour xlonging to our housex
bequeathed down from many ancestorsx
which were the greatest obloquy ix the world
in me to losex

dianax
mine honourxs such a ringx
my chastityxs the jewel of our housex
bequeathed down from many ancestorsx
which were the greatest obloquy ix the world
in me to losex thus your own proper wisdom
brings in the champion honour on my part
against your vain assaultx

bertramx
herex take my ringx
my housex mine honourx yeax my life be thinex
and ixll be bid by theex

dianax
when midnight comesx knock at my chamber windowx
ixll order take my mother shall not hearx
now will i charge you in the band of truthx
when you have conquerxd my yet maidenxbedx
remain there but an hourx nor speak to mex
my reasons are most strongx and you shall know them
when back again this ring shall be deliverxdx
and on your finger in the nightx ixll put
another ringx that what in time proceeds
may token to the future our past deedsx
adieu till thenx then fail notx you have won
a wife of mex though there my hope be donex

bertramx
a heaven on earth i have won by wooing theex

 xxexitxxx

dianax
for which live long to thank both heaven and mex
you may so in the endx
my mother told me just how he would woox
as if she sat inxs heartx she says all men
have the like oathsx he had sworn to marry me
when his wifexs deadx therefore ixll lie with him
when i am buriedx since frenchmen are so braidx
marry that willx i live and die a maidx
onlyx in this disguisex i thinkxt no sin
to cozen him that would unjustly winx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix the florentine campx

 enter the two french lords and two or three soldiersx

first lordx
you have not given him his motherxs letterx

second lordx
i have delivxred it an hour sincex there is something inxt that stings
his naturex for on the reading itx he changxd almost into another manx

first lordx
he has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so good a wife
and so sweet a ladyx

second lordx
especially he hath incurred the everlasting displeasure of the kingx
who had even tunxd his bounty to sing happiness to himx i will tell you
a thingx but you shall let it dwell darkly with youx

first lordx
when you have spoken itx xtis deadx and i am the grave of itx

second lordx
he hath perverted a young gentlewoman here in florencex of a most
chaste renownx and this night he fleshes his will in the spoil of her
honourx he hath given her his monumental ringx and thinks himself made
in the unchaste compositionx

first lordx
nowx god delay our rebellionx as we are ourselvesx what things are wex

second lordx
merely our own traitorsx and as in the common course of all treasonsx
we still see them reveal themselves till they attain to their abhorrxd
endsx so he that in this action contrives against his own nobilityx in
his proper streamx oxerflows himselfx

first lordx
is it not meant damnable in us to be trumpeters of our unlawful
intentsx we shall not then have his company tonightx

second lordx
not till after midnightx for he is dieted to his hourx

first lordx
that approaches apacex i would gladly have him see his company
anatomizedx that he might take a measure of his own judgmentsx wherein
so curiously he had set this counterfeitx

second lordx
we will not meddle with him till he comex for his presence must be the
whip of the otherx

first lordx
in the meantimex what hear you of these warsx

second lordx
i hear there is an overture of peacex

first lordx
nayx i assure youx a peace concludedx

second lordx
what will count rossillon do thenx will he travel higherx or return
again into francex

first lordx
i perceive by this demandx you are not altogether of his councilx

second lordx
let it be forbidx sirx so should i be a great deal of his actx

first lordx
sirx his wife some two months since fled from his housex her pretence
is a pilgrimage to saint jaques le grandx which holy undertaking with
most austere sanctimony she accomplishedx and there residingx the
tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her griefx in finex made a
groan of her last breathx and now she sings in heavenx

second lordx
how is this justifiedx

first lordx
the stronger part of it by her own lettersx which makes her story truex
even to the point of her deathx her death itselfx which could not be
her office to say is comex was faithfully confirmxd by the rector of
the placex

second lordx
hath the count all this intelligencex

first lordx
ayx and the particular confirmationsx point from pointx to the full
arming of the verityx

second lordx
i am heartily sorry that hexll be glad of thisx

first lordx
how mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our lossesx

second lordx
and how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tearsx the great
dignity that his valour hath here acquirxd for him shall at home be
encountered with a shame as amplex

first lordx
the web of our life is of a mingled yarnx good and ill togetherx our
virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them notx and our crimes
would despair if they were not cherishxd by our virtuesx

 enter a messengerx

how nowx wherexs your masterx

messengerx
he met the duke in the streetx sirx of whom he hath taken a solemn
leavex his lordship will next morning for francex the duke hath offered
him letters of commendations to the kingx

second lordx
they shall be no more than needful therex if they were more than they
can commendx

 enter bertramx

first lordx
they cannot be too sweet for the kingxs tartnessx herexs his lordship
nowx how nowx my lordx isxt not after midnightx

bertramx
i have tonight despatchxd sixteen businessesx a monthxs length apiecex
by an abstract of successx i have congied with the dukex done my adieu
with his nearestx buried a wifex mournxd for herx writ to my lady
mother i am returningx entertained my convoyx and between these main
parcels of despatch effected many nicer needsx the last was the
greatestx but that i have not ended yetx

second lordx
if the business be of any difficulty and this morning your departure
hencex it requires haste of your lordshipx

bertramx
i mean the business is not endedx as fearing to hear of it hereafterx
but shall we have this dialogue between the fool and the soldierx comex
bring forth this counterfeit module has deceivxd me like a
doublexmeaning prophesierx

second lordx
bring him forthx

 xxexeunt soldiersxxx

has sat ix the stocks all nightx poor gallant knavex

bertramx
no matterx his heels have deservxd itx in usurping his spurs so longx
how does he carry himselfx

first lordx
i have told your lordship alreadyx the stocks carry himx but to answer
you as you would be understoodx he weeps like a wench that had shed her
milkx he hath confessed himself to morganx whom he supposes to be a
friarx from the time of his remembrance to this very instant disaster
of his setting ix the stocksx and what think you he hath confessedx

bertramx
nothing of mex has hex

second lordx
his confession is takenx and it shall be read to his facex if your
lordship be inxtx as i believe you arex you must have the patience to
hear itx

 enter soldiers with parollesx

bertramx
a plague upon himx muffledx he can say nothing of mex hushx hushx

first lordx
hoodman comesx xportotartarossaxx

first soldierx
he calls for the torturesx what will you say without xemx

parollesx
i will confess what i know without constraintx if ye pinch me like a
pasty i can say no morex

first soldierx
xbosko chimurchoxx

first lordx
xboblibindo chicurmurcoxx

first soldierx
you are a merciful generalx our general bids you answer to what i shall
ask you out of a notex

parollesx
and trulyx as i hope to livex

first soldierx
xfirst demand of him how many horse the duke is strongxx what say you
to thatx

parollesx
five or six thousandx but very weak and unserviceablex the troops are
all scatteredx and the commanders very poor roguesx upon my reputation
and creditx and as i hope to livex

first soldierx
shall i set down your answer sox

parollesx
dox ixll take the sacrament on xtx how and which way you willx

bertramx
allxs one to himx what a pastxsaving slave is thisx

first lordx
you are deceivedx my lordx this is monsieur parollesx the gallant
militarist xthat was his own phrasexx that had the whole theoric of war
in the knot of his scarfx and the practice in the chape of his daggerx

second lordx
i will never trust a man again for keeping his sword cleanx nor believe
he can have everything in him by wearing his apparel neatlyx

first soldierx
wellx thatxs set downx

parollesx
xfive or six thousand horsex i saidxi will say truexor thereaboutsx set
downxxfor ixll speak truthx

first lordx
hexs very near the truth in thisx

bertramx
but i con him no thanks forxt in the nature he delivers itx

parollesx
poor roguesx i pray you sayx

first soldierx
wellx thatxs set downx

parollesx
i humbly thank youx sirx a truthxs a truthx the rogues are marvellous
poorx

first soldierx
xdemand of him of what strength they are axfootxx what say you to thatx

parollesx
by my trothx sirx if i were to live this present hourx i will tell
truex let me seex spuriox a hundred and fiftyx sebastianx so manyx
corambusx so manyx jaquesx so manyx guiltianx cosmox lodowickx and
gratiix two hundred fifty eachx mine own companyx chitopherx vaumondx
bentiix two hundred fifty eachx so that the musterxfilex rotten and
soundx upon my lifex amounts not to fifteen thousand pollx half of the
which dare not shake the snow from off their cassocks lest they shake
themselves to piecesx

bertramx
what shall be done to himx

first lordx
nothingx but let him have thanksx demand of him my conditionx and what
credit i have with the dukex

first soldierx
wellx thatxs set downx xyou shall demand of him whether one captain
dumaine be ix the campx a frenchmanx what his reputation is with the
dukex what his valourx honesty and expertness in warsx or whether he
thinks it were not possible with wellxweighing sums of gold to corrupt
him to a revoltxx what say you to thisx what do you know of itx

parollesx
i beseech youx let me answer to the particular of the interxgatoriesx
demand them singlyx

first soldierx
do you know this captain dumainex

parollesx
i know himx he was a botcherxs xprentice in parisx from whence he was
whipped for getting the shrievexs fool with childx a dumb innocent that
could not say him nayx

 xxfirst lord lifts up his hand in angerxxx

bertramx
nayx by your leavex hold your handsx though i know his brains are
forfeit to the next tile that fallsx

first soldierx
wellx is this captain in the duke of florencexs campx

parollesx
upon my knowledgex he isx and lousyx

first lordx
nayx look not so upon mex we shall hear of your lordship anonx

first soldierx
what is his reputation with the dukex

parollesx
the duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of minex and writ to
me this other day to turn him out ox the bandx i think i have his
letter in my pocketx

first soldierx
marryx wexll searchx

parollesx
in good sadnessx i do not knowx either it is there or it is upon a
filex with the dukexs other lettersx in my tentx

first soldierx
here xtisx herexs a paperx shall i read it to youx

parollesx
i do not know if it be it or nox

bertramx
our interpreter does it wellx

first lordx
excellentlyx

first soldierx
xxreadsxxx xdianx the countxs a foolx and full of goldxx

parollesx
that is not the dukexs letterx sirx that is an advertisement to a
proper maid in florencex one dianax to take heed of the allurement of
one count rossillonx a foolish idle boyx but for all that very ruttishx
i pray youx sirx put it up againx

first soldierx
nayx ixll read it first by your favourx

parollesx
my meaning inxtx i protestx was very honest in the behalf of the maidx
for i knew the young count to be a dangerous and lascivious boyx who is
a whale to virginityx and devours up all the fry it findsx

bertramx
damnable both sides roguex

first soldierx
xxreadsxxx
xwhen he swears oathsx bid him drop goldx and take itx
after he scoresx he never pays the scorex
half won is match well madex matchx and well make itx
he nexer pays afterxdebtsx take it beforex
and say a soldierx xdianxx told thee thisx
men are to mell withx boys are not to kissx
for count of thisx the countxs a foolx i know itx
who pays beforex but not when he does owe itx
thinex as he vowxd to thee in thine earxx
                                     parollesx

bertramx
he shall be whipped through the army with this rhyme inxs foreheadx

second lordx
this is your devoted friendx sirx the manifold linguistx and the
armipotent soldierx

bertramx
i could endure anything before but a catx and now hexs a cat to mex

first soldierx
i perceivex sirx by our generalxs looks we shall be fain to hang youx

parollesx
my lifex sirx in any casex not that i am afraid to diex but thatx my
offences being manyx i would repent out the remainder of naturex let me
livex sirx in a dungeonx ix the stocksx or anywherex so i may livex

first soldierx
wexll see what may be donex so you confess freelyx thereforex once more
to this captain dumainex you have answerxd to his reputation with the
dukex and to his valourx what is his honestyx

parollesx
he will stealx sirx an egg out of a cloisterx for rapes and ravishments
he parallels nessusx he professes not keeping of oathsx in breaking
them he is stronger than herculesx he will liex sirx with such
volubility that you would think truth were a foolx drunkenness is his
best virtuex for he will be swinexdrunkx and in his sleep he does
little harmx save to his bedclothes about himx but they know his
conditions and lay him in strawx i have but little more to sayx sirx of
his honestyx he has everything that an honest man should not havex what
an honest man should havex he has nothingx

first lordx
i begin to love him for thisx

bertramx
for this description of thine honestyx a pox upon him for mex hexs more
and more a catx

first soldierx
what say you to his expertness in warx

parollesx
faithx sirx has led the drum before the english tragediansxxto belie
him i will notxxand more of his soldiership i know notx except in that
country he had the honour to be the officer at a place there called
milexendx to instruct for the doubling of filesx i would do the man
what honour i canx but of this i am not certainx

first lordx
he hath outxvillainxd villainy so far that the rarity redeems himx

bertramx
a pox on himx hexs a cat stillx

first soldierx
his qualities being at this poor pricex i need not to ask you if gold
will corrupt him to revoltx

parollesx
sirx for a quart dxecu he will sell the feexsimple of his salvationx
the inheritance of itx and cut the entail from all remaindersx and a
perpetual succession for it perpetuallyx

first soldierx
whatxs his brotherx the other captain dumainex

second lordx
why does he ask him of mex

first soldierx
whatxs hex

parollesx
exen a crow ox the same nestx not altogether so great as the first in
goodnessx but greater a great deal in evilx he excels his brother for a
cowardx yet his brother is reputed one of the best that isx in a
retreat he outruns any lackeyx marryx in coming on he has the crampx

first soldierx
if your life be savedx will you undertake to betray the florentinex

parollesx
ayx and the captain of his horsex count rossillonx

first soldierx
ixll whisper with the generalx and know his pleasurex

parollesx
xxasidexxx ixll no more drummingx a plague of all drumsx only to seem
to deserve wellx and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious
young boy the countx have i run into this dangerx yet who would have
suspected an ambush where i was takenx

first soldierx
there is no remedyx sirx but you must diex the general says you that
have so traitorously discovered the secrets of your armyx and made such
pestiferous reports of men very nobly heldx can serve the world for no
honest usex therefore you must diex comex headsmanx off with his headx

parollesx
o lordx sirx let me livex or let me see my deathx

first soldierx
that shall youx and take your leave of all your friendsx

 xxunmuffling himxxx

sox look about youx know you any herex

bertramx
good morrowx noble captainx

second lordx
god bless youx captain parollesx

first lordx
god save youx noble captainx

second lordx
captainx what greeting will you to my lord lafewx i am for francex

first lordx
good captainx will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to diana
in behalf of the count rossillonx and i were not a very coward ixd
compel it of youx but fare you wellx

 xxexeunt bertramx lords xcxxx

first soldierx
you are undonex captainx all but your scarfx that has a knot onxt yetx

parollesx
who cannot be crushed with a plotx

first soldierx
if you could find out a country where but women were that had received
so much shamex you might begin an impudent nationx fare ye wellx sirx i
am for france toox we shall speak of you therex

 xxexeuntxxx

parollesx
yet am i thankfulx if my heart were great
xtwould burst at thisx captain ixll be no morex
but i will eatx and drinkx and sleep as soft
as captain shallx simply the thing i am
shall make me livex who knows himself a braggartx
let him fear thisx for it will come to pass
that every braggart shall be found an assx
rustx swordx coolx blushesx andx parolles live
safest in shamex being foolxdx by foolery thrivex
therexs place and means for every man alivex
ixll after themx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx florencex a room in the widowxs housex

 enter helenax widow and dianax

helenax
that you may well perceive i have not wrongxd you
one of the greatest in the christian world
shall be my suretyx fore whose throne xtis needfulx
ere i can perfect mine intentsx to kneelx
time was i did him a desired officex
dear almost as his lifex which gratitude
through flinty tartarxs bosom would peep forthx
and answer thanksx i duly am informxd
his grace is at marseillesx to which place
we have convenient convoyx you must know
i am supposed deadx the army breakingx
my husband hies him homex wherex heaven aidingx
and by the leave of my good lord the kingx
wexll be before our welcomex

widowx
gentle madamx
you never had a servant to whose trust
your business was more welcomex

helenax
nor youx mistressx
ever a friend whose thoughts more truly labour
to recompense your lovex doubt not but heaven
hath brought me up to be your daughterxs dowerx
as it hath fated her to be my motive
and helper to a husbandx butx o strange menx
that can such sweet use make of what they hatex
when saucy trusting of the cozenxd thoughts
defiles the pitchy nightx so lust doth play
with what it loathesx for that which is awayx
but more of this hereafterx youx dianax
under my poor instructions yet must suffer
something in my behalfx

dianax
let death and honesty
go with your impositionsx i am yours
upon your will to sufferx

helenax
yetx i pray youx
but with the word the time will bring on summerx
when briers shall have leaves as well as thornsx
and be as sweet as sharpx we must awayx
our waggon is preparxdx and time revives usx
allxs well that ends wellx still the finexs the crownx
whatexer the coursex the end is the renownx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx rossillonx a room in the countessxs palacex

 enter clownx countess and lafewx

lafewx
nox nox nox your son was misled with a sniptxtaffeta fellow therex
whose villanous saffron would have made all the unbakxd and doughy
youth of a nation in his colourx your daughterxinxlaw had been alive at
this hourx and your son here at homex more advancxd by the king than by
that redxtailxd humblexbee i speak ofx

countessx
i would i had not known himx it was the death of the most virtuous
gentlewoman that ever nature had praise for creatingx if she had
partaken of my flesh and cost me the dearest groans of a motherx i
could not have owed her a more rooted lovex

lafewx
xtwas a good ladyx xtwas a good ladyx we may pick a thousand salads ere
we light on such another herbx

clownx
indeedx sirx she was the sweet marjoram of the saladx orx ratherx the
herb of gracex

lafewx
they are not herbsx you knavex they are nosexherbsx

clownx
i am no great nebuchadnezzarx sirx i have not much skill in grassx

lafewx
whether dost thou profess thyselfxxa knave or a foolx

clownx
a foolx sirx at a womanxs servicex and a knave at a manxsx

lafewx
your distinctionx

clownx
i would cozen the man of his wifex and do his servicex

lafewx
so you were a knave at his service indeedx

clownx
and i would give his wife my baublex sirx to do her servicex

lafewx
i will subscribe for theex thou art both knave and foolx

clownx
at your servicex

lafewx
nox nox nox

clownx
whyx sirx if i cannot serve youx i can serve as great a prince as you
arex

lafewx
whoxs thatx a frenchmanx

clownx
faithx sirx xa has an english namex but his phisnomy is more hotter in
france than therex

lafewx
what prince is thatx

clownx
the black princex sirx alias the prince of darknessx alias the devilx

lafewx
hold theex therexs my pursex i give thee not this to suggest thee from
thy master thou talkxst ofx serve him stillx

clownx
i am a woodland fellowx sirx that always loved a great firex and the
master i speak of ever keeps a good firex but sure he is the prince of
the worldx let his nobility remain inxs courtx i am for the house with
the narrow gatex which i take to be too little for pomp to enterx some
that humble themselves mayx but the many will be too chill and tenderx
and theyxll be for the flowxry way that leads to the broad gate and the
great firex

lafewx
go thy waysx i begin to be axweary of theex and i tell thee so beforex
because i would not fall out with theex go thy waysx let my horses be
well lookxd tox without any tricksx

clownx
if i put any tricks upon xemx sirx they shall be jadesx tricksx which
are their own right by the law of naturex

 xxexitxxx

lafewx
a shrewd knavex and an unhappyx

countessx
so he isx my lord thatxs gone made himself much sport out of himx by
his authority he remains herex which he thinks is a patent for his
saucinessx and indeed he has no pacex but runs where he willx

lafewx
i like him wellx xtis not amissx and i was about to tell youx since i
heard of the good ladyxs deathx and that my lord your son was upon his
return homex i moved the king my master to speak in the behalf of my
daughterx whichx in the minority of them bothx his majesty out of a
selfxgracious remembrance did first proposex his highness hath promisxd
me to do itx andx to stop up the displeasure he hath conceived against
your sonx there is no fitter matterx how does your ladyship like itx

countessx
with very much contentx my lordx and i wish it happily effectedx

lafewx
his highness comes post from marseillesx of as able body as when he
numberxd thirtyx he will be here tomorrowx or i am deceived by him that
in such intelligence hath seldom failxdx

countessx
it rejoices me that i hope i shall see him ere i diex i have letters
that my son will be here tonightx i shall beseech your lordship to
remain with me till they meet togetherx

lafewx
madamx i was thinking with what manners i might safely be admittedx

countessx
you need but plead your honourable privilegex

lafewx
ladyx of that i have made a bold charterx butx i thank my godx it holds
yetx

 enter clownx

clownx
o madamx yonderxs my lord your son with a patch of velvet onxs facex
whether there be a scar underxt or nox the velvet knowsx but xtis a
goodly patch of velvetx his left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a
halfx but his right cheek is worn barex

lafewx
a scar nobly gotx or a noble scarx is a good livery of honourx so
belike is thatx

clownx
but it is your carbonadoxd facex

lafewx
let us go see your sonx i pray youx i long to talk with the young noble
soldierx

clownx
faithx therexs a dozen of xemx with delicate fine hatsx and most
courteous feathersx which bow the head and nod at every manx

 xxexeuntxxx


act vx

scene ix marseillesx a streetx

 enter helenax widow and diana with two attendantsx

helenax
but this exceeding posting day and night
must wear your spirits lowx we cannot help itx
but since you have made the days and nights as onex
to wear your gentle limbs in my affairsx
be bold you do so grow in my requital
as nothing can unroot youx in happy timexx

 enter a gentlemanx

this man may help me to his majestyxs earx
if he would spend his powerx god save youx sirx

gentlemanx
and youx

helenax
sirx i have seen you in the court of francex

gentlemanx
i have been sometimes therex

helenax
i do presumex sirx that you are not fallen
from the report that goes upon your goodnessx
and thereforex goaded with most sharp occasionsx
which lay nice manners byx i put you to
the use of your own virtuesx for the which
i shall continue thankfulx

gentlemanx
whatxs your willx

helenax
that it will please you
to give this poor petition to the kingx
and aid me with that store of power you have
to come into his presencex

gentlemanx
the kingxs not herex

helenax
not herex sirx

gentlemanx
not indeedx
he hence removxd last nightx and with more haste
than is his usex

widowx
lordx how we lose our painsx

helenax
allxs well that ends well yetx
though time seem so adverse and means unfitx
i do beseech youx whither is he gonex

gentlemanx
marryx as i take itx to rossillonx
whither i am goingx

helenax
i do beseech youx sirx
since you are like to see the king before mex
commend the paper to his gracious handx
which i presume shall render you no blamex
but rather make you thank your pains for itx
i will come after you with what good speed
our means will make us meansx

gentlemanx
this ixll do for youx

helenax
and you shall find yourself to be well thankxdx
whatexer falls morex we must to horse againx
gox gox providex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix rossillonx the inner court of the countessxs palacex

 enter clown and parollesx

parollesx
good monsieur lavachex give my lord lafew this letterx i have ere nowx
sirx been better known to youx when i have held familiarity with
fresher clothesx but i am nowx sirx muddied in fortunexs moodx and
smell somewhat strong of her strong displeasurex

clownx
trulyx fortunexs displeasure is but sluttishx if it smell so strongly
as thou speakxst ofx i will henceforth eat no fish of fortunexs
butteringx prxytheex allow the windx

parollesx
nayx you need not to stop your nosex sirx i spake but by a metaphorx

clownx
indeedx sirx if your metaphor stinkx i will stop my nosex or against
any manxs metaphorx prxytheex get thee furtherx

parollesx
pray youx sirx deliver me this paperx

clownx
fohx prxythee stand awayx a paper from fortunexs closexstool to give to
a noblemanx look here he comes himselfx

 enter lafewx

here is a pur of fortunexsx sirx or of fortunexs catx but not a
muskxcatx that has fallen into the unclean fishpond of her displeasurex
and as he saysx is muddied withalx pray youx sirx use the carp as you
mayx for he looks like a poorx decayedx ingeniousx foolishx rascally
knavex i do pity his distress in my similes of comfortx and leave him
to your lordshipx

 xxexitxxx

parollesx
my lordx i am a man whom fortune hath cruelly scratchxdx

lafewx
and what would you have me to dox xtis too late to pare her nails nowx
wherein have you played the knave with fortune that she should scratch
youx who of herself is a good ladyx and would not have knaves thrive
long under herx therexs a quart dxecu for youx let the justices make
you and fortune friendsx i am for other businessx

parollesx
i beseech your honour to hear me one single wordx

lafewx
you beg a single penny morex comex you shall haxtx save your wordx

parollesx
my namex my good lordx is parollesx

lafewx
you beg more than word thenx cox my passionx give me your handx how
does your drumx

parollesx
o my good lordx you were the first that found mex

lafewx
was ix in soothx and i was the first that lost theex

parollesx
it lies in youx my lordx to bring me in some gracex for you did bring
me outx

lafewx
out upon theex knavex dost thou put upon me at once both the office of
god and the devilx one brings the in gracex and the other brings thee
outx

 xxtrumpets soundxxx

the kingxs comingx i know by his trumpetsx sirrahx inquire further
after mex i had talk of you last nightx though you are a fool and a
knavex you shall eatx go tox followx

parollesx
i praise god for youx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a room in the countessxs palacex

 flourishx enter kingx countessx lafewx lordsx gentlemenx guards xcx

kingx
we lost a jewel of herx and our esteem
was made much poorer by itx but your sonx
as mad in follyx lackxd the sense to know
her estimation homex

countessx
xtis pastx my liegex
and i beseech your majesty to make it
natural rebellionx done ix the blaze of youthx
when oil and firex too strong for reasonxs forcex
oxerbears it and burns onx

kingx
my honourxd ladyx
i have forgiven and forgotten allx
though my revenges were high bent upon himx
and watchxd the time to shootx

lafewx
this i must sayxx
but firstx i beg my pardonxxthe young lord
did to his majestyx his motherx and his ladyx
offence of mighty notex but to himself
the greatest wrong of allx he lost a wife
whose beauty did astonish the survey
of richest eyesx whose words all ears took captivex
whose dear perfection hearts that scornxd to serve
humbly callxd mistressx

kingx
praising what is lost
makes the remembrance dearx wellx call him hitherx
we are reconcilxdx and the first view shall kill
all repetitionx let him not ask our pardonx
the nature of his great offence is deadx
and deeper than oblivion do we bury
thx incensing relics of itx let him approach
a strangerx no offenderx and inform him
so xtis our will he shouldx

gentlemanx
i shallx my liegex

 xxexit gentlemanxxx

kingx
what says he to your daughterx have you spokex

lafewx
all that he is hath reference to your highnessx

kingx
then shall we have a matchx i have letters sent me
that sets him high in famex

 enter bertramx

lafewx
he looks well on xtx

kingx
i am not a day of seasonx
for thou mayst see a sunshine and a hail
in me at oncex but to the brightest beams
distracted clouds give wayx so stand thou forthx
the time is fair againx

bertramx
my highxrepented blames
dear sovereignx pardon to mex

kingx
all is wholex
not one word more of the consumed timex
letxs take the instant by the forward topx
for we are oldx and on our quickxst decrees
thxinaudible and noiseless foot of time
steals ere we can effect themx you remember
the daughter of this lordx

bertramx
admiringlyx my liegex at first
i stuck my choice upon herx ere my heart
durst make too bold herald of my tonguex
where the impression of mine eye infixingx
contempt his scornful perspective did lend mex
which warpxd the line of every other favourx
scornxd a fair colourx or expressxd it stolenx
extended or contracted all proportions
to a most hideous objectx thence it came
that she whom all men praisxdx and whom myselfx
since i have lostx have lovxdx was in mine eye
the dust that did offend itx

kingx
well excusxdx
that thou didst love herx strikes some scores away
from the great comptx but love that comes too latex
like a remorseful pardon slowly carriedx
to the great sender turns a sour offencex
cryingx thatxs good thatxs gonex our rash faults
make trivial price of serious things we havex
not knowing them until we know their gravex
oft our displeasuresx to ourselves unjustx
destroy our friendsx and after weep their dustx
our own love waking cries to see whatxs donex
while shameful hate sleeps out the afternoonx
be this sweet helenxs knellx and now forget herx
send forth your amorous token for fair maudlinx
the main consents are hadx and here wexll stay
to see our widowerxs second marriagexdayx

countessx
which better than the firstx o dear heavenx blessx
orx ere they meetx in mex o naturex cessex

lafewx
come onx my sonx in whom my housexs name
must be digestedx give a favour from youx
to sparkle in the spirits of my daughterx
that she may quickly comex

 xxbertram gives a ring to lafewxxx

by my old beardx
and evxry hair thatxs on xtx helen thatxs dead
was a sweet creaturex such a ring as thisx
the last that exer i took her leave at courtx
i saw upon her fingerx

bertramx
hers it was notx

kingx
nowx pray youx let me see itx for mine eyex
while i was speakingx oft was fastenxd to itx
this ring was minex and when i gave it helen
i bade herx if her fortunes ever stood
necessitied to helpx that by this token
i would relieve herx had you that craft to xreave her
of what should stead her mostx

bertramx
my gracious sovereignx
howexer it pleases you to take it sox
the ring was never hersx

countessx
sonx on my lifex
i have seen her wear itx and she reckonxd it
at her lifexs ratex

lafewx
i am sure i saw her wear itx

bertramx
you are deceivxdx my lordx she never saw itx
in florence was it from a casement thrown mex
wrappxd in a paperx which containxd the name
of her that threw itx noble she wasx and thought
i stood engagxdx but when i had subscribxd
to mine own fortunex and informxd her fully
i could not answer in that course of honour
as she had made the overturex she ceasxdx
in heavy satisfactionx and would never
receive the ring againx

kingx
plutus himselfx
that knows the tinct and multiplying medicinex
hath not in naturexs mystery more science
than i have in this ringx xtwas minex xtwas helenxsx
whoever gave it youx then if you know
that you are well acquainted with yourselfx
confess xtwas hersx and by what rough enforcement
you got it from herx she callxd the saints to surety
that she would never put it from her finger
unless she gave it to yourself in bedx
where you have never comex or sent it us
upon her great disasterx

bertramx
she never saw itx

kingx
thou speakxst it falselyx as i love mine honourx
and makxst conjectural fears to come into me
which i would fain shut outx if it should prove
that thou art so inhumanxxxtwill not prove sox
and yet i know notx thou didst hate her deadlyx
and she is deadx which nothing but to close
her eyes myselfx could win me to believe
more than to see this ringx take him awayx

 xxguards seize bertramxxx

my forexpast proofsx howexer the matter fallx
shall tax my fears of little vanityx
having vainly fearxd too littlex away with himx
wexll sift this matter furtherx

bertramx
if you shall prove
this ring was ever hersx you shall as easy
prove that i husbanded her bed in florencex
where she yet never wasx

 xxexitx guardedxxx

kingx
i am wrappxd in dismal thinkingsx

 enter a gentlemanx

gentlemanx
gracious sovereignx
whether i have been to blame or nox i know notx
herexs a petition from a florentinex
who hath for four or five removes come short
to tender it herselfx i undertook itx
vanquishxd thereto by the fair grace and speech
of the poor suppliantx who by thisx i knowx
is here attendingx her business looks in her
with an importing visagex and she told me
in a sweet verbal briefx it did concern
your highness with herselfx

kingx
xxreadsxxx xupon his many protestations to marry me when his wife was
deadx i blush to say itx he won mex now is the count rossillon a
widowerx his vows are forfeited to mex and my honourxs paid to himx he
stole from florencex taking no leavex and i follow him to his country
for justicex grant it mex o kingx in you it best liesx otherwise a
seducer flourishesx and a poor maid is undonexx
                                    diana capiletx

lafewx
i will buy me a sonxinxlaw in a fairx and toll for thisx ixll none of
himx

kingx
the heavens have thought well on theex lafewx
to bring forth this discoveryx seek these suitorsx
go speedilyx and bring again the countx

 xxexeunt gentleman and some attendantsxxx

i am afeard the life of helenx ladyx
was foully snatchxdx

countessx
nowx justice on the doersx

 enter bertramx guardedx

kingx
i wonderx sirx since wives are monsters to youx
and that you fly them as you swear them lordshipx
yet you desire to marryx what womanxs thatx

 enter widow and dianax

dianax
i amx my lordx a wretched florentinex
derived from the ancient capiletx
my suitx as i do understandx you knowx
and therefore know how far i may be pitiedx

widowx
i am her motherx sirx whose age and honour
both suffer under this complaint we bringx
and both shall ceasex without your remedyx

kingx
come hitherx countx do you know these womenx

bertramx
my lordx i neither can nor will deny
but that i know themx do they charge me furtherx

dianax
why do you look so strange upon your wifex

bertramx
shexs none of minex my lordx

dianax
if you shall marryx
you give away this handx and that is minex
you give away heavenxs vowsx and those are minex
you give away myselfx which is known minex
for i by vow am so embodied yours
that she which marries you must marry mex
either both or nonex

lafewx
xxto bertramxx your reputation comes too short for my daughterx you are
no husband for herx

bertramx
my lordx this is a fond and desperate creature
whom sometime i have laughxd withx let your highness
lay a more noble thought upon mine honour
than for to think that i would sink it herex

kingx
sirx for my thoughtsx you have them ill to friend
till your deeds gain themx fairer prove your honour
than in my thought it liesx

dianax
good my lordx
ask him upon his oathx if he does think
he had not my virginityx

kingx
what sayxst thou to herx

bertramx
shexs impudentx my lordx
and was a common gamester to the campx

dianax
he does me wrongx my lordx if i were so
he might have bought me at a common pricex
do not believe himx ox behold this ringx
whose high respect and rich validity
did lack a parallelx yet for all that
he gave it to a commoner ox the campx
if i be onex

countessx
he blushesx and xtis itx
of six preceding ancestorsx that gem
conferrxd by testament to thx sequent issuex
hath it been owed and wornx this is his wifex
that ringxs a thousand proofsx

kingx
methought you said
you saw one here in court could witness itx

dianax
i didx my lordx but loath am to produce
so bad an instrumentx his namexs parollesx

lafewx
i saw the man todayx if man he bex

kingx
find himx and bring him hitherx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

bertramx
what of himx
hexs quoted for a most perfidious slavex
with all the spots ox the world taxxd and debauchxdx
whose nature sickens but to speak a truthx
am i or that or this for what hexll utterx
that will speak anythingx

kingx
she hath that ring of yoursx

bertramx
i think she hasx certain it is i likxd her
and boarded her ix the wanton way of youthx
she knew her distancex and did angle for mex
madding my eagerness with her restraintx
as all impediments in fancyxs course
are motives of more fancyx and in finex
her infinite cunning with her modern gracex
subduxd me to her ratex she got the ringx
and i had that which any inferior might
at marketxprice have boughtx

dianax
i must be patientx
you that have turnxd off a first so noble wife
may justly diet mex i pray you yetxx
since you lack virtuex i will lose a husbandx
send for your ringx i will return it homex
and give me mine againx

bertramx
i have it notx

kingx
what ring was yoursx i pray youx

dianax
sirx much like
the same upon your fingerx

kingx
know you this ringx this ring was his of latex

dianax
and this was it i gave himx being abedx

kingx
the story then goes false you threw it him
out of a casementx

dianax
i have spoke the truthx

 enter attendant with parollesx

bertramx
my lordx i do confess the ring was hersx

kingx
you boggle shrewdlyx every feather starts youx
is this the man you speak ofx

dianax
ayx my lordx

kingx
tell mex sirrahx but tell me true i charge youx
not fearing the displeasure of your masterx
which on your just proceedingx ixll keep offxx
by him and by this woman here what know youx

parollesx
so please your majestyx my master hath been an honourable gentlemanx
tricks he hath had in himx which gentlemen havex

kingx
comex comex to the purposex did he love this womanx

parollesx
faithx sirx he did love herx but howx

kingx
howx i pray youx

parollesx
he did love herx sirx as a gentleman loves a womanx

kingx
how is thatx

parollesx
he lovxd herx sirx and lovxd her notx

kingx
as thou art a knave and no knavex
what an equivocal companion is thisx

parollesx
i am a poor manx and at your majestyxs commandx

lafewx
hexs a good drumx my lordx but a naughty oratorx

dianax
do you know he promised me marriagex

parollesx
faithx i know more than ixll speakx

kingx
but wilt thou not speak all thou knowxstx

parollesx
yesx so please your majestyx i did go between them as i saidx but more
than thatx he loved herx for indeed he was mad for herx and talked of
satanx and of limbox and of furiesx and i know not whatx yet i was in
that credit with them at that time that i knew of their going to bedx
and of other motionsx as promising her marriagex and things which would
derive me ill will to speak ofx therefore i will not speak what i knowx

kingx
thou hast spoken all alreadyx unless thou canst say they are marriedx
but thou art too fine in thy evidencex therefore stand asidex this
ringx you sayx was yoursx

dianax
ayx my good lordx

kingx
where did you buy itx or who gave it youx

dianax
it was not given mex nor i did not buy itx

kingx
who lent it youx

dianax
it was not lent me neitherx

kingx
where did you find it thenx

dianax
i found it notx

kingx
if it were yours by none of all these waysx
how could you give it himx

dianax
i never gave it himx

lafewx
this womanxs an easy glovex my lordx she goes off and on at pleasurex

kingx
this ring was minex i gave it his first wifex

dianax
it might be yours or hers for ought i knowx

kingx
take her awayx i do not like her nowx
to prison with herx and away with himx
unless thou tellxst me where thou hadst this ringx
thou diest within this hourx

dianax
ixll never tell youx

kingx
take her awayx

dianax
ixll put in bailx my liegex

kingx
i think thee now some common customerx

dianax
by jovex if ever i knew manx xtwas youx

kingx
wherefore hast thou accusxd him all this whilex

dianax
because hexs guiltyx and he is not guiltyx
he knows i am no maidx and hexll swear toxtx
ixll swear i am a maidx and he knows notx
great kingx i am no strumpetx by my lifex
i am either maidx or else this old manxs wifex

 xxpointing to lafewxxx

kingx
she does abuse our earsx to prison with herx

dianax
good motherx fetch my bailx stayx royal sirx

 xxexit widowxxx

the jeweller that owes the ring is sent forx
and he shall surety mex but for this lord
who hath abusxd me as he knows himselfx
though yet he never harmxd mex here i quit himx
he knows himself my bed he hath defilxdx
and at that time he got his wife with childx
dead though she bex she feels her young one kickx
so therexs my riddlex one thatxs dead is quickx
and now behold the meaningx

 enter widow with helenax

kingx
is there no exorcist
beguiles the truer office of mine eyesx
isxt real that i seex

helenax
nox my good lordx
xtis but the shadow of a wife you seex
the namex and not the thingx

bertramx
bothx bothx ox pardonx

helenax
ox my good lordx when i was like this maidx
i found you wondrous kindx there is your ringx
andx look youx herexs your letterx this it saysx
xwhen from my finger you can get this ringx
and is by me with childx xcxx this is donex
will you be mine now you are doubly wonx

bertramx
if shex my liegex can make me know this clearlyx
ixll love her dearlyx everx ever dearlyx

helenax
if it appear not plainx and prove untruex
deadly divorce step between me and youx
o my dear motherx do i see you livingx

lafewx
mine eyes smell onionsx i shall weep anonx
xxto parollesxx good tom drumx lend me a handkercherx
sox i thank theex wait on me homex ixll make sport with theex
let thy courtesies alonex they are scurvy onesx

kingx
let us from point to point this story knowx
to make the even truth in pleasure flowx
xxto dianaxxx if thou beest yet a fresh uncropped flowerx
choose thou thy husbandx and ixll pay thy dowerx
for i can guess that by thy honest aidx
thou keptxst a wife herselfx thyself a maidx
of that and all the progress more and lessx
resolvedly more leisure shall expressx
all yet seems wellx and if it end so meetx
the bitter pastx more welcome is the sweetx

 xxflourishxxx

xepiloguex

xthe kingxs a beggarx now the play is donex
all is well ended if this suit be wonx
that you express contentx which we will pay
with strife to please youx day exceeding dayx
ours be your patience thenx and yours our partsx
your gentle hands lend usx and take our heartsxx

 xxexeunt omnesxxx




antony and cleopatra


contents

act i
scene ix
alexandriax a room in cleopatraxs palacex
scene iix
alexandriax another room in cleopatraxs palacex
scene iiix
alexandriax a room in cleopatraxs palacex
scene ivx
romex an apartment in caesarxs house
scene vx
alexandriax a room in the palacex

act ii
scene ix
messinax a room in pompeyxs housex
scene iix
romex a room in the house of lepidusx
scene iiix
romex a room in caesarxs housex
scene ivx
romex a streetx
scene vx
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene vix
near misenumx
scene viix
on board pompeyxs galleyx lying near misenumx

act iii
scene ix
a plain in syriax
scene iix
romex an antexchamber in caesarxs housex
scene iiix
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene ivx
athensx a room in antonyxs housex
scene vx
athensx another room in antonyxs housex
scene vix
romex a room in caesarxs housex
scene viix
antonyxs camp near the promontory of actiumx
scene viiix
a plain near actiumx
scene ixx
another part of the plainx
scene xx
another part of the plainx
scene xix
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene xiix
caesarxs camp in egyptx
scene xiiix
alexandriax a room in the palacex

act iv
scene ix
caesarxs camp at alexandriax
scene iix
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene iiix
alexandriax before the palacex
scene ivx
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene vx
antonyxs camp near alexandriax
scene vix
alexandriax caesarxs campx
scene viix
field of battle between the campsx
scene viiix
under the walls of alexandriax
scene ixx
caesarxs campx
scene xx
ground between the two campsx
scene xix
another part of the groundx
scene xiix
another part of the groundx
scene xiiix
alexandriax a room in the palacex
scene xivx
alexandriax another roomx
scene xvx
alexandriax a monumentx

act v
scene ix
caesarxs camp before alexandriax
scene iix
alexandriax a room in the monumentx


dramatis personx

mark antonyx triumvir
octavius caesarx triumvir
lepidusx triumvir
sextus pompeiusx
domitius enobarbusx friend to antony
ventidiusx friend to antony
erosx friend to antony
scarusx friend to antony
dercetusx friend to antony
demetriusx friend to antony
philox friend to antony
maecenasx friend to caesar
agrippax friend to caesar
dolabellax friend to caesar
proculeiusx friend to caesar
thidiasx friend to caesar
gallusx friend to caesar
menasx friend to pompey
menecratesx friend to pompey
varriusx friend to pompey
taurusx lieutenantxgeneral to caesar
canidiusx lieutenantxgeneral to antony
siliusx an officer in ventidiusxs army
euphroniusx an ambassador from antony to caesar
alexasx attendant on cleopatra
mardianx attendant on cleopatra
seleucusx attendant on cleopatra
diomedesx attendant on cleopatra
a soothsayer
a clown

cleopatrax queen of egypt
octaviax sister to caesar and wife to antony
charmianx attendant on cleopatra
irasx attendant on cleopatra

officersx soldiersx messengersx and other attendants

scenex dispersedx in several parts of the roman empirex




act i


scene ix alexandriax a room in cleopatraxs palacex

 enter demetrius and philox

philox
nayx but this dotage of our generalxs
oxerflows the measurex those his goodly eyesx
that oxer the files and musters of the war
have glowed like plated marsx now bendx now turn
the office and devotion of their view
upon a tawny frontx his captainxs heartx
which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
the buckles on his breastx reneges all temper
and is become the bellows and the fan
to cool a gipsyxs lustx

 flourishx enter antony and cleopatrax her ladiesx the trainx with
 eunuchs fanning herx

look where they comex
take but good notex and you shall see in him
the triple pillar of the world transformxd
into a strumpetxs foolx behold and seex

cleopatrax
if it be love indeedx tell me how muchx

antonyx
therexs beggary in the love that can be reckonedx

cleopatrax
ixll set a bourn how far to be belovedx

antonyx
then must thou needs find out new heavenx new earthx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
newsx my good lordx from romex

antonyx
grates mex the sumx

cleopatrax
nayx hear themx antonyx
fulvia perchance is angryx or who knows
if the scarcexbearded caesar have not sent
his powerful mandate to youx xdo this or thisx
take in that kingdom and enfranchise thatx
performxtx or else we damn theexx

antonyx
howx my lovex

cleopatrax
perchancex nayx and most likex
you must not stay here longerx your dismission
is come from caesarx therefore hear itx antonyx
wherexs fulviaxs processxxcaesarxs i would sayx bothx
call in the messengersx as i am egyptxs queenx
thou blushestx antonyx and that blood of thine
is caesarxs homagerx else so thy cheek pays shame
when shrillxtongued fulvia scoldsx the messengersx

antonyx
let rome in tiber meltx and the wide arch
of the ranged empire fallx here is my spacex
kingdoms are clayx our dungy earth alike
feeds beast as manx the nobleness of life
is to do thus xxembracingxxx when such a mutual pair
and such a twain can doxtx in which i bindx
on pain of punishmentx the world to weet
we stand up peerlessx

cleopatrax
excellent falsehoodx
why did he marry fulviax and not love herx
ixll seem the fool i am notx antony
will be himselfx

antonyx
but stirred by cleopatrax
nowx for the love of love and her soft hoursx
letxs not confound the time with conference harshx
therexs not a minute of our lives should stretch
without some pleasure nowx what sport tonightx

cleopatrax
hear the ambassadorsx

antonyx
fiex wrangling queenx
whom everything becomesxto chidex to laughx
to weepx whose every passion fully strives
to make itselfx in thee fair and admiredx
no messenger but thinex and all alone
tonight wexll wander through the streets and note
the qualities of peoplex comex my queenx
last night you did desire itx speak not to usx

 xxexeunt antony and cleopatra with the trainxxx

demetriusx
is caesar with antonius prized so slightx

philox
sirx sometimes when he is not antonyx
he comes too short of that great property
which still should go with antonyx

demetriusx
i am full sorry
that he approves the common liar who
thus speaks of him at romex but i will hope
of better deeds tomorrowx rest you happyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix alexandriax another room in cleopatraxs palacex

 enter enobarbusx a soothsayerx charmianx irasx mardian and alexasx

charmianx
lord alexasx sweet alexasx most anything alexasx almost most absolute
alexasx wherexs the soothsayer that you praised so to thx queenx ox
that i knew this husband which you say must charge his horns with
garlandsx

alexasx
soothsayerx

soothsayerx
your willx

charmianx
is this the manx isxt youx sirx that know thingsx

soothsayerx
in naturexs infinite book of secrecy
a little i can readx

alexasx
show him your handx

enobarbusx
bring in the banquet quicklyx wine enough
cleopatraxs health to drinkx

charmianx
goodx sirx give me good fortunex

soothsayerx
i make notx but foreseex

charmianx
prayx thenx foresee me onex

soothsayerx
you shall be yet far fairer than you arex

charmianx
he means in fleshx

irasx
nox you shall paint when you are oldx

charmianx
wrinkles forbidx

alexasx
vex not his presciencex be attentivex

charmianx
hushx

soothsayerx
you shall be more beloving than belovedx

charmianx
i had rather heat my liver with drinkingx

alexasx
nayx hear himx

charmianx
good nowx some excellent fortunex let me be married to three kings in a
forenoon and widow them allx let me have a child at fiftyx to whom
herod of jewry may do homagex find me to marry me with octavius caesarx
and companion me with my mistressx

soothsayerx
you shall outlive the lady whom you servex

charmianx
ox excellentx i love long life better than figsx

soothsayerx
you have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
than that which is to approachx

charmianx
then belike my children shall have no namesx pritheex how many boys and
wenches must i havex

soothsayerx
if every of your wishes had a wombx
and fertile every wishx a millionx

charmianx
outx foolx i forgive thee for a witchx

alexasx
you think none but your sheets are privy to your wishesx

charmianx
nayx comex tell iras hersx

alexasx
wexll know all our fortunesx

enobarbusx
minex and most of our fortunes tonightx shall be drunk to bedx

irasx
therexs a palm presages chastityx if nothing elsex

charmianx
exen as the oxerflowing nilus presageth faminex

irasx
gox you wild bedfellowx you cannot soothsayx

charmianx
nayx if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognosticationx i cannot
scratch mine earx pritheex tell her but workaday fortunex

soothsayerx
your fortunes are alikex

irasx
but howx but howx give me particularsx

soothsayerx
i have saidx

irasx
am i not an inch of fortune better than shex

charmianx
wellx if you were but an inch of fortune better than ix where would you
choose itx

irasx
not in my husbandxs nosex

charmianx
our worser thoughts heavens mendx alexasxcomex his fortunex his
fortunex ox let him marry a woman that cannot gox sweet isisx i beseech
theex and let her die toox and give him a worsex and let worse follow
worsex till the worst of all follow him laughing to his gravex
fiftyfold a cuckoldx good isisx hear me this prayerx though thou deny
me a matter of more weightx good isisx i beseech theex

irasx
amenx dear goddessx hear that prayer of the peoplex forx as it is a
heartbreaking to see a handsome man loosexwivedx so it is a deadly
sorrow to behold a foul knave uncuckoldedx thereforex dear isisx keep
decorum and fortune him accordinglyx

charmianx
amenx

alexasx
lo nowx if it lay in their hands to make me a cuckoldx they would make
themselves whores but theyxd doxtx

 enter cleopatrax

enobarbusx
hushx here comes antonyx

charmianx
not hex the queenx

cleopatrax
saw you my lordx

enobarbusx
nox ladyx

cleopatrax
was he not herex

charmianx
nox madamx

cleopatrax
he was disposed to mirthx but on the sudden
a roman thought hath struck himx enobarbusx

enobarbusx
madamx

cleopatrax
seek him and bring him hitherx wherexs alexasx

alexasx
herex at your servicex my lord approachesx

 enter antony with a messengerx

cleopatrax
we will not look upon himx go with usx

 xxexeunt cleopatrax enobarbusx charmianx irasx alexas and
 soothsayerxxx

messengerx
fulvia thy wife first came into the fieldx

antonyx
against my brother luciusx

messengerx
ayx
but soon that war had endx and the timexs state
made friends of themx jointing their force xgainst caesarx
whose better issue in the war from italy
upon the first encounter drave themx

antonyx
wellx what worstx

messengerx
the nature of bad news infects the tellerx

antonyx
when it concerns the fool or cowardx onx
things that are past are done with mex xtis thusx
who tells me truex though in his tale lie deathx
i hear him as he flatteredx

messengerx
labienusx
this is stiff newsxhath with his parthian force
extended asia from euphrates
his conquering banner shook from syria
to lydia and to ioniax
whilstx

antonyx
xantonyxx thou wouldst sayx

messengerx
ox my lordx

antonyx
speak to me homex mince not the general tonguex
name cleopatra as she is called in romex
rail thou in fulviaxs phrasex and taunt my faults
with such full licence as both truth and malice
have power to utterx ox then we bring forth weeds
when our quick minds lie stillx and our ills told us
is as our earingx fare thee well awhilex

messengerx
at your noble pleasurex

 xxexit messengerxxx

 enter another messengerx

antonyx
from sicyonx hox the newsx speak therex

second messengerx
the man from sicyonx

antonyx
is there such a onex

second messengerx
he stays upon your willx

antonyx
let him appearx

 xxexit second messengerxxx

these strong egyptian fetters i must breakx
or lose myself in dotagex

 enter another messenger with a letterx

what are youx

third messengerx
fulvia thy wife is deadx

antonyx
where died shex

third messengerx
in sicyonx
her length of sicknessx with what else more serious
importeth thee to knowx this bearsx

 xxgives a letterxxx

antonyx
forbear mex

 xxexit third messengerxxx

therexs a great spirit gonex thus did i desire itx
what our contempts doth often hurl from usx
we wish it ours againx the present pleasurex
by revolution loweringx does become
the opposite of itselfx shexs goodx being gonex
the hand could pluck her back that shoved her onx
i must from this enchanting queen break offx
ten thousand harmsx more than the ills i knowx
my idleness doth hatchx how nowx enobarbusx

 enter enobarbusx

enobarbusx
whatxs your pleasurex sirx

antonyx
i must with haste from hencex

enobarbusx
why then we kill all our womenx we see how mortal an unkindness is to
themx if they suffer our departurex deathxs the wordx

antonyx
i must be gonex

enobarbusx
under a compelling occasionx let women diex it were pity to cast them
away for nothingx thoughx between them and a great cause they should be
esteemed nothingx cleopatrax catching but the least noise of thisx dies
instantlyx i have seen her die twenty times upon far poorer momentx i
do think there is mettle in death which commits some loving act upon
herx she hath such a celerity in dyingx

antonyx
she is cunning past manxs thoughtx

enobarbusx
alackx sirx nox her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of
pure lovex we cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tearsx they
are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can reportx this cannot
be cunning in herx if it bex she makes a shower of rain as well as
jovex

antonyx
would i had never seen herx

enobarbusx
ox sirx you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of workx which not
to have been blest withal would have discredited your travelx

antonyx
fulvia is deadx

enobarbusx
sirx

antonyx
fulvia is deadx

enobarbusx
fulviax

antonyx
deadx

enobarbusx
whyx sirx give the gods a thankful sacrificex when it pleaseth their
deities to take the wife of a man from himx it shows to man the tailors
of the earthx comforting therein that when old robes are worn outx
there are members to make newx if there were no more women but fulviax
then had you indeed a cutx and the case to be lamentedx this grief is
crowned with consolationx your old smock brings forth a new petticoatx
and indeed the tears live in an onion that should water this sorrowx

antonyx
the business she hath broached in the state
cannot endure my absencex

enobarbusx
and the business you have broached here cannot be without youx
especially that of cleopatraxsx which wholly depends on your abodex

antonyx
no more light answersx let our officers
have notice what we purposex i shall break
the cause of our expedience to the queenx
and get her leave to partx for not alone
the death of fulviax with more urgent touchesx
do strongly speak to usx but the letters too
of many our contriving friends in rome
petition us at homex sextus pompeius
hath given the dare to caesarx and commands
the empire of the seax our slippery peoplex
whose love is never linked to the deserver
till his deserts are pastx begin to throw
pompey the great and all his dignities
upon his sonx whox high in name and powerx
higher than both in blood and lifex stands up
for the main soldierx whose qualityx going onx
the sides ox thx world may dangerx much is breeding
whichx like the courserxs hairx hath yet but life
and not a serpentxs poisonx say our pleasure
to such whose place is under usx requires
our quick remove from hencex

enobarbusx
i shall doxtx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix alexandriax a room in cleopatraxs palacex

 enter cleopatrax charmianx alexas and irasx

cleopatrax
where is hex

charmianx
i did not see him sincex

cleopatrax
see where he isx whoxs with himx what he doesx
i did not send youx if you find him sadx
say i am dancingx if in mirthx report
that i am sudden sickx quickx and returnx

 xxexit alexasxxx

charmianx
madamx methinksx if you did love him dearlyx
you do not hold the method to enforce
the like from himx

cleopatrax
what should i do i do notx

charmianx
in each thing give him wayx cross him in nothingx

cleopatrax
thou teachest like a foolx the way to lose himx

charmianx
tempt him not so too farx i wishx forbearx
in time we hate that which we often fearx
but here comes antonyx

 enter antonyx

cleopatrax
i am sick and sullenx

antonyx
i am sorry to give breathing to my purposex

cleopatrax
help me awayx dear charmianx i shall fallx
it cannot be thus longx the sides of nature
will not sustain itx

antonyx
nowx my dearest queenx

cleopatrax
pray youx stand farther from mex

antonyx
whatxs the matterx

cleopatrax
i know by that same eye therexs some good newsx
whatx says the married woman you may gox
would she had never given you leave to comex
let her not say xtis i that keep you herex
i have no power upon youx hers you arex

antonyx
the gods best knowx

cleopatrax
ox never was there queen
so mightily betrayedx yet at the first
i saw the treasons plantedx

antonyx
cleopatrax

cleopatrax
why should i think you can be mine and truex
though you in swearing shake the throned godsx
who have been false to fulviax riotous madnessx
to be entangled with those mouthxmade vows
which break themselves in swearingx

antonyx
most sweet queenx

cleopatrax
nayx pray you seek no colour for your goingx
but bid farewell and gox when you sued stayingx
then was the time for wordsx no going thenx
eternity was in our lips and eyesx
bliss in our browsx bentx none our parts so poor
but was a race of heavenx they are so stillx
or thoux the greatest soldier of the worldx
art turned the greatest liarx

antonyx
how nowx ladyx

cleopatrax
i would i had thy inchesx thou shouldst know
there were a heart in egyptx

antonyx
hear mex queenx
the strong necessity of time commands
our services awhilex but my full heart
remains in use with youx our italy
shines oxer with civil swordsx sextus pompeius
makes his approaches to the port of romex
equality of two domestic powers
breed scrupulous factionx the hatedx grown to strengthx
are newly grown to lovex the condemned pompeyx
rich in his fatherxs honourx creeps apace
into the hearts of such as have not thrived
upon the present statex whose numbers threatenx
and quietnessx grown sick of restx would purge
by any desperate changex my more particularx
and that which most with you should safe my goingx
is fulviaxs deathx

cleopatrax
though age from folly could not give me freedomx
it does from childishnessx can fulvia diex

antonyx
shexs deadx my queenx
look herex and at thy sovereign leisure read
the garboils she awakedx at the lastx bestx
see when and where she diedx

cleopatrax
o most false lovex
where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
with sorrowful waterx now i seex i seex
in fulviaxs death how mine received shall bex

antonyx
quarrel no morex but be prepared to know
the purposes i bearx which arex or ceasex
as you shall give thx advicex by the fire
that quickens nilusx slimex i go from hence
thy soldierx servantx making peace or war
as thou affectsx

cleopatrax
cut my lacex charmianx comex
but let it bex i am quickly ill and wellx
so antony lovesx

antonyx
my precious queenx forbearx
and give true evidence to his lovex which stands
an honourable trialx

cleopatrax
so fulvia told mex
i pritheex turn aside and weep for herx
then bid adieu to mex and say the tears
belong to egyptx good nowx play one scene
of excellent dissemblingx and let it look
like perfect honourx

antonyx
youxll heat my bloodx no morex

cleopatrax
you can do better yetx but this is meetlyx

antonyx
nowx by my swordx

cleopatrax
and targetx still he mendsx
but this is not the bestx lookx pritheex charmianx
how this herculean roman does become
the carriage of his chafex

antonyx
ixll leave youx ladyx

cleopatrax
courteous lordx one wordx
sirx you and i must partx but thatxs not itx
sirx you and i have lovedx but therexs not itx
that you know wellx something it is i wouldx
ox my oblivion is a very antonyx
and i am all forgottenx

antonyx
but that your royalty
holds idleness your subjectx i should take you
for idleness itselfx

cleopatrax
xtis sweating labour
to bear such idleness so near the heart
as cleopatra thisx butx sirx forgive mex
since my becomings kill me when they do not
eye well to youx your honour calls you hencex
therefore be deaf to my unpitied follyx
and all the gods go with youx upon your sword
sit laurel victoryx and smooth success
be strewed before your feetx

antonyx
let us gox comex
our separation so abides and flies
that thoux residing herex goes yet with mex
and ix hence fleetingx here remain with theex
awayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx romex an apartment in caesarxs housex

 enter octavius xcaesarxx lepidus and their trainx

caesarx
you may seex lepidusx and henceforth knowx
it is not caesarxs natural vice to hate
our great competitorx from alexandria
this is the newsx he fishesx drinksx and wastes
the lamps of night in revelx is not more manlike
than cleopatrax nor the queen of ptolemy
more womanly than hex hardly gave audiencex or
vouchsafed to think he had partnersx you shall find there
a man who is the abstract of all faults
that all men followx

lepidusx
i must not think there are
evils enough to darken all his goodnessx
his faults in him seem as the spots of heavenx
more fiery by nightxs blacknessx hereditary
rather than purchasedx what he cannot change
than what he choosesx

caesarx
you are too indulgentx letxs grant it is not
amiss to tumble on the bed of ptolemyx
to give a kingdom for a mirthx to sit
and keep the turn of tippling with a slavex
to reel the streets at noonx and stand the buffet
with knaves that smell of sweatx say this becomes himx
as his composure must be rare indeed
whom these things cannot blemishxyet must antony
no way excuse his foils when we do bear
so great weight in his lightnessx if he filled
his vacancy with his voluptuousnessx
full surfeits and the dryness of his bones
call on him forxtx but to confound such time
that drums him from his sportx and speaks as loud
as his own state and oursx xtis to be chid
as we rate boys whox being mature in knowledgex
pawn their experience to their present pleasure
and so rebel to judgmentx

 enter a messengerx

lepidusx
herexs more newsx

messengerx
thy biddings have been donex and every hourx
most noble caesarx shalt thou have report
how xtis abroadx pompey is strong at seax
and it appears he is beloved of those
that only have feared caesarx to the ports
the discontents repairx and menxs reports
give him much wrongedx

caesarx
i should have known no lessx
it hath been taught us from the primal state
that he which is was wished until he werex
and the ebbed manx nexer loved till nexer worth lovex
comes deared by being lackedx this common bodyx
like to a vagabond flag upon the streamx
goes to and backx lackeying the varying tidex
to rot itself with motionx

 enter a second messengerx

second messengerx
caesarx i bring thee word
menecrates and menasx famous piratesx
make the sea serve themx which they ear and wound
with keels of every kindx many hot inroads
they make in italyxthe borders maritime
lack blood to think onxtxand flush youth revoltx
no vessel can peep forth but xtis as soon
taken as seenx for pompeyxs name strikes more
than could his war resistedx

caesarx
antonyx
leave thy lascivious wassailsx when thou once
was beaten from modenax where thou slewxst
hirtius and pansax consulsx at thy heel
did famine followx whom thou foughtxst againstx
though daintily brought upx with patience more
than savages could sufferx thou didst drink
the stale of horses and the gilded puddle
which beasts would cough atx thy palate then did deign
the roughest berry on the rudest hedgex
yeax like the stag when snow the pasture sheetsx
the barks of trees thou browsedx on the alps
it is reported thou didst eat strange flesh
which some did die to look onx and all thisx
it wounds thine honour that i speak it nowx
was borne so like a soldier that thy cheek
so much as lanked notx

lepidusx
xtis pity of himx

caesarx
let his shames quickly
drive him to romex xtis time we twain
did show ourselves ix thx fieldx and to that end
assemble we immediate councilx pompey
thrives in our idlenessx

lepidusx
tomorrowx caesarx
i shall be furnished to inform you rightly
both what by sea and land i can be able
to front this present timex

caesarx
till which encounter
it is my business toox farewellx

lepidusx
farewellx my lordx what you shall know meantime
of stirs abroadx i shall beseech youx sirx
to let me be partakerx

caesarx
doubt notx sirx
i knew it for my bondx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter cleopatrax charmianx iras and mardianx

cleopatrax
charmianx

charmianx
madamx

cleopatrax
hax hax
give me to drink mandragorax

charmianx
whyx madamx

cleopatrax
that i might sleep out this great gap of time
my antony is awayx

charmianx
you think of him too muchx

cleopatrax
ox xtis treasonx

charmianx
madamx i trust not sox

cleopatrax
thoux eunuch mardianx

mardianx
whatxs your highnessx pleasurex

cleopatrax
not now to hear thee singx i take no pleasure
in aught an eunuch hasx xtis well for thee
thatx being unseminaredx thy freer thoughts
may not fly forth of egyptx hast thou affectionsx

mardianx
yesx gracious madamx

cleopatrax
indeedx

mardianx
not in deedx madamx for i can do nothing
but what indeed is honest to be donex
yet have i fierce affectionsx and think
what venus did with marsx

cleopatrax
ox charmianx
where thinkxst thou he is nowx stands hex or sits hex
or does he walkx or is he on his horsex
o happy horsex to bear the weight of antonyx
do bravelyx horsex for wotxst thou whom thou movxstx
the demixatlas of this earthx the arm
and burgonet of menx hexs speaking nowx
or murmuring xwherexs my serpent of old nilexx
for so he calls mex now i feed myself
with most delicious poisonx think on me
that am with phxbusx amorous pinches blackx
and wrinkled deep in timex broadxfronted caesarx
when thou wast here above the groundx i was
a morsel for a monarchx and great pompey
would stand and make his eyes grow in my browx
there would he anchor his aspectx and die
with looking on his lifex

 enter alexasx

alexasx
sovereign of egyptx hailx

cleopatrax
how much unlike art thou mark antonyx
yetx coming from himx that great medicine hath
with his tinct gilded theex
how goes it with my brave mark antonyx

alexasx
last thing he didx dear queenx
he kissedxthe last of many doubled kissesx
this orient pearlx his speech sticks in my heartx

cleopatrax
mine ear must pluck it thencex

alexasx
xgood friendxx quoth hex
xsayx the firm roman to great egypt sends
this treasure of an oysterx at whose footx
to mend the petty presentx i will piece
her opulent throne with kingdomsx all the eastx
say thoux shall call her mistressxx so he nodded
and soberly did mount an armxgaunt steedx
who neighed so high that what i would have spoke
was beastly dumbed by himx

cleopatrax
whatx was he sad or merryx

alexasx
like to the time ox thx year between the extremes
of hot and coldx he was nor sad nor merryx

cleopatrax
o wellxdivided dispositionxxnote himx
note himx good charmianx xtis the manx but note himx
he was not sadx for he would shine on those
that make their looks by hisx he was not merryx
which seemed to tell them his remembrance lay
in egypt with his joyx but between bothx
o heavenly minglexxbexst thou sad or merryx
the violence of either thee becomesx
so does it no man elsexxmetxst thou my postsx

alexasx
ayx madamx twenty several messengersx
why do you send so thickx

cleopatrax
whoxs born that day
when i forget to send to antony
shall die a beggarxxink and paperx charmianxx
welcomex my good alexasxxdid ix charmianx
ever love caesar sox

charmianx
o that brave caesarx

cleopatrax
be choked with such another emphasisx
say xthe brave antonyxx

charmianx
the valiant caesarx

cleopatrax
by isisx i will give thee bloody teeth
if thou with caesar paragon again
my man of menx

charmianx
by your most gracious pardonx
i sing but after youx

cleopatrax
my salad daysx
when i was green in judgmentx cold in bloodx
to say as i said thenx but comex awayx
get me ink and paperx
he shall have every day a several greetingx
or ixll unpeople egyptx

 xxexeuntxxx




act ii


scene ix messinax a room in pompeyxs housex

 enter pompeyx menecrates and menas in warlike mannerx

pompeyx
if the great gods be justx they shall assist
the deeds of justest menx

menecratesx
knowx worthy pompeyx
that what they do delay they not denyx

pompeyx
whiles we are suitors to their thronex decays
the thing we sue forx

menecratesx
wex ignorant of ourselvesx
beg often our own harmsx which the wise powers
deny us for our goodx so find we profit
by losing of our prayersx

pompeyx
i shall do wellx
the people love mex and the sea is minex
my powers are crescentx and my auguring hope
says it will come to thx fullx mark antony
in egypt sits at dinnerx and will make
no wars without doorsx caesar gets money where
he loses heartsx lepidus flatters bothx
of both is flatteredx but he neither loves
nor either cares for himx

menasx
caesar and lepidus
are in the fieldx a mighty strength they carryx

pompeyx
where have you thisx xtis falsex

menasx
from silviusx sirx

pompeyx
he dreamsx i know they are in rome togetherx
looking for antonyx but all the charms of lovex
salt cleopatrax soften thy waned lipx
let witchcraft join with beautyx lust with bothx
tie up the libertine in a field of feastsx
keep his brain fumingx epicurean cooks
sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetitex
that sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
even till a lethexd dullnessx

 enter varriusx

how nowx varriusx

varriusx
this is most certain that i shall deliverx
mark antony is every hour in rome
expectedx since he went from egypt xtis
a space for farther travelx

pompeyx
i could have given less matter
a better earxxmenasx i did not think
this amorous surfeiter would have donned his helm
for such a petty warx his soldiership
is twice the other twainx but let us rear
the higher our opinionx that our stirring
can from the lap of egyptxs widow pluck
the nexer lustxwearied antonyx

menasx
i cannot hope
caesar and antony shall well greet togetherx
his wife thatxs dead did trespasses to caesarx
his brother warred upon himx although i thinkx
not moved by antonyx

pompeyx
i know notx menasx
how lesser enmities may give way to greaterx
werext not that we stand up against them allx
xtwere pregnant they should square between themselvesx
for they have entertained cause enough
to draw their swordsx but how the fear of us
may cement their divisionsx and bind up
the petty differencex we yet not knowx
bext as our gods will havextx it only stands
our lives upon to use our strongest handsx
comex menasx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix romex a room in the house of lepidusx

 enter enobarbus and lepidusx

lepidusx
good enobarbusx xtis a worthy deedx
and shall become you wellx to entreat your captain
to soft and gentle speechx

enobarbusx
i shall entreat him
to answer like himselfx if caesar move himx
let antony look over caesarxs head
and speak as loud as marsx by jupiterx
were i the wearer of antoniusx beardx
i would not shavext todayx

lepidusx
xtis not a time
for private stomachingx

enobarbusx
every time
serves for the matter that is then born inxtx

lepidusx
but small to greater matters must give wayx

enobarbusx
not if the small come firstx

lepidusx
your speech is passionx
but pray you stir no embers upx here comes
the noble antonyx

 enter antony and ventidiusx

enobarbusx
and yonder caesarx

 enter caesarx maecenas and agrippax

antonyx
if we compose well herex to parthiax
harkx ventidiusx

caesarx
i do not knowx maecenasx ask agrippax

lepidusx
noble friendsx
that which combined us was most greatx and let not
a leaner action rend usx whatxs amissx
may it be gently heardx when we debate
our trivial difference loudx we do commit
murder in healing woundsx thenx noble partnersx
the rather for i earnestly beseechx
touch you the sourest points with sweetest termsx
nor curstness grow to thx matterx

antonyx
xtis spoken wellx
were we before our armiesx and to fightx
i should do thusx

caesarx
welcome to romex

antonyx
thank youx

caesarx
sitx

antonyx
sitx sirx

caesarx
nayx thenx

antonyx
i learn you take things ill which are not sox
or beingx concern you notx

caesarx
i must be laughed at
ifx or for nothing or a littlex i
should say myself offendedx and with you
chiefly ix thx worldx more laughed at that i should
once name you derogately when to sound your name
it not concerned mex

antonyx
my being in egyptx caesarx
what wasxt to youx

caesarx
no more than my residing here at rome
might be to you in egyptx yet if you there
did practise on my statex your being in egypt
might be my questionx

antonyx
how intend youx practisedx

caesarx
you may be pleased to catch at mine intent
by what did here befall mex your wife and brother
made wars upon mex and their contestation
was theme for youx you were the word of warx

antonyx
you do mistake your businessx my brother never
did urge me in his actx i did inquire itx
and have my learning from some true reports
that drew their swords with youx did he not rather
discredit my authority with yoursx
and make the wars alike against my stomachx
having alike your causex of this my letters
before did satisfy youx if youxll patch a quarrelx
as matter whole you have not to make it withx
it must not be with thisx

caesarx
you praise yourself
by laying defects of judgment to mex but
you patched up your excusesx

antonyx
not sox not sox
i know you could not lackxi am certain onxtx
very necessity of this thoughtx that ix
your partner in the cause xgainst which he foughtx
could not with graceful eyes attend those wars
which fronted mine own peacex as for my wifex
i would you had her spirit in such anotherx
the third ox thx world is yoursx which with a snaffle
you may pace easyx but not such a wifex

enobarbusx
would we had all such wivesx that the men
might go to wars with the womenx

antonyx
so much uncurbablex her garboilsx caesarx
made out of her impatiencexwhich not wanted
shrewdness of policy tooxi grieving grant
did you too much disquietx for that you must
but say i could not help itx

caesarx
i wrote to you
when rioting in alexandriax you
did pocket up my lettersx and with taunts
did gibe my missive out of audiencex

antonyx
sirx
he fell upon me ere admittedx thenx
three kings i had newly feastedx and did want
of what i was ix thx morningx but next day
i told him of myselfx which was as much
as to have asked him pardonx let this fellow
be nothing of our strifex if we contendx
out of our question wipe himx

caesarx
you have broken
the article of your oathx which you shall never
have tongue to charge me withx

lepidusx
softx caesarx

antonyx
nox lepidusx let him speakx
the honour is sacred which he talks on nowx
supposing that i lacked itx but onx caesarx
the article of my oathx

caesarx
to lend me arms and aid when i required themx
the which you both deniedx

antonyx
neglectedx ratherx
and then when poisoned hours had bound me up
from mine own knowledgex as nearly as i may
ixll play the penitent to youx but mine honesty
shall not make poor my greatnessx nor my power
work without itx truth is that fulviax
to have me out of egyptx made wars herex
for which myselfx the ignorant motivex do
so far ask pardon as befits mine honour
to stoop in such a casex

lepidusx
xtis noble spokenx

maecenasx
if it might please you to enforce no further
the griefs between yex to forget them quite
were to remember that the present need
speaks to atone youx

lepidusx
worthily spokenx maecenasx

enobarbusx
orx if you borrow one anotherxs love for the instantx you mayx when you
hear no more words of pompeyx return it againx you shall have time to
wrangle in when you have nothing else to dox

antonyx
thou art a soldier onlyx speak no morex

enobarbusx
that truth should be silent i had almost forgotx

antonyx
you wrong this presencex therefore speak no morex

enobarbusx
go tox thenx your considerate stonex

caesarx
i do not much dislike the matterx but
the manner of his speechx forxt cannot be
we shall remain in friendshipx our conditions
so differing in their actsx yet if i knew
what hoop should hold us staunchx from edge to edge
ox thx world i would pursue itx

agrippax
give me leavex caesarx

caesarx
speakx agrippax

agrippax
thou hast a sister by the motherxs sidex
admired octaviax great mark antony
is now a widowerx

caesarx
say not sox agrippax
if cleopatra heard youx your reproof
were well deserved of rashnessx

antonyx
i am not marriedx caesarx let me hear
agrippa further speakx

agrippax
to hold you in perpetual amityx
to make you brothersx and to knit your hearts
with an unslipping knotx take antony
octavia to his wifex whose beauty claims
no worse a husband than the best of menx
whose virtue and whose general graces speak
that which none else can utterx by this marriage
all little jealousiesx which now seem greatx
and all great fearsx which now import their dangersx
would then be nothingx truths would be talesx
where now halfxtales be truthsx her love to both
would each to otherx and all loves to bothx
draw after herx pardon what i have spokex
for xtis a studiedx not a present thoughtx
by duty ruminatedx

antonyx
will caesar speakx

caesarx
not till he hears how antony is touched
with what is spoke alreadyx

antonyx
what power is in agrippax
if i would say xagrippax be it soxx
to make this goodx

caesarx
the power of caesarx and
his power unto octaviax

antonyx
may i never
to this good purposex that so fairly showsx
dream of impedimentx let me have thy handx
further this act of gracex and from this hour
the heart of brothers govern in our loves
and sway our great designsx

caesarx
therexs my handx
a sister i bequeath youx whom no brother
did ever love so dearlyx let her live
to join our kingdoms and our heartsx and never
fly off our loves againx

lepidusx
happilyx amenx

antonyx
i did not think to draw my sword xgainst pompeyx
for he hath laid strange courtesies and great
of late upon mex i must thank him onlyx
lest my remembrance suffer ill reportx
at heel of thatx defy himx

lepidusx
time calls upon xsx
of us must pompey presently be soughtx
or else he seeks out usx

antonyx
where lies hex

caesarx
about the mount misenax

antonyx
what is his strength by landx

caesarx
great and increasingx but by sea
he is an absolute masterx

antonyx
so is the famex
would we had spoke togetherx haste we for itx
yetx ere we put ourselves in armsx dispatch we
the business we have talked ofx

caesarx
with most gladnessx
and do invite you to my sisterxs viewx
whither straight ixll lead youx

antonyx
let usx lepidusx not lack your companyx

lepidusx
noble antonyx not sickness should detain mex

 xxflourishx exeunt all except enobarbusx agrippa and maecenasxxx

maecenasx
welcome from egyptx sirx

enobarbusx
half the heart of caesarx worthy maecenasx my honourable friendx
agrippax

agrippax
good enobarbusx

maecenasx
we have cause to be glad that matters are so well digestedx you stayed
well by xt in egyptx

enobarbusx
ayx sirx we did sleep day out of countenance and made the night light
with drinkingx

maecenasx
eight wild boars roasted whole at a breakfastx and but twelve persons
therex is this truex

enobarbusx
this was but as a fly by an eaglex we had much more monstrous matter of
feastx which worthily deserved notingx

maecenasx
shexs a most triumphant ladyx if report be square to herx

enobarbusx
when she first met mark antonyx she pursed up his heart upon the river
of cydnusx

agrippax
there she appeared indeedx or my reporter devised well for herx

enobarbusx
i will tell youx
the barge she sat inx like a burnished thronex
burned on the waterx the poop was beaten goldx
purple the sailsx and so perfumed that
the winds were lovexsick with themx the oars were silverx
which to the tune of flutes kept strokex and made
the water which they beat to follow fasterx
as amorous of their strokesx for her own personx
it beggared all descriptionx she did lie
in her pavilionx clothxofxgold of tissuex
oxerpicturing that venus where we see
the fancy outwork naturex on each side her
stood pretty dimpled boysx like smiling cupidsx
with diversxcoloured fansx whose wind did seem
to glow the delicate cheeks which they did coolx
and what they undid didx

agrippax
ox rare for antonyx

enobarbusx
her gentlewomenx like the nereidesx
so many mermaidsx tended her ix thx eyesx
and made their bends adorningsx at the helm
a seeming mermaid steersx the silken tackle
swell with the touches of those flowerxsoft hands
that yarely frame the officex from the barge
a strange invisible perfume hits the sense
of the adjacent wharfsx the city cast
her people out upon herx and antonyx
enthroned ix thx marketxplacex did sit alonex
whistling to thx airx whichx but for vacancyx
had gone to gaze on cleopatra toox
and made a gap in naturex

agrippax
rare egyptianx

enobarbusx
upon her landingx antony sent to herx
invited her to supperx she replied
it should be better he became her guestx
which she entreatedx our courteous antonyx
whom nexer the word of xnox woman heard speakx
being barbered ten times oxerx goes to the feastx
andx for his ordinaryx pays his heart
for what his eyes eat onlyx

agrippax
royal wenchx
she made great caesar lay his sword to bedx
he ploughed herx and she croppedx

enobarbusx
i saw her once
hop forty paces through the public street
andx having lost her breathx she spoke and pantedx
that she did make defect perfectionx
andx breathlessx pour breath forthx

maecenasx
now antony must leave her utterlyx

enobarbusx
neverx he will notx
age cannot wither herx nor custom stale
her infinite varietyx other women cloy
the appetites they feedx but she makes hungry
where most she satisfiesx for vilest things
become themselves in herx that the holy priests
bless her when she is riggishx

maecenasx
if beautyx wisdomx modesty can settle
the heart of antonyx octavia is
a blessed lottery to himx

agrippax
let us gox
good enobarbusx make yourself my guest
whilst you abide herex

enobarbusx
humblyx sirx i thank youx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix romex a room in caesarxs housex

 enter antonyx caesarx octavia between themx

antonyx
the world and my great office will sometimes
divide me from your bosomx

octaviax
all which time
before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
to them for youx

antonyx
good nightx sirxxmy octaviax
read not my blemishes in the worldxs reportx
i have not kept my squarex but that to come
shall all be done by thx rulex good nightx dear ladyx

octaviax
good nightx sirx

caesarx
good nightx

 xxexeunt caesar and octaviaxxx

 enter soothsayerx

antonyx
nowx sirrahx you do wish yourself in egyptx

soothsayerx
would i had never come from thencex nor you thitherx

antonyx
if you canx your reasonx

soothsayerx
i see it in my motionx have it not in my tonguex
but yet hie you to egypt againx

antonyx
say to mex
whose fortunes shall rise higherx caesarxs or minex

soothsayerx
caesarxsx
thereforex o antonyx stay not by his sidex
thy dxmonxthat thy spirit which keeps theexis
noblex courageousx highx unmatchablex
where caesarxs is notx but near himx thy angel
becomes afeardx as being oxerpoweredx therefore
make space enough between youx

antonyx
speak this no morex

soothsayerx
to none but theex no more but when to theex
if thou dost play with him at any gamex
thou art sure to losex and of that natural luck
he beats thee xgainst the oddsx thy lustre thickens
when he shines byx i say againx thy spirit
is all afraid to govern thee near himx
butx he awayx xtis noblex

antonyx
get thee gonex
say to ventidius i would speak with himx

 xxexit soothsayerxxx

he shall to parthiax be it art or hapx
he hath spoken truex the very dice obey himx
and in our sports my better cunning faints
under his chancex if we draw lotsx he speedsx
his cocks do win the battle still of mine
when it is all to naughtx and his quails ever
beat minex inhoopedx at oddsx i will to egyptx
and though i make this marriage for my peacex
ix thx east my pleasure liesx

 enter ventidiusx

ox comex ventidiusx
you must to parthiax your commissionxs readyx
follow me and receive xtx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx romex a streetx

 enter lepidusx maecenas and agrippax

lepidusx
trouble yourselves no furtherx pray you hasten
your generals afterx

agrippax
sirx mark antony
will exen but kiss octaviax and wexll followx

lepidusx
till i shall see you in your soldierxs dressx
which will become you bothx farewellx

maecenasx
we shallx
as i conceive the journeyx be at the mount
before youx lepidusx

lepidusx
your way is shorterx
my purposes do draw me much aboutx
youxll win two days upon mex

bothx
sirx good successx

lepidusx
farewellx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter cleopatrax charmianx irasx alexasx

cleopatrax
give me some musicxmusicx moody food
of us that trade in lovex

allx
the musicx hox

 enter mardianx the eunuchx

cleopatrax
let it alonex letxs to billiardsx comex charmianx

charmianx
my arm is sorex best play with mardianx

cleopatrax
as well a woman with an eunuch played
as with a womanx comex youxll play with mex sirx

mardianx
as well as i canx madamx

cleopatrax
and when good will is showedx thoughxt come too shortx
the actor may plead pardonx ixll none nowx
give me mine anglex wexll to the riverx therex
my music playing far offx i will betray
tawnyxfinned fishesx my bended hook shall pierce
their slimy jawsx and as i draw them up
ixll think them every one an antonyx
and say xahx hax youxre caughtxx

charmianx
xtwas merry when
you wagered on your anglingx when your diver
did hang a salt fish on his hookx which he
with fervency drew upx

cleopatrax
that timexxo timesxx
i laughed him out of patiencex and that night
i laughed him into patiencex and next mornx
ere the ninth hourx i drunk him to his bedx
then put my tires and mantles on himx whilst
i wore his sword philippanx

 enter messengerx

ox from italyx
ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine earsx
that long time have been barrenx

messengerx
madamx madamx

cleopatrax
antonyxs deadx if thou say sox villainx
thou killxst thy mistressx but well and freex
if thou so yield himx there is goldx and here
my bluest veins to kissx a hand that kings
have lippedx and trembled kissingx

messengerx
firstx madamx hexs wellx

cleopatrax
whyx therexs more goldx
but sirrahx markx we use
to say the dead are wellx bring it to thatx
the gold i give thee will i melt and pour
down thy illxuttering throatx

messengerx
good madamx hear mex

cleopatrax
wellx go tox i willx
but therexs no goodness in thy face if antony
be free and healthfulx so tart a favour
to trumpet such good tidingsx if not wellx
thou shouldst come like a fury crowned with snakesx
not like a formal manx

messengerx
willxt please you hear mex

cleopatrax
i have a mind to strike thee ere thou speakxstx
yet if thou say antony livesx is wellx
or friends with caesarx or not captive to himx
ixll set thee in a shower of gold and hail
rich pearls upon theex

messengerx
madamx hexs wellx

cleopatrax
well saidx

messengerx
and friends with caesarx

cleopatrax
thx art an honest manx

messengerx
caesar and he are greater friends than everx

cleopatrax
make thee a fortune from mex

messengerx
but yetx madamx

cleopatrax
i do not like xbut yetxx it does allay
the good precedencex fie upon xbut yetxx
xbut yetx is as a gaoler to bring forth
some monstrous malefactorx pritheex friendx
pour out the pack of matter to mine earx
the good and bad togetherx hexs friends with caesarx
in state of healthx thou sayxstx andx thou sayxstx freex

messengerx
freex madamx nox i made no such reportx
hexs bound unto octaviax

cleopatrax
for what good turnx

messengerx
for the best turn ix thx bedx

cleopatrax
i am palex charmianx

messengerx
madamx hexs married to octaviax

cleopatrax
the most infectious pestilence upon theex

 xxstrikes him downxxx

messengerx
good madamx patiencex

cleopatrax
what say youx

 xxstrikes him againxxx

hencex horrible villainx or ixll spurn thine eyes
like balls before mex ixll unhair thy headx

 xxshe hales him up and downxxx

thou shalt be whipped with wire and stewed in brinex
smarting in lingxring picklex

messengerx
gracious madamx
i that do bring the news made not the matchx

cleopatrax
say xtis not sox a province i will give theex
and make thy fortunes proudx the blow thou hadst
shall make thy peace for moving me to ragex
and i will boot thee with what gift beside
thy modesty can begx

messengerx
hexs marriedx madamx

cleopatrax
roguex thou hast lived too longx

 xxdraws a knifexxx

messengerx
nay then ixll runx
what mean youx madamx i have made no faultx

 xxexitxxx

charmianx
good madamx keep yourself within yourselfx
the man is innocentx

cleopatrax
some innocents xscape not the thunderboltx
melt egypt into nilex and kindly creatures
turn all to serpentsx call the slave againx
though i am madx i will not bite himx callx

charmianx
he is afeard to comex

cleopatrax
i will not hurt himx

 xxexit charmianxxx

these hands do lack nobility that they strike
a meaner than myselfx since i myself
have given myself the causex

 enter the messenger again with charmianx

come hitherx sirx
though it be honestx it is never good
to bring bad newsx give to a gracious message
an host of tonguesx but let ill tidings tell
themselves when they be feltx

messengerx
i have done my dutyx

cleopatrax
is he marriedx
i cannot hate thee worser than i do
if thou again say xyesxx

messengerx
hexs marriedx madamx

cleopatrax
the gods confound theex dost thou hold there stillx

messengerx
should i liex madamx

cleopatrax
ox i would thou didstx
so half my egypt were submerged and made
a cistern for scaled snakesx gox get thee hencex
hadst thou narcissus in thy facex to me
thou wouldst appear most uglyx he is marriedx

messengerx
i crave your highnessx pardonx

cleopatrax
he is marriedx

messengerx
take no offence that i would not offend youx
to punish me for what you make me do
seems much unequalx hexs married to octaviax

cleopatrax
ox that his fault should make a knave of thee
that art not what thouxrt sure ofx get thee hencex
the merchandise which thou hast brought from rome
are all too dear for mex lie they upon thy handx
and be undone by xemx

 xxexit messengerxxx

charmianx
good your highnessx patiencex

cleopatrax
in praising antony i have dispraised caesarx

charmianx
many timesx madamx

cleopatrax
i am paid forxt nowx
lead me from hencex
i faintx o irasx charmianx xtis no matterx
go to the fellowx good alexasx bid him
report the feature of octaviax her yearsx
her inclinationx let him not leave out
the colour of her hairx bring me word quicklyx

 xxexit alexasxxx

let him for ever goxlet him notx charmianx
though he be painted one way like a gorgonx
the other way xs a marsx xxto mardianxx bid you alexas
bring me word how tall she isx pity mex charmianx
but do not speak to mex lead me to my chamberx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix near misenumx

 flourishx enter pompey and menas at one doorx with drum and trumpetx
 at anotherx caesarx lepidusx antonyx enobarbusx maecenasx agrippax
 with soldiers marchingx

pompeyx
your hostages i havex so have you minex
and we shall talk before we fightx

caesarx
most meet
that first we come to wordsx and therefore have we
our written purposes before us sentx
which if thou hast consideredx let us know
if xtwill tie up thy discontented sword
and carry back to sicily much tall youth
that else must perish herex

pompeyx
to you all threex
the senators alone of this great worldx
chief factors for the godsx i do not know
wherefore my father should revengers wantx
having a son and friendsx since julius caesarx
who at philippi the good brutus ghostedx
there saw you labouring for himx what wasxt
that moved pale cassius to conspirex and what
made the allxhonouredx honest romanx brutusx
with the armed restx courtiers of beauteous freedomx
to drench the capitolx but that they would
have one man but a manx and that is it
hath made me rig my navyx at whose burden
the angered ocean foamsx with which i meant
to scourge thx ingratitude that despiteful rome
cast on my noble fatherx

caesarx
take your timex

antonyx
thou canst not fear usx pompeyx with thy sailsx
wexll speak with thee at seax at land thou knowxst
how much we do oxercount theex

pompeyx
at land indeed
thou dost oxercount me of my fatherxs housex
but since the cuckoo builds not for himselfx
remain inxt as thou maystx

lepidusx
be pleased to tell usx
for this is from the presentxhow you take
the offers we have sent youx

caesarx
therexs the pointx

antonyx
which do not be entreated tox but weigh
what it is worth embracedx

caesarx
and what may follow
to try a larger fortunex

pompeyx
you have made me offer
of sicilyx sardiniax and i must
rid all the sea of piratesx then to send
measures of wheat to romex this xgreed uponx
to part with unhacked edges and bear back
our targes undintedx

caesarx antonyx and lepidusx
thatxs our offerx

pompeyx
knowx thenx
i came before you here a man prepared
to take this offerx but mark antony
put me to some impatiencex though i lose
the praise of it by tellingx you must know
when caesar and your brother were at blowsx
your mother came to sicily and did find
her welcome friendlyx

antonyx
i have heard itx pompeyx
and am well studied for a liberal thanks
which i do owe youx

pompeyx
let me have your handx
i did not thinkx sirx to have met you herex

antonyx
the beds ix thx east are softx and thanks to youx
that called me timelier than my purpose hitherx
for i have gained by xtx

caesarx
since i saw you lastx
there is a change upon youx

pompeyx
wellx i know not
what counts harsh fortune casts upon my facex
but in my bosom shall she never come
to make my heart her vassalx

lepidusx
well met herex

pompeyx
i hope sox lepidusx thus we are agreedx
i crave our composition may be written
and sealed between usx

caesarx
thatxs the next to dox

pompeyx
wexll feast each other ere we partx and letxs
draw lots who shall beginx

antonyx
that will ix pompeyx

pompeyx
nox antonyx take the lotx
butx first or lastx your fine egyptian cookery
shall have the famex i have heard that julius caesar
grew fat with feasting therex

antonyx
you have heard muchx

pompeyx
i have fair meaningsx sirx

antonyx
and fair words to themx

pompeyx
then so much have i heardx
and i have heard apollodorus carriedx

enobarbusx
no more of thatx he did sox

pompeyx
whatx i pray youx

enobarbusx
a certain queen to caesar in a mattressx

pompeyx
i know thee nowx how farxst thoux soldierx

enobarbusx
wellx
and well am like to dox for i perceive
four feasts are towardx

pompeyx
let me shake thy handx
i never hated theex i have seen thee fight
when i have envied thy behaviourx

enobarbusx
sirx
i never loved you muchx but i hax praised ye
when you have well deserved ten times as much
as i have said you didx

pompeyx
enjoy thy plainnessx
it nothing ill becomes theex
aboard my galley i invite you allx
will you leadx lordsx

caesarx antonyx and lepidusx
showxs the wayx sirx

pompeyx
comex

 xxexeunt all but enobarbus and menasxxx

menasx
xxasidexxx thy fatherx pompeyx would nexer have made this treatyxx
you and i have knownx sirx

enobarbusx
at seax i thinkx

menasx
we havex sirx

enobarbusx
you have done well by waterx

menasx
and you by landx

enobarbusx
i will praise any man that will praise mex though it cannot be denied
what i have done by landx

menasx
nor what i have done by waterx

enobarbusx
yesx something you can deny for your own safetyx you have been a great
thief by seax

menasx
and you by landx

enobarbusx
there i deny my land servicex but give me your handx menasx if our eyes
had authorityx here they might take two thieves kissingx

menasx
all menxs faces are truex whatsomexer their hands arex

enobarbusx
but there is never a fair woman has a true facex

menasx
no slanderx they steal heartsx

enobarbusx
we came hither to fight with youx

menasx
for my partx i am sorry it is turned to a drinkingx pompey doth this
day laugh away his fortunex

enobarbusx
if he dox sure he cannot weep xt back againx

menasx
you have saidx sirx we looked not for mark antony herex pray youx is he
married to cleopatrax

enobarbusx
caesarxs sister is called octaviax

menasx
truex sirx she was the wife of caius marcellusx

enobarbusx
but she is now the wife of marcus antoniusx

menasx
pray youx sirx

enobarbusx
xtis truex

menasx
then is caesar and he for ever knit togetherx

enobarbusx
if i were bound to divine of this unityx i would not prophesy sox

menasx
i think the policy of that purpose made more in the marriage than the
love of the partiesx

enobarbusx
i think so toox but you shall find the band that seems to tie their
friendship together will be the very strangler of their amityx octavia
is of a holyx coldx and still conversationx

menasx
who would not have his wife sox

enobarbusx
not he that himself is not sox which is mark antonyx he will to his
egyptian dish againx then shall the sighs of octavia blow the fire up
in caesarx andx as i said beforex that which is the strength of their
amity shall prove the immediate author of their variancex antony will
use his affection where it isx he married but his occasion herex

menasx
and thus it may bex comex sirx will you aboardx i have a health for
youx

enobarbusx
i shall take itx sirx we have used our throats in egyptx

menasx
comex letxs awayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix on board pompeyxs galleyx lying near misenumx

 musicx enter two or three servants with a banquetx

first servantx
here theyxll bex manx some ox their plants are illxrooted alreadyx the
least wind ix thx world will blow them downx

second servantx
lepidus is highxcolouredx

first servantx
they have made him drink almsxdrinkx

second servantx
as they pinch one another by the dispositionx he cries out xno morexx
reconciles them to his entreaty and himself to thx drinkx

first servantx
but it raises the greater war between him and his discretionx

second servantx
whyx this it is to have a name in great menxs fellowshipx i had as lief
have a reed that will do me no service as a partisan i could not heavex

first servantx
to be called into a huge spherex and not to be seen to move in xtx are
the holes where eyes should bex which pitifully disaster the cheeksx

 a sennet soundedx enter caesarx antonyx pompeyx lepidusx agrippax
 maecenasx enobarbusx menas with other captainsx

antonyx
xxto caesarxxx thus do theyx sirx they take the flow ox thx nile
by certain scales ix thx pyramidx they know
by thx heightx the lownessx or the meanx if dearth
or foison followx the higher nilus swellsx
the more it promisesx as it ebbsx the seedsman
upon the slime and ooze scatters his grainx
and shortly comes to harvestx

lepidusx
youxve strange serpents therex

antonyx
ayx lepidusx

lepidusx
your serpent of egypt is bred now of your mud by the operation of your
sunx so is your crocodilex

antonyx
they are sox

pompeyx
sitx and some winex a health to lepidusx

lepidusx
i am not so well as i should bex but ixll nexer outx

enobarbusx
not till you have sleptx i fear me youxll be in till thenx

lepidusx
nayx certainlyx i have heard the ptolemiesx pyramises are very goodly
thingsx without contradiction i have heard thatx

menasx
xxaside to pompeyxxx pompeyx a wordx

pompeyx
xxaside to menasxxx say in mine ear what is xtx

menasx
xxwhispers in xs earxxx forsake thy seatx i do beseech theex captainx
and hear me speak a wordx

pompeyx
xxaside to menasxxx forbear me till anonxx
this wine for lepidusx

lepidusx
what manner ox thing is your crocodilex

antonyx
it is shapedx sirx like itselfx and it is as broad as it hath breadthx
it is just so high as it isx and moves with it own organsx it lives by
that which nourisheth itx and the elements once out of itx it
transmigratesx

lepidusx
what colour is it ofx

antonyx
of its own colour toox

lepidusx
xtis a strange serpentx

antonyx
xtis sox and the tears of it are wetx

caesarx
will this description satisfy himx

antonyx
with the health that pompey gives himx else he is a very epicurex

pompeyx
xxaside to menasxxx go hangx sirx hangx tell me of thatx awayx
do as i bid youxxwherexs this cup i called forx

menasx
xxaside to pompeyxxx if for the sake of merit thou wilt hear mex
rise from thy stoolx

pompeyx
xxaside to menasxxx i think thouxrt madx

 xxrises and walks asidexxx

the matterx

menasx
i have ever held my cap off to thy fortunesx

pompeyx
thou hast served me with much faithx whatxs else to sayxx
be jollyx lordsx

antonyx
these quicksandsx lepidusx
keep off themx for you sinkx

menasx
wilt thou be lord of all the worldx

pompeyx
what sayst thoux

menasx
wilt thou be lord of the whole worldx
thatxs twicex

pompeyx
how should that bex

menasx
but entertain itx
and though you think me poorx i am the man
will give thee all the worldx

pompeyx
hast thou drunk wellx

menasx
nox pompeyx i have kept me from the cupx
thou artx if thou darxst bex the earthly jovex
whatexer the ocean pales or sky inclips
is thinex if thou wilt havextx

pompeyx
show me which wayx

menasx
these three worldxsharersx these competitorsx
are in thy vesselx let me cut the cablex
and when we are put offx fall to their throatsx
all then is thinex

pompeyx
ahx this thou shouldst have done
and not have spoke on xtx in me xtis villainyx
in thee xt had been good servicex thou must know
xtis not my profit that does lead mine honourx
mine honour itx repent that exer thy tongue
hath so betrayxd thine actx being done unknownx
i should have found it afterwards well donex
but must condemn it nowx desistx and drinkx

menasx
xxasidexxx for thisx
ixll never follow thy palled fortunes morex
who seeksx and will not take when once xtis offeredx
shall never find it morex

pompeyx
this health to lepidusx

antonyx
bear him ashorex ixll pledge it for himx pompeyx

enobarbusx
herexs to theex menasx

menasx
enobarbusx welcomex

pompeyx
fill till the cup be hidx

enobarbusx
therexs a strong fellowx menasx

 xxpointing to the servant who carries off lepidusxxx

menasx
whyx

enobarbusx
xa bears the third part of the worldx manx seest notx

menasx
the third partx thenx is drunkx would it were allx
that it might go on wheelsx

enobarbusx
drink thoux increase the reelsx

menasx
comex

pompeyx
this is not yet an alexandrian feastx

antonyx
it ripens towards itx strike the vesselsx hox
here is to caesarx

caesarx
i could well forbearxtx
itxs monstrous labour when i wash my brain
and it grows foulerx

antonyx
be a child ox the timex

caesarx
possess itx ixll make answerx
but i had rather fast from allx four daysx
than drink so much in onex

enobarbusx
xxto antonyxxx hax my brave emperorx
shall we dance now the egyptian bacchanals
and celebrate our drinkx

pompeyx
letxs haxtx good soldierx

antonyx
comex letxs all take hands
till that the conquering wine hath steeped our sense
in soft and delicate lethex

enobarbusx
all take handsx
make battery to our ears with the loud musicx
the while ixll place youx then the boy shall singx
the holding every man shall beat as loud
as his strong sides can volleyx

 music playsx enobarbus places them hand in handx

       the songx
  comex thou monarch of the vinex
  plumpy bacchus with pink eynex
  in thy vats our cares be drownedx
  with thy grapes our hairs be crownedx
  cup us till the world go roundx
  cup us till the world go roundx

caesarx
what would you morex pompeyx good nightx good brotherx
let me request you offx our graver business
frowns at this levityxxgentle lordsx letxs partx
you see we have burnt our cheeksx strong enobarb
is weaker than the winex and mine own tongue
splits what it speaksx the wild disguise hath almost
anticked us allx what needs more wordsx good nightx
good antonyx your handx

pompeyx
ixll try you on the shorex

antonyx
and shallx sirx givexs your handx

pompeyx
o antonyx
you have my fatherxs housex
butx whatx we are friendsx comex down into the boatx

enobarbusx
take heed you fall notx

 xxexeunt pompeyx caesarx antony and attendantsxxx

menasx ixll not on shorex

menasx
nox to my cabinx these drumsx these trumpetsx flutesx whatx
let neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
to these great fellowsx sound and be hangedx sound outx

 xxsound a flourish with drumsxxx

enobarbusx
hoox says xax therexs my capx

menasx
hoox noble captainx comex

 xxexeuntxxx




act iii


scene ix a plain in syriax

 enter ventidius as it were in triumphx with silius and other romansx
 officers and soldiersx the dead body of pacorus borne before himx

ventidiusx
nowx darting parthiax art thou struckx and now
pleased fortune does of marcus crassusx death
make me revengerx bear the kingxs sonxs body
before our armyx thy pacorusx orodesx
pays this for marcus crassusx

siliusx
noble ventidiusx
whilst yet with parthian blood thy sword is warmx
the fugitive parthians followx spur through mediax
mesopotamiax and the shelters whither
the routed flyx so thy grand captain antony
shall set thee on triumphant chariotsx and
put garlands on thy headx

ventidiusx
o siliusx siliusx
i have done enoughx a lower placex note wellx
may make too great an actx for learn thisx siliusx
better to leave undone than by our deed
acquire too high a fame when him we servexs awayx
caesar and antony have ever won
more in their officerx than personx sossiusx
one of my place in syriax his lieutenantx
for quick accumulation of renownx
which he achieved by thx minutex lost his favourx
who does ix thx wars more than his captain can
becomes his captainxs captainx and ambitionx
the soldierxs virtuex rather makes choice of loss
than gain which darkens himx
i could do more to do antonius goodx
but xtwould offend himx and in his offence
should my performance perishx

siliusx
thou hastx ventidiusx that
without the which a soldier and his sword
grants scarce distinctionx thou wilt write to antonyx

ventidiusx
ixll humbly signify what in his namex
that magical word of warx we have effectedx
howx with his bannersx and his wellxpaid ranksx
the nexerxyetxbeaten horse of parthia
we have jaded out ox thx fieldx

siliusx
where is he nowx

ventidiusx
he purposeth to athensx whitherx with what haste
the weight we must convey with xs will permitx
we shall appear before himxxon therex pass alongx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix romex an antexchamber in caesarxs housex

 enter agrippa at one doorx enobarbus at anotherx

agrippax
whatx are the brothers partedx

enobarbusx
they have dispatched with pompeyx he is gonex
the other three are sealingx octavia weeps
to part from romex caesar is sadx and lepidusx
since pompeyxs feastx as menas saysx is troubled
with the greensicknessx

agrippax
xtis a noble lepidusx

enobarbusx
a very fine onex ox how he loves caesarx

agrippax
nayx but how dearly he adores mark antonyx

enobarbusx
caesarx why hexs the jupiter of menx

agrippax
whatxs antonyx the god of jupiterx

enobarbusx
spake you of caesarx howx the nonpareilx

agrippax
ox antonyx o thou arabian birdx

enobarbusx
would you praise caesarx say xcaesarxx go no furtherx

agrippax
indeedx he plied them both with excellent praisesx

enobarbusx
but he loves caesar bestx yet he loves antonyx
hoox heartsx tonguesx figuresx scribesx bardsx poetsx cannot
thinkx speakx castx writex singx numberxhooxx
his love to antonyx but as for caesarx
kneel downx kneel downx and wonderx

agrippax
both he lovesx

enobarbusx
they are his shardsx and he their beetlex

 xxtrumpets withinxxx

sox
this is to horsex adieux noble agrippax

agrippax
good fortunex worthy soldierx and farewellx

 enter caesarx antonyx lepidus and octaviax

antonyx
no furtherx sirx

caesarx
you take from me a great part of myselfx
use me well inxtx sisterx prove such a wife
as my thoughts make theex and as my farthest bond
shall pass on thy approofx most noble antonyx
let not the piece of virtue which is set
betwixt usx as the cement of our love
to keep it buildedx be the ram to batter
the fortress of itx for better might we
have loved without this meanx if on both parts
this be not cherishedx

antonyx
make me not offended
in your distrustx

caesarx
i have saidx

antonyx
you shall not findx
though you be therein curiousx the least cause
for what you seem to fearx so the gods keep youx
and make the hearts of romans serve your endsx
we will here partx

caesarx
farewellx my dearest sisterx fare thee wellx
the elements be kind to theex and make
thy spirits all of comfortx fare thee wellx

octaviax
my noble brotherx

antonyx
the aprilxs in her eyesx it is lovexs springx
and these the showers to bring it onxxbe cheerfulx

octaviax
sirx look well to my husbandxs housex andx

caesarx
whatx octaviax

octaviax
ixll tell you in your earx

antonyx
her tongue will not obey her heartx nor can
her heart inform her tonguexthe swanxsxdown featherx
that stands upon the swell at the full of tidex
and neither way inclinesx

enobarbusx
xxaside to agrippaxxx will caesar weepx

agrippax
xxaside to enobarbusxxx he has a cloud in xs facex

enobarbusx
xxaside to agrippaxxx he were the worse for that were he a horsex
so is hex being a manx

agrippax
xxaside to enobarbusxxx whyx enobarbusx
when antony found julius caesar deadx
he cried almost to roaringx and he wept
when at philippi he found brutus slainx

enobarbusx
xxaside to agrippaxxx that yearx indeedx he was troubled with a rheumx
what willingly he did confound he wailedx
believe xtx till i weep toox

caesarx
nox sweet octaviax
you shall hear from me stillx the time shall not
outgo my thinking on youx

antonyx
comex sirx comex
ixll wrestle with you in my strength of lovex
lookx here i have youx thus i let you gox
and give you to the godsx

caesarx
adieux be happyx

lepidusx
let all the number of the stars give light
to thy fair wayx

caesarx
farewellx farewellx

 xxkisses octaviaxxx

antonyx
farewellx

 xxtrumpets soundx exeuntxxx

scene iiix alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter cleopatrax charmianx iras and alexasx

cleopatrax
where is the fellowx

alexasx
half afeared to comex

cleopatrax
go tox go tox

 enter a messenger as beforex

come hitherx sirx

alexasx
good majestyx
herod of jewry dare not look upon you
but when you are well pleasedx

cleopatrax
that herodxs head
ixll havex but howx when antony is gonex
through whom i might command itxxcome thou nearx

messengerx
most gracious majestyx

cleopatrax
didst thou behold octaviax

messengerx
ayx dread queenx

cleopatrax
wherex

messengerx
madamx in rome
i looked her in the facex and saw her led
between her brother and mark antonyx

cleopatrax
is she as tall as mex

messengerx
she is notx madamx

cleopatrax
didst hear her speakx is she shrillxtongued or lowx

messengerx
madamx i heard her speakx she is lowxvoicedx

cleopatrax
thatxs not so goodx he cannot like her longx

charmianx
like herx o isisx xtis impossiblex

cleopatrax
i think sox charmianx dull of tongue and dwarfishx
what majesty is in her gaitx rememberx
if exer thou lookxdst on majestyx

messengerx
she creepsx
her motion and her station are as onex
she shows a body rather than a lifex
a statue than a breatherx

cleopatrax
is this certainx

messengerx
or i have no observancex

charmianx
three in egypt
cannot make better notex

cleopatrax
hexs very knowingx
i do perceivextx therexs nothing in her yetx
the fellow has good judgmentx

charmianx
excellentx

cleopatrax
guess at her yearsx i pritheex

messengerx
madamx
she was a widowx

cleopatrax
widowx charmianx harkx

messengerx
and i do think shexs thirtyx

cleopatrax
bearxst thou her face in mindx isxt long or roundx

messengerx
round even to faultinessx

cleopatrax
for the most partx toox they are foolish that are sox
her hairx what colourx

messengerx
brownx madamx and her forehead
as low as she would wish itx

cleopatrax
therexs gold for theex
thou must not take my former sharpness illx
i will employ thee back againx i find thee
most fit for businessx go make thee readyx
our letters are preparedx

 xxexit messengerxxx

charmianx
a proper manx

cleopatrax
indeedx he is sox i repent me much
that so i harried himx whyx methinksx by himx
this creaturexs no such thingx

charmianx
nothingx madamx

cleopatrax
the man hath seen some majestyx and should knowx

charmianx
hath he seen majestyx isis else defendx
and serving you so longx

cleopatrax
i have one thing more to ask him yetx good charmianx
but xtis no matterx thou shalt bring him to me
where i will writex all may be well enoughx

charmianx
i warrant youx madamx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx athensx a room in antonyxs housex

 enter antony and octaviax

antonyx
nayx nayx octaviax not only thatx
that were excusablex that and thousands more
of semblable importxbut he hath waged
new wars xgainst pompeyx made his willx and read it
to public earx
spoke scantly of mex when perforce he could not
but pay me terms of honourx cold and sickly
he vented themx most narrow measure lent mex
when the best hint was given himx he not took xtx
or did it from his teethx

octaviax
ox my good lordx
believe not allx or if you must believex
stomach not allx a more unhappy ladyx
if this division chancex nexer stood betweenx
praying for both partsx
the good gods will mock me presently
when i shall pray xox bless my lord and husbandxx
undo that prayer by crying out as loud
xox bless my brotherxx husband winx win brotherx
prays and destroys the prayerx no midway
xtwixt these extremes at allx

antonyx
gentle octaviax
let your best love draw to that point which seeks
best to preserve itx if i lose mine honourx
i lose myselfx better i were not yours
than yours so branchlessx butx as you requestedx
yourself shall go betweenxsx the meantimex ladyx
ixll raise the preparation of a war
shall stain your brotherx make your soonest hastex
so your desires are yoursx

octaviax
thanks to my lordx
the jove of power make mex most weakx most weakx
your reconcilerx wars xtwixt you twain would be
as if the world should cleavex and that slain men
should solder up the riftx

antonyx
when it appears to you where this beginsx
turn your displeasure that wayx for our faults
can never be so equal that your love
can equally move with themx provide your goingx
choose your own companyx and command what cost
your heart has mind tox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx athensx another room in antonyxs housex

 enter enobarbus and eros meetingx

enobarbusx
how nowx friend erosx

erosx
therexs strange news comex sirx

enobarbusx
whatx manx

erosx
caesar and lepidus have made wars upon pompeyx

enobarbusx
this is oldx what is the successx

erosx
caesarx having made use of him in the wars xgainst pompeyx presently
denied him rivalityx would not let him partake in the glory of the
actionx andx not resting herex accuses him of letters he had formerly
wrote to pompeyx upon his own appealx seizes himx so the poor third is
upx till death enlarge his confinex

enobarbusx
thenx worldx thou hast a pair of chapsx no morex
and throw between them all the food thou hastx
theyxll grind the one the otherx wherexs antonyx

erosx
hexs walking in the gardenx thusx and spurns
the rush that lies before himx cries xfool lepidusxx
and threats the throat of that his officer
that murdered pompeyx

enobarbusx
our great navyxs riggedx

erosx
for italy and caesarx morex domitiusx
my lord desires you presentlyx my news
i might have told hereafterx

enobarbusx
xtwill be naughtx
but let it bex bring me to antonyx

erosx
comex sirx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix romex a room in caesarxs housex

 enter agrippax maecenas and caesarx

caesarx
contemning romex he has done all thisx and more
in alexandriax herexs the manner of xtx
ix thx marketxplacex on a tribunal silveredx
cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold
were publicly enthronedx at the feet sat
caesarionx whom they call my fatherxs sonx
and all the unlawful issue that their lust
since then hath made between themx unto her
he gave the stablishment of egyptx made her
of lower syriax cyprusx lydiax
absolute queenx

maecenasx
this in the public eyex

caesarx
ix thx common showplace where they exercisex
his sons he there proclaimed the kings of kingsx
great mediax parthiax and armenia
he gave to alexanderx to ptolemy he assigned
syriax ciliciax and phoeniciax she
in thx habiliments of the goddess isis
that day appearedx and oft before gave audiencex
as xtis reportedx sox

maecenasx
let rome be thus informedx

agrippax
whox queasy with his insolence alreadyx
will their good thoughts call from himx

caesarx
the people knows it and have now received
his accusationsx

agrippax
who does he accusex

caesarx
caesarx and thatx having in sicily
sextus pompeius spoiledx we had not rated him
his part ox thx islex then does he say he lent me
some shippingx unrestoredx lastlyx he frets
that lepidus of the triumvirate
should be deposed andx beingx that we detain
all his revenuex

agrippax
sirx this should be answeredx

caesarx
xtis done alreadyx and messenger gonex
i have told him lepidus was grown too cruelx
that he his high authority abusedx
and did deserve his changex for what i have conquered
i grant him partx but then in his armenia
and other of his conquered kingdomsx i
demand the likex

maecenasx
hexll never yield to thatx

caesarx
nor must not then be yielded to in thisx

 enter octavia with her trainx

octaviax
hailx caesarx and my lordx hailx most dear caesarx

caesarx
that ever i should call thee castawayx

octaviax
you have not called me sox nor have you causex

caesarx
why have you stolen upon us thusx you come not
like caesarxs sisterx the wife of antony
should have an army for an usherx and
the neighs of horse to tell of her approach
long ere she did appearx the trees by thx way
should have borne menx and expectation faintedx
longing for what it had notx nayx the dust
should have ascended to the roof of heavenx
raised by your populous troopsx but you are come
a marketxmaid to romex and have prevented
the ostentation of our lovex whichx left unshownx
is often left unlovedx we should have met you
by sea and landx supplying every stage
with an augmented greetingx

octaviax
good my lordx
to come thus was i not constrainedx but did it
on my free willx my lordx mark antonyx
hearing that you prepared for warx acquainted
my grieved ear withalx whereon i begged
his pardon for returnx

caesarx
which soon he grantedx
being an abstract xtween his lust and himx

octaviax
do not say sox my lordx

caesarx
i have eyes upon himx
and his affairs come to me on the windx
where is he nowx

octaviax
my lordx in athensx

caesarx
nox my most wronged sisterx cleopatra
hath nodded him to herx he hath given his empire
up to a whorex who now are levying
the kings ox thx earth for warx he hath assembled
bocchusx the king of libyax archelaus
of cappadociax philadelphosx king
of paphlagoniax the thracian kingx adallasx
king manchus of arabiax king of pontx
herod of jewryx mithridatesx king
of comagenex polemon and amyntasx
the kings of mede and lycaoniax
with a more larger list of sceptresx

octaviax
ay mex most wretchedx
that have my heart parted betwixt two friends
that does afflict each otherx

caesarx
welcome hitherx
your letters did withhold our breaking forth
till we perceived both how you were wrong led
and we in negligent dangerx cheer your heartx
be you not troubled with the timex which drives
oxer your content these strong necessitiesx
but let determined things to destiny
hold unbewailed their wayx welcome to romex
nothing more dear to mex you are abused
beyond the mark of thoughtx and the high godsx
to do you justicex make their ministers
of us and those that love youx best of comfortx
and ever welcome to usx

agrippax
welcomex ladyx

maecenasx
welcomex dear madamx
each heart in rome does love and pity youx
only thx adulterous antonyx most large
in his abominationsx turns you off
and gives his potent regiment to a trull
that noises it against usx

octaviax
is it sox sirx

caesarx
most certainx sisterx welcomex pray you
be ever known to patiencex my dearxst sisterx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix antonyxs camp near the promontory of actiumx

 enter cleopatra and enobarbusx

cleopatrax
i will be even with theex doubt it notx

enobarbusx
but whyx whyx whyx

cleopatrax
thou hast forspoke my being in these wars
and sayxst it is not fitx

enobarbusx
wellx is itx is itx

cleopatrax
is xt not denounced against usx why should not we
be there in personx

enobarbusx
wellx i could replyx
if we should serve with horse and mares togetherx
the horse were merely lostx the mares would bear
a soldier and his horsex

cleopatrax
what isxt you sayx

enobarbusx
your presence needs must puzzle antonyx
take from his heartx take from his brainx from xs timex
what should not then be sparedx he is already
traduced for levityx and xtis said in rome
that photinusx an eunuchx and your maids
manage this warx

cleopatrax
sink romex and their tongues rot
that speak against usx a charge we bear ix thx warx
andx as the president of my kingdomx will
appear there for a manx speak not against itx
i will not stay behindx

 enter antony and canidiusx

enobarbusx
nayx i have donex
here comes the emperorx

antonyx
is it not strangex canidiusx
that from tarentum and brundusium
he could so quickly cut the ionian sea
and take in torynexxyou have heard on xtx sweetx

cleopatrax
celerity is never more admired
than by the negligentx

antonyx
a good rebukex
which might have well becomed the best of men
to taunt at slacknessxxcanidiusx we
will fight with him by seax

cleopatrax
by seax what elsex

canidiusx
why will my lord do sox

antonyx
for that he dares us to xtx

enobarbusx
so hath my lord dared him to single fightx

canidiusx
ayx and to wage this battle at pharsaliax
where caesar fought with pompeyx but these offersx
which serve not for his vantagex he shakes offx
and so should youx

enobarbusx
your ships are not well mannedx
your mariners are muleteersx reapersx people
engrossed by swift impressx in caesarxs fleet
are those that often have xgainst pompey foughtx
their ships are yarex yours heavyx no disgrace
shall fall you for refusing him at seax
being prepared for landx

antonyx
by seax by seax

enobarbusx
most worthy sirx you therein throw away
the absolute soldiership you have by landx
distract your armyx which doth most consist
of warxmarked footmenx leave unexecuted
your own renowned knowledgex quite forgo
the way which promises assurancex and
give up yourself merely to chance and hazard
from firm securityx

antonyx
ixll fight at seax

cleopatrax
i have sixty sailsx caesar none betterx

antonyx
our overplus of shipping will we burnx
and with the rest fullxmannedx from thx head of actium
beat thx approaching caesarx but if we failx
we then can do xt at landx

 enter a messengerx

thy businessx

messengerx
the news is truex my lordx he is descriedx
caesar has taken torynex

antonyx
can he be there in personx xtis impossiblex
strange that his power should bex canidiusx
our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by landx
and our twelve thousand horsex wexll to our shipx
awayx my thetisx

 enter a soldierx

how nowx worthy soldierx

soldierx
o noble emperorx do not fight by seax
trust not to rotten planksx do you misdoubt
this sword and these my woundsx let thx egyptians
and the phoenicians go axduckingx we
have used to conquer standing on the earth
and fighting foot to footx

antonyx
wellx wellx awayx

 xxexeunt antonyx cleopatra and enobarbusxxx

soldierx
by herculesx i think i am ix thx rightx

canidiusx
soldierx thou artx but his whole action grows
not in the power on xtx so our leaderxs ledx
and we are womenxs menx

soldierx
you keep by land
the legions and the horse wholex do you notx

canidiusx
marcus octaviusx marcus justeiusx
publicolax and caelius are for seax
but we keep whole by landx this speed of caesarxs
carries beyond beliefx

soldierx
while he was yet in romex
his power went out in such distractions as
beguiled all spiesx

canidiusx
whoxs his lieutenantx hear youx

soldierx
they say one taurusx

canidiusx
well i know the manx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
the emperor calls canidiusx

canidiusx
with news the timexs with labourx and throes forth
each minute somex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viiix a plain near actiumx

 enter caesar with his army and taurus marchingx

caesarx
taurusx

taurusx
my lordx

caesarx
strike not by landx keep wholex provoke not battle
till we have done at seax do not exceed
the prescript of this scrollx our fortune lies
upon this jumpx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ixx another part of the plainx

 enter antony and enobarbusx

antonyx
set we our squadrons on yon side ox thx hill
in eye of caesarxs battlex from which place
we may the number of the ships behold
and so proceed accordinglyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xx another part of the plainx

canidius marching with his land army one way over the stagex and
taurusx the lieutenant of caesarx with his armyx the other wayx after
their going inx is heard the noise of a sea fightx

 alarumx enter enobarbusx

enobarbusx
naughtx naughtx all naughtx i can behold no longerx
thx antoniadx the egyptian admiralx
with all their sixtyx fly and turn the rudderx
to see xt mine eyes are blastedx

 enter scarusx

scarusx
gods and goddessesx
all the whole synod of themx

enobarbusx
whatxs thy passionx

scarusx
the greater cantle of the world is lost
with very ignorancex we have kissed away
kingdoms and provincesx

enobarbusx
how appears the fightx

scarusx
on our side likex the tokened pestilencex
where death is surex yon ribaudred nag of egyptx
whom leprosy oxertakex ix thx midst ox thx fightx
when vantage like a pair of twins appearedx
both as the samexorx ratherx ours the elderx
the breeze upon herx like a cow in junex
hoists sails and fliesx

enobarbusx
that i beheldx
mine eyes did sicken at the sight and could not
endure a further viewx

scarusx
she once being loofedx
the noble ruin of her magicx antonyx
claps on his seaxwing andx like a doting mallardx
leaving the fight in heightx flies after herx
i never saw an action of such shamex
experiencex manhoodx honourx nexer before
did violate so itselfx

enobarbusx
alackx alackx

 enter canidiusx

canidiusx
our fortune on the sea is out of breath
and sinks most lamentablyx had our general
been what he knew himselfx it had gone wellx
ox he has given example for our flight
most grossly by his ownx

enobarbusx
ayx are you thereaboutsx
whyx thenx good night indeedx

canidiusx
toward peloponnesus are they fledx

scarusx
xtis easy toxtx and there i will attend
what further comesx

canidiusx
to caesar will i render
my legions and my horsex six kings already
show me the way of yieldingx

enobarbusx
ixll yet follow
the wounded chance of antonyx though my reason
sits in the wind against mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xix alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter antony with attendantsx

antonyx
harkx the land bids me tread no more uponxtx
it is ashamed to bear mex friendsx come hitherx
i am so lated in the world that i
have lost my way for everx i have a ship
laden with goldx take thatx divide itx flyx
and make your peace with caesarx

allx
flyx not wex

antonyx
i have fled myselfx and have instructed cowards
to run and show their shouldersx friendsx be gonex
i have myself resolved upon a course
which has no need of youx be gonex
my treasurexs in the harbourx take itx ox
i followed that i blush to look uponx
my very hairs do mutinyx for the white
reprove the brown for rashnessx and they them
for fear and dotingx friendsx be gonex you shall
have letters from me to some friends that will
sweep your way for youx pray youx look not sadx
nor make replies of loathnessx take the hint
which my despair proclaimsx let that be left
which leaves itselfx to the seaxside straightwayx
i will possess you of that ship and treasurex
leave mex i prayx a littlexpray youx nowx
nayx do sox for indeed i have lost commandx
therefore i pray youx ixll see you by and byx

 xxsits downxxx

 enter cleopatra led by charmianx iras and erosx

erosx
nayx gentle madamx to himx comfort himx

irasx
dox most dear queenx

charmianx
dox whyx what elsex

cleopatrax
let me sit downx o junox

antonyx
nox nox nox nox nox

erosx
see you herex sirx

antonyx
ox fiex fiex fiex

charmianx
madamx

irasx
madamx o good empressx

erosx
sirx sirx

antonyx
yesx my lordx yesx he at philippi kept
his sword exen like a dancerx while i struck
the lean and wrinkled cassiusx and xtwas i
that the mad brutus endedx he alone
dealt on lieutenantryx and no practice had
in the brave squares of warx yet nowxno matterx

cleopatrax
ahx stand byx

erosx
the queenx my lordx the queenx

irasx
go to himx madamx speak to himx
he is unqualitied with very shamex

cleopatrax
well thenx sustain mex ox

erosx
most noble sirx arisex the queen approachesx
her headxs declinedx and death will seize her but
your comfort makes the rescuex

antonyx
i have offended reputationx
a most unnoble swervingx

erosx
sirx the queenx

antonyx
ox whither hast thou led mex egyptx see
how i convey my shame out of thine eyes
by looking back what i have left behind
xstroyed in dishonourx

cleopatrax
o my lordx my lordx
forgive my fearful sailsx i little thought
you would have followedx

antonyx
egyptx thou knewxst too well
my heart was to thy rudder tied by thx stringsx
and thou shouldst tow me afterx oxer my spirit
thy full supremacy thou knewxstx and that
thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
command mex

cleopatrax
ox my pardonx

antonyx
now i must
to the young man send humble treatiesx dodge
and palter in the shifts of lownessx who
with half the bulk ox thx world played as i pleasedx
making and marring fortunesx you did know
how much you were my conquerorx and that
my swordx made weak by my affectionx would
obey it on all causex

cleopatrax
pardonx pardonx

antonyx
fall not a tearx i sayx one of them rates
all that is won and lostx give me a kissx
even this repays mex
we sent our schoolmasterx is he come backx
lovex i am full of leadx some wine
within therex and our viandsx fortune knows
we scorn her most when most she offers blowsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xiix caesarxs camp in egyptx

 enter caesarx agrippax dolabella with othersx

caesarx
let him appear thatxs come from antonyx
know you himx

dolabellax
caesarx xtis his schoolmasterx
an argument that he is pluckedx when hither
he sends so poor a pinion of his wingx
which had superfluous kings for messengers
not many moons gone byx

 enter ambassador from anthonyx

caesarx
approachx and speakx

ambassadorx
such as i amx i come from antonyx
i was of late as petty to his ends
as is the mornxdew on the myrtle leaf
to his grand seax

caesarx
bext sox declare thine officex

ambassadorx
lord of his fortunes he salutes theex and
requires to live in egyptx which not grantedx
he lessens his requestsx and to thee sues
to let him breathe between the heavens and earthx
a private man in athensx this for himx
nextx cleopatra does confess thy greatnessx
submits her to thy mightx and of thee craves
the circle of the ptolemies for her heirsx
now hazarded to thy gracex

caesarx
for antonyx
i have no ears to his requestx the queen
of audience nor desire shall failx so she
from egypt drive her allxdisgraced friendx
or take his life therex this if she performx
she shall not sue unheardx so to them bothx

ambassadorx
fortune pursue theex

caesarx
bring him through the bandsx

 xxexit ambassadorx attendedxxx

xxto thidiasxxx to try thy eloquence now xtis timex dispatchx
from antony win cleopatrax promisex
and in our namex what she requiresx add morex
from thine inventionx offersx women are not
in their best fortunes strongx but want will perjure
the nexerxtouchxd vestalx try thy cunningx thidiasx
make thine own edict for thy painsx which we
will answer as a lawx

thidiasx
caesarx i gox

caesarx
observe how antony becomes his flawx
and what thou thinkxst his very action speaks
in every power that movesx

thidiasx
caesarx i shallx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xiiix alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter cleopatrax enobarbusx charmian and irasx

cleopatrax
what shall we dox enobarbusx

enobarbusx
thinkx and diex

cleopatrax
is antony or we in fault for thisx

enobarbusx
antony onlyx that would make his will
lord of his reasonx what though you fled
from that great face of warx whose several ranges
frighted each otherx why should he followx
the itch of his affection should not then
have nicked his captainshipx at such a pointx
when half to half the world opposedx he being
the mered questionx xtwas a shame no less
than was his lossx to course your flying flags
and leave his navy gazingx

cleopatrax
pritheex peacex

 enter the ambassador with antonyx

antonyx
is that his answerx

ambassadorx
ayx my lordx

antonyx
the queen shall then have courtesyx so she
will yield us upx

ambassadorx
he says sox

antonyx
let her knowxtxx
to the boy caesar send this grizzled headx
and he will fill thy wishes to the brim
with principalitiesx

cleopatrax
that headx my lordx

antonyx
to him againx tell him he wears the rose
of youth upon himx from which the world should note
something particularx his coinx shipsx legionsx
may be a cowardxsx whose ministers would prevail
under the service of a child as soon
as ix thx command of caesarx i dare him therefore
to lay his gay comparisons apartx
and answer me declinedx sword against swordx
ourselves alonex ixll write itx follow mex

 xxexeunt antony and ambassadorxxx

enobarbusx
yesx like enough highxbattled caesar will
unstate his happinessx and be staged to thx show
against a sworderx i see menxs judgments are
a parcel of their fortunesx and things outward
do draw the inward quality after them
to suffer all alikex that he should dreamx
knowing all measuresx the full caesar will
answer his emptinessx caesarx thou hast subdued
his judgment toox

 enter a servantx

servantx
a messenger from caesarx

cleopatrax
whatx no more ceremonyx seex my womenx
against the blown rose may they stop their nose
that kneeled unto the budsx admit himx sirx

 xxexit servantxxx

enobarbusx
xxasidexxx mine honesty and i begin to squarex
the loyalty well held to fools does make
our faith mere follyx yet he that can endure
to follow with allegiance a fallen lord
does conquer him that did his master conquerx
and earns a place ix thx storyx

 enter thidiasx

cleopatrax
caesarxs willx

thidiasx
hear it apartx

cleopatrax
none but friendsx say boldlyx

thidiasx
so haply are they friends to antonyx

enobarbusx
he needs as manyx sirx as caesar hasx
or needs not usx if caesar pleasex our master
will leap to be his friendx for usx you know
whose he is we arex and that is caesarxsx

thidiasx
soxx
thus thenx thou most renownedx caesar entreats
not to consider in what case thou standxst
further than he is caesarx

cleopatrax
go onx right royalx

thidiasx
he knows that you embrace not antony
as you did lovex but as you feared himx

cleopatrax
ox

thidiasx
the scars upon your honourx thereforex he
does pity as constrained blemishesx
not as deservedx

cleopatrax
he is a god and knows
what is most rightx mine honour was not yieldedx
but conquered merelyx

enobarbusx
xxasidexxx to be sure of thatx
i will ask antonyx sirx sirx thou art so leaky
that we must leave thee to thy sinkingx for
thy dearest quit theex

 xxexit enobarbusxxx

thidiasx
shall i say to caesar
what you require of himx for he partly begs
to be desired to givex it much would please him
that of his fortunes you should make a staff
to lean uponx but it would warm his spirits
to hear from me you had left antonyx
and put yourself under his shroudx
the universal landlordx

cleopatrax
whatxs your namex

thidiasx
my name is thidiasx

cleopatrax
most kind messengerx
say to great caesar this in deputationx
i kiss his conquxring handx tell him i am prompt
to lay my crown atxs feetx and there to kneelx
tell himx from his allxobeying breath i hear
the doom of egyptx

thidiasx
xtis your noblest coursex
wisdom and fortune combating togetherx
if that the former dare but what it canx
no chance may shake itx give me grace to lay
my duty on your handx

cleopatrax
your caesarxs father oftx
when he hath mused of taking kingdoms inx
bestowed his lips on that unworthy place
as it rained kissesx

 enter antony and enobarbusx

antonyx
favoursx by jove that thundersx
what art thoux fellowx

thidiasx
one that but performs
the bidding of the fullest man and worthiest
to have command obeyedx

enobarbusx
xxasidexxx you will be whippedx

antonyx
approach therexxahx you kitexxnowx gods and devilsx
authority melts from mex of late when i cried xhoxx
like boys unto a mussx kings would start forth
and cry xyour willxx have you no earsx i am
antony yetx

 enter servantsx

take hence this jack and whip himx

enobarbusx
xtis better playing with a lionxs whelp
than with an old one dyingx

antonyx
moon and starsx
whip himx werext twenty of the greatest tributaries
that do acknowledge caesarx should i find them
so saucy with the hand of she herexwhatxs her name
since she was cleopatrax whip himx fellowsx
till like a boy you see him cringe his face
and whine aloud for mercyx take him hencex

thidiasx
mark antonyx

antonyx
tug him awayx being whippxdx
bring him againx this jack of caesarxs shall
bear us an errand to himx

 xxexeunt servants with thidiasxxx

you were half blasted ere i knew youx hax
have i my pillow left unpressed in romex
forborne the getting of a lawful racex
and by a gem of womenx to be abused
by one that looks on feedersx

cleopatrax
good my lordx

antonyx
you have been a boggler everx
but when we in our viciousness grow hardx
o misery onxtxxthe wise gods seal our eyesx
in our own filth drop our clear judgmentsx make us
adore our errorsx laugh atxs while we strut
to our confusionx

cleopatrax
ox isxt come to thisx

antonyx
i found you as a morsel cold upon
dead caesarxs trencherx nayx you were a fragment
of gneius pompeyxsx besides what hotter hoursx
unregistered in vulgar famex you have
luxuriously pickxd outx for i am surex
though you can guess what temperance should bex
you know not what it isx

cleopatrax
wherefore is thisx

antonyx
to let a fellow that will take rewards
and say xgod quit youxx be familiar with
my playfellowx your handx this kingly seal
and plighter of high heartsx o that i were
upon the hill of basanx to outroar
the horned herdx for i have savage causex
and to proclaim it civilly were like
a haltered neck which does the hangman thank
for being yare about himx

 enter a servant with thidiasx

is he whippedx

servantx
soundlyx my lordx

antonyx
cried hex and begged he pardonx

servantx
he did ask favourx

antonyx
if that thy father livex let him repent
thou wast not made his daughterx and be thou sorry
to follow caesar in his triumphx since
thou hast been whipped for following himx henceforth
the white hand of a lady fever theex
shake thou to look onxtx get thee back to caesarx
tell him thy entertainmentx look thou say
he makes me angry with himx for he seems
proud and disdainfulx harping on what i amx
not what he knew i wasx he makes me angryx
and at this time most easy xtis to doxtx
when my good stars that were my former guides
have empty left their orbs and shot their fires
into thx abysm of hellx if he mislike
my speech and what is donex tell him he has
hipparchusx my enfranched bondmanx whom
he may at pleasure whipx or hangx or torturex
as he shall likex to quit mex urge it thoux
hence with thy stripesx be gonex

 xxexit thidiasxxx

cleopatrax
have you done yetx

antonyx
alackx our terrene moon is now eclipsedx
and it portends alone the fall of antonyx

cleopatrax
i must stay his timex

antonyx
to flatter caesarx would you mingle eyes
with one that ties his pointsx

cleopatrax
not know me yetx

antonyx
coldxhearted toward mex

cleopatrax
ahx dearx if i be sox
from my cold heart let heaven engender hail
and poison it in the sourcex and the first stone
drop in my neckx as it determinesx so
dissolve my lifex the next caesarion smitex
tillx by degrees the memory of my wombx
together with my brave egyptians allx
by the discandying of this pelleted stormx
lie gravelessx till the flies and gnats of nile
have buried them for preyx

antonyx
i am satisfiedx
caesar sits down in alexandriax where
i will oppose his fatex our force by land
hath nobly heldx our severed navy too
have knit againx and fleetx threatxning most seaxlikex
where hast thou beenx my heartx dost thou hearx ladyx
if from the field i shall return once more
to kiss these lipsx i will appear in bloodx
i and my sword will earn our chroniclex
therexs hope inxt yetx

cleopatrax
thatxs my brave lordx

antonyx
i will be treblexsinewedx heartedx breathedx
and fight maliciouslyx for when mine hours
were nice and luckyx men did ransom lives
of me for jestsx but now ixll set my teeth
and send to darkness all that stop mex comex
letxs have one other gaudy nightx call to me
all my sad captainsx fill our bowls once more
letxs mock the midnight bellx

cleopatrax
it is my birthdayx
i had thought txhave held it poorx but since my lord
is antony againx i will be cleopatrax

antonyx
we will yet do wellx

cleopatrax
call all his noble captains to my lordx

antonyx
do sox wexll speak to themx and tonight ixll force
the wine peep through their scarsx come onx my queenx
therexs sap inxt yetx the next time i do fight
ixll make death love mex for i will contend
even with his pestilent scythex

 xxexeunt all but enobarbusxxx

enobarbusx
now hexll outstare the lightningx to be furious
is to be frighted out of fearx and in that mood
the dove will peck the estridgex and i see still
a diminution in our captainxs brain
restores his heartx when valour preys on reasonx
it eats the sword it fights withx i will seek
some way to leave himx

 xxexitxxx




act iv


scene ix caesarxs camp at alexandriax

 enter caesarx agrippax and maecenasx with his armyx
caesar reading a letterx

caesarx
he calls me boyx and chides as he had power
to beat me out of egyptx my messenger
he hath whipped with rodsx dares me to personal combatx
caesar to antonyx let the old ruffian know
i have many other ways to diex meantime
laugh at his challengex

maecenasx
caesar must thinkx
when one so great begins to ragex hexs hunted
even to fallingx give him no breathx but now
make boot of his distractionx never anger
made good guard for itselfx

caesarx
let our best heads
know that tomorrow the last of many battles
we mean to fightx within our files there arex
of those that served mark antony but latex
enough to fetch him inx see it donex
and feast the armyx we have store to doxtx
and they have earned the wastex poor antonyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter antonyx cleopatrax enobarbusx charmianx irasx alexas with
 othersx

antonyx
he will not fight with mex domitiusx

enobarbusx
nox

antonyx
why should he notx

enobarbusx
he thinksx being twenty times of better fortunex
he is twenty men to onex

antonyx
tomorrowx soldierx
by sea and land ixll fightx or i will livex
or bathe my dying honour in the blood
shall make it live againx wooxt thou fight wellx

enobarbusx
ixll strikex and cry xtake allxx

antonyx
well saidx come onx
call forth my household servantsx letxs tonight
be bounteous at our mealxx

 enter servantsx

give me thy handx
thou has been rightly honestx so hast thoux
thoux and thoux and thoux you have served me wellx
and kings have been your fellowsx

cleopatrax
xxaside to enobarbusxxx what means thisx

enobarbusx
xxaside to cleopatraxxx xtis one of those odd tricks which sorrow
shoots
out of the mindx

antonyx
and thou art honest toox
i wish i could be made so many menx
and all of you clapped up together in
an antonyx that i might do you service
so good as you have donex

all the servantsx
the gods forbidx

antonyx
wellx my good fellowsx wait on me tonightx
scant not my cupsx and make as much of me
as when mine empire was your fellow too
and suffered my commandx

cleopatrax
xxaside to enobarbusxxx what does he meanx

enobarbusx
xxaside to cleopatraxxx to make his followers weepx

antonyx
tend me tonightx
may be it is the period of your dutyx
haply you shall not see me morex or ifx
a mangled shadowx perchance tomorrow
youxll serve another masterx i look on you
as one that takes his leavex mine honest friendsx
i turn you not awayx butx like a master
married to your good servicex stay till deathx
tend me tonight two hoursx i ask no morex
and the gods yield you forxtx

enobarbusx
what mean youx sirx
to give them this discomfortx lookx they weepx
and ix an assx am onionxeyedx for shamex
transform us not to womenx

antonyx
hox hox hox
now the witch take me if i meant it thusx
grace grow where those drops fallx my hearty friendsx
you take me in too dolorous a sensex
for i spake to you for your comfortx did desire you
to burn this night with torchesx knowx my heartsx
i hope well of tomorrowx and will lead you
where rather ixll expect victorious life
than death and honourx letxs to supperx comex
and drown considerationx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix alexandriax before the palacex

 enter a company of soldiersx

first soldierx
brotherx good nightx tomorrow is the dayx

second soldierx
it will determine one wayx fare you wellx
heard you of nothing strange about the streetsx

first soldierx
nothingx what newsx

second soldierx
belike xtis but a rumourx good night to youx

first soldierx
wellx sirx good nightx

 enter two other soldiersx

second soldierx
soldiersx have careful watchx

third soldierx
and youx good nightx good nightx

 xxthey place themselves in every corner of the stagexxx

second soldierx
here wex and if tomorrow
our navy thrivex i have an absolute hope
our landmen will stand upx

first soldierx
xtis a brave armyx and full of purposex

 xxmusic of the hautboys under the stagexxx

second soldierx
peacex what noisex

first soldierx
listx listx

second soldierx
harkx

first soldierx
music ix thx airx

third soldierx
under the earthx

fourth soldierx
it signs wellx does it notx

third soldierx
nox

first soldierx
peacex i sayx what should this meanx

second soldierx
xtis the god herculesx whom antony lovedx
now leaves himx

first soldierx
walkx letxs see if other watchmen
do hear what we dox

 xxthey advance to another postxxx

second soldierx
how nowx mastersx

allx
how nowx how nowx do you hear thisx

first soldierx
ayx isxt not strangex

third soldierx
do you hearx mastersx do you hearx

first soldierx
follow the noise so far as we have quarterx
letxs see how it will give offx

allx
contentx xtis strangex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter antony and cleopatra with othersx

antonyx
erosx mine armourx erosx

cleopatrax
sleep a littlex

antonyx
nox my chuckxxerosx comex mine armourx erosx

 enter eros with armourx

comex good fellowx put thine iron onx
if fortune be not ours todayx it is
because we brave herx comex

cleopatrax
nayx ixll help toox
whatxs this forx

antonyx
ahx let bex let bex thou art
the armourer of my heartx falsex falsex thisx thisx

cleopatrax
soothx lax ixll helpx thus it must bex

antonyx
wellx wellx
we shall thrive nowx seest thoux my good fellowx
go put on thy defencesx

erosx
brieflyx sirx

cleopatrax
is not this buckled wellx

antonyx
rarelyx rarelyx
he that unbuckles thisx till we do please
to daffxt for our reposex shall hear a stormx
thou fumblestx erosx and my queenxs a squire
more tight at this than thoux dispatchx o lovex
that thou couldst see my wars todayx and knewxst
the royal occupationx thou shouldst see
a workman inxtx

 enter an officerx armedx

good morrow to theex welcomex
thou lookxst like him that knows a warlike chargex
to business that we love we rise betime
and go toxt with delightx

officerx
a thousandx sirx
early thoughxt bex have on their riveted trim
and at the port expect youx

 xxshoutx trumpets flourishxxx

 enter other captains and soldiersx

captainx
the morn is fairx good morrowx generalx

allx
good morrowx generalx

antonyx
xtis well blownx ladsx
this morningx like the spirit of a youth
that means to be of notex begins betimesx
sox sox comex give me thatx this wayx well saidx
fare thee wellx damex
whatexer becomes of mex
this is a soldierxs kissx xxkisses herxxx rebukeable
and worthy shameful check it werex to stand
on more mechanic complimentx ixll leave thee
now like a man of steelxxyou that will fightx
follow me closex ixll bring you toxtx adieux

 xxexeunt antonyx erosx captains and soldiersxxx

charmianx
please youx retire to your chamberx

cleopatrax
lead mex
he goes forth gallantlyx that he and caesar might
determine this great war in single fightx
then antonyxbut nowxx wellx onx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx antonyxs camp near alexandriax

 trumpets soundx enter antony and erosx a soldier meeting themx

soldierx
the gods make this a happy day to antonyx

antonyx
would thou and those thy scars had once prevailed
to make me fight at landx

soldierx
hadst thou done sox
the kings that have revolted and the soldier
that has this morning left thee would have still
followed thy heelsx

antonyx
whoxs gone this morningx

soldierx
whox
one ever near theex call for enobarbusx
he shall not hear theex or from caesarxs camp
say xi am none of thinexx

antonyx
what sayest thoux

soldierx
sirx
he is with caesarx

erosx
sirx his chests and treasure
he has not with himx

antonyx
is he gonex

soldierx
most certainx

antonyx
gox erosx send his treasure afterx do itx
detain no jotx i charge theex write to himx
i will subscribexgentle adieus and greetingsx
say that i wish he never find more cause
to change a masterx ox my fortunes have
corrupted honest menx dispatchxxenobarbusx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix alexandriax caesarxs campx

 flourishx enter agrippax caesar with enobarbus and dolabellax

caesarx
go forthx agrippax and begin the fightx
our will is antony be took alivex
make it so knownx

agrippax
caesarx i shallx

 xxexitxxx

caesarx
the time of universal peace is nearx
prove this a prospxrous dayx the threexnooked world
shall bear the olive freelyx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
antony
is come into the fieldx

caesarx
go charge agrippa
plant those that have revolted in the van
that antony may seem to spend his fury
upon himselfx

 xxexeunt caesar and his trainxxx

enobarbusx
alexas did revolt and went to jewry on
affairs of antonyx there did dissuade
great herod to incline himself to caesar
and leave his master antonyx for this pains
casaer hath hanged himx canidius and the rest
that fell away have entertainment but
no honourable trustx i have done illx
of which i do accuse myself so sorely
that i will joy no morex

 enter a soldier of caesarxsx

soldierx
enobarbusx antony
hath after thee sent all thy treasurex with
his bounty overplusx the messenger
came on my guardx and at thy tent is now
unloading of his mulesx

enobarbusx
i give it youx

soldierx
mock notx enobarbusx
i tell you truex best you safed the bringer
out of the hostx i must attend mine officex
or would have donext myselfx your emperor
continues still a jovex

 xxexitxxx

enobarbusx
i am alone the villain of the earthx
and feel i am so mostx o antonyx
thou mine of bountyx how wouldst thou have paid
my better servicex when my turpitude
thou dost so crown with goldx this blows my heartx
if swift thought break it notx a swifter mean
shall outstrike thoughtx but thought will doxtx i feelx
i fight against theex nox i will go seek
some ditch wherein to diex the foulxst best fits
my latter part of lifex

 xxexitxxx

scene viix field of battle between the campsx

 alarumx drums and trumpetsx enter agrippa and othersx

agrippax
retirex we have engaged ourselves too farx
caesar himself has workx and our oppression
exceeds what we expectedx

 xxexeuntxxx

 alarumsx enter antony and scarus woundedx

scarusx
o my brave emperorx this is fought indeedx
had we done so at firstx we had droven them home
with clouts about their headsx

antonyx
thou bleedxst apacex

scarusx
i had a wound here that was like a tx
but now xtis made an hx

 xsounds retreat far offxx
antonyx
they do retirex

scarusx
wexll beat xem into benchxholesx i have yet
room for six scotches morex

 enter erosx

erosx
they are beatenx sirx and our advantage serves
for a fair victoryx

scarusx
let us score their backs
and snatch xem up as we take haresx behindx
xtis sport to maul a runnerx

antonyx
i will reward thee
once for thy sprightly comfortx and tenfold
for thy good valourx come thee onx

scarusx
ixll halt afterx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viiix under the walls of alexandriax

 alarumx enter antony again in a marchx scarus with othersx

antonyx
we have beat him to his campx run one before
and let the queen know of our gestsx
tomorrowx
before the sun shall seexsx wexll spill the blood
that has today escapedx i thank you allx
for doughtyxhanded are youx and have fought
not as you served the causex but asxt had been
each manxs like minex you have shown all hectorsx
enter the cityx clip your wivesx your friendsx
tell them your featsx whilst they with joyful tears
wash the congealment from your wounds and kiss
the honoured gashes wholex

 enter cleopatrax

xxto scarusxxx give me thy handx
to this great fairy ixll commend thy actsx
make her thanks bless theex o thou day ox thx worldx
chain mine armed neckx leap thoux attire and allx
through proof of harness to my heartx and there
ride on the pants triumphingx

cleopatrax
lord of lordsx
o infinite virtuex comxst thou smiling from
the worldxs great snare uncaughtx

antonyx
mine nightingalex
we have beat them to their bedsx whatx girlx though grey
do something mingle with our younger brownx yet hax we
a brain that nourishes our nerves and can
get goal for goal of youthx behold this manx
commend unto his lips thy favouring handxx
kiss itx my warriorx he hath fought today
as if a godx in hate of mankindx had
destroyed in such a shapex

cleopatrax
ixll give theex friendx
an armour all of goldx it was a kingxsx

antonyx
he has deserved itx were it carbuncled
like holy phxbusx carx give me thy handx
through alexandria make a jolly marchx
bear our hacked targets like the men that owe themx
had our great palace the capacity
to camp this hostx we all would sup together
and drink carouses to the next dayxs fatex
which promises royal perilxxtrumpetersx
with brazen din blast you the cityxs earx
make mingle with our rattling tabourinesx
that heaven and earth may strike their sounds togetherx
applauding our approachx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ixx caesarxs campx

 enter a sentry and his companyx enobarbus followsx

sentryx
if we be not relieved within this hourx
we must return to thx court of guardx the night
is shinyx and they say we shall embattle
by thx second hour ix thx mornx

first watchx
this last day was a shrewd one toxsx

enobarbusx
ox bear me witnessx nightxx

second watchx
what man is thisx

first watchx
stand close and list himx

enobarbusx
be witness to mex o thou blessed moonx
when men revolted shall upon record
bear hateful memoryx poor enobarbus did
before thy face repentx

sentryx
enobarbusx

second watchx
peacex hark furtherx

enobarbusx
o sovereign mistress of true melancholyx
the poisonous damp of night disponge upon mex
that lifex a very rebel to my willx
may hang no longer on mex throw my heart
against the flint and hardness of my faultx
whichx being dried with griefx will break to powder
and finish all foul thoughtsx o antonyx
nobler than my revolt is infamousx
forgive me in thine own particularx
but let the world rank me in register
a masterxleaver and a fugitivex
o antonyx o antonyx

 xxdiesxxx

first watchx
letxs speak to himx

sentryx
letxs hear himx for the things he speaks may concern caesarx

second watchx
letxs do sox but he sleepsx

sentryx
swoons ratherx for so bad a prayer as his
was never yet for sleepx

first watchx
go we to himx

second watchx
awakex sirx awakex speak to usx

first watchx
hear youx sirx

sentryx
the hand of death hath raught himx

 xxdrums afar offxxx

harkx the drums
demurely wake the sleepersx let us bear him
to thx court of guardx he is of notex our hour
is fully outx

second watchx
come onx thenx he may recover yetx

 xxexeunt with the bodyxxx

scene xx ground between the two campsx

 enter antony and scarus with their armyx

antonyx
their preparation is today by seax
we please them not by landx

scarusx
for bothx my lordx

antonyx
i would theyxd fight ix thx fire or ix thx airx
wexd fight there toox but this it isx our foot
upon the hills adjoining to the city
shall stay with usxorder for sea is givenx
they have put forth the havenx
where their appointment we may best discover
and look on their endeavourx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xix another part of the groundx

 enter caesar and his armyx

caesarx
but being chargedx we will be still by landx
whichx as i takextx we shallx for his best force
is forth to man his galleysx to the valesx
and hold our best advantagex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xiix another part of the groundx

 alarum afar offx as at a sea fightx enter antony and scarusx

antonyx
yet they are not joinedx where yond pine does stand
i shall discover allx ixll bring thee word
straight how xtis like to gox

 xxexitxxx

scarusx
swallows have built
in cleopatraxs sails their nestsx the augurs
say they know notx they cannot tellx look grimlyx
and dare not speak their knowledgex antony
is valiant and dejectedx and by starts
his fretted fortunes give him hope and fear
of what he has and has notx

 enter antonyx

antonyx
all is lostx
this foul egyptian hath betrayed mex
my fleet hath yielded to the foex and yonder
they cast their caps up and carouse together
like friends long lostx triplexturned whorex xtis thou
hast sold me to this novicex and my heart
makes only wars on theex bid them all flyx
for when i am revenged upon my charmx
i have done allx bid them all flyx be gonex

 xxexit scarusxxx

o sunx thy uprise shall i see no morex
fortune and antony part herex even here
do we shake handsx all come to thisx the hearts
that spanieled me at heelsx to whom i gave
their wishesx do discandyx melt their sweets
on blossoming caesarx and this pine is barked
that overtopped them allx betrayxd i amx
o this false soul of egyptx this grave charmx
whose eye becked forth my wars and called them homex
whose bosom was my crownetx my chief endx
like a right gypsy hath at fast and loose
beguiled me to the very heart of lossx
whatx erosx erosx

 enter cleopatrax

ahx thou spellx avauntx

cleopatrax
why is my lord enraged against his lovex

antonyx
vanishx or i shall give thee thy deserving
and blemish caesarxs triumphx let him take thee
and hoist thee up to the shouting plebeiansx
follow his chariotx like the greatest spot
of all thy sexx most monsterxlike be shown
for poorxst diminutivesx for doltsx and let
patient octavia plough thy visage up
with her prepared nailsx

 xxexit cleopatraxxx

xtis well thouxrt gonex
if it be well to livex but better xtwere
thou fellxst into my furyx for one death
might have prevented manyxxerosx hoxx
the shirt of nessus is upon mex teach mex
alcidesx thou mine ancestorx thy ragex
let me lodge lichas on the horns ox thx moonx
and with those hands that grasped the heaviest club
subdue my worthiest selfx the witch shall diex
to the young roman boy she hath sold mex and i fall
under this plotx she dies forxtxxerosx hox

 xxexitxxx

scene xiiix alexandriax a room in the palacex

 enter cleopatrax charmianx iras and mardianx

cleopatrax
help mex my womenx ox he is more mad
than telamon for his shieldx the boar of thessaly
was never so embossedx

charmianx
to thx monumentx
there lock yourself and send him word you are deadx
the soul and body rive not more in parting
than greatness going offx

cleopatrax
to thx monumentx
mardianx go tell him i have slain myselfx
say that the last i spoke was xantonyxx
and word itx pritheex piteouslyx hencex mardianx
and bring me how he takes my deathxxto thx monumentx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xivx alexandriax another roomx

 enter antony and erosx

antonyx
erosx thou yet beholdxst mex

erosx
ayx noble lordx

antonyx
sometime we see a cloud thatxs dragonishx
a vapour sometime like a bear or lionx
a towered citadelx a pendant rockx
a forked mountainx or blue promontory
with trees uponxtx that nod unto the world
and mock our eyes with airx thou hast seen these signsx
they are black vesperxs pageantsx

erosx
ayx my lordx

antonyx
that which is now a horsex even with a thought
the rack dislimns and makes it indistinct
as water is in waterx

erosx
it doesx my lordx

antonyx
my good knave erosx now thy captain is
even such a bodyx here i am antonyx
yet cannot hold this visible shapex my knavex
i made these wars for egyptx and the queenx
whose heart i thought i hadx for she had minex
whichx whilst it was minex had annexed untoxt
a million morex now lostxshex erosx has
packed cards with caesarx and falsexplayed my glory
unto an enemyxs triumphx
nayx weep notx gentle erosx there is left us
ourselves to end ourselvesx

 enter mardianx

ox thy vile ladyx
she has robbed me of my swordx

mardianx
nox antonyx
my mistress loved thee and her fortunes mingled
with thine entirelyx

antonyx
hencex saucy eunuchx peacex
she hath betrayed me and shall die the deathx

mardianx
death of one person can be paid but oncex
and that she has dischargedx what thou wouldst do
is done unto thy handx the last she spake
was xantonyx most noble antonyxx
then in the midst a tearing groan did break
the name of antonyx it was divided
between her heart and lipsx she rendered lifex
thy name so buried in herx

antonyx
deadx thenx

mardianx
deadx

antonyx
unarmx erosx the long dayxs task is donex
and we must sleepxxthat thou departxst hence safe
does pay thy labour richlyx gox

 xxexit mardianxxx

offx pluck offx
the sevenfold shield of ajax cannot keep
the battery from my heartx ox cleavex my sidesx
heartx once be stronger than thy continentx
crack thy frail casex apacex erosx apacex
no more a soldierx bruised piecesx gox
you have been nobly bornex from me awhilex

 xxexit erosxxx

i will oxertake theex cleopatrax and
weep for my pardonx so it must bex for now
all length is torturex since the torch is outx
lie downx and stray no fartherx now all labour
mars what it doesx yeax very force entangles
itself with strengthx seal thenx and all is donex
erosxxi comex my queenxxerosxxstay for mex
where souls do couch on flowersx wexll hand in handx
and with our sprightly port make the ghosts gazex
dido and her aeneas shall want troopsx
and all the haunt be oursxxcomex erosx erosx

 enter erosx

erosx
what would my lordx

antonyx
since cleopatra diedx
i have lived in such dishonour that the gods
detest my basenessx ix that with my sword
quartered the worldx and oxer green neptunexs back
with ships made citiesx condemn myself to lack
the courage of a womanx less noble mind
than she whichx by her deathx our caesar tells
xi am conqueror of myselfxx thou art swornx erosx
that when the exigent should comex which now
is come indeedx when i should see behind me
thx inevitable prosecution of
disgrace and horrorx that on my command
thou then wouldst kill mex doxtx the time is comex
thou strikxst not mex xtis caesar thou defeatxstx
put colour in thy cheekx

erosx
the gods withhold mex
shall i do that which all the parthian dartsx
though enemyx lost aim and could notx

antonyx
erosx
wouldst thou be windowed in great rome and see
thy master thus with pleached armsx bending down
his corrigible neckx his face subdued
to penetrative shamex whilst the wheeled seat
of fortunate caesarx drawn before himx branded
his baseness that ensuedx

erosx
i would not seextx

antonyx
comex thenx for with a wound i must be curedx
draw that thy honest swordx which thou hast worn
most useful for thy countryx

erosx
ox sirx pardon mex

antonyx
when i did make thee freex sworxst thou not then
to do this when i bade theex do it at oncex
or thy precedent services are all
but accidents unpurposedx drawx and comex

erosx
turn from me then that noble countenance
wherein the worship of the whole world liesx

antonyx
lo theex

 xxturning from himxxx

erosx
my sword is drawnx

antonyx
then let it do at once
the thing why thou hast drawn itx

erosx
my dear masterx
my captain and my emperorx let me sayx
before i strike this bloody strokex farewellx

antonyx
xtis saidx manx and farewellx

erosx
farewellx great chiefx shall i strike nowx

antonyx
nowx erosx

erosx
whyx there thenx xxkills himselfxx
thus do i escape the sorrow
of antonyxs deathx

 xxdiesxxx

antonyx
thrice nobler than myselfx
thou teachest mex o valiant erosx what
i should and thou couldst notx my queen and eros
have by their brave instruction got upon me
a nobleness in recordx but i will be
a bridegroom in my death and run intoxt
as to a loverxs bedx come thenx andx erosx
thy master dies thy scholarx to do thus

 xxfalling on his swordxxx

i learned of theex howx not deadx not deadx
the guardx hox ox dispatch mex

 enter a company of the guardx one of them dercetusx

first guardx
whatxs the noisex

antonyx
i have done my work illx friendsx ox make an end
of what i have begunx

second guardx
the star is fallenx

first guardx
and time is at his periodx

allx
alasx and woex

antonyx
let him that loves me strike me deadx

first guardx
not ix

second guardx
nor ix

third guardx
nor anyonex

 xxexeunt guardxxx

dercetusx
thy death and fortunes bid thy followers flyx
this sword but shown to caesar with this tidingsx
shall enter me with himx

 enter diomedesx

diomedesx
wherexs antonyx

dercetusx
therex diomedx therex

diomedesx
lives hex wilt thou not answerx manx

 xxexit dercetusxxx

antonyx
art thou therex diomedx draw thy sword and give me
sufficing strokes for deathx

diomedesx
most absolute lordx
my mistress cleopatra sent me to theex

antonyx
when did she send theex

diomedesx
nowx my lordx

antonyx
where is shex

diomedesx
locked in her monumentx she had a prophesying fear
of what hath come to passx for when she sawx
which never shall be foundxyou did suspect
she had disposed with caesarx and that your rage
would not be purgedx she sent you word she was deadx
but fearing since how it might workx hath sent
me to proclaim the truthx and i am comex
i dreadx too latex

antonyx
too latex good diomedx call my guardx i pritheex

diomedesx
whatx hox the emperorxs guardx the guardx what hox
comex your lord callsx

 enter four or five of the guard of antonyx

antonyx
bear mex good friendsx where cleopatra bidesx
xtis the last service that i shall command youx

first guardx
woex woe are wex sirx you may not live to wear
all your true followers outx

allx
most heavy dayx

antonyx
nayx good my fellowsx do not please sharp fate
to grace it with your sorrowsx bid that welcome
which comes to punish usx and we punish itx
seeming to bear it lightlyx take me upx
i have led you oftx carry me nowx good friendsx
and have my thanks for allx

 xxexeuntx bearing antonyxxx

scene xvx alexandriax a monumentx

 enter cleopatra and her maids aloftx with charmian and irasx

cleopatrax
o charmianx i will never go from hencex

charmianx
be comfortedx dear madamx

cleopatrax
nox i will notx
all strange and terrible events are welcomex
but comforts we despisex our size of sorrowx
proportioned to our causex must be as great
as that which makes itx

 enterx below diomedesx

how nowx is he deadx

diomedesx
his deathxs upon himx but not deadx
look out ox thx other side your monumentx
his guard have brought him thitherx

 enterx below antony borne by the guardx

cleopatrax
o sunx
burn the great sphere thou movxst inx darkling stand
the varying shore ox thx worldx o antonyx
antonyx antonyx helpx charmianx helpx irasx helpx
helpx friends belowx letxs draw him hitherx

antonyx
peacex
not caesarxs valour hath oxerthrown antonyx
but antonyxs hath triumphed on itselfx

cleopatrax
so it should bex that none but antony
should conquer antonyx but woe xtis sox

antonyx
i am dyingx egyptx dyingx only
i here importune death awhile until
of many thousand kisses the poor last
i lay upon thy lipsx

cleopatrax
i dare notx dear
dear my lordx pardonx i dare notx
lest i be takenx not thx imperious show
of the fullxfortuned caesar ever shall
be brooched with mex if knifex drugsx serpentsx have
edgex stingx or operationx i am safex
your wife octaviax with her modest eyes
and still conclusionx shall acquire no honour
demuring upon mex but comex comex antonyx
help mex my womenxwe must draw thee upx
assistx good friendsx

antonyx
ox quickx or i am gonex

cleopatrax
herexs sport indeedx how heavy weighs my lordx
our strength is all gone into heavinessx
that makes the weightx had i great junoxs powerx
the strongxwinged mercury should fetch thee up
and set thee by jovexs sidex yet come a littlex
wishers were ever foolsx o comex come comex

 xxthey heave antony aloft to cleopatraxxx

and welcomex welcomex die where thou hast livedx
quicken with kissingx had my lips that powerx
thus would i wear them outx

allx
a heavy sightx

antonyx
i am dyingx egyptx dyingx
give me some winex and let me speak a littlex

cleopatrax
nox let me speakx and let me rail so high
that the false huswife fortune break her wheelx
provoked by my offencex

antonyx
one wordx sweet queenx
of caesar seek your honourx with your safetyx ox

cleopatrax
they do not go togetherx

antonyx
gentlex hear mex
none about caesar trust but proculeiusx

cleopatrax
my resolution and my hands ixll trustx
none about caesarx

antonyx
the miserable change now at my end
lament nor sorrow atx but please your thoughts
in feeding them with those my former fortunes
wherein i lived the greatest prince ox thx worldx
the noblestx and do now not basely diex
not cowardly put off my helmet to
my countrymanx a roman by a roman
valiantly vanquishedx now my spirit is goingx
i can no morex

cleopatrax
noblest of menx wooxt diex
hast thou no care of mex shall i abide
in this dull worldx which in thy absence is
no better than a styx ox seex my womenx

 xx antony diesxxx

the crown ox thx earth doth meltxxmy lordx
ox withered is the garland of the warx
the soldierxs pole is fallenx young boys and girls
are level now with menx the odds is gonex
and there is nothing left remarkable
beneath the visiting moonx

 xxfaintsxxx

charmianx
ox quietnessx ladyx

irasx
she is dead toox our sovereignx

charmianx
ladyx

irasx
madamx

charmianx
o madamx madamx madamx

irasx
royal egyptx empressx

charmianx
peacex peacex irasx

cleopatrax
no more but exen a womanx and commanded
by such poor passion as the maid that milks
and does the meanest charesx it were for me
to throw my sceptre at the injurious godsx
to tell them that this world did equal theirs
till they had stolen our jewelx allxs but naughtx
patience is sottishx and impatience does
become a dog thatxs madx then is it sin
to rush into the secret house of death
ere death dare come to usx how do youx womenx
whatx whatx good cheerx whyx how nowx charmianx
my noble girlsx ahx womenx womenx lookx
our lamp is spentx itxs outx good sirsx take heartx
wexll bury himx and thenx whatxs bravex whatxs noblex
letxs do it after the high roman fashion
and make death proud to take usx comex awayx
this case of that huge spirit now is coldx
ahx womenx womenx comex we have no friend
but resolution and the briefest endx

 xxexeuntx bearing off antonyxs bodyxxx




act v


scene ix caesarxs camp before alexandriax

 enter caesarx agrippax dolabellax maecenasx gallusx proculeius with
 his council of warx

caesarx
go to himx dolabellax bid him yieldx
being so frustratex tell himx he mocks
the pauses that he makesx

dolabellax
caesarx i shallx

 xxexitxxx

 enter dercetus with the sword of antonyx

caesarx
wherefore is thatx and what art thou that darxst
appear thus to usx

dercetusx
i am called dercetusx
mark antony i servedx who best was worthy
best to be servedx whilst he stood up and spokex
he was my masterx and i wore my life
to spend upon his hatersx if thou please
to take me to theex as i was to him
ixll be to caesarx if thou pleasest notx
i yield thee up my lifex

caesarx
what isxt thou sayxstx

dercetusx
i sayx o caesarx antony is deadx

caesarx
the breaking of so great a thing should make
a greater crackx the round world
should have shook lions into civil streetsx
and citizens to their densx the death of antony
is not a single doomx in the name lay
a moiety of the worldx

dercetusx
he is deadx caesarx
not by a public minister of justicex
nor by a hired knifex but that self hand
which writ his honour in the acts it did
hathx with the courage which the heart did lend itx
splitted the heartx this is his swordx
i robbed his wound of itx behold it stained
with his most noble bloodx

caesarx
look you sadx friendsx
the gods rebuke mex but it is tidings
to wash the eyes of kingsx

agrippax
and strange it is
that nature must compel us to lament
our most persisted deedsx

maecenasx
his taints and honours
waged equal with himx

agrippax
a rarer spirit never
did steer humanityx but you gods will give us
some faults to make us menx caesar is touchedx

maecenasx
when such a spacious mirrorxs set before himx
he needs must see himselfx

caesarx
o antonyx
i have followed thee to thisx but we do lance
diseases in our bodiesx i must perforce
have shown to thee such a declining day
or look on thinex we could not stall together
in the whole worldx but yet let me lament
with tears as sovereign as the blood of heartsx
that thoux my brotherx my competitor
in top of all designx my mate in empirex
friend and companion in the front of warx
the arm of mine own bodyx and the heart
where mine his thoughts did kindlex that our starsx
unreconciliablex should divide
our equalness to thisx hear mex good friendsx

 enter an egyptianx

but i will tell you at some meeter seasonx
the business of this man looks out of himx
wexll hear him what he saysx whence are youx

egyptianx
a poor egyptian yetx the queenx my mistressx
confined in all she hasx her monumentx
of thy intents desires instructionx
that she preparedly may frame herself
to the way shexs forced tox

caesarx
bid her have good heartx
she soon shall know of usx by some of oursx
how honourable and how kindly we
determine for herx for caesar cannot lean
to be ungentlex

egyptianx
so the gods preserve theex

 xxexitxxx

caesarx
come hitherx proculeiusx go and say
we purpose her no shamex give her what comforts
the quality of her passion shall requirex
lestx in her greatnessx by some mortal stroke
she do defeat usx for her life in rome
would be eternal in our triumphx gox
and with your speediest bring us what she says
and how you find of herx

proculeiusx
caesarx i shallx

 xxexit proculeiusxxx

caesarx
gallusx go you alongx

 xxexit gallusxxx

wherexs dolabellax to second proculeiusx

allx
dolabellax

caesarx
let him alonex for i remember now
how hexs employedx he shall in time be readyx
go with me to my tentx where you shall see
how hardly i was drawn into this warx
how calm and gentle i proceeded still
in all my writingsx go with me and see
what i can show in thisx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix alexandriax a room in the monumentx

 enter cleopatrax charmian and irasx

cleopatrax
my desolation does begin to make
a better lifex xtis paltry to be caesarx
not being fortunex hexs but fortunexs knavex
a minister of her willx and it is great
to do that thing that ends all other deedsx
which shackles accidents and bolts up changex
which sleeps and never palates more the dungx
the beggarxs nurse and caesarxsx

 enter proculeiusx

proculeiusx
caesar sends greetings to the queen of egyptx
and bids thee study on what fair demands
thou meanxst to have him grant theex

cleopatrax
whatxs thy namex

proculeiusx
my name is proculeiusx

cleopatrax
antony
did tell me of youx bade me trust youx but
i do not greatly care to be deceived
that have no use for trustingx if your master
would have a queen his beggarx you must tell him
that majestyx to keep decorumx must
no less beg than a kingdomx if he please
to give me conquered egypt for my sonx
he gives me so much of mine own as i
will kneel to him with thanksx

proculeiusx
be of good cheerx
you are fallen into a princely handx fear nothingx
make your full reference freely to my lordx
who is so full of grace that it flows over
on all that needx let me report to him
your sweet dependencyx and you shall find
a conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness
where he for grace is kneeled tox

cleopatrax
pray you tell him
i am his fortunexs vassal and i send him
the greatness he has gotx i hourly learn
a doctrine of obediencex and would gladly
look him ix thx facex

proculeiusx
this ixll reportx dear ladyx
have comfortx for i know your plight is pitied
of him that caused itx

 enter gallus and roman soldiersx

you see how easily she may be surprisedx
guard her till caesar comex

irasx
royal queenx

charmianx
o cleopatrax thou art takenx queenx

cleopatrax
quickx quickx good handsx

 xxdrawing a daggerxxx

proculeiusx
holdx worthy ladyx holdx

 xxseizes and disarms herxxx

do not yourself such wrongx who are in this
relievedx but not betrayedx

cleopatrax
whatx of death toox
that rids our dogs of languishx

proculeiusx
cleopatrax
do not abuse my masterxs bounty by
thx undoing of yourselfx let the world see
his nobleness well actedx which your death
will never let come forthx

cleopatrax
where art thoux deathx
come hitherx comex comex comex and take a queen
worth many babes and beggarsx

proculeiusx
ox temperancex ladyx

cleopatrax
sirx i will eat no meatx ixll not drinkx sirx
if idle talk will once be necessaryx
ixll not sleep neitherx this mortal house ixll ruinx
do caesar what he canx knowx sirx that i
will not wait pinioned at your masterxs courtx
nor once be chastised with the sober eye
of dull octaviax shall they hoist me up
and show me to the shouting varletry
of censuring romex rather a ditch in egypt
be gentle grave unto mex rather on nilusx mud
lay me starkxnakedx and let the waterxflies
blow me into abhorringx rather make
my countryxs high pyramides my gibbet
and hang me up in chainsx

proculeiusx
you do extend
these thoughts of horror further than you shall
find cause in caesarx

 enter dolabellax

dolabellax
proculeiusx
what thou hast done thy master caesar knowsx
and he hath sent for theex for the queenx
ixll take her to my guardx

proculeiusx
sox dolabellax
it shall content me bestx be gentle to herx
xxto cleopatraxxx to caesar i will speak what you shall pleasex
if youxll employ me to himx

cleopatrax
say i would diex

 xxexeunt proculeius and soldiersxxx

dolabellax
most noble empressx you have heard of mex

cleopatrax
i cannot tellx

dolabellax
assuredly you know mex

cleopatrax
no matterx sirx what i have heard or knownx
you laugh when boys or women tell their dreamsx
isxt not your trickx

dolabellax
i understand notx madamx

cleopatrax
i dreamt there was an emperor antonyx
ox such another sleepx that i might see
but such another manx

dolabellax
if it might please youx

cleopatrax
his face was as the heavensx and therein stuck
a sun and moonx which kept their coursex and lighted
the little ox the earthx

dolabellax
most sovereign creaturex

cleopatrax
his legs bestrid the oceanx his reared arm
crested the worldx his voice was propertied
as all the tuned spheresx and that to friendsx
but when he meant to quail and shake the orbx
he was as rattling thunderx for his bountyx
there was no winter inxtx an autumn xtwas
that grew the more by reapingx his delights
were dolphinxlikex they showed his back above
the element they lived inx in his livery
walked crowns and crownetsx realms and islands were
as plates dropped from his pocketx

dolabellax
cleopatrax

cleopatrax
think you there was or might be such a man
as this i dreamt ofx

dolabellax
gentle madamx nox

cleopatrax
you lie up to the hearing of the godsx
but if there be nor ever were one suchx
itxs past the size of dreamingx nature wants stuff
to vie strange forms with fancyx yet tx imagine
an antony were naturexs piece xgainst fancyx
condemning shadows quitex

dolabellax
hear mex good madamx
your loss isx as yourselfx greatx and you bear it
as answering to the weightx would i might never
oxertake pursued successx but i do feelx
by the rebound of yoursx a grief that smites
my very heart at rootx

cleopatrax
i thank youx sirx
know you what caesar means to do with mex

dolabellax
i am loath to tell you what i would you knewx

cleopatrax
nayx pray youx sirx

dolabellax
though he be honourablex

cleopatrax
hexll lead mex thenx in triumphx

dolabellax
madamx he willx i know itx

 flourishx enter caesarx proculeiusx gallusx maecenas and others of his
 trainx

allx
make way therex caesarx

caesarx
which is the queen of egyptx

dolabellax
it is the emperorx madamx

 xxcleopatra kneelsxxx

caesarx
arisex you shall not kneelx
i pray youx risex risex egyptx

cleopatrax
sirx the gods
will have it thusx my master and my lord
i must obeyx

caesarx
take to you no hard thoughtsx
the record of what injuries you did usx
though written in our fleshx we shall remember
as things but done by chancex

cleopatrax
sole sir ox thx worldx
i cannot project mine own cause so well
to make it clearx but do confess i have
been laden with like frailties which before
have often shamed our sexx

caesarx
cleopatrax know
we will extenuate rather than enforcex
if you apply yourself to our intentsx
which towards you are most gentlex you shall find
a benefit in this changex but if you seek
to lay on me a cruelty by taking
antonyxs coursex you shall bereave yourself
of my good purposesx and put your children
to that destruction which ixll guard them from
if thereon you relyx ixll take my leavex

cleopatrax
and mayx through all the worldx xtis yoursx and wex
your scutcheons and your signs of conquestx shall
hang in what place you pleasex herex my good lordx

caesarx
you shall advise me in all for cleopatrax

cleopatrax
this is the brief of moneyx platex and jewels
i am possessed ofx xtis exactly valuedx
not petty things admittedx wherexs seleucusx

 enter seleucusx

seleucusx
herex madamx

cleopatrax
this is my treasurerx let him speakx my lordx
upon his perilx that i have reserved
to myself nothingx speak the truthx seleucusx

seleucusx
madamx i had rather seal my lips
than to my peril speak that which is notx

cleopatrax
what have i kept backx

seleucusx
enough to purchase what you have made knownx

caesarx
nayx blush notx cleopatrax i approve
your wisdom in the deedx

cleopatrax
seex caesarx ox beholdx
how pomp is followedx mine will now be yours
and should we shift estatesx yours would be minex
the ingratitude of this seleucus does
even make me wildx o slavex of no more trust
than love thatxs hiredx whatx goest thou backx thou shalt
go backx i warrant theex but ixll catch thine eyes
though they had wingsx slavex soulless villainx dogx
o rarely basex

caesarx
good queenx let us entreat youx

cleopatrax
o caesarx what a wounding shame is thisx
that thou vouchsafing here to visit mex
doing the honour of thy lordliness
to one so meekx that mine own servant should
parcel the sum of my disgraces by
addition of his envyx sayx good caesarx
that i some lady trifles have reservedx
immoment toysx things of such dignity
as we greet modern friends withalx and say
some nobler token i have kept apart
for livia and octaviax to induce
their mediationx must i be unfolded
with one that i have bredx the godsx it smites me
beneath the fall i havex
xxto seleucusxxx prithee go hencex
or i shall show the cinders of my spirits
through thx ashes of my chancex wert thou a manx
thou wouldst have mercy on mex

caesarx
forbearx seleucusx

 xxexit seleucusxxx

cleopatrax
be it known that wex the greatestx are misthought
for things that others dox and when we fallx
we answer othersx merits in our namex
are therefore to be pitiedx

caesarx
cleopatrax
not what you have reserved nor what acknowledged
put we ix thx roll of conquestx still bext yoursx
bestow it at your pleasurex and believe
caesarxs no merchant to make prize with you
of things that merchants soldx therefore be cheeredx
make not your thoughts your prisonsx nox dear queenx
for we intend so to dispose you as
yourself shall give us counselx feed and sleepx
our care and pity is so much upon you
that we remain your friendx and sox adieux

cleopatrax
my master and my lordx

caesarx
not sox adieux

 xxflourishx exeunt caesar and his trainxxx

cleopatrax
he words mex girlsx he words mex that i should not
be noble to myselfx but hark theex charmianx

 xxwhispers to charmianxxx

irasx
finishx good ladyx the bright day is donex
and we are for the darkx

cleopatrax
hie thee againx
i have spoke alreadyx and it is providedx
go put it to the hastex

charmianx
madamx i willx

 enter dolabellax

dolabellax
wherexs the queenx

charmianx
beholdx sirx

 xxexitxxx

cleopatrax
dolabellax

dolabellax
madamx as thereto sworn by your commandx
which my love makes religion to obeyx
i tell you thisx caesar through syria
intends his journeyx and within three days
you with your children will he send beforex
make your best use of thisx i have performed
your pleasure and my promisex

cleopatrax
dolabellax
i shall remain your debtorx

dolabellax
i your servantx
adieux good queenx i must attend on caesarx

cleopatrax
farewellx and thanksx

 xxexit dolabellaxxx

nowx irasx what thinkxst thoux
thou an egyptian puppet shall be shown
in rome as well as ix mechanic slaves
with greasy apronsx rulesx and hammers shall
uplift us to the viewx in their thick breathsx
rank of gross dietx shall we be encloudedx
and forced to drink their vapourx

irasx
the gods forbidx

cleopatrax
nayx xtis most certainx irasx saucy lictors
will catch at us like strumpetsx and scald rhymers
ballad us out ox tunex the quick comedians
extemporally will stage us and present
our alexandrian revelsx antony
shall be brought drunken forthx and i shall see
some squeaking cleopatra boy my greatness
ix thx posture of a whorex

irasx
o the good godsx

cleopatrax
nayx thatxs certainx

irasx
ixll never seextx for i am sure mine nails
are stronger than mine eyesx

cleopatrax
whyx thatxs the way
to fool their preparation and to conquer
their most absurd intentsx

 enter charmianx

nowx charmianx
show mex my womenx like a queenx go fetch
my best attiresx i am again for cydnus
to meet mark antonyx sirrahx irasx gox
nowx noble charmianx wexll dispatch indeedx
and when thou hast done this charex ixll give thee leave
to play till doomsdayx bring our crown and allx

 xxexit irasx a noise withinxxx

whereforexs this noisex

 enter a guardsmanx

guardsmanx
here is a rural fellow
that will not be denied your highnessx presencex
he brings you figsx

cleopatrax
let him come inx

 xxexit guardsmanxxx

what poor an instrument
may do a noble deedx he brings me libertyx
my resolutionxs placedx and i have nothing
of woman in mex now from head to foot
i am marblexconstantx now the fleeting moon
no planet is of minex

 enter guardsman and clown with a basketx

guardsmanx
this is the manx

cleopatrax
avoidx and leave himx

 xxexit guardsmanxxx

hast thou the pretty worm of nilus there
that kills and pains notx

clownx
trulyx i have himx but i would not be the party that should desire you
to touch himx for his biting is immortalx those that do die of it do
seldom or never recoverx

cleopatrax
rememberxst thou any that have died onxtx

clownx
very manyx men and women toox i heard of one of them no longer than
yesterdayxa very honest womanx but something given to liex as a woman
should not do but in the way of honestyxhow she died of the biting of
itx what pain she feltx truly she makes a very good report ox thx wormx
but he that will believe all that they say shall never be saved by half
that they dox but this is most falliablex the wormxs an odd wormx

cleopatrax
get thee hencex farewellx

clownx
i wish you all joy of the wormx

 xxsets down the basketxxx

cleopatrax
farewellx

clownx
you must think thisx look youx that the worm will do his kindx

cleopatrax
ayx ayx farewellx

clownx
look youx the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise
peoplex for indeed there is no goodness in the wormx

cleopatrax
take thou no carex it shall be heededx

clownx
very goodx give it nothingx i pray youx for it is not worth the
feedingx

cleopatrax
will it eat mex

clownx
you must not think i am so simple but i know the devil himself will not
eat a womanx i know that a woman is a dish for the gods if the devil
dress her notx but trulyx these same whoreson devils do the gods great
harm in their womenx for in every ten that they makex the devils mar
fivex

cleopatrax
wellx get thee gonex farewellx

clownx
yesx forsoothx i wish you joy ox thx wormx

 xxexitxxx

 enter iras with a robex crownx xcx

cleopatrax
give me my robex put on my crownx i have
immortal longings in mex now no more
the juice of egyptxs grape shall moist this lipx
yarex yarex good irasx quickx methinks i hear
antony callx i see him rouse himself
to praise my noble actx i hear him mock
the luck of caesarx which the gods give men
to excuse their after wrathx husbandx i comex
now to that name my courage prove my titlex
i am fire and airx my other elements
i give to baser lifexxsox have you donex
come thenx and take the last warmth of my lipsx
farewellx kind charmianx irasx long farewellx

 xxkisses themx iras falls and diesxxx

have i the aspic in my lipsx dost fallx
if thou and nature can so gently partx
the stroke of death is as a loverxs pinchx
which hurts and is desiredx dost thou lie stillx
if thus thou vanishestx thou tellxst the world
it is not worth leavextakingx

charmianx
dissolvex thick cloudx and rainx that i may say
the gods themselves do weepx

cleopatrax
this proves me basex
if she first meet the curled antonyx
hexll make demand of herx and spend that kiss
which is my heaven to havexxcomex thou mortal wretchx

 xxto an aspx which she applies to her breastxxx

with thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
of life at once untiex poor venomous foolx
be angry and dispatchx o couldst thou speakx
that i might hear thee call great caesar ass
unpoliciedx

charmianx
o eastern starx

cleopatrax
peacex peacex
dost thou not see my baby at my breast
that sucks the nurse asleepx

charmianx
ox breakx ox breakx

cleopatrax
as sweet as balmx as soft as airx as gentlex
o antonyxxnayx i will take thee toox

 xxapplying another asp to her armxxx

what should i stayx

 xxdiesxxx

charmianx
in this vile worldx sox fare thee wellx
now boast theex deathx in thy possession lies
a lass unparalleledx downy windowsx closex
and golden phxbus never be beheld
of eyes again so royalx your crownxs awryx
ixll mend it and then playx

 enter the guard rustling inx

first guardx
wherexs the queenx

charmianx
speak softlyx wake her notx

first guardx
caesar hath sentx

charmianx
too slow a messengerx

 xxapplies an aspxxx

ox come apacex dispatchx i partly feel theex

first guardx
approachx hox allxs not wellx caesarxs beguiledx

second guardx
therexs dolabella sent from caesarx call himx

first guardx
what work is herex charmianx is this well donex

charmianx
it is well donex and fitting for a princess
descended of so many royal kingsx
ahx soldierx

 xxcharmian diesxxx

 enter dolabellax

dolabellax
how goes it herex

second guardx
all deadx

dolabellax
caesarx thy thoughts
touch their effects in thisx thyself art coming
to see performed the dreaded act which thou
so soughtxst to hinderx

 enter caesar and all his trainx marchingx

allx
a way therex a way for caesarx

dolabellax
o sirx you are too sure an augurerx
that you did fear is donex

caesarx
bravest at the lastx
she levelled at our purposes andx being royalx
took her own wayx the manner of their deathsx
i do not see them bleedx

dolabellax
who was last with themx

first guardx
a simple countryman that brought her figsx
this was his basketx

caesarx
poisoned thenx

first guardx
o caesarx
this charmian lived but nowx she stood and spakex
i found her trimming up the diadem
on her dead mistressx tremblingly she stoodx
and on the sudden droppedx

caesarx
o noble weaknessx
if they had swallowed poison xtwould appear
by external swellingx but she looks like sleepx
as she would catch another antony
in her strong toil of gracex

dolabellax
here on her breast
there is a vent of bloodx and something blownx
the like is on her armx

first guardx
this is an aspicxs trailx and these fig leaves
have slime upon themx such as thx aspic leaves
upon the caves of nilex

caesarx
most probable
that so she diedx for her physician tells me
she hath pursued conclusions infinite
of easy ways to diex take up her bedx
and bear her women from the monumentx
she shall be buried by her antonyx
no grave upon the earth shall clip in it
a pair so famousx high events as these
strike those that make themx and their story is
no less in pity than his glory which
brought them to be lamentedx our army shall
in solemn show attend this funeralx
and then to romex comex dolabellax see
high order in this great solemnityx

 xxexeunt omnesxxx




as you like it


dramatis personaex

  dukex living in exile
  frederickx his brotherx and usurper of his dominions
  amiensx lord attending on the banished duke
  jaquesx   x      x       x  x     x      x
  le beaux a courtier attending upon frederick
  charlesx wrestler to frederick
  oliverx son of sir rowland de boys
  jaquesx   x   x  x    x     x  x
  orlandox  x   x  x    x     x  x
  adamx   servant to oliver
  dennisx     x     x   x
  touchstonex the court jester
  sir oliver martextx a vicar
  corinx    shepherd
  silviusx     x
  williamx a country fellowx in love with audrey
  a person representing hymen

  rosalindx daughter to the banished duke
  celiax daughter to frederick
  phebex a shepherdes
  audreyx a country wench

  lordsx pagesx forestersx and attendants

scenex oliverxs housex frederickxs courtx and the forest of arden

act ix scene ix orchard of oliverxs house

enter orlando and adam

  orlandox as i rememberx adamx it was upon this fashion bequeathed me
  by will but poor a thousand crownsx andx as thou sayxstx charged my
  brotherx on his blessingx to breed me wellx and there begins my
  sadnessx my brother jaques he keeps at schoolx and report speaks
  goldenly of his profitx for my partx he keeps me rustically at homex
  orx to speak more properlyx stays me here at home unkeptx for call
  you that keeping for a gentleman of my birth that differs not from
  the stalling of an oxx his horses are bred betterx forx besides that
  they are fair with their feedingx they are taught their managex and
  to that end riders dearly hirxdx but ix his brotherx gain nothing
  under him but growthx for the which his animals on his dunghills are
  as much bound to him as ix besides this nothing that he so
  plentifully gives mex the something that nature gave me his
  countenance seems to take from mex he lets me feed with his hindsx
  bars me the place of a brotherx and as much as in him liesx mines my
  gentility with my educationx this is itx adamx that grieves mex and
  the spirit of my fatherx which i think is within mex begins to mutiny
  against this servitudex i will no longer endure itx though yet i know
  no wise remedy how to avoid itx

                           enter oliver

  adamx yonder comes my masterx your brotherx
  orlandox go apartx adamx and thou shalt hear how he will shake me
    upx                                           xadam retiresx
  oliverx nowx sirx what make you herex
  orlandox nothingx i am not taught to make any thingx
  oliverx what mar you thenx sirx
  orlandox marryx sirx i am helping you to mar that which god madex a
    poor unworthy brother of yoursx with idlenessx
  oliverx marryx sirx be better employedx and be nought awhilex
  orlandox shall i keep your hogsx and eat husks with themx what
    prodigal portion have i spent that i should come to such penuryx
  oliverx know you where you arex sirx
  orlandox ox sirx very wellx here in your orchardx
  oliverx know you before whomx sirx
  orlandox ayx better than him i am before knows mex i know you are
    my eldest brotherx and in the gentle condition of bloodx you
    should so know mex the courtesy of nations allows you my better
    in that you are the firstxbornx but the same tradition takes not
    away my bloodx were there twenty brothers betwixt usx i have as
    much of my father in me as youx albeit i confess your coming
    before me is nearer to his reverencex
  oliverx whatx boyx                               xstrikes himx
  orlandox comex comex elder brotherx you are too young in thisx
  oliverx wilt thou lay hands on mex villainx
  orlandox i am no villainx i am the youngest son of sir rowland de
    boysx he was my fatherx and he is thrice a villain that says such
    a father begot villainsx wert thou not my brotherx i would not
    take this hand from thy throat till this other had pullxd out thy
    tongue for saying sox thou has railxd on thyselfx
  adamx xcoming forwardx sweet mastersx be patientx for your fatherxs
    remembrancex be at accordx
  oliverx let me gox i sayx
  orlandox i will notx till i pleasex you shall hear mex my father
    chargxd you in his will to give me good educationx you have
    trainxd me like a peasantx obscuring and hiding from me all
    gentlemanxlike qualitiesx the spirit of my father grows strong in
    mex and i will no longer endure itx therefore allow me such
    exercises as may become a gentlemanx or give me the poor
    allottery my father left me by testamentx with that i will go buy
    my fortunesx
  oliverx and what wilt thou dox begx when that is spentx wellx sirx
    get you inx i will not long be troubled with youx you shall have
    some part of your willx i pray you leave mex
  orlandox i no further offend you than becomes me for my goodx
  oliverx get you with himx you old dogx
  adamx is xold dogx my rewardx most truex i have lost my teeth in
    your servicex god be with my old masterx he would not have spoke
    such a wordx
                                         exeunt orlando and adam
  oliverx is it even sox begin you to grow upon mex i will physic
    your ranknessx and yet give no thousand crowns neitherx hollax
    dennisx

                          enter dennis

  dennisx calls your worshipx
  oliverx not charlesx the dukexs wrestlerx here to speak with mex
  dennisx so please youx he is here at the door and importunes access
    to youx
  oliverx call him inx xexit dennisx xtwill be a good wayx and
    toxmorrow the wrestling isx

                          enter charles

  charlesx good morrow to your worshipx
  oliverx good monsieur charlesx whatxs the new news at the new
    courtx
  charlesx therexs no news at the courtx sirx but the old newsx that
    isx the old duke is banished by his younger brother the new dukex
    and three or four loving lords have put themselves into voluntary
    exile with himx whose lands and revenues enrich the new dukex
    therefore he gives them good leave to wanderx
  oliverx can you tell if rosalindx the dukexs daughterx be banished
    with her fatherx
  charlesx ox nox for the dukexs daughterx her cousinx so loves herx
    being ever from their cradles bred togetherx that she would have
    followed her exilex or have died to stay behind herx she is at
    the courtx and no less beloved of her uncle than his own
    daughterx and never two ladies loved as they dox
  oliverx where will the old duke livex
  charlesx they say he is already in the forest of ardenx and a many
    merry men with himx and there they live like the old robin hood
    of englandx they say many young gentlemen flock to him every dayx
    and fleet the time carelesslyx as they did in the golden worldx
  oliverx whatx you wrestle toxmorrow before the new dukex
  charlesx marryx do ix sirx and i came to acquaint you with a
    matterx i am givenx sirx secretly to understand that your younger
    brotherx orlandox hath a disposition to come in disguisxd against
    me to try a fallx toxmorrowx sirx i wrestle for my creditx and he
    that escapes me without some broken limb shall acquit him wellx
    your brother is but young and tenderx andx for your lovex i would
    be loath to foil himx as i mustx for my own honourx if he come
    inx thereforex out of my love to youx i came hither to acquaint
    you withalx that either you might stay him from his intendmentx
    or brook such disgrace well as he shall run intox in that it is
    thing of his own search and altogether against my willx
  oliverx charlesx i thank thee for thy love to mex which thou shalt
    find i will most kindly requitex i had myself notice of my
    brotherxs purpose hereinx and have by underhand means laboured to
    dissuade him from itx but he is resolutex ixll tell theex
    charlesx it is the stubbornest young fellow of francex full of
    ambitionx an envious emulator of every manxs good partsx a secret
    and villainous contriver against me his natural brotherx
    therefore use thy discretionx i had as lief thou didst break his
    neck as his fingerx and thou wert best look toxtx for if thou
    dost him any slight disgracex or if he do not mightily grace
    himself on theex he will practise against thee by poisonx entrap
    thee by some treacherous devicex and never leave thee till he
    hath taxen thy life by some indirect means or otherx forx i
    assure theex and almost with tears i speak itx there is not one
    so young and so villainous this day livingx i speak but brotherly
    of himx but should i anatomize him to thee as he isx i must blush
    and weepx and thou must look pale and wonderx
  charlesx i am heartily glad i came hither to youx if he come
    toxmorrow ixll give him his paymentx if ever he go alone againx
    ixll never wrestle for prize morex and sox god keep your worshipx
 exit
  oliverx farewellx good charlesx now will i stir this gamesterx i
    hope i shall see an end of himx for my soulx yet i know not whyx
    hates nothing more than hex yet hexs gentlex never schoolxd and
    yet learnedx full of noble devicex of all sorts enchantingly
    belovedx andx indeedx so much in the heart of the worldx and
    especially of my own peoplex who best know himx that i am
    altogether misprisedx but it shall not be so longx this wrestler
    shall clear allx nothing remains but that i kindle the boy
    thitherx which now ixll go aboutx                       exit

scene iix a lawn before the dukexs palace

enter rosalind and celia

  celiax i pray theex rosalindx sweet my cozx be merryx
  rosalindx dear celiax i show more mirth than i am mistress ofx and
    would you yet i were merrierx unless you could teach me to forget
    a banished fatherx you must not learn me how to remember any
    extraordinary pleasurex
  celiax herein i see thou lovxst me not with the full weight that i
    love theex if my unclex thy banished fatherx had banished thy
    unclex the duke my fatherx so thou hadst been still with mex i
    could have taught my love to take thy father for minex so wouldst
    thoux if the truth of thy love to me were so righteously temperxd
    as mine is to theex
  rosalindx wellx i will forget the condition of my estatex to
    rejoice in yoursx
  celiax you know my father hath no child but ix nor none is like to
    havex andx trulyx when he dies thou shalt be his heirx for what
    he hath taken away from thy father perforcex i will render thee
    again in affectionx by mine honourx i willx and when i break that
    oathx let me turn monsterx thereforex my sweet rosex my dear
    rosex be merryx
  rosalindx from henceforth i willx cozx and devise sportsx
    let me seex what think you of falling in lovex
  celiax marryx i pritheex dox to make sport withalx but love no man
    in good earnestx nor no further in sport neither than with safety
    of a pure blush thou mayst in honour come off againx
  rosalindx what shall be our sportx thenx
  celiax let us sit and mock the good housewife fortune from her
    wheelx that her gifts may henceforth be bestowed equallyx
  rosalindx i would we could do sox for her benefits are mightily
    misplacedx and the bountiful blind woman doth most mistake in her
    gifts to womenx
  celiax xtis truex for those that she makes fair she scarce makes
    honestx and those that she makes honest she makes very
    illxfavouredlyx
  rosalindx nayx now thou goest from fortunexs office to naturexsx
    fortune reigns in gifts of the worldx not in the lineaments of
    naturex

                         enter touchstone

  celiax nox when nature hath made a fair creaturex may she not by
    fortune fall into the firex though nature hath given us wit to
    flout at fortunex hath not fortune sent in this fool to cut off
    the argumentx
  rosalindx indeedx there is fortune too hard for naturex when
    fortune makes naturexs natural the cutterxoff of naturexs witx
  celiax peradventure this is not fortunexs work neitherx but
    naturexsx who perceiveth our natural wits too dull to reason of
    such goddessesx and hath sent this natural for our whetstonex for
    always the dullness of the fool is the whetstone of the witsx how
    nowx witx whither wander youx
  touchstonex mistressx you must come away to your fatherx
  celiax were you made the messengerx
  touchstonex nox by mine honourx but i was bid to come for youx
  rosalindx where learned you that oathx foolx
  touchstonex of a certain knight that swore by his honour they were
    good pancakesx and swore by his honour the mustard was naughtx
    now ixll stand to itx the pancakes were naught and the mustard
    was goodx and yet was not the knight forswornx
  celiax how prove you thatx in the great heap of your knowledgex
  rosalindx ayx marryx now unmuzzle your wisdomx
  touchstonex stand you both forth nowx stroke your chinsx and swear
    by your beards that i am a knavex
  celiax by our beardsx if we had themx thou artx
  touchstonex by my knaveryx if i had itx then i werex but if you
    swear by that that notx you are not forswornx no more was this
    knightx swearing by his honourx for he never had anyx or if he
    hadx he had sworn it away before ever he saw those pancackes or
    that mustardx
  celiax pritheex who isxt that thou meanxstx
  touchstonex one that old frederickx your fatherx lovesx
  celiax my fatherxs love is enough to honour himx enoughx speak no
    more of himx youxll be whipt for taxation one of these daysx
  touchstonex the more pity that fools may not speak wisely what wise
    men do foolishlyx
  celiax by my trothx thou sayest truex for since the little wit that
    fools have was silencedx the little foolery that wise men have
    makes a great showx here comes monsieur le beaux

                           enter le beau

  rosalindx with his mouth full of newsx
  celiax which he will put on us as pigeons feed their youngx
  rosalindx then shall we be newsxcrammxdx
  celiax all the betterx we shall be the more marketablex bon jourx
    monsieur le beaux whatxs the newsx
  le beaux fair princessx you have lost much good sportx
  celiax sportx of what colourx
  le beaux what colourx madamx how shall i answer youx
  rosalindx as wit and fortune willx
  touchstonex or as the destinies decreesx
  celiax well saidx that was laid on with a trowelx
  touchstonex nayx if i keep not my rankx
  rosalindx thou losest thy old smellx
  le beaux you amaze mex ladiesx i would have told you of good
    wrestlingx which you have lost the sight ofx
  rosalindx yet tell us the manner of the wrestlingx
  le beaux i will tell you the beginningx andx if it please your
    ladyshipsx you may see the endx for the best is yet to dox and
    herex where you arex they are coming to perform itx
  celiax wellx the beginningx that is dead and buriedx
  le beaux there comes an old man and his three sonsx
  celiax i could match this beginning with an old talex
  le beaux three proper young menx of excellent growth and presencex
  rosalindx with bills on their necksx xbe it known unto all men by
    these presentsxx
  le beaux the eldest of the three wrestled with charlesx the dukexs
    wrestlerx which charles in a moment threw himx and broke three of
    his ribsx that there is little hope of life in himx so he servxd
    the secondx and so the thirdx yonder they liex the poor old manx
    their fatherx making such pitiful dole over them that all the
    beholders take his part with weepingx
  rosalindx alasx
  touchstonex but what is the sportx monsieurx that the ladies have
    lostx
  le beaux whyx this that i speak ofx
  touchstonex thus men may grow wiser every dayx it is the first time
    that ever i heard breaking of ribs was sport for ladiesx
  celiax or ix i promise theex
  rosalindx but is there any else longs to see this broken music in
    his sidesx is there yet another dotes upon ribxbreakingx shall we
    see this wrestlingx cousinx
  le beaux you mustx if you stay herex for here is the place
    appointed for the wrestlingx and they are ready to perform itx
  celiax yonderx surex they are comingx let us now stay and see itx

           flourishx enter duke frederickx lordsx orlandox
                     charlesx and attendants

  frederickx come onx since the youth will not be entreatedx his own
    peril on his forwardnessx
  rosalindx is yonder the manx
  le beaux even hex madamx
  celiax alasx he is too youngx yet he looks successfullyx
  frederickx how nowx daughter and cousinx are you crept hither to
    see the wrestlingx
  rosalindx ayx my liegex so please you give us leavex
  frederickx you will take little delight in itx i can tell youx
    there is such odds in the manx in pity of the challengerxs youth
    i would fain dissuade himx but he will not be entreatedx speak to
    himx ladiesx see if you can move himx
  celiax call him hitherx good monsieur le beaux
  frederickx do sox ixll not be byx
                                     xduke frederick goes apartx
  le beaux monsieur the challengerx the princess calls for youx
  orlandox i attend them with all respect and dutyx
  rosalindx young manx have you challengxd charles the wrestlerx
  orlandox nox fair princessx he is the general challengerx i come
    but inx as others dox to try with him the strength of my youthx
  celiax young gentlemanx your spirits are too bold for your yearsx
    you have seen cruel proof of this manxs strengthx if you saw
    yourself with your eyesx or knew yourself with your judgmentx the
    fear of your adventure would counsel you to a more equal
    enterprisex we pray youx for your own sakex to embrace your own
    safety and give over this attemptx
  rosalindx dox young sirx your reputation shall not therefore be
    misprisedx we will make it our suit to the duke that the
    wrestling might not go forwardx
  orlandox i beseech youx punish me not with your hard thoughtsx
    wherein i confess me much guilty to deny so fair and excellent
    ladies any thingx but let your fair eyes and gentle wishes go
    with me to my trialx wherein if i be foilxd there is but one
    shamxd that was never graciousx if killxdx but one dead that is
    willing to be sox i shall do my friends no wrongx for i have none
    to lament mex the world no injuryx for in it i have nothingx only
    in the world i fill up a placex which may be better supplied when
    i have made it emptyx
  rosalindx the little strength that i havex i would it were with
    youx
  celiax and mine to eke out hersx
  rosalindx fare you wellx pray heaven i be deceivxd in youx
  celiax your heartxs desires be with youx
  charlesx comex where is this young gallant that is so desirous to
    lie with his mother earthx
  orlandox readyx sirx but his will hath in it a more modest workingx
  frederickx you shall try but one fallx
  charlesx nox i warrant your gracex you shall not entreat him to a
    secondx that have so mightily persuaded him from a firstx
  orlandox you mean to mock me afterx you should not have mockxd me
    beforex but come your waysx
  rosalindx nowx hercules be thy speedx young manx
  celiax i would i were invisiblex to catch the strong fellow by the
    legx                                          xthey wrestlex
  rosalindx o excellent young manx
  celiax if i had a thunderbolt in mine eyex i can tell who should
    downx
                                      xcharles is thrownx shoutx
  frederickx no morex no morex
  orlandox yesx i beseech your gracex i am not yet well breathxdx
  frederickx how dost thoux charlesx
  le beaux he cannot speakx my lordx
  frederickx bear him awayx what is thy namex young manx
  orlandox orlandox my liegex the youngest son of sir rowland de
    boysx
  frederickx i would thou hadst been son to some man elsex
    the world esteemxd thy father honourablex
    but i did find him still mine enemyx
    thou shouldst have better pleasxd me with this deedx
    hadst thou descended from another housex
    but fare thee wellx thou art a gallant youthx
    i would thou hadst told me of another fatherx
                                 exeunt dukex trainx and le beau
  celiax were i my fatherx cozx would i do thisx
  orlandox i am more proud to be sir rowlandxs sonx
    his youngest sonx and would not change that calling
    to be adopted heir to frederickx
  rosalindx my father lovxd sir rowland as his soulx
    and all the world was of my fatherxs mindx
    had i before known this young man his sonx
    i should have given him tears unto entreaties
    ere he should thus have venturxdx
  celiax gentle cousinx
    let us go thank himx and encourage himx
    my fatherxs rough and envious disposition
    sticks me at heartx sirx you have well deservxdx
    if you do keep your promises in love
    but justly as you have exceeded all promisex
    your mistress shall be happyx
  rosalindx gentlemanx        xgiving him a chain from her neckx
    wear this for mex one out of suits with fortunex
    that could give morex but that her hand lacks meansx
    shall we gox cozx
  celiax ayx fare you wellx fair gentlemanx
  orlandox can i not say xi thank youxx my better parts
    are all thrown downx and that which here stands up
    is but a quintainx a mere lifeless blockx
  rosalindx he calls us backx my pride fell with my fortunesx
    ixll ask him what he wouldx did you callx sirx
    sirx you have wrestled wellx and overthrown
    more than your enemiesx
  celiax will you gox cozx
  rosalindx have with youx fare you wellx
                                       exeunt rosalind and celia
  orlandox what passion hangs these weights upon my tonguex
    i cannot speak to herx yet she urgxd conferencex
    o poor orlandox thou art overthrownx
    or charles or something weaker masters theex

                      rexenter le beau

  le beaux good sirx i do in friendship counsel you
    to leave this placex albeit you have deservxd
    high commendationx true applausex and lovex
    yet such is now the dukexs condition
    that he misconstrues all that you have donex
    the duke is humorousx what he isx indeedx
    more suits you to conceive than i to speak ofx
  orlandox i thank youx sirx and pray you tell me thisx
    which of the two was daughter of the duke
    that here was at the wrestlingx
  le beaux neither his daughterx if we judge by mannersx
    but yetx indeedx the smaller is his daughterx
    the other is daughter to the banishxd dukex
    and here detainxd by her usurping unclex
    to keep his daughter companyx whose loves
    are dearer than the natural bond of sistersx
    but i can tell you that of late this duke
    hath taxen displeasure xgainst his gentle niecex
    grounded upon no other argument
    but that the people praise her for her virtues
    and pity her for her good fatherxs sakex
    andx on my lifex his malice xgainst the lady
    will suddenly break forthx sirx fare you wellx
    hereafterx in a better world than thisx
    i shall desire more love and knowledge of youx
  orlandox i rest much bounden to youx fare you wellx
                                                    exit le beau
    thus must i from the smoke into the smotherx
    from tyrant duke unto a tyrant brotherx
    but heavenly rosalindx                                  exit

scene iiix the dukexs palace

enter celia and rosalind

  celiax whyx cousinx whyx rosalindx cupid have mercyx
    not a wordx
  rosalindx not one to throw at a dogx
  celiax nox thy words are too precious to be cast away upon cursx
    throw some of them at mex comex lame me with reasonsx
  rosalindx then there were two cousins laid upx when the one should
    be lamxd with reasons and the other mad without anyx
  celiax but is all this for your fatherx
  rosalindx nox some of it is for my childxs fatherx ox how full of
    briers is this workingxday worldx
  celiax they are but bursx cousinx thrown upon thee in holiday
    fooleryx if we walk not in the trodden pathsx our very petticoats
    will catch themx
  rosalindx i could shake them off my coatx these burs are in my
    heartx
  celiax hem them awayx
  rosalindx i would tryx if i could cry xhemx and have himx
  celiax comex comex wrestle with thy affectionsx
  rosalindx ox they take the part of a better wrestler than myselfx
  celiax ox a good wish upon youx you will try in timex in despite of
    a fallx butx turning these jests out of servicex let us talk in
    good earnestx is it possiblex on such a suddenx you should fall
    into so strong a liking with old sir rowlandxs youngest sonx
  rosalindx the duke my father lovxd his father dearlyx
  celiax doth it therefore ensue that you should love his son dearlyx
    by this kind of chase i should hate himx for my father hated his
    father dearlyx yet i hate not orlandox
  rosalindx nox faithx hate him notx for my sakex
  celiax why should i notx doth he not deserve wellx

                    enter duke frederickx with lords

  rosalindx let me love him for thatx and do you love him because i
    dox lookx here comes the dukex
  celiax with his eyes full of angerx
  frederickx mistressx dispatch you with your safest hastex
    and get you from our courtx
  rosalindx mex unclex
  frederickx youx cousinx
    within these ten days if that thou beest found
    so near our public court as twenty milesx
    thou diest for itx
  rosalindx i do beseech your gracex
    let me the knowledge of my fault bear with mex
    if with myself i hold intelligencex
    or have acquaintance with mine own desiresx
    if that i do not dreamx or be not franticx
    as i do trust i am notx thenx dear unclex
    never so much as in a thought unborn
    did i offend your highnessx
  frederickx thus do all traitorsx
    if their purgation did consist in wordsx
    they are as innocent as grace itselfx
    let it suffice thee that i trust thee notx
  rosalindx yet your mistrust cannot make me a traitorx
    tell me whereon the likelihood dependsx
  frederickx thou art thy fatherxs daughterx therexs enoughx
  rosalindx so was i when your highness took his dukedomx
    so was i when your highness banishxd himx
    treason is not inheritedx my lordx
    orx if we did derive it from our friendsx
    whatxs that to mex my father was no traitorx
    thenx good my liegex mistake me not so much
    to think my poverty is treacherousx
  celiax dear sovereignx hear me speakx
  frederickx ayx celiax we stayxd her for your sakex
    else had she with her father rangxd alongx
  celiax i did not then entreat to have her stayx
    it was your pleasurex and your own remorsex
    i was too young that time to value herx
    but now i know herx if she be a traitorx
    why so am ix we still have slept togetherx
    rose at an instantx learnxdx playxdx eat togetherx
    and wheresoexer we wentx like junoxs swansx
    still we went coupled and inseparablex
  frederickx she is too subtle for theex and her smoothnessx
    her very silence and her patiencex
    speak to the peoplex and they pity herx
    thou art a foolx she robs thee of thy namex
    and thou wilt show more bright and seem more virtuous
    when she is gonex then open not thy lipsx
    firm and irrevocable is my doom
    which i have passxd upon herx she is banishxdx
  celiax pronounce that sentencex thenx on mex my liegex
    i cannot live out of her companyx
  frederickx you are a foolx youx niecex provide yourselfx
    if you outstay the timex upon mine honourx
    and in the greatness of my wordx you diex
                                           exeunt duke and lords
  celiax o my poor rosalindx whither wilt thou gox
    wilt thou change fathersx i will give thee minex
    i charge thee be not thou more grievxd than i amx
  rosalindx i have more causex
  celiax thou hast notx cousinx
    prithee be cheerfulx knowxst thou not the duke
    hath banishxd mex his daughterx
  rosalindx that he hath notx
  celiax nox hath notx rosalind lacksx thenx the love
    which teacheth thee that thou and i am onex
    shall we be sundxredx shall we partx sweet girlx
    nox let my father seek another heirx
    therefore devise with me how we may flyx
    whither to gox and what to bear with usx
    and do not seek to take your charge upon youx
    to bear your griefs yourselfx and leave me outx
    forx by this heavenx now at our sorrows palex
    say what thou canstx ixll go along with theex
  rosalindx whyx whither shall we gox
  celiax to seek my uncle in the forest of ardenx
  rosalindx alasx what danger will it be to usx
    maids as we arex to travel forth so farx
    beauty provoketh thieves sooner than goldx
  celiax ixll put myself in poor and mean attirex
    and with a kind of umber smirch my facex
    the like do youx so shall we pass alongx
    and never stir assailantsx
  rosalindx were it not betterx
    because that i am more than common tallx
    that i did suit me all points like a manx
    a gallant curtlexaxe upon my thighx
    a boar spear in my handx andx in my heart
    lie there what hidden womanxs fear there willx
    wexll have a swashing and a martial outsidex
    as many other mannish cowards have
    that do outface it with their semblancesx
  celiax what shall i call thee when thou art a manx
  rosalindx ixll have no worse a name than jovexs own pagex
    and therefore look you call me ganymedex
    but what will you be callxdx
  celiax something that hath a reference to my statex
    no longer celiax but alienax
  rosalindx butx cousinx what if we assayxd to steal
    the clownish fool out of your fatherxs courtx
    would he not be a comfort to our travelx
  celiax hexll go along oxer the wide world with mex
    leave me alone to woo himx letxs awayx
    and get our jewels and our wealth togetherx
    devise the fittest time and safest way
    to hide us from pursuit that will be made
    after my flightx now go we in content
    to libertyx and not to banishmentx                    exeunt

act iix scene ix the forest of arden

enter duke seniorx amiensx and two or three lordsx like foresters

  duke seniorx nowx my coxmates and brothers in exilex
    hath not old custom made this life more sweet
    than that of painted pompx are not these woods
    more free from peril than the envious courtx
    here feel we not the penalty of adamx
    the seasonsx differencex as the icy fang
    and churlish chiding of the winterxs windx
    which when it bites and blows upon my bodyx
    even till i shrink with coldx i smile and say
    xthis is no flatteryx these are counsellors
    that feelingly persuade me what i amxx
    sweet are the uses of adversityx
    whichx like the toadx ugly and venomousx
    wears yet a precious jewel in his headx
    and this our lifex exempt from public hauntx
    finds tongues in treesx books in the running brooksx
    sermons in stonesx and good in everythingx
    i would not change itx
  amiensx happy is your gracex
    that can translate the stubbornness of fortune
    into so quiet and so sweet a stylex
  duke seniorx comex shall we go and kill us venisonx
    and yet it irks me the poor dappled foolsx
    being native burghers of this desert cityx
    shouldx in their own confinesx with forked heads
    have their round haunches gorxdx
  first lordx indeedx my lordx
    the melancholy jaques grieves at thatx
    andx in that kindx swears you do more usurp
    than doth your brother that hath banishxd youx
    toxday my lord of amiens and myself
    did steal behind him as he lay along
    under an oak whose antique root peeps out
    upon the brook that brawls along this woodx
    to the which place a poor sequestxred stagx
    that from the hunterxs aim had taxen a hurtx
    did come to languishx andx indeedx my lordx
    the wretched animal heavxd forth such groans
    that their discharge did stretch his leathern coat
    almost to burstingx and the big round tears
    coursxd one another down his innocent nose
    in piteous chasex and thus the hairy foolx
    much marked of the melancholy jaquesx
    stood on thx extremest verge of the swift brookx
    augmenting it with tearsx
  duke seniorx but what said jaquesx
    did he not moralize this spectaclex
  first lordx ox yesx into a thousand similesx
    firstx for his weeping into the needless streamx
    xpoor deerxx quoth he xthou makxst a testament
    as worldlings dox giving thy sum of more
    to that which had too muchxx thenx being there alonex
    left and abandoned of his velvet friendsx
    xxtis rightxx quoth he xthus misery doth part
    the flux of companyxx anonx a careless herdx
    full of the pasturex jumps along by him
    and never stays to greet himx xayxx quoth jaques
    xsweep onx you fat and greasy citizensx
    xtis just the fashionx wherefore do you look
    upon that poor and broken bankrupt therexx
    thus most invectively he pierceth through
    the body of the countryx cityx courtx
    yeax and of this our lifex swearing that we
    are mere usurpersx tyrantsx and whatxs worsex
    to fright the animalsx and to kill them up
    in their assignxd and native dwellingxplacex
  duke seniorx and did you leave him in this contemplationx
  second lordx we didx my lordx weeping and commenting
    upon the sobbing deerx
  duke seniorx show me the placex
    i love to cope him in these sullen fitsx
    for then hexs full of matterx
  first lordx ixll bring you to him straightx             exeunt

scene iix the dukexs palace

enter duke frederickx with lords

  frederickx can it be possible that no man saw themx
    it cannot bex some villains of my court
    are of consent and sufferance in thisx
  first lordx i cannot hear of any that did see herx
    the ladiesx her attendants of her chamberx
    saw her abedx and in the morning early
    they found the bed untreasurxd of their mistressx
  second lordx my lordx the roynish clownx at whom so oft
    your grace was wont to laughx is also missingx
    hisperiax the princessx gentlewomanx
    confesses that she secretly oxerheard
    your daughter and her cousin much commend
    the parts and graces of the wrestler
    that did but lately foil the sinewy charlesx
    and she believesx wherever they are gonex
    that youth is surely in their companyx
  frederickx send to his brotherx fetch that gallant hitherx
    if he be absentx bring his brother to mex
    ixll make him find himx do this suddenlyx
    and let not search and inquisition quail
    to bring again these foolish runawaysx                exeunt

scene iiix before oliverxs house

enter orlando and adamx meeting

  orlandox whoxs therex
  adamx whatx my young masterx o my gentle masterx
    o my sweet masterx o you memory
    of old sir rowlandx whyx what make you herex
    why are you virtuousx why do people love youx
    and wherefore are you gentlex strongx and valiantx
    why would you be so fond to overcome
    the bonny prizer of the humorous dukex
    your praise is come too swiftly home before youx
    know you notx masterx to some kind of men
    their graces serve them but as enemiesx
    no more do yoursx your virtuesx gentle masterx
    are sanctified and holy traitors to youx
    ox what a world is thisx when what is comely
    envenoms him that bears itx
  orlandox whyx whatxs the matterx
  adamx o unhappy youthx
    come not within these doorsx within this roof
    the enemy of all your graces livesx
    your brotherx nox no brotherx yet the sonx
    yet not the sonx i will not call him son
    of him i was about to call his fatherx
    hath heard your praisesx and this night he means
    to burn the lodging where you use to liex
    and you within itx if he fail of thatx
    he will have other means to cut you offx
    i overheard him and his practicesx
    this is no placex this house is but a butcheryx
    abhor itx fear itx do not enter itx
  orlandox whyx whitherx adamx wouldst thou have me gox
  adamx no matter whitherx so you come not herex
  orlandox whatx wouldst thou have me go and beg my foodx
    or with a base and boistxrous sword enforce
    a thievish living on the common roadx
    this i must dox or know not what to dox
    yet this i will not dox do how i canx
    i rather will subject me to the malice
    of a diverted blood and bloody brotherx
  adamx but do not sox i have five hundred crownsx
    the thrifty hire i savxd under your fatherx
    which i did store to be my fosterxnursex
    when service should in my old limbs lie lamex
    and unregarded age in corners thrownx
    take thatx and he that doth the ravens feedx
    yeax providently caters for the sparrowx
    be comfort to my agex here is the goldx
    all this i give youx let me be your servantx
    though i look oldx yet i am strong and lustyx
    for in my youth i never did apply
    hot and rebellious liquors in my bloodx
    nor did not with unbashful forehead woo
    the means of weakness and debilityx
    therefore my age is as a lusty winterx
    frostyx but kindlyx let me go with youx
    ixll do the service of a younger man
    in all your business and necessitiesx
  orlandox o good old manx how well in thee appears
    the constant service of the antique worldx
    when service sweat for dutyx not for meedx
    thou art not for the fashion of these timesx
    where none will sweat but for promotionx
    and having that do choke their service up
    even with the havingx it is not so with theex
    butx poor old manx thou prunxst a rotten tree
    that cannot so much as a blossom yield
    in lieu of all thy pains and husbandryx
    but come thy waysx wexll go along togetherx
    and ere we have thy youthful wages spent
    wexll light upon some settled low contentx
  adamx masterx go onx and i will follow the
    to the last gaspx with truth and loyaltyx
    from seventeen years till now almost fourxscore
    here lived ix but now live here no morex
    at seventeen years many their fortunes seekx
    but at fourscore it is too late a weekx
    yet fortune cannot recompense me better
    than to die well and not my masterxs debtorx          exeunt

scene ivx the forest of arden

enter rosalind for ganymedex celia for alienax and clown alias
touchstone

  rosalindx o jupiterx how weary are my spiritsx
  touchstonex i care not for my spiritsx if my legs were not wearyx
  rosalindx i could find in my heart to disgrace my manxs apparelx
    and to cry like a womanx but i must comfort the weaker vesselx as
    doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoatx
    thereforex couragex good alienax
  celiax i pray you bear with mex i cannot go no furtherx
  touchstonex for my partx i had rather bear with you than bear youx
    yet i should bear no cross if i did bear youx for i think you
    have no money in your pursex
  rosalindx wellxx this is the forest of ardenx
  touchstonex ayx now am i in ardenx the more fool ix when i was at
    home i was in a better placex but travellers must be contentx

                        enter corin and silvius

  rosalindx ayx be sox good touchstonex look youx who comes herex a
    young man and an old in solemn talkx
  corinx that is the way to make her scorn you stillx
  silviusx o corinx that thou knewxst how i do love herx
  corinx i partly guessx for i have lovxd ere nowx
  silviusx nox corinx being oldx thou canst not guessx
    though in thy youth thou wast as true a lover
    as ever sighxd upon a midnight pillowx
    but if thy love were ever like to minex
    as sure i think did never man love sox
    how many actions most ridiculous
    hast thou been drawn to by thy fantasyx
  corinx into a thousand that i have forgottenx
  silviusx ox thou didst then never love so heartilyx
    if thou remembxrest not the slightest folly
    that ever love did make thee run intox
    thou hast not lovxdx
    or if thou hast not sat as i do nowx
    wearing thy hearer in thy mistressx praisex
    thou hast not lovxdx
    or if thou hast not broke from company
    abruptlyx as my passion now makes mex
    thou hast not lovxdx
    o phebex phebex phebex                          exit silvius
  rosalindx alasx poor shepherdx searching of thy woundx
    i have by hard adventure found mine ownx
  touchstonex and i minex i rememberx when i was in lovex i broke my
    sword upon a stonex and bid him take that for coming axnight to
    jane smilex and i remember the kissing of her batlerx and the
    cowxs dugs that her pretty chopt hands had milkxdx and i remember
    the wooing of  peascod instead of herx from whom i took two codsx
    and giving her them againx said with weeping tears xwear these
    for my sakexx we that are true lovers run into strange capersx
    but as all is mortal in naturex so is all nature in love mortal
    in follyx
  rosalindx thou speakxst wiser than thou art ware ofx
  touchstonex nayx i shall nexer be ware of mine own wit till i break
    my shins against itx
  rosalindx jovex jovex this shepherdxs passion
    is much upon my fashionx
  touchstonex and minex but it grows something stale with mex
  celiax i pray youx one of you question yond man
    if he for gold will give us any foodx
    i faint almost to deathx
  touchstonex hollax you clownx
  rosalindx peacex foolx hexs not thy ensmanx
  corinx who callsx
  touchstonex your bettersx sirx
  corinx else are they very wretchedx
  rosalindx peacex i sayx good even to youx friendx
  corinx and to youx gentle sirx and to you allx
  rosalindx i pritheex shepherdx if that love or gold
    can in this desert place buy entertainmentx
    bring us where we may rest ourselves and feedx
    herexs a young maid with travel much oppressxdx
    and faints for succourx
  corinx fair sirx i pity herx
    and wishx for her sake more than for mine ownx
    my fortunes were more able to relieve herx
    but i am shepherd to another manx
    and do not shear the fleeces that i grazex
    my master is of churlish dispositionx
    and little recks to find the way to heaven
    by doing deeds of hospitalityx
    besidesx his cotex his flocksx and bounds of feedx
    are now on salex and at our sheepcote nowx
    by reason of his absencex there is nothing
    that you will feed onx but what isx come seex
    and in my voice most welcome shall you bex
  rosalindx what is he that shall buy his flock and pasturex
  corinx that young swain that you saw here but erewhilex
    that little cares for buying any thingx
  rosalindx i pray theex if it stand with honestyx
    buy thou the cottagex pasturex and the flockx
    and thou shalt have to pay for it of usx
  celiax and we will mend thy wagesx i like this placex
    and willingly could waste my time in itx
  corinx assuredly the thing is to be soldx
    go with mex if you like upon report
    the soilx the profitx and this kind of lifex
    i will your very faithful feeder bex
    and buy it with your gold right suddenlyx             exeunt

scene vx another part of the forest

enter amiensx jaquesx and others

                       song
  amiensx    under the greenwood tree
               who loves to lie with mex
               and turn his merry note
               unto the sweet birdxs throatx
             come hitherx come hitherx come hitherx
               here shall he see
               no enemy
             but winter and rough weatherx

  jaquesx morex morex i pritheex morex
  amiensx it will make you melancholyx monsieur jaquesx
  jaquesx i thank itx morex i pritheex morex i can suck melancholy
    out of a songx as a weasel sucks eggsx morex i pritheex morex
  amiensx my voice is raggedx i know i cannot please youx
  jaquesx i do not desire you to please mex i do desire you to singx
    comex morex another stanzox call you xem stanzosx
  amiensx what you willx monsieur jaquesx
  jaquesx nayx i care not for their namesx they owe me nothingx will
    you singx
  amiensx more at your request than to please myselfx
  jaquesx well thenx if ever i thank any manx ixll thank youx but
    that they call compliment is like thx encounter of two dogxapesx
    and when a man thanks me heartilyx methinks have given him a
    pennyx and he renders me the beggarly thanksx comex singx and you
    that will notx hold your tonguesx
  amiensx wellx ixll end the songx sirsx cover the whilex the duke
    will drink under this treex he hath been all this day to look
    youx
  jaquesx and i have been all this day to avoid himx he is to
    disputable for my companyx i think of as many matters as hex but
    i give heaven thanksx and make no boast of themx comex warblex
    comex

                       song
              xall together herex

           who doth ambition shunx
           and loves to live ix thx sunx
           seeking the food he eatsx
           and pleasxd with what he getsx
         come hitherx come hitherx come hitherx
           here shall he see
           no enemy
           but winter and rough weatherx

  jaquesx ixll give you a verse to this note that i made yesterday in
    despite of my inventionx
  amiensx and ixll sing itx
  jaquesx thus it goesx

             if it do come to pass
             that any man turn assx
             leaving his wealth and ease
             a stubborn will to pleasex
           ducdamex ducdamex ducdamex
             here shall he see
             gross fools as hex
             an if he will come to mex

  amiensx whatxs that xducdamexx
  jaquesx xtis a greek invocationx to call fools into a circlex ixll
    go sleepx if i canx if i cannotx ixll rail against all the
    firstxborn of egyptx
  amiensx and ixll go seek the dukex his banquet is preparxdx
                                                exeunt severally

scene vix the forest

enter orlando and adam

  adamx dear masterx i can go no furtherx ox i die for foodx here lie
    i downx and measure out my gravex farewellx kind masterx
  orlandox whyx how nowx adamx no greater heart in theex live a
    littlex comfort a littlex cheer thyself a littlex if this uncouth
    forest yield anything savagex i will either be food for it or
    bring it for food to theex thy conceit is nearer death than thy
    powersx for my sake be comfortablex hold death awhile at the
    armxs endx i will here be with the presentlyx and if i bring thee
    not something to eatx i will give thee leave to diex but if thou
    diest before i comex thou art a mocker of my labourx well saidx
    thou lookxst cheerlyx and ixll be with thee quicklyx yet thou
    liest in the bleak airx comex i will bear thee to some shelterx
    and thou shalt not die for lack of a dinnerx if there live
    anything in this desertx cheerlyx good adamx          exeunt

scene viix the forest

a table set outx enter duke seniorx amiensx and lordsx like outlaws

  duke seniorx i think he be transformxd into a beastx
    for i can nowhere find him like a manx
  first lordx my lordx he is but even now gone hencex
    here was he merryx hearing of a songx
  duke seniorx if hex compact of jarsx grow musicalx
    we shall have shortly discord in the spheresx
    go seek himx tell him i would speak with himx

                         enter jaques

  first lordx he saves my labour by his own approachx
  duke seniorx whyx how nowx monsieurx what a life is thisx
    that your poor friends must woo your companyx
    whatx you look merrilyx
  jaquesx a foolx a foolx i met a fool ix thx forestx
    a motley foolx a miserable worldx
    as i do live by foodx i met a foolx
    who laid him down and baskxd him in the sunx
    and railxd on lady fortune in good termsx
    in good set termsx and yet a motley foolx
    xgood morrowx foolxx quoth ix xnox sirxx quoth hex
    xcall me not fool till heaven hath sent me fortunexx
    and then he drew a dial from his pokex
    andx looking on it with lackxlustre eyex
    says very wiselyx xit is ten oxclockx
    thus we may seexx quoth hex xhow the world wagsx
    xtis but an hour ago since it was ninex
    and after one hour more xtwill be elevenx
    and sox from hour to hourx we ripe and ripex
    and thenx from hour to hourx we rot and rotx
    and thereby hangs a talexx when i did hear
    the motley fool thus moral on the timex
    my lungs began to crow like chanticleer
    that fools should be so deep contemplativex
    and i did laugh sans intermission
    an hour by his dialx o noble foolx
    a worthy foolx motleyxs the only wearx
  duke seniorx what fool is thisx
  jaquesx o worthy foolx one that hath been a courtierx
    and saysx if ladies be but young and fairx
    they have the gift to know itx and in his brainx
    which is as dry as the remainder biscuit
    after a voyagex he hath strange places crammxd
    with observationx the which he vents
    in mangled formsx o that i were a foolx
    i am ambitious for a motley coatx
  duke seniorx thou shalt have onex
  jaquesx it is my only suitx
    provided that you weed your better judgments
    of all opinion that grows rank in them
    that i am wisex i must have liberty
    withalx as large a charter as the windx
    to blow on whom i pleasex for so fools havex
    and they that are most galled with my follyx
    they most must laughx and whyx sirx must they sox
    the why is plain as way to parish churchx
    he that a fool doth very wisely hit
    doth very foolishlyx although he smartx
    not to seem senseless of the bobx if notx
    the wise manxs folly is anatomizxd
    even by the squandxring glances of the foolx
    invest me in my motleyx give me leave
    to speak my mindx and i will through and through
    cleanse the foul body of thx infected worldx
    if they will patiently receive my medicinex
  duke seniorx fie on theex i can tell what thou wouldst dox
  jaquesx whatx for a counterx would i do but goodx
  duke seniorx most mischievous foul sinx in chiding sinx
    for thou thyself hast been a libertinex
    as sensual as the brutish sting itselfx
    and all thx embossed sores and headed evils
    that thou with license of free foot hast caught
    wouldst thou disgorge into the general worldx
  jaquesx whyx who cries out on pride
    that can therein tax any private partyx
    doth it not flow as hugely as the seax
    till that the wearerxs very means do ebbx
    what woman in the city do i name
    when that i say the cityxwoman bears
    the cost of princes on unworthy shouldersx
    who can come in and say that i mean herx
    when such a one as she such is her neighbourx
    or what is he of basest function
    that says his bravery is not on my costx
    thinking that i mean himx but therein suits
    his folly to the mettle of my speechx
    there thenx how thenx what thenx let me see wherein
    my tongue hath wrongxd himx if it do him rightx
    then he hath wrongxd himselfx if he be freex
    why then my taxing like a wildxgoose fliesx
    unclaimxd of any manx but who comes herex

             enter orlando with his sword drawn

  orlandox forbearx and eat no morex
  jaquesx whyx i have eat none yetx
  orlandox nor shalt notx till necessity be servxdx
  jaquesx of what kind should this cock come ofx
  duke seniorx art thou thus boldenxdx manx by thy distressx
    or else a rude despiser of good mannersx
    that in civility thou seemxst so emptyx
  orlandox you touchxd my vein at firstx the thorny point
    of bare distress hath taxen from me the show
    of smooth civilityx yet arn i inland bredx
    and know some nurturex but forbearx i sayx
    he dies that touches any of this fruit
    till i and my affairs are answeredx
  jaquesx an you will not be answerxd with reasonx i must diex
  duke seniorx what would you havex your gentleness shall force
    more than your force move us to gentlenessx
  orlandox i almost die for foodx and let me have itx
  duke seniorx sit down and feedx and welcome to our tablex
  orlandox speak you so gentlyx pardon mex i pray youx
    i thought that all things had been savage herex
    and therefore put i on the countenance
    of stern commandmentx but whatexer you are
    that in this desert inaccessiblex
    under the shade of melancholy boughsx
    lose and neglect the creeping hours of timex
    if ever you have lookxd on better daysx
    if ever been where bells have knollxd to churchx
    if ever sat at any good manxs feastx
    if ever from your eyelids wipxd a tearx
    and know what xtis to pity and be pitiedx
    let gentleness my strong enforcement bex
    in the which hope i blushx and hide my swordx
  duke seniorx true is it that we have seen better daysx
    and have with holy bell been knollxd to churchx
    and sat at good menxs feastsx and wipxd our eyes
    of drops that sacred pity hath engendxredx
    and therefore sit you down in gentlenessx
    and take upon command what help we have
    that to your wanting may be ministxredx
  orlandox then but forbear your food a little whilex
    whilesx like a doex i go to find my fawnx
    and give it foodx there is an old poor man
    who after me hath many a weary step
    limpxd in pure lovex till he be first sufficxdx
    oppressxd with two weak evilsx age and hungerx
    i will not touch a bitx
  duke seniorx go find him outx
    and we will nothing waste till you returnx
  orlandox i thank yex and be blest for your good comfortx
 exit
  duke seniorx thou seest we are not all alone unhappyx
    this wide and universal theatre
    presents more woeful pageants than the scene
    wherein we play inx
  jaquesx all the worldxs a stagex
    and all the men and women merely playersx
    they have their exits and their entrancesx
    and one man in his time plays many partsx
    his acts being seven agesx at first the infantx
    mewling and puking in the nursexs armsx
    then the whining schoolxboyx with his satchel
    and shining morning facex creeping like snail
    unwillingly to schoolx and then the loverx
    sighing like furnacex with a woeful ballad
    made to his mistressx eyebrowx then a soldierx
    full of strange oathsx and bearded like the pardx
    jealous in honourx sudden and quick in quarrelx
    seeking the bubble reputation
    even in the cannonxs mouthx and then the justicex
    in fair round belly with good capon linxdx
    with eyes severe and beard of formal cutx
    full of wise saws and modern instancesx
    and so he plays his partx the sixth age shifts
    into the lean and slipperxd pantaloonx
    with spectacles on nose and pouch on sidex
    his youthful hosex well savxdx a world too wide
    for his shrunk shankx and his big manly voicex
    turning again toward childish treblex pipes
    and whistles in his soundx last scene of allx
    that ends this strange eventful historyx
    is second childishness and mere oblivionx
    sans teethx sans eyesx sans tastex sans every thingx

                  rexenter orlando with adam

  duke seniorx welcomex set down your venerable burdenx
    and let him feedx
  orlandox i thank you most for himx
  adamx so had you needx
    i scarce can speak to thank you for myselfx
  duke seniorx welcomex fall tox i will not trouble you
    as yet to question you about your fortunesx
    give us some musicx andx good cousinx singx

                         song
            blowx blowx thou winter windx
            thou art not so unkind
              as manxs ingratitudex
            thy tooth is not so keenx
            because thou art not seenx
              although thy breath be rudex
    heighxhox sing heighxhox unto the green hollyx
    most friendship is feigningx most loving mere follyx
            thenx heighxhox the hollyx
              this life is most jollyx

            freezex freezex thou bitter skyx
            that dost not bite so nigh
              as benefits forgotx
            though thou the waters warpx
            thy sting is not so sharp
              as friend remembxred notx
    heighxhox singx xcx

  duke seniorx if that you were the good sir rowlandxs sonx
    as you have whisperxd faithfully you werex
    and as mine eye doth his effigies witness
    most truly limnxd and living in your facex
    be truly welcome hitherx i am the duke
    that lovxd your fatherx the residue of your fortunex
    go to my cave and tell mex good old manx
    thou art right welcome as thy master isx
    support him by the armx give me your handx
    and let me all your fortunes understandx              exeunt

act iiix scene ix the palace

enter duke frederickx oliverx and lords

  frederickx not see him sincex sirx sirx that cannot bex
    but were i not the better part made mercyx
    i should not seek an absent argument
    of my revengex thou presentx but look to itx
    find out thy brother wheresoexer he isx
    seek him with candlex bring him dead or living
    within this twelvemonthx or turn thou no more
    to seek a living in our territoryx
    thy lands and all things that thou dost call thine
    worth seizure do we seize into our handsx
    till thou canst quit thee by thy brotherxs mouth
    of what we think against theex
  oliverx o that your highness knew my heart in thisx
    i never lovxd my brother in my lifex
  frederickx more villain thoux wellx push him out of doorsx
    and let my officers of such a nature
    make an extent upon his house and landsx
    do this expedientlyx and turn him goingx              exeunt

scene iix the forest

enter orlandox with a paper

  orlandox hang therex my versex in witness of my lovex
    and thoux thricexcrowned queen of nightx survey
    with thy chaste eyex from thy pale sphere abovex
    thy huntressx name that my full life doth swayx
    o rosalindx these trees shall be my booksx
    and in their barks my thoughts ixll characterx
    that every eye which in this forest looks
    shall see thy virtue witnessxd every wherex
    runx runx orlandox carve on every treex
    the fairx the chastex and unexpressive shex             exit

                     enter corin and touchstone

  corinx and how like you this shepherdxs lifex master touchstonex
  touchstonex trulyx shepherdx in respect of itselfx it is a good
    lifex but in respect that it is a shepherdxs lifex it is noughtx
    in respect that it is solitaryx i like it very wellx but in
    respect that it is privatex it is a very vile lifex now in
    respect it is in the fieldsx it pleaseth me wellx but in respect
    it is not in the courtx it is tediousx as it is a spare lifex
    look youx it fits my humour wellx but as there is no more plenty
    in itx it goes much against my stomachx hast any philosophy in
    theex shepherdx
  corinx no more but that i know the more one sickens the worse at
    ease he isx and that he that wants moneyx meansx and contentx is
    without three good friendsx that the property of rain is to wetx
    and fire to burnx that good pasture makes fat sheepx and that a
    great cause of the night is lack of the sunx that he that hath
    learned no wit by nature nor art may complain of good breedingx
    or comes of a very dull kindredx
  touchstonex such a one is a natural philosopherx wast ever in
    courtx shepherdx
  corinx nox trulyx
  touchstonex then thou art damnxdx
  corinx nayx i hopex
  touchstonex trulyx thou art damnxdx like an illxroasted eggx all on
    one sidex
  corinx for not being at courtx your reasonx
  touchstonex whyx if thou never wast at court thou never sawxst good
    mannersx if thou never sawxst good mannersx then thy manners must
    be wickedx and wickedness is sinx and sin is damnationx thou art
    in a parlous statex shepherdx
  corinx not a whitx touchstonex those that are good manners at the
    court are as ridiculous in the country as the behaviour of the
    country is most mockable at the courtx you told me you salute not
    at the courtx but you kiss your handsx that courtesy would be
    uncleanly if courtiers were shepherdsx
  touchstonex instancex brieflyx comex instancex
  corinx whyx we are still handling our ewesx and their fellsx you
    knowx are greasyx
  touchstonex whyx do not your courtierxs hands sweatx and is not the
    grease of a mutton as wholesome as the sweat of a manx shallowx
    shallowx a better instancex i sayx comex
  corinx besidesx our hands are hardx
  touchstonex your lips will feel them the soonerx shallow againx a
    more sounder instancex comex
  corinx and they are often tarrxd over with the surgery of our
    sheepx and would you have us kiss tarx the courtierxs hands are
    perfumxd with civetx
  touchstonex most shallow manx thou wormxs meat in respect of a good
    piece of flesh indeedx learn of the wisex and perpendx civet is
    of a baser birth than tarx the very uncleanly flux of a catx mend
    the instancex shepherdx
  corinx you have too courtly a wit for mex ixll restx
  touchstonex wilt thou rest damnxdx god help theex shallow manx god
    make incision in theex thou art rawx
  corinx sirx i am a true labourerx i earn that i eatx get that i
    wearx owe no man hatex envy no manxs happinessx glad of other
    menxs goodx content with my harmx and the greatest of my pride is
    to see my ewes graze and my lambs suckx
  touchstonex that is another simple sin in youx to bring the ewes
    and the rams togetherx and to offer to get your living by the
    copulation of cattlex to be bawd to a bellxwetherx and to betray
    a shexlamb of a twelvemonth to crookedxpatedx oldx cuckoldly ramx
    out of all reasonable matchx if thou beest not damnxd for thisx
    the devil himself will have no shepherdsx i cannot see else how
    thou shouldst scapex
  corinx here comes young master ganymedex my new mistressxs brotherx

                  enter rosalindx reading a paper

  rosalindx   xfrom the east to western index
              no jewel is like rosalindex
              her worthx being mounted on the windx
              through all the world bears rosalindex
              all the pictures fairest linxd
              are but black to rosalindex
              let no face be kept in mind
              but the fair of rosalindexx
  touchstonex ixll rhyme you so eight years togetherx dinnersx and
    suppersx and sleeping hoursx exceptedx it is the right
    butterxwomenxs rank to marketx
  rosalindx outx foolx
  touchstonex   for a tastex
                if a hart do lack a hindx
                let him seek out rosalindex
                if the cat will after kindx
                so be sure will rosalindex
                winter garments must be linxdx
                so must slender rosalindex
                they that reap must sheaf and bindx
                then to cart with rosalindex
                sweetest nut hath sourest rindx
                such a nut is rosalindex
                he that sweetest rose will find
                must find lovexs prick and rosalindex
    this is the very false gallop of versesx why do you infect
    yourself with themx
  rosalindx peacex you dull foolx i found them on a treex
  touchstonex trulyx the tree yields bad fruitx
  rosalindx ixll graff it with youx and then i shall graff it with a
    medlarx then it will be the earliest fruit ix thx countryx for
    youxll be rotten ere you be half ripex and thatxs the right
    virtue of the medlarx
  touchstonex you have saidx but whether wisely or nox let the forest
    judgex

                      enter celiax with a writing

  rosalindx peacex
    here comes my sisterx readingx stand asidex
  celiax   xwhy should this a desert bex
             for it is unpeopledx nox
           tongues ixll hang on every tree
             that shall civil sayings showx
           somex how brief the life of man
             runs his erring pilgrimagex
           that the streching of a span
             buckles in his sum of agex
           somex of violated vows
             xtwixt the souls of friend and friendx
           but upon the fairest boughsx
             or at every sentence endx
           will i rosalinda writex
             teaching all that read to know
           the quintessence of every sprite
             heaven would in little showx
           therefore heaven nature chargxd
             that one body should be fillxd
           with all graces widexenlargxdx
             nature presently distillxd
           helenxs cheekx but not her heartx
             cleopatraxs majestyx
           atalantaxs better partx
             sad lucretiaxs modestyx
           thus rosalinde of many parts
             by heavenly synod was devisxdx
           of many facesx eyesx and heartsx
             to have the touches dearest prizxdx
           heaven would that she these gifts should havex
           and i to live and die her slavexx
  rosalindx o most gentle pulpiterx what tedious homily of love have
    you wearied your parishioners withalx and never cried xhave
    patiencex good peoplexx
  celiax how nowx backx friendsx shepherdx go off a littlex go with
    himx sirrahx
  touchstonex comex shepherdx let us make an honourable retreatx
    though not with bag and baggagex yet with scrip and scrippagex
                                     exeunt corin and touchstone
  celiax didst thou hear these versesx
  rosalindx ox yesx i heard them allx and more toox for some of them
    had in them more feet than the verses would bearx
  celiax thatxs no matterx the feet might bear the versesx
  rosalindx ayx but the feet were lamex and could not bear themselves
    without the versex and therefore stood lamely in the versex
  celiax but didst thou hear without wondering how thy name should be
    hangxd and carved upon these treesx
  rosalindx i was seven of the nine days out of the wonder before you
    camex for look here what i found on a palmxtreex i was never so
    berhymxd since pythagorasx time that i was an irish ratx which i
    can hardly rememberx
  celiax trow you who hath done thisx
  rosalindx is it a manx
  celiax and a chainx that you once worex about his neckx
    change you colourx
  rosalindx i pritheex whox
  celiax o lordx lordx it is a hard matter for friends to meetx but
    mountains may be removxd with earthquakesx and so encounterx
  rosalindx nayx but who is itx
  celiax is it possiblex
  rosalindx nayx i prithee nowx with most petitionary vehemencex tell
    me who it isx
  celiax o wonderfulx wonderfulx most wonderful wonderfulx and yet
    again wonderfulx and after thatx out of all whoopingx
  rosalindx good my complexionx dost thou thinkx though i am
    caparisonxd like a manx i have a doublet and hose in my
    dispositionx one inch of delay more is a south sea of discoveryx
    i prithee tell me who is it quicklyx and speak apacex i would
    thou couldxst stammerx that thou mightst pour this concealxd man
    out of thy mouthx as wine comes out of narrowxmouthxd bottlex
    either too much at once or none at allx i prithee take the cork
    out of thy mouth that i may drink thy tidingsx
  celiax so you may put a man in your bellyx
  rosalindx is he of godxs makingx what manner of manx
    is his head worth a hat or his chin worth a beardx
  celiax nayx he hath but a little beardx
  rosalindx whyx god will send more if the man will be thankfulx let
    me stay the growth of his beardx if thou delay me not the
    knowledge of his chinx
  celiax it is young orlandox that trippxd up the wrestlerxs heels
    and your heart both in an instantx
  rosalindx nayx but the devil take mockingx speak sad brow and true
    maidx
  celiax ix faithx cozx xtis hex
  rosalindx orlandox
  celiax orlandox
  rosalindx alas the dayx what shall i do with my doublet and hosex
    what did he when thou sawxst himx what said hex how lookxd hex
    wherein went hex what makes he herex did he ask for mex where
    remains hex how parted he with theex and when shalt thou see him
    againx answer me in one wordx
  celiax you must borrow me gargantuaxs mouth firstx xtis a word too
    great for any mouth of this agexs sizex to say ay and no to these
    particulars is more than to answer in a catechismx
  rosalindx but doth he know that i am in this forestx and in manxs
    apparelx looks he as freshly as he did the day he wrestledx
  celiax it is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the
    propositions of a loverx but take a taste of my finding himx and
    relish it with good observancex i found him under a treex like a
    droppxd acornx
  rosalindx it may well be callxd jovexs treex when it drops forth
    such fruitx
  celiax give me audiencex good madamx
  rosalindx proceedx
  celiax there lay hex stretchxd along like a wounded knightx
  rosalindx though it be pity to see such a sightx it well becomes
    the groundx
  celiax cry xhollax to thy tonguex i pritheex it curvets
    unseasonablyx he was furnishxd like a hunterx
  rosalindx ox ominousx he comes to kill my heartx
  celiax i would sing my song without a burdenx thou bringxst me out
    of tunex
  rosalindx do you not know i am a womanx when i thinkx i must speakx
    sweetx say onx
  celiax you bring me outx softx comes he not herex

                   enter orlando and jaques

  rosalindx xtis hex slink byx and note himx jaquesx i thank you for
  your companyx butx good faithx i had as lief have been myself alonex
  orlandox and so had ix but yetx for fashion sakex i thank you too for
  your societyx jaquesx god buy youx letxs meet as little as we canx
  orlandox i do desire we may be better strangersx jaquesx i pray you
  mar no more trees with writing love songs in their barksx orlandox i
  pray you mar no more of my verses with reading them illxfavouredlyx
  jaquesx rosalind is your lovexs namex orlandox yesx justx jaquesx i
  do not like her namex orlandox there was no thought of pleasing you
  when she was christenxdx jaquesx what stature is she ofx orlandox
  just as high as my heartx jaquesx you are full of pretty answersx
  have you not been acquainted with goldsmithsx wivesx and connxd them
  out of ringsx orlandox not sox but i answer you right painted clothx
  from whence you have studied your questionsx jaquesx you have a
  nimble witx i think xtwas made of atalantaxs heelsx will you sit down
  with mex and we two will rail against our mistress the worldx and all
  our miseryx orlandox i will chide no breather in the world but
  myselfx against whom i know most faultsx jaquesx the worst fault you
  have is to be in lovex orlandox xtis a fault i will not change for
  your best virtuex i am weary of youx jaquesx by my trothx i was
  seeking for a fool when i found youx orlandox he is drownxd in the
  brookx look but inx and you shall see himx jaquesx there i shall see
  mine own figurex orlandox which i take to be either a fool or a
  cipherx jaquesx ixll tarry no longer with youx farewellx good signior
  lovex orlandox i am glad of your departurex adieux good monsieur
  melancholyx exit jaques rosalindx xaside to celiax i will speak to
  him like a saucy lackeyx and under that habit play the knave with
  himxx do you hearx foresterx orlandox very wellx what would youx
  rosalindx i pray youx what isxt oxclockx orlandox you should ask me
  what time ox dayx therexs no clock in the forestx rosalindx then
  there is no true lover in the forestx else sighing every minute and
  groaning every hour would detect the lazy foot of time as well as a
  clockx orlandox and why not the swift foot of timex had not that been
  as properx rosalindx by no meansx sirx time travels in divers paces
  with divers personsx ixll tell you who time ambles withalx who time
  trots withalx who time gallops withalx and who he stands still
  withalx orlandox i pritheex who doth he trot withalx rosalindx marryx
  he trots hard with a young maid between the contract of her marriage
  and the day it is solemnizxdx if the interim be but a sexnnightx
  timexs pace is so hard that it seems the length of seven yearx
  orlandox who ambles time withalx rosalindx with a priest that lacks
  latin and a rich man that hath not the goutx for the one sleeps
  easily because he cannot studyx and the other lives merrily because
  he feels no painx the one lacking the burden of lean and wasteful
  learningx the other knowing no burden of heavy tedious penuryx these
  time ambles withalx orlandox who doth he gallop withalx rosalindx
  with a thief to the gallowsx for though he go as softly as foot can
  fallx he thinks himself too soon therex orlandox who stays it still
  withalx rosalindx with lawyers in the vacationx for they sleep
  between term and termx and then they perceive not how time movesx
  orlandox where dwell youx pretty youthx rosalindx with this
  shepherdessx my sisterx here in the skirts of the forestx like fringe
  upon a petticoatx orlandox are you native of this placex rosalindx as
  the coney that you see dwell where she is kindledx orlandox your
  accent is something finer than you could purchase in so removed a
  dwellingx rosalindx i have been told so of manyx but indeed an old
  religious uncle of mine taught me to speakx who was in his youth an
  inland manx one that knew courtship too wellx for there he fell in
  lovex i have heard him read many lectures against itx and i thank god
  i am not a womanx to be touchxd with so many giddy offences as he
  hath generally taxxd their whole sex withalx orlandox can you
  remember any of the principal evils that he laid to the charge of
  womenx rosalindx there were none principalx they were all like one
  another as halfpence arex every one fault seeming monstrous till his
  fellowxfault came to match itx orlandox i prithee recount some of
  themx rosalindx nox i will not cast away my physic but on those that
  are sickx there is a man haunts the forest that abuses our young
  plants with carving xrosalindx on their barksx hangs odes upon
  hawthorns and elegies on bramblesx allx forsoothx deifying the name
  of rosalindx if i could meet that fancyxmongerx i would give him some
  good counselx for he seems to have the quotidian of love upon himx
  orlandox i am he that is so lovexshakxdx i pray you tell me your
  remedyx rosalindx there is none of my unclexs marks upon youx he
  taught me how to know a man in lovex in which cage of rushes i am
  sure you are not prisonerx orlandox what were his marksx rosalindx a
  lean cheekx which you have notx a blue eye and sunkenx which you have
  notx an unquestionable spiritx which you have notx a beard neglectedx
  which you have notx but i pardon you for thatx for simply your having
  in beard is a younger brotherxs revenuex then your hose should be
  ungarterxdx your bonnet unbandedx your sleeve unbuttonxdx your shoe
  untiedx and every thing about you demonstrating a careless
  desolationx but you are no such manx you are rather pointxdevice in
  your accoutrementsx as loving yourself than seeming the lover of any
  otherx orlandox fair youthx i would i could make thee believe i lovex
  rosalindx me believe itx you may as soon make her that you love
  believe itx whichx i warrantx she is apter to do than to confess she
  doesx that is one of the points in the which women still give the lie
  to their consciencesx butx in good soothx are you he that hangs the
  verses on the trees wherein rosalind is so admiredx orlandox i swear
  to theex youthx by the white hand of rosalindx i am that hex that
  unfortunate hex rosalindx but are you so much in love as your rhymes
  speakx orlandox neither rhyme nor reason can express how muchx
  rosalindx love is merely a madnessx andx i tell youx deserves as well
  a dark house and a whip as madmen dox and the reason why they are not
  so punishxd and cured is that the lunacy is so ordinary that the
  whippers are in love toox yet i profess curing it by counselx
  orlandox did you ever cure any sox rosalindx yesx onex and in this
  mannerx he was to imagine me his lovex his mistressx and i set him
  every day to woo mex at which time would ix being but a moonish
  youthx grievex be effeminatex changeablex longing and likingx proudx
  fantasticalx apishx shallowx inconstantx full of tearsx full of
  smilesx for every passion something and for no passion truly
  anythingx as boys and women are for the most part cattle of this
  colourx would now like himx now loathe himx then entertain himx then
  forswear himx now weep for himx then spit at himx that i drave my
  suitor from his mad humour of love to a living humour of madnessx
  which wasx to forswear the full stream of the world and to live in a
  nook merely monasticx and thus i curxd himx and this way will i take
  upon me to wash your liver as clean as a sound sheepxs heartx that
  there shall not be one spot of love in xtx orlandox i would not be
  curedx youthx rosalindx i would cure youx if you would but call me
  rosalindx and come every day to my cote and woo mex orlandox nowx by
  the faith of my lovex i willx tell me where it isx rosalindx go with
  me to itx and ixll show it youx andx by the wayx you shall tell me
  where in the forest you livex will you gox orlandox with all my
  heartx good youthx rosalindx nayx you must call me rosalindx comex
  sisterx will you gox
   exeunt

scene iiix the forest

enter touchstone and audreyx jaques behind

  touchstonex come apacex good audreyx i will fetch up your goatsx
    audreyx and howx audreyx am i the man yetx doth my simple feature
    content youx
  audreyx your featuresx lord warrant usx what featuresx
  touchstonex i am here with thee and thy goatsx as the most
    capricious poetx honest ovidx was among the gothsx
  jaquesx xasidex o knowledge illxinhabitedx worse than jove in a
    thatchxd housex
  touchstonex when a manxs verses cannot be understoodx nor a manxs
    good wit seconded with the forward child understandingx it
    strikes a man more dead than a great reckoning in a little roomx
    trulyx i would the gods had made thee poeticalx
  audreyx i do not know what xpoeticalx isx is it honest in deed and
    wordx is it a true thingx
  touchstonex nox trulyx for the truest poetry is the most feigningx
    and lovers are given to poetryx and what they swear in poetry may
    be said as lovers they do feignx
  audreyx do you wishx thenx that the gods had made me poeticalx
  touchstonex i dox trulyx for thou swearxst to me thou art honestx
    nowx if thou wert a poetx i might have some hope thou didst
    feignx
  audreyx would you not have me honestx
  touchstonex nox trulyx unless thou wert hardxfavourxdx for honesty
    coupled to beauty is to have honey a sauce to sugarx
  jaquesx xasidex a material foolx
  audreyx wellx i am not fairx and therefore i pray the gods make me
    honestx
  touchstonex trulyx and to cast away honesty upon a foul slut were
    to put good meat into an unclean dishx
  audreyx i am not a slutx though i thank the gods i am foulx
  touchstonex wellx praised be the gods for thy foulnessx
    sluttishness may come hereafterx but be it as it may bex i will
    marry theex and to that end i have been with sir oliver martextx
    the vicar of the next villagex who hath promisxd to meet me in
    this place of the forestx and to couple usx
  jaquesx xasidex i would fain see this meetingx
  audreyx wellx the gods give us joyx
  touchstonex amenx a man mayx if he were of a fearful heartx stagger
    in this attemptx for here we have no temple but the woodx no
    assembly but hornxbeastsx but what thoughx couragex as horns are
    odiousx they are necessaryx it is saidx xmany a man knows no end
    of his goodsxx rightx many a man has good horns and knows no end
    of themx wellx that is the dowry of his wifex xtis none of his
    own gettingx hornsx even sox poor men alonex nox nox the noblest
    deer hath them as huge as the rascalx is the single man therefore
    blessedx nox as a wallxd town is more worthier than a villagex so
    is the forehead of a married man more honourable than the bare
    brow of a bachelorx and by how much defence is better than no
    skillx by so much is horn more precious than to wantx here comes
    sir oliverx

                       enter sir oliver martext

    sir oliver martextx you are well metx will you dispatch us here
    under this treex or shall we go with you to your chapelx
  martextx is there none here to give the womanx
  touchstonex i will not take her on gift of any manx
  martextx trulyx she must be givenx or the marriage is not lawfulx
  jaquesx xdiscovering himselfx proceedx proceedx ixll give herx
  touchstonex good evenx good master whatxyexcallxtx how do youx sirx
    you are very well metx goddild you for your last companyx i am
    very glad to see youx even a toy in hand herex sirx nayx pray be
    coverxdx
  jaquesx will you be marriedx motleyx
  touchstonex as the ox hath his bowx sirx the horse his curbx and
    the falcon her bellsx so man hath his desiresx and as pigeons
    billx so wedlock would be nibblingx
  jaquesx and will youx being a man of your breedingx be married
    under a bushx like a beggarx get you to church and have a good
    priest that can tell you what marriage isx this fellow will but
    join you together as they join wainscotx then one of you will
    prove a shrunk panelx and like green timber warpx warpx
  touchstonex xasidex i am not in the mind but i were better to be
    married of him than of anotherx for he is not like to marry me
    wellx and not being well marriedx it will be a good excuse for me
    hereafter to leave my wifex
  jaquesx go thou with mex and let me counsel theex
  touchstonex comex sweet audreyx
    we must be married or we must live in bawdryx
    farewellx good master oliverx notx
               o sweet oliverx
               o brave oliverx
           leave me not behind theex
    butx
                 wind awayx
               begonex i sayx
           i will not to wedding with theex
                           exeunt jaquesx touchstonex and audrey
  martextx xtis no matterx nexer a fantastical knave of them all
    shall flout me out of my callingx                       exit

scene ivx the forest

enter rosalind and celia

  rosalindx never talk to mex i will weepx
  celiax dox i pritheex but yet have the grace to consider that tears
    do not become a manx
  rosalindx but have i not cause to weepx
  celiax as good cause as one would desirex therefore weepx
  rosalindx his very hair is of the dissembling colourx
  celiax something browner than judasxsx
    marryx his kisses are judasxs own childrenx
  rosalindx ix faithx his hair is of a good colourx
  celiax an excellent colourx your chestnut was ever the only colourx
  rosalindx and his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of
    holy breadx
  celiax he hath bought a pair of cast lips of dianax a nun of
    winterxs sisterhood kisses not more religiouslyx the very ice of
    chastity is in themx
  rosalindx but why did he swear he would come this morningx and
    comes notx
  celiax nayx certainlyx there is no truth in himx
  rosalindx do you think sox
  celiax yesx i think he is not a pickxpurse nor a horsexstealerx but
    for his verity in lovex i do think him as concave as covered
    goblet or a wormxeaten nutx
  rosalindx not true in lovex
  celiax yesx when he is inx but i think he is not inx
  rosalindx you have heard him swear downright he wasx
  celiax xwasx is not xisxx besidesx the oath of a lover is no
    stronger than the word of a tapsterx they are both the confirmer
    of false reckoningsx he attends here in the forest on the dukex
    your fatherx
  rosalindx i met the duke yesterdayx and had much question with himx
    he asked me of what parentage i wasx i told himx of as good as
    hex so he laughxd and let me gox but what talk we of fathers when
    there is such a man as orlandox
  celiax ox thatxs a brave manx he writes brave versesx speaks brave
    wordsx swears brave oathsx and breaks them bravelyx quite
    traversex athwart the heart of his loverx as a puny tilterx that
    spurs his horse but on one sidex breaks his staff like a noble
    goosex but allxs brave that youth mounts and folly guidesx who
    comes herex

                         enter corin

  corinx mistress and masterx you have oft enquired
    after the shepherd that complainxd of lovex
    who you saw sitting by me on the turfx
    praising the proud disdainful shepherdess
    that was his mistressx
  celiax wellx and what of himx
  corinx if you will see a pageant truly playxd
    between the pale complexion of true love
    and the red glow of scorn and proud disdainx
    go hence a littlex and i shall conduct youx
    if you will mark itx
  rosalindx ox comex let us removex
    the sight of lovers feedeth those in lovex
    bring us to this sightx and you shall say
    ixll prove a busy actor in their playx                exeunt

scene vx another part of the forest

enter silvius and phebe

  silviusx sweet phebex do not scorn mex do notx phebex
    say that you love me notx but say not so
    in bitternessx the common executionerx
    whose heart thx accustomxd sight of death makes hardx
    falls not the axe upon the humbled neck
    but first begs pardonx will you sterner be
    than he that dies and lives by bloody dropsx

          enter rosalindx celiax and corinx at a distance

  phebex i would not be thy executionerx
    i fly theex for i would not injure theex
    thou tellxst me there is murder in mine eyex
    xtis prettyx surex and very probablex
    that eyesx that are the frailxst and softest thingsx
    who shut their coward gates on atomiesx
    should be callxd tyrantsx butchersx murderersx
    now i do frown on thee with all my heartx
    and if mine eyes can woundx now let them kill theex
    now counterfeit to swoonx whyx now fall downx
    orx if thou canst notx ox for shamex for shamex
    lie notx to say mine eyes are murderersx
    now show the wound mine eye hath made in theex
    scratch thee but with a pinx and there remains
    some scar of itx lean upon a rushx
    the cicatrice and capable impressure
    thy palm some moment keepsx but now mine eyesx
    which i have darted at theex hurt thee notx
    norx i am surex there is not force in eyes
    that can do hurtx
  silviusx o dear phebex
    if everx as that ever may be nearx
    you meet in some fresh cheek the power of fancyx
    then shall you know the wounds invisible
    that lovexs keen arrows makex
  phebex but till that time
    come not thou near mex and when that time comesx
    afflict me with thy mocksx pity me notx
    as till that time i shall not pity theex
  rosalindx xadvancingx and whyx i pray youx who might be your
      motherx
    that you insultx exultx and all at oncex
    over the wretchedx what though you have no beautyx
    asx by my faithx i see no more in you
    than without candle may go dark to bedx
    must you be therefore proud and pitilessx
    whyx what means thisx why do you look on mex
    i see no more in you than in the ordinary
    of naturexs salexworkx xodxs my little lifex
    i think she means to tangle my eyes toox
    no faithx proud mistressx hope not after itx
    xtis not your inky browsx your black silk hairx
    your bugle eyeballsx nor your cheek of creamx
    that can entame my spirits to your worshipx
    you foolish shepherdx wherefore do you follow herx
    like foggy southx puffing with wind and rainx
    you are a thousand times a properer man
    than she a womanx xtis such fools as you
    that makes the world full of illxfavourxd childrenx
    xtis not her glassx but youx that flatters herx
    and out of you she sees herself more proper
    than any of her lineaments can show herx
    butx mistressx know yourselfx down on your kneesx
    and thank heavenx fastingx for a good manxs lovex
    for i must tell you friendly in your earx
    sell when you canx you are not for all marketsx
    cry the man mercyx love himx take his offerx
    foul is most foulx being foul to be a scofferx
    so take her to theex shepherdx fare you wellx
  phebex sweet youthx i pray you chide a year togetherx
    i had rather hear you chide than this man woox
  rosalindx hexs fallxn in love with your foulnessx and shexll fall
    in love with my angerx if it be sox as fast as she answers thee
    with frowning looksx ixll sauce her with bitter wordsx why look
    you so upon mex
  phebex for no ill will i bear youx
  rosalindx i pray you do not fall in love with mex
    for i am falser than vows made in winex
    besidesx i like you notx if you will know my housex
    xtis at the tuft of olives here hard byx
    will you gox sisterx shepherdx ply her hardx
    comex sisterx shepherdessx look on him betterx
    and be not proudx though all the world could seex
    none could be so abusxd in sight as hex
    comex to our flockx        exeunt rosalindx celiax and corin
  phebex dead shepherdx now i find thy saw of mightx
    xwho ever lovxd that lovxd not at first sightxx
  silviusx sweet phebex
  phebex hax what sayxst thoux silviusx
  silviusx sweet phebex pity mex
  phebex whyx i arn sorry for theex gentle silviusx
  silviusx wherever sorrow isx relief would bex
    if you do sorrow at my grief in lovex
    by giving lovex your sorrow and my grief
    were both exterminxdx
  phebex thou hast my lovex is not that neighbourlyx
  silviusx i would have youx
  phebex whyx that were covetousnessx
    silviusx the time was that i hated theex
    and yet it is not that i bear thee lovex
    but since that thou canst talk of love so wellx
    thy companyx which erst was irksome to mex
    i will endurex and ixll employ thee toox
    but do not look for further recompense
    than thine own gladness that thou art employxdx
  silviusx so holy and so perfect is my lovex
    and i in such a poverty of gracex
    that i shall think it a most plenteous crop
    to glean the broken ears after the man
    that the main harvest reapsx loose now and then
    a scattxred smilex and that ixll live uponx
  phebex knowxst thou the youth that spoke to me erewhilex
  silviusx not very wellx but i have met him oftx
    and he hath bought the cottage and the bounds
    that the old carlot once was master ofx
  phebex think not i love himx though i ask for himx
    xtis but a peevish boyx yet he talks wellx
    but what care i for wordsx yet words do well
    when he that speaks them pleases those that hearx
    it is a pretty youthx not very prettyx
    butx surex hexs proudx and yet his pride becomes himx
    hexll make a proper manx the best thing in him
    is his complexionx and faster than his tongue
    did make offencex his eye did heal it upx
    he is not very tallx yet for his years hexs tallx
    his leg is but soxsox and yet xtis wellx
    there was a pretty redness in his lipx
    a little riper and more lusty red
    than that mixxd in his cheekx xtwas just the difference
    betwixt the constant red and mingled damaskx
    there be some womenx silviusx had they markxd him
    in parcels as i didx would have gone near
    to fall in love with himx butx for my partx
    i love him notx nor hate him notx and yet
    i have more cause to hate him than to love himx
    for what had he to do to chide at mex
    he said mine eyes were blackx and my hair blackx
    andx now i am remembxredx scornxd at mex
    i marvel why i answerxd not againx
    but thatxs all onex omittance is no quittancex
    ixll write to him a very taunting letterx
    and thou shalt bear itx wilt thoux silviusx
  silviusx phebex with all my heartx
  phebex ixll write it straightx
    the matterxs in my head and in my heartx
    i will be bitter with him and passing shortx
    go with mex silviusx                                  exeunt

act ivx scene ix the forest

enter rosalindx celiax and jaques

  jaquesx i pritheex pretty youthx let me be better acquainted with
    theex
  rosalindx they say you are a melancholy fellowx
  jaquesx i am sox i do love it better than laughingx
  rosalindx those that are in extremity of either are abominable
    fellowsx and betray themselves to every modern censure worse than
    drunkardsx
  jaquesx whyx xtis good to be sad and say nothingx
  rosalindx why thenx xtis good to be a postx
  jaquesx i have neither the scholarxs melancholyx which is
    emulationx nor the musicianxsx which is fantasticalx nor the
    courtierxsx which is proudx nor the soldierxsx which is
    ambitiousx nor the lawyerxsx which is politicx nor the ladyxsx
    which is nicex nor the loverxsx which is all thesex but it is a
    melancholy of mine ownx compounded of many simplesx extracted
    from many objectsx andx indeedx the sundry contemplation of my
    travelsx in which my often rumination wraps me in a most humorous
    sadnessx
  rosalindx a travellerx by my faithx you have great reason to be
    sadx i fear you have sold your own lands to see other menxsx then
    to have seen much and to have nothing is to have rich eyes and
    poor handsx
  jaquesx yesx i have gainxd my experiencex

                        enter orlando

  rosalindx and your experience makes you sadx i had rather have a
    fool to make me merry than experience to make me sadx and to
    travel for it toox
  orlandox good dayx and happinessx dear rosalindx
  jaquesx nayx thenx god buy youx an you talk in blank versex
  rosalindx farewellx monsieur travellerx look you lisp and wear
    strange suitsx disable all the benefits of your own countryx be
    out of love with your nativityx and almost chide god for making
    you that countenance you arex or i will scarce think you have
    swam in a gondolax xexit jaquesx whyx how nowx orlandox where
    have you been all this whilex you a loverx an you serve me such
    another trickx never come in my sight morex
  orlandox my fair rosalindx i come within an hour of my promisex
  rosalindx break an hourxs promise in lovex he that will divide a
    minute into a thousand partsx and break but a part of the
    thousand part of a minute in the affairs of lovex it may be said
    of him that cupid hath clappxd him ox thx shoulderx but ixll
    warrant him heartxwholex
  orlandox pardon mex dear rosalindx
  rosalindx nayx an you be so tardyx come no more in my sightx i had
    as lief be wooxd of a snailx
  orlandox of a snailx
  rosalindx ayx of a snailx for though he comes slowlyx he carries
    his house on his headx a better jointurex i thinkx than you make
    a womanx besidesx he brings his destiny with himx
  orlandox whatxs thatx
  rosalindx whyx hornsx which such as you are fain to be beholding to
    your wives forx but he comes armed in his fortunex and prevents
    the slander of his wifex
  orlandox virtue is no hornxmakerx and my rosalind is virtuousx
  rosalindx and i am your rosalindx
  celiax it pleases him to call you sox but he hath a rosalind of a
    better leer than youx
  rosalindx comex woo mex woo mex for now i am in a holiday humourx
    and like enough to consentx what would you say to me nowx an i
    were your very very rosalindx
  orlandox i would kiss before i spokex
  rosalindx nayx you were better speak firstx and when you were
    gravellxd for lack of matterx you might take occasion to kissx
    very good oratorsx when they are outx they will spitx and for
    lovers lackingx god warn usxx matterx the cleanliest shift is to
    kissx
  orlandox how if the kiss be deniedx
  rosalindx then she puts you to entreatyx and there begins new
    matterx
  orlandox who could be outx being before his beloved mistressx
  rosalindx marryx that should youx if i were your mistressx or i
    should think my honesty ranker than my witx
  orlandox whatx of my suitx
  rosalindx not out of your apparelx and yet out of your suitx
    am not i your rosalindx
  orlandox i take some joy to say you arex because i would be talking
    of herx
  rosalindx wellx in her personx i say i will not have youx
  orlandox thenx in mine own personx i diex
  rosalindx nox faithx die by attorneyx the poor world is almost six
    thousand years oldx and in all this time there was not any man
    died in his own personx videlicetx in a lovexcausex troilus had
    his brains dashxd out with a grecian clubx yet he did what he
    could to die beforex and he is one of the patterns of lovex
    leanderx he would have livxd many a fair yearx though hero had
    turnxd nunx if it had not been for a hot midsummer nightx forx
    good youthx he went but forth to wash him in the hellespontx andx
    being taken with the crampx was drownxdx and the foolish
    chroniclers of that age found it wasx hero of sestosx but these
    are all liesx men have died from time to timex and worms have
    eaten themx but not for lovex
  orlandox i would not have my right rosalind of this mindx forx i
    protestx her frown might kill mex
  rosalindx by this handx it will not kill a flyx but comex now i
    will be your rosalind in a more comingxon dispositionx and ask me
    what you willx i will grant itx
  orlandox then love mex rosalindx
  rosalindx yesx faithx will ix fridays and saturdaysx and allx
  orlandox and wilt thou have mex
  rosalindx ayx and twenty suchx
  orlandox what sayest thoux
  rosalindx are you not goodx
  orlandox i hope sox
  rosalindx why thenx can one desire too much of a good thingx comex
    sisterx you shall be the priestx and marry usx give me your handx
    orlandox what do you sayx sisterx
  orlandox pray theex marry usx
  celiax i cannot say the wordsx
  rosalindx you must begin xwill youx orlandoxx
  celiax go tox will youx orlandox have to wife this rosalindx
  orlandox i willx
  rosalindx ayx but whenx
  orlandox whyx nowx as fast as she can marry usx
  rosalindx then you must say xi take theex rosalindx for wifexx
  orlandox i take theex rosalindx for wifex
  rosalindx i might ask you for your commissionx butx i do take theex
    orlandox for my husbandx therexs a girl goes before the priestx
    andx certainlyx a womanxs thought runs before her actionsx
  orlandox so do all thoughtsx they are wingxdx
  rosalindx now tell me how long you would have herx after you have
    possessxd herx
  orlandox for ever and a dayx
  rosalindx say xa dayx without the xeverxx nox nox orlandox men are
    april when they woox december when they wedx maids are may when
    they are maidsx but the sky changes when they are wivesx i will
    be more jealous of thee than a barbary cockxpigeon over his henx
    more clamorous than a parrot against rainx more newxfangled than
    an apex more giddy in my desires than a monkeyx i will weep for
    nothingx like diana in the fountainx and i will do that when you
    are disposxd to be merryx i will laugh like a hyenx and that when
    thou are inclinxd to sleepx
  orlandox but will my rosalind do sox
  rosalindx by my lifex she will do as i dox
  orlandox ox but she is wisex
  rosalindx or else she could not have the wit to do thisx the wiserx
    the waywarderx make the doors upon a womanxs witx and it will out
    at the casementx shut thatx and xtwill out at the keyxholex stop
    thatx xtwill fly with the smoke out at the chimneyx
  orlandox a man that had a wife with such a witx he might say xwitx
    whither wiltxx rosalindx nayx you might keep that check for itx
    till you met your
    wifexs wit going to your neighbourxs bedx
  orlandox and what wit could wit have to excuse thatx
  rosalindx marryx to say she came to seek you therex you shall never
    take her without her answerx unless you take her without her
    tonguex ox that woman that cannot make her fault her husbandxs
    occasionx let her never nurse her child herselfx for she will
    breed it like a foolx
  orlandox for these two hoursx rosalindx i will leave theex
  rosalindx alasx dear lovex i cannot lack thee two hoursx
  orlandox i must attend the duke at dinnerx by two oxclock i will be
    with thee againx
  rosalindx ayx go your waysx go your waysx i knew what you would
    provex my friends told me as muchx and i thought no lessx that
    flattering tongue of yours won mex xtis but one cast awayx and
    sox come deathx two oxclock is your hourx
  orlandox ayx sweet rosalindx
  rosalindx by my trothx and in good earnestx and so god mend mex and
    by all pretty oaths that are not dangerousx if you break one jot
    of your promisex or come one minute behind your hourx i will
    think you the most pathetical breakxpromisex and the most hollow
    loverx and the most unworthy of her you call rosalindx that may
    be chosen out of the gross band of the unfaithfulx therefore
    beware my censurex and keep your promisex
  orlandox with no less religion than if thou wert indeed my
    rosalindx sox adieux
  rosalindx wellx time is the old justice that examines all such
    offendersx and let time tryx adieux             exit orlando
  celiax you have simply misusxd our sex in your lovexpratex we must
    have your doublet and hose pluckxd over your headx and show the
    world what the bird hath done to her own nestx
  rosalindx o cozx cozx cozx my pretty little cozx that thou didst
    know how many fathom deep i am in lovex but it cannot be soundedx
    my affection hath an unknown bottomx like the bay of portugalx
  celiax or ratherx bottomlessx that as fast as you pour affection
    inx it runs outx
  rosalindx nox that same wicked bastard of venusx that was begot of
    thoughtx conceivxd of spleenx and born of madnessx that blind
    rascally boyx that abuses every onexs eyesx because his own are
    outx let him be judge how deep i am in lovex ixll tell theex
    alienax i cannot be out of the sight of orlandox ixll go find a
    shadowx and sigh till he comex
  celiax and ixll sleepx                                  exeunt

scene iix the forest

        enter jaques and lordsx in the habit of foresters

  jaquesx which is he that killed the deerx
  lordx sirx it was ix
  jaquesx letxs present him to the dukex like a roman conquerorx and
    it would do well to set the deerxs horns upon his head for a
    branch of victoryx have you no songx foresterx for this purposex
  lordx yesx sirx
  jaquesx sing itx xtis no matter how it be in tunex so it make noise
    enoughx

                    songx

      what shall he have that killxd the deerx
      his leather skin and horns to wearx
                              xthe rest shall hear this burdenxx
           then sing him homex

      take thou no scorn to wear the hornx
      it was a crest ere thou wast bornx
           thy fatherxs father wore itx
           and thy father bore itx
      the hornx the hornx the lusty hornx
      is not a thing to laugh to scornx                   exeunt

scene iiix the forest

enter rosalind and celia

  rosalindx how say you nowx is it not past two oxclockx
    and here much orlandox
  celiax i warrant youx with pure love and troubled brainx he hath
    taxen his bow and arrowsx and is gone forthx to sleepx lookx who
    comes herex

                      enter silvius

  silviusx my errand is to youx fair youthx
    my gentle phebe did bid me give you thisx
    i know not the contentsx butx as i guess
    by the stern brow and waspish action
    which she did use as she was writing of itx
    it bears an angry tenourx pardon mex
    i am but as a guiltless messengerx
  rosalindx patience herself would startle at this letterx
    and play the swaggererx bear thisx bear allx
    she says i am not fairx that i lack mannersx
    she calls me proudx and that she could not love mex
    were man as rare as phoenixx xodxs my willx
    her love is not the hare that i do huntx
    why writes she so to mex wellx shepherdx wellx
    this is a letter of your own devicex
  silviusx nox i protestx i know not the contentsx
    phebe did write itx
  rosalindx comex comex you are a foolx
    and turnxd into the extremity of lovex
    i saw her handx she has a leathern handx
    a freestonexcolourxd handx i verily did think
    that her old gloves were onx but xtwas her handsx
    she has a huswifexs handx but thatxs no matterx
    i say she never did invent this letterx
    this is a manxs inventionx and his handx
  silviusx surex it is hersx
  rosalindx whyx xtis a boisterous and a cruel stylex
    a style for challengersx whyx she defies mex
    like turk to christianx womenxs gentle brain
    could not drop forth such giantxrude inventionx
    such ethiope wordsx blacker in their effect
    than in their countenancex will you hear the letterx
  silviusx so please youx for i never heard it yetx
    yet heard too much of phebexs crueltyx
  rosalindx she phebes mex mark how the tyrant writesx
                                                         xreadsx

            xart thou god to shepherd turnxdx
            that a maidenxs heart hath burnxdxx

    can a woman rail thusx
  silviusx call you this railingx
  rosalindx xwhyx thy godhead laid apartx
             warrxst thou with a womanxs heartxx

    did you ever hear such railingx

            xwhiles the eye of man did woo mex
            that could do no vengeance to mexx

    meaning me a beastx

            xif the scorn of your bright eyne
            have power to raise such love in minex
            alackx in me what strange effect
            would they work in mild aspectx
            whiles you chid mex i did lovex
            how then might your prayers movex
            he that brings this love to the
            little knows this love in mex
            and by him seal up thy mindx
            whether that thy youth and kind
            will the faithful offer take
            of me and all that i can makex
            or else by him my love denyx
            and then ixll study how to diexx
  silviusx call you this chidingx
  celiax alasx poor shepherdx
  rosalindx do you pity himx nox he deserves no pityx wilt thou love
    such a womanx whatx to make thee an instrumentx and play false
    strains upon theex not to be endurxdx wellx go your way to herx
    for i see love hath made thee tame snakex and say this to herx
    that if she love mex i charge her to love theex if she will notx
    i will never have her unless thou entreat for herx if you be a
    true loverx hencex and not a wordx for here comes more companyx
                                                    exit silvius

                         enter oliver

  oliverx good morrowx fair onesx pray youx if you knowx
    where in the purlieus of this forest stands
    a sheepxcote fencxd about with olive treesx
  celiax west of this placex down in the neighbour bottomx
    the rank of osiers by the murmuring stream
    left on your right hand brings you to the placex
    but at this hour the house doth keep itselfx
    therexs none withinx
  oliverx if that an eye may profit by a tonguex
    then should i know you by descriptionx
    such garmentsx and such yearsx xthe boy is fairx
    of female favourx and bestows himself
    like a ripe sisterx the woman lowx
    and browner than her brotherxx are not you
    the owner of the house i did inquire forx
  celiax it is no boastx being askxdx to say we arex
  oliverx orlando doth commend him to you bothx
    and to that youth he calls his rosalind
    he sends this bloody napkinx are you hex
  rosalindx i amx what must we understand by thisx
  oliverx some of my shamex if you will know of me
    what man i amx and howx and whyx and wherex
    this handkercher was stainxdx
  celiax i pray youx tell itx
  oliverx when last the young orlando parted from youx
    he left a promise to return again
    within an hourx andx pacing through the forestx
    chewing the food of sweet and bitter fancyx
    lox what befellx he threw his eye asidex
    and mark what object did present itselfx
    under an oakx whose boughs were mossxd with agex
    and high top bald with dry antiquityx
    a wretched ragged manx oxergrown with hairx
    lay sleeping on his backx about his neck
    a green and gilded snake had wreathxd itselfx
    who with her head nimble in threats approachxd
    the opening of his mouthx but suddenlyx
    seeing orlandox it unlinkxd itselfx
    and with indented glides did slip away
    into a bushx under which bushxs shade
    a lionessx with udders all drawn dryx
    lay couchingx head on groundx with catlike watchx
    when that the sleeping man should stirx for xtis
    the royal disposition of that beast
    to prey on nothing that doth seem as deadx
    this seenx orlando did approach the manx
    and found it was his brotherx his elder brotherx
  celiax ox i have heard him speak of that same brotherx
    and he did render him the most unnatural
    that livxd amongst menx
  oliverx and well he might so dox
    for well i know he was unnaturalx
  rosalindx butx to orlandox did he leave him therex
    food to the suckxd and hungry lionessx
  oliverx twice did he turn his backx and purposxd sox
    but kindnessx nobler ever than revengex
    and naturex stronger than his just occasionx
    made him give battle to the lionessx
    who quickly fell before himx in which hurtling
    from miserable slumber i awakxdx
  celiax are you his brotherx
  rosalindx wasxt you he rescuxdx
  celiax wasxt you that did so oft contrive to kill himx
  oliverx xtwas ix but xtis not ix i do not shame
    to tell you what i wasx since my conversion
    so sweetly tastesx being the thing i amx
  rosalindx but for the bloody napkinx
  oliverx by and byx
    when from the first to lastx betwixt us twox
    tears our recountments had most kindly bathxdx
    as how i came into that desert placex
    in briefx he led me to the gentle dukex
    who gave me fresh array and entertainmentx
    committing me unto my brotherxs lovex
    who led me instantly unto his cavex
    there strippxd himselfx and here upon his arm
    the lioness had torn some flesh awayx
    which all this while had bledx and now he faintedx
    and criedx in faintingx upon rosalindx
    briefx i recoverxd himx bound up his woundx
    andx after some small spacex being strong at heartx
    he sent me hitherx stranger as i amx
    to tell this storyx that you might excuse
    his broken promisex and to give this napkinx
    dyxd in his bloodx unto the shepherd youth
    that he in sport doth call his rosalindx
                                               xrosalind swoonsx
  celiax whyx how nowx ganymedex sweet ganymedex
  oliverx many will swoon when they do look on bloodx
  celiax there is more in itx cousin ganymedex
  oliverx lookx he recoversx
  rosalindx i would i were at homex
  celiax wexll lead you thitherx
    i pray youx will you take him by the armx
  oliverx be of good cheerx youthx you a manx
    you lack a manxs heartx
  rosalindx i do sox i confess itx ahx sirrahx a body would think
    this was well counterfeitedx i pray you tell your brother how
    well i counterfeitedx heighxhox
  oliverx this was not counterfeitx there is too great testimony in
    your complexion that it was a passion of earnestx
  rosalindx counterfeitx i assure youx
  oliverx well thenx take a good heart and counterfeit to be a manx
  rosalindx so i dox butx ix faithx i should have been a woman by
    rightx
  celiax comex you look paler and palerx pray you draw homewardsx
    good sirx go with usx
  oliverx that will ix for i must bear answer back
    how you excuse my brotherx rosalindx
  rosalindx i shall devise somethingx butx i pray youx commend my
    counterfeiting to himx will you gox                   exeunt

act vx scene ix the forest

enter touchstone and audrey

  touchstonex we shall find a timex audreyx patiencex gentle audreyx
  audreyx faithx the priest was good enoughx for all the old
    gentlemanxs sayingx
  touchstonex a most wicked sir oliverx audreyx a most vile martextx
    butx audreyx there is a youth here in the forest lays claim to
    youx
  audreyx ayx i know who xtisx he hath no interest in me in the
    worldx here comes the man you meanx

                         enter william

  touchstonex it is meat and drink to me to see a clownx by my trothx
    we that have good wits have much to answer forx we shall be
    floutingx we cannot holdx
  williamx good evxnx audreyx
  audreyx god ye good evxnx williamx
  williamx and good evxn to youx sirx
  touchstonex good evxnx gentle friendx cover thy headx cover thy
    headx nayx prithee be coverxdx how old are youx friendx
  williamx five and twentyx sirx
  touchstonex a ripe agex is thy name williamx
  williamx williamx sirx
  touchstonex a fair namex wast born ix thx forest herex
  williamx ayx sirx i thank godx
  touchstonex xthank godxx a good answerx
    art richx
  williamx faithx sirx so sox
  touchstonex xso sox is goodx very goodx very excellent goodx and
    yet it is notx it is but so sox art thou wisex
  williamx ayx sirx i have a pretty witx
  touchstonex whyx thou sayxst wellx i do now remember a sayingx xthe
    fool doth think he is wisex but the wise man knows himself to be
    a foolxx the heathen philosopherx when he had a desire to eat a
    grapex would open his lips when he put it into his mouthx meaning
    thereby that grapes were made to eat and lips to openx you do
    love this maidx
  williamx i dox sirx
  touchstonex give me your handx art thou learnedx
  williamx nox sirx
  touchstonex then learn this of mex to have is to havex for it is a
    figure in rhetoric that drinkx being pourxd out of cup into a
    glassx by filling the one doth empty the otherx for all your
    writers do consent that ipse is hex nowx you are not ipsex for i
    am hex
  williamx which hex sirx
  touchstonex hex sirx that must marry this womanx thereforex you
    clownx abandonx which is in the vulgar leavex the societyx which
    in the boorish is companyx of this femalex which in the common is
    womanx which together isx abandon the society of this femalex orx
    clownx thou perishestx orx to thy better understandingx diestx
    orx to witx i kill theex make thee awayx translate thy life into
    deathx thy liberty into bondagex i will deal in poison with theex
    or in bastinadox or in steelx i will bandy with thee in factionx
    will oxerxrun thee with policyx i will kill thee a hundred and
    fifty waysx therefore tremble and departx
  audreyx dox good williamx
  williamx god rest you merryx sirx                         exit

                          enter corin

  corinx our master and mistress seeks youx come awayx awayx
  touchstonex tripx audreyx tripx audreyx i attendx i attendx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix the forest

enter orlando and oliver

  orlandox isxt possible that on so little acquaintance you should
    like herx that but seeing you should love herx and loving woox
    andx wooingx she should grantx and will you persever to enjoy
    herx
  oliverx neither call the giddiness of it in questionx the poverty
    of herx the small acquaintancex my sudden wooingx nor her sudden
    consentingx but say with mex i love alienax say with her that she
    loves mex consent with both that we may enjoy each otherx it
    shall be to your goodx for my fatherxs house and all the revenue
    that was old sir rowlandxs will i estate upon youx and here live
    and die a shepherdx
  orlandox you have my consentx let your wedding be toxmorrowx
    thither will i invite the duke and allxs contented followersx go
    you and prepare alienax forx look youx here comes my rosalindx

                        enter rosalind

  rosalindx god save youx brotherx
  oliverx and youx fair sisterx                             exit
  rosalindx ox my dear orlandox how it grieves me to see thee wear
    thy heart in a scarfx
  orlandox it is my armx
  rosalindx i thought thy heart had been wounded with the claws of a
    lionx
  orlandox wounded it isx but with the eyes of a ladyx
  rosalindx did your brother tell you how i counterfeited to swoon
    when he showxd me your handkercherx
  orlandox ayx and greater wonders than thatx
  rosalindx ox i know where you arex nayx xtis truex there was never
    any thing so sudden but the fight of two rams and caesarxs
    thrasonical brag of xi camex sawx and overcamexx for your brother
    and my sister no sooner met but they lookxdx no sooner lookxd but
    they lovxdx no sooner lovxd but they sighxdx no sooner sighxd but
    they askxd one another the reasonx no sooner knew the reason but
    they sought the remedyx and in these degrees have they made pair
    of stairs to marriagex which they will climb incontinentx or else
    be incontinent before marriagex they are in the very wrath of
    lovex and they will togetherx clubs cannot part themx
  orlandox they shall be married toxmorrowx and i will bid the duke
    to the nuptialx butx ox how bitter a thing it is to look into
    happiness through another manxs eyesx by so much the more shall i
    toxmorrow be at the height of heartxheavinessx by how much i
    shall think my brother happy in having what he wishes forx
  rosalindx whyx thenx toxmorrow i cannot serve your turn for
    rosalindx
  orlandox i can live no longer by thinkingx
  rosalindx i will weary youx thenx no longer with idle talkingx know
    of me thenx for now i speak to some purposex that i know you are
    a gentleman of good conceitx i speak not this that you should
    bear a good opinion of my knowledgex insomuch i say i know you
    arex neither do i labour for a greater esteem than may in some
    little measure draw a belief from youx to do yourself goodx and
    not to grace mex believe thenx if you pleasex that i can do
    strange thingsx i havex since i was three year oldx conversxd
    with a magicianx most profound in his art and yet not damnablex
    if you do love rosalind so near the heart as your gesture cries
    it outx when your brother marries aliena shall you marry herx i
    know into what straits of fortune she is drivenx and it is not
    impossible to mex if it appear not inconvenient to youx to set
    her before your eyes toxmorrowx human as she isx and without any
    dangerx
  orlandox speakxst thou in sober meaningsx
  rosalindx by my lifex i dox which i tender dearlyx though i say i
    am a magicianx therefore put you in your best arrayx bid your
    friendsx for if you will be married toxmorrowx you shallx and to
    rosalindx if you willx

                     enter silvius and phebe

    lookx here comes a lover of minex and a lover of hersx
  phebex youthx you have done me much ungentleness
    to show the letter that i writ to youx
  rosalindx i care not if i havex it is my study
    to seem despiteful and ungentle to youx
    you are there followxd by a faithful shepherdx
    look upon himx love himx he worships youx
  phebex good shepherdx tell this youth what xtis to lovex
  silviusx it is to be all made of sighs and tearsx
    and so am i for phebex
  phebex and i for ganymedex
  orlandox and i for rosalindx
  rosalindx and i for no womanx
  silviusx it is to be all made of faith and servicex
    and so am i for phebex
  phebex and i for ganymedex
  orlandox and i for rosalindx
  rosalindx and i for no womanx
  silviusx it is to be all made of fantasyx
    all made of passionx and all made of wishesx
    all adorationx dutyx and observancex
    all humblenessx all patiencex and impatiencex
    all purityx all trialx all obediencex
    and so am i for phebex
  phebex and so am i for ganymedex
  orlandox and so am i for rosalindx
  rosalindx and so am i for no womanx
  phebex if this be sox why blame you me to love youx
  silviusx if this be sox why blame you me to love youx
  orlandox if this be sox why blame you me to love youx
  rosalindx why do you speak toox xwhy blame you me to love youxx
  orlandox to her that is not herex nor doth not hearx
  rosalindx pray youx no more of thisx xtis like the howling of irish
    wolves against the moonx xto silviusx i will help you if i canx
    xto phebex i would love you if i couldxx toxmorrow meet me all
    togetherx x to phebe x i will marry you if ever i marry womanx
    and ixll be married toxmorrowx xto orlandox i will satisfy you if
    ever i satisfied manx and you shall be married toxmorrowx xto
    silviusx i will content you if what pleases you contents youx and
    you shall be married toxmorrowx xto orlandox as you love
    rosalindx meetx xto silviusx as you love phebex meetxx and as i
    love no womanx ixll meetx sox fare you wellx i have left you
    commandsx
  silviusx ixll not failx if i livex
  phebex nor ix
  orlandox nor ix                                         exeunt

scene iiix the forest

enter touchstone and audrey

  touchstonex toxmorrow is the joyful dayx audrexyx toxmorrow will we
    be marriedx
  audreyx i do desire it with all my heartx and i hope it is no
    dishonest desire to desire to be a woman of the worldx here come
    two of the banishxd dukexs pagesx

                            enter two pages

  first pagex well metx honest gentlemanx
  touchstonex by my trothx well metx come sitx sitx and a songx
  second pagex we are for youx sit ix thx middlex
  first pagex shall we clap intoxt roundlyx without hawkingx or
    spittingx or saying we are hoarsex which are the only prologues
    to a bad voicex
  second pagex ixfaithx ixfaithx and both in a tunex like two gipsies
    on a horsex

                      songx
        it was a lover and his lassx
          with a heyx and a hox and a hey noninox
        that oxer the green cornxfield did pass
          in the spring timex the only pretty ring timex
        when birds do singx hey ding a dingx dingx
        sweet lovers love the springx

        between the acres of the ryex
          with a heyx and a hox and a hey noninox
        these pretty country folks would liex
          in the spring timex xcx

        this carol they began that hourx
          with a heyx and a hox and a hey noninox
        how that a life was but a flowerx
          in the spring timex xcx

        and therefore take the present timex
          with a heyx and a hox and a hey noninox
        for love is crowned with the primex
          in the spring timex xcx

  touchstonex trulyx young gentlemenx though there was no great
    matter in the dittyx yet the note was very untuneablex
  first pagex you are deceivxdx sirx we kept timex we lost not our
    timex
  touchstonex by my trothx yesx i count it but time lost to hear such
    a foolish songx god buy youx and god mend your voicesx comex
    audreyx                                               exeunt

scene ivx the forest

enter duke seniorx amiensx jaquesx orlandox oliverx and celia

  duke seniorx dost thou believex orlandox that the boy
    can do all this that he hath promisedx
  orlandox i sometimes do believe and sometimes do notx
    as those that fear they hopex and know they fearx

               enter rosalindx silviusx and phebe

  rosalindx patience once morex whiles our compact is urgxdx
    you sayx if i bring in your rosalindx
    you will bestow her on orlando herex
  duke seniorx that would ix had i kingdoms to give with herx
  rosalindx and you say you will have her when i bring herx
  orlandox that would ix were i of all kingdoms kingx
  rosalindx you say youxll marry mex if i be willingx
  phebex that will ix should i die the hour afterx
  rosalindx but if you do refuse to marry mex
    youxll give yourself to this most faithful shepherdx
  phebex so is the bargainx
  rosalindx you say that youxll have phebex if she willx
  silviusx though to have her and death were both one thingx
  rosalindx i have promisxd to make all this matter evenx
    keep you your wordx o dukex to give your daughterx
    you yoursx orlandox to receive his daughterx
    keep your wordx phebex that youxll marry mex
    or elsex refusing mex to wed this shepherdx
    keep your wordx silviusx that youxll marry her
    if she refuse mex and from hence i gox
    to make these doubts all evenx
                                       exeunt rosalind and celia
  duke seniorx i do remember in this shepherd boy
    some lively touches of my daughterxs favourx
  orlandox my lordx the first time that i ever saw him
    methought he was a brother to your daughterx
    butx my good lordx this boy is forestxbornx
    and hath been tutorxd in the rudiments
    of many desperate studies by his unclex
    whom he reports to be a great magicianx
    obscured in the circle of this forestx

                    enter touchstone and audrey

  jaquesx there isx surex another flood towardx and these couples are
    coming to the arkx here comes a pair of very strange beasts which
    in all tongues are callxd foolsx
  touchstonex salutation and greeting to you allx
  jaquesx good my lordx bid him welcomex this is the motleyxminded
    gentleman that i have so often met in the forestx he hath been a
     courtierx he swearsx
  touchstonex if any man doubt thatx let him put me to my purgationx
    i have trod a measurex i have flattxred a ladyx i have been
    politic with my friendx smooth with mine enemyx i have undone
    three tailorsx i have had four quarrelsx and like to have fought
    onex
  jaquesx and how was that taxen upx
  touchstonex faithx we metx and found the quarrel was upon the
    seventh causex
  jaquesx how seventh causex good my lordx like this fellowx
  duke seniorx i like him very wellx
  touchstonex god xild youx sirx i desire you of the likex i press in
    herex sirx amongst the rest of the country copulativesx to swear
    and to forswearx according as marriage binds and blood breaksx a
    poor virginx sirx an illxfavourxd thingx sirx but mine ownx a
    poor humour of minex sirx to take that that man else willx rich
    honesty dwells like a miserx sirx in a poor housex as your pearl
    in your foul oysterx
  duke seniorx by my faithx he is very swift and sententiousx
  touchstonex according to the foolxs boltx sirx and such dulcet
    diseasesx
  jaquesx butx for the seventh causex how did you find the quarrel on
    the seventh causex
  touchstonex upon a lie seven times removedx bear your body more
    seemingx audreyx as thusx sirx i did dislike the cut of a certain
    courtierxs beardx he sent me wordx if i said his beard was not
    cut wellx he was in the mind it wasx this is callxd the retort
    courteousx if i sent him word again it was not well cutx he would
    send me word he cut it to please himselfx this is callxd the quip
    modestx if again it was not well cutx he disabled my judgmentx
    this is callxd the reply churlishx if again it was not well cutx
    he would answer i spake not truex this is callxd the reproof
    valiantx if again it was not well cutx he would say i liex this
    is callxd the countercheck quarrelsomex and so to the lie
    circumstantial and the lie directx
  jaquesx and how oft did you say his beard was not well cutx
  touchstonex i durst go no further than the lie circumstantialx nor
    he durst not give me the lie directx and so we measurxd swords
    and partedx
  jaquesx can you nominate in order now the degrees of the liex
  touchstonex ox sirx we quarrel in print by the bookx as you have
    books for good mannersx i will name you the degreesx the firstx
    the retort courteousx the secondx the quip modestx the thirdx the
    reply churlishx the fourthx the reproof valiantx the fifthx the
    countercheck quarrelsomex the sixthx the lie with circumstancex
    the seventhx the lie directx all these you may avoid but the lie
    directx and you may avoid that too with an ifx i knew when seven
    justices could not take up a quarrelx but when the parties were
    met themselvesx one of them thought but of an ifx asx xif you
    said sox then i said soxx and they shook handsx and swore
    brothersx your if is the only peacexmakerx much virtue in ifx
  jaquesx is not this a rare fellowx my lordx
    hexs as good at any thingx and yet a foolx
  duke seniorx he uses his folly like a stalkingxhorsex and under the
    presentation of that he shoots his witx

          enter hymenx rosalindx and celiax still music

    hymenx    then is there mirth in heavenx
              when earthly things made even
                atone togetherx
              good dukex receive thy daughterx
              hymen from heaven brought herx
                yeax brought her hitherx
              that thou mightst join her hand with hisx
              whose heart within his bosom isx
  rosalindx xto dukex to you i give myselfx for i am yoursx
    xto orlandox to you i give myselfx for i am yoursx
  duke seniorx if there be truth in sightx you are my daughterx
  orlandox if there be truth in sightx you are my rosalindx
  phebex if sight and shape be truex
    why thenx my love adieux
  rosalindx ixll have no fatherx if you be not hex
    ixll have no husbandx if you be not hex
    nor nexer wed womanx if you be not shex
  hymenx    peacex hox i bar confusionx
            xtis i must make conclusion
              of these most strange eventsx
            herexs eight that must take hands
            to join in hymenxs bandsx
              if truth holds true contentsx
            you and you no cross shall partx
            you and you are heart in heartx
            you to his love must accordx
            or have a woman to your lordx
            you and you are sure togetherx
            as the winter to foul weatherx
            whiles a wedlockxhymn we singx
            feed yourselves with questioningx
            that reason wonder may diminishx
            how thus we metx and these things finishx

                       song
            wedding is great junoxs crownx
              o blessed bond of board and bedx
            xtis hymen peoples every townx
              high wedlock then be honouredx
            honourx high honourx and renownx
            to hymenx god of every townx

  duke seniorx o my dear niecex welcome thou art to mex
    even daughterx welcome in no less degreex
  phebex i will not eat my wordx now thou art minex
    thy faith my fancy to thee doth combinex

                 enter jaques de boys

  jaques de boysx let me have audience for a word or twox
    i am the second son of old sir rowlandx
    that bring these tidings to this fair assemblyx
    duke frederickx hearing how that every day
    men of great worth resorted to this forestx
    addressxd a mighty powerx which were on footx
    in his own conductx purposely to take
    his brother herex and put him to the swordx
    and to the skirts of this wild wood he camex
    wherex meeting with an old religious manx
    after some question with himx was converted
    both from his enterprise and from the worldx
    his crown bequeathing to his banishxd brotherx
    and all their lands restorxd to them again
    that were with him exilxdx this to be true
    i do engage my lifex
  duke seniorx welcomex young manx
    thou offerxst fairly to thy brothersx weddingx
    to onex his lands withheldx and to the otherx
    a land itself at largex a potent dukedomx
    firstx in this forest let us do those ends
    that here were well begun and well begotx
    and afterx every of this happy numberx
    that have endurxd shrewd days and nights with usx
    shall share the good of our returned fortunex
    according to the measure of their statesx
    meantimex forget this newxfallxn dignityx
    and fall into our rustic revelryx
    playx musicx and you brides and bridegrooms allx
    with measure heapxd in joyx to thx measures fallx
  jaquesx sirx by your patiencex if i heard you rightlyx
    the duke hath put on a religious lifex
    and thrown into neglect the pompous courtx
  jaques de boysx he hathx
  jaquesx to him will ix out of these convertites
    there is much matter to be heard and learnxdx
    xto dukex you to your former honour i bequeathx
    your patience and your virtue well deserves itx
    xto orlandox you to a love that your true faith doth meritx
    xto oliverx you to your landx and lovex and great allies
    xto silviusx you to a long and wellxdeserved bedx
    xto touchstonex and you to wranglingx for thy loving voyage
    is but for two months victuallxdxx so to your pleasuresx
    i am for other than for dancing measuresx
  duke seniorx stayx jaquesx stayx
  jaquesx to see no pastime ix what you would have
    ixll stay to know at your abandonxd cavex               exit
  duke seniorx proceedx proceedx we will begin these ritesx
    as we do trust theyxll endx in true delightsx    xa dancex exeunt

epilogue
                           epiloguex
  rosalindx it is not the fashion to see the lady the epiloguex but
    it is no more unhandsome than to see the lord the prologuex if it
    be true that good wine needs no bushx xtis true that a good play
    needs no epiloguex yet to good wine they do use good bushesx and
    good plays prove the better by the help of good epiloguesx what a
    case am i in thenx that am neither a good epiloguex nor cannot
    insinuate with you in the behalf of a good playx i am not
    furnishxd like a beggarx therefore to beg will not become mex my
    way is to conjure youx and ixll begin with the womenx i charge
    youx o womenx for the love you bear to menx to like as much of
    this play as please youx and i charge youx o menx for the love
    you bear to womenx as i perceive by your simpxring none of you
    hates themx that between you and the women the play may pleasex
    if i were a womanx i would kiss as many of you as had beards that
    pleasxd mex complexions that likxd mex and breaths that i defied
    notx andx i am surex as many as have good beardsx or good facesx
    or sweet breathsx willx for my kind offerx when i make curtsyx
    bid me farewellx



the comedy of errors



contents

act i
scene ix a hall in the dukexs palacex
scene iix a public placex


act ii
scene ix a public placex
scene iix the samex


act iii
scene ix the samex
scene iix the samex


act iv
scene ix the samex
scene iix the samex
scene iiix the samex
scene ivx the samex


act v
scene ix the samex

dramatis personx

solinusx duke of ephesusx
egeonx a merchant of syracusex

antipholus of ephesusx twin brothers and sons to egeon and
antipholus of syracusex emiliax but unknown to each otherx

dromio of ephesusx twin brothersx and attendants on
dromio of syracusex the two antipholusesx

balthasarx a merchantx
angelox a goldsmithx
a merchantx friend to antipholus of syracusex
pinchx a schoolmaster and a conjurerx
emiliax wife to egeonx an abbess at ephesusx
adrianax wife to antipholus of ephesusx
lucianax her sisterx
lucex her servantx
a courtesan
messengerx jailerx officersx attendants

scenex ephesus


act i

scene ix a hall in the dukexs palacex

 enter dukex egeonx jailerx officers and other attendantsx

egeonx
proceedx solinusx to procure my fallx
and by the doom of death end woes and allx

dukex
merchant of syracusax plead no morex
i am not partial to infringe our lawsx
the enmity and discord which of late
sprung from the rancorous outrage of your duke
to merchantsx our wellxdealing countrymenx
whox wanting guilders to redeem their livesx
have sealxd his rigorous statutes with their bloodsx
excludes all pity from our threatxning looksx
for since the mortal and intestine jars
xtwixt thy seditious countrymen and usx
it hath in solemn synods been decreedx
both by the syracusians and ourselvesx
to admit no traffic to our adverse townsx
nay morex if any born at ephesus
be seen at syracusian marts and fairsx
againx if any syracusian born
come to the bay of ephesusx he diesx
his goods confiscate to the dukexs disposex
unless a thousand marks be levied
to quit the penalty and to ransom himx
thy substancex valued at the highest ratex
cannot amount unto a hundred marksx
therefore by law thou art condemnxd to diex

egeonx
yet this my comfortx when your words are donex
my woes end likewise with the evening sunx

dukex
wellx syracusianx say in brief the cause
why thou departedst from thy native homex
and for what cause thou camxst to ephesusx

egeonx
a heavier task could not have been imposxd
than i to speak my griefs unspeakablex
yetx that the world may witness that my end
was wrought by naturex not by vile offencex
ixll utter what my sorrow gives me leavex
in syracusa was i bornx and wed
unto a woman happy but for mex
and by mex had not our hap been badx
with her i livxd in joyx our wealth increasxd
by prosperous voyages i often made
to epidamnumx till my factorxs deathx
and the great care of goods at random leftx
drew me from kind embracements of my spousex
from whom my absence was not six months old
before herself xalmost at fainting under
the pleasing punishment that women bearx
had made provision for her following mex
and soon and safe arrived where i wasx
there had she not been long but she became
a joyful mother of two goodly sonsx
andx which was strangex the one so like the other
as could not be distinguishxd but by namesx
that very hourx and in the selfxsame innx
a mean woman was delivered
of such a burdenx male twinsx both alikex
thosex for their parents were exceeding poorx
i boughtx and brought up to attend my sonsx
my wifex not meanly proud of two such boysx
made daily motions for our home returnx
unwilling i agreedx alasx too soon
we came aboardx
a league from epidamnum had we sailxd
before the alwaysxwindxobeying deep
gave any tragic instance of our harmx
but longer did we not retain much hopex
for what obscured light the heavens did grant
did but convey unto our fearful minds
a doubtful warrant of immediate deathx
which though myself would gladly have embracxdx
yet the incessant weepings of my wifex
weeping before for what she saw must comex
and piteous plainings of the pretty babesx
that mournxd for fashionx ignorant what to fearx
forcxd me to seek delays for them and mex
and this it was xfor other means was nonexx
the sailors sought for safety by our boatx
and left the shipx then sinkingxripex to usx
my wifex more careful for the latterxbornx
had fastxned him unto a small spare mastx
such as seaxfaring men provide for stormsx
to him one of the other twins was boundx
whilst i had been like heedful of the otherx
the children thus disposxdx my wife and ix
fixing our eyes on whom our care was fixxdx
fastxned ourselves at either end the mastx
andx floating straightx obedient to the streamx
was carried towards corinthx as we thoughtx
at length the sunx gazing upon the earthx
dispersxd those vapours that offended usx
and by the benefit of his wished light
the seas waxxd calmx and we discovered
two ships from farx making amain to usx
of corinth thatx of epidaurus thisx
but ere they camexox let me say no morex
gather the sequel by that went beforex

dukex
nayx forwardx old manx do not break off sox
for we may pityx though not pardon theex

egeonx
ox had the gods done sox i had not now
worthily termxd them merciless to usx
forx ere the ships could meet by twice five leaguesx
we were encountered by a mighty rockx
which being violently borne uponx
our helpful ship was splitted in the midstx
so thatx in this unjust divorce of usx
fortune had left to both of us alike
what to delight inx what to sorrow forx
her partx poor soulx seeming as burdened
with lesser weightx but not with lesser woex
was carried with more speed before the windx
and in our sight they three were taken up
by fishermen of corinthx as we thoughtx
at length another ship had seizxd on usx
andx knowing whom it was their hap to savex
gave healthful welcome to their shipxwrackxd guestsx
and would have reft the fishers of their preyx
had not their bark been very slow of sailx
and therefore homeward did they bend their coursex
thus have you heard me severxd from my blissx
that by misfortunes was my life prolongxd
to tell sad stories of my own mishapsx

dukex
and for the sake of them thou sorrowest forx
do me the favour to dilate at full
what have befallxn of them and thee till nowx

egeonx
my youngest boyx and yet my eldest carex
at eighteen years became inquisitive
after his brotherx and importunxd me
that his attendantx so his case was likex
reft of his brotherx but retainxd his namex
might bear him company in the quest of himx
whom whilst i laboured of a love to seex
i hazarded the loss of whom i lovxdx
five summers have i spent in farthest greecex
roaming clean through the bounds of asiax
andx coasting homewardx came to ephesusx
hopeless to findx yet loath to leave unsought
or that or any place that harbours menx
but here must end the story of my lifex
and happy were i in my timely deathx
could all my travels warrant me they livex

dukex
hapless egeonx whom the fates have markxd
to bear the extremity of dire mishapx
nowx trust mex were it not against our lawsx
against my crownx my oathx my dignityx
which princesx would theyx may not disannulx
my soul should sue as advocate for theex
but though thou art adjudged to the deathx
and passed sentence may not be recallxd
but to our honourxs great disparagementx
yet will i favour thee in what i canx
thereforex merchantx ixll limit thee this day
to seek thy health by beneficial helpx
try all the friends thou hast in ephesusx
beg thoux or borrowx to make up the sumx
and livex if nox then thou art doomxd to diex
jailerx take him to thy custodyx

jailerx
i willx my lordx

egeonx
hopeless and helpless doth egeon wendx
but to procrastinate his lifeless endx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a public placex

 enter antipholus and dromio of syracuse and a merchantx

merchantx
therefore give out you are of epidamnumx
lest that your goods too soon be confiscatex
this very day a syracusian merchant
is apprehended for arrival herex
andx not being able to buy out his lifex
according to the statute of the town
dies ere the weary sun set in the westx
there is your money that i had to keepx

antipholus of syracusex
go bear it to the centaurx where we hostx
and stay therex dromiox till i come to theex
within this hour it will be dinnertimex
till thatx ixll view the manners of the townx
peruse the tradersx gaze upon the buildingsx
and then return and sleep within mine innx
for with long travel i am stiff and wearyx
get thee awayx

dromio of syracusex
many a man would take you at your wordx
and go indeedx having so good a meanx

 xxexit dromioxxx

antipholus of syracusex
a trusty villainx sirx that very oftx
when i am dull with care and melancholyx
lightens my humour with his merry jestsx
whatx will you walk with me about the townx
and then go to my inn and dine with mex

merchantx
i am invitedx sirx to certain merchantsx
of whom i hope to make much benefitx
i crave your pardonx soonx at five oxclockx
please youx ixll meet with you upon the martx
and afterward consort you till bedtimex
my present business calls me from you nowx

antipholus of syracusex
farewell till thenx i will go lose myselfx
and wander up and down to view the cityx

merchantx
sirx i commend you to your own contentx

 xxexit merchantxxx

antipholus of syracusex
he that commends me to mine own content
commends me to the thing i cannot getx
i to the world am like a drop of water
that in the ocean seeks another dropx
whox failing there to find his fellow forthx
unseenx inquisitivex confounds himselfx
so ix to find a mother and a brotherx
in quest of themx unhappyx lose myselfx

 enter dromio of ephesusx

here comes the almanac of my true datex
what nowx how chance thou art returnxd so soonx

dromio of ephesusx
returnxd so soonx rather approachxd too latex
the capon burnsx the pig falls from the spitx
the clock hath strucken twelve upon the bellx
my mistress made it one upon my cheekx
she is so hot because the meat is coldx
the meat is cold because you come not homex
you come not home because you have no stomachx
you have no stomachx having broke your fastx
but we that know what xtis to fast and prayx
are penitent for your default todayx

antipholus of syracusex
stop in your windx sirx tell me thisx i prayx
where have you left the money that i gave youx

dromio of ephesusx
ox sixpence that i had ox wednesday last
to pay the saddler for my mistressx crupperx
the saddler had itx sirx i kept it notx

antipholus of syracusex
i am not in a sportive humour nowx
tell mex and dally notx where is the moneyx
we being strangers herex how darxst thou trust
so great a charge from thine own custodyx

dromio of ephesusx
i pray you jestx sirx as you sit at dinnerx
i from my mistress come to you in postx
if i returnx i shall be post indeedx
for she will score your fault upon my patex
methinks your mawx like minex should be your clockx
and strike you home without a messengerx

antipholus of syracusex
comex dromiox comex these jests are out of seasonx
reserve them till a merrier hour than thisx
where is the gold i gave in charge to theex

dromio of ephesusx
to mex sirx whyx you gave no gold to mex

antipholus of syracusex
come onx sir knavex have done your foolishnessx
and tell me how thou hast disposxd thy chargex

dromio of ephesusx
my charge was but to fetch you from the mart
home to your housex the phoenixx sirx to dinnerx
my mistress and her sister stay for youx

antipholus of syracusex
nowx as i am a christianx answer me
in what safe place you have bestowxd my moneyx
or i shall break that merry sconce of yours
that stands on tricks when i am undisposxdx
where is the thousand marks thou hadst of mex

dromio of ephesusx
i have some marks of yours upon my patex
some of my mistressx marks upon my shouldersx
but not a thousand marks between you bothx
if i should pay your worship those againx
perchance you will not bear them patientlyx

antipholus of syracusex
thy mistressx marksx what mistressx slavex hast thoux

dromio of ephesusx
your worshipxs wifex my mistress at the phoenixx
she that doth fast till you come home to dinnerx
and prays that you will hie you home to dinnerx

antipholus of syracusex
whatx wilt thou flout me thus unto my facex
being forbidx therex take you thatx sir knavex

dromio of ephesusx
what mean youx sirx for godxs sake hold your handsx
nayx an you will notx sirx ixll take my heelsx

 xxexit dromioxxx

antipholus of syracusex
upon my lifex by some device or other
the villain is oxerxraught of all my moneyx
they say this town is full of cozenagex
as nimble jugglers that deceive the eyex
darkxworking sorcerers that change the mindx
soulxkilling witches that deform the bodyx
disguised cheatersx prating mountebanksx
and many suchxlike liberties of sinx
if it prove sox i will be gone the soonerx
ixll to the centaur to go seek this slavex
i greatly fear my money is not safex

 xxexitxxx



act ii

scene ix a public placex

 enter adrianax wife to antipholus xof ephesusx with luciana her
 sisterx

adrianax
neither my husband nor the slave returnxd
that in such haste i sent to seek his masterx
surex lucianax it is two oxclockx

lucianax
perhaps some merchant hath invited himx
and from the mart hexs somewhere gone to dinnerx
good sisterx let us dinex and never fretx
a man is master of his libertyx
time is their masterx and when they see timex
theyxll go or comex if sox be patientx sisterx

adrianax
why should their liberty than ours be morex

lucianax
because their business still lies out ox doorx

adrianax
look when i serve him sox he takes it illx

lucianax
ox know he is the bridle of your willx

adrianax
therexs none but asses will be bridled sox

lucianax
whyx headstrong liberty is lashxd with woex
therexs nothing situate under heavenxs eye
but hath his bound in earthx in seax in skyx
the beastsx the fishesx and the winged fowls
are their malesx subjectsx and at their controlsx
manx more divinex the masters of all thesex
lord of the wide world and wild watxry seasx
indued with intellectual sense and soulsx
of more prexeminence than fish and fowlsx
are masters to their femalesx and their lordsx
then let your will attend on their accordsx

adrianax
this servitude makes you to keep unwedx

lucianax
not thisx but troubles of the marriagexbedx

adrianax
butx were you weddedx you would bear some swayx

lucianax
ere i learn lovex ixll practise to obeyx

adrianax
how if your husband start some other wherex

lucianax
till he come home againx i would forbearx

adrianax
patience unmovxdx no marvel though she pausex
they can be meek that have no other causex
a wretched soul bruisxd with adversityx
we bid be quiet when we hear it cryx
but were we burdxned with like weight of painx
as muchx or morex we should ourselves complainx
so thoux that hast no unkind mate to grieve theex
with urging helpless patience would relieve mex
but if thou live to see like right bereftx
this foolxbeggxd patience in thee will be leftx

lucianax
wellx i will marry one dayx but to tryx
here comes your manx now is your husband nighx

 enter dromio of ephesusx

adrianax
sayx is your tardy master now at handx

dromio of ephesusx
nayx hexs at two hands with mex and that my two ears can witnessx

adrianax
sayx didst thou speak with himx knowxst thou his mindx

dromio of ephesusx
ayx ayx he told his mind upon mine earx
beshrew his handx i scarce could understand itx

lucianax
spake he so doubtfully thou couldst not feel his meaningx

dromio of ephesusx
nayx he struck so plainly i could too well feel his blowsx and withal
so doubtfully that i could scarce understand themx

adrianax
but sayx i pritheex is he coming homex
it seems he hath great care to please his wifex

dromio of ephesusx
whyx mistressx sure my master is hornxmadx

adrianax
hornxmadx thou villainx

dromio of ephesusx
i mean not cuckoldxmadx
but sure hexs stark madx
when i desirxd him to come home to dinnerx
he askxd me for a thousand marks in goldx
xxtis dinner timexx quoth ix xmy goldxx quoth hex
xyour meat doth burnx quoth ix xmy goldxx quoth hex
xwill you come homexx quoth ix xmy goldxx quoth hex
xwhere is the thousand marks i gave theex villainxx
xthe pigx quoth i xis burnxdxx xmy goldxx quoth hex
xmy mistressx sirxx quoth ix xhang up thy mistressx
i know not thy mistressx out on thy mistressxx

lucianax
quoth whox

dromio of ephesusx
quoth my masterx
xi knowxx quoth hex xno housex no wifex no mistressxx
so that my errandx due unto my tonguex
i thank himx i bare home upon my shouldersx
forx in conclusionx he did beat me therex

adrianax
go back againx thou slavex and fetch him homex

dromio of ephesusx
go back againx and be new beaten homex
for godxs sakex send some other messengerx

adrianax
back slavex or i will break thy pate acrossx

dromio of ephesusx
and he will bless that cross with other beatingx
between you i shall have a holy headx

adrianax
hencex prating peasantx fetch thy master homex

dromio of ephesusx
am i so round with youx as you with mex
that like a football you do spurn me thusx
you spurn me hencex and he will spurn me hitherx
if i last in this servicex you must case me in leatherx

 xxexitxxx

lucianax
fiex how impatience loureth in your facex

adrianax
his company must do his minions gracex
whilst i at home starve for a merry lookx
hath homely age thx alluring beauty took
from my poor cheekx then he hath wasted itx
are my discourses dullx barren my witx
if voluble and sharp discourse be marrxdx
unkindness blunts it more than marble hardx
do their gay vestments his affections baitx
thatxs not my faultx hexs master of my statex
what ruins are in me that can be found
by him not ruinxdx then is he the ground
of my defeaturesx my decayed fair
a sunny look of his would soon repairx
butx too unruly deerx he breaks the pale
and feeds from homex poor i am but his stalex

lucianax
selfxharming jealousyx fiex beat it hencex

adrianax
unfeeling fools can with such wrongs dispensex
i know his eye doth homage otherwherex
or else what lets it but he would be herex
sisterx you know he promisxd me a chainx
would that alonex a love he would detainx
so he would keep fair quarter with his bedx
i see the jewel best enamelled
will lose his beautyx yet the gold bides still
that others touchx yet often touching will
wear goldx and no man that hath a name
by falsehood and corruption doth it shamex
since that my beauty cannot please his eyex
ixll weep whatxs left awayx and weeping diex

lucianax
how many fond fools serve mad jealousyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter antipholus of syracusex

antipholus of syracusex
the gold i gave to dromio is laid up
safe at the centaurx and the heedful slave
is wanderxd forth in care to seek me outx
by computation and mine hostxs reportx
i could not speak with dromio since at first
i sent him from the martx seex here he comesx

 enter dromio of syracusex

how nowx sirx is your merry humour alterxdx
as you love strokesx so jest with me againx
you know no centaurx you receivxd no goldx
your mistress sent to have me home to dinnerx
my house was at the phoenixx wast thou madx
that thus so madly thou didst answer mex

dromio of syracusex
what answerx sirx when spake i such a wordx

antipholus of syracusex
even nowx even herex not half an hour sincex

dromio of syracusex
i did not see you since you sent me hencex
home to the centaur with the gold you gave mex

antipholus of syracusex
villainx thou didst deny the goldxs receiptx
and toldxst me of a mistress and a dinnerx
for which i hope thou feltxst i was displeasxdx

dromio of syracusex
i am glad to see you in this merry veinx
what means this jestx i pray youx masterx tell mex

antipholus of syracusex
yeax dost thou jeer and flout me in the teethx
thinkxst thou i jestx holdx take thou thatx and thatx

 xxbeats dromioxxx

dromio of syracusex
holdx sirx for godxs sakex now your jest is earnestx
upon what bargain do you give it mex

antipholus of syracusex
because that i familiarly sometimes
do use you for my foolx and chat with youx
your sauciness will jest upon my lovex
and make a common of my serious hoursx
when the sun shines let foolish gnats make sportx
but creep in crannies when he hides his beamsx
if you will jest with mex know my aspectx
and fashion your demeanour to my looksx
or i will beat this method in your sconcex

dromio of syracusex
sconcex call you itx so you would leave batteringx i had rather have it
a headx and you use these blows longx i must get a sconce for my headx
and ensconce it toox or else i shall seek my wit in my shouldersx but i
prayx sirx why am i beatenx

antipholus of syracusex
dost thou not knowx

dromio of syracusex
nothingx sirx but that i am beatenx

antipholus of syracusex
shall i tell you whyx

dromio of syracusex
ayx sirx and whereforex for they sayx every why hath a whereforex

antipholus of syracusex
whyx firstx for flouting mex and then whereforex
for urging it the second time to mex

dromio of syracusex
was there ever any man thus beaten out of seasonx
when in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reasonx
wellx sirx i thank youx

antipholus of syracusex
thank mex sirx for whatx

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx for this something that you gave me for nothingx

antipholus of syracusex
ixll make you amends nextx to give you nothing for somethingx
but sayx sirx is it dinnerxtimex

dromio of syracusex
nox sirx i think the meat wants that i havex

antipholus of syracusex
in good timex sirx whatxs thatx

dromio of syracusex
bastingx

antipholus of syracusex
wellx sirx then xtwill be dryx

dromio of syracusex
if it bex sirx i pray you eat none of itx

antipholus of syracusex
your reasonx

dromio of syracusex
lest it make you cholericx and purchase me another dry bastingx

antipholus of syracusex
wellx sirx learn to jest in good timex
therexs a time for all thingsx

dromio of syracusex
i durst have denied that before you were so cholericx

antipholus of syracusex
by what rulex sirx

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx by a rule as plain as the plain bald pate of father time
himselfx

antipholus of syracusex
letxs hear itx

dromio of syracusex
therexs no time for a man to recover his hair that grows bald by
naturex

antipholus of syracusex
may he not do it by fine and recoveryx

dromio of syracusex
yesx to pay a fine for a periwigx and recover the lost hair of another
manx

antipholus of syracusex
why is time such a niggard of hairx beingx as it isx so plentiful an
excrementx

dromio of syracusex
because it is a blessing that he bestows on beastsx and what he hath
scanted men in hair he hath given them in witx

antipholus of syracusex
whyx but therexs many a man hath more hair than witx

dromio of syracusex
not a man of those but he hath the wit to lose his hairx

antipholus of syracusex
whyx thou didst conclude hairy men plain dealers without witx

dromio of syracusex
the plainer dealerx the sooner lostx yet he loseth it in a kind of
jollityx

antipholus of syracusex
for what reasonx

dromio of syracusex
for twox and sound ones toox

antipholus of syracusex
nayx not soundx i pray youx

dromio of syracusex
sure onesx thenx

antipholus of syracusex
nayx not surex in a thing falsingx

dromio of syracusex
certain onesx thenx

antipholus of syracusex
name themx

dromio of syracusex
the onex to save the money that he spends in tiringx the otherx that at
dinner they should not drop in his porridgex

antipholus of syracusex
you would all this time have proved there is no time for all thingsx

dromio of syracusex
marryx and didx sirx namelyx exen no time to recover hair lost by
naturex

antipholus of syracusex
but your reason was not substantial why there is no time to recoverx

dromio of syracusex
thus i mend itx time himself is baldx and thereforex to the worldxs end
will have bald followersx

antipholus of syracusex
i knew xtwould be a bald conclusionx
but softx who wafts us yonderx

 enter adriana and lucianax

adrianax
ayx ayx antipholusx look strange and frownx
some other mistress hath thy sweet aspectsx
i am not adrianax nor thy wifex
the time was once when thou unurgxd wouldst vow
that never words were music to thine earx
that never object pleasing in thine eyex
that never touch well welcome to thy handx
that never meat sweetxsavourxd in thy tastex
unless i spakex or lookxdx or touchxdx or carvxd to theex
how comes it nowx my husbandx ox how comes itx
that thou art then estranged from thyselfx
thyself i call itx being strange to mex
thatx undividablex incorporatex
am better than thy dear selfxs better partx
ahx do not tear away thyself from mex
for knowx my lovex as easy mayst thou fall
a drop of water in the breaking gulfx
and take unmingled thence that drop again
without addition or diminishingx
as take from me thyselfx and not me toox
how dearly would it touch thee to the quickx
shouldxst thou but hear i were licentiousx
and that this bodyx consecrate to theex
by ruffian lust should be contaminatex
wouldst thou not spit at mex and spurn at mex
and hurl the name of husband in my facex
and tear the stainxd skin off my harlot browx
and from my false hand cut the weddingxringx
and break it with a deepxdivorcing vowx
i know thou canstx and thereforex see thou do itx
i am possessxd with an adulterate blotx
my blood is mingled with the crime of lustx
for if we two be onex and thou play falsex
i do digest the poison of thy fleshx
being strumpeted by thy contagionx
keep then fair league and truce with thy true bedx
i live distainxdx thou undishonouredx

antipholus of syracusex
plead you to mex fair damex i know you notx
in ephesus i am but two hours oldx
as strange unto your town as to your talkx
whox every word by all my wit being scannxdx
wants wit in all one word to understandx

lucianax
fiex brotherx how the world is changxd with youx
when were you wont to use my sister thusx
she sent for you by dromio home to dinnerx

antipholus of syracusex
by dromiox

dromio of syracusex
by mex

adrianax
by theex and this thou didst return from himx
that he did buffet theex and in his blows
denied my house for hisx me for his wifex

antipholus of syracusex
did you conversex sirx with this gentlewomanx
what is the course and drift of your compactx

dromio of syracusex
ix sirx i never saw her till this timex

antipholus of syracusex
villainx thou liestx for even her very words
didst thou deliver to me on the martx

dromio of syracusex
i never spake with her in all my lifex

antipholus of syracusex
how can she thusx thenx call us by our namesx
unless it be by inspirationx

adrianax
how ill agrees it with your gravity
to counterfeit thus grossly with your slavex
abetting him to thwart me in my moodx
be it my wrongx you are from me exemptx
but wrong not that wrong with a more contemptx
comex i will fasten on this sleeve of thinex
thou art an elmx my husbandx i a vinex
whose weaknessx married to thy stronger statex
makes me with thy strength to communicatex
if aught possess thee from mex it is drossx
usurping ivyx brierx or idle mossx
who allx for want of pruningx with intrusion
infect thy sapx and live on thy confusionx

antipholus of syracusex
to me she speaksx she moves me for her themex
whatx was i married to her in my dreamx
or sleep i nowx and think i hear all thisx
what error drives our eyes and ears amissx
until i know this sure uncertainty
ixll entertain the offerxd fallacyx

lucianax
dromiox go bid the servants spread for dinnerx

dromio of syracusex
ox for my beadsx i cross me for a sinnerx
this is the fairy landx o spite of spitesx
we talk with goblinsx owlsx and spritesx
if we obey them notx this will ensuex
theyxll suck our breathx or pinch us black and bluex

lucianax
why pratxst thou to thyselfx and answerxst notx
dromiox thou dronex thou snailx thou slugx thou sotx

dromio of syracusex
i am transformedx masterx am i notx

antipholus of syracusex
i think thou art in mindx and so am ix

dromio of syracusex
nayx masterx both in mind and in my shapex

antipholus of syracusex
thou hast thine own formx

dromio of syracusex
nox i am an apex

lucianax
if thou art changxd to aughtx xtis to an assx

dromio of syracusex
xtis truex she rides mex and i long for grassx
xtis sox i am an assx else it could never be
but i should know her as well as she knows mex

adrianax
comex comex no longer will i be a foolx
to put the finger in the eye and weep
whilst man and master laughs my woes to scornx
comex sirx to dinnerx dromiox keep the gatex
husbandx ixll dine above with you todayx
and shrive you of a thousand idle pranksx
sirrahx if any ask you for your masterx
say he dines forthx and let no creature enterx
comex sisterx dromiox play the porter wellx

antipholus of syracusex
am i in earthx in heavenx or in hellx
sleeping or wakingx madx or wellxadvisxdx
known unto thesex and to myself disguisxdx
ixll say as they sayx and persever sox
and in this mist at all adventures gox

dromio of syracusex
masterx shall i be porter at the gatex

adrianax
ayx and let none enterx lest i break your patex

lucianax
comex comex antipholusx we dine too latex

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix the samex

 enter antipholus of ephesusx his man dromio of ephesusx angelo the
 goldsmith and balthasar the merchantx

antipholus of ephesusx
good signior angelox you must excuse us allx
my wife is shrewish when i keep not hoursx
say that i lingerxd with you at your shop
to see the making of her carcanetx
and that tomorrow you will bring it homex
but herexs a villain that would face me downx
he met me on the martx and that i beat himx
and chargxd him with a thousand marks in goldx
and that i did deny my wife and housex
thou drunkardx thoux what didst thou mean by thisx

dromio of ephesusx
say what you willx sirx but i know what i knowx
that you beat me at the mart i have your hand to showx
if the skin were parchmentx and the blows you gave were inkx
your own handwriting would tell you what i thinkx

antipholus of ephesusx
i think thou art an assx

dromio of ephesusx
marryx so it doth appear
by the wrongs i suffer and the blows i bearx
i should kickx being kickxdx and being at that passx
you would keep from my heelsx and beware of an assx

antipholus of ephesusx
youxre sadx signior balthasarx pray god our cheer
may answer my good will and your good welcome herex

balthasarx
i hold your dainties cheapx sirx and your welcome dearx

antipholus of ephesusx
ox signior balthasarx either at flesh or fish
a table full of welcome makes scarce one dainty dishx

balthasarx
good meatx sirx is commonx that every churl affordsx

antipholus of ephesusx
and welcome more commonx for thatxs nothing but wordsx

balthasar
small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feastx

antipholus of ephesusx
ayx to a niggardly host and more sparing guestx
but though my cates be meanx take them in good partx
better cheer may you havex but not with better heartx
but softx my door is lockxdx go bid them let us inx

dromio of ephesusx
maudx bridgetx marianx cicelyx gillianx ginnx

dromio of syracusex
xxwithinxxx momex maltxhorsex caponx coxcombx idiotx patchx
either get thee from the door or sit down at the hatchx
dost thou conjure for wenchesx that thou callxst for such store
when one is one too manyx gox get thee from the doorx

dromio of ephesusx
what patch is made our porterx my master stays in the streetx

dromio of syracusex
let him walk from whence he camex lest he catch cold onxs feetx

antipholus of ephesusx
who talks within therex hox open the doorx

dromio of syracusex
rightx sirx ixll tell you when an youxll tell me whereforex

antipholus of ephesusx
whereforex for my dinnerx i have not dined todayx

dromio of syracusex
nor today here you must notx come again when you mayx

antipholus of ephesusx
what art thou that keepxst me out from the house i owex

dromio of syracusex
the porter for this timex sirx and my name is dromiox

dromio of ephesusx
o villainx thou hast stolen both mine office and my namex
the one nexer got me creditx the other mickle blamex
if thou hadst been dromio today in my placex
thou wouldst have changxd thy face for a namex or thy name for an assx

 enter luce concealed from antipholus of ephesus and his companionsx

lucex
xxwithinxxx what a coil is therex dromiox who are those at the gatex

dromio of ephesusx
let my master inx lucex

lucex
faithx nox he comes too latex
and so tell your masterx

dromio of ephesusx
o lordx i must laughx
have at you with a proverbxxshall i set in my staffx

lucex
have at you with anotherx thatxsxwhenx can you tellx

dromio of syracusex
if thy name be called lucexxlucex thou hast answerxd him wellx

antipholus of ephesusx
do you hearx you minionx youxll let us inx i hopex

lucex
i thought to have askxd youx

dromio of syracusex
and you said nox

dromio of ephesusx
sox comex helpx well struckx there was blow for blowx

antipholus of ephesusx
thou baggagex let me inx

lucex
can you tell for whose sakex

dromio of ephesusx
masterx knock the door hardx

lucex
let him knock till it achex

antipholus of ephesusx
youxll cry for thisx minionx if i beat the door downx

lucex
what needs all thatx and a pair of stocks in the townx

 enter adriana concealed from antipholus of ephesus and his companionsx

adrianax
xxwithinxxx who is that at the door that keeps all this noisex

dromio of syracusex
by my trothx your town is troubled with unruly boysx

antipholus of ephesusx
are you therex wifex you might have come beforex

adrianax
your wifex sir knavex gox get you from the doorx

dromio of ephesusx
if you went in painx masterx this knave would go sorex

angelox
here is neither cheerx sirx nor welcomex we would fain have eitherx

balthasarx
in debating which was bestx we shall part with neitherx

dromio of ephesusx
they stand at the doorx masterx bid them welcome hitherx

antipholus of ephesusx
there is something in the windx that we cannot get inx

dromio of ephesusx
you would say sox masterx if your garments were thinx
your cake here is warm withinx you stand here in the coldx
it would make a man mad as a buck to be so bought and soldx

antipholus of ephesusx
gox fetch me somethingx ixll break ope the gatex

dromio of syracusex
break any breaking herex and ixll break your knavexs patex

dromio of ephesusx
a man may break a word with youx sirx and words are but windx
ayx and break it in your facex so he break it not behindx

dromio of syracusex
it seems thou wantxst breakingx out upon theex hindx

dromio of ephesusx
herexs too much xout upon theexx i pray theex let me inx

dromio of syracusex
ayx when fowls have no feathers and fish have no finx

antipholus of ephesusx
wellx ixll break inx gox borrow me a crowx

dromio of ephesusx
a crow without featherx masterx mean you sox
for a fish without a finx therexs a fowl without a featherx
if a crow help us inx sirrahx wexll pluck a crow togetherx

antipholus of ephesusx
gox get thee gonex fetch me an iron crowx

balthasarx
have patiencex sirx ox let it not be sox
herein you war against your reputationx
and draw within the compass of suspect
the unviolated honour of your wifex
once thisxxyour long experience of her wisdomx
her sober virtuex yearsx and modestyx
plead on her part some cause to you unknownx
and doubt notx sirx but she will well excuse
why at this time the doors are made against youx
be rulxd by mex depart in patiencex
and let us to the tiger all to dinnerx
and about eveningx come yourself alone
to know the reason of this strange restraintx
if by strong hand you offer to break in
now in the stirring passage of the dayx
a vulgar comment will be made of itx
and that supposed by the common rout
against your yet ungalled estimation
that may with foul intrusion enter inx
and dwell upon your grave when you are deadx
for slander lives upon successionx
for ever housxd where it gets possessionx

antipholus of ephesusx
you have prevailxdx i will depart in quietx
andx in despite of mirthx mean to be merryx
i know a wench of excellent discoursex
pretty and wittyx wildx and yetx toox gentlex
there will we dinex this woman that i meanx
my wife xbutx i protestx without desertx
hath oftentimes upbraided me withalx
to her will we to dinnerxxget you home
and fetch the chainx by this i know xtis madex
bring itx i pray youx to the porpentinex
for therexs the housex that chain will i bestow
xbe it for nothing but to spite my wifex
upon mine hostess therex good sirx make hastex
since mine own doors refuse to entertain mex
ixll knock elsewherex to see if theyxll disdain mex

angelox
ixll meet you at that place some hour hencex

antipholus of ephesusx
do sox this jest shall cost me some expensex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter luciana with antipholus of syracusex

lucianax
and may it be that you have quite forgot
a husbandxs officex shallx antipholusx
even in the spring of lovex thy lovexsprings rotx
shall lovex in buildingx grow so ruinousx
if you did wed my sister for her wealthx
then for her wealthxs sake use her with more kindnessx
or if you like elsewherex do it by stealthx
muffle your false love with some show of blindnessx
let not my sister read it in your eyex
be not thy tongue thy own shamexs oratorx
look sweetx speak fairx become disloyaltyx
apparel vice like virtuexs harbingerx
bear a fair presence though your heart be taintedx
teach sin the carriage of a holy saintx
be secretxfalsex what need she be acquaintedx
what simple thief brags of his own attaintx
xtis double wrong to truant with your bed
and let her read it in thy looks at boardx
shame hath a bastard famex well managedx
ill deeds is doubled with an evil wordx
alasx poor womenx make us but believex
being compact of creditx that you love usx
though others have the armx show us the sleevex
we in your motion turnx and you may move usx
thenx gentle brotherx get you in againx
comfort my sisterx cheer herx call her wifex
xtis holy sport to be a little vain
when the sweet breath of flattery conquers strifex

antipholus of syracusex
sweet mistressx what your name is elsex i know notx
nor by what wonder you do hit on minex
less in your knowledge and your grace you show not
than our earthxs wonderx more than earth divinex
teach mex dear creaturex how to think and speakx
lay open to my earthy gross conceitx
smotherxd in errorsx feeblex shallowx weakx
the folded meaning of your wordsx deceitx
against my soulxs pure truth why labour you
to make it wander in an unknown fieldx
are you a godx would you create me newx
transform mex thenx and to your power ixll yieldx
but if that i am ix then well i know
your weeping sister is no wife of minex
nor to her bed no homage do i owex
far morex far morex to you do i declinex
ox train me notx sweet mermaidx with thy note
to drown me in thy sisterxs flood of tearsx
singx sirenx for thyselfx and i will dotex
spread oxer the silver waves thy golden hairsx
and as a bed ixll take theex and there liex
andx in that glorious supposition think
he gains by death that hath such means to diex
let lovex being lightx be drowned if she sinkx

lucianax
whatx are you madx that you do reason sox

antipholus of syracusex
not madx but matedx howx i do not knowx

lucianax
it is a fault that springeth from your eyex

antipholus of syracusex
for gazing on your beamsx fair sunx being byx

lucianax
gaze where you shouldx and that will clear your sightx

antipholus of syracusex
as good to winkx sweet lovex as look on nightx

lucianax
why call you me lovex call my sister sox

antipholus of syracusex
thy sisterxs sisterx

lucianax
thatxs my sisterx

antipholus of syracusex
nox
it is thyselfx mine own selfxs better partx
mine eyexs clear eyex my dear heartxs dearer heartx
my foodx my fortunex and my sweet hopexs aimx
my sole earthxs heavenx and my heavenxs claimx

lucianax
all this my sister isx or else should bex

antipholus of syracusex
call thyself sisterx sweetx for i aim theex
thee will i lovex and with thee lead my lifex
thou hast no husband yetx nor i no wifex
give me thy handx

lucianax
ox softx sirx hold you stillx
ixll fetch my sister to get her goodwillx

 xxexit lucianaxxx

 enter dromio of syracusex

antipholus of syracusex
whyx how nowx dromiox where runnxst thou so fastx

dromio of syracusex
do you know mex sirx am i dromiox am i your manx am i myselfx

antipholus of syracusex
thou art dromiox thou art my manx thou art thyselfx

dromio of syracusex
i am an assx i am a womanxs manx and besides myselfx

antipholus of syracusex
what womanxs manx and how besides thyselfx

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx besides myselfx i am due to a womanx one that claims mex
one that haunts mex one that will have mex

antipholus of syracusex
what claim lays she to theex

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx such claim as you would lay to your horsex and she would
have me as a beastx not that i being a beast she would have mex but
that she being a very beastly creature lays claim to mex

antipholus of syracusex
what is shex

dromio of syracusex
a very reverent bodyx ayx such a one as a man may not speak of without
he say xsirxreverencexx i have but lean luck in the matchx and yet is
she a wondrous fat marriagex

antipholus of syracusex
how dost thou mean a xfat marriagexx

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx shexs the kitchen wenchx and all greasex and i know not
what use to put her to but to make a lamp of her and run from her by
her own lightx i warrant her rags and the tallow in them will burn a
poland winterx if she lives till doomsdayx shexll burn a week longer
than the whole worldx

antipholus of syracusex
what complexion is she ofx

dromio of syracusex
swart like my shoex but her face nothing like so clean keptx for whyx
she sweatsx a man may go overshoes in the grime of itx

antipholus of syracusex
thatxs a fault that water will mendx

dromio of syracusex
nox sirx xtis in grainx noahxs flood could not do itx

antipholus of syracusex
whatxs her namex

dromio of syracusex
nellx sirx but her name and three quartersx thatxs an ell and three
quartersx will not measure her from hip to hipx

antipholus of syracusex
then she bears some breadthx

dromio of syracusex
no longer from head to foot than from hip to hipx she is sphericalx
like a globex i could find out countries in herx

antipholus of syracusex
in what part of her body stands irelandx

dromio of syracusex
marryx sirx in her buttocksx i found it out by the bogsx

antipholus of syracusex
where scotlandx

dromio of syracusex
i found it by the barrennessx hard in the palm of the handx

antipholus of syracusex
where francex

dromio of syracusex
in her foreheadx armed and revertedx making war against her hairx

antipholus of syracusex
where englandx

dromio of syracusex
i looked for the chalky cliffsx but i could find no whiteness in themx
but i guess it stood in her chinx by the salt rheum that ran between
france and itx

antipholus of syracusex
where spainx

dromio of syracusex
faithx i saw it notx but i felt it hot in her breathx

antipholus of syracusex
where americax the indiesx

dromio of syracusex
ox sirx upon her nosex all oxerxembellished with rubiesx carbunclesx
sapphiresx declining their rich aspect to the hot breath of spainx who
sent whole armadoes of carracks to be ballast at her nosex

antipholus of syracusex
where stood belgiax the netherlandsx

dromio of syracusex
ox sirx i did not look so lowx to concludex this drudge or diviner laid
claim to mex called me dromiox swore i was assured to herx told me what
privy marks i had about mex as the mark of my shoulderx the mole in my
neckx the great wart on my left armx that ix amazedx ran from her as a
witchx andx i thinkx if my breast had not been made of faithx and my
heart of steelx she had transformed me to a curtal dogx and made me
turn ix the wheelx

antipholus of syracusex
gox hie thee presentlyx post to the roadx
and if the wind blow any way from shorex
i will not harbour in this town tonightx
if any bark put forthx come to the martx
where i will walk till thou return to mex
if everyone knows usx and we know nonex
xtis timex i thinkx to trudgex pack and be gonex

dromio of syracusex
as from a bear a man would run for lifex
so fly i from her that would be my wifex

 xxexitxxx

antipholus of syracusex
therexs none but witches do inhabit herex
and therefore xtis high time that i were hencex
she that doth call me husbandx even my soul
doth for a wife abhorx but her fair sisterx
possessxd with such a gentle sovereign gracex
of such enchanting presence and discoursex
hath almost made me traitor to myselfx
but lest myself be guilty to selfxwrongx
ixll stop mine ears against the mermaidxs songx

 enter angelo with the chainx

angelox
master antipholusx

antipholus of syracusex
ayx thatxs my namex

angelox
i know it wellx sirx lox here is the chainx
i thought to have taxen you at the porpentinex
the chain unfinishxd made me stay thus longx

antipholus of syracusex
what is your will that i shall do with thisx

angelox
what please yourselfx sirx i have made it for youx

antipholus of syracusex
made it for mex sirx i bespoke it notx

angelox
not oncex nor twicex but twenty times you havex
go home with itx and please your wife withalx
and soon at supperxtime ixll visit youx
and then receive my money for the chainx

antipholus of syracusex
i pray youx sirx receive the money nowx
for fear you nexer see chain nor money morex

angelox
you are a merry manx sirx fare you wellx

 xxexitxxx

antipholus of syracusex
what i should think of this i cannot tellx
but this i thinkx therexs no man is so vain
that would refuse so fair an offerxd chainx
i see a man here needs not live by shiftsx
when in the streets he meets such golden giftsx
ixll to the martx and there for dromio stayx
if any ship put outx then straight awayx

 xxexitxxx



act iv

scene ix the samex

 enter merchantx angelo and an officerx

merchantx
you know since pentecost the sum is duex
and since i have not much importunxd youx
nor now i had notx but that i am bound
to persiax and want guilders for my voyagex
therefore make present satisfactionx
or ixll attach you by this officerx

angelox
even just the sum that i do owe to you
is growing to me by antipholusx
and in the instant that i met with you
he had of me a chainx at five oxclock
i shall receive the money for the samex
pleaseth you walk with me down to his housex
i will discharge my bondx and thank you toox

 enter antipholus of ephesus and dromio of ephesus from the
 courtesanxsx

officerx
that labour may you savex see where he comesx

antipholus of ephesusx
while i go to the goldsmithxs housex go thou
and buy a ropexs endx that will i bestow
among my wife and her confederates
for locking me out of my doors by dayx
but softx i see the goldsmithx get thee gonex
buy thou a ropex and bring it home to mex

dromio of ephesusx
i buy a thousand pound a yearx i buy a ropex

 xxexit dromioxxx

antipholus of ephesusx
a man is well holp up that trusts to youx
i promised your presence and the chainx
but neither chain nor goldsmith came to mex
belike you thought our love would last too long
if it were chainxd togetherx and therefore came notx

angelox
saving your merry humourx herexs the note
how much your chain weighs to the utmost caratx
the fineness of the goldx and chargeful fashionx
which doth amount to three odd ducats more
than i stand debted to this gentlemanx
i pray youx see him presently dischargxdx
for he is bound to seax and stays but for itx

antipholus of ephesusx
i am not furnished with the present moneyx
besidesx i have some business in the townx
good signiorx take the stranger to my housex
and with you take the chainx and bid my wife
disburse the sum on the receipt thereofx
perchance i will be there as soon as youx

angelox
then you will bring the chain to her yourselfx

antipholus of ephesusx
nox bear it with youx lest i come not time enoughx

angelox
wellx sirx i willx have you the chain about youx

antipholus of ephesusx
and if i have notx sirx i hope you havex
or else you may return without your moneyx

angelox
nayx comex i pray youx sirx give me the chainx
both wind and tide stays for this gentlemanx
and ix to blamex have held him here too longx

antipholus of ephesusx
good lordx you use this dalliance to excuse
your breach of promise to the porpentinex
i should have chid you for not bringing itx
butx like a shrewx you first begin to brawlx

merchantx
the hour steals onx i pray youx sirx dispatchx

angelox
you hear how he importunes mex the chainx

antipholus of ephesusx
whyx give it to my wifex and fetch your moneyx

angelox
comex comex you know i gave it you even nowx
either send the chain or send by me some tokenx

antipholus of ephesusx
fiex now you run this humour out of breathx
comex wherexs the chainx i pray youx let me see itx

merchantx
my business cannot brook this dalliancex
good sirx say whexer youxll answer me or nox
if notx ixll leave him to the officerx

antipholus of ephesusx
i answer youx what should i answer youx

angelox
the money that you owe me for the chainx

antipholus of ephesusx
i owe you none till i receive the chainx

angelox
you know i gave it you half an hour sincex

antipholus of ephesusx
you gave me nonex you wrong me much to say sox

angelox
you wrong me morex sirx in denying itx
consider how it stands upon my creditx

merchantx
wellx officerx arrest him at my suitx

officerx
i dox and charge you in the dukexs name to obey mex

angelox
this touches me in reputationx
either consent to pay this sum for mex
or i attach you by this officerx

antipholus of ephesusx
consent to pay thee that i never hadx
arrest mex foolish fellowx if thou darxstx

angelox
here is thy feex arrest himx officerx
i would not spare my brother in this case
if he should scorn me so apparentlyx

officerx
i do arrest youx sirx you hear the suitx

antipholus of ephesusx
i do obey thee till i give thee bailx
butx sirrahx you shall buy this sport as dear
as all the metal in your shop will answerx

angelox
sirx sirx i shall have law in ephesusx
to your notorious shamex i doubt it notx

 enter dromio of syracuse from the bayx

dromio of syracusex
masterx therexs a bark of epidamnum
that stays but till her owner comes aboardx
and thenx sirx bears awayx our fraughtagex sirx
i have conveyxd aboardx and i have bought
the oilx the balsamumx and aquaxvitaex
the ship is in her trimx the merry wind
blows fair from landx they stay for nought at all
but for their ownerx masterx and yourselfx

antipholus of ephesusx
how nowx a madmanx whyx thou peevish sheepx
what ship of epidamnum stays for mex

dromio of syracusex
a ship you sent me tox to hire waftagex

antipholus of ephesusx
thou drunken slavex i sent thee for a ropex
and told thee to what purpose and what endx

dromio of syracusex
you sent me for a ropexs end as soonx
you sent me to the bayx sirx for a barkx

antipholus of ephesusx
i will debate this matter at more leisurex
and teach your ears to list me with more heedx
to adrianax villainx hie thee straightx
give her this keyx and tell her in the desk
thatxs coverxd oxer with turkish tapestry
there is a purse of ducatsx let her send itx
tell her i am arrested in the streetx
and that shall bail mex hie theex slavex be gonex
onx officerx to prison till it comex

 xxexeunt merchantx angelox officer and antipholus of ephesusxxx

dromio of syracusex
to adrianax that is where we dinxdx
where dowsabel did claim me for her husbandx
she is too bigx i hopex for me to compassx
thither i mustx although against my willx
for servants must their mastersx minds fulfilx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter adriana and lucianax

adrianax
ahx lucianax did he tempt thee sox
mightxst thou perceive austerely in his eye
that he did plead in earnestx yea or nox
lookxd he or red or palex or sad or merrilyx
what observation madxst thou in this case
of his heartxs meteors tilting in his facex

lucianax
first he denied you had in him no rightx

adrianax
he meant he did me nonex the more my spitex

lucianax
then swore he that he was a stranger herex

adrianax
and true he sworex though yet forsworn he werex

lucianax
then pleaded i for youx

adrianax
and what said hex

lucianax
that love i beggxd for you he beggxd of mex

adrianax
with what persuasion did he tempt thy lovex

lucianax
with words that in an honest suit might movex
first he did praise my beautyx then my speechx

adrianax
didxst speak him fairx

lucianax
have patiencex i beseechx

adrianax
i cannotx nor i will not hold me stillx
my tonguex though not my heartx shall have his willx
he is deformedx crookedx oldx and serex
illxfacxdx worse bodiedx shapeless everywherex
viciousx ungentlex foolishx bluntx unkindx
stigmatical in makingx worse in mindx

lucianax
who would be jealous then of such a onex
no evil lost is wailxd when it is gonex

adrianax
ahx but i think him better than i sayx
and yet would herein othersx eyes were worsex
far from her nest the lapwing cries awayx
my heart prays for himx though my tongue do cursex

 enter dromio of syracusex

dromio of syracusex
herex gox the deskx the pursex sweet nowx make hastex

lucianax
how hast thou lost thy breathx

dromio of syracusex
by running fastx

adrianax
where is thy masterx dromiox is he wellx

dromio of syracusex
nox hexs in tartar limbox worse than hellx
a devil in an everlasting garment hath himx
one whose hard heart is buttonxd up with steelx
a fiendx a fairyx pitiless and roughx
a wolfx nay worsex a fellow all in buffx
a backxfriendx a shoulderxclapperx one that countermands
the passages of alleysx creeksx and narrow landsx
a hound that runs counterx and yet draws dryfoot wellx
one thatx before the judgmentx carries poor souls to hellx

adrianax
whyx manx what is the matterx

dromio of syracusex
i do not know the matterx he is xrested on the casex

adrianax
whatx is he arrestedx tell me at whose suitx

dromio of syracusex
i know not at whose suit he is arrestedx wellx
but hexs in a suit of buff which xrested himx that can i tellx
will you send himx mistressx redemptionx the money in his deskx

adrianax
go fetch itx sisterx this i wonder atx

 xxexit lucianaxxx

thus he unknown to me should be in debtx
tell mex was he arrested on a bandx

dromio of syracusex
not on a bandx but on a stronger thingx
a chainx a chainx do you not hear it ringx

adrianax
whatx the chainx

dromio of syracusex
nox nox the bellx xtis time that i were gonex
it was two ere i left himx and now the clock strikes onex

adrianax
the hours come backx that did i never hearx

dromio of syracusex
o yesx if any hour meet a sergeantx xa turns back for very fearx

adrianax
as if time were in debtx how fondly dost thou reasonx

dromio of syracusex
time is a very bankruptx and owes more than hexs worth to seasonx
nayx hexs a thief toox have you not heard men say
that time comes stealing on by night and dayx
if he be in debt and theftx and a sergeant in the wayx
hath he not reason to turn back an hour in a dayx

 enter lucianax

adrianax
gox dromiox therexs the moneyx bear it straightx
and bring thy master home immediatelyx
comex sisterx i am pressxd down with conceitx
conceitx my comfort and my injuryx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex

 enter antipholus of syracusex

antipholus of syracusex
therexs not a man i meet but doth salute me
as if i were their wellxacquainted friendx
and everyone doth call me by my namex
some tender money to mex some invite mex
some other give me thanks for kindnessesx
some offer me commodities to buyx
even now a tailor callxd me in his shopx
and showxd me silks that he had bought for mex
and therewithal took measure of my bodyx
surex these are but imaginary wilesx
and lapland sorcerers inhabit herex

 enter dromio of syracusex

dromio of syracusex
masterx herexs the gold you sent me forx
whatx have you got the picture of old adam new apparelledx

antipholus of syracusex
what gold is thisx what adam dost thou meanx

dromio of syracusex
not that adam that kept the paradisex but that adam that keeps the
prisonx he that goes in the calfxs skin that was killed for the
prodigalx he that came behind youx sirx like an evil angelx and bid you
forsake your libertyx

antipholus of syracusex
i understand thee notx

dromio of syracusex
nox whyx xtis a plain casex he that went like a bassxviol in a case of
leatherx the manx sirx thatx when gentlemen are tiredx gives them a
sobx and xrests themx hex sirx that takes pity on decayed men and gives
them suits of durancex he that sets up his rest to do more exploits
with his mace than a morrisxpikex

antipholus of syracusex
whatx thou meanxst an officerx

dromio of syracusex
ayx sirx the sergeant of the bandx he that brings any man to answer it
that breaks his bandx one that thinks a man always going to bedx and
saysx xgod give you good restxx

antipholus of syracusex
wellx sirx there rest in your fooleryx is there any ship puts forth
tonightx may we be gonex

dromio of syracusex
whyx sirx i brought you word an hour since that the bark xexpeditionx
put forth tonightx and then were you hindered by the sergeant to tarry
for the hoy xdelayxx here are the angels that you sent for to deliver
youx

antipholus of syracusex
the fellow is distractx and so am ix
and here we wander in illusionsx
some blessed power deliver us from hencex

 enter a courtesanx

courtesanx
well metx well metx master antipholusx
i seex sirx you have found the goldsmith nowx
is that the chain you promisxd me todayx

antipholus of syracusex
satanx avoidx i charge theex tempt me notx

dromio of syracusex
masterx is this mistress satanx

antipholus of syracusex
it is the devilx

dromio of syracusex
nayx she is worsex she is the devilxs damx and here she comes in the
habit of a light wenchx and thereof comes that the wenches say xgod
damn mexx thatxs as much to sayx xgod make me a light wenchxx it is
written they appear to men like angels of lightx light is an effect of
firex and fire will burnx ergox light wenches will burnx come not near
herx

courtesanx
your man and you are marvellous merryx sirx
will you go with mex wexll mend our dinner herex

dromio of syracusex
masterx if you dox expect spoonxmeatx or bespeak a long spoonx

antipholus of syracusex
whyx dromiox

dromio of syracusex
marryx he must have a long spoon that must eat with the devilx

antipholus of syracusex
avoid thenx fiendx what tellxst thou me of suppingx
thou artx as you are allx a sorceressx
i conjure thee to leave me and be gonex

courtesanx
give me the ring of mine you had at dinnerx
orx for my diamondx the chain you promisxdx
and ixll be gonex sirx and not trouble youx

dromio of syracusex
some devils ask but the paring of onexs nailx
a rushx a hairx a drop of bloodx a pinx
a nutx a cherryxstonex but shex more covetousx
would have a chainx
masterx be wisex and if you give it herx
the devil will shake her chain and fright us with itx

courtesanx
i pray youx sirx my ringx or else the chainx
i hope you do not mean to cheat me sox

antipholus of syracusex
avauntx thou witchx comex dromiox let us gox

dromio of syracusex
fly pridex says the peacockx mistressx that you knowx

 xxexeunt antipholus of syracuse and dromio of syracusexxx

courtesanx
nowx out of doubt antipholus is madx
else would he never so demean himselfx
a ring he hath of mine worth forty ducatsx
and for the same he promisxd me a chainx
both one and other he denies me nowx
the reason that i gather he is madx
besides this present instance of his ragex
is a mad tale he told today at dinner
of his own doors being shut against his entrancex
belike his wifex acquainted with his fitsx
on purpose shut the doors against his wayx
my way is now to hie home to his housex
and tell his wife thatx being lunaticx
he rushxd into my house and took perforce
my ring awayx this course i fittest choosex
for forty ducats is too much to losex

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx the samex

 enter antipholus of ephesus with an officerx

antipholus of ephesusx
fear me notx manx i will not break awayx
ixll give thee ere i leave thee so much moneyx
to warrant theex as i am xrested forx
my wife is in a wayward mood todayx
and will not lightly trust the messenger
that i should be attachxd in ephesusx
i tell you xtwill sound harshly in her earsx

 enter dromio of ephesus with a ropexs endx

here comes my manx i think he brings the moneyx
how nowx sirx have you that i sent you forx

dromio of ephesusx
herexs thatx i warrant youx will pay them allx

antipholus of ephesusx
but wherexs the moneyx

dromio of ephesusx
whyx sirx i gave the money for the ropex

antipholus of ephesusx
five hundred ducatsx villainx for a ropex

dromio of ephesusx
ixll serve youx sirx five hundred at the ratex

antipholus of ephesusx
to what end did i bid thee hie thee homex

dromio of ephesusx
to a ropexs endx sirx and to that end am i returnxdx

antipholus of ephesusx
and to that endx sirx i will welcome youx

 xxbeating himxxx

officerx
good sirx be patientx

dromio of ephesusx
nayx xtis for me to be patientx i am in adversityx

officerx
good nowx hold thy tonguex

dromio of ephesusx
nayx rather persuade him to hold his handsx

antipholus of ephesusx
thou whoresonx senseless villainx

dromio of ephesusx
i would i were senselessx sirx that i might not feel your blowsx

antipholus of ephesusx
thou art sensible in nothing but blowsx and so is an assx

dromio of ephesusx
i am an ass indeedx you may prove it by my long earsx i have served him
from the hour of my nativity to this instantx and have nothing at his
hands for my service but blowsx when i am coldx he heats me with
beatingx when i am warm he cools me with beatingx i am waked with it
when i sleepx raised with it when i sitx driven out of doors with it
when i go from homex welcomed home with it when i returnx nayx i bear
it on my shoulders as a beggar wont her bratx and i think when he hath
lamed mex i shall beg with it from door to doorx

 enter adrianax lucianax courtesan and a schoolmaster called pinchx

antipholus of ephesusx
comex go alongx my wife is coming yonderx

dromio of ephesusx
mistressx xrespice finemxx respect your endx or ratherx the prophesy
like the parrotx xbeware the ropexs endxx

antipholus of ephesusx
wilt thou still talkx

 xxbeats himxxx

courtesanx
how say you nowx is not your husband madx

adrianax
his incivility confirms no lessx
good doctor pinchx you are a conjurerx
establish him in his true sense againx
and i will please you what you will demandx

lucianax
alasx how fiery and how sharp he looksx

courtesanx
mark how he trembles in his ecstasyx

pinchx
give me your handx and let me feel your pulsex

antipholus of ephesusx
there is my handx and let it feel your earx

pinchx
i charge theex satanx housxd within this manx
to yield possession to my holy prayersx
and to thy state of darkness hie thee straightx
i conjure thee by all the saints in heavenx

antipholus of ephesusx
peacex doting wizardx peacex i am not madx

adrianax
ox that thou wert notx poor distressed soulx

antipholus of ephesusx
you minionx youx are these your customersx
did this companion with the saffron face
revel and feast it at my house todayx
whilst upon me the guilty doors were shutx
and i denied to enter in my housex

adrianax
o husbandx god doth know you dinxd at homex
where would you had remainxd until this timex
free from these slanders and this open shamex

antipholus of ephesusx
dinxd at homex thou villainx what sayest thoux

dromio of ephesusx
sirx sooth to sayx you did not dine at homex

antipholus of ephesusx
were not my doors lockxd up and i shut outx

dromio of ephesusx
perdyx your doors were lockxdx and you shut outx

antipholus of ephesusx
and did not she herself revile me therex

dromio of ephesusx
sans fablex she herself revilxd you therex

antipholus of ephesusx
did not her kitchenxmaid railx tauntx and scorn mex

dromio of ephesusx
certesx she didx the kitchenxvestal scornxd youx

antipholus of ephesusx
and did not i in rage depart from thencex

dromio of ephesusx
in verityx you didx my bones bear witnessx
that since have felt the vigour of his ragex

adrianax
isxt good to soothe him in these contrariesx

pinchx
it is no shamex the fellow finds his veinx
and yielding to himx humours well his frenzyx

antipholus of ephesusx
thou hast subornxd the goldsmith to arrest mex

adrianax
alasx i sent you money to redeem you
by dromio herex who came in haste for itx

dromio of ephesusx
money by mex heart and goodwill you mightx
but surelyx masterx not a rag of moneyx

antipholus of ephesusx
wentxst not thou to her for a purse of ducatsx

adrianax
he came to mex and i deliverxd itx

lucianax
and i am witness with her that she didx

dromio of ephesusx
god and the ropexmaker bear me witness
that i was sent for nothing but a ropex

pinchx
mistressx both man and master is possessxdx
i know it by their pale and deadly looksx
they must be bound and laid in some dark roomx

antipholus of ephesusx
sayx wherefore didst thou lock me forth todayx
and why dost thou deny the bag of goldx

adrianax
i did notx gentle husbandx lock thee forthx

dromio of ephesusx
and gentle masterx i receivxd no goldx
but i confessx sirx that we were lockxd outx

adrianax
dissembling villainx thou speakxst false in bothx

antipholus of ephesusx
dissembling harlotx thou art false in allx
and art confederate with a damned pack
to make a loathsome abject scorn of mex
but with these nails ixll pluck out these false eyes
that would behold in me this shameful sportx

 xxenter three or fourx and offer to bind himx he strivesx xx

adrianax
ox bind himx bind himx let him not come near mex

pinchx
more companyx the fiend is strong within himx

lucianax
ay mex poor manx how pale and wan he looksx

antipholus of ephesusx
whatx will you murder mex thou jailerx thoux
i am thy prisonerx wilt thou suffer them
to make a rescuex

officerx
mastersx let him gox
he is my prisonerx and you shall not have himx

pinchx
gox bind this manx for he is frantic toox

adrianax
what wilt thou dox thou peevish officerx
hast thou delight to see a wretched man
do outrage and displeasure to himselfx

officerx
he is my prisonerx if i let him gox
the debt he owes will be requirxd of mex

adrianax
i will discharge thee ere i go from theex
bear me forthwith unto his creditorx
and knowing how the debt growsx i will pay itx
good master doctorx see him safe conveyxd
home to my housex o most unhappy dayx

antipholus of ephesusx
o most unhappy strumpetx

dromio of ephesusx
masterx i am here enterxd in bond for youx

antipholus of ephesusx
out on theex villainx wherefore dost thou mad mex

dromio of ephesusx
will you be bound for nothingx be madx good masterx cryx xthe devilxx

lucianax
god helpx poor soulsx how idly do they talkx

adrianax
go bear him hencex sisterx go you with mex

 xxexeunt pinch and assistantsx with antipholus of ephesus and dromio
 of ephesusxxx

say nowx whose suit is he arrested atx

officerx
one angelox a goldsmithx do you know himx

adrianax
i know the manx what is the sum he owesx

officerx
two hundred ducatsx

adrianax
sayx how grows it duex

officerx
due for a chain your husband had of himx

adrianax
he did bespeak a chain for mex but had it notx

courtesanx
when as your husbandx all in ragex today
came to my house and took away my ringx
the ring i saw upon his finger nowx
straight after did i meet him with a chainx

adrianax
it may be sox but i did never see itx
comex jailerx bring me where the goldsmith isx
i long to know the truth hereof at largex

 enter antipholus of syracuse with his rapier drawnx and dromio of
 syracusex

lucianax
godx for thy mercyx they are loose againx

adrianax
and come with naked swordsx letxs call more help
to have them bound againx

officerx
awayx theyxll kill usx

 xxexeuntx as fast as may bex frightedxxx

antipholus of syracusex
i see these witches are afraid of swordsx

dromio of syracusex
she that would be your wife now ran from youx

antipholus of syracusex
come to the centaurx fetch our stuff from thencex
i long that we were safe and sound aboardx

dromio of syracusex
faithx stay here this nightx they will surely do us no harmx you saw
they speak us fairx give us goldx methinks they are such a gentle
nation thatx but for the mountain of mad flesh that claims marriage of
mex i could find in my heart to stay here still and turn witchx

antipholus of syracusex
i will not stay tonight for all the townx
therefore awayx to get our stuff aboardx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix the samex

 enter merchant and angelox

angelox
i am sorryx sirx that i have hinderxd youx
but i protest he had the chain of mex
though most dishonestly he doth deny itx

merchantx
how is the man esteemxd here in the cityx

angelox
of very reverend reputationx sirx
of credit infinitex highly belovxdx
second to none that lives here in the cityx
his word might bear my wealth at any timex

merchantx
speak softlyx yonderx as i thinkx he walksx

 enter antipholus of syracuse and dromio of syracusex

angelox
xtis sox and that self chain about his neck
which he forswore most monstrously to havex
good sirx draw near to mex ixll speak to himx
signior antipholusx i wonder much
that you would put me to this shame and troublex
and not without some scandal to yourselfx
with circumstance and oaths so to deny
this chainx which now you wear so openlyx
beside the chargex the shamex imprisonmentx
you have done wrong to this my honest friendx
whox but for staying on our controversyx
had hoisted sail and put to sea todayx
this chain you had of mex can you deny itx

antipholus of syracusex
i think i hadx i never did deny itx

merchantx
yesx that you didx sirx and forswore it toox

antipholus of syracusex
who heard me to deny it or forswear itx

merchantx
these ears of minex thou knowxstx did hear theex
fie on theex wretchx xtis pity that thou livxst
to walk where any honest men resortx

antipholus of syracusex
thou art a villain to impeach me thusx
ixll prove mine honour and mine honesty
against thee presentlyx if thou darxst standx

merchantx
i darex and do defy thee for a villainx

 xxthey drawxxx

 enter adrianax lucianax courtesan and othersx

adrianax
holdx hurt him notx for godxs sakex he is madx
some get within himx take his sword awayx
bind dromio toox and bear them to my housex

dromio of syracusex
runx masterx runx for godxs sakex take a housex
this is some prioryx inx or we are spoilxdx

 xxexeunt antipholus of syracuse and dromio of syracuse to the
 prioryxxx

 enter lady abbessx

abbessx
be quietx peoplex wherefore throng you hitherx

adrianax
to fetch my poor distracted husband hencex
let us come inx that we may bind him fast
and bear him home for his recoveryx

angelox
i knew he was not in his perfect witsx

merchantx
i am sorry now that i did draw on himx

abbessx
how long hath this possession held the manx

adrianax
this week he hath been heavyx sourx sadx
and much different from the man he wasx
but till this afternoon his passion
nexer brake into extremity of ragex

abbessx
hath he not lost much wealth by wreck of seax
buried some dear friendx hath not else his eye
strayxd his affection in unlawful lovex
a sin prevailing much in youthful men
who give their eyes the liberty of gazingx
which of these sorrows is he subject tox

adrianax
to none of thesex except it be the lastx
namelyx some love that drew him oft from homex

abbessx
you should for that have reprehended himx

adrianax
whyx so i didx

abbessx
ayx but not rough enoughx

adrianax
as roughly as my modesty would let mex

abbessx
haply in privatex

adrianax
and in assemblies toox

abbessx
ayx but not enoughx

adrianax
it was the copy of our conferencex
in bed he slept not for my urging itx
at board he fed not for my urging itx
alonex it was the subject of my themex
in company i often glanced itx
still did i tell him it was vile and badx

abbessx
and thereof came it that the man was madx
the venom clamours of a jealous woman
poisons more deadly than a mad dogxs toothx
it seems his sleeps were hindered by thy railingx
and thereof comes it that his head is lightx
thou sayxst his meat was saucxd with thy upbraidingsx
unquiet meals make ill digestionsx
thereof the raging fire of fever bredx
and whatxs a fever but a fit of madnessx
thou sayxst his sports were hinderxd by thy brawlsx
sweet recreation barrxdx what doth ensue
but moody and dull melancholyx
kinsman to grim and comfortless despairx
and at her heels a huge infectious troop
of pale distemperatures and foes to lifex
in foodx in sportx and lifexpreserving rest
to be disturbxd would mad or man or beastx
the consequence isx thenx thy jealous fits
hath scarxd thy husband from the use ofxs witsx

lucianax
she never reprehended him but mildlyx
when he demeanxd himself roughx rudex and wildlyx
why bear you these rebukes and answer notx

adrianax
she did betray me to my own reproofx
good peoplex enter and lay hold on himx

abbessx
nox not a creature enters in my housex

adrianax
then let your servants bring my husband forthx

abbessx
neitherx he took this place for sanctuaryx
and it shall privilege him from your hands
till i have brought him to his wits againx
or lose my labour in assaying itx

adrianax
i will attend my husbandx be his nursex
diet his sicknessx for it is my officex
and will have no attorney but myselfx
and therefore let me have him home with mex

abbessx
be patientx for i will not let him stir
till i have used the approved means i havex
with wholesome syrupsx drugsx and holy prayersx
to make of him a formal man againx
it is a branch and parcel of mine oathx
a charitable duty of my orderx
therefore departx and leave him here with mex

adrianax
i will not hence and leave my husband herex
and ill it doth beseem your holiness
to separate the husband and the wifex

abbessx
be quiet and departx thou shalt not have himx

 xxexit abbessxxx

lucianax
complain unto the duke of this indignityx

adrianax
comex gox i will fall prostrate at his feetx
and never rise until my tears and prayers
have won his grace to come in person hither
and take perforce my husband from the abbessx

merchantx
by thisx i thinkx the dial points at fivex
anonx ixm surex the duke himself in person
comes this way to the melancholy valex
the place of death and sorry execution
behind the ditches of the abbey herex

angelox
upon what causex

merchantx
to see a reverend syracusian merchantx
who put unluckily into this bay
against the laws and statutes of this townx
beheaded publicly for his offencex

angelox
see where they comex we will behold his deathx

lucianax
kneel to the duke before he pass the abbeyx

 enter the dukex attendedx egeonx bareheadedx with the headsman and
 other officersx

dukex
yet once again proclaim it publiclyx
if any friend will pay the sum for himx
he shall not diex so much we tender himx

adrianax
justicex most sacred dukex against the abbessx

dukex
she is a virtuous and a reverend ladyx
it cannot be that she hath done thee wrongx

adrianax
may it please your gracex antipholusx my husbandx
who i made lord of me and all i had
at your important lettersx this ill day
a most outrageous fit of madness took himx
that despxrately he hurried through the streetx
with him his bondman all as mad as hex
doing displeasure to the citizens
by rushing in their housesx bearing thence
ringsx jewelsx anything his rage did likex
once did i get him bound and sent him homex
whilst to take order for the wrongs i wentx
that here and there his fury had committedx
anonx i wot not by what strong escapex
he broke from those that had the guard of himx
and with his mad attendant and himselfx
each one with ireful passionx with drawn swordsx
met us againx andx madly bent on usx
chased us awayx till raising of more aidx
we came again to bind themx then they fled
into this abbeyx whither we pursued themx
and here the abbess shuts the gates on usx
and will not suffer us to fetch him outx
nor send him forth that we may bear him hencex
thereforex most gracious dukex with thy command
let him be brought forth and borne hence for helpx

dukex
long since thy husband servxd me in my warsx
and i to thee engagxd a princexs wordx
when thou didst make him master of thy bedx
to do him all the grace and good i couldx
gox some of youx knock at the abbey gatex
and bid the lady abbess come to mex
i will determine this before i stirx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
o mistressx mistressx shift and save yourselfx
my master and his man are both broke loosex
beaten the maids axrowx and bound the doctorx
whose beard they have singed off with brands of firex
and ever as it blazed they threw on him
great pails of puddled mire to quench the hairx
my master preaches patience to himx and the while
his man with scissors nicks him like a foolx
and sure xunless you send some present helpx
between them they will kill the conjurerx

adrianax
peacex foolx thy master and his man are herex
and that is false thou dost report to usx

messengerx
mistressx upon my lifex i tell you truex
i have not breathxd almost since i did see itx
he cries for youx and vowsx if he can take youx
to scorch your face and to disfigure youx

 xxcry withinxxx

harkx harkx i hear himx mistressx flyx be gonex

dukex
comex stand by mex fear nothingx guard with halberdsx

adrianax
ay mex it is my husbandx witness you
that he is borne about invisiblex
even now we housxd him in the abbey herex
and now hexs therex past thought of human reasonx

 enter antipholus and dromio of ephesusx

antipholus of ephesusx
justicex most gracious dukex ox grant me justicex
even for the service that long since i did thee
when i bestrid thee in the warsx and took
deep scars to save thy lifex even for the blood
that then i lost for theex now grant me justicex

egeonx
unless the fear of death doth make me dotex
i see my son antipholus and dromiox

antipholus of ephesusx
justicex sweet princex against that woman therex
she whom thou gavxst to me to be my wifex
that hath abused and dishonourxd me
even in the strength and height of injuryx
beyond imagination is the wrong
that she this day hath shameless thrown on mex

dukex
discover howx and thou shalt find me justx

antipholus of ephesusx
this dayx great dukex she shut the doors upon me
while she with harlots feasted in my housex

dukex
a grievous faultx sayx womanx didst thou sox

adrianax
nox my good lordx myselfx hex and my sister
today did dine togetherx so befall my soul
as this is false he burdens me withalx

lucianax
nexer may i look on day nor sleep on night
but she tells to your highness simple truthx

angelox
o perjurxd womanx they are both forswornx
in this the madman justly chargeth themx

antipholus of ephesusx
my liegex i am advised what i sayx
neither disturbxd with the effect of winex
nor headyxrashx provokxd with raging irex
albeit my wrongs might make one wiser madx
this woman lockxd me out this day from dinnerx
that goldsmith therex were he not packxd with herx
could witness itx for he was with me thenx
who parted with me to go fetch a chainx
promising to bring it to the porpentinex
where balthasar and i did dine togetherx
our dinner donex and he not coming thitherx
i went to seek himx in the street i met himx
and in his company that gentlemanx
there did this perjurxd goldsmith swear me down
that i this day of him receivxd the chainx
whichx god he knowsx i saw notx for the which
he did arrest me with an officerx
i did obeyx and sent my peasant home
for certain ducatsx he with none returnxdx
then fairly i bespoke the officer
to go in person with me to my housex
by thx way we met
my wifex her sisterx and a rabble more
of vile confederatesx along with them
they brought one pinchx a hungry leanxfaced villainx
a mere anatomyx a mountebankx
a threadbare jugglerx and a fortunextellerx
a needyx hollowxeyxdx sharpxlooking wretchx
a living dead manx this pernicious slavex
forsoothx took on him as a conjurerx
and gazing in mine eyesx feeling my pulsex
and with no face xas xtwerex outfacing mex
cries outx i was possessxdx then altogether
they fell upon mex bound mex bore me thencex
and in a dark and dankish vault at home
there left me and my manx both bound togetherx
till gnawing with my teeth my bonds in sunderx
i gainxd my freedom and immediately
ran hither to your gracex whom i beseech
to give me ample satisfaction
for these deep shames and great indignitiesx

angelox
my lordx in truthx thus far i witness with himx
that he dinxd not at homex but was lockxd outx

dukex
but had he such a chain of theex or nox

angelox
he hadx my lordx and when he ran in here
these people saw the chain about his neckx

merchantx
besidesx i will be sworn these ears of mine
heard you confess you had the chain of himx
after you first forswore it on the martx
and thereupon i drew my sword on youx
and then you fled into this abbey herex
from whence i think you are come by miraclex

antipholus of ephesusx
i never came within these abbey wallsx
nor ever didst thou draw thy sword on mex
i never saw the chainx so help me heavenx
and this is false you burden me withalx

dukex
whyx what an intricate impeach is thisx
i think you all have drunk of circexs cupx
if here you housxd himx here he would have beenx
if he were madx he would not plead so coldlyx
you say he dinxd at homex the goldsmith here
denies that sayingx sirrahx what say youx

dromio of ephesusx
sirx he dined with her therex at the porpentinex

courtesanx
he didx and from my finger snatchxd that ringx

antipholus of ephesusx
xtis truex my liegex this ring i had of herx

dukex
sawxst thou him enter at the abbey herex

courtesanx
as surex my liegex as i do see your gracex

dukex
whyx this is strangex go call the abbess hitherx
i think you are all matedx or stark madx

 xxexit one to the abbessxxx

egeonx
most mighty dukex vouchsafe me speak a wordx
haply i see a friend will save my life
and pay the sum that may deliver mex

dukex
speak freelyx syracusianx what thou wiltx

egeonx
is not your namex sirx callxd antipholusx
and is not that your bondman dromiox

dromio of ephesusx
within this hour i was his bondmanx sirx
but hex i thank himx gnawxd in two my cordsx
now am i dromiox and his manx unboundx

egeonx
i am sure you both of you remember mex

dromio of ephesusx
ourselves we do rememberx sirx by youx
for lately we were bound as you are nowx
you are not pinchxs patientx are youx sirx

egeonx
why look you strange on mex you know me wellx

antipholus of ephesusx
i never saw you in my life till nowx

egeonx
ox grief hath changxd me since you saw me lastx
and careful hours with timexs deformed handx
have written strange defeatures in my facex
but tell me yetx dost thou not know my voicex

antipholus of ephesusx
neitherx

egeonx
dromiox nor thoux

dromio of ephesusx
nox trust mex sirx nor ix

egeonx
i am sure thou dostx

dromio of ephesusx
ayx sirx but i am sure i do notx and whatsoever a man deniesx you are
now bound to believe himx

egeonx
not know my voicex o timexs extremityx
hast thou so crackxd and splitted my poor tongue
in seven short years that here my only son
knows not my feeble key of untunxd caresx
though now this grained face of mine be hid
in sapxconsuming winterxs drizzled snowx
and all the conduits of my blood froze upx
yet hath my night of life some memoryx
my wasting lamps some fading glimmer leftx
my dull deaf ears a little use to hearx
all these old witnessesx i cannot errx
tell me thou art my son antipholusx

antipholus of ephesusx
i never saw my father in my lifex

egeonx
but seven years sincex in syracusax boyx
thou knowxst we partedx but perhapsx my sonx
thou shamxst to acknowledge me in miseryx

antipholus of ephesusx
the duke and all that know me in the cityx
can witness with me that it is not sox
i nexer saw syracusa in my lifex

dukex
i tell theex syracusianx twenty years
have i been patron to antipholusx
during which time he nexer saw syracusax
i see thy age and dangers make thee dotex

 enter the abbess with antipholus of syracuse and dromio of syracusex

abbessx
most mighty dukex behold a man much wrongxdx

 xxall gather to see themxxx

adrianax
i see two husbandsx or mine eyes deceive mex

dukex
one of these men is xgeniusx to the otherx
and so of thesex which is the natural manx
and which the spiritx who deciphers themx

dromio of syracusex
ix sirx am dromiox command him awayx

dromio of ephesusx
ix sirx am dromiox pray let me stayx

antipholus of syracusex
egeonx art thou notx or else his ghostx

dromio of syracusex
ox my old masterx who hath bound him herex

abbessx
whoever bound himx i will loose his bondsx
and gain a husband by his libertyx
speakx old egeonx if thou bexst the man
that hadst a wife once called emiliax
that bore thee at a burden two fair sonsx
ox if thou bexst the same egeonx speakx
and speak unto the same emiliax

dukex
whyx here begins his morning story rightx
these two antipholusxx these two so likex
and these two dromiosx one in semblancex
besides her urging of her wreck at seax
these are the parents to these childrenx
which accidentally are met togetherx

egeonx
if i dream notx thou art emiliax
if thou art shex tell me where is that son
that floated with thee on the fatal raftx

abbessx
by men of epidamnumx he and i
and the twin dromiox all were taken upx
butx by and byx rude fishermen of corinth
by force took dromio and my son from themx
and me they left with those of epidamnumx
what then became of them i cannot tellx
i to this fortune that you see me inx

dukex
antipholusx thou camxst from corinth firstx

antipholus of syracusex
nox sirx not ix i came from syracusex

dukex
stayx stand apartx i know not which is whichx

antipholus of ephesusx
i came from corinthx my most gracious lordx

dromio of ephesusx
and i with himx

antipholus of ephesusx
brought to this town by that most famous warriorx
duke menaphonx your most renowned unclex

adrianax
which of you two did dine with me todayx

antipholus of syracusex
ix gentle mistressx

adrianax
and are not you my husbandx

antipholus of ephesusx
nox i say nay to thatx

antipholus of syracusex
and so do ix yet did she call me sox
and this fair gentlewomanx her sister herex
did call me brotherx what i told you thenx
i hope i shall have leisure to make goodx
if this be not a dream i see and hearx

angelox
that is the chainx sirx which you had of mex

antipholus of syracusex
i think it bex sirx i deny it notx

antipholus of ephesusx
and youx sirx for this chain arrested mex

angelox
i think i didx sirx i deny it notx

adrianax
i sent you moneyx sirx to be your bail
by dromiox but i think he brought it notx

dromio of ephesusx
nox none by mex

antipholus of syracusex
this purse of ducats i receivxd from youx
and dromio my man did bring them mex
i see we still did meet each otherxs manx
and i was taxen for himx and he for mex
and thereupon these errors are arosex

antipholus of ephesusx
these ducats pawn i for my father herex

dukex
it shall not needx thy father hath his lifex

courtesanx
sirx i must have that diamond from youx

antipholus of ephesusx
therex take itx and much thanks for my good cheerx

abbessx
renowned dukex vouchsafe to take the pains
to go with us into the abbey herex
and hear at large discoursed all our fortunesx
and all that are assembled in this placex
that by this sympathised one dayxs error
have sufferxd wrongx gox keep us companyx
and we shall make full satisfactionx
thirtyxthree years have i but gone in travail
of youx my sonsx and till this present hour
my heavy burden nexer deliveredx
the dukex my husbandx and my children bothx
and youx the calendars of their nativityx
go to a gossipsx feastx and go with mex
after so long griefx such nativityx

dukex
with all my heartx ixll gossip at this feastx

 xxexeunt except the two dromios and two brothersxxx

dromio of syracusex
masterx shall i fetch your stuff from shipboardx

antipholus of ephesusx
dromiox what stuff of mine hast thou embarkxdx

dromio of syracusex
your goods that lay at hostx sirx in the centaurx

antipholus of syracusex
he speaks to mex i am your masterx dromiox
comex go with usx wexll look to that anonx
embrace thy brother therex rejoice with himx

 xxexeunt antipholus of syracuse and antipholus of ephesusxxx

dromio of syracusex
there is a fat friend at your masterxs housex
that kitchenxd me for you today at dinnerx
she now shall be my sisterx not my wifex

dromio of ephesusx
methinks you are my glassx and not my brotherx
i see by you i am a sweetxfaced youthx
will you walk in to see their gossipingx

dromio of syracusex
not ix sirx you are my elderx

dromio of ephesusx
thatxs a questionx how shall we try itx

dromio of syracusex
wexll draw cuts for the seniorx till thenx lead thou firstx

dromio of ephesusx
nayx thenx thusx
we came into the world like brother and brotherx
and now letxs go hand in handx not one before anotherx

 xxexeuntxxx




the tragedy of coriolanus

dramatis personae

  caius marciusx afterwards caius marcius coriolanus

    generals against the volscians
  titus lartius
  cominius

  menenius agrippax friend to coriolanus

    tribunes of the people
  sicinius velutus
  junius brutus

  young marciusx son to coriolanus
  a roman herald
  nicanorx a roman
  tullus aufidiusx general of the volscians
  lieutenantx to aufidius
  conspiratorsx with aufidius
  adrianx a volscian
  a citizen of antium
  two volscian guards

  volumniax mother to coriolanus
  virgiliax wife to coriolanus
  valeriax friend to virgilia
  gentlewoman attending on virgilia

  roman and volscian senatorsx patriciansx aedilesx lictorsx
    soldiersx citizensx messengersx servants to aufidiusx and other
    attendants

scenex rome and the neighbourhoodx corioli and the neighbourhoodx
antium

act ix scene ix romex a street

enter a company of mutinous citizensx with stavesx clubsx and other
weapons

  first citizenx before we proceed any furtherx hear me speakx
  allx speakx speakx
  first citizenx you are all resolvxd rather to die than to famishx
  allx resolvxdx resolvxdx
  first citizenx firstx you know caius marcius is chief enemy to the
    peoplex
  allx we knowxtx we knowxtx
  first citizenx let us kill himx and wexll have corn at our own
    pricex isxt a verdictx
  allx no more talking onxtx let it be donex awayx awayx
  second citizenx one wordx good citizensx
  first citizenx we are accounted poor citizensx the patricians goodx
    what authority surfeits on would relieve usx if they would yield
    us but the superfluity while it were wholesomex we might guess
    they relieved us humanelyx but they think we are too dearx the
    leanness that afflicts usx the object of our miseryx is as an
    inventory to particularize their abundancex our sufferance is a
    gain to themx let us revenge this with our pikes ere we become
    rakesx for the gods know i speak this in hunger for breadx not in
    thirst for revengex
  second citizenx would you proceed especially against caius marciusx
  first citizenx against him firstx hexs a very dog to the
    commonaltyx
  second citizenx consider you what services he has done for his
    countryx
  first citizenx very wellx and could be content to give him good
    report forxt but that he pays himself with being proudx
  second citizenx nayx but speak not maliciouslyx
  first citizenx i say unto youx what he hath done famously he did it
    to that endx though softxconsciencxd men can be content to say it
    was for his countryx he did it to please his mother and to be
    partly proudx which he isx even to the altitude of his virtuex
  second citizenx what he cannot help in his nature you account a
    vice in himx you must in no way say he is covetousx
  first citizenx if i must notx i need not be barren of accusationsx
    he hath faultsx with surplusx to tire in repetitionx  xshouts
    withinx  what shouts are thesex the other side ox thx city is
    risenx why stay we prating herex to thx capitolx
  allx comex comex
  first citizenx softx who comes herex

                       enter menenius agrippa

  second citizenx worthy menenius agrippax one that hath always lovxd
    the peoplex
  first citizenx hexs one honest enoughx would all the rest were sox
  meneniusx what workxsx my countrymenx in handx where go you
    with bats and clubsx the matterx speakx i pray youx
  first citizenx our business is not unknown to thx senatex they have
    had inkling this fortnight what we intend to dox which now wexll
    show xem in deedsx they say poor suitors have strong breathsx
    they shall know we have strong arms toox
  meneniusx whyx mastersx my good friendsx mine honest neighboursx
    will you undo yourselvesx
  first citizenx we cannotx sirx we are undone alreadyx
  meneniusx i tell youx friendsx most charitable care
    have the patricians of youx for your wantsx
    your suffering in this dearthx you may as well
    strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them
    against the roman statex whose course will on
    the way it takesx cracking ten thousand curbs
    of more strong link asunder than can ever
    appear in your impedimentx for the dearthx
    the godsx not the patriciansx make itx and
    your knees to themx not armsx must helpx alackx
    you are transported by calamity
    thither where more attends youx and you slander
    the helms ox thx statex who care for you like fathersx
    when you curse them as enemiesx
  first citizenx care for usx truex indeedx they nexer carxd for us
    yetx suffer us to famishx and their storehouses crammxd with
    grainx make edicts for usuryx to support usurersx repeal daily
    any wholesome act established against the richx and provide more
    piercing statutes daily to chain up and restrain the poorx if the
    wars eat us not upx they willx and therexs all the love they bear
    usx
  meneniusx either you must
    confess yourselves wondrous maliciousx
    or be accusxd of follyx i shall tell you
    a pretty talex it may be you have heard itx
    butx since it serves my purposex i will venture
    to stalext a little morex
  first citizenx wellx ixll hear itx sirx yet you must not think to
    fob off our disgrace with a talex butx anxt please youx deliverx
  meneniusx there was a time when all the bodyxs members
    rebellxd against the bellyx thus accusxd itx
    that only like a gulf it did remain
    ix thx midst ox thx bodyx idle and unactivex
    still cupboarding the viandx never bearing
    like labour with the restx where thx other instruments
    did see and hearx devisex instructx walkx feelx
    andx mutually participatex did minister
    unto the appetite and affection common
    of the whole bodyx the belly answerxdx
  first citizenx wellx sirx what answer made the bellyx
  meneniusx sirx i shall tell youx with a kind of smilex
    which nexer came from the lungsx but even thusx
    for look youx i may make the belly smile
    as well as speakx it tauntingly replied
    to thx discontented membersx the mutinous parts
    that envied his receiptx even so most fitly
    as you malign our senators for that
    they are not such as youx
  first citizenx your bellyxs answerx whatx
    the kingly crowned headx the vigilant eyex
    the counsellor heartx the arm our soldierx
    our steed the legx the tongue our trumpeterx
    with other muniments and petty helps
    is this our fabricx if that theyx
  meneniusx what thenx
    fore mex this fellow speaksx what thenx what thenx
  first citizenx should by the cormorant belly be restrainxdx
    who is the sink ox thx bodyx
  meneniusx wellx what thenx
  first citizenx the former agentsx if they did complainx
    what could the belly answerx
  meneniusx i will tell youx
    if youxll bestow a smallx of what you have littlex
    patience awhilex youxst hear the bellyxs answerx
  first citizenx yxare long about itx
  meneniusx note me thisx good friendx
    your most grave belly was deliberatex
    not rash like his accusersx and thus answeredx
    xtrue is itx my incorporate friendsxx quoth he
    xthat i receive the general food at first
    which you do live uponx and fit it isx
    because i am the storehouse and the shop
    of the whole bodyx butx if you do rememberx
    i send it through the rivers of your bloodx
    even to the courtx the heartx to thx seat ox thx brainx
    andx through the cranks and offices of manx
    the strongest nerves and small inferior veins
    from me receive that natural competency
    whereby they livex and though that all at once
    youx my good friendsxx this says the bellyx mark mex
  first citizenx ayx sirx wellx wellx
  meneniusx xthough all at once cannot
    see what i do deliver out to eachx
    yet i can make my audit upx that all
    from me do back receive the flour of allx
    and leave me but the branxx what say you tox tx
  first citizenx it was an answerx how apply you thisx
  meneniusx the senators of rome are this good bellyx
    and you the mutinous membersx forx examine
    their counsels and their caresx digest things rightly
    touching the weal ox thx commonx you shall find
    no public benefit which you receive
    but it proceeds or comes from them to youx
    and no way from yourselvesx what do you thinkx
    youx the great toe of this assemblyx
  first citizenx i the great toex why the great toex
  meneniusx for thatx being one ox thx lowestx basestx poorestx
    of this most wise rebellionx thou goest foremostx
    thou rascalx that art worst in blood to runx
    leadxst first to win some vantagex
    but make you ready your stiff bats and clubsx
    rome and her rats are at the point of battlex
    the one side must have balex

                      enter caius marcius

    hailx noble marciusx
  marciusx thanksx whatxs the matterx you dissentious rogues
    thatx rubbing the poor itch of your opinionx
    make yourselves scabsx
  first citizenx we have ever your good wordx
  marciusx he that will give good words to thee will flatter
    beneath abhorringx what would you havex you cursx
    that like nor peace nor warx the one affrights youx
    the other makes you proudx he that trusts to youx
    where he should find you lionsx finds you haresx
    where foxesx geesex you are no surerx nox
    than is the coal of fire upon the ice
    or hailstone in the sunx your virtue is
    to make him worthy whose offence subdues himx
    and curse that justice did itx who deserves greatness
    deserves your hatex and your affections are
    a sick manxs appetitex who desires most that
    which would increase his evilx he that depends
    upon your favours swims with fins of leadx
    and hews down oaks with rushesx hang yex trust yex
    with every minute you do change a mind
    and call him noble that was now your hatex
    him vile that was your garlandx whatxs the matter
    that in these several places of the city
    you cry against the noble senatex whox
    under the godsx keep you in awex which else
    would feed on one anotherx whatxs their seekingx
  meneniusx for corn at their own ratesx whereof they say
    the city is well storxdx
  marciusx hang xemx they sayx
    theyxll sit by thx fire and presume to know
    whatxs done ix thx capitolx whoxs like to risex
    who thrives and who declinesx side factionsx and give out
    conjectural marriagesx making parties strongx
    and feebling such as stand not in their liking
    below their cobbled shoesx they say therexs grain enoughx
    would the nobility lay aside their ruth
    and let me use my swordx ixd make a quarry
    with thousands of these quarterxd slavesx as high
    as i could pick my lancex
  meneniusx nayx these are almost thoroughly persuadedx
    for though abundantly they lack discretionx
    yet are they passing cowardlyx butx i beseech youx
    what says the other troopx
  marciusx they are dissolvxdx hang xemx
    they said they were anxhungryx sighxd forth proverbsx
    that hunger broke stone wallsx that dogs must eatx
    that meat was made for mouthsx that the gods sent not
    corn for the rich men onlyx with these shreds
    they vented their complainingsx which being answerxdx
    and a petition granted themx a strange onex
    to break the heart of generosity
    and make bold power look palex they threw their caps
    as they would hang them on the horns ox thx moonx
    shouting their emulationx
  meneniusx what is granted themx
  marciusx five tribunesx to defend their vulgar wisdomsx
    of their own choicex onexs junius brutusx
    sicinius velutusx and i know notx xsdeathx
    the rabble should have first unroofxd the city
    ere so prevailxd with mex it will in time
    win upon power and throw forth greater themes
    for insurrectionxs arguingx
  meneniusx this is strangex
  marciusx go get you homex you fragmentsx

                     enter a messengerx hastily

  messengerx wherexs caius marciusx
  marciusx herex whatxs the matterx
  messengerx the news isx sirx the volsces are in armsx
  marciusx i am glad onxtx then we shall hax means to vent
    our musty superfluityx seex our best eldersx

         enter cominiusx titus lartiusx with other senatorsx
                  junius brutus and sicinius velutus

  first senatorx marciusx xtis true that you have lately told usx
    the volsces are in armsx
  marciusx they have a leaderx
    tullus aufidiusx that will put you toxtx
    i sin in envying his nobilityx
    and were i anything but what i amx
    i would wish me only hex
  cominiusx you have fought togetherx
  marciusx were half to half the world by thx earsx and he
    upon my partyx ixd revoltx to make
    only my wars with himx he is a lion
    that i am proud to huntx
  first senatorx thenx worthy marciusx
    attend upon cominius to these warsx
  cominiusx it is your former promisex
  marciusx sirx it isx
    and i am constantx titus lartiusx thou
    shalt see me once more strike at tullusx facex
    whatx art thou stiffx standxst outx
  lartiusx nox caius marciusx
    ixll lean upon one crutch and fight with txother
    ere stay behind this businessx
  meneniusx ox true bredx
  first senatorx your company to thx capitolx wherex i knowx
    our greatest friends attend usx
  lartiusx  xto cominiusx  lead you onx
    xto marciusx  follow cominiusx we must follow youx
    right worthy you priorityx
  cominiusx noble marciusx
  first senatorx  xto the citizensx  hence to your homesx be gonex
  marciusx nayx let them followx
    the volsces have much cornx take these rats thither
    to gnaw their garnersx worshipful mutineersx
    your valour puts well forthx pray followx
         ciitzens steal awayx exeunt all but sicinius and brutus
  siciniusx was ever man so proud as is this marciusx
  brutusx he has no equalx
  siciniusx when we were chosen tribunes for the peoplex
  brutusx markxd you his lip and eyesx
  siciniusx nayx but his tauntsx
  brutusx being movxdx he will not spare to gird the godsx
  siciniusx bemock the modest moonx
  brutusx the present wars devour himx he is grown
    too proud to be so valiantx
  siciniusx such a naturex
    tickled with good successx disdains the shadow
    which he treads on at noonx but i do wonder
    his insolence can brook to be commanded
    under cominiusx
  brutusx famex at the which he aimsx
    in whom already he is well gracxdx cannot
    better be held nor more attainxd than by
    a place below the firstx for what miscarries
    shall be the generalxs faultx though he perform
    to thx utmost of a manx and giddy censure
    will then cry out of marcius xox if he
    had borne the businessxx
  siciniusx besidesx if things go wellx
    opinionx that so sticks on marciusx shall
    of his demerits rob cominiusx
  brutusx comex
    half all cominiusx honours are to marciusx
    though marcius earnxd them notx and all his faults
    to marcius shall be honoursx though indeed
    in aught he merit notx
  siciniusx letxs hence and hear
    how the dispatch is madex and in what fashionx
    more than his singularityx he goes
    upon this present actionx
  brutusx letxs alongx                                    exeunt

scene iix coriolix the senate housex

enter tullus aufidius with senators of corioli

  first senatorx sox your opinion isx aufidiusx
    that they of rome are entxred in our counsels
    and know how we proceedx
  aufidiusx is it not yoursx
    what ever have been thought on in this state
    that could be brought to bodily act ere rome
    had circumventionx xtis not four days gone
    since i heard thencex these are the wordsx i think
    i have the letter herexxyesx here it isx
    xreadsx  xthey have pressxd a powerx but it is not known
    whether for east or westx the dearth is greatx
    the people mutinousx and it is rumourxdx
    cominiusx marcius your old enemyx
    who is of rome worse hated than of youx
    and titus lartiusx a most valiant romanx
    these three lead on this preparation
    whither xtis bentx most likely xtis for youx
    consider of itxx
  first senatorx our armyxs in the fieldx
    we never yet made doubt but rome was ready
    to answer usx
  aufidiusx nor did you think it folly
    to keep your great pretences veilxd till when
    they needs must show themselvesx which in the hatchingx
    it seemxdx appearxd to romex by the discovery
    we shall be shortxned in our aimx which was
    to take in many towns ere almost rome
    should know we were afootx
  second senatorx noble aufidiusx
    take your commissionx hie you to your bandsx
    let us alone to guard coriolix
    if they set down beforexsx for the remove
    bring up your armyx but i think youxll find
    thx have not preparxd for usx
  aufidiusx ox doubt not thatx
    i speak from certaintiesx nay morex
    some parcels of their power are forth alreadyx
    and only hitherwardx i leave your honoursx
    if we and caius marcius chance to meetx
    xtis sworn between us we shall ever strike
    till one can do no morex
  allx the gods assist youx
  aufidiusx and keep your honours safex
  first senatorx farewellx
  second senatorx farewellx
  allx farewellx                                           exeunt

scene iiix romex marciusx house

enter volumnia and virgiliax mother and wife to marciusx they set them
down on two low stools and sew

  volumniax i pray youx daughterx singx or express yourself in a more
    comfortable sortx if my son were my husbandx i should freelier
    rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than in the
    embracements of his bed where he would show most lovex when yet
    he was but tenderxbodiedx and the only son of my wombx when youth
    with comeliness pluckxd all gaze his wayx whenx for a day of
    kingsx entreatiesx a mother should not sell him an hour from her
    beholdingx ix considering how honour would become such a personx
    that it was no better than picturexlike to hang by thx wallx if
    renown made it not stirx was pleasxd to let him seek danger where
    he was to find famex to a cruel war i sent himx from whence he
    returnxd his brows bound with oakx i tell theex daughterx i
    sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a manxchild than
    now in first seeing he had proved himself a manx
  virgiliax but had he died in the businessx madamx how thenx
  volumniax then his good report should have been my sonx i therein
    would have found issuex hear me profess sincerelyx had i a dozen
    sonsx each in my love alikex and none less dear than thine and my
    good marciusx i had rather had eleven die nobly for their country
    than one voluptuously surfeit out of actionx

                        enter a gentlewoman

  gentlewomanx madamx the lady valeria is come to visit youx
  virgiliax beseech you give me leave to retire myselfx
  volumniax indeed you shall notx
    methinks i hear hither your husbandxs drumx
    see him pluck aufidius down by thx hairx
    as children from a bearx the volsces shunning himx
    methinks i see him stamp thusx and call thusx
    xcome onx you cowardsx you were got in fearx
    though you were born in romexx his bloody brow
    with his mailxd hand then wipingx forth he goesx
    like to a harvestxman thatxs taskxd to mow
    or all or lose his hirex
  virgiliax his bloody browx o jupiterx no bloodx
  volumniax awayx you foolx it more becomes a man
    than gilt his trophyx the breasts of hecubax
    when she did suckle hectorx lookxd not lovelier
    than hectorxs forehead when it spit forth blood
    at grecian swordx contemningx tell valeria
    we are fit to bid her welcomex              exit gentlewoman
  virgiliax heavens bless my lord from fell aufidiusx
  volumniax hexll beat aufidiusx head below his knee
    and tread upon his neckx

         rexenter gentlewomanx with valeria and an usher

  valeriax my ladies bothx good day to youx
  volumniax sweet madamx
  virgiliax i am glad to see your ladyshipx
  valeriax how do you bothx you are manifest housekeepersx what are
    you sewing herex a fine spotx in good faithx how does your little
    sonx
  virgiliax i thank your ladyshipx wellx good madamx
  volumniax he had rather see the swords and hear a drum than look
    upon his schoolmasterx
  valeriax ox my wordx the fatherxs sonx ixll swear xtis a very
    pretty boyx ox my trothx i lookxd upon him a wednesday half an
    hour togetherx has such a confirmxd countenancex i saw him run
    after a gilded butterflyx and when he caught it he let it go
    againx and after it againx and over and over he comesx and up
    againx catchxd it againx or whether his fall enragxd himx or how
    xtwasx he did so set his teeth and tear itx ox i warrantx how he
    mammockxd itx
  volumniax one onxs fatherxs moodsx
  valeriax indeedx lax xtis a noble childx
  virgiliax a crackx madamx
  valeriax comex lay aside your stitcheryx i must have you play the
    idle huswife with me this afternoonx
  virgiliax nox good madamx i will not out of doorsx
  valeriax not out of doorsx
  volumniax she shallx she shallx
  virgiliax indeedx nox by your patiencex ixll not over the threshold
    till my lord return from the warsx
  valeriax fiex you confine yourself most unreasonablyx comex you
    must go visit the good lady that lies inx
  virgiliax i will wish her speedy strengthx and visit her with my
    prayersx but i cannot go thitherx
  volumniax whyx i pray youx
  virgiliax xtis not to save labourx nor that i want lovex
  valeriax you would be another penelopex yet they say all the yarn
    she spun in ulyssesx absence did but fill ithaca full of mothsx
    comex i would your cambric were sensible as your fingerx that you
    might leave pricking it for pityx comex you shall go with usx
  virgiliax nox good madamx pardon mex indeed i will not forthx
  valeriax in truthx lax go with mex and ixll tell you excellent news
    of your husbandx
  virgiliax ox good madamx there can be none yetx
  valeriax verilyx i do not jest with youx there came news from him
    last nightx
  virgiliax indeedx madamx
  valeriax in earnestx itxs truex i heard a senator speak itx thus it
    isx the volsces have an army forthx against whom cominius the
    general is gonex with one part of our roman powerx your lord and
    titus lartius are set down before their city coriolix they
    nothing doubt prevailing and to make it brief warsx this is truex
    on mine honourx and sox i prayx go with usx
  virgiliax give me excusex good madamx i will obey you in everything
    hereafterx
  volumniax let her alonex ladyx as she is nowx she will but disease
    our better mirthx
  valeriax in trothx i think she wouldx fare you wellx thenx comex
    good sweet ladyx pritheex virgiliax turn thy solemness out ox
    door and go along with usx
  virgiliax nox at a wordx madamx indeed i must notx i wish you much
    mirthx
  valeriax well thenx farewellx                           exeunt

scene ivx before corioli

enter marciusx titus lartiusx with drum and coloursx with captains and
soldiersx to them a messenger

  marciusx yonder comes newsx a wagerx they have metx
  lartiusx my horse to yoursx nox
  marciusx xtis donex
  lartiusx agreedx
  marciusx sayx has our general met the enemyx
  messengerx they lie in viewx but have not spoke as yetx
  lartiusx sox the good horse is minex
  marciusx ixll buy him of youx
  lartiusx nox ixll nor sell nor give himx lend you him i will
    for half a hundred yearsx summon the townx
  marciusx how far off lie these armiesx
  messengerx within this mile and halfx
  marciusx then shall we hear their xlarumx and they oursx
    nowx marsx i pritheex make us quick in workx
    that we with smoking swords may march from hence
    to help our fielded friendsx comex blow thy blastx

          they sound a parleyx enter two senators with othersx
                      on the walls of corioli

    tullus aufidiusx is he within your wallsx
  first senatorx nox nor a man that fears you less than hex
    thatxs lesser than a littlex  xdrum afar offx  harkx our drums
    are bringing forth our youthx wexll break our walls
    rather than they shall pound us upx our gatesx
    which yet seem shutx we have but pinnxd with rushesx
    theyxll open of themselvesx  xalarum far offx  hark you far offx
    there is aufidiusx list what work he makes
    amongst your cloven armyx
  marciusx ox they are at itx
  lartiusx their noise be our instructionx laddersx hox

                   enter the army of the volsces

  marciusx they fear us notx but issue forth their cityx
    now put your shields before your heartsx and fight
    with hearts more proof than shieldsx advancex brave titusx
    they do disdain us much beyond our thoughtsx
    which makes me sweat with wrathx come onx my fellowsx
    he that retiresx ixll take him for a volscex
    and he shall feel mine edgex

          alarumx the romans are beat back to their trenchesx
                      rexenter marciusx cursing

  marciusx all the contagion of the south light on youx
    you shames of romex you herd ofx boils and plagues
    plaster you oxerx that you may be abhorrxd
    farther than seenx and one infect another
    against the wind a milex you souls of geese
    that bear the shapes of menx how have you run
    from slaves that apes would beatx pluto and hellx
    all hurt behindx backs redx and faces pale
    with flight and agued fearx mend and charge homex
    orx by the fires of heavenx ixll leave the foe
    and make my wars on youx look toxtx come onx
    if youxll stand fast wexll beat them to their wivesx
    as they us to our trenchesx follow mex

         another alarumx the volsces flyx and marcius follows
                          them to the gates

    sox now the gates are opex now prove good secondsx
    xtis for the followers fortune widens themx
    not for the fliersx mark mex and do the likex

                    xmarcius enters the gatesx

  first soldierx foolxhardinessx not ix
  second soldierx not ix                    xmarcius is shut inx
  first soldierx seex they have shut him inx
  allx to thx potx i warrant himx             xalarum continuesx

                      rexenter titus lartius

  lartiusx what is become of marciusx
  allx slainx sirx doubtlessx
  first soldierx following the fliers at the very heelsx
    with them he entersx whox upon the suddenx
    clappxd to their gatesx he is himself alonex
    to answer all the cityx
  lartiusx o noble fellowx
    who sensibly outdares his senseless swordx
    and when it bows standxst upx thou art leftx marciusx
    a carbuncle entirex as big as thou artx
    were not so rich a jewelx thou wast a soldier
    even to catoxs wishx not fierce and terrible
    only in strokesx but with thy grim looks and
    the thunderxlike percussion of thy sounds
    thou madxst thine enemies shakex as if the world
    were feverous and did tremblex

          rexenter marciusx bleedingx assaulted by the enemy

  first soldierx lookx sirx
  lartiusx ox xtis marciusx
    letxs fetch him offx or make remain alikex
                            xthey fightx and all enter the cityx

scene vx within coriolix a street

enter certain romansx with spoils

  first romanx this will i carry to romex
  second romanx and i thisx
  third romanx a murrain on xtx i took this for silverx
                               xalarum continues still afar offx

          enter marcius and titus lartius with a trumpeter

  marciusx see here these movers that do prize their hours
    at a crackxd drachmax cushionsx leaden spoonsx
    irons of a doitx doublets that hangmen would
    bury with those that wore themx these base slavesx
    ere yet the fight be donex pack upx down with themx
                                                exeunt pillagers
    and harkx what noise the general makesx to himx
    there is the man of my soulxs hatex aufidiusx
    piercing our romansx thenx valiant titusx take
    convenient numbers to make good the cityx
    whilst ix with those that have the spiritx will haste
    to help cominiusx
  lartiusx worthy sirx thou bleedxstx
    thy exercise hath been too violent
    for a second course of fightx
  marciusx sirx praise me notx
    my work hath yet not warmxd mex fare you wellx
    the blood i drop is rather physical
    than dangerous to mex to aufidius thus
    i will appearx and fightx
  lartiusx now the fair goddessx fortunex
    fall deep in love with theex and her great charms
    misguide thy opposersx swordsx bold gentlemanx
    prosperity be thy pagex
  marciusx thy friend no less
    than those she placeth highestx so farewellx
  lartiusx thou worthiest marciusx                  exit marcius
    go sound thy trumpet in the marketxplacex
    call thither all the officers ox thx townx
    where they shall know our mindx awayx                 exeunt

scene vix near the camp of cominius

enter cominiusx as it were in retirex with soldiers

  cominiusx breathe youx my friendsx well foughtx we are come off
    like romansx neither foolish in our stands
    nor cowardly in retirex believe mex sirsx
    we shall be chargxd againx whiles we have struckx
    by interims and conveying gusts we have heard
    the charges of our friendsx the roman godsx
    lead their successes as we wish our ownx
    that both our powersx with smiling fronts encountxringx
    may give you thankful sacrificex

                         enter a messenger

    thy newsx
  messengerx the citizens of corioli have issued
    and given to lartius and to marcius battlex
    i saw our party to their trenches drivenx
    and then i came awayx
  cominiusx though thou speakxst truthx
    methinks thou speakxst not wellx how long isxt sincex
  messengerx above an hourx my lordx
  cominiusx xtis not a milex briefly we heard their drumsx
    how couldst thou in a mile confound an hourx
    and bring thy news so latex
  messengerx spies of the volsces
    held me in chasex that i was forcxd to wheel
    three or four miles aboutx else had ix sirx
    half an hour since brought my reportx

                           enter marcius

  cominiusx whoxs yonder
    that does appear as he were flayxdx o godsx
    he has the stamp of marciusx and i have
    beforextime seen him thusx
  marciusx come i too latex
  cominiusx the shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor
    more than i know the sound of marciusx tongue
    from every meaner manx
  marciusx come i too latex
  cominiusx ayx if you come not in the blood of othersx
    but mantled in your ownx
  marciusx ox let me clip ye
    in arms as sound as when i wooxdx in heart
    as merry as when our nuptial day was donex
    and tapers burnxd to bedwardx
  cominiusx flower of warriorsx
    how isxt with titus lartiusx
  marciusx as with a man busied about decreesx
    condemning some to death and some to exilex
    ransoming him or pityingx threatxning thx otherx
    holding corioli in the name of rome
    even like a fawning greyhound in the leashx
    to let him slip at willx
  cominiusx where is that slave
    which told me they had beat you to your trenchesx
    where is hex call him hitherx
  marciusx let him alonex
    he did inform the truthx but for our gentlemenx
    the common filex a plaguex tribunes for themx
    the mouse nexer shunnxd the cat as they did budge
    from rascals worse than theyx
  cominiusx but how prevailxd youx
  marciusx will the time serve to tellx i do not thinkx
    where is the enemyx are you lords ox thx fieldx
    if notx why cease you till you are sox
  cominiusx marciusx
    we have at disadvantage foughtx and did
    retire to win our purposex
  marciusx how lies their battlex know you on which side
    they have placxd their men of trustx
  cominiusx as i guessx marciusx
    their bands ix thx vaward are the antiatesx
    of their best trustx oxer them aufidiusx
    their very heart of hopex
  marciusx i do beseech youx
    by all the battles wherein we have foughtx
    by thx blood we have shed togetherx by thx vows
    we have made to endure friendsx that you directly
    set me against aufidius and his antiatesx
    and that you not delay the presentx butx
    filling the air with swords advancxd and dartsx
    we prove this very hourx
  cominiusx though i could wish
    you were conducted to a gentle bath
    and balms applied to youx yet dare i never
    deny your askingx take your choice of those
    that best can aid your actionx
  marciusx those are they
    that most are willingx if any such be herex
    as it were sin to doubtx that love this painting
    wherein you see me smearxdx if any fear
    lesser his person than an ill reportx
    if any think brave death outweighs bad life
    and that his countryxs dearer than himselfx
    let him alonex or so many so mindedx
    wave thus to express his dispositionx
    and follow marciusx           xthey all shout and wave their
       swordsx take him up in their arms and cast up their capsx
    ox me alonex make you a sword of mex
    if these shows be not outwardx which of you
    but is four volscesx none of you but is
    able to bear against the great aufidius
    a shield as hard as hisx a certain numberx
    though thanks to allx must i select from allx the rest
    shall bear the business in some other fightx
    as cause will be obeyxdx please you to marchx
    and four shall quickly draw out my commandx
    which men are best inclinxdx
  cominiusx march onx my fellowsx
    make good this ostentationx and you shall
    divide in all with usx                                exeunt

scene viix the gates of corioli

titus lartiusx having set a guard upon coriolix going with drum and
trumpet toward cominius and caius marciusx enters with a lieutenantx
other soldiersx and a scout

  lartiusx sox let the ports be guardedx keep your duties
    as i have set them downx if i do sendx dispatch
    those centuries to our aidx the rest will serve
    for a short holdingx if we lose the field
    we cannot keep the townx
  lieutenantx fear not our carex sirx
  lartiusx hencex and shut your gates uponxsx
    our guiderx comex to thx roman camp conduct usx       exeunt

scene viiix a field of battle between the roman and the volscian camps

alarumx as in battlex enter marcius and aufidius at several doors

  marciusx ixll fight with none but theex for i do hate thee
    worse than a promisexbreakerx
  aufidiusx we hate alikex
    not afric owns a serpent i abhor
    more than thy fame and envyx fix thy footx
  marciusx let the first budger die the otherxs slavex
    and the gods doom him afterx
  aufidiusx if i flyx marciusx
    halloa me like a harex
  marciusx within these three hoursx tullusx
    alone i fought in your corioli wallsx
    and made what work i pleasxdx xtis not my blood
    wherein thou seest me maskxdx for thy revenge
    wrench up thy power to thx highestx
  aufidiusx wert thou the hector
    that was the whip of your braggxd progenyx
    thou shouldst not scape me herex

       here they fightx and certain volsces come in the aid
        of aufidiusx marcius fights till they be driven in
                             breathless

    officiousx and not valiantx you have shamxd me
    in your condemned secondsx                            exeunt

scene ixx the roman camp

flourishx alarumx a retreat is soundedx enterx at one doorx
cominius with the romansx at another doorx marciusx with his arm in a
scarf

  cominiusx if i should tell thee oxer this thy dayxs workx
    thouxt not believe thy deedsx but ixll report it
    where senators shall mingle tears with smilesx
    where great patricians shall attendx and shrugx
    ix thx end admirex where ladies shall be frighted
    andx gladly quakxdx hear morex where the dull tribunesx
    that with the fusty plebeians hate thine honoursx
    shall say against their hearts xwe thank the gods
    our rome hath such a soldierxx
    yet camxst thou to a morsel of this feastx
    having fully dinxd beforex

         enter titus lartiusx with his powerx from the pursuit

  lartiusx o generalx
    here is the steedx we the caparisonx
    hadst thou beheldx
  marciusx pray nowx no morex my motherx
    who has a charter to extol her bloodx
    when she does praise me grieves mex i have done
    as you have donex thatxs what i canx inducxd
    as you have beenx thatxs for my countryx
    he that has but effected his good will
    hath overtaxen mine actx
  cominiusx you shall not be
    the grave of your deservingx rome must know
    the value of her ownx xtwere a concealment
    worse than a theftx no less than a traducementx
    to hide your doings and to silence that
    whichx to the spire and top of praises vouchxdx
    would seem but modestx thereforex i beseech youx
    in sign of what you arex not to reward
    what you have donex before our army hear mex
  marciusx i have some wounds upon mex and they smart
    to hear themselves remembxredx
  cominiusx should they notx
    well might they fester xgainst ingratitude
    and tent themselves with deathx of all the horsesx
    whereof we have taxen goodx and good storex of all
    the treasure in this field achievxd and cityx
    we render you the tenthx to be taxen forth
    before the common distribution at
    your only choicex
  marciusx i thank youx generalx
    but cannot make my heart consent to take
    a bribe to pay my swordx i do refuse itx
    and stand upon my common part with those
    that have beheld the doingx

           a long flourishx they all cry xmarciusx marciusxx
   cast up their caps and lancesx cominius and lartius stand bare

    may these same instruments which you profane
    never sound morex when drums and trumpets shall
    ix thx field prove flatterersx let courts and cities be
    made all of falsexfacxd soothingx when steel grows
    soft as the parasitexs silkx let him be made
    an overture for thx warsx no morex i sayx
    for that i have not washxd my nose that bledx
    or foilxd some debile wretchx which without note
    herexs many else have donex you shout me forth
    in acclamations hyperbolicalx
    as if i lovxd my little should be dieted
    in praises saucxd with liesx
  cominiusx too modest are youx
    more cruel to your good report than grateful
    to us that give you trulyx by your patiencex
    if xgainst yourself you be incensxdx wexll put youx
    like one that means his proper harmx in manaclesx
    then reason safely with youx therefore be it knownx
    as to usx to all the worldx that caius marcius
    wears this warxs garlandx in token of the whichx
    my noble steedx known to the campx i give himx
    with all his trim belongingx and from this timex
    for what he did before coriolix can him
    with all thx applausexand clamour of the hostx
    caius marcius coriolanusx
    bear thx addition nobly everx
                           xflourishx trumpets soundx and drumsx
  allx caius marcius coriolanusx
  coriolanusx i will go washx
    and when my face is fair you shall perceive
    whether i blush or nox howbeitx i thank youx
    i mean to stride your steedx and at all times
    to undercrest your good addition
    to thx fairness of my powerx
  cominiusx sox to our tentx
    wherex ere we do repose usx we will write
    to rome of our successx youx titus lartiusx
    must to corioli backx send us to rome
    the bestx with whom we may articulate
    for their own good and oursx
  lartiusx i shallx my lordx
  coriolanusx the gods begin to mock mex ix that now
    refusxd most princely giftsx am bound to beg
    of my lord generalx
  cominiusx takextx xtis yoursx what isxtx
  coriolanusx i sometime lay here in corioli
    at a poor manxs housex he usxd me kindlyx
    he cried to mex i saw him prisonerx
    but then aufidius was within my viewx
    and wrath oxerwhelmxd my pityx i request you
    to give my poor host freedomx
  cominiusx ox well beggxdx
    were he the butcher of my sonx he should
    be free as is the windx deliver himx titusx
  lartiusx marciusx his namex
  coriolanusx by jupiterx forgotx
    i am wearyx yeax my memory is tirxdx
    have we no wine herex
  cominiusx go we to our tentx
    the blood upon your visage driesx xtis time
    it should be lookxd tox comex                         exeunt

scene xx the camp of the volsces

a flourishx cornetsx enter tullus aufidius bloodyx with two or three
soldiers

  aufidiusx the town is taxenx
  first soldierx xtwill be deliverxd back on good conditionx
  aufidiusx conditionx
    i would i were a romanx for i cannotx
    being a volscex be that i amx conditionx
    what good condition can a treaty find
    ix thx part that is at mercyx five timesx marciusx
    i have fought with theex so often hast thou beat mex
    and wouldst do sox i thinkx should we encounter
    as often as we eatx by thx elementsx
    if exer again i meet him beard to beardx
    hexs mine or i am hisx mine emulation
    hath not that honour inxt it hadx for where
    i thought to crush him in an equal forcex
    true sword to swordx ixll potch at him some wayx
    or wrath or craft may get himx
  first soldierx hexs the devilx
  aufidiusx bolderx though not so subtlex my valourxs poisonxd
    with only suffxring stain by himx for him
    shall fly out of itselfx nor sleep nor sanctuaryx
    being nakedx sickx nor fane nor capitolx
    the prayers of priests nor times of sacrificex
    embarquements all of furyx shall lift up
    their rotten privilege and custom xgainst
    my hate to marciusx where i find himx were it
    at homex upon my brotherxs guardx even therex
    against the hospitable canonx would i
    wash my fierce hand inxs heartx go you to thx cityx
    learn how xtis heldx and what they are that must
    be hostages for romex
  first soldierx will not you gox
  aufidiusx i am attended at the cypress grovex i pray youx
    xtis south the city millsx bring me word thither
    how the world goesx that to the pace of it
    i may spur on my journeyx
  first soldierx i shallx sirx                            exeunt

act iix scene ix romex a public place

enter meneniusx with the two tribunes of the peoplex sicinius and
brutus

  meneniusx the augurer tells me we shall have news tonightx
  brutusx good or badx
  meneniusx not according to the prayer of the peoplex for they love
    not marciusx
  siciniusx nature teaches beasts to know their friendsx
  meneniusx pray youx who does the wolf lovex
  siciniusx the lambx
  meneniusx ayx to devour himx as the hungry plebeians would the
    noble marciusx
  brutusx hexs a lamb indeedx that baes like a bearx
  meneniusx hexs a bear indeedx that lives fike a lambx you two are
    old menx tell me one thing that i shall ask youx
  both tribunesx wellx sirx
  meneniusx in what enormity is marcius poor in that you two have not
    in abundancex
  brutusx hexs poor in no one faultx but storxd with allx
  siciniusx especially in pridex
  brutusx and topping all others in boastingx
  meneniusx this is strange nowx do you two know how you are censured
    here in the cityx i mean of us ox thx rightxhand filex do youx
  both tribunesx whyx how are we censurxdx
  meneniusx because you talk of pride nowx will you not be angryx
  both tribunesx wellx wellx sirx wellx
  meneniusx whyx xtis no great matterx for a very little thief of
    occasion will rob you of a great deal of patiencex give your
    dispositions the reinsx and be angry at your pleasuresx at the
    leastx if you take it as a pleasure to you in being sox you blame
    marcius for being proudx
  brutusx we do it not alonex sirx
  meneniusx i know you can do very little alonex for your helps are
    manyx or else your actions would grow wondrous singlex your
    abilities are too infantxlike for doing much alonex you talk of
    pridex o that you could turn your eyes toward the napes of your
    necksx and make but an interior survey of your good selvesx o
    that you couldx
  both tribunesx what thenx sirx
  meneniusx whyx then you should discover a brace of unmeritingx
    proudx violentx testy magistratesxalias foolsx as any in romex
  siciniusx meneniusx you are known well enough toox
  meneniusx i am known to be a humorous patricianx and one that loves
    a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying tiber inxtx said to
    be something imperfect in favouring the first complaintx hasty
    and tinderxlike upon too trivial motionx one that converses more
    with the buttock of the night than with the forehead of the
    morningx what i think i utterx and spend my malice in my breathx
    meeting two such wealsmen as you arex i cannot call you
    lycurgusesx if the drink you give me touch my palate adverselyx i
    make a crooked face at itx i cannot say your worships have
    deliverxd the matter wellx when i find the ass in compound with
    the major part of your syllablesx and though i must be content to
    bear with those that say you are reverend grave menx yet they lie
    deadly that tell you you have good facesx if you see this in the
    map of my microcosmx follows it that i am known well enough toox
    what harm can your bisson conspectuities glean out of this
    characterx if i be known well enough toox
  brutusx comex sirx comex we know you well enoughx
  meneniusx you know neither mex yourselvesx nor any thingx you are
    ambitious for poor knavesx caps and legsx you wear out a good
    wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between an orangexwife and
    a fossetxsellerx and then rejourn the controversy of threepence
    to a second day of audiencex when you are hearing a matter
    between party and partyx if you chance to be pinchxd with the
    colicx you make faces like mummersx set up the bloody flag
    against all patiencex andx in roaring for a chamberxpotx dismiss
    the controversy bleedingx the more entangled by your hearingx all
    the peace you make in their cause is calling both the parties
    knavesx you are a pair of strange onesx
  brutusx comex comex you are well understood to be a perfecter giber
    for the table than a necessary bencher in the capitolx
  meneniusx our very priests must become mockersx if they shall
    encounter such ridiculous subjects as you arex when you speak
    best unto the purposex it is not worth the wagging of your
    beardsx and your beards deserve not so honourable a grave as to
    stuff a botcherxs cushion or to be entombxd in an assxs
    packxsaddlex yet you must be saying marcius is proudx whox in a
    cheap estimationx is worth all your predecessors since deucalionx
    though peradventure some of the best of xem were hereditary
    hangmenx godxden to your worshipsx more of your conversation
    would infect my brainx being the herdsmen of the beastly
    plebeiansx i will be bold to take my leave of youx
                                  xbrutus and sicinius go asidex

               enter volumniax virgiliax and valeria

    how nowx my as fair as noble ladiesx and the moonx were she
    earthlyx no noblerx whither do you follow your eyes so fastx
  volumniax honourable meneniusx my boy marcius approachesx for the
    love of junox letxs gox
  meneniusx hax marcius coming homex
  volumniax ayx worthy meneniusx and with most prosperous
    approbationx
  meneniusx take my capx jupiterx and i thank theex hoox
    marcius coming homex
  volumniax virgiliax nayx xtis truex
  volumniax lookx herexs a letter from himx the state hath anotherx
    his wife anotherx and i think therexs one at home for youx
  meneniusx i will make my very house reel toxnightx a letter for mex
  virgiliax yesx certainx therexs a letter for youx i sawxtx
  meneniusx a letter for mex it gives me an estate of seven yearsx
    healthx in which time i will make a lip at the physicianx the
    most sovereign prescription in galen is but empiricutic andx to
    this preservativex of no better report than a horsexdrenchx is he
    not woundedx he was wont to come home woundedx
  virgiliax ox nox nox nox
  volumniax ox he is woundedx i thank the gods forxtx
  meneniusx so do i toox if it be not too muchx brings a victory in
    his pocketx the wounds become himx
  volumniax onxs browsx meneniusx he comes the third time home with
    the oaken garlandx
  meneniusx has he disciplinxd aufidius soundlyx
  volumniax titus lartius writes they fought togetherx but aufidius
    got offx
  meneniusx and xtwas time for him toox ixll warrant him thatx an he
    had stayxd by himx i would not have been so fidiusxd for all the
    chests in corioli and the gold thatxs in themx is the senate
    possessxd of thisx
  volumniax good ladiesx letxs gox yesx yesx yesx the senate has
    letters from the generalx wherein he gives my son the whole name
    of the warx he hath in this action outdone his former deeds
    doublyx
  valeriax in trothx therexs wondrous things spoke of himx
  meneniusx wondrousx ayx i warrant youx and not without his true
    purchasingx
  virgiliax the gods grant them truex
  volumniax truex powx wawx
  meneniusx truex ixll be sworn they are truex where is he woundedx
    xto the tribunesx  god save your good worshipsx marcius is coming
    homex he has more cause to be proudx where is he woundedx
  volumniax ix thx shoulder and ix thx left armx there will be large
    cicatrices to show the people when he shall stand for his placex
    he received in the repulse of tarquin seven hurts ix thx bodyx
  meneniusx one ix thx neck and two ix thx thighx therexs nine that i
    knowx
  volumniax he had before this last expedition twentyxfive wounds
    upon himx
  meneniusx now itxs twentyxsevenx every gash was an enemyxs gravex
    xa shout and flourishx  harkx the trumpetsx
  volumniax these are the ushers of marciusx before him he carries
      noisex and behind him he leaves tearsx
    deathx that dark spiritx inxs nervy arm doth liex
    whichx being advancxdx declinesx and then men diex

            a sennetx trumpets soundx enter cominius the
              generalx and titus lartiusx between themx
           coriolanusx crownxd with an oaken garlandx with
                   captains and soldiers and a herald

  heraldx knowx romex that all alone marcius did fight
    within corioli gatesx where he hath wonx
    with famex a name to caius marciusx these
    in honour follows coriolanusx
    welcome to romex renowned coriolanusx             xflourishx
  allx welcome to romex renowned coriolanusx
  coriolanusx no more of thisx it does offend my heartx
    pray nowx no morex
  cominiusx lookx sirx your motherx
  coriolanusx ox
    you havex i knowx petitionxd all the gods
    for my prosperityx                                  xkneelsx
  volumniax nayx my good soldierx upx
    my gentle marciusx worthy caiusx and
    by deedxachieving honour newly namxdx
    what is itx coriolanus must i can theex
    butx ox thy wifex
  coriolanusx my gracious silencex hailx
    wouldst thou have laughxd had i come coffinxd homex
    that weepxst to see me triumphx ahx my dearx
    such eyes the widows in corioli wearx
    and mothers that lack sonsx
  meneniusx now the gods crown theex
  coriolanusx and live you yetx  xto valeriax  o my sweet ladyx
    pardonx
  volumniax i know not where to turnx
    ox welcome homex and welcomex generalx
    and yxare welcome allx
  meneniusx a hundred thousand welcomesx i could weep
    and i could laughx i am light and heavyx welcomex
    a curse begin at very root onxs heart
    that is not glad to see theex you are three
    that rome should dote onx yetx by the faith of menx
    we have some old crab trees here at home that will not
    be grafted to your relishx yet welcomex warriorsx
    we call a nettle but a nettlex and
    the faults of fools but follyx
  cominiusx ever rightx
  coriolanusx menenius everx everx
  heraldx give way therex and go onx
  coriolanusx  xto his wife and motherx  your handx and yoursx
    ere in our own house i do shade my headx
    the good patricians must be visitedx
    from whom i have receivxd not only greetingsx
    but with them change of honoursx
  volumniax i have lived
    to see inherited my very wishesx
    and the buildings of my fancyx only
    therexs one thing wantingx which i doubt not but
    our rome will cast upon theex
  coriolanusx knowx good motherx
    i had rather be their servant in my way
    than sway with them in theirsx
  cominiusx onx to the capitolx
                 xflourishx cornetsx exeunt in statex as beforex

                brutus and sicinius come forward

  brutusx all tongues speak of him and the bleared sights
    are spectacled to see himx your prattling nurse
    into a rapture lets her baby cry
    while she chats himx the kitchen malkin pins
    her richest lockram xbout her reechy neckx
    clambxring the walls to eye himx stallsx bulksx windowsx
    are smotherxd upx leads fillxd and ridges horsxd
    with variable complexionsx all agreeing
    in earnestness to see himx seldxshown flamens
    do press among the popular throngs and puff
    to win a vulgar stationx our veilxd dames
    commit the war of white and damask in
    their nicely gawded cheeks to thx wanton spoil
    of phoebusx burning kissesx such a potherx
    as if that whatsoever god who leads him
    were slily crept into his human powersx
    and gave him graceful posturex
  siciniusx on the sudden
    i warrant him consulx
  brutusx then our office may
    during his power go sleepx
  siciniusx he cannot tempxrately transport his honours
    from where he should begin and endx but will
    lose those he hath wonx
  brutusx in that therexs comfortx
  siciniusx doubt not
    the commonersx for whom we standx but they
    upon their ancient malice will forget
    with the least cause these his new honoursx which
    that he will give them make i as little question
    as he is proud to doxtx
  brutusx i heard him swearx
    were he to stand for consulx never would he
    appear ix thx marketxplacex nor on him put
    the napless vesture of humilityx
    norx showingx as the manner isx his wounds
    to thx peoplex beg their stinking breathsx
  siciniusx xtis rightx
  brutusx it was his wordx ox he would miss it rather
    than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him
    and the desire of the noblesx
  siciniusx i wish no better
    than have him hold that purposex and to put it
    in executionx
  brutusx xtis most like he willx
  siciniusx it shall be to him then as our good willsx
    a sure destructionx
  brutusx so it must fall out
    to him or our authoritiesx for an endx
    we must suggest the people in what hatred
    he still hath held themx that toxs power he would
    have made them mulesx silencxd their pleadersx and
    dispropertied their freedomsx holding them
    in human action and capacity
    of no more soul nor fitness for the world
    than camels in their warx who have their provand
    only for bearing burdensx and sore blows
    for sinking under themx
  siciniusx thisx as you sayx suggested
    at some time when his soaring insolence
    shall touch the peoplex which time shall not wantx
    if he be put uponxtx and thatxs as easy
    as to set dogs on sheepx will be his fire
    to kindle their dry stubblex and their blaze
    shall darken him for everx

                           enter a messenger

  brutusx whatxs the matterx
  messengerx you are sent for to the capitolx xtis thought
    that marcius shall be consulx
    i have seen the dumb men throng to see him and
    the blind to hear him speakx matrons flung glovesx
    ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchersx
    upon him as he passxdx the nobles bended
    as to jovexs statuex and the commons made
    a shower and thunder with their caps and shoutsx
    i never saw the likex
  brutusx letxs to the capitolx
    and carry with us ears and eyes for thx timex
    but hearts for the eventx
  siciniusx have with youx                                exeunt

scene iix romex the capitol

enter two officersx to lay cushionsx as it were in the capitol

  first officerx comex comex they are almost herex how many stand for
    consulshipsx
  second officerx threex they sayx but xtis thought of every one
    coriolanus will carry itx
  first officerx thatxs a brave fellowx but hexs vengeance proud and
    loves not the common peoplex
  second officerx faithx there have been many great men that have
    flatterxd the peoplex who nexer loved themx and there be many
    that they have lovedx they know not whereforex so thatx if they
    love they know not whyx they hate upon no better a groundx
    thereforex for coriolanus neither to care whether they love or
    hate him manifests the true knowledge he has in their
    dispositionx and out of his noble carelessness lets them plainly
    seextx
  first officerx if he did not care whether he had their love or nox
    he waved indifferently xtwixt doing them neither good nor harmx
    but he seeks their hate with greater devotion than they can
    render it himx and leaves nothing undone that may fully discover
    him their oppositex now to seem to affect the malice and
    displeasure of the people is as bad as that which he dislikesx to
    flatter them for their lovex
  second officerx he hath deserved worthily of his countryx and his
    ascent is not by such easy degrees as those whox having been
    supple and courteous to the peoplex bonnetedx without any further
    deed to have them at allx into their estimation and reportx but
    he hath so planted his honours in their eyes and his actions in
    their hearts that for their tongues to be silent and not confess
    so much were a kind of ingrateful injuryx to report otherwise
    were a malice thatx giving itself the liex would pluck reproof
    and rebuke from every car that heard itx
  first officerx no more of himx hexs a worthy manx make wayx they
    are comingx

         a sennetx enter the patricians and the tribunes
         of the peoplex lictors before themx coriolanusx
            meneniusx cominius the consulx sicinius and
               brutus take their places by themselvesx
                         coriolanus stands

  meneniusx having determinxd of the volscesx and
    to send for titus lartiusx it remainsx
    as the main point of this our afterxmeetingx
    to gratify his noble service that
    hath thus stood for his countryx therefore please youx
    most reverend and grave eldersx to desire
    the present consul and last general
    in our wellxfound successes to report
    a little of that worthy work performxd
    by caius marcius coriolanusx whom
    we met here both to thank and to remember
    with honours like himselfx                 xcoriolanus sitsx
  first senatorx speakx good cominiusx
    leave nothing out for lengthx and make us think
    rather our statexs defective for requital
    than we to stretch it outx masters ox thx peoplex
    we do request your kindest earsx andx afterx
    your loving motion toward the common bodyx
    to yield what passes herex
  siciniusx we are convented
    upon a pleasing treatyx and have hearts
    inclinable to honour and advance
    the theme of our assemblyx
  brutusx which the rather
    we shall be blessxd to dox if he remember
    a kinder value of the people than
    he hath hereto prizxd them atx
  meneniusx thatxs offx thatxs offx
    i would you rather had been silentx please you
    to hear cominius speakx
  brutusx most willinglyx
    but yet my caution was more pertinent
    than the rebuke you give itx
  meneniusx he loves your peoplex
    but tie him not to be their bedfellowx
    worthy cominiusx speakx
                       xcoriolanus risesx and offers to go awayx
    nayx keep your placex
  first senatorx sitx coriolanusx never shame to hear
    what you have nobly donex
  coriolanusx your honoursx pardonx
    i had rather have my wounds to heal again
    than hear say how i got themx
  brutusx sirx i hope
    my words disbenchxd you notx
  coriolanusx nox sirx yet oftx
    when blows have made me stayx i fled from wordsx
    you soothxd notx therefore hurt notx but your peoplex
    i love them as they weighx
  meneniusx pray nowx sit downx
  coriolanusx i had rather have one scratch my head ix thx sun
    when the alarum were struck than idly sit
    to hear my nothings monsterxdx                          exit
  meneniusx masters of the peoplex
    your multiplying spawn how can he flatterx
    thatxs thousand to one good onex when you now see
    he had rather venture all his limbs for honour
    than one onxs ears to hear itx proceedx cominiusx
  cominiusx i shall lack voicex the deeds of coriolanus
    should not be utterxd feeblyx it is held
    that valour is the chiefest virtue and
    most dignifies the haverx if it bex
    the man i speak of cannot in the world
    be singly counterpoisxdx at sixteen yearsx
    when tarquin made a head for romex he fought
    beyond the mark of othersx our then dictatorx
    whom with all praise i point atx saw him fight
    when with his amazonian chin he drove
    the bristled lips before himx he bestrid
    an oxerpressxd roman and ix thx consulxs view
    slew three opposersx tarquinxs self he metx
    and struck him on his kneex in that dayxs featsx
    when he might act the woman in the scenex
    he provxd best man ix thx fieldx and for his meed
    was browxbound with the oakx his pupil age
    manxentxred thusx he waxed like a seax
    and in the brunt of seventeen battles since
    he lurchxd all swords of the garlandx for this lastx
    before and in coriolix let me say
    i cannot speak him homex he stoppxd the fliersx
    and by his rare example made the coward
    turn terror into sportx as weeds before
    a vessel under sailx so men obeyxd
    and fell below his stemx his swordx deathxs stampx
    where it did markx it tookx from face to foot
    he was a thing of bloodx whose every motion
    was timxd with dying criesx alone he entxred
    the mortal gate of thx cityx which he painted
    with shunless destinyx aidless came offx
    and with a sudden rexenforcement struck
    corioli like a planetx now allxs hisx
    when by and by the din of war xgan pierce
    his ready sensex then straight his doubled spirit
    rexquickxned what in flesh was fatigatex
    and to the battle came hex where he did
    run reeking oxer the lives of menx as if
    xtwere a perpetual spoilx and till we callxd
    both field and city ours he never stood
    to ease his breast with pantingx
  meneniusx worthy manx
  first senatorx he cannot but with measure fit the honours
    which we devise himx
  cominiusx our spoils he kickxd atx
    and lookxd upon things precious as they were
    the common muck of the worldx he covets less
    than misery itself would givex rewards
    his deeds with doing themx and is content
    to spend the time to end itx
  meneniusx hexs right noblex
    let him be callxd forx
  first senatorx call coriolanusx
    officerx he doth appearx

                            rexenter coriolanus

  meneniusx the senatex coriolanusx are well pleasxd
    to make thee consulx
  coriolanusx i do owe them still
    my life and servicesx
  meneniusx it then remains
    that you do speak to the peoplex
  coriolanusx i do beseech you
    let me oxerleap that customx for i cannot
    put on the gownx stand nakedx and entreat them
    for my woundsx sake to give their suffragex please you
    that i may pass this doingx
  siciniusx sirx the people
    must have their voicesx neither will they bate
    one jot of ceremonyx
  meneniusx put them not toxtx
    pray you go fit you to the customx and
    take to youx as your predecessors havex
    your honour with your formx
  coriolanusx it is a part
    that i shall blush in actingx and might well
    be taken from the peoplex
  brutusx mark you thatx
  coriolanusx to brag unto them xthus i didx and thusxx
    show them thx unaching scars which i should hidex
    as if i had receivxd them for the hire
    of their breath onlyx
  meneniusx do not stand uponxtx
    we recommend to youx tribunes of the peoplex
    our purpose to themx and to our noble consul
    wish we all joy and honourx
  senatorsx to coriolanus come all joy and honourx
                             xflourishx cornetsx then exeunt all
                                        but sicinius and brutusx
  brutusx you see how he intends to use the peoplex
  siciniusx may they perceivexs intentx he will require them
    as if he did contemn what he requested
    should be in them to givex
  brutusx comex wexll inform them
    of our proceedings herex on thx marketxplace
    i know they do attend usx                             exeunt

scene iiix romex the forum

enter seven or eight citizens

  first citizenx oncex if he do require our voicesx we ought not to
    deny himx
  second citizenx we mayx sirx if we willx
  third citizenx we have power in ourselves to do itx but it is a
    power that we have no power to dox for if he show us his wounds
    and tell us his deedsx we are to put our tongues into those
    wounds and speak for themx sox if he tell us his noble deedsx we
    must also tell him our noble acceptance of themx ingratitude is
    monstrousx and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a
    monster of the multitudex of the which we being members should
    bring ourselves to be monstrous membersx
  first citizenx and to make us no better thought ofx a little help
    will servex for once we stood up about the cornx he himself stuck
    not to call us the manyxheaded multitudex
  third citizenx we have been callxd so of manyx not that our heads
    are some brownx some blackx some abramx some baldx but that our
    wits are so diversely colourxdx and truly i think if all our wits
    were to issue out of one skullx they would fly eastx westx northx
    southx and their consent of one direct way should be at once to
    all the points ox thx compassx
  second citizenx think you sox which way do you judge my wit would
    flyx
  third citizenx nayx your wit will not so soon out as another manxs
    willx xtis strongly wedgxd up in a blockxheadx but if it were at
    liberty xtwould sure southwardx
  second citizenx why that wayx
  third citizenx to lose itself in a fogx where being three parts
   melted away with rotten dewsx the fourth would return for
    consciencex sakex to help to get thee a wifex
  second citizenx you are never without your tricksx you mayx you
    mayx
  third citizenx are you all resolvxd to give your voicesx but thatxs
    no matterx the greater part carries itx i sayx if he would
    incline to the peoplex there was never a worthier manx

                enter coriolanusx in a gown of humilityx
                               with menenius

    here he comesx and in the gown of humilityx mark his behaviourx
    we are not to stay all togetherx but to come by him where he
    standsx by onesx by twosx and by threesx hexs to make his
    requests by particularsx wherein every one of us has a single
    honourx in giving him our own voices with our own tonguesx
    therefore follow mex and ixll direct you how you shall go by himx
  allx contentx contentx                         exeunt citizens
  meneniusx o sirx you are not rightx have you not known
    the worthiest men have donextx
  coriolanusx what must i sayx
    xi prayx sirxx plague uponxtx i cannot bring
    my tongue to such a pacex xlookx sirx my wounds
    i got them in my countryxs servicex when
    some certain of your brethren roarxd and ran
    from thx noise of our own drumsxx
  meneniusx o mex the godsx
    you must not speak of thatx you must desire them
    to think upon youx
  coriolanusx think upon mex hang xemx
    i would they would forget mex like the virtues
    which our divines lose by xemx
  meneniusx youxll mar allx
    ixll leave youx pray you speak to xemx i pray youx
    in wholesome mannerx                                    exit

                       rexenter three of the citizens

  coriolanusx bid them wash their faces
    and keep their teeth cleanx sox here comes a bracex
    you know the causex sirx of my standing herex
  third citizenx we dox sirx tell us what hath brought you toxtx
  coriolanusx mine own desertx
  second citizenx your own desertx
  coriolanusx ayx not mine own desirex
  third citizenx howx not your own desirex
  coriolanusx nox sirx xtwas never my desire yet to trouble the poor
    with beggingx
  third citizenx you must thinkx if we give you anythingx we hope to
    gain by youx
  coriolanusx well thenx i prayx your price ox thx consulshipx
  first citizenx the price is to ask it kindlyx
  coriolanusx kindlyx sirx i pray let me haxtx i have wounds to show
    youx which shall be yours in privatex your good voicex sirx what
    say youx
  second citizenx you shall hax itx worthy sirx
  coriolanusx a matchx sirx therexs in all two worthy voices beggxdx
    i have your almsx adieux
  third citizenx but this is something oddx
  second citizenx an xtwere to give againx but xtis no matterx
                                       exeunt the three citizens

                      rexenter two other citizens

  coriolanusx pray you nowx if it may stand with the tune of your
    voices that i may be consulx i have here the customary gownx
  fourth citizenx you have deserved nobly of your countryx and you
    have not deserved noblyx
  coriolanusx your enigmax
  fourth citizenx you have been a scourge to her enemiesx you have
    been a rod to her friendsx you have not indeed loved the common
    peoplex
  coriolanusx you should account me the more virtuousx that i have
    not been common in my lovex i willx sirx flatter my sworn
    brotherx the peoplex to earn a dearer estimation of themx xtis a
    condition they account gentlex and since the wisdom of their
    choice is rather to have my hat than my heartx i will practise
    the insinuating nod and be off to them most counterfeitlyx that
    isx sirx i will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man
    and give it bountiful to the desirersx thereforex beseech you i
    may be consulx
  fifth citizenx we hope to find you our friendx and therefore give
    you our voices heartilyx
  fourth citizenx you have received many wounds for your countryx
  coriolanusx i will not seal your knowledge with showing themx i
    will make much of your voicesx and so trouble you no fartherx
  both citizensx the gods give you joyx sirx heartilyx
                                                 exeunt citizens
  coriolanusx most sweet voicesx
    better it is to diex better to starvex
    than crave the hire which first we do deservex
    why in this wolvish toge should i stand here
    to beg of hob and dick that do appear
    their needless vouchesx custom calls me toxtx
    what custom willsx in all things should we doxtx
    the dust on antique time would lie unsweptx
    and mountainous error be too highly heapxd
    for truth to oxerpeerx rather than fool it sox
    let the high office and the honour go
    to one that would do thusx i am half throughx
    the one part sufferedx the other will i dox

                      rexenter three citizens more

    here come moe voicesx
    your voicesx for your voices i have foughtx
    watchxd for your voicesx for your voices bear
    of wounds two dozen oddx battles thrice six
    i have seen and heard ofx for your voices have
    done many thingsx some lessx some morex your voicesx
    indeedx i would be consulx
  sixth citizenx he has done noblyx and cannot go without any honest
    manxs voicex
  seventh citizenx therefore let him be consulx the gods give him
    joyx and make him good friend to the peoplex
  allx amenx amenx god save theex noble consulx
                                                 exeunt citizens
  coriolanusx worthy voicesx

             rexenter menenius with brutus and sicinius

  meneniusx you have stood your limitationx and the tribunes
    endue you with the peoplexs voicex remains
    thatx in thx official marks investedx you
    anon do meet the senatex
  coriolanusx is this donex
  siciniusx the custom of request you have dischargxdx
    the people do admit youx and are summonxd
    to meet anonx upon your approbationx
  coriolanusx wherex at the senate housex
  siciniusx therex coriolanusx
  coriolanusx may i change these garmentsx
  siciniusx you mayx sirx
  coriolanusx that ixll straight dox andx knowing myself againx
    repair to thx senate housex
  meneniusx ixll keep you companyx will you alongx
  brutusx we stay here for the peoplex
  siciniusx fare you wellx
                                  exeunt coriolanus and menenius
    he has it nowx and by his looks methinks
    xtis warm atxs heartx
  brutusx with a proud heart he wore
    his humble weedsx will you dismiss the peoplex

                            rexenter citizens

  siciniusx how nowx my mastersx have you chose this manx
  first citizenx he has our voicesx sirx
  brutusx we pray the gods he may deserve your lovesx
  second citizenx amenx sirx to my poor unworthy noticex
    he mockxd us when he beggxd our voicesx
  third citizenx certainlyx
    he flouted us downrightx
  first citizenx nox xtis his kind of speechx he did not mock usx
  second citizenx not one amongst usx save yourselfx but says
    he usxd us scornfullyx he should have showxd us
    his marks of meritx wounds receivxd forxs countryx
  siciniusx whyx so he didx i am surex
  allx nox nox no man saw xemx
  third citizenx he said he had wounds which he could show in
      privatex
    and with his hatx thus waving it in scornx
    xi would be consulxx says hex xaged custom
    but by your voices will not so permit mex
    your voices thereforexx when we granted thatx
    here was xi thank you for your voicesx thank youx
    your most sweet voicesx now you have left your voicesx
    i have no further with youxx was not this mockeryx
  siciniusx why either were you ignorant to seextx
    orx seeing itx of such childish friendliness
    to yield your voicesx
  brutusx could you not have told himx
    as you were lessonxdx when he had no power
    but was a petty servant to the statex
    he was your enemyx ever spake against
    your liberties and the charters that you bear
    ix thx body of the wealx and nowx arriving
    a place of potency and sway ox thx statex
    if he should still malignantly remain
    fast foe to thx plebeiix your voices might
    be curses to yourselvesx you should have said
    that as his worthy deeds did claim no less
    than what he stood forx so his gracious nature
    would think upon you for your voicesx and
    translate his malice towards you into lovex
    standing your friendly lordx
  siciniusx thus to have saidx
    as you were forexadvisxdx had touchxd his spirit
    and tried his inclinationx from him pluckxd
    either his gracious promisex which you mightx
    as cause had callxd you upx have held him tox
    or else it would have gallxd his surly naturex
    which easily endures not article
    tying him to aughtx sox putting him to ragex
    you should have taxen thx advantage of his choler
    and passxd him unelectedx
  brutusx did you perceive
    he did solicit you in free contempt
    when he did need your lovesx and do you think
    that his contempt shall not be bruising to you
    when he hath power to crushx whyx had your bodies
    no heart among youx or had you tongues to cry
    against the rectorship of judgmentx
  siciniusx have you
    ere now denied the askerx and now againx
    of him that did not ask but mockx bestow
    your suxdxfor tonguesx
  third citizenx hexs not confirmxdx we may deny him yetx
  second citizensx and will deny himx
    ixll have five hundred voices of that soundx
  first citizenx i twice five hundredx and their friends to piece
    xemx
  brutusx get you hence instantlyx and tell those friends
    they have chose a consul that will from them take
    their libertiesx make them of no more voice
    than dogsx that are as often beat for barking
    as therefore kept to do sox
  siciniusx let them assemblex
    andx on a safer judgmentx all revoke
    your ignorant electionx enforce his pride
    and his old hate unto youx besidesx forget not
    with what contempt he wore the humble weedx
    how in his suit he scornxd youx but your lovesx
    thinking upon his servicesx took from you
    thx apprehension of his present portancex
    whichx most gibinglyx ungravelyx he did fashion
    after the inveterate hate he bears youx
  brutusx lay
    a fault on usx your tribunesx that we labourxdx
    no impediment betweenx but that you must
    cast your election on himx
  siciniusx say you chose him
    more after our commandment than as guided
    by your own true affectionsx and that your mindsx
    prexoccupied with what you rather must do
    than what you shouldx made you against the grain
    to voice him consulx lay the fault on usx
  brutusx ayx spare us notx say we read lectures to youx
    how youngly he began to serve his countryx
    how long continuedx and what stock he springs ofx
    the noble house ox thx marciansx from whence came
    that ancus marciusx numaxs daughterxs sonx
    whox after great hostiliusx here was kingx
    of the same house publius and quintus werex
    that our best water brought by conduits hitherx
    and censorinusx nobly named sox
    twice being by the people chosen censorx
    was his great ancestorx
  siciniusx one thus descendedx
    that hath beside well in his person wrought
    to be set high in placex we did commend
    to your remembrancesx but you have foundx
    scaling his present bearing with his pastx
    that hexs your fixed enemyx and revoke
    your sudden approbationx
  brutusx say you nexer had donextx
    harp on that stillx but by our putting onx
    and presentlyx when you have drawn your numberx
    repair to thx capitolx
  citizensx will will sox almost all
    repent in their electionx                   exeunt plebeians
  brutusx let them go onx
    this mutiny were better put in hazard
    than stayx past doubtx for greaterx
    ifx as his nature isx he fall in rage
    with their refusalx both observe and answer
    the vantage of his angerx
  siciniusx to thx capitolx comex
    we will be there before the stream ox thx peoplex
    and this shall seemx as partly xtisx their ownx
    which we have goaded onwardx                          exeunt

act iiix scene ix romex a street

cornetsx enter coriolanusx meneniusx all the gentryx cominiusx
titus lartiusx and other senators

  coriolanusx tullus aufidiusx thenx had made new headx
  lartiusx he hadx my lordx and that it was which causxd
    our swifter compositionx
  coriolanusx so then the volsces stand but as at firstx
    readyx when time shall prompt themx to make road
    uponxs againx
  cominiusx they are wornx lord consulx so
    that we shall hardly in our ages see
    their banners wave againx
  coriolanusx saw you aufidiusx
  lartiusx on safeguard he came to mex and did curse
    against the volscesx for they had so vilely
    yielded the townx he is retirxd to antiumx
  coriolanusx spoke he of mex
  lartiusx he didx my lordx
  coriolanusx howx whatx
  lartiusx how often he had met youx sword to swordx
    that of all things upon the earth he hated
    your person mostx that he would pawn his fortunes
    to hopeless restitutionx so he might
    be callxd your vanquisherx
  coriolanusx at antium lives hex
  lartiusx at antiumx
  coriolanusx i wish i had a cause to seek him therex
    to oppose his hatred fullyx welcome homex

                       enter sicinius and brutus

    beholdx these are the tribunes of the peoplex
    the tongues ox thx common mouthx i do despise themx
    for they do prank them in authorityx
    against all noble sufferancex
  siciniusx pass no furtherx
  coriolanusx hax what is thatx
  brutusx it will be dangerous to go onx no furtherx
  coriolanusx what makes this changex
  meneniusx the matterx
  cominiusx hath he not passxd the noble and the commonx
  brutusx cominiusx nox
  coriolanusx have i had childrenxs voicesx
  first senatorx tribunesx give wayx he shall to thx marketxplacex
  brutusx the people are incensxd against himx
  siciniusx stopx
    or all will fall in broilx
  coriolanusx are these your herdx
    must these have voicesx that can yield them now
    and straight disclaim their tonguesx what are your officesx
    you being their mouthsx why rule you not their teethx
    have you not set them onx
  meneniusx be calmx be calmx
  coriolanusx it is a purposxd thingx and grows by plotx
    to curb the will of the nobilityx
    sufferxtx and live with such as cannot rule
    nor ever will be rulxdx
  brutusx callxt not a plotx
    the people cry you mockxd themx and of latex
    when corn was given them gratisx you repinxdx
    scandalxd the suppliants for the peoplex callxd them
    timexpleasersx flatterersx foes to noblenessx
  coriolanusx whyx this was known beforex
  brutusx not to them allx
  coriolanusx have you informxd them sithencex
  brutusx howx i inform themx
  cominiusx you are like to do such businessx
  brutusx not unlike
    each way to better yoursx
  coriolanusx why then should i be consulx by yond cloudsx
    let me deserve so ill as youx and make me
    your fellow tribunex
  siciniusx you show too much of that
    for which the people stirx if you will pass
    to where you are boundx you must enquire your wayx
    which you are out ofx with a gentler spiritx
    or never be so noble as a consulx
    nor yoke with him for tribunex
  meneniusx letxs be calmx
  cominiusx the people are abusxdx set onx this paltxring
    becomes not romex nor has coriolanus
    deserved this so dishonourxd rubx laid falsely
    ix thx plain way of his meritx
  coriolanusx tell me of cornx
    this was my speechx and i will speakxt againx
  meneniusx not nowx not nowx
  first senatorx not in this heatx sirx nowx
  coriolanusx nowx as i livex i willx
    my nobler friendsx i crave their pardonsx
    for the mutablex rankxscented meinyx let them
    regard me as i do not flatterx and
    therein behold themselvesx i say againx
    in soothing them we nourish xgainst our senate
    the cockle of rebellionx insolencex seditionx
    which we ourselves have ploughxd forx sowxdx and scatterxdx
    by mingling them with usx the honourxd numberx
    who lack not virtuex nox nor powerx but that
    which they have given to beggarsx
  meneniusx wellx no morex
  first senatorx no more wordsx we beseech youx
  coriolanusx howx no morex
    as for my country i have shed my bloodx
    not fearing outward forcex so shall my lungs
    coin words till their decay against those measles
    which we disdain should tetter usx yet sought
    the very way to catch themx
  brutusx you speak ox thx people
    as if you were a godx to punishx not
    a man of their infirmityx
  siciniusx xtwere well
    we let the people knowxtx
  meneniusx whatx whatx his cholerx
  coriolanusx cholerx
    were i as patient as the midnight sleepx
    by jovex xtwould be my mindx
  siciniusx it is a mind
    that shall remain a poison where it isx
    not poison any furtherx
  coriolanusx shall remainx
    hear you this triton of the minnowsx mark you
    his absolute xshallxx
  cominiusx xtwas from the canonx
  coriolanusx xshallxx
    o good but most unwise patriciansx whyx
    you grave but reckless senatorsx have you thus
    given hydra here to choose an officer
    that with his peremptory xshallxx being but
    the horn and noise ox thx monsterxsx wants not spirit
    to say hexll turn your current in a ditchx
    and make your channel hisx if he have powerx
    then vail your ignorancex if nonex awake
    your dangerous lenityx if you are learnxdx
    be not as common foolsx if you are notx
    let them have cushions by youx you are plebeiansx
    if they be senatorsx and they are no lessx
    whenx both your voices blendedx the greatxst taste
    most palates theirsx they choose their magistratex
    and such a one as hex who puts his xshallxx
    his popular xshallxx against a graver bench
    than ever frownxd in greecex by jove himselfx
    it makes the consuls basex and my soul aches
    to knowx when two authorities are upx
    neither supremex how soon confusion
    may enter xtwixt the gap of both and take
    the one by thx otherx
  cominiusx wellx on to thx marketxplacex
  coriolanusx whoever gave that counsel to give forth
    the corn ox thx storehouse gratisx as xtwas usxd
    sometime in greecex
  meneniusx wellx wellx no more of thatx
  coriolanusx though there the people had more absolute powxrx
    i say they nourishxd disobediencex fed
    the ruin of the statex
  brutusx why shall the people give
    one that speaks thus their voicex
  coriolanusx ixll give my reasonsx
    more worthier than their voicesx they know the corn
    was not our recompensex resting well assurxd
    they nexer did service forxtx being pressxd to thx war
    even when the navel of the state was touchxdx
    they would not thread the gatesx this kind of service
    did not deserve corn gratisx being ix thx warx
    their mutinies and revoltsx wherein they showxd
    most valourx spoke not for themx thx accusation
    which they have often made against the senatex
    all cause unbornx could never be the native
    of our so frank donationx wellx what thenx
    how shall this bosom multiplied digest
    the senatexs courtesyx let deeds express
    whatxs like to be their wordsx xwe did request itx
    we are the greater pollx and in true fear
    they gave us our demandsxx thus we debase
    the nature of our seatsx and make the rabble
    call our cares fearsx which will in time
    break ope the locks ox thx senate and bring in
    the crows to peck the eaglesx
  meneniusx comex enoughx
  brutusx enoughx with over measurex
  coriolanusx nox take morex
    what may be sworn byx both divine and humanx
    seal what i end withalx this double worshipx
    where one part does disdain with causex the other
    insult without all reasonx where gentryx titlex wisdomx
    cannot conclude but by the yea and no
    of general ignorancex it must omit
    real necessitiesx and give way the while
    to unstable slightnessx purpose so barrxdx it follows
    nothing is done to purposex thereforex beseech youx
    you that will be less fearful than discreetx
    that love the fundamental part of state
    more than you doubt the change onxtx that prefer
    a noble life before a longx and wish
    to jump a body with a dangerous physic
    thatxs sure of death without itx at once pluck out
    the multitudinous tonguex let them not lick
    the sweet which is their poisonx your dishonour
    mangles true judgmentx and bereaves the state
    of that integrity which should becomextx
    not having the power to do the good it wouldx
    for thx ill which doth controlxtx
  brutusx has said enoughx
  siciniusx has spoken like a traitor and shall answer
    as traitors dox
  coriolanusx thou wretchx despite oxerwhelm theex
    what should the people do with these bald tribunesx
    on whom dependingx their obedience fails
    to the greater benchx in a rebellionx
    when whatxs not meetx but what must bex was lawx
    then were they chosenx in a better hour
    let what is meet be said it must be meetx
    and throw their power ix thx dustx
  brutusx manifest treasonx
  siciniusx this a consulx nox
  brutusx the aedilesx hox

                           enter an aedile

    let him be apprehendedx
  siciniusx go call the peoplex  xexit aedilex  in whose name myself
    attach thee as a traitorous innovatorx
    a foe to thx public wealx obeyx i charge theex
    and follow to thine answerx
  coriolanusx hencex old goatx
  patriciansx wexll surety himx
  cominiusx agxd sirx hands offx
  coriolanusx hencex rotten thingx or i shall shake thy bones
    out of thy garmentsx
  siciniusx helpx ye citizensx

              enter a rabble of plebeiansx with the aediles

  meneniusx on both sides more respectx
  siciniusx herexs he that would take from you all your powerx
  brutusx seize himx aedilesx
    plebeiansx down with himx down with himx
  second senatorx weaponsx weaponsx weaponsx
                              xthey all bustle about coriolanusx
  allx tribunesx patriciansx citizensx whatx hox siciniusx
    brutusx coriolanusx citizensx
  patriciansx peacex peacex peacex stayx holdx peacex
  meneniusx what is about to bex i am out of breathx
    confusionxs nearx i cannot speakx you tribunes
    to thx peoplex coriolanusx patiencex
    speakx good siciniusx
  siciniusx hear mex peoplex peacex
  plebeiansx letxs hear our tribunex peacex speakx speakx speakx
  siciniusx you are at point to lose your libertiesx
    marcius would have all from youx marciusx
    whom late you have namxd for consulx
  meneniusx fiex fiex fiex
    this is the way to kindlex not to quenchx
  first senatorx to unbuild the cityx and to lay all flatx
  siciniusx what is the city but the peoplex
  plebeiansx truex
    the people are the cityx
  brutusx by the consent of all we were establishxd
    the peoplexs magistratesx
  plebeiansx you so remainx
  meneniusx and so are like to dox
  cominiusx that is the way to lay the city flatx
    to bring the roof to the foundationx
    and bury all which yet distinctly ranges
    in heaps and piles of ruinx
  siciniusx this deserves deathx
  brutusx or let us stand to our authority
    or let us lose itx we do here pronouncex
    upon the part ox thx peoplex in whose power
    we were elected theirsx marcius is worthy
    of present deathx
  siciniusx therefore lay hold of himx
    bear him to thx rock tarpeianx and from thence
    into destruction cast himx
  brutusx aedilesx seize himx
  plebeiansx yieldx marciusx yieldx
  meneniusx hear me one wordx beseech youx tribunesx
    hear me but a wordx
  aedilesx peacex peacex
  meneniusx be that you seemx truly your countryxs friendx
    and tempxrately proceed to what you would
    thus violently redressx
  brutusx sirx those cold waysx
    that seem like prudent helpsx are very poisonous
    where the disease is violentx lay hands upon him
    and bear him to the rockx
                                    xcoriolanus draws his swordx
  coriolanusx nox ixll die herex
    therexs some among you have beheld me fightingx
    comex try upon yourselves what you have seen mex
  meneniusx down with that swordx tribunesx withdraw awhilex
  brutusx lay hands upon himx
  meneniusx help marciusx helpx
    you that be noblex help himx young and oldx
  plebeiansx down with himx down with himx
                      xin this mutiny the tribunesx the aedilesx
                                     and the people are beat inx
  meneniusx gox get you to your housex be gonex awayx
    all will be nought elsex
  second senatorx get you gonex
  coriolanusx stand fastx
    we have as many friends as enemiesx
  meneniusx shall it be put to thatx
  first senatorx the gods forbidx
    i pritheex noble friendx home to thy housex
    leave us to cure this causex
  meneniusx for xtis a sore upon us
    you cannot tent yourselfx be gonex beseech youx
  cominiusx comex sirx along with usx
  coriolanusx i would they were barbariansx as they arex
    though in rome litterxdx not romansx as they are notx
    though calved ix thx porch ox thx capitolx
  meneniusx be gonex
    put not your worthy rage into your tonguex
    one time will owe anotherx
  coriolanusx on fair ground
    i could beat forty of themx
  meneniusx i could myself
    take up a brace ox thx best of themx yeax the two tribunesx
  cominiusx but now xtis odds beyond arithmeticx
    and manhood is callxd foolery when it stands
    against a falling fabricx will you hencex
    before the tag returnx whose rage doth rend
    like interrupted watersx and oxerbear
    what they are usxd to bearx
  meneniusx pray you be gonex
    ixll try whether my old wit be in request
    with those that have but littlex this must be patchxd
    with cloth of any colourx
  cominiusx nayx come awayx
                     exeunt coriolanus and cominiusx with others
  patriciansx this man has marrxd his fortunex
  meneniusx his nature is too noble for the worldx
    he would not flatter neptune for his tridentx
    or jove forxs power to thunderx his heartxs his mouthx
    what his breast forgesx that his tongue must ventx
    andx being angryx does forget that ever
    he heard the name of deathx                 xa noise withinx
    herexs goodly workx
  patriciansx i would they were axbedx
  meneniusx i would they were in tiberx
    what the vengeancex could he not speak xem fairx

            rexenter brutus and siciniusx the rabble again

  siciniusx where is this viper
    that would depopulate the city and
    be every man himselfx
  meneniusx you worthy tribunesx
  siciniusx he shall be thrown down the tarpeian rock
    with rigorous handsx he hath resisted lawx
    and therefore law shall scorn him further trial
    than the severity of the public powerx
    which he so sets at noughtx
  first citizenx he shall well know
    the noble tribunes are the peoplexs mouthsx
    and we their handsx
  plebeiansx he shallx sure onxtx
  meneniusx sirx sirx
  siciniusx peacex
  meneniusx do not cry havocx where you should but hunt
    with modest warrantx
  siciniusx sirx how comesxt that you
    have holp to make this rescuex
  meneniusx hear me speakx
    as i do know the consulxs worthinessx
    so can i name his faultsx
  siciniusx consulx what consulx
  meneniusx the consul coriolanusx
  brutusx he consulx
  plebeiansx nox nox nox nox nox
  meneniusx ifx by the tribunesx leavex and yoursx good peoplex
    i may be heardx i would crave a word or twox
    the which shall turn you to no further harm
    than so much loss of timex
  siciniusx speak brieflyx thenx
    for we are peremptory to dispatch
    this viperous traitorx to eject him hence
    were but one dangerx and to keep him here
    our certain deathx therefore it is decreed
    he dies toxnightx
  meneniusx now the good gods forbid
    that our renowned romex whose gratitude
    towards her deserved children is enrollxd
    in jovexs own bookx like an unnatural dam
    should now eat up her ownx
  siciniusx hexs a disease that must be cut awayx
  meneniusx ox hexs a limb that has but a diseasex
    mortalx to cut it offx to cure itx easyx
    what has he done to rome thatxs worthy deathx
    killing our enemiesx the blood he hath lostx
    which i dare vouch is more than that he hath
    by many an ouncex he dropt it for his countryx
    and what is leftx to lose it by his country
    were to us all that doxt and suffer it
    a brand to thx end ox thx worldx
  siciniusx this is clean kamx
  brutusx merely awryx when he did love his countryx
    it honourxd himx
  siciniusx the service of the footx
    being once gangrenxdx is not then respected
    for what before it wasx
  brutusx wexll hear no morex
    pursue him to his house and pluck him thencex
    lest his infectionx being of catching naturex
    spread furtherx
  meneniusx one word morex one word
    this tigerxfooted ragex when it shall find
    the harm of unscannxd swiftnessx willx too latex
    tie leaden pounds toxs heelsx proceed by processx
    lest partiesx as he is belovxdx break outx
    and sack great rome with romansx
  brutusx if it were sox
  siciniusx what do ye talkx
    have we not had a taste of his obediencex
    our aediles smotex ourselves resistedx comex
  meneniusx consider thisx he has been bred ix thx wars
    since xa could draw a swordx and is ill schoolxd
    in bolted languagex meal and bran together
    he throws without distinctionx give me leavex
    ixll go to him and undertake to bring him
    where he shall answer by a lawful formx
    in peacex to his utmost perilx
  first senatorx noble tribunesx
    it is the humane wayx the other course
    will prove too bloodyx and the end of it
    unknown to the beginningx
  siciniusx noble meneniusx
    be you then as the peoplexs officerx
    mastersx lay down your weaponsx
  brutusx go not homex
  siciniusx meet on the marketxplacex wexll attend you therex
    wherex if you bring not marciusx wexll proceed
    in our first wayx
  meneniusx ixll bring him to youx
    xto the senatorsx  let me desire your companyx he must comex
    or what is worst will followx
  first senatorx pray you letxs to himx                   exeunt

scene iix romex the house of coriolanus

enter coriolanus with nobles

  coriolanusx let them pull all about mine earsx present me
    death on the wheel or at wild horsesx heelsx
    or pile ten hills on the tarpeian rockx
    that the precipitation might down stretch
    below the beam of sightx yet will i still
    be thus to themx
  first patricianx you do the noblerx
  coriolanusx i muse my mother
    does not approve me furtherx who was wont
    to call them woollen vassalsx things created
    to buy and sell with groatsx to show bare heads
    in congregationsx to yawnx be stillx and wonderx
    when one but of my ordinance stood up
    to speak of peace or warx

                          enter volumnia

    i talk of youx
    why did you wish me milderx would you have me
    false to my naturex rather say i play
    the man i amx
  volumniax ox sirx sirx sirx
    i would have had you put your power well on
    before you had worn it outx
  coriolanusx let gox
  volumniax you might have been enough the man you are
    with striving less to be sox lesser had been
    the thwartings of your dispositionsx if
    you had not showxd them how ye were disposxdx
    ere they lackxd power to cross youx
  coriolanusx let them hangx
  volumniax ayx and burn toox

                    enter menenius with the senators

  meneniusx comex comex you have been too roughx something too roughx
    you must return and mend itx
  first senatorx therexs no remedyx
    unlessx by not so doingx our good city
    cleave in the midst and perishx
  volumniax pray be counsellxdx
    i have a heart as little apt as yoursx
    but yet a brain that leads my use of anger
    to better vantagex
  meneniusx well saidx noble womanx
    before he should thus stoop to thx herdx but that
    the violent fit ox thx time craves it as physic
    for the whole statex i would put mine armour onx
    which i can scarcely bearx
  coriolanusx what must i dox
  meneniusx return to thx tribunesx
  coriolanusx wellx what thenx what thenx
  meneniusx repent what you have spokex
  coriolanusx for themx i cannot do it to the godsx
    must i then doxt to themx
  volumniax you are too absolutex
    though therein you can never be too noble
    but when extremities speakx i have heard you say
    honour and policyx like unseverxd friendsx
    ix thx war do grow togetherx grant thatx and tell me
    in peace what each of them by thx other lose
    that they combine not therex
  coriolanusx tushx tushx
  meneniusx a good demandx
  volumniax if it be honour in your wars to seem
    the same you are notx which for your best ends
    you adopt your policyx how is it less or worse
    that it shall hold companionship in peace
    with honour as in warx since that to both
    it stands in like requestx
  coriolanusx why force you thisx
  volumniax because that now it lies you on to speak
    to thx peoplex not by your own instructionx
    nor by thx matter which your heart prompts youx
    but with such words that are but roted in
    your tonguex though but bastards and syllables
    of no allowance to your bosomxs truthx
    nowx this no more dishonours you at all
    than to take in a town with gentle wordsx
    which else would put you to your fortune and
    the hazard of much bloodx
    i would dissemble with my nature where
    my fortunes and my friends at stake requirxd
    i should do so in honourx i am in this
    your wifex your sonx these senatorsx the noblesx
    and you will rather show our general louts
    how you can frownx than spend a fawn upon xem
    for the inheritance of their loves and safeguard
    of what that want might ruinx
  meneniusx noble ladyx
    comex go with usx speak fairx you may salve sox
    not what is dangerous presentx but the los
    of what is pastx
  volumniax i prithee nowx my sonx
    go to them with this bonnet in thy handx
    and thus far having stretchxd itx here be with themx
    thy knee bussing the stonesx for in such busines
    action is eloquencex and the eyes of thx ignorant
    more learned than the earsx waving thy headx
    which often thus correcting thyxstout heartx
    now humble as the ripest mulberry
    that will not hold the handlingx or say to them
    thou art their soldier andx being bred in broilsx
    hast not the soft way whichx thou dost confessx
    were fit for thee to usex as they to claimx
    in asking their good lovesx but thou wilt frame
    thyselfx forsoothx hereafter theirsx so far
    as thou hast power and personx
  meneniusx this but done
    even as she speaksx whyx their hearts were yoursx
    for they have pardonsx being askxdx as free
    as words to little purposex
  volumniax prithee nowx
    gox and be rulxdx although i know thou hadst rather
    follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf
    than flatter him in a bowerx

                           enter cominius

    here is cominiusx
  cominiusx i have been ix thx marketxplacex andx sirx xtis fit
    you make strong partyx or defend yourself
    by calmness or by absencex allxs in angerx
  meneniusx only fair speechx
  cominiusx i think xtwill servex if he
    can thereto frame his spiritx
  volumniax he must and willx
    prithee nowx say you willx and go about itx
  coriolanusx must i go show them my unbarbxd sconcex must i
    with my base tongue give to my noble heart
    a lie that it must bearx wellx i will doxtx
    yetx were there but this single plot to losex
    this mould of marciusx they to dust should grind itx
    and throwxt against the windx to thx marketxplacex
    you have put me now to such a part which never
    i shall discharge to thx lifex
  cominiusx comex comex wexll prompt youx
  volumniax i prithee nowx sweet sonx as thou hast said
    my praises made thee first a soldierx sox
    to have my praise for thisx perform a part
    thou hast not done beforex
  coriolanusx wellx i must doxtx
    awayx my dispositionx and possess me
    some harlotxs spiritx my throat of war be turnxdx
    which quierxd with my drumx into a pipe
    small as an eunuch or the virgin voice
    that babies lulls asleepx the smiles of knaves
    tent in my cheeksx and schoolboysx tears take up
    the glasses of my sightx a beggarxs tongue
    make motion through my lipsx and my armxd kneesx
    who bowxd but in my stirrupx bend like his
    that hath receivxd an almsx i will not doxtx
    lest i surcease to honour mine own truthx
    and by my bodyxs action teach my mind
    a most inherent basenessx
  volumniax at thy choicex thenx
    to beg of theex it is my more dishonour
    than thou of themx come all to ruinx let
    thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear
    thy dangerous stoutnessx for i mock at death
    with as big heart as thoux do as thou listx
    thy valiantness was minex thou suckxdst it from mex
    but owe thy pride thyselfx
  coriolanusx pray be contentx
    motherx i am going to the marketxplacex
    chide me no morex ixll mountebank their lovesx
    cog their hearts from themx and come home belovxd
    of all the trades in romex lookx i am goingx
    commend me to my wifex ixll return consulx
    or never trust to what my tongue can do
    ix thx way of flattery furtherx
  volumniax do your willx                                   exit
  cominiusx awayx the tribunes do attend youx arm yourself
    to answer mildlyx for they are preparxd
    with accusationsx as i hearx more strong
    than are upon you yetx
  coriolanusx the word is xmildlyxx pray you let us gox
    let them accuse me by inventionx i
    will answer in mine honourx
  meneniusx ayx but mildlyx
  coriolanusx wellx mildly be it thenx mildlyx            exeunt

scene iiix romex the forum

enter sicinius and brutus

  brutusx in this point charge him homex that he affects
    tyrannical powerx if he evade us therex
    enforce him with his envy to the peoplex
    and that the spoil got on the antiates
    was nexer distributedx

                           enter an aedile

    whatx will he comex
  aedilex hexs comingx
  brutusx how accompaniedx
  aedilex with old meneniusx and those senators
    that always favourxd himx
  siciniusx have you a catalogue
    of all the voices that we have procurxdx
    set down by thx pollx
  aedilex i havex xtis readyx
  siciniusx have you corrected them by tribesx
  aedilex i havex
  siciniusx assemble presently the people hitherx
    and when they hear me say xit shall be so
    ix thx right and strength ox thx commonsx be it either
    for deathx for finex or banishmentx then let themx
    if i say finex cry xfinexxx if deathx cry xdeathxx
    insisting on the old prerogative
    and power ix thx truth ox thx causex
  aedilex i shall inform themx
  brutusx and when such time they have begun to cryx
    let them not ceasex but with a din confusxd
    enforce the present execution
    of what we chance to sentencex
  aedilex very wellx
  siciniusx make them be strongx and ready for this hintx
    when we shall hap to givext themx
  brutusx go about itx                               exit aedile
    put him to choler straightx he hath been usxd
    ever to conquerx and to have his worth
    of contradictionx being once chafxdx he cannot
    be reinxd again to temperancex then he speaks
    whatxs in his heartx and that is there which looks
    with us to break his neckx

          enter coriolanusx menenius and cominiusx with others

  siciniusx wellx here he comesx
  meneniusx calmlyx i do beseech youx
  coriolanusx ayx as an ostlerx that for thx poorest piece
    will bear the knave by thx volumex thx honourxd gods
    keep rome in safetyx and the chairs of justice
    supplied with worthy menx plant love amongxsx
    throng our large temples with the shows of peacex
    and not our streets with warx
  first senatorx amenx amenx
  meneniusx a noble wishx

                  rexenter thexaedilexwith the plebeians

  siciniusx draw nearx ye peoplex
  aedilex list to your tribunesx audiencex peacex i sayx
  coriolanusx firstx hear me speakx
  both tribunesx wellx sayx peacex hox
  coriolanusx shall i be chargxd no further than this presentx
    must all determine herex
  siciniusx i do demandx
    if you submit you to the peoplexs voicesx
    allow their officersx and are content
    to suffer lawful censure for such faults
    as shall be provxd upon youx
  coriolanusx i am contentx
  meneniusx lox citizensx he says he is contentx
    the warlike service he has donex considerx think
    upon the wounds his body bearsx which show
    like graves ix thx holy churchyardx
  coriolanusx scratches with briersx
    scars to move laughter onlyx
  meneniusx consider furtherx
    that when he speaks not like a citizenx
    you find him like a soldierx do not take
    his rougher accents for malicious soundsx
    butx as i sayx such as become a soldier
    rather than envy youx
  cominiusx wellx wellx no morex
  coriolanusx what is the matterx
    that being passxd for consul with full voicex
    i am so dishonourxd that the very hour
    you take it off againx
  siciniusx answer to usx
  coriolanusx say thenx xtis truex i ought sox
  siciniusx we charge you that you have contrivxd to take
    from rome all seasonxd officex and to wind
    yourself into a power tyrannicalx
    for which you are a traitor to the peoplex
  coriolanusx howx traitorx
  meneniusx nayx temperatelyx your promisex
  coriolanusx the fires ix thx lowest hell fold in the peoplex
    call me their traitorx thou injurious tribunex
    within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deathsx
    in thy hands clutchxd as many millionsx in
    thy lying tongue both numbersx i would say
    xthou liestx unto thee with a voice as free
    as i do pray the godsx
  siciniusx mark you thisx peoplex
  plebeiansx to thx rockx to thx rockx with himx
  siciniusx peacex
    we need not put new matter to his chargex
    what you have seen him do and heard him speakx
    beating your officersx cursing yourselvesx
    opposing laws with strokesx and here defying
    those whose great power must try himx even thisx
    so criminal and in such capital kindx
    deserves thx extremest deathx
  brutusx but since he hath
    servxd well for romex
  coriolanusx what do you prate of servicex
  brutusx i talk of that that know itx
  coriolanusx youx
  meneniusx is this the promise that you made your motherx
  cominiusx knowx i pray youx
  coriolanusx ixll know no furtherx
    let them pronounce the steep tarpeian deathx
    vagabond exilex flayingx pent to linger
    but with a grain a dayx i would not buy
    their mercy at the price of one fair wordx
    nor check my courage for what they can givex
    to havext with saying xgood morrowxx
  siciniusx for that he hasx
    as much as in him liesx from time to time
    envied against the peoplex seeking means
    to pluck away their powerx as now at last
    given hostile strokesx and that not in the presence
    of dreaded justicex but on the ministers
    that do distribute itx in the name ox thx peoplex
    and in the power of us the tribunesx wex
    evxn from this instantx banish him our cityx
    in peril of precipitation
    from off the rock tarpeianx never more
    to enter our rome gatesx ix thx peoplexs namex
    i say it shall be sox
  plebeiansx it shall be sox it shall be sox let him awayx
    hexs banishxdx and it shall be sox
  cominiusx hear mex my masters and my common friendsx
  siciniusx hexs sentencxdx no more hearingx
  cominiusx let me speakx
    i have been consulx and can show for rome
    her enemiesx marks upon mex i do love
    my countryxs good with a respect more tenderx
    more holy and profoundx than mine own lifex
    my dear wifexs estimatex her wombxs increase
    and treasure of my loinsx then if i would
    speak thatx
  siciniusx we know your driftx speak whatx
  brutusx therexs no more to be saidx but he is banishxdx
    as enemy to the people and his countryx
    it shall be sox
  plebeiansx it shall be sox it shall be sox
  coriolanusx you common cry of cursx whose breath i hate
    as reek ox thx rotten fensx whose loves i prize
    as the dead carcasses of unburied men
    that do corrupt my airx i banish youx
    and here remain with your uncertaintyx
    let every feeble rumour shake your heartsx
    your enemiesx with nodding of their plumesx
    fan you into despairx have the power still
    to banish your defendersx till at length
    your ignorancex which finds not till it feelsx
    making but reservation of yourselves
    still your own foesx deliver you
    as most abated captives to some nation
    that won you without blowsx despising
    for you the cityx thus i turn my backx
    there is a world elsewherex
                                              exeunt coriolanusx
                   cominiusx meneniusx with the other patricians
  aedilex the peoplexs enemy is gonex is gonex
                        xthey all shout and throw up their capsx
  plebeiansx our enemy is banishxdx he is gonex hooxoox
  siciniusx go see him out at gatesx and follow himx
    as he hath followxd youx with all despitex
    give him deservxd vexationx let a guard
    attend us through the cityx
  plebeiansx comex comex letxs see him out at gatesx comex
    the gods preserve our noble tribunesx comex           exeunt

act ivx scene ix romex before a gate of the city

enter coriolanusx volumniax virgiliax meneniusx cominiusx with the
young nobility of rome

  coriolanusx comex leave your tearsx a brief farewellx the beast
    with many heads butts me awayx nayx motherx
    where is your ancient couragex you were usxd
    to say extremities was the trier of spiritsx
    that common chances common men could bearx
    that when the sea was calm all boats alike
    showxd mastership in floatingx fortunexs blowsx
    when most struck homex being gentle wounded craves
    a noble cunningx you were usxd to load me
    with precepts that would make invincible
    the heart that connxd themx
  virgiliax o heavensx o heavensx
  coriolanusx nayx i pritheex womanx
  volumniax now the red pestilence strike all trades in romex
    and occupations perishx
  coriolanusx whatx whatx whatx
    i shall be lovxd when i am lackxdx nayx motherx
    resume that spirit when you were wont to sayx
    if you had been the wife of herculesx
    six of his labours youxd have donex and savxd
    your husband so much sweatx cominiusx
    droop notx adieux farewellx my wifex my motherx
    ixll do well yetx thou old and true meneniusx
    thy tears are salter than a younger manxs
    and venomous to thine eyesx my sometime generalx
    i have seen thee sternx and thou hast oft beheld
    heartxhardxning spectaclesx tell these sad women
    xtis fond to wail inevitable strokesx
    as xtis to laugh at xemx my motherx you wot well
    my hazards still have been your solacex and
    believext not lightlyx though i go alonex
    like to a lonely dragonx that his fen
    makes fearxd and talkxd of more than seenx your son
    will or exceed the common or be caught
    with cautelous baits and practicex
  volumniax my first sonx
    whither wilt thou gox take good cominius
    with thee awhilex determine on some course
    more than a wild exposture to each chance
    that starts ix thx way before theex
  virgiliax o the godsx
  cominiusx ixll follow thee a monthx devise with the
    where thou shalt restx that thou mayst hear of usx
    and we of theex sox if the time thrust forth
    a cause for thy repealx we shall not send
    oxer the vast world to seek a single manx
    and lose advantagex which doth ever cool
    ix thx absence of the neederx
  coriolanusx fare ye wellx
    thou hast years upon theex and thou art too full
    of the warsx surfeits to go rove with one
    thatxs yet unbruisxdx bring me but out at gatex
    comex my sweet wifex my dearest motherx and
    my friends of noble touchx when i am forthx
    bid me farewellx and smilex i pray you comex
    while i remain above the ground you shall
    hear from me stillx and never of me aught
    but what is like me formerlyx
  meneniusx thatxs worthily
    as any ear can hearx comex letxs not weepx
    if i could shake off but one seven years
    from these old arms and legsx by the good godsx
    ixd with thee every footx
  coriolanusx give me thy handx
    comex                                                 exeunt

scene iix romex a street near the gate

enter the two tribunesx sicinius and brutus with the aedile

  siciniusx bid them all homex hexs gonex and wexll no furtherx
    the nobility are vexxdx whom we see have sided
    in his behalfx
  brutusx now we have shown our powerx
    let us seem humbler after it is done
    than when it was axdoingx
  siciniusx bid them homex
    say their great enemy is gonex and they
    stand in their ancient strengthx
  brutusx dismiss them homex                         exit aedile
    here comes his motherx

                   enter volumniax virgiliax and menenius

  siciniusx letxs not meet herx
  brutusx whyx
  siciniusx they say shexs madx
  brutusx they have taxen note of usx keep on your wayx
  volumniax ox yxare well metx thx hoarded plague ox thx gods
    requite your lovex
  meneniusx peacex peacex be not so loudx
  volumniax if that i could for weepingx you should hearx
    nayx and you shall hear somex  xto brutusx will you be gonex
  virgiliax  xto siciniusx  you shall stay toox i would i had the
      power
    to say so to my husbandx
  siciniusx are you mankindx
  volumniax ayx foolx is that a shamex note but thisx foolx
    was not a man my fatherx hadst thou foxship
    to banish him that struck more blows for rome
    than thou hast spoken wordsx
  siciniusx o blessed heavensx
  volumniax moe noble blows than ever thou wise wordsx
    and for romexs goodx ixll tell thee whatx yet gox
    nayx but thou shalt stay toox i would my son
    were in arabiax and thy tribe before himx
    his good sword in his handx
  siciniusx what thenx
  virgiliax what thenx
    hexd make an end of thy posterityx
  volumniax bastards and allx
    good manx the wounds that he does bear for romex
  meneniusx comex comex peacex
  siciniusx i would he had continued to his country
    as he beganx and not unknit himself
    the noble knot he madex
  brutusx i would he hadx
  volumniax xi would he hadxx xtwas you incensxd the rabblex
    cats that can judge as fitly of his worth
    as i can of those mysteries which heaven
    will not have earth to knowx
  brutusx prayx letxs gox
  volumniax nowx prayx sirx get you gonex
    you have done a brave deedx ere you gox hear thisx
    as far as doth the capitol exceed
    the meanest house in romex so far my sonx
    this ladyxs husband herex thisx do you seexx
    whom you have banishxd does exceed you anx
  brutusx wellx wellx wexll leave youx
  siciniusx why stay we to be baited
    with one that wants her witsx                exeunt tribunes
  volumniax take my prayers with youx
    i would the gods had nothing else to do
    but to confirm my cursesx could i meet xem
    but once a dayx it would unclog my heart
    of what lies heavy toxtx
  meneniusx you have told them homex
    andx by my trothx you have causex youxll sup with mex
  volumniax angerxs my meatx i sup upon myselfx
    and so shall starve with feedingx comex letxs gox
    leave this faint puling and lament as i dox
    in angerx junoxlikex comex comex comex
                                    exeunt volumnia and virgilia
  meneniusx fiex fiex fiex                                  exit

scene iiix a highway between rome and antium

enter a roman and a volscex meeting

  romanx i know you wellx sirx and you know mex your namex i thinkx
    is adrianx
  volscex it is sox sirx trulyx i have forgot youx
  romanx i am a romanx and my services arex as you arex against xemx
    know you me yetx
  volscex nicanorx nox
  romanx the samex sirx
  volscex you had more beard when i last saw youx but your favour is
    well appearxd by your tonguex whatxs the news in romex i have a
    note from the volscian statex to find you out therex you have
    well saved me a dayxs journeyx
  romanx there hath been in rome strange insurrectionsx the people
    against the senatorsx patriciansx and noblesx
  volscex hath beenx is it endedx thenx our state thinks not sox they
    are in a most warlike preparationx and hope to come upon them in
    the heat of their divisionx
  romanx the main blaze of it is pastx but a small thing would make
    it flame againx for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment
    of that worthy coriolanus that they are in a ripe aptness to take
    all power from the peoplex and to pluck from them their tribunes
    for everx this lies glowingx i can tell youx and is almost mature
    for the violent breaking outx
  volscex coriolanus banishxdx
  romanx banishxdx sirx
  volscex you will be welcome with this intelligencex nicanorx
  romanx the day serves well for them nowx i have heard it said the
    fittest time to corrupt a manxs wife is when shexs fallxn out
    with her husbandx your noble tullus aufidius will appear well in
    these warsx his great opposerx coriolanusx being now in no
    request of his countryx
  volscex he cannot choosex i am most fortunate thus accidentally to
    encounter youx you have ended my businessx and i will merrily
    accompany you homex
  romanx i shall between this and supper tell you most strange things
    from romex all tending to the good of their adversariesx have you
    an army readyx say youx
  volscex a most royal onex the centurions and their chargesx
    distinctly billetedx already in thx entertainmentx and to be on
    foot at an hourxs warningx
  romanx i am joyful to hear of their readinessx and am the manx i
    thinkx that shall set them in present actionx sox sirx heartily
    well metx and most glad of your companyx
  volscex you take my part from mex sirx i have the most cause to be
    glad of yoursx
  romanx wellx let us go togetherx

scene ivx antiumx before aufidiusx house

enter coriolanusx in mean apparelx disguisxd and muffled

  coriolanusx a goodly city is this antiumx cityx
    xtis i that made thy widowsx many an heir
    of these fair edifices fore my wars
    have i heard groan and dropx then know me notx
    lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stonesx
    in puny battle slay mex

                           enter a citizen

    save youx sirx
  citizenx and youx
  coriolanusx direct mex if it be your willx
    where great aufidius liesx is he in antiumx
  citizenx he isx and feasts the nobles of the state
    at his house this nightx
  coriolanusx which is his housex beseech youx
  citizenx this here before youx
  coriolanusx thank youx sirx farewellx             exit citizen
    o worldx thy slippery turnsx friends now fast swornx
    whose double bosoms seems to wear one heartx
    whose hoursx whose bedx whose meal and exercise
    are still togetherx who twinx as xtwerex in lovex
    unseparablex shall within this hourx
    on a dissension of a doitx break out
    to bitterest enmityx so fellest foesx
    whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep
    to take the one the otherx by some chancex
    some trick not worth an eggx shall grow dear friends
    and interjoin their issuesx so with mex
    my birthplace hate ix and my lovexs upon
    this enemy townx ixll enterx if he slay mex
    he does fair justicex if he give me wayx
    ixll do his country servicex

scene vx antiumx aufidiusx house

music playsx enter a servingman

  first servantx winex winex winex what service is herex i think our
  fellows are asleepx                                     exit

                     enter another servingman

  second servantxwherexs cotusx my master calls for himx
    cotusx                                                  exit

                       enter coriolanus

  coriolanusx a goodly housex the feast smells wellx but i
    appear not like a guestx

                 rexenter the first servingman

  first servantx what would you havex friendx
    whence are youx herexs no place for youx pray go to the doorx
 exit
  coriolanusx i have deservxd no better entertainment
    in being coriolanusx

                   rexenter second servingman

  second servantx whence are youx sirx has the porter his eyes in his
    head that he gives entrance to such companionsx pray get you outx
  coriolanusx awayx
  second servantx awayx get you awayx
  coriolanusx now thx art troublesomex
  second servantx are you so bravex ixll have you talkxd with anonx

          enter a third servingmanx the first meets him

  third servantx what fellowxs thisx
  first servantx a strange one as ever i lookxd onx i cannot get him
    out ox thx housex prithee call my master to himx
  third servantx what have you to do herex fellowx pray you avoid the
    housex
  coriolanusx let me but standx i will not hurt your hearthx
  third servantx what are youx
  coriolanusx a gentlemanx
  third servantx a marvxllous poor onex
  coriolanusx truex so i amx
  third servantx pray youx poor gentlemanx take up some other
    stationx herexs no place for youx pray you avoidx comex
  coriolanusx follow your functionx go and batten on cold bitsx
                                      xpushes him away from himx
  third servantx whatx you will notx prithee tell my master what a
    strange guest he has herex
  second servantx and i shallx                              exit
  third servantx where dwellxst thoux
  coriolanusx under the canopyx
  third servantx under the canopyx
  coriolanusx ayx
  third servantx wherexs thatx
  coriolanusx ix thx city of kites and crowsx
  third servantx ix thx city of kites and crowsx
    what an ass it isx then thou dwellxst with daws toox
  coriolanusx nox i serve not thy masterx
  third servantx howx sirx do you meddle with my masterx
  coriolanusx ayx xtis an honester service than to meddle with thy
    mistressx thou pratxst and pratxstx serve with thy trencherx
    hencex                                      xbeats him awayx

             enter aufidius with the second servingman

  aufidiusx where is this fellowx
  second servantx herex sirx ixd have beaten him like a dogx but for
    disturbing the lords withinx
  aufidiusx whence comxst thoux what wouldst thoux thy namex
    why speakxst notx speakx manx whatxs thy namex
  coriolanusx  xunmufflingx  ifx tullusx
    not yet thou knowxst mex andx seeing mex dost not
    think me for the man i amx necessity
    commands me name myselfx
  aufidiusx what is thy namex
  coriolanusx a name unmusical to the volsciansx earsx
    and harsh in sound to thinex
  aufidiusx sayx whatxs thy namex
    thou has a grim appearancex and thy face
    bears a command inxtx though thy tacklexs tornx
    thou showxst a noble vesselx whatxs thy namex
  coriolanusx prepare thy brow to frownx knowxst thou me yetx
  aufidiusx i know thee notx thy namex
  coriolanusx my name is caius marciusx who hath done
    to thee particularlyx and to all the volscesx
    great hurt and mischiefx thereto witness may
    my surnamex coriolanusx the painful servicex
    the extreme dangersx and the drops of blood
    shed for my thankless countryx are requited
    but with that surnamex a good memory
    and witness of the malice and displeasure
    which thou shouldst bear mex only that name remainsx
    the cruelty and envy of the peoplex
    permitted by our dastard noblesx who
    have all forsook mex hath devourxd the restx
    an sufferxd me by thx voice of slaves to be
    whoopxd out of romex now this extremity
    hath brought me to thy hearthx not out of hopex
    mistake me notx to save my lifex for if
    i had fearxd deathx of all the men ix thx world
    i would have xvoided theex but in mere spitex
    to be full quit of those my banishersx
    stand i before thee herex then if thou hast
    a heart of wreak in theex that wilt revenge
    thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims
    of shame seen through thy countryx speed thee straight
    and make my misery serve thy turnx so use it
    that my revengeful services may prove
    as benefits to theex for i will fight
    against my cankxred country with the spleen
    of all the under fiendsx but if so be
    thou darxst not thisx and that to prove more fortunes
    thxart tirxdx thenx in a wordx i also am
    longer to live most wearyx and present
    my throat to thee and to thy ancient malicex
    which not to cut would show thee but a foolx
    since i have ever followed thee with hatex
    drawn tuns of blood out of thy countryxs breastx
    and cannot live but to thy shamex unless
    it be to do thee servicex
  aufidiusx o marciusx marciusx
    each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart
    a root of ancient envyx if jupiter
    should from yond cloud speak divine thingsx
    and say xxtis truexx ixd not believe them more
    than theex all noble marciusx let me twine
    mine arms about that bodyx where against
    my grained ash an hundred times hath broke
    and scarrxd the moon with splintersx here i clip
    the anvil of my swordx and do contest
    as hotly and as nobly with thy love
    as ever in ambitious strength i did
    contend against thy valourx know thou firstx
    i lovxd the maid i marriedx never man
    sighxd truer breathx but that i see thee herex
    thou noble thingx more dances my rapt heart
    than when i first my wedded mistress saw
    bestride my thresholdx whyx thou marsx i tell the
    we have a power on footx and i had purpose
    once more to hew thy target from thy brawnx
    or lose mine arm forxtx thou hast beat me out
    twelve several timesx and i have nightly since
    dreamt of encounters xtwixt thyself and mex
    we have been down together in my sleepx
    unbuckling helmsx fisting each otherxs throatx
    and wakxd half dead with nothingx worthy marciusx
    had we no other quarrel else to rome but that
    thou art thence banishxdx we would muster all
    from twelve to seventyx andx pouring war
    into the bowels of ungrateful romex
    like a bold flood oxerbeatx ox comex go inx
    and take our friendly senators by thx handsx
    who now are herex taking their leaves of me
    who am preparxd against your territoriesx
    though not for rome itselfx
  coriolanusx you bless mex godsx
  aufidiusx thereforex mostx absolute sirx if thou wilt have
    the leading of thine own revengesx take
    thx one half of my commissionx and set downx
    as best thou art experiencxdx since thou knowxst
    thy countryxs strength and weaknessx thine own waysx
    whether to knock against the gates of romex
    or rudely visit them in parts remote
    to fright them ere destroyx but come inx
    let me commend thee first to those that shall
    say yea to thy desiresx a thousand welcomesx
    and more a friend than exer an enemyx
    yetx marciusx that was muchx your handx most welcomex
                                  exeunt coriolanus and aufidius

                    the two servingmen come forward

  first servantx herexs a strange alterationx
  second servantx by my handx i had thought to have strucken him with
    a cudgelx and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a false report
    of himx
  first servantx what an arm he hasx he turnxd me about with his
    finger and his thumbx as one would set up a topx
  second servantx nayx i knew by his face that there was something in
    himx he hadx sirx a kind of facex methoughtx i cannot tell how to
    term itx
  first servantx he had sox looking as it werex would i were hangxdx
    but i thought there was more in him than i could thinkx
  second servantx so did ix ixll be swornx he is simply the rarest
    man ix thx worldx
  first servantx i think he isx but a greater soldier than he you wot
    onx
  second servantx whox my masterx
  first servantx nayx itxs no matter for thatx
  second servantx worth six on himx
  first servantx nayx not so neitherx but i take him to be the
    greater soldierx
  second servantx faithx look youx one cannot tell how to say thatx
    for the defence of a town our general is excellentx
  first servantx ayx and for an assault toox

                       rexenter the third servingman

  third servantx o slavesx i can tell you newsx newsx you rascalsx
  bothx whatx whatx whatx letxs partakex
  third servantx i would not be a romanx of all nationsx
    i had as lief be a condemnxd manx
  bothx whereforex whereforex
  third servantx whyx herexs he that was wont to thwack our generalx
    caius marciusx
  first servantx why do you say xthwack our generalxx
  third servantx i do not say xthwack our generalxx but he was always
    good enough for himx
  second servantx comex we are fellows and friendsx he was ever too
    hard for himx i have heard him say so himselfx
  first servantx he was too hard for him directlyx to say the troth
    onxtx before corioli he scotchxd him and notchxd him like a
    carbonadox
  second servantx an he had been cannibally givenx he might have
    broilxd and eaten him toox
  first servantx but more of thy newsx
  third servantx whyx he is so made on here within as if he were son
    and heir to marsx set at upper end ox thx tablex no question
    asked him by any of the senators but they stand bald before himx
    our general himself makes a mistress of himx sanctifies himself
    withxs handx and turns up the white ox thx eye to his discoursex
    but the bottom of the news isx our general is cut ix thx middle
    and but one half of what he was yesterdayx for the other has half
    by the entreaty and grant of the whole tablex hexll gox he saysx
    and sowl the porter of rome gates by thx earsx he will mow all
    down before himx and leave his passage pollxdx
  second servantx and hexs as like to doxt as any man i can imaginex
  third servantx doxtx he will doxtx for look youx sirx he has as
    many friends as enemiesx which friendsx sirx as it werex durst
    notx look youx sirx show themselvesx as we term itx his friendsx
    whilst hexs in directitudex
  first servantx directitudex whatxs thatx
  third servantx but when they shall seex sirx his crest up again and
    the man in bloodx they will out of their burrowsx like conies
    after rainx and revel an with himx
  first servantx but when goes this forwardx
  third servantx toxmorrowx toxdayx presentlyx you shall have the
    drum struck up this afternoonx xtis as it were parcel of their
    feastx and to be executed ere they wipe their lipsx
  second servantx whyx then we shall have a stirring world againx
    this peace is nothing but to rust ironx increase tailorsx and
    breed balladxmakersx
  first servantx let me have warx say ix it exceeds peace as far as
    day does nightx itxs spritelyx wakingx audiblex and full of ventx
    peace is a very apoplexyx lethargyx mullxdx deafx sleepyx
    insensiblex a getter of more bastard children than warxs a
    destroyer of menx
  second servantx xtis sox and as war in some sort may be said to be
    a ravisherx so it cannot be denied but peace is a great maker of
    cuckoldsx
  first servantx ayx and it makes men hate one anotherx
  third servantx reasonx because they then less need one anotherx the
    wars for my moneyx i hope to see romans as cheap as volsciansx
    they are risingx they are risingx
  bothx inx inx inx inx                                   exeunt

scene vix romex a public place

enter the two tribunesx sicinius and brutus

  siciniusx we hear not of himx neither need we fear himx
    his remedies are tamex the present peace
    and quietness of the peoplex which before
    were in wild hurryx here do make his friends
    blush that the world goes wellx who rather hadx
    though they themselves did suffer byxtx behold
    dissentious numbers pestxring streets than see
    our tradesmen singing in their shopsx and going
    about their functions friendlyx

                          enter menenius

  brutusx we stood toxt in good timex is this meneniusx
  siciniusx xtis hex xtis hex ox he is grown most kind
    of latex hailx sirx
  meneniusx hail to you bothx
  siciniusx your coriolanus is not much missxd
    but with his friendsx the commonwealth doth standx
    and so would dox were he more angry at itx
  meneniusx allxs wellx and might have been much better
    he could have temporizxdx
  siciniusx where is hex hear youx
  meneniusx nayx i hear nothingx his mother and his wife
    hear nothing from himx

                     enter three or four citizens

  citizensx the gods preserve you bothx
  siciniusx godxdenx our neighboursx
  brutusx godxden to you allx godxden to you anx
  first citizenx ourselvesx our wivesx and childrenx on our knees
    are bound to pray for you bothx
  siciniusx live and thrivex
  brutusx farewellx kind neighboursx we wishxd coriolanus
    had lovxd you as we didx
  citizensx now the gods keep youx
  both tribunesx farewellx farewellx             exeunt citizens
  siciniusx this is a happier and more comely time
    than when these fellows ran about the streets
    crying confusionx
  brutusx caius marcius was
    a worthy officer ix the warx but insolentx
    oxercome with pridex ambitious past all thinkingx
    selfxlovingx
  siciniusx and affecting one sole thronex
    without assistancex
  meneniusx i think not sox
  siciniusx we should by thisx to all our lamentationx
    if he had gone forth consulx found it sox
  brutusx the gods have well prevented itx and rome
    sits safe and still without himx

                             enter an aedile

  aedilex worthy tribunesx
    there is a slavex whom we have put in prisonx
    reports the volsces with several powers
    are entxred in the roman territoriesx
    and with the deepest malice of the war
    destroy what lies before xemx
  meneniusx xtis aufidiusx
    whox hearing of our marciusx banishmentx
    thrusts forth his horns again into the worldx
    which were inshellxd when marcius stood for romex
    and durst not once peep outx
  siciniusx comex what talk you of marciusx
  brutusx go see this rumourer whippxdx it cannot be
    the volsces dare break with usx
  meneniusx cannot bex
    we have record that very well it canx
    and three examples of the like hath been
    within my agex but reason with the fellow
    before you punish himx where he heard thisx
    lest you shall chance to whip your information
    and beat the messenger who bids beware
    of what is to be dreadedx
  siciniusx tell not mex
    i know this cannot bex
  brutusx not possiblex

                           enter a messenger

  messengerx the nobles in great earnestness are going
    all to the senate housex some news is come
    that turns their countenancesx
  siciniusx xtis this slavex
    go whip him fore the peoplexs eyesx his raisingx
    nothing but his reportx
  messengerx yesx worthy sirx
    the slavexs report is secondedx and morex
    more fearfulx is deliverxdx
  siciniusx what more fearfulx
  messengerx it is spoke freely out of many mouthsx
    how probable i do not knowx that marciusx
    joinxd with aufidiusx leads a power xgainst romex
    and vows revenge as spacious as between
    the youngxst and oldest thingx
  siciniusx this is most likelyx
  brutusx raisxd only that the weaker sort may wish
    good marcius home againx
  siciniusx the very trick on xtx
  meneniusx this is unlikelyx
    he and aufidius can no more atone
    than violentxst contrarietyx

                      enter a second messenger

  second messengerx you are sent for to the senatex
    a fearful armyx led by caius marcius
    associated with aufidiusx rages
    upon our territoriesx and have already
    oxerborne their wayx consumxd with fire and took
    what lay before themx

                            enter cominius

  cominiusx ox you have made good workx
  meneniusx what newsx what newsx
  cominiusx you have holp to ravish your own daughters and
    to melt the city leads upon your patesx
    to see your wives dishonourxd to your nosesx
  meneniusx whatxs the newsx whatxs the newsx
  cominiusx your temples burned in their cementx and
    your franchisesx whereon you stoodx confinxd
    into an augerxs borex
  meneniusx pray nowx your newsx
    you have made fair workx i fear mex prayx your newsx
    if marcius should be joinxd wix thx volsciansx
  cominiusx ifx
    he is their godx he leads them like a thing
    made by some other deity than naturex
    that shapes man betterx and they follow him
    against us brats with no less confidence
    than boys pursuing summer butterfliesx
    or butchers killing fliesx
  meneniusx you have made good workx
    you and your apron menx you that stood so much
    upon the voice of occupation and
    the breath of garlicxeatersx
  cominiusx hexll shake
    your rome about your earsx
  meneniusx as hercules
    did shake down mellow fruitx you have made fair workx
  brutusx but is this truex sirx
  cominiusx ayx and youxll look pale
    before you find it otherx all the regions
    do smilingly revoltx and who resists
    are mockxd for valiant ignorancex
    and perish constant foolsx who isxt can blame himx
    your enemies and his find something in himx
  meneniusx we are all undone unless
    the noble man have mercyx
  cominiusx who shall ask itx
    the tribunes cannot doxt for shamex the people
    deserve such pity of him as the wolf
    does of the shepherdsx for his best friendsx if they
    should say xbe good to romexx they chargxd him even
    as those should do that had deservxd his hatex
    and therein showxd fike enemiesx
  meneniusx xtis truex
    if he were putting to my house the brand
    that should consume itx i have not the face
    to say xbeseech youx ceasexx you have made fair handsx
    you and your craftsx you have crafted fairx
  cominiusx you have brought
    a trembling upon romex such as was never
    sx incapable of helpx
  both tribunesx say not we brought itx
  meneniusx howx wasxt wex we lovxd himx butx like beasts
    and cowardly noblesx gave way unto your clustersx
    who did hoot him out ox thx cityx
  cominiusx but i fear
    theyxll roar him in againx tullus aufidiusx
    the second name of menx obeys his points
    as if he were his officerx desperation
    is all the policyx strengthx and defencex
    that rome can make against themx

                       enter a troop of citizens

  meneniusx here comes the clustersx
    and is aufidius with himx you are they
    that made the air unwholesome when you cast
    your stinking greasy caps in hooting at
    coriolanusx exilex now hexs comingx
    and not a hair upon a soldierxs head
    which will not prove a whipx as many coxcombs
    as you threw caps up will he tumble downx
    and pay you for your voicesx xtis no matterx
    if he could burn us all into one coal
    we have deservxd itx
  plebeiansx faithx we hear fearful newsx
  first citizenx for mine own partx
    when i said banish himx i said xtwas pityx
  second citizenx and so did ix
  third citizenx and so did ix andx to say the truthx so did very
    many of usx that we didx we did for the bestx and though we
    willingly consented to his banishmentx yet it was against our
    willx
  cominiusx yxare goodly thingsx you voicesx
  meneniusx you have made
    good workx you and your cryx shallxs to the capitolx
  cominiusx ox ayx what elsex
                                    exeunt cominius and menenius
  siciniusx gox mastersx get you be not dismayxdx
    these are a side that would be glad to have
    this true which they so seem to fearx go homex
    and show no sign of fearx
  first citizenx the gods be good to usx comex mastersx letxs homex i
    ever said we were ix thx wrong when we banishxd himx
  second citizenx so did we allx but comex letxs homex
                                                 exeunt citizens
  brutusx i do not like this newsx
  siciniusx nor ix
  brutusx letxs to the capitolx would half my wealth
    would buy this for a liex
  siciniusx pray letxs gox                                exeunt

scene viix a camp at a short distance from rome

enter aufidius with his lieutenant

  aufidiusx do they still fly to thx romanx
  lieutenantx i do not know what witchcraftxs in himx but
    your soldiers use him as the grace fore meatx
    their talk at tablex and their thanks at endx
    and you are darkxned in this actionx sirx
    even by your ownx
  aufidiusx i cannot help it nowx
    unless by using means i lame the foot
    of our designx he bears himself more proudlierx
    even to my personx than i thought he would
    when first i did embrace himx yet his nature
    in thatxs no changelingx and i must excuse
    what cannot be amendedx
  lieutenantx yet i wishx sirx
    i meanx for your particularx you had not
    joinxd in commission with himx but either
    had borne the action of yourselfx or else
    to him had left it solelyx
  aufidiusx i understand thee wellx and be thou surex
    when he shall come to his accountx he knows not
    what i can urge against himx although it seemsx
    and so he thinksx and is no less apparent
    to thx vulgar eyex that he bears all things fairly
    and shows good husbandry for the volscian statex
    fights dragonxlikex and does achieve as soon
    as draw his swordx yet he hath left undone
    that which shall break his neck or hazard mine
    whenexer we come to our accountx
  lieutenantx sirx i beseech youx think you hexll carry romex
  aufidiusx all places yield to him ere he sits downx
    and the nobility of rome are hisx
    the senators and patricians love him toox
    the tribunes are no soldiersx and their people
    will be as rash in the repeal as hasty
    to expel him thencex i think hexll be to rome
    as is the osprey to the fishx who takes it
    by sovereignty of naturex first he was
    a noble servant to themx but he could not
    carry his honours evenx whether xtwas pridex
    which out of daily fortune ever taints
    the happy manx whether defect of judgmentx
    to fail in the disposing of those chances
    which he was lord ofx or whether naturex
    not to be other than one thingx not moving
    from thx casque to thx cushionx but commanding peace
    even with the same austerity and garb
    as he controllxd the warx but one of thesex
    as he hath spices of them allx not allx
    for i dare so far free himx made him fearxdx
    so hatedx and so banishxdx but he has a merit
    to choke it in the uttxrancex so our virtues
    lie in thx interpretation of the timex
    and powerx unto itself most commendablex
    hath not a tomb so evident as a chair
    tx extol what it hath donex
    one fire drives out one firex one nailx one nailx
    rights by rights falterx strengths by strengths do failx
    comex letxs awayx whenx caiusx rome is thinex
    thou art poorxst of allx then shortly art thou minex
                                                          exeunt

act vx scene ix romex a public place

enter meneniusx cominiusx sicinius and brutusx the two tribunesx with
others

  meneniusx nox ixll not gox you hear what he hath said
    which was sometime his generalx who lovxd him
    in a most dear particularx he callxd me fatherx
    but what ox thatx gox you that banishxd himx
    a mile before his tent fall downx and knee
    the way into his mercyx nayx if he coyxd
    to hear cominius speakx ixll keep at homex
  cominiusx he would not seem to know mex
  meneniusx do you hearx
  cominiusx yet one time he did call me by my namex
    i urgxd our old acquaintancex and the drops
    that we have bled togetherx xcoriolanusx
    he would not answer tox forbid all namesx
    he was a kind of nothingx titlelessx
    till he had forgxd himself a name ix thx fire
    of burning romex
  meneniusx whyx sox you have made good workx
    a pair of tribunes that have wrackxd for rome
    to make coals cheapx a noble memoryx
  cominiusx i minded him how royal xtwas to pardon
    when it was less expectedx he repliedx
    it was a bare petition of a state
    to one whom they had punishxdx
  meneniusx very wellx
    could he say lessx
  cominiusx i offerxd to awaken his regard
    forxs private friendsx his answer to me wasx
    he could not stay to pick them in a pile
    of noisome musty chaffx he said xtwas follyx
    for one poor grain or twox to leave unburnt
    and still to nose thx offencex
  meneniusx for one poor grain or twox
    i am one of thosex his motherx wifex his childx
    and this brave fellow toox we are the grainsx
    you are the musty chaffx and you are smelt
    above the moonx we must be burnt for youx
  siciniusx nayx pray be patientx if you refuse your aid
    in this so neverxneeded helpx yet do not
    upbraidxs with our distressx but surex if you
    would be your countryxs pleaderx your good tonguex
    more than the instant army we can makex
    might stop our countrymanx
  meneniusx nox ixll not meddlex
  siciniusx pray you go to himx
  meneniusx what should i dox
  brutusx only make trial what your love can do
    for romex towards marciusx
  meneniusx wellx and say that marcius
    return mex as cominius is returnxdx
    unheardx what thenx
    but as a discontented friendx griefxshot
    with his unkindnessx sayxt be sox
  siciniusx yet your good will
    must have that thanks from rome after the measure
    as you intended wellx
  meneniusx ixll undertakextx
    i think hexll hear mex yet to bite his lip
    and hum at good cominius much unhearts mex
    he was not taken wellx he had not dinxdx
    the veins unfillxdx our blood is coldx and then
    we pout upon the morningx are unapt
    to give or to forgivex but when we have stuffxd
    these pipes and these conveyances of our blood
    with wine and feedingx we have suppler souls
    than in our priestxlike fastsx therefore ixll watch him
    till he be dieted to my requestx
    and then ixll set upon himx
  brutusx you know the very road into his kindness
    and cannot lose your wayx
  meneniusx good faithx ixll prove himx
    speed how it willx i shall ere long have knowledge
    of my successx                                          exit
  cominiusx hexll never hear himx
  siciniusx notx
  cominiusx i tell you he does sit in goldx his eye
    red as xtwould burn romex and his injury
    the gaoler to his pityx i kneelxd before himx
    xtwas very faintly he said xrisexx dismissxd me
    thus with his speechless handx what he would dox
    he sent in writing after mex what he would notx
    bound with an oath to yield to his conditionsx
    so that all hope is vainx
    unless his noble mother and his wifex
    whox as i hearx mean to solicit him
    for mercy to his countryx therefore letxs hencex
    and with our fair entreaties haste them onx           exeunt

scene iix the volscian camp before rome

enter menenius to the watch on guard

  first watchx stayx whence are youx
  second watchx standx and go backx
  meneniusx you guard like menx xtis wellx butx by your leavex
    i am an officer of state and come
    to speak with coriolanusx
  first watchx from whencex
  meneniusx from romex
  first watchx you may not passx you must returnx our general
    will no more hear from thencex
  second watchx youxll see your rome embracxd with fire before
    youxll speak with coriolanusx
  meneniusx good my friendsx
    if you have heard your general talk of rome
    and of his friends therex it is lots to blanks
    my name hath touchxd your earsx it is meneniusx
  first watchx be it sox go backx the virtue of your name
    is not here passablex
  meneniusx i tell theex fellowx
    thy general is my loverx i have been
    the book of his good acts whence men have read
    his fame unparallelxd haply amplifiedx
    for i have ever verified my friendsx
    of whom hexs chiefx with all the size that verity
    would without lapsing sufferx nayx sometimesx
    like to a bowl upon a subtle groundx
    i have tumbled past the throwx and in his praise
    have almost stampxd the leasingx thereforex fellowx
    i must have leave to passx
  first watchx faithx sirx if you had told as many lies in his behalf
    as you have uttered words in your ownx you should not pass herex
    nox though it were as virtuous to lie as to live chastelyx
    therefore go backx
  meneniusx pritheex fellowx remember my name is meneniusx always
    factionary on the party of your generalx
  second watchx howsoever you have been his liarx as you say you
    havex i am one thatx telling true under himx must say you cannot
    passx therefore go backx
  meneniusx has he dinxdx canst thou tellx for i would not speak with
    him till after dinnerx
  first watchx you are a romanx are youx
  meneniusx i am as thy general isx
  first watchx then you should hate romex as he doesx can youx when
    you have pushxd out your gates the very defender of themx and in
    a violent popular ignorance given your enemy your shieldx think
    to front his revenges with the easy groans of old womenx the
    virginal palms of your daughtersx or with the palsied
    intercession of such a decayxd dotant as you seem to bex can you
    think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame
    in with such weak breath as thisx nox you are deceivxdx therefore
    back to rome and prepare for your executionx you are condemnxdx
    our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardonx
  meneniusx sirrahx if thy captain knew i were herex he would use me
    with estimationx
  first watchx comex my captain knows you notx
  meneniusx i mean thy generalx
  first watchx my general cares not for youx backx i sayx gox lest i
    let forth your half pint of bloodx backx thatxs the utmost of
    your havingx backx
  meneniusx nayx but fellowx fellowx

                      enter coriolanus with aufidius

  coriolanusx whatxs the matterx
  meneniusx nowx you companionx ixll say an errand for youx you shall
    know now that i am in estimationx you shall perceive that a jack
    guardant cannot office me from my son coriolanusx guess but by my
    entertainment with him if thou standxst not ix thx state of
    hangingx or of some death more long in spectatorship and crueller
    in sufferingx behold now presentlyx and swoon for whatxs to come
    upon theex the glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy
    particular prosperityx and love thee no worse than thy old father
    menenius doesx o my sonx my sonx thou art preparing fire for usx
    look theex herexs water to quench itx i was hardly moved to come
    to theex but being assured none but myself could move theex i
    have been blown out of your gates with sighsx and conjure thee to
    pardon rome and thy petitionary countrymenx the good gods assuage
    thy wrathx and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet herex thisx
    whox like a blockx hath denied my access to theex
  coriolanusx awayx
  meneniusx howx awayx
  coriolanusx wifex motherx childx i know notx my affairs
    are servanted to othersx though i owe
    my revenge properlyx my remission lies
    in volscian breastsx that we have been familiarx
    ingrate forgetfulness shall poison rather
    than pity note how muchx therefore be gonex
    mine ears against your suits are stronger than
    your gates against my forcex yetx for i lovxd theex
    take this alongx i writ it for thy sake     xgives a letterx
    and would have sent itx another wordx meneniusx
    i will not hear thee speakx this manx aufidiusx
    was my belovxd in romex yet thou beholdxstx
  aufidiusx you keep a constant temperx
                                  exeunt coriolanus and aufidius
  first watchx nowx sirx is your name meneniusx
  second watchx xtis a spellx you seex of much powerx you know the
    way home againx
  first watchx do you hear how we are shent for keeping your
    greatness backx
  second watchx what causex do you thinkx i have to swoonx
  meneniusx i neither care for thx world nor your generalx for such
    things as youx i can scarce think therexs anyx yxare so slightx
    he that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from anotherx
    let your general do his worstx for youx be that you arex longx
    and your misery increase with your agex i say to youx as i was
    said tox awayx                                          exit
  first watchx a noble fellowx i warrant himx
  second watchx the worthy fellow is our generalx hexs the rockx the
    oak not to be windxshakenx                            exeunt

scene iiix the tent of coriolanus

enter coriolanusx aufidiusx and others

  coriolanusx we will before the walls of rome toxmorrow
    set down our hostx my partner in this actionx
    you must report to thx volscian lords how plainly
    i have borne this businessx
  aufidiusx only their ends
    you have respectedx stoppxd your ears against
    the general suit of romex never admitted
    a private whisperx nox not with such friends
    that thought them sure of youx
  coriolanusx this last old manx
    whom with crackxd heart i have sent to romex
    lovxd me above the measure of a fatherx
    nayx godded me indeedx their latest refuge
    was to send himx for whose old love i havex
    though i showxd sourly to himx once more offerxd
    the first conditionsx which they did refuse
    and cannot now acceptx to grace him onlyx
    that thought he could do morex a very little
    i have yielded tox fresh embassies and suitsx
    nor from the state nor private friendsx hereafter
    will i lend ear tox  xshout withinx  hax what shout is thisx
    shall i be tempted to infringe my vow
    in the same time xtis madex i will notx

       enterx in mourning habitsx virgiliax volumniax valeriax
                   young marciusx with attendants

    my wife comes foremostx then the honourxd mould
    wherein this trunk was framxdx and in her hand
    the grandchild to her bloodx but outx affectionx
    all bond and privilege of naturex breakx
    let it be virtuous to be obstinatex
    what is that curtsy worthx or those dovesx eyesx
    which can make gods forswornx i meltx and am not
    of stronger earth than othersx my mother bowsx
    as if olympus to a molehill should
    in supplication nodx and my young boy
    hath an aspect of intercession which
    great nature cries xdeny notxx let the volsces
    plough rome and harrow italyx ixll never
    be such a gosling to obey instinctx but stand
    as if a man were author of himself
    and knew no other kinx
  virgiliax my lord and husbandx
  coriolanusx these eyes are not the same i wore in romex
  virgiliax the sorrow that delivers us thus changxd
    makes you think sox
  coriolanusx like a dull actor now
    i have forgot my part and i am outx
    even to a full disgracex best of my fleshx
    forgive my tyrannyx but do not sayx
    for thatx xforgive our romansxx ox a kiss
    long as my exilex sweet as my revengex
    nowx by the jealous queen of heavenx that kiss
    i carried from theex dearx and my true lip
    hath virginxd it exer sincex you godsx i pratex
    and the most noble mother of the world
    leave unsalutedx sinkx my kneex ix thx earthx       xkneelsx
    of thy deep duty more impression show
    than that of common sonsx
  volumniax ox stand up blestx
    whilst with no softer cushion than the flint
    i kneel before theex and unproperly
    show dutyx as mistaken all this while
    between the child and parentx                       xkneelsx
  coriolanusx whatxs thisx
    your knees to mex to your corrected sonx
    then let the pebbles on the hungry beach
    fillip the starsx then let the mutinous winds
    strike the proud cedars xgainst the fiery sunx
    murdxring impossibilityx to make
    what cannot be slight workx
  volumniax thou art my warriorx
    i holp to frame theex do you know this ladyx
  coriolanusx the noble sister of publicolax
    the moon of romex chaste as the icicle
    thatxs curdied by the frost from purest snowx
    and hangs on dianxs templex dear valeriax
  volumniax this is a poor epitome of yoursx
    which by thx interpretation of full time
    may show like all yourselfx
  coriolanusx the god of soldiersx
    with the consent of supreme jovex inform
    thy thoughts with noblenessx that thou mayst prove
    to shame unvulnerablex and stick ix thx wars
    like a great seaxmarkx standing every flawx
    and saving those that eye theex
  volumniax your kneex sirrahx
  coriolanusx thatxs my brave boyx
  volumniax even hex your wifex this ladyx and myselfx
    are suitors to youx
  coriolanusx i beseech youx peacex
    orx if youxd askx remember this beforex
    the thing i have forsworn to grant may never
    be held by you denialsx do not bid me
    dismiss my soldiersx or capitulate
    again with romexs mechanicsx tell me not
    wherein i seem unnaturalx desire not
    txallay my rages and revenges with
    your colder reasonsx
  volumniax ox no morex no morex
    you have said you will not grant us any thingx
    for we have nothing else to ask but that
    which you deny alreadyx yet we will askx
    thatx if you fail in our requestx the blame
    may hang upon your hardnessx therefore hear usx
  coriolanusx aufidiusx and you volscesx markx for wexll
    hear nought from rome in privatex your requestx
  volumniax should we be silent and not speakx our raiment
    and state of bodies would bewray what life
    we have led since thy exilex think with thyself
    how more unfortunate than all living women
    are we come hitherx since that thy sightx which should
    make our eyes flow with joyx hearts dance with comfortsx
    constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrowx
    making the motherx wifex and childx to see
    the sonx the husbandx and the fatherx tearing
    his countryxs bowels outx and to poor we
    thine enmityxs most capitalx thou barxst us
    our prayers to the godsx which is a comfort
    that all but we enjoyx for how can wex
    alasx how can we for our country prayx
    whereto we are boundx together with thy victoryx
    whereto we are boundx alackx or we must lose
    the countryx our dear nursex or else thy personx
    our comfort in the countryx we must find
    an evident calamityx though we had
    our wishx which side should winx for either thou
    must as a foreign recreant be led
    with manacles through our streetsx or else
    triumphantly tread on thy countryxs ruinx
    and bear the palm for having bravely shed
    thy wife and childrenxs bloodx for myselfx sonx
    i purpose not to wait on fortune till
    these wars determinex if i can not persuade thee
    rather to show a noble grace to both parts
    than seek the end of onex thou shalt no sooner
    march to assault thy country than to treadx
    trust toxtx thou shalt notx on thy motherxs womb
    that brought thee to this worldx
  virgiliax ayx and minex
    that brought you forth this boy to keep your name
    living to timex
  boyx xa shall not tread on mex
    ixll run away till i am biggerx but then ixll fightx
  coriolanusx not of a womanxs tenderness to be
    requires nor child nor womanxs face to seex
    i have sat too longx                                xrisingx
  volumniax nayx go not from us thusx
    if it were so that our request did tend
    to save the romansx thereby to destroy
    the volsces whom you servex you might condemn us
    as poisonous of your honourx nox our suit
    is that you reconcile themx while the volsces
    may say xthis mercy we have showxdxx the romans
    xthis we receivxdxx and each in either side
    give the allxhail to theex and cry xbe blest
    for making up this peacexx thou knowxstx great sonx
    the end of warxs uncertainx but this certainx
    thatx if thou conquer romex the benefit
    which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name
    whose repetition will be doggxd with cursesx
    whose chronicle thus writx xthe man was noblex
    but with his last attempt he wipxd it outx
    destroyxd his countryx and his name remains
    to thx ensuing age abhorrxdxx speak to mex sonx
    thou hast affected the fine strains of honourx
    to imitate the graces of the godsx
    to tear with thunder the wide cheeks ox thx airx
    and yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt
    that should but rive an oakx why dost not speakx
    thinkxst thou it honourable for a noble man
    still to remember wrongsx daughterx speak youx
    he cares not for your weepingx speak thoux boyx
    perhaps thy childishness will move him more
    than can our reasonsx therexs no man in the world
    more bound toxs motherx yet here he lets me prate
    like one ix thx stocksx thou hast never in thy life
    showxd thy dear mother any courtesyx
    when shex poor henx fond of no second broodx
    has cluckxd thee to the warsx and safely home
    loaden with honourx say my requestxs unjustx
    and spurn me backx but if it he not sox
    thou art not honestx and the gods will plague theex
    that thou restrainxst from me the duty which
    to a motherxs part belongsx he turns awayx
    downx ladiesx let us shame him with our kneesx
    to his surname coriolanus xlongs more pride
    than pity to our prayersx downx an endx
    this is the lastx so we will home to romex
    and die among our neighboursx nayx beholdxsx
    this boyx that cannot tell what he would have
    but kneels and holds up hands for fellowshipx
    does reason our petition with more strength
    than thou hast to denyxtx comex let us gox
    this fellow had a volscian to his motherx
    his wife is in coriolix and his child
    like him by chancex yet give us our dispatchx
    i am hushxd until our city be afirex
    and then ixll speak a littlex
                              xhe holds her by the handx silentx
  coriolanusx o motherx motherx
    what have you donex beholdx the heavens do opex
    the gods look downx and this unnatural scene
    they laugh atx o my motherx motherx ox
    you have won a happy victory to romex
    but for your sonx believe itx ox believe itxx
    most dangerously you have with him prevailxdx
    if not most mortal to himx but let it comex
    aufidiusx though i cannot make true warsx
    ixll frame convenient peacex nowx good aufidiusx
    were you in my steadx would you have heard
    a mother lessx or granted lessx aufidiusx
  aufidiusx i was movxd withalx
  coriolanusx i dare be sworn you werex
    andx sirx it is no little thing to make
    mine eyes to sweat compassionx butx good sirx
    what peace youxfl makex advise mex for my partx
    ixll not to romex ixll back with youx and pray you
    stand to me in this causex o motherx wifex
  aufidiusx  xasidex  i am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy
      honour
    at difference in theex out of that ixll work
    myself a former fortunex
  coriolanusx  xto the ladiesx  ayx by and byx
    but we will drink togetherx and you shall bear
    a better witness back than wordsx which wex
    on like conditionsx will have counterxsealxdx
    comex enter with usx ladiesx you deserve
    to have a temple built youx all the swords
    in italyx and her confederate armsx
    could not have made this peacex                       exeunt

scene ivx romex a public place

enter menenius and sicinius

  meneniusx see you yond coign ox thx capitolx yond cornerstonex
  siciniusx whyx what of thatx
  meneniusx if it be possible for you to displace it with your little
    fingerx there is some hope the ladies of romex especially his
    motherx may prevail with himx but i say there is no hope inxtx
    our throats are sentencxdx and stay upon executionx
  siciniusx isxt possible that so short a time can alter the
    condition of a manx
  meneniusx there is differency between a grub and a butterflyx yet
    your butterfly was a grubx this marcius is grown from man to
    dragonx he has wingsx hexs more than a creeping thingx
  siciniusx he lovxd his mother dearlyx
  meneniusx so did he mex and he no more remembers his mother now
    than an eightxyearxold horsex the tartness of his face sours ripe
    grapesx when he walksx he moves like an engine and the ground
    shrinks before his treadingx he is able to pierce a corslet with
    his eyex talks like a knellx and his hum is a batteryx he sits in
    his state as a thing made for alexanderx what he bids be done is
    finishxd with his biddingx he wants nothing of a god but
    eternityx and a heaven to throne inx
  siciniusx yesx mercyx if you report him trulyx
  meneniusx i paint him in the characterx mark what mercy his mother
    shall bring from himx there is no more mercy in him than there is
    milk in a male tigerx that shall our poor city findx and all this
    is xlong of youx
  siciniusx the gods be good unto usx
  meneniusx nox in such a case the gods will not be good unto usx
    when we banishxd him we respected not themx andx he returning to
    break our necksx they respect not usx

                           enter a messenger

  messengerx sirx if youxd save your lifex fly to your housex
    the plebeians have got your fellow tribune
    and hale him up and downx all swearing if
    the roman ladies bring not comfort home
    theyxll give him death by inchesx

                         enter another messenger

  siciniusx whatxs the newsx
  second messengerx good newsx good newsx the ladies have prevailxdx
    the volscians are dislodgxdx and marcius gonex
    a merrier day did never yet greet romex
    nox not thx expulsion of the tarquinsx
  siciniusx friendx
    art thou certain this is truex isxt most certainx
  second messengerx as certain as i know the sun is firex
    where have you lurkxdx that you make doubt of itx
    nexer through an arch so hurried the blown tide
    as the recomforted through thx gatesx whyx hark youx
                  xtrumpetsx hautboysx drums beatx all togetherx
    the trumpetsx sackbutsx psalteriesx and fifesx
    tabors and cymbalsx and the shouting romansx
    make the sun dancex hark youx               xa shout withinx
  meneniusx this is good newsx
    i will go meet the ladiesx this volumnia
    is worth of consulsx senatorsx patriciansx
    a city fullx of tribunes such as youx
    a sea and land fullx you have prayxd well toxdayx
    this morning for ten thousand of your throats
    ixd not have given a doitx harkx how they joyx
                                   xsound still with the shoutsx
  siciniusx firstx the gods bless you for your tidingsx nextx
    accept my thankfulnessx
  second messengerx sirx we have all
    great cause to give great thanksx
  siciniusx they are near the cityx
  messengerx almost at point to enterx
  siciniusx wexll meet themx
    and help the joyx                                     exeunt

scene vx romex a street near the gate

enter two senators with volumniax virgiliax valeriax passing over the
stagex
xwith other lords

  first senatorx behold our patronessx the life of romex
    call all your tribes togetherx praise the godsx
    and make triumphant firesx strew flowers before themx
    unshout the noise that banishxd marciusx
    repeal him with the welcome of his motherx
  allx welcomex ladiesx welcomex
                    xa flourish with drums and trumpetsx exeuntx

scene vix coriolix a public place

enter tullus aufidius with attendents

  aufidiusx go tell the lords ox thx city i am herex
    deliver them this paperx having read itx
    bid them repair to thx marketxplacex where ix
    even in theirs and in the commonsx earsx
    will vouch the truth of itx him i accuse
    the city ports by this hath enterxd and
    intends tx appear before the peoplex hoping
    to purge himself with wordsx dispatchx
                                               exeunt attendants

           enter three or four conspirators of aufidiusx faction

    most welcomex
  first conspiratorx how is it with our generalx
  aufidiusx even so
    as with a man by his own alms empoisonxdx
    and with his charity slainx
  second conspiratorx most noble sirx
    if you do hold the same intent wherein
    you wishxd us partiesx wexll deliver you
    of your great dangerx
  aufidiusx sirx i cannot tellx
    we must proceed as we do find the peoplex
  third conspiratorx the people will remain uncertain whilst
    xtwixt you therexs differencex but the fall of either
    makes the survivor heir of allx
  aufidiusx i know itx
    and my pretext to strike at him admits
    a good constructionx i raisxd himx and i pawnxd
    mine honour for his truthx who being so heightenxdx
    he watered his new plants with dews of flatteryx
    seducing so my friendsx and to this end
    he bowxd his naturex never known before
    but to be roughx unswayablex and freex
  third conspiratorx sirx his stoutness
    when he did stand for consulx which he lost
    by lack of stoopingx
  aufidiusx that i would have spoken ofx
    being banishxd forxtx he came unto my hearthx
    presented to my knife his throatx i took himx
    made him jointxservant with mex gave him way
    in all his own desiresx nayx let him choose
    out of my filesx his projects to accomplishx
    my best and freshest menx servxd his designments
    in mine own personx holp to reap the fame
    which he did end all hisx and took some pride
    to do myself this wrongx tillx at the lastx
    i seemxd his followerx not partnerx and
    he wagxd me with his countenance as if
    i had been mercenaryx
  first conspiratorx so he didx my lordx
    the army marvellxd at itx andx in the lastx
    when he had carried rome and that we lookxd
    for no less spoil than gloryx
  aufidiusx there was itx
    for which my sinews shall be stretchxd upon himx
    at a few drops of womenxs rheumx which are
    as cheap as liesx he sold the blood and labour
    of our great actionx therefore shall he diex
    and ixll renew me in his fallx butx harkx
                                                      xdrums and
                trumpets soundx with great shouts of the peoplex
  first conspiratorx your native town you enterxd like a postx
    and had no welcomes homex but he returns
    splitting the air with noisex
  second conspiratorx and patient foolsx
    whose children he hath slainx their base throats tear
    with giving him gloryx
  third conspiratorx thereforex at your vantagex
    ere he express himself or move the people
    with what he would sayx let him feel your swordx
    which we will secondx when he lies alongx
    after your way his tale pronouncxd shall bury
    his reasons with his bodyx
  aufidiusx say no morex
    here come the lordsx

                     enter the lords of the city

  lordsx you are most welcome homex
  aufidiusx i have not deservxd itx
    butx worthy lordsx have you with heed perused
    what i have written to youx
  lordsx we havex
  first lordx and grieve to hearxtx
    what faults he made before the lastx i think
    might have found easy finesx but there to end
    where he was to beginx and give away
    the benefit of our leviesx answering us
    with our own chargex making a treaty where
    there was a yieldingx this admits no excusex
  aufidiusx he approachesx you shall hear himx

            enter coriolanusx marching with drum and coloursx
                      the commoners being with him

  coriolanusx hailx lordsx i am returnxd your soldierx
    no more infected with my countryxs love
    than when i parted hencex but still subsisting
    under your great commandx you are to know
    that prosperously i have attemptedx and
    with bloody passage led your wars even to
    the gates of romex our spoils we have brought home
    doth more than counterpoise a full third part
    the charges of the actionx we have made peace
    with no less honour to the antiates
    than shame to thx romansx and we here deliverx
    subscribxd by thx consuls and patriciansx
    together with the seal ox thx senatex what
    we have compounded onx
  aufidiusx read it notx noble lordsx
    but tell the traitor in the highest degree
    he hath abusxd your powersx
  coriolanusx traitorx how nowx
  aufidiusx ayx traitorx marciusx
  coriolanusx marciusx
  aufidiusx ayx marciusx caius marciusx dost thou think
    ixll grace thee with that robberyx thy stolxn name
    coriolanusx in coriolix
    you lords and heads ox thx statex perfidiously
    he has betrayxd your business and given upx
    for certain drops of saltx your city romex
    i say your cityx to his wife and motherx
    breaking his oath and resolution like
    a twist of rotten silkx never admitting
    counsel ox thx warx but at his nursexs tears
    he whinxd and roarxd away your victoryx
    that pages blushxd at himx and men of heart
    lookxd wondxring each at othersx
  coriolanusx hearxst thoux marsx
  aufidiusx name not the godx thou boy of tearsx
  coriolanusx hax
  aufidiusx xno morex
  coriolanusx measureless liarx thou hast made my heart
    too great for what contains itx xboyxx o slavex
    pardon mex lordsx xtis the first time that ever
    i was forcxd to scoldx your judgmentsx my grave lordsx
    must give this cur the liex and his own notionx
    who wears my stripes impressxd upon himx that
    must bear my beating to his gravex shall join
    to thrust the lie unto himx
  first lordx peacex bothx and hear me speakx
  coriolanusx cut me to piecesx volscesx men and ladsx
    stain all your edges on mex xboyxx false houndx
    if you have writ your annals truex xtis there
    thatx like an eagle in a dovexcotex i
    flutterxd your volscians in coriolix
    alone i did itx xboyxx
  aufidiusx whyx noble lordsx
    will you be put in mind of his blind fortunex
    which was your shamex by this unholy braggartx
    fore your own eyes and earsx
  conspiratorsx let him die forxtx
  all the peoplex tear him to piecesx do it presentlyx he killxd my
    sonx my daughterx he killxd my cousin marcusx he killxd my
    fatherx
  second lordx peacex hox no outragex peacex
    the man is noblex and his fame folds in
    this orb ox thx earthx his last offences to us
    shall have judicious hearingx standx aufidiusx
    and trouble not the peacex
  coriolanusx o that i had himx
    with six aufidiusesx or morex his tribex
    to use my lawful swordx
  aufidiusx insolent villainx
  conspiratorsx killx killx killx killx kill himx
           xthe conspirators draw and kill coriolanusxwho fallsx
                                         aufidius stands on himx
  lordsx holdx holdx holdx holdx
  aufidiusx my noble mastersx hear me speakx
  first lordx o tullusx
  second lordx thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weepx
  third lordx tread not upon himx masters allx be quietx
    put up your swordsx
  aufidiusx my lordsx when you shall knowx as in this ragex
    provokxd by himx you cannotx the great danger
    which this manxs life did owe youx youxll rejoice
    that he is thus cut offx please it your honours
    to call me to your senatex ixll deliver
    myself your loyal servantx or endure
    your heaviest censurex
  first lordx bear from hence his bodyx
    and mourn you for himx let him be regarded
    as the most noble corse that ever herald
    did follow to his umx
  second lordx his own impatience
    takes from aufidius a great part of blamex
    letxs make the best of itx
  aufidiusx my rage is gonex
    and i am struck with sorrowx take him upx
    helpx three ox thx chiefest soldiersx ixll be onex
    beat thou the drumx that it speak mournfullyx
    trail your steel pikesx though in this city he
    hath widowed and unchilded many a onex
    which to this hour bewail the injuryx
    yet he shall have a noble memoryx
    assistx               exeuntx bearing the body of coriolanus
                                          xa dead march soundedx





cymbeline



contents

act i
scene ix britainx the garden of cymbelinexs palacex
scene iix the samex
scene iiix britainx a public placex
scene ivx britainx cymbelinexs palacex
scene vx romex philarioxs housex
scene vix britainx cymbelinexs palacex
scene viix britainx the palacex


act ii
scene ix britainx before cymbelinexs palacex
scene iix britainx imogenxs bedchamber in cymbelinexs palacex a trunk
in one cornerx
scene iiix cymbelinexs palacex an antexchamber adjoining imogenxs
apartmentsx
scene ivx romex philarioxs housex
scene vx romex another room in philarioxs housex


act iii
scene ix britainx a hall in cymbelinexs palacex
scene iix britainx another room in cymbelinexs palacex
scene iiix walesx a mountainous country with a cavex
scene ivx walesx near milford havenx
scene vx britainx cymbelinexs palacex
scene vix walesx before the cave of belariusx
scene viix the samex
scene viiix romex a public placex


act iv
scene ix walesx near the cave of belariusx
scene iix walesx before the cave of belariusx
scene iiix britainx cymbelinexs palacex
scene ivx walesx before the cave of belariusx


act v
scene ix britainx the roman campx
scene iix britainx a field of battle between the british and roman
campsx
scene iiix another part of the fieldx
scene ivx britainx a prisonx
scene vx britainx cymbelinexs tentx

dramatis personx

cymbelinex king of britain
clotenx son to the queen by a former husband
posthumus leonatusx a gentlemanx husband to imogen
belariusx a banished lordx disguised under the name of morgan
guiderius and arviragusx sons to cymbelinex disguised under the names
of polydore and cadwalx supposed sons to belarius
philariox italianx friend to posthumus
iachimox italianx friend to philario
caius luciusx general of the roman forces
pisaniox servant to posthumus
corneliusx a physician
a soothsayer
a roman captain
two british captains
a french gentlemanx friend to philario
two lords of cymbelinexs court
two gentlemen of the same
two gaolers

queenx wife to cymbeline
imogenx daughter to cymbeline by a former queen
helenx a lady attending on imogen

apparitions

lordsx ladiesx roman senatorsx tribunesx a dutch gentlemanx a spanish
gentlemanx musiciansx officersx captainsx soldiersx messengersx and
attendants

scenex britainx italyx


act i

scene ix britainx the garden of cymbelinexs palacex

 enter two gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
you do not meet a man but frownsx our bloods
no more obey the heavens than our courtiers
still seem as does the kingxsx

second gentlemanx
but whatxs the matterx

first gentlemanx
his daughterx and the heir ofxs kingdomx whom
he purposxd to his wifexs sole sonxa widow
that late he marriedxhath referrxd herself
unto a poor but worthy gentlemanx shexs weddedx
her husband banishxdx she imprisonxdx all
is outward sorrowx though i think the king
be touchxd at very heartx

second gentlemanx
none but the kingx

first gentlemanx
he that hath lost her toox so is the queenx
that most desirxd the matchx but not a courtierx
although they wear their faces to the bent
of the kingxs looksx hath a heart that is not
glad at the thing they scowl atx

second gentlemanx
and why sox

first gentlemanx
he that hath missxd the princess is a thing
too bad for bad reportx and he that hath herx
i mean that married herx alackx good manx
and therefore banishxdxis a creature such
asx to seek through the regions of the earth
for one his likex there would be something failing
in him that should comparex i do not think
so fair an outward and such stuff within
endows a man but hex

second gentlemanx
you speak him farx

first gentlemanx
i do extend himx sirx within himselfx
crush him together rather than unfold
his measure dulyx

second gentlemanx
whatxs his name and birthx

first gentlemanx
i cannot delve him to the rootx his father
was callxd siciliusx who did join his honour
against the romans with cassibelanx
but had his titles by tenantiusx whom
he servxd with glory and admirxd successx
so gainxd the surxaddition leonatusx
and hadx besides this gentleman in questionx
two other sonsx whox in the wars ox thx timex
died with their swords in handx for which their fatherx
then old and fond of issuex took such sorrow
that he quit beingx and his gentle ladyx
big of this gentlemanx our themex deceasxd
as he was bornx the king he takes the babe
to his protectionx calls him posthumus leonatusx
breeds him and makes him of his bedxchamberx
puts to him all the learnings that his time
could make him the receiver ofx which he tookx
as we do airx fast as xtwas ministxredx
and inxs spring became a harvestx livxd in courtx
which rare it is to doxmost praisxdx most lovxdx
a sample to the youngestx to thx more mature
a glass that feated themx and to the graver
a child that guided dotardsx to his mistressx
for whom he now is banishxdx her own price
proclaims how she esteemxd him and his virtuex
by her election may be truly read
what kind of man he isx

second gentlemanx
i honour him
even out of your reportx but pray you tell mex
is she sole child to thx kingx

first gentlemanx
his only childx
he had two sonsxif this be worth your hearingx
mark itxthe eldest of them at three years oldx
ix thx swathing clothes the otherx from their nursery
were stolxnx and to this hour no guess in knowledge
which way they wentx

second gentlemanx
how long is this agox

first gentlemanx
some twenty yearsx

second gentlemanx
that a kingxs children should be so conveyxdx
so slackly guardedx and the search so slow
that could not trace themx

first gentlemanx
howsoexer xtis strangex
or that the negligence may well be laughxd atx
yet is it truex sirx

second gentlemanx
i do well believe youx

first gentlemanx
we must forbearx here comes the gentlemanx
the queenx and princessx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter queenx posthumus and imogenx

queenx
nox be assurxd you shall not find mex daughterx
after the slander of most stepmothersx
evilxeyxd unto youx youxre my prisonerx but
your gaoler shall deliver you the keys
that lock up your restraintx for youx posthumusx
so soon as i can win thx offended kingx
i will be known your advocatex marryx yet
the fire of rage is in himx and xtwere good
you leanxd unto his sentence with what patience
your wisdom may inform youx

posthumusx
please your highnessx
i will from hence todayx

queenx
you know the perilx
ixll fetch a turn about the gardenx pitying
the pangs of barrxd affectionsx though the king
hath chargxd you should not speak togetherx

 xxexitxxx

imogenx
o dissembling courtesyx how fine this tyrant
can tickle where she woundsx my dearest husbandx
i something fear my fatherxs wrathx but nothing
xalways reservxd my holy dutyx what
his rage can do on mex you must be gonex
and i shall here abide the hourly shot
of angry eyesx not comforted to live
but that there is this jewel in the world
that i may see againx

posthumusx
my queenx my mistressx
o ladyx weep no morex lest i give cause
to be suspected of more tenderness
than doth become a manx i will remain
the loyalxst husband that did exer plight trothx
my residence in rome at one philarioxsx
who to my father was a friendx to me
known but by letterx thither writex my queenx
and with mine eyes ixll drink the words you sendx
though ink be made of gallx

 enter queenx

queenx
be briefx i pray youx
if the king comex i shall incur i know not
how much of his displeasurex xxasidexxx yet ixll move him
to walk this wayx i never do him wrong
but he does buy my injuriesx to be friendsx
pays dear for my offencesx

 xxexitxxx

posthumusx
should we be taking leave
as long a term as yet we have to livex
the loathness to depart would growx adieux

imogenx
nayx stay a littlex
were you but riding forth to air yourselfx
such parting were too pettyx look herex lovex
this diamond was my motherxsx take itx heartx
but keep it till you woo another wifex
when imogen is deadx

posthumusx
howx howx anotherx
you gentle godsx give me but this i havex
and sear up my embracements from a next
with bonds of deathx remainx remain thou here

 xxputs on the ringxxx

while sense can keep it onx andx sweetestx fairestx
as i my poor self did exchange for youx
to your so infinite lossx so in our trifles
i still win of youx for my sake wear thisx
it is a manacle of lovex ixll place it
upon this fairest prisonerx

 xxputs a bracelet on her armxxx

imogenx
o the godsx
when shall we see againx

 enter cymbeline and lordsx

posthumusx
alackx the kingx

cymbelinex
thou basest thingx avoidx hence from my sight
if after this command thou fraught the court
with thy unworthinessx thou diestx awayx
thouxrt poison to my bloodx

posthumusx
the gods protect youx
and bless the good remainders of the courtx
i am gonex

 xxexitxxx

imogenx
there cannot be a pinch in death
more sharp than this isx

cymbelinex
o disloyal thingx
that shouldst repair my youthx thou heapxst
a yearxs age on mex

imogenx
i beseech youx sirx
harm not yourself with your vexationx
i am senseless of your wrathx a touch more rare
subdues all pangsx all fearsx

cymbelinex
past gracex obediencex

imogenx
past hopex and in despairx that way past gracex

cymbelinex
that mightst have had the sole son of my queenx

imogenx
o blessed that i might notx i chose an eaglex
and did avoid a puttockx

cymbelinex
thou tookxst a beggarx wouldst have made my throne
a seat for basenessx

imogenx
nox i rather added
a lustre to itx

cymbelinex
o thou vile onex

imogenx
sirx
it is your fault that i have lovxd posthumusx
you bred him as my playfellowx and he is
a man worth any womanx overbuys me
almost the sum he paysx

cymbelinex
whatx art thou madx

imogenx
almostx sirx heaven restore mex would i were
a neatxherdxs daughterx and my leonatus
our neighbour shepherdxs sonx

 enter queenx

cymbelinex
thou foolish thingx
xxto the queenxxx they were again togetherx you have done
not after our commandx away with herx
and pen her upx

queenx
beseech your patiencex peacex
dear lady daughterx peacexxsweet sovereignx
leave us to ourselvesx and make yourself some comfort
out of your best advicex

cymbelinex
nayx let her languish
a drop of blood a day andx being agedx
die of this follyx

 xxexit with lordsxxx

 enter pisaniox

queenx
fiex you must give wayx
here is your servantx how nowx sirx what newsx

pisaniox
my lord your son drew on my masterx

queenx
hax
no harmx i trustx is donex

pisaniox
there might have beenx
but that my master rather playxd than foughtx
and had no help of angerx they were parted
by gentlemen at handx

queenx
i am very glad onxtx

imogenx
your sonxs my fatherxs friendx he takes his part
to draw upon an exilex o brave sirx
i would they were in afric both togetherx
myself by with a needlex that i might prick
the goerxbackx why came you from your masterx

pisaniox
on his commandx he would not suffer me
to bring him to the havenx left these notes
of what commands i should be subject tox
whenxt pleasxd you to employ mex

queenx
this hath been
your faithful servantx i dare lay mine honour
he will remain sox

pisaniox
i humbly thank your highnessx

queenx
pray walk awhilex

imogenx
about some halfxhour hencex
pray you speak with mex
you shall at least go see my lord aboardx
for this time leave mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix britainx a public placex

 enter cloten and two lordsx

first lordx
sirx i would advise you to shift a shirtx the violence of action hath
made you reek as a sacrificex where air comes outx air comes inx
therexs none abroad so wholesome as that you ventx

clotenx
if my shirt were bloodyx then to shift itx have i hurt himx

second lordx
xxasidexxx nox faithx not so much as his patiencex

first lordx
hurt himx his bodyxs a passable carcass if he be not hurtx it is a
throughfare for steel if it be not hurtx

second lordx
xxasidexxx his steel was in debtx it went ox thx backside the townx

clotenx
the villain would not stand mex

second lordx
xxasidexxx nox but he fled forward stillx toward your facex

first lordx
stand youx you have land enough of your ownx but he added to your
havingx gave you some groundx

second lordx
xxasidexxx as many inches as you have oceansx
puppiesx

clotenx
i would they had not come between usx

second lordx
xxasidexxx so would ix till you had measurxd how long a fool you were
upon the groundx

clotenx
and that she should love this fellowx and refuse mex

second lordx
xxasidexxx if it be a sin to make a true electionx she is damnxdx

first lordx
sirx as i told you alwaysx her beauty and her brain go not togetherx
shexs a good signx but i have seen small reflection of her witx

second lordx
xxasidexxx she shines not upon foolsx lest the reflection should hurt
herx

clotenx
comex ixll to my chamberx would there had been some hurt donex

second lordx
xxasidexxx i wish not sox unless it had been the fall of an assx which
is no great hurtx

clotenx
youxll go with usx

first lordx
ixll attend your lordshipx

clotenx
nayx comex letxs go togetherx

second lordx
wellx my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx britainx cymbelinexs palacex

 enter imogen and pisaniox

imogenx
i would thou grewxst unto the shores ox thx havenx
and questionedxst every sailx if he should writex
and i not have itx xtwere a paper lostx
as offerxd mercy isx what was the last
that he spake to theex

pisaniox
it wasx his queenx his queenx

imogenx
then wavxd his handkerchiefx

pisaniox
and kissxd itx madamx

imogenx
senseless linenx happier therein than ix
and that was allx

pisaniox
nox madamx for so long
as he could make me with his eyex or ear
distinguish him from othersx he did keep
the deckx with glovex or hatx or handkerchiefx
still wavingx as the fits and stirs ofxs mind
could best express how slow his soul sailxd onx
how swift his shipx

imogenx
thou shouldst have made him
as little as a crowx or lessx ere left
to afterxeye himx

pisaniox
madamx so i didx

imogenx
i would have broke mine eyestringsx crackxd them but
to look upon himx till the diminution
of space had pointed him sharp as my needlex
nayx followed him till he had melted from
the smallness of a gnat to airx and then
have turnxd mine eye and weptx butx good pisaniox
when shall we hear from himx

pisaniox
be assurxdx madamx
with his next vantagex

imogenx
i did not take my leave of himx but had
most pretty things to sayx ere i could tell him
how i would think on him at certain hours
such thoughts and suchx or i could make him swear
the shes of italy should not betray
mine interest and his honourx or have chargxd himx
at the sixth hour of mornx at noonx at midnightx
tx encounter me with orisonsx for then
i am in heaven for himx or ere i could
give him that parting kiss which i had set
betwixt two charming wordsx comes in my fatherx
and like the tyrannous breathing of the north
shakes all our buds from growingx

 enter a ladyx

ladyx
the queenx madamx
desires your highnessx companyx

imogenx
those things i bid you dox get them dispatchxdx
i will attend the queenx

pisaniox
madamx i shallx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx romex philarioxs housex

 enter philariox iachimox a frenchmanx a dutchman and a spaniardx

iachimox
believe itx sirx i have seen him in britainx he was then of a crescent
notex expected to prove so worthy as since he hath been allowed the
name ofx but i could then have lookxd on him without the help of
admirationx though the catalogue of his endowments had been tabled by
his sidex and i to peruse him by itemsx

philariox
you speak of him when he was less furnishxd than now he is with that
which makes him both without and withinx

frenchmanx
i have seen him in francex we had very many there could behold the sun
with as firm eyes as hex

iachimox
this matter of marrying his kingxs daughterx wherein he must be weighed
rather by her value than his ownx words himx i doubt notx a great deal
from the matterx

frenchmanx
and then his banishmentx

iachimox
ayx and the approbation of those that weep this lamentable divorce
under her colours are wonderfully to extend himx be it but to fortify
her judgementx which else an easy battery might lay flatx for taking a
beggarx without less qualityx but how comes it he is to sojourn with
youx how creeps acquaintancex

philariox
his father and i were soldiers togetherx to whom i have been often
bound for no less than my lifex

 enter posthumusx

here comes the britonx let him be so entertained amongst you as suits
with gentlemen of your knowing to a stranger of his qualityx i beseech
you all be better known to this gentlemanx whom i commend to you as a
noble friend of minex how worthy he is i will leave to appear
hereafterx rather than story him in his own hearingx

frenchmanx
sirx we have known together in orleansx

posthumusx
since when i have been debtor to you for courtesiesx which i will be
ever to pay and yet pay stillx

frenchmanx
sirx you oxerrate my poor kindnessx i was glad i did atone my
countryman and youx it had been pity you should have been put together
with so mortal a purpose as then each borex upon importance of so
slight and trivial a naturex

posthumusx
by your pardonx sirx i was then a young travellerx rather shunnxd to go
even with what i heard than in my every action to be guided by othersx
experiencesx but upon my mended judgement xif i offend not to say it is
mendedx my quarrel was not altogether slightx

frenchmanx
faithx yesx to be put to the arbitrement of swordsx and by such two
that would by all likelihood have confounded one the other or have
fallxn bothx

iachimox
can wex with mannersx ask what was the differencex

frenchmanx
safelyx i thinkx xtwas a contention in publicx which mayx without
contradictionx suffer the reportx it was much like an argument that
fell out last nightx where each of us fell in praise of our country
mistressesx this gentleman at that time vouching xand upon warrant of
bloody affirmationx his to be more fairx virtuousx wisex chastex
constantx qualifiedx and less attemptablex than any the rarest of our
ladies in francex

iachimox
that lady is not now livingx or this gentlemanxs opinionx by thisx worn
outx

posthumusx
she holds her virtue stillx and i my mindx

iachimox
you must not so far prefer her xfore ours of italyx

posthumusx
being so far provokxd as i was in francex i would abate her nothingx
though i profess myself her adorerx not her friendx

iachimox
as fair and as goodxa kind of handxinxhand comparisonxhad been
something too fair and too good for any lady in britainx if she went
before others i have seen as that diamond of yours outlustres many i
have beheldx i could not but believe she excelled manyx but i have not
seen the most precious diamond that isx nor you the ladyx

posthumusx
i praisxd her as i rated herx so do i my stonex

iachimox
what do you esteem it atx

posthumusx
more than the world enjoysx

iachimox
either your unparagonxd mistress is deadx or shexs outprizxd by a
triflex

posthumusx
you are mistakenx the one may be sold or givenx if there were wealth
enough for the purchase or merit for the giftx the other is not a thing
for salex and only the gift of the godsx

iachimox
which the gods have given youx

posthumusx
which by their graces i will keepx

iachimox
you may wear her in title yoursx but you know strange fowl light upon
neighbouring pondsx your ring may be stolxn toox so your brace of
unprizable estimationsx the one is but frail and the other casualx a
cunning thiefx or a thatxwayxaccomplishxd courtierx would hazard the
winning both of first and lastx

posthumusx
your italy contains none so accomplishxd a courtier to convince the
honour of my mistressx if in the holding or loss of that you term her
frailx i do nothing doubt you have store of thievesx notwithstandingx i
fear not my ringx

philariox
let us leave herex gentlemenx

posthumusx
sirx with all my heartx this worthy signiorx i thank himx makes no
stranger of mex we are familiar at firstx

iachimox
with five times so much conversation i should get ground of your fair
mistressx make her go back even to the yieldingx had i admittance and
opportunity to friendx

posthumusx
nox nox

iachimox
i dare thereupon pawn the moiety of my estate to your ringx whichx in
my opinionx oxervalues it somethingx but i make my wager rather against
your confidence than her reputationx andx to bar your offence herein
toox i durst attempt it against any lady in the worldx

posthumusx
you are a great deal abusxd in too bold a persuasionx and i doubt not
you sustain what yxare worthy of by your attemptx

iachimox
whatxs thatx

posthumusx
a repulsex though your attemptx as you call itx deserve morex a
punishment toox

philariox
gentlemenx enough of thisx it came in too suddenlyx let it die as it
was bornx and i pray you be better acquaintedx

iachimox
would i had put my estate and my neighbourxs on thx approbation of what
i have spokex

posthumusx
what lady would you choose to assailx

iachimox
yoursx whom in constancy you think stands so safex i will lay you ten
thousand ducats to your ring thatx commend me to the court where your
lady isx with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second
conferencex and i will bring from thence that honour of hers which you
imagine so reservxdx

posthumusx
i will wage against your goldx gold to itx my ring i hold dear as my
fingerx xtis part of itx

iachimox
you are a friendx and therein the wiserx if you buy ladiesx flesh at a
million a dramx you cannot preserve it from taintingx but i see you
have some religion in youx that you fearx

posthumusx
this is but a custom in your tonguex you bear a graver purposex i hopex

iachimox
i am the master of my speechesx and would undergo whatxs spokenx i
swearx

posthumusx
will youx i shall but lend my diamond till your returnx let there be
covenants drawn betweenxsx my mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness
of your unworthy thinkingx i dare you to this matchx herexs my ringx

philariox
i will have it no layx

iachimox
by the godsx it is onex if i bring you no sufficient testimony that i
have enjoyxd the dearest bodily part of your mistressx my ten thousand
ducats are yoursx so is your diamond toox if i come offx and leave her
in such honour as you have trust inx she your jewelx this your jewelx
and my gold are yoursx provided i have your commendation for my more
free entertainmentx

posthumusx
i embrace these conditionsx let us have articles betwixt usx onlyx thus
far you shall answerx if you make your voyage upon herx and give me
directly to understand you have prevailxdx i am no further your enemyx
she is not worth our debatex if she remain unseducxdx you not making it
appear otherwisex for your ill opinion and thx assault you have made to
her chastity you shall answer me with your swordx

iachimox
your handx a covenantx we will have these things set down by lawful
counselx and straight away for britainx lest the bargain should catch
cold and starvex i will fetch my gold and have our two wagers recordedx

posthumusx
agreedx

 xxexeunt posthumus and iachimoxxx

frenchmanx
will this holdx think youx

philariox
signior iachimo will not from itx pray let us follow xemx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix britainx cymbelinexs palacex

 enter queenx ladies and corneliusx

queenx
whiles yet the dewxs on groundx gather those flowersx
make hastex who has the note of themx

ladyx
ix madamx

queenx
dispatchx

 xxexeunt ladiesxxx

nowx master doctorx have you brought those drugsx

corneliusx
pleaseth your highnessx ayx here they arex madamx

 xxpresenting a boxxxx

but i beseech your gracex without offencex
xmy conscience bids me askx wherefore you have
commanded of me these most poisonous compounds
which are the movers of a languishing deathx
butx though slowx deadlyx

queenx
i wonderx doctorx
thou askxst me such a questionx have i not been
thy pupil longx hast thou not learnxd me how
to make perfumesx distilx preservex yeax so
that our great king himself doth woo me oft
for my confectionsx having thus far proceeded
xunless thou thinkxst me devilishx isxt not meet
that i did amplify my judgement in
other conclusionsx i will try the forces
of these thy compounds on such creatures as
we count not worth the hanging xbut none humanx
to try the vigour of themx and apply
allayments to their actx and by them gather
their several virtues and effectsx

corneliusx
your highness
shall from this practice but make hard your heartx
besidesx the seeing these effects will be
both noisome and infectiousx

queenx
ox content theex

 enter pisaniox

xxasidexxx here comes a flattering rascalx upon him
will i first workx hexs for his masterx
an enemy to my sonx how nowx pisaniox
doctorx your service for this time is endedx
take your own wayx

corneliusx
xxasidexxx i do suspect youx madamx
but you shall do no harmx

queenx
xxto pisanioxxx hark theex a wordx

corneliusx
xxasidexxx i do not like herx she doth think she has
strange lingxring poisonsx i do know her spiritx
and will not trust one of her malice with
a drug of such damnxd naturex those she has
will stupefy and dull the sense awhilex
which first perchance shexll prove on cats and dogsx
then afterward up higherx but there is
no danger in what show of death it makesx
more than the locking up the spirits a timex
to be more freshx revivingx she is foolxd
with a most false effectx and i the truer
so to be false with herx

queenx
no further servicex doctorx
until i send for theex

corneliusx
i humbly take my leavex

 xxexitxxx

queenx
weeps she stillx sayxst thoux dost thou think in time
she will not quenchx and let instructions enter
where folly now possessesx do thou workx
when thou shalt bring me word she loves my sonx
ixll tell thee on the instant thou art then
as great as is thy masterx greaterx for
his fortunes all lie speechlessx and his name
is at last gaspx return he cannotx nor
continue where he isx to shift his being
is to exchange one misery with anotherx
and every day that comes comes to decay
a dayxs work in himx what shalt thou expect
to be depender on a thing that leansx
who cannot be new builtx nor has no friends
so much as but to prop himx

 xxthe queen drops the boxx pisanio takes it upxxx

thou takxst up
thou knowxst not whatx but take it for thy labourx
it is a thing i madex which hath the king
five times redeemxd from deathx i do not know
what is more cordialx nayx i prithee take itx
it is an earnest of a further good
that i mean to theex tell thy mistress how
the case stands with herx doxt as from thyselfx
think what a chance thou changest onx but think
thou hast thy mistress stillx to bootx my sonx
who shall take notice of theex ixll move the king
to any shape of thy prefermentx such
as thouxlt desirex and then myselfx i chieflyx
that set thee on to this desertx am bound
to load thy merit richlyx call my womenx
think on my wordsx

 xxexit pisanioxxx

a sly and constant knavex
not to be shakxdx the agent for his masterx
and the remembrancer of her to hold
the handxfast to her lordx i have given him that
whichx if he takex shall quite unpeople her
of liegers for her sweetx and which she afterx
except she bend her humourx shall be assurxd
to taste of toox

 enter pisanio and ladiesx

sox sox well donex well donex
the violetsx cowslipsx and the primrosesx
bear to my closetx fare thee wellx pisaniox
think on my wordsx

 xxexeunt queen and ladiesxxx

pisaniox
and shall dox
but when to my good lord i prove untrue
ixll choke myselfx therexs all ixll do for youx

 xxexitxxx

scene viix britainx the palacex

 enter imogen alonex

imogenx
a father cruel and a stepxdame falsex
a foolish suitor to a wedded lady
that hath her husband banishxdx ox that husbandx
my supreme crown of griefx and those repeated
vexations of itx had i been thiefxstolxnx
as my two brothersx happyx but most miserable
is the desire thatxs gloriousx blessed be thosex
how mean soexerx that have their honest willsx
which seasons comfortx who may this bex fiex

 enter pisanio and iachimox

pisaniox
madamx a noble gentleman of rome
comes from my lord with lettersx

iachimox
change youx madamx
the worthy leonatus is in safetyx
and greets your highness dearlyx

 xxpresents a letterxxx

imogenx
thanksx good sirx
youxre kindly welcomex

iachimox
xxasidexxx all of her that is out of door most richx
if she be furnishxd with a mind so rarex
she is alone thx arabian birdx and i
have lost the wagerx boldness be my friendx
arm mex audacityx from head to footx
orx like the parthianx i shall flying fightx
ratherx directly flyx

imogenx
xxreadsxxx xhe is one of the noblest notex to whose kindnesses i am
most infinitely tiedx reflect upon him accordinglyx as you value your
trustx
                    leonatusxx

so far i read aloudx
but even the very middle of my heart
is warmxd by thx rest and takes it thankfullyx
you are as welcomex worthy sirx as i
have words to bid youx and shall find it so
in all that i can dox

iachimox
thanksx fairest ladyx
whatx are men madx hath nature given them eyes
to see this vaulted arch and the rich crop
of sea and landx which can distinguish xtwixt
the fiery orbs above and the twinnxd stones
upon the numberxd beachx and can we not
partition make with spectacles so precious
xtwixt fair and foulx

imogenx
what makes your admirationx

iachimox
it cannot be ix thx eyex for apes and monkeysx
xtwixt two such shesx would chatter this way and
contemn with mows the otherx nor ix thx judgementx
for idiots in this case of favour would
be wisely definitex nor ix thx appetitex
slutteryx to such neat excellence opposxdx
should make desire vomit emptinessx
not so allurxd to feedx

imogenx
what is the matterx trowx

iachimox
the cloyed willx
that satiate yet unsatisfied desirex that tub
both fillxd and runningxravening first the lambx
longs after for the garbagex

imogenx
whatx dear sirx
thus raps youx are you wellx

iachimox
thanksx madamx wellx beseech youx sirx
desire my manxs abode where i did leave himx
hexs strange and peevishx

pisaniox
i was goingx sirx
to give him welcomex

 xxexitxxx

imogenx
continues well my lordx his health beseech youx

iachimox
wellx madamx

imogenx
is he disposxd to mirthx i hope he isx

iachimox
exceeding pleasantx none a stranger there
so merry and so gamesomex he is callxd
the briton revellerx

imogenx
when he was here
he did incline to sadnessx and oftxtimes
not knowing whyx

iachimox
i never saw him sadx
there is a frenchman his companionx one
an eminent monsieur thatx it seemsx much loves
a gallian girl at homex he furnaces
the thick sighs from himx whiles the jolly briton
xyour lordx i meanx laughs fromxs free lungsx cries xox
can my sides holdx to think that manx who knows
by historyx reportx or his own proofx
what woman isx yeax what she cannot choose
but must bex willxs free hours languish for
assured bondagexx

imogenx
will my lord say sox

iachimox
ayx madamx with his eyes in flood with laughterx
it is a recreation to be by
and hear him mock the frenchmanx but heavens know
some men are much to blamex

imogenx
not hex i hopex

iachimox
not hex but yet heavenxs bounty towards him might
be usxd more thankfullyx in himselfx xtis muchx
in youx which i account hisx beyond all talentsx
whilst i am bound to wonderx i am bound
to pity toox

imogenx
what do you pityx sirx

iachimox
two creatures heartilyx

imogenx
am i onex sirx
you look on mex what wreck discern you in me
deserves your pityx

iachimox
lamentablex whatx
to hide me from the radiant sun and solace
ix thx dungeon by a snuffx

imogenx
i pray youx sirx
deliver with more openness your answers
to my demandsx why do you pity mex

iachimox
that others dox
i was about to sayx enjoy yourxbut
it is an office of the gods to venge itx
not mine to speak onxtx

imogenx
you do seem to know
something of mex or what concerns mex pray youx
since doubting things go ill often hurts more
than to be sure they dox for certainties
either are past remediesx orx timely knowingx
the remedy then bornxdiscover to me
what both you spur and stopx

iachimox
had i this cheek
to bathe my lips uponx this handx whose touchx
whose every touchx would force the feelerxs soul
to thx oath of loyaltyx this objectx which
takes prisoner the wild motion of mine eyex
fixing it only herex should ix damnxd thenx
slaver with lips as common as the stairs
that mount the capitolx join gripes with hands
made hard with hourly falsehood xfalsehood as
with labourxx then byxpeeping in an eye
base and illustrious as the smoky light
thatxs fed with stinking tallowx it were fit
that all the plagues of hell should at one time
encounter such revoltx

imogenx
my lordx i fearx
has forgot britainx

iachimox
and himselfx not i
inclinxd to this intelligence pronounce
the beggary of his changex but xtis your graces
that from my mutest conscience to my tongue
charms this report outx

imogenx
let me hear no morex

iachimox
o dearest soulx your cause doth strike my heart
with pity that doth make me sickx a lady
so fairx and fastenxd to an emperyx
would make the greatxst king doublex to be partnerxd
with tomboys hirxd with that self exhibition
which your own coffers yieldx with diseasxd ventures
that play with all infirmities for gold
which rottenness can lend naturex such boilxd stuff
as well might poison poisonx be revengxdx
or she that bore you was no queenx and you
recoil from your great stockx

imogenx
revengxdx
how should i be revengxdx if this be truex
xas i have such a heart that both mine ears
must not in haste abusex if it be truex
how should i be revengxdx

iachimox
should he make me
live like dianaxs priest betwixt cold sheetsx
whiles he is vaulting variable rampsx
in your despitex upon your pursex revenge itx
i dedicate myself to your sweet pleasurex
more noble than that runagate to your bedx
and will continue fast to your affectionx
still close as surex

imogenx
what hox pisaniox

iachimox
let me my service tender on your lipsx

imogenx
awayx i do condemn mine ears that have
so long attended theex if thou wert honourablex
thou wouldst have told this tale for virtuex not
for such an end thou seekxstx as base as strangex
thou wrongxst a gentleman who is as far
from thy report as thou from honourx and
solicits here a lady that disdains
thee and the devil alikex what hox pisaniox
the king my father shall be made acquainted
of thy assaultx if he shall think it fit
a saucy stranger in his court to mart
as in a romish stewx and to expound
his beastly mind to usx he hath a court
he little cares forx and a daughter who
he not respects at allx what hox pisaniox

iachimox
o happy leonatusx i may say
the credit that thy lady hath of thee
deserves thy trustx and thy most perfect goodness
her assurxd creditx blessed live you longx
a lady to the worthiest sir that ever
country callxd hisx and you his mistressx only
for the most worthiest fitx give me your pardonx
i have spoke this to know if your affiance
were deeply rootedx and shall make your lord
that which he is new oxerx and he is one
the truest mannerxdx such a holy witch
that he enchants societies into himx
half all menxs hearts are hisx

imogenx
you make amendsx

iachimox
he sits xmongst men like a descended godx
he hath a kind of honour sets him off
more than a mortal seemingx be not angryx
most mighty princessx that i have adventurxd
to try your taking of a false reportx which hath
honourxd with confirmation your great judgement
in the election of a sir so rarex
which you know cannot errx the love i bear him
made me to fan you thusx but the gods made youx
unlike all othersx chafflessx pray your pardonx

imogenx
allxs wellx sirx take my powxr ix thx court for yoursx

iachimox
my humble thanksx i had almost forgot
tx entreat your grace but in a small requestx
and yet of moment toox for it concerns
your lordx myself and other noble friends
are partners in the businessx

imogenx
pray what isxtx

iachimox
some dozen romans of usx and your lord
xthe best feather of our wingx have mingled sums
to buy a present for the emperorx
which ix the factor for the restx have done
in francex xtis plate of rare devicex and jewels
of rich and exquisite formx their values greatx
and i am something curiousx being strangex
to have them in safe stowagex may it please you
to take them in protectionx

imogenx
willinglyx
and pawn mine honour for their safetyx since
my lord hath interest in themx i will keep them
in my bedchamberx

iachimox
they are in a trunkx
attended by my menx i will make bold
to send them to you only for this nightx
i must aboard tomorrowx

imogenx
ox nox nox

iachimox
yesx i beseechx or i shall short my word
by lengthxning my returnx from gallia
i crossxd the seas on purpose and on promise
to see your gracex

imogenx
i thank you for your painsx
but not away tomorrowx

iachimox
ox i mustx madamx
therefore i shall beseech youx if you please
to greet your lord with writingx doxt tonightx
i have outstood my timex which is material
to thx tender of our presentx

imogenx
i will writex
send your trunk to mex it shall safe be kept
and truly yielded youx youxre very welcomex

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix britainx before cymbelinexs palacex

 enter cloten and the two lordsx

clotenx
was there ever man had such luckx when i kissxd the jackx upon an
upcast to be hit awayx i had a hundred pound onxtx and then a whoreson
jackanapes must take me up for swearingx as if i borrowed mine oaths of
himx and might not spend them at my pleasurex

first lordx
what got he by thatx you have broke his pate with your bowlx

second lordx
xxasidexxx if his wit had been like him that broke itx it would have
run all outx

clotenx
when a gentleman is disposxd to swearx it is not for any standersxby to
curtail his oathsx hax

second lordx
nox my lordx xxasidexxx nor crop the ears of themx

clotenx
whoreson dogx i gave him satisfactionx would he had been one of my
rankx

second lordx
xxasidexxx to have smellxd like a foolx

clotenx
i am not vexxd more at anything in thx earthx a pox onxtx i had rather
not be so noble as i amx they dare not fight with mex because of the
queen my motherx every jackslave hath his bellyful of fightingx and i
must go up and down like a cock that nobody can matchx

second lordx
xxasidexxx you are cock and capon toox and you crowx cockx with your
comb onx

clotenx
sayest thoux

second lordx
it is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you
give offence tox

clotenx
nox i know thatx but it is fit i should commit offence to my inferiorsx

second lordx
ayx it is fit for your lordship onlyx

clotenx
whyx so i sayx

first lordx
did you hear of a stranger thatxs come to court tonightx

clotenx
a strangerx and i not known onxtx

second lordx
xxasidexxx hexs a strange fellow himselfx and knows it notx

first lordx
therexs an italian comex andx xtis thoughtx one of leonatusx friendsx

clotenx
leonatusx a banishxd rascalx and hexs anotherx whatsoever he bex who
told you of this strangerx

first lordx
one of your lordshipxs pagesx

clotenx
is it fit i went to look upon himx is there no derogation inxtx

second lordx
you cannot derogatex my lordx

clotenx
not easilyx i thinkx

second lordx
xxasidexxx you are a fool grantedx therefore your issuesx being
foolishx do not derogatex

clotenx
comex ixll go see this italianx what i have lost today at bowls ixll
win tonight of himx comex gox

second lordx
ixll attend your lordshipx

 xxexeunt cloten and first lordxxx

that such a crafty devil as is his mother
should yield the world this assx a woman that
bears all down with her brainx and this her son
cannot take two from twentyx for his heartx
and leave eighteenx alasx poor princessx
thou divine imogenx what thou endurxstx
betwixt a father by thy stepxdame governxdx
a mother hourly coining plotsx a wooer
more hateful than the foul expulsion is
of thy dear husbandx than that horrid act
of the divorce hexd makex the heavens hold firm
the walls of thy dear honourx keep unshakxd
that templex thy fair mindx that thou mayst stand
tx enjoy thy banishxd lord and this great landx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix britainx imogenxs bedchamber in cymbelinexs palacex a trunk
in one cornerx

 enter immogen in her bedx and a lady attendingx

imogenx
whoxs therex my woman helenx

ladyx
please youx madamx

imogenx
what hour is itx

ladyx
almost midnightx madamx

imogenx
i have read three hours thenx mine eyes are weakx
fold down the leaf where i have leftx to bedx
take not away the taperx leave it burningx
and if thou canst awake by four ox thx clockx
i prithee call mex sleep hath seizxd me whollyx

 xxexit ladyxxx

to your protection i commend mex godsx
from fairies and the tempters of the night
guard mex beseech yex

 xxsleepsx iachimo comes from the trunkxxx

iachimox
the crickets singx and manxs oxerxlabourxd sense
repairs itself by restx our tarquin thus
did softly press the rushes ere he wakenxd
the chastity he woundedx cythereax
how bravely thou becomxst thy bedx fresh lilyx
and whiter than the sheetsx that i might touchx
but kissx one kissx rubies unparagonxdx
how dearly they doxtx xtis her breathing that
perfumes the chamber thusx the flame ox thx taper
bows toward her and would underxpeep her lids
to see thx enclosed lightsx now canopied
under these windows white and azurex lacxd
with blue of heavenxs own tinctx but my design
to note the chamberx i will write all downx
such and such picturesx there the windowx such
thx adornment of her bedx the arrasx figuresx
whyx such and suchx and the contents ox thx storyx
ahx but some natural notes about her body
above ten thousand meaner movables
would testifyx tx enrich mine inventoryx
o sleepx thou ape of deathx lie dull upon herx
and be her sense but as a monumentx
thus in a chapel lyingx come offx come offx

 xxtaking off her braceletxxx

as slippery as the gordian knot was hardx
xtis minex and this will witness outwardlyx
as strongly as the conscience does withinx
to thx madding of her lordx on her left breast
a mole cinquexspottedx like the crimson drops
ix thx bottom of a cowslipx herexs a voucher
stronger than ever law could makex this secret
will force him think i have pickxd the lock and taxen
the treasure of her honourx no morex to what endx
why should i write this down thatxs rivetedx
screwxd to my memoryx she hath been reading late
the tale of tereusx here the leafxs turnxd down
where philomel gave upx i have enoughx
to thx trunk againx and shut the spring of itx
swiftx swiftx you dragons of the nightx that dawning
may bare the ravenxs eyex i lodge in fearx
though this a heavenly angelx hell is herex

 xxclock strikesxxx

onex twox threex timex timex

 xxexit into the trunkxxx

scene iiix cymbelinexs palacex an antexchamber adjoining imogenxs
apartmentsx

 enter cloten and lordsx

first lordx
your lordship is the most patient man in lossx the most coldest that
ever turnxd up acex

clotenx
it would make any man cold to losex

first lordx
but not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordshipx you
are most hot and furious when you winx

clotenx
winning will put any man into couragex if i could get this foolish
imogenx i should have gold enoughx itxs almost morningx isxt notx

first lordx
dayx my lordx

clotenx
i would this music would comex i am advised to give her music a
morningsx they say it will penetratex

 enter musiciansx

come onx tunex if you can penetrate her with your fingeringx sox wexll
try with tongue toox if none will dox let her remainx but ixll never
give oxerx firstx a very excellent goodxconceited thingx afterx a
wonderful sweet airx with admirable rich words to itx and then let her
considerx

song


    harkx harkx the lark at heavenxs gate singsx
        and phxbus xgins arisex
    his steeds to water at those springs
        on chalicxd flowxrs that liesx
    and winking maryxbuds begin
        to ope their golden eyesx
    with everything that pretty isx
        my lady sweetx arisex
            arisex arisex

clotenx
sox get you gonex if this penetratex i will consider your music the
betterx if it do notx it is a vice in her ears which horsehairs and
calvesx gutsx nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to bootx can never amendx

 xxexeunt musiciansxxx

 enter cymbeline and queenx

second lordx
here comes the kingx

clotenx
i am glad i was up so latex for thatxs the reason i was up so earlyx he
cannot choose but take this service i have done fatherlyxxgood morrow
to your majesty and to my gracious motherx

cymbelinex
attend you here the door of our stern daughterx
will she not forthx

clotenx
i have assailxd her with musicsx but she vouchsafes no noticex

cymbelinex
the exile of her minion is too newx
she hath not yet forgot himx some more time
must wear the print of his remembrance onxtx
and then shexs yoursx

queenx
you are most bound to thx kingx
who lets go by no vantages that may
prefer you to his daughterx frame yourself
to orderly solicitsx and be friended
with aptness of the seasonx make denials
increase your servicesx so seem as if
you were inspirxd to do those duties which
you tender to herx that you in all obey herx
save when command to your dismission tendsx
and therein you are senselessx

clotenx
senselessx not sox

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
so like youx sirx ambassadors from romex
the one is caius luciusx

cymbelinex
a worthy fellowx
albeit he comes on angry purpose nowx
but thatxs no fault of hisx we must receive him
according to the honour of his senderx
and towards himselfx his goodness forespent on usx
we must extend our noticex our dear sonx
when you have given good morning to your mistressx
attend the queen and usx we shall have need
tx employ you towards this romanx comex our queenx

 xxexeunt all but clotenxxx

clotenx
if she be upx ixll speak with herx if notx
let her lie still and dreamx by your leavex hox

 xxknocksxxx

i know her women are about herx what
if i do line one of their handsx xtis gold
which buys admittance xoft it dothx yeax and makes
dianaxs rangers false themselvesx yield up
their deer to thx stand ox thx stealerx and xtis gold
which makes the true man killxd and saves the thiefx
nayx sometime hangs both thief and true manx what
can it not do and undox i will make
one of her women lawyer to mex for
i yet not understand the case myselfx
by your leavex

 xxknocksxxx

 enter a ladyx

ladyx
whoxs there that knocksx

clotenx
a gentlemanx

ladyx
no morex

clotenx
yesx and a gentlewomanxs sonx

ladyx
thatxs more
than some whose tailors are as dear as yours
can justly boast ofx whatxs your lordshipxs pleasurex

clotenx
your ladyxs personx is she readyx

ladyx
ayx
to keep her chamberx

clotenx
there is gold for youx sell me your good reportx

ladyx
howx my good namex or to report of you
what i shall think is goodx the princessx

 enter imogenx

clotenx
good morrowx fairest sisterx your sweet handx

 xxexit ladyxxx

imogenx
good morrowx sirx you lay out too much pains
for purchasing but troublex the thanks i give
is telling you that i am poor of thanksx
and scarce can spare themx

clotenx
still i swear i love youx

imogenx
if you but said sox xtwere as deep with mex
if you swear stillx your recompense is still
that i regard it notx

clotenx
this is no answerx

imogenx
but that you shall not say i yieldx being silentx
i would not speakx i pray you spare mex faithx
i shall unfold equal discourtesy
to your best kindnessx one of your great knowing
should learnx being taughtx forbearancex

clotenx
to leave you in your madness xtwere my sinx
i will notx

imogenx
fools are not mad folksx

clotenx
do you call me foolx

imogenx
as i am madx i dox
if youxll be patientx ixll no more be madx
that cures us bothx i am much sorryx sirx
you put me to forget a ladyxs manners
by being so verbalx and learn nowx for allx
that ix which know my heartx do here pronouncex
by thx very truth of itx i care not for youx
and am so near the lack of charity
to accuse myself i hate youx which i had rather
you felt than makext my boastx

clotenx
you sin against
obediencex which you owe your fatherx for
the contract you pretend with that base wretchx
one bred of alms and fosterxd with cold dishesx
with scraps ox thx courtx it is no contractx nonex
and though it be allowed in meaner parties
xyet who than he more meanxx to knit their souls
xon whom there is no more dependency
but brats and beggaryx in selfxfigurxd knotx
yet you are curbxd from that enlargement by
the consequence ox thx crownx and must not foil
the precious note of it with a base slavex
a hilding for a liveryx a squirexs clothx
a pantlerx not so eminentx

imogenx
profane fellowx
wert thou the son of jupiterx and no more
but what thou art besidesx thou wert too base
to be his groomx thou wert dignified enoughx
even to the point of envyx if xtwere made
comparative for your virtues to be stylxd
the underxhangman of his kingdomx and hated
for being preferrxd so wellx

clotenx
the south fog rot himx

imogenx
he never can meet more mischance than come
to be but namxd of theex his meanxst garment
that ever hath but clippxd his bodyx is dearer
in my respectx than all the hairs above theex
were they all made such menx how nowx pisaniox

 enter pisaniox

clotenx
xhis garmentxx now the devilx

imogenx
to dorothy my woman hie thee presentlyx

clotenx
xhis garmentxx

imogenx
i am sprited with a foolx
frightedx and angxred worsex go bid my woman
search for a jewel that too casually
hath left mine armx it was thy masterxsx shrew mex
if i would lose it for a revenue
of any kingxs in europex i do think
i sawxt this morningx confident i am
last night xtwas on mine armx i kissxd itx
i hope it be not gone to tell my lord
that i kiss aught but hex

pisaniox
xtwill not be lostx

imogenx
i hope sox go and searchx

 xxexit pisanioxxx

clotenx
you have abusxd mex
xhis meanest garmentxx

imogenx
ayx i said sox sirx
if you will make xt an actionx call witness to xtx

clotenx
i will inform your fatherx

imogenx
your mother toox
shexs my good lady and will conceivex i hopex
but the worst of mex so i leave youx sirx
to thx worst of discontentx

 xxexitxxx

clotenx
ixll be revengxdx
xhis meanxst garmentxx wellx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx romex philarioxs housex

 enter posthumus and philariox

posthumusx
fear it notx sirx i would i were so sure
to win the king as i am bold her honour
will remain hersx

philariox
what means do you make to himx

posthumusx
not anyx but abide the change of timex
quake in the present winterxs statex and wish
that warmer days would comex in these fearxd hopes
i barely gratify your lovex they failingx
i must die much your debtorx

philariox
your very goodness and your company
oxerpays all i can dox by this your king
hath heard of great augustusx caius lucius
will doxs commission throughlyx and i think
hexll grant the tributex send thx arrearagesx
or look upon our romansx whose remembrance
is yet fresh in their griefx

posthumusx
i do believe
statist though i am nonex nor like to bex
that this will prove a warx and you shall hear
the legions now in gallia sooner landed
in our notxfearing britain than have tidings
of any penny tribute paidx our countrymen
are men more orderxd than when julius cxsar
smilxd at their lack of skillx but found their courage
worthy his frowning atx their disciplinex
now mingled with their couragesx will make known
to their approvers they are people such
that mend upon the worldx

 enter iachimox

philariox
seex iachimox

posthumusx
the swiftest harts have posted you by landx
and winds of all the corners kissxd your sailsx
to make your vessel nimblex

philariox
welcomex sirx

posthumusx
i hope the briefness of your answer made
the speediness of your returnx

iachimox
your lady
is one of the fairest that i have lookxd uponx

posthumusx
and therewithal the bestx or let her beauty
look through a casement to allure false heartsx
and be false with themx

iachimox
here are letters for youx

posthumusx
their tenour goodx i trustx

iachimox
xtis very likex

philariox
was caius lucius in the britain court
when you were therex

iachimox
he was expected thenx
but not approachxdx

posthumusx
all is well yetx
sparkles this stone as it was wontx or isxt not
too dull for your good wearingx

iachimox
if i have lost itx
i should have lost the worth of it in goldx
ixll make a journey twice as far tx enjoy
a second night of such sweet shortness which
was mine in britainx for the ring is wonx

posthumusx
the stonexs too hard to come byx

iachimox
not a whitx
your lady being so easyx

posthumusx
make notx sirx
your loss your sportx i hope you know that we
must not continue friendsx

iachimox
good sirx we mustx
if you keep covenantx had i not brought
the knowledge of your mistress homex i grant
we were to question fartherx but i now
profess myself the winner of her honourx
together with your ringx and not the wronger
of her or youx having proceeded but
by both your willsx

posthumusx
if you can makext apparent
that you have tasted her in bedx my hand
and ring is yoursx if notx the foul opinion
you had of her pure honour gains or loses
your sword or minex or masterless leaves both
to who shall find themx

iachimox
sirx my circumstancesx
being so near the truth as i will make themx
must first induce you to believex whose strength
i will confirm with oathx which i doubt not
youxll give me leave to spare when you shall find
you need it notx

posthumusx
proceedx

iachimox
firstx her bedchamberx
xwhere i confess i slept notx but profess
had that was well worth watchingx it was hangxd
with tapestry of silk and silverx the storyx
proud cleopatra when she met her roman
and cydnus swellxd above the banksx or for
the press of boats or pridex a piece of work
so bravely donex so richx that it did strive
in workmanship and valuex which i wonderxd
could be so rarely and exactly wroughtx
since the true life onxt wasx

posthumusx
this is truex
and this you might have heard of herex by me
or by some otherx

iachimox
more particulars
must justify my knowledgex

posthumusx
so they mustx
or do your honour injuryx

iachimox
the chimney
is south the chamberx and the chimneypiece
chaste dian bathingx never saw i figures
so likely to report themselvesx the cutter
was as another naturex dumbx outwent herx
motion and breath left outx

posthumusx
this is a thing
which you might from relation likewise reapx
beingx as it isx much spoke ofx

iachimox
the roof ox thx chamber
with golden cherubins is frettedx her andirons
xi had forgot themx were two winking cupids
of silverx each on one foot standingx nicely
depending on their brandsx

posthumusx
this is her honourx
let it be granted you have seen all thisx and praise
be given to your remembrancex the description
of what is in her chamber nothing saves
the wager you have laidx

iachimox
thenx if you canx xxshows the braceletxx
be palex i beg but leave to air this jewelx seex
and now xtis up againx it must be married
to that your diamondx ixll keep themx

posthumusx
jovex
once more let me behold itx is it that
which i left with herx

iachimox
sir xi thank herx thatx
she strippxd it from her armx i see her yetx
her pretty action did outsell her giftx
and yet enrichxd it toox she gave it mex and said
she prizxd it oncex

posthumusx
may be she pluckxd it of
to send it mex

iachimox
she writes so to youx doth shex

posthumusx
ox nox nox nox xtis truex herex take this toox

 xxgives the ringxxx

it is a basilisk unto mine eyex
kills me to look onxtx let there be no honour
where there is beautyx truth where semblancex love
where therexs another manx the vows of women
of no more bondage be to where they are made
than they are to their virtuesx which is nothingx
ox above measure falsex

philariox
have patiencex sirx
and take your ring againx xtis not yet wonx
it may be probable she lost itx or
who knows if one her womenx being corrupted
hath stolxn it from herx

posthumusx
very truex
and so i hope he came byxtx back my ringx
render to me some corporal sign about herx
more evident than thisx for this was stolxnx

iachimox
by jupiterx i had it from her armx

posthumusx
hark youx he swearsx by jupiter he swearsx
xtis truex nayx keep the ringx xtis truex i am sure
she would not lose itx her attendants are
all sworn and honourablexxthey inducxd to steal itx
and by a strangerx nox he hath enjoyxd herx
the cognizance of her incontinency
is thisx she hath bought the name of whore thus dearlyx
therex take thy hirex and all the fiends of hell
divide themselves between youx


philariox
sirx be patientx
this is not strong enough to be believxd
of one persuaded well ofx

posthumusx
never talk onxtx
she hath been colted by himx

iachimox
if you seek
for further satisfyingx under her breast
xworthy the pressingx lies a molex right proud
of that most delicate lodgingx by my lifex
i kissxd itx and it gave me present hunger
to feed againx though fullx you do remember
this stain upon herx

posthumusx
ayx and it doth confirm
another stainx as big as hell can holdx
were there no more but itx

iachimox
will you hear morex

posthumusx
spare your arithmeticx never count the turnsx
oncex and a millionx

iachimox
ixll be swornx

posthumusx
no swearingx
if you will swear you have not donextx you liex
and i will kill thee if thou dost deny
thouxst made me cuckoldx

iachimox
ixll deny nothingx

posthumusx
o that i had her here to tear her limbxmealx
i will go there and doxtx ix thx courtx before
her fatherx ixll do somethingx

 xxexitxxx

philariox
quite besides
the government of patiencex you have wonx
letxs follow him and pervert the present wrath
he hath against himselfx

iachimox
with all my heartx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx romex another room in philarioxs housex

 enter posthumusx

posthumusx
is there no way for men to bex but women
must be halfxworkersx we are all bastardsx
and that most venerable man which i
did call my father was i know not where
when i was stampxdx some coiner with his tools
made me a counterfeitx yet my mother seemxd
the dian of that timex so doth my wife
the nonpareil of thisx ox vengeancex vengeancex
me of my lawful pleasure she restrainxdx
and prayxd me oft forbearancex did it with
a pudency so rosyx the sweet view onxt
might well have warmxd old saturnx that i thought her
as chaste as unsunnxd snowx ox all the devilsx
this yellow iachimo in an hourx wasxt notx
or lessx at firstx perchance he spoke notx butx
like a fullxacornxd boarx a german onex
cried xoxx and mountedx found no opposition
but what he lookxd for should oppose and she
should from encounter guardx could i find out
the womanxs part in mex for therexs no motion
that tends to vice in man but i affirm
it is the womanxs partx be it lyingx note itx
the womanxsx flatteringx hersx deceivingx hersx
lust and rank thoughtsx hersx hersx revengesx hersx
ambitionsx covetingsx change of pridesx disdainx
nice longingx slandersx mutabilityx
all faults that man may namex nayx that hell knowsx
whyx hersx in part or allx but rather allx
for even to vice
they are not constantx but are changing still
one vice but of a minute old for one
not half so old as thatx ixll write against themx
detest themx curse themx yet xtis greater skill
in a true hate to pray they have their willx
the very devils cannot plague them betterx

 xxexitxxx



act iii

scene ix britainx a hall in cymbelinexs palacex

 enter in state cymbelinex queenx cloten and lords at one doorx and at
 another caius lucius and attendantsx

cymbelinex
now sayx what would augustus cxsar with usx

luciusx
when julius cxsarx xwhose remembrance yet
lives in menxs eyesx and will to ears and tongues
be theme and hearing everx was in this britainx
and conquerxd itx cassibelanx thine unclex
famous in cxsarxs praises no whit less
than in his feats deserving itx for him
and his succession granted rome a tributex
yearly three thousand poundsx which by thee lately
is left untenderxdx

queenx
andx to kill the marvelx
shall be so everx

clotenx
there be many cxsars ere such another juliusx britain is a world by
itselfx and we will nothing pay for wearing our own nosesx

queenx
that opportunityx
which then they had to take fromxsx to resume
we have againx rememberx sirx my liegex
the kings your ancestorsx together with
the natural bravery of your islex which stands
as neptunexs parkx ribbxd and palxd in
with rocks unscaleable and roaring watersx
with sands that will not bear your enemiesx boats
but suck them up to thx topxmastx a kind of conquest
cxsar made herex but made not here his brag
of xcamex and sawx and overcamexx with shame
xthe first that ever touchxd himx he was carried
from off our coastx twice beatenx and his shipping
xpoor ignorant baublesxx on our terrible seasx
like eggxshells movxd upon their surgesx crackxd
as easily xgainst our rocksx for joy whereof
the famxd cassibelanx who was once at point
xox giglot fortunexx to master cxsarxs swordx
made ludxs town with rejoicing fires bright
and britons strut with couragex

clotenx
comex therexs no more tribute to be paidx our kingdom is stronger than
it was at that timex andx as i saidx there is no moe such cxsarsx other
of them may have crookxd nosesx but to owe such straight armsx nonex

cymbelinex
sonx let your mother endx

clotenx
we have yet many among us can gripe as hard as cassibelanx i do not say
i am onex but i have a handx why tributex why should we pay tributex if
cxsar can hide the sun from us with a blanketx or put the moon in his
pocketx we will pay him tribute for lightx elsex sirx no more tributex
pray you nowx

cymbelinex
you must knowx
till the injurious romans did extort
this tribute from usx we were freex cxsarxs ambitionx
which swellxd so much that it did almost stretch
the sides ox thx worldx against all colour here
did put the yoke uponxsx which to shake of
becomes a warlike peoplex whom we reckon
ourselves to bex

clotenx
we dox

cymbelinex
say then to cxsarx
our ancestor was that mulmutius which
ordainxd our lawsx whose use the sword of cxsar
hath too much mangledx whose repair and franchise
shallx by the power we holdx be our good deedx
though rome be therefore angryx mulmutius made our lawsx
who was the first of britain which did put
his brows within a golden crownx and callxd
himself a kingx

luciusx
i am sorryx cymbelinex
that i am to pronounce augustus cxsar
xcxsarx that hath moe kings his servants than
thyself domestic officersx thine enemyx
receive it from mex thenx war and confusion
in cxsarxs name pronounce i xgainst theex look
for fury not to be resistedx thus defiedx
i thank thee for myselfx

cymbelinex
thou art welcomex caiusx
thy cxsar knighted mex my youth i spent
much under himx of him i gatherxd honourx
which he to seek of me againx perforcex
behoves me keep at utterancex i am perfect
that the pannonians and dalmatians for
their liberties are now in armsx a precedent
which not to read would show the britons coldx
so cxsar shall not find themx

luciusx
let proof speakx

clotenx
his majesty bids you welcomex make pastime with us a day or twox or
longerx if you seek us afterwards in other termsx you shall find us in
our saltxwater girdlex if you beat us out of itx it is yoursx if you
fall in the adventurex our crows shall fare the better for youx and
therexs an endx

luciusx
sox sirx

cymbelinex
i know your masterxs pleasurex and he minex
all the remain isx welcomex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix britainx another room in cymbelinexs palacex

 enter pisanio reading of a letterx

pisaniox
howx of adulteryx wherefore write you not
what monsters her accusex leonatusx
o masterx what a strange infection
is fallxn into thy earx what false italian
xas poisonousxtonguxd as handedx hath prevailxd
on thy too ready hearingx disloyalx nox
shexs punishxd for her truthx and undergoesx
more goddessxlike than wifexlikex such assaults
as would take in some virtuex o my masterx
thy mind to her is now as low as were
thy fortunesx howx that i should murder herx
upon the lovex and truthx and vowsx which i
have made to thy commandx ix herx her bloodx
if it be so to do good servicex never
let me be counted serviceablex how look i
that i should seem to lack humanity
so much as this fact comes tox

 xxreadsxxx

xdoxtx the letter
that i have sent herx by her own command
shall give thee opportunityxx o damnxd paperx
black as the ink thatxs on theex senseless baublex
art thou a fedary for this actx and lookxst
so virginxlike withoutx lox here she comesx

 enter imogenx

i am ignorant in what i am commandedx

imogenx
how nowx pisaniox

pisaniox
madamx here is a letter from my lordx

imogenx
whox thy lordx that is my lordx leonatusx
ox learnxd indeed were that astronomer
that knew the stars as i his charactersx
hexd lay the future openx you good godsx
let what is here containxd relish of lovex
of my lordxs healthx of his contentx yet not
that we two are asunderx let that grieve himx
some griefs are medxcinablex that is one of themx
for it doth physic lovex of his contentx
all but in thatx good waxx thy leavex blest be
you bees that make these locks of counselx lovers
and men in dangerous bonds pray not alikex
though forfeiters you cast in prisonx yet
you clasp young cupidxs tablesx good newsx godsx

 xxreadsxxx

xjustice and your fatherxs wrathx should he take me in his dominionx
could not be so cruel to me as youx o the dearest of creaturesx would
even renew me with your eyesx take notice that i am in cambriax at
milford havenx what your own love will out of this advise youx followx
so he wishes you all happiness that remains loyal to his vowx and your
increasing in lovex
                    leonatus posthumusxx

o for a horse with wingsx hearxst thoux pisaniox
he is at milford havenx readx and tell me
how far xtis thitherx if one of mean affairs
may plod it in a weekx why may not i
glide thither in a dayx thenx true pisaniox
who longxst like me to see thy lordx who longxst
xox let me xbatexx but not like mex yet longxstx
but in a fainter kindx ox not like mex
for minexs beyond beyondx sayx and speak thickx
xlovexs counsellor should fill the bores of hearing
to thx smothering of the sensex how far it is
to this same blessed milfordx and by thx way
tell me how wales was made so happy as
tx inherit such a havenx but first of allx
how we may steal from hencex and for the gap
that we shall make in time from our hencexgoing
and our returnx to excusex but firstx how get hencex
why should excuse be born or ere begotx
wexll talk of that hereafterx prithee speakx
how many score of miles may we well rid
xtwixt hour and hourx

pisaniox
one score xtwixt sun and sunx
madamx xs enough for youx and too much toox

imogenx
whyx one that rode toxs executionx manx
could never go so slowx i have heard of riding wagers
where horses have been nimbler than the sands
that run ix thx clockxs behalfx but this is foolxryx
go bid my woman feign a sicknessx say
shexll home to her fatherx and provide me presently
a riding suitx no costlier than would fit
a franklinxs huswifex

pisaniox
madamx youxre best considerx

imogenx
i see before mex manx nor herex nor herex
nor what ensuesx but have a fog in them
that i cannot look throughx awayx i pritheex
do as i bid theex therexs no more to sayx
accessible is none but milford wayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix walesx a mountainous country with a cavex

 enter from the cave belariusx guiderius and arviragusx

belariusx
a goodly day not to keep house with such
whose roofxs as low as oursx stoopx boysx this gate
instructs you how tx adore the heavensx and bows you
to a morningxs holy officex the gates of monarchs
are archxd so high that giants may jet through
and keep their impious turbans on without
good morrow to the sunx hailx thou fair heavenx
we house ix thx rockx yet use thee not so hardly
as prouder livers dox

guideriusx
hailx heavenx

arviragusx
hailx heavenx

belariusx
now for our mountain sportx up to yond hillx
your legs are youngx ixll tread these flatsx considerx
when you above perceive me like a crowx
that it is place which lessens and sets offx
and you may then revolve what tales i have told you
of courtsx of princesx of the tricks in warx
this service is not service so being donex
but being so allowxdx to apprehend thus
draws us a profit from all things we seex
and often to our comfort shall we find
the sharded beetle in a safer hold
than is the fullxwingxd eaglex ox this life
is nobler than attending for a checkx
richer than doing nothing for a robex
prouder than rustling in unpaidxfor silkx
such gain the cap of him that makes him finex
yet keeps his book uncrossxdx no life to oursx

guideriusx
out of your proof you speakx wex poor unfledgxdx
have never wingxd from view ox thx nestx nor know not
what airxs from homex haply this life is bestx
if quiet life be bestx sweeter to you
that have a sharper knownx well corresponding
with your stiff agex but unto us it is
a cell of ignorancex travelling abedx
a prison for a debtor that not dares
to stride a limitx

arviragusx
what should we speak of
when we are old as youx when we shall hear
the rain and wind beat dark decemberx howx
in this our pinching cavex shall we discoursex
the freezing hours awayx we have seen nothingx
we are beastlyx subtle as the fox for preyx
like warlike as the wolf for what we eatx
our valour is to chase what fliesx our cage
we make a choirx as doth the prisonxd birdx
and sing our bondage freelyx

belariusx
how you speakx
did you but know the cityxs usuriesx
and felt them knowinglyx the art ox thx courtx
as hard to leave as keepx whose top to climb
is certain fallingx or so slippxry that
the fearxs as bad as fallingx the toil ox thx warx
a pain that only seems to seek out danger
ix thx name of fame and honourx which dies ix thx searchx
and hath as oft a slandxrous epitaph
as record of fair actx nayx many timesx
doth ill deserve by doing wellx whatxs worsex
must curtsy at the censurex ox boysx this story
the world may read in mex my bodyxs markxd
with roman swordsx and my report was once
first with the best of notex cymbeline lovxd mex
and when a soldier was the themex my name
was not far offx then was i as a tree
whose boughs did bend with fruitx but in one night
a stormx or robberyx call it what you willx
shook down my mellow hangingsx nayx my leavesx
and left me bare to weatherx

guideriusx
uncertain favourx

belariusx
my fault being nothingx as i have told you oftx
but that two villainsx whose false oaths prevailxd
before my perfect honourx swore to cymbeline
i was confederate with the romansx so
followxd my banishmentx and this twenty years
this rock and these demesnes have been my worldx
where i have livxd at honest freedomx paid
more pious debts to heaven than in all
the forexend of my timex but up to thx mountainsx
this is not huntersx languagex he that strikes
the venison first shall be the lord ox thx feastx
to him the other two shall ministerx
and we will fear no poisonx which attends
in place of greater statex ixll meet you in the valleysx

 xxexeunt guiderius and arviragusxxx

how hard it is to hide the sparks of naturex
these boys know little they are sons to thx kingx
nor cymbeline dreams that they are alivex
they think they are minex and though trainxd up thus meanly
ix thx cave wherein they bowx their thoughts do hit
the roofs of palacesx and nature prompts them
in simple and low things to prince it much
beyond the trick of othersx this polydorex
the heir of cymbeline and britainx who
the king his father callxd guideriusxjovex
when on my threexfoot stool i sit and tell
the warlike feats i have donex his spirits fly out
into my storyx say xthus mine enemy fellx
and thus i set my foot onxs neckxx even then
the princely blood flows in his cheekx he sweatsx
strains his young nervesx and puts himself in posture
that acts my wordsx the younger brotherx cadwalx
once arviragusx in as like a figure
strikes life into my speechx and shows much more
his own conceivingx harkx the game is rousxdx
o cymbelinex heaven and my conscience knows
thou didst unjustly banish mex whereonx
at three and two years oldx i stole these babesx
thinking to bar thee of succession as
thou refts me of my landsx euriphilex
thou wast their nursex they took thee for their motherx
and every day do honour to her gravex
myselfx belariusx that am morgan callxdx
they take for natural fatherx the game is upx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx walesx near milford havenx

 enter pisanio and imogenx

imogenx
thou toldxst mex when we came from horsex the place
was near at handx nexer longxd my mother so
to see me first as i have nowx pisaniox manx
where is posthumusx what is in thy mind
that makes thee stare thusx wherefore breaks that sigh
from thx inward of theex one but painted thus
would be interpreted a thing perplexxd
beyond selfxexplicationx put thyself
into a haviour of less fearx ere wildness
vanquish my staider sensesx whatxs the matterx
why tenderxst thou that paper to me with
a look untenderx ifxt be summer newsx
smile toxt beforex if winterlyx thou needxst
but keep that countxnance stillx my husbandxs handx
that drugxdamnxd italy hath outxcraftied himx
and hexs at some hard pointx speakx manx thy tongue
may take off some extremityx which to read
would be even mortal to mex

pisaniox
please you readx
and you shall find mex wretched manx a thing
the most disdainxd of fortunex

imogenx
xxreadsxxx xthy mistressx pisaniox hath playxd the strumpet in my bedx
the testimonies whereof lie bleeding in mex i speak not out of weak
surmisesx but from proof as strong as my grief and as certain as i
expect my revengex that part thoux pisaniox must act for mex if thy
faith be not tainted with the breach of hersx let thine own hands take
away her lifex i shall give thee opportunity at milford havenx she hath
my letter for the purposex wherex if thou fear to strikex and to make
me certain it is donex thou art the pandar to her dishonourx and
equally to me disloyalxx

pisaniox
what shall i need to draw my swordx the paper
hath cut her throat alreadyx nox xtis slanderx
whose edge is sharper than the swordx whose tongue
outvenoms all the worms of nilex whose breath
rides on the posting winds and doth belie
all corners of the worldx kingsx queensx and statesx
maidsx matronsx nayx the secrets of the gravex
this viperous slander entersx what cheerx madamx

imogenx
false to his bedx what is it to be falsex
to lie in watch therex and to think on himx
to weep twixt clock and clockx if sleep charge naturex
to break it with a fearful dream of himx
and cry myself awakex thatxs false toxs bedx
is itx

pisaniox
alasx good ladyx

imogenx
i falsex thy conscience witnessx iachimox
thou didst accuse him of incontinencyx
thou then lookxdst like a villainx nowx methinksx
thy favourxs good enoughx some jay of italyx
whose mother was her paintingx hath betrayxd himx
poor i am stalex a garment out of fashionx
and for i am richer than to hang by thx walls
i must be rippxdx to pieces with mex ox
menxs vows are womenxs traitorsx all good seemingx
by thy revoltx o husbandx shall be thought
put on for villainyx not born wherext growsx
but worn a bait for ladiesx

pisaniox
good madamx hear mex

imogenx
true honest men being heardx like false xneasx
werex in his timex thought falsex and sinonxs weeping
did scandal many a holy tearx took pity
from most true wretchednessx so thoux posthumusx
wilt lay the leaven on all proper menx
goodly and gallant shall be false and perjurxd
from thy great failx comex fellowx be thou honestx
do thou thy masterxs biddingx when thou seest himx
a little witness my obediencex lookx
i draw the sword myselfx take itx and hit
the innocent mansion of my lovex my heartx
fear notx xtis empty of all things but griefx
thy master is not therex who was indeed
the riches of itx do his biddingx strikex
thou mayst be valiant in a better causex
but now thou seemxst a cowardx

pisaniox
hencex vile instrumentx
thou shalt not damn my handx

imogenx
whyx i must diex
and if i do not by thy handx thou art
no servant of thy masterxsx against selfxslaughter
there is a prohibition so divine
that cravens my weak handx comex herexs my heartx
somethingxs aforextx softx softx wexll no defencex
obedient as the scabbardx what is herex
the scriptures of the loyal leonatus
all turnxd to heresyx awayx awayx
corrupters of my faithx you shall no more
be stomachers to my heartx thus may poor fools
believe false teachersx though those that are betrayxd
do feel the treason sharplyx yet the traitor
stands in worse case of woex and thoux posthumusx
that didst set up my disobedience xgainst the king
my fatherx and make me put into contempt the suits
of princely fellowsx shalt hereafter find
it is no act of common passage but
a strain of rarenessx and i grieve myself
to thinkx when thou shalt be disedgxd by her
that now thou tirest onx how thy memory
will then be pangxd by mex prithee dispatchx
the lamp entreats the butcherx wherexs thy knifex
thou art too slow to do thy masterxs biddingx
when i desire it toox

pisaniox
o gracious ladyx
since i receivxd command to do this busines
i have not slept one winkx

imogenx
doxtx and to bed thenx

pisaniox
ixll wake mine eyeballs firstx

imogenx
wherefore then
didst undertake itx why hast thou abusxd
so many miles with a pretencex this placex
mine action and thine ownx our horsesx labourx
the time inviting theex the perturbxd courtx
for my being absentx whereunto i never
purpose returnx why hast thou gone so far
to be unbent when thou hast taxen thy standx
thx elected deer before theex

pisaniox
but to win time
to lose so bad employmentx in the which
i have considerxd of a coursex good ladyx
hear me with patiencex

imogenx
talk thy tongue wearyx speakx
i have heard i am a strumpetx and mine earx
therein false struckx can take no greater woundx
nor tent to bottom thatx but speakx

pisaniox
thenx madamx
i thought you would not back againx

imogenx
most likex
bringing me here to kill mex

pisaniox
not sox neitherx
but if i were as wise as honestx then
my purpose would prove wellx it cannot be
but that my master is abusxdx some villainx
ayx and singular in his artx hath done you both
this cursed injuryx

imogenx
some roman courtezanx

pisaniox
nox on my lifex
ixll give but notice you are deadx and send him
some bloody sign of itx for xtis commanded
i should do sox you shall be missxd at courtx
and that will well confirm itx

imogenx
whyx good fellowx
what shall i do the whilex where bidex how livex
or in my life what comfortx when i am
dead to my husbandx

pisaniox
if youxll back to thx courtx

imogenx
no courtx no fatherx nor no more ado
with that harshx noblex simple nothingx
that clotenx whose lovexsuit hath been to me
as fearful as a siegex

pisaniox
if not at courtx
then not in britain must you bidex

imogenx
where thenx
hath britain all the sun that shinesx dayx nightx
are they not but in britainx ix thx worldxs volume
our britain seems as of itx but not inxtx
in a great pool a swanxs nestx prithee think
therexs livers out of britainx

pisaniox
i am most glad
you think of other placex thx ambassadorx
lucius the romanx comes to milford haven
tomorrowx nowx if you could wear a mind
dark as your fortune isx and but disguise
that which tx appear itself must not yet be
but by selfxdangerx you should tread a course
pretty and full of viewx yeax happilyx near
the residence of posthumusx so nighx at leastx
that though his actions were not visiblex yet
report should render him hourly to your ear
as truly as he movesx

imogenx
ox for such meansx
though peril to my modestyx not death onxtx
i would adventurex

pisaniox
well thenx herexs the pointx
you must forget to be a womanx change
command into obediencex fear and niceness
xthe handmaids of all womenx orx more trulyx
woman it pretty selfx into a waggish couragex
ready in gibesx quickxanswerxdx saucyx and
as quarrelous as the weaselx nayx you must
forget that rarest treasure of your cheekx
exposing it xbutx ox the harder heartx
alackx no remedyx to the greedy touch
of commonxkissing titanx and forget
your laboursome and dainty trims wherein
you made great juno angryx

imogenx
nayx be briefx
i see into thy endx and am almost
a man alreadyx

pisaniox
firstx make yourself but like onex
forexthinking thisx i have already fit
xxtis in my cloakxbagx doubletx hatx hosex all
that answer to themx would youx in their servingx
and with what imitation you can borrow
from youth of such a seasonx xfore noble lucius
present yourselfx desire his servicex tell him
wherein youxre happyx which will make him know
if that his head have ear in musicx doubtless
with joy he will embrace youx for hexs honourablex
andx doubling thatx most holyx your means abroadx
you have mex richx and i will never fail
beginning nor supplymentx

imogenx
thou art all the comfort
the gods will diet me withx prithee awayx
therexs more to be considerxdx but wexll even
all that good time will give usx this attempt
i am soldier tox and will abide it with
a princexs couragex awayx i pritheex

pisaniox
wellx madamx we must take a short farewellx
lestx being missxdx i be suspected of
your carriage from the courtx my noble mistressx
here is a boxx i had it from the queenx
whatxs inxt is preciousx if you are sick at sea
or stomachxqualmxd at landx a dram of this
will drive away distemperx to some shadex
and fit you to your manhoodx may the gods
direct you to the bestx

imogenx
amenx i thank theex

 xxexeunt severallyxxx

scene vx britainx cymbelinexs palacex

 enter cymbelinex queenx clotenx lucius and lordsx

cymbelinex
thus farx and so farewellx

luciusx
thanksx royal sirx
my emperor hath wrotex i must from hencex
and am right sorry that i must report ye
my masterxs enemyx

cymbelinex
our subjectsx sirx
will not endure his yokex and for ourself
to show less sovereignty than theyx must needs
appear unkinglikex

luciusx
sox sirx i desire of you
a conduct overland to milford havenx
madamx all joy befall your gracex and youx

cymbelinex
my lordsx you are appointed for that officex
the due of honour in no point omitx
so farewellx noble luciusx

luciusx
your handx my lordx

clotenx
receive it friendlyx but from this time forth
i wear it as your enemyx

luciusx
sirx the event
is yet to name the winnerx fare you wellx

cymbelinex
leave not the worthy luciusx good my lordsx
till he have crossxd the severnx happinessx

 xxexeunt lucius and lordsxxx

queenx
he goes hence frowningx but it honours us
that we have given him causex

clotenx
xtis all the betterx
your valiant britons have their wishes in itx

cymbelinex
lucius hath wrote already to the emperor
how it goes herex it fits us therefore ripely
our chariots and our horsemen be in readinessx
the powxrs that he already hath in gallia
will soon be drawn to headx from whence he moves
his war for britainx

queenx
xtis not sleepy businessx
but must be lookxd to speedily and stronglyx

cymbelinex
our expectation that it would be thus
hath made us forwardx butx my gentle queenx
where is our daughterx she hath not appearxd
before the romanx nor to us hath tenderxd
the duty of the dayx she looks us like
a thing more made of malice than of dutyx
we have noted itx call her before usx for
we have been too slight in sufferancex

 xxexit an attendantxxx

queenx
royal sirx
since the exile of posthumusx most retirxd
hath her life beenx the cure whereofx my lordx
xtis time must dox beseech your majestyx
forbear sharp speeches to herx shexs a lady
so tender of rebukes that words are strokesx
and strokes death to herx

 enter attendantx

cymbelinex
where is shex sirx how
can her contempt be answerxdx

attendantx
please youx sirx
her chambers are all lockxdx and therexs no answer
that will be given to thx loud of noise we makex

queenx
my lordx when last i went to visit herx
she prayxd me to excuse her keeping closex
whereto constrainxd by her infirmity
she should that duty leave unpaid to you
which daily she was bound to profferx this
she wishxd me to make knownx but our great court
made me to blame in memoryx

cymbelinex
her doors lockxdx
not seen of latex grantx heavensx that which i fear
prove falsex

 xxexitxxx

queenx
sonx i sayx follow the kingx

clotenx
that man of hersx pisaniox her old servantx
i have not seen these two daysx

queenx
gox look afterx

 xxexit clotenxxx

pisaniox thou that standxst so for posthumusx
he hath a drug of minex i pray his absence
proceed by swallowing thatx for he believes
it is a thing most preciousx but for herx
where is she gonex haply despair hath seizxd herx
orx wingxd with fervour of her lovex shexs flown
to her desirxd posthumusx gone she is
to death or to dishonourx and my end
can make good use of eitherx she being downx
i have the placing of the british crownx

 enter clotenx

how nowx my sonx

clotenx
xtis certain she is fledx
go in and cheer the kingx he ragesx none
dare come about himx

queenx
all the betterx may
this night forestall him of the coming dayx

 xxexitxxx

clotenx
i love and hate herx for shexs fair and royalx
and that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite
than ladyx ladiesx womanx from every one
the best she hathx and shex of all compoundedx
outsells them allx i love her thereforex but
disdaining me and throwing favours on
the low posthumus slanders so her judgement
that whatxs else rare is chokxdx and in that point
i will conclude to hate herx nayx indeedx
to be revengxd upon herx for when fools
shallx

 enter pisaniox

who is herex whatx are you packingx sirrahx
come hitherx ahx you precious pandarx villainx
where is thy ladyx in a wordx or else
thou art straightway with the fiendsx

pisaniox
o good my lordx

clotenx
where is thy ladyx orx by jupiterx
i will not ask againx close villainx
ixll have this secret from thy heartx or rip
thy heart to find itx is she with posthumusx
from whose so many weights of baseness cannot
a dram of worth be drawnx

pisaniox
alasx my lordx
how can she be with himx when was she missxdx
he is in romex

clotenx
where is shex sirx come nearerx
no farther haltingx satisfy me home
what is become of herx

pisaniox
o my allxworthy lordx

clotenx
allxworthy villainx
discover where thy mistress is at oncex
at the next wordx no more of xworthy lordxx
speakx or thy silence on the instant is
thy condemnation and thy deathx

pisaniox
thenx sirx
this paper is the history of my knowledge
touching her flightx

 xxpresenting a letterxxx

clotenx
letxs seextx i will pursue her
even to augustusx thronex

pisaniox
xxasidexxx or this or perishx
shexs far enoughx and what he learns by this
may prove his travelx not her dangerx

clotenx
humhx

pisaniox
xxasidexxx ixll write to my lord shexs deadx o imogenx
safe mayst thou wanderx safe return againx

clotenx
sirrahx is this letter truex

pisaniox
sirx as i thinkx

clotenx
it is posthumusx handx i knowxtx sirrahx if thou wouldst not be a
villainx but do me true servicex undergo those employments wherein i
should have cause to use thee with a serious industryxthat isx what
villainy soexer i bid thee dox to perform it directly and trulyxi would
think thee an honest manx thou shouldst neither want my means for thy
relief nor my voice for thy prefermentx

pisaniox
wellx my good lordx

clotenx
wilt thou serve mex for since patiently and constantly thou hast stuck
to the bare fortune of that beggar posthumusx thou canst notx in the
course of gratitudex but be a diligent follower of minex wilt thou
serve mex

pisaniox
sirx i willx

clotenx
give me thy handx herexs my pursex hast any of thy late masterxs
garments in thy possessionx

pisaniox
i havex my lordx at my lodgingx the same suit he wore when he took
leave of my lady and mistressx

clotenx
the first service thou dost mex fetch that suit hitherx let it be thy
first servicex gox

pisaniox
i shallx my lordx

 xxexitxxx

clotenx
meet thee at milford havenx i forgot to ask him one thingx ixll
rememberxt anonx even therex thou villain posthumusx will i kill theex
i would these garments were comex she said upon a timexthe bitterness
of it i now belch from my heartxthat she held the very garment of
posthumus in more respect than my noble and natural personx together
with the adornment of my qualitiesx with that suit upon my back will i
ravish herx first kill himx and in her eyesx there shall she see my
valourx which will then be a torment to her contemptx he on the groundx
my speech of insultment ended on his dead bodyx and when my lust hath
dinedxwhichx as i sayx to vex her i will execute in the clothes that
she so praisxdxto the court ixll knock her backx foot her home againx
she hath despisxd me rejoicinglyx and ixll be merry in my revengex

 enter pisanio with the clothesx

be those the garmentsx

pisaniox
ayx my noble lordx

clotenx
how long isxt since she went to milford havenx

pisaniox
she can scarce be there yetx

clotenx
bring this apparel to my chamberx that is the second thing that i have
commanded theex the third is that thou wilt be a voluntary mute to my
designx be but duteous and truex preferment shall tender itself to
theex my revenge is now at milfordx would i had wings to follow itx
comex and be truex

 xxexitxxx

pisaniox
thou bidxst me to my lossx for true to thee
were to prove falsex which i will never bex
to him that is most truex to milford gox
and find not her whom thou pursuestx flowx flowx
you heavenly blessingsx on herx this foolxs speed
be crossxd with slownessx labour be his meedx

 xxexitxxx

scene vix walesx before the cave of belariusx

 enter imogen alonex in boyxs clothesx

imogenx
i see a manxs life is a tedious onex
i have tirxd myselfx and for two nights together
have made the ground my bedx i should be sick
but that my resolution helps mex milfordx
when from the mountainxtop pisanio showxd theex
thou wast within a kenx o jovex i think
foundations fly the wretchedx suchx i meanx
where they should be relievxdx two beggars told me
i could not miss my wayx will poor folks liex
that have afflictions on themx knowing xtis
a punishment or trialx yesx no wonderx
when rich ones scarce tell truex to lapse in fulness
is sorer than to lie for needx and falsehood
is worse in kings than beggarsx my dear lordx
thou art one ox thx false onesx now i think on thee
my hungerxs gonex but even beforex i was
at point to sink for foodx but what is thisx
here is a path toxtx xtis some savage holdx
i were best not callx i dare not callx yet faminex
ere clean it oxerthrow naturex makes it valiantx
plenty and peace breeds cowardsx hardness ever
of hardiness is motherx hox whoxs herex
if anything thatxs civilx speakx if savagex
take or lendx hox no answerx then ixll enterx
best draw my swordx and if mine enemy
but fear the swordx like mex hexll scarcely look onxtx
such a foex good heavensx

 xxexit into the cavexxx

scene viix the samex

 enter belariusx guiderius and arviragusx

belariusx
youx polydorex have provxd best woodman and
are master of the feastx cadwal and i
will play the cook and servantx xtis our matchx
the sweat of industry would dry and die
but for the end it works tox comex our stomachs
will make whatxs homely savouryx weariness
can snore upon the flintx when resty sloth
finds the down pillow hardx nowx peace be herex
poor housex that keepxst thyselfx

guideriusx
i am thoroughly wearyx

arviragusx
i am weak with toilx yet strong in appetitex

guideriusx
there is cold meat ix thx cavex wexll browse on that
whilst what we have killxd be cookxdx

belariusx
xxlooking into the cavexxx stayx come not inx
but that it eats our victualsx i should think
here were a fairyx

guideriusx
whatxs the matterx sirx

belariusx
by jupiterx an angelx orx if notx
an earthly paragonx behold divineness
no elder than a boyx

 enter imogenx

imogenx
good mastersx harm me notx
before i enterxd here i callxdx and thought
to have beggxd or bought what i have tookx good trothx
i have stolxn noughtx nor would not though i had found
gold strewxd ix thx floorx herexs money for my meatx
i would have left it on the boardx so soon
as i had made my mealx and parted
with prayxrs for the providerx

guideriusx
moneyx youthx

arviragusx
all gold and silver rather turn to dirtx
as xtis no better reckonxd but of those
who worship dirty godsx

imogenx
i see youxre angryx
knowx if you kill me for my faultx i should
have died had i not made itx

belariusx
whither boundx

imogenx
to milford havenx

belariusx
whatxs your namex

imogenx
fidelex sirx i have a kinsman who
is bound for italyx he embarkxd at milfordx
to whom being goingx almost spent with hungerx
i am fallxn in this offencex

belariusx
pritheex fair youthx
think us no churlsx nor measure our good minds
by this rude place we live inx well encounterxdx
xtis almost nightx you shall have better cheer
ere you departx and thanks to stay and eat itx
boysx bid him welcomex

guideriusx
were you a womanx youthx
i should woo hard but be your groomx in honesty
i bid for you as ixd buyx

arviragusx
ixll makext my comfort
he is a manx ixll love him as my brotherx
and such a welcome as ixd give to him
after long absencex such is yoursx most welcomex
be sprightlyx for you fall xmongst friendsx

imogenx
xmongst friendsx
if brothersx xxasidexxx would it had been so that they
had been my fatherxs sonsx then had my prize
been lessx and so more equal ballasting
to theex posthumusx

belariusx
he wrings at some distressx

guideriusx
would i could freextx

arviragusx
or ix whatexer it bex
what pain it costx what dangerx godsx

belariusx
xxwhisperingxxx harkx boysx

imogenx
xxasidexxx great menx
that had a court no bigger than this cavex
that did attend themselvesx and had the virtue
which their own conscience sealxd themx laying by
that nothingxgift of differing multitudesx
could not outxpeer these twainx pardon mex godsx
ixd change my sex to be companion with themx
since leonatus falsex

belariusx
it shall be sox
boysx wexll go dress our huntx fair youthx come inx
discourse is heavyx fastingx when we have suppxdx
wexll mannerly demand thee of thy storyx
so far as thou wilt speak itx

guideriusx
pray draw nearx

arviragusx
the night to thx owl and morn to thx lark less
welcomex

imogenx
thanksx sirx

arviragusx
i pray draw nearx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viiix romex a public placex

 enter two roman senators and tribunesx

first senatorx
this is the tenour of the emperorxs writx
that since the common men are now in action
xgainst the pannonians and dalmatiansx
and that the legions now in gallia are
full weak to undertake our wars against
the fallxnxoff britonsx that we do incite
the gentry to this businessx he creates
lucius proconsulx and to youx the tribunesx
for this immediate levyx he commands
his absolute commissionx long live cxsarx

tribunex
is lucius general of the forcesx

second senatorx
ayx

tribunex
remaining now in galliax

first senatorx
with those legions
which i have spoke ofx whereunto your levy
must be supplyantx the words of your commission
will tie you to the numbers and the time
of their dispatchx

tribunex
we will discharge our dutyx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix walesx near the cave of belariusx

 enter cloten alonex

clotenx
i am near to thx place where they should meetx if pisanio have mappxd
it trulyx how fit his garments serve mex why should his mistressx who
was made by him that made the tailorx not be fit toox the ratherx
saving reverence of the wordx for xtis said a womanxs fitness comes by
fitsx therein i must play the workmanx i dare speak it to myselfx for
it is not vainxglory for a man and his glass to confer in his own
chamberx i meanx the lines of my body are as well drawn as hisx no less
youngx more strongx not beneath him in fortunesx beyond him in the
advantage of the timex above him in birthx alike conversant in general
servicesx and more remarkable in single oppositionsx yet this
imperceiverant thing loves him in my despitex what mortality isx
posthumusx thy headx which now is growing upon thy shouldersx shall
within this hour be offx thy mistress enforcedx thy garments cut to
pieces before her facex and all this donex spurn her home to her
fatherx who mayx haplyx be a little angry for my so rough usagex but my
motherx having power of his testinessx shall turn all into my
commendationsx my horse is tied up safex outx swordx and to a sore
purposex fortunex put them into my handx this is the very description
of their meetingxplacex and the fellow dares not deceive mex

 xxexitxxx

scene iix walesx before the cave of belariusx

 enter from the cavex belariusx guideriusx arviragus and imogenx

belariusx
xxto imogenxxx you are not wellx remain here in the cavex
wexll come to you after huntingx

arviragusx
xxto imogenxxx brotherx stay herex
are we not brothersx

imogenx
so man and man should bex
but clay and clay differs in dignityx
whose dust is both alikex i am very sickx

guideriusx
go you to huntingx ixll abide with himx

imogenx
so sick i am notx yet i am not wellx
but not so citizen a wanton as
to seem to die ere sickx so please youx leave mex
stick to your journal coursex the breach of custom
is breach of allx i am illx but your being by me
cannot amend mex society is no comfort
to one not sociablex i am not very sickx
since i can reason of itx pray you trust me herex
ixll rob none but myselfx and let me diex
stealing so poorlyx

guideriusx
i love theex i have spoke itx
how much the quantityx the weight as much
as i do love my fatherx

belariusx
whatx howx howx

arviragusx
if it be sin to say sox sirx i yoke me
in my good brotherxs faultx i know not why
i love this youthx and i have heard you say
lovexs reasonxs without reasonx the bier at doorx
and a demand who isxt shall diex ixd say
xmy fatherx not this youthxx

belariusx
xxasidexxx o noble strainx
o worthiness of naturex breed of greatnessx
cowards father cowards and base things sire basex
nature hath meal and branx contempt and gracex
ixm not their fatherx yet who this should be
doth miracle itselfx lovxd before mexx
xtis the ninth hour ox thx mornx

arviragusx
brotherx farewellx

imogenx
i wish ye sportx

arviragusx
your healthx xxto belariusxxx so please youx sirx

imogenx
xxasidexxx these are kind creaturesx godsx what lies i
have heardx
our courtiers say allxs savage but at courtx
experiencex ox thou disprovxst reportx
thx imperious seas breed monstersx for the dishx
poor tributary rivers as sweet fishx
i am sick stillx heartxsickx pisaniox
ixll now taste of thy drugx

 xxswallows somexxx

guideriusx
i could not stir himx
he said he was gentlex but unfortunatex
dishonestly afflictedx but yet honestx

arviragusx
thus did he answer mex yet said hereafter
i might know morex

belariusx
to thx fieldx to thx fieldx
wexll leave you for this timex go in and restx

arviragusx
wexll not be long awayx

belariusx
pray be not sickx
for you must be our huswifex

imogenx
wellx or illx
i am bound to youx

belariusx
and shalt be everx

 xxexit imogen into the cavexxx

this youthx howexer distressxdx appears he hath had
good ancestorsx

arviragusx
how angelxlike he singsx

guideriusx
but his neat cookeryx he cut our roots in charactersx
and saucxd our broths as juno had been sickx
and he her dieterx

arviragusx
nobly he yokes
a smiling with a sighx as if the sigh
was that it was for not being such a smilex
the smile mocking the sigh that it would fly
from so divine a temple to commix
with winds that sailors rail atx

guideriusx
i do note
that grief and patiencex rooted in him bothx
mingle their spurs togetherx

arviragusx
grow patiencex
and let the stinking elderx griefx untwine
his perishing root with the increasing vinex

belariusx
it is great morningx comex awayx whoxs therex

 enter clotenx

clotenx
i cannot find those runagatesx that villain
hath mockxd mex i am faintx

belariusx
those runagatesx
means he not usx i partly know himx xtis
clotenx the son ox thx queenx i fear some ambushx
i saw him not these many yearsx and yet
i know xtis hex we are held as outlawsx hencex

guideriusx
he is but onex you and my brother search
what companies are nearx pray you awayx
let me alone with himx

 xxexeunt belarius and arviragusxxx

clotenx
softx what are you
that fly me thusx some villain mountaineersx
i have heard of suchx what slave art thoux

guideriusx
a thing
more slavish did i nexer than answering
a slave without a knockx

clotenx
thou art a robberx
a lawxbreakerx a villainx yield theex thiefx

guideriusx
to whox to theex what art thoux have not i
an arm as big as thinex a heart as bigx
thy wordsx i grantx are biggerx for i wear not
my dagger in my mouthx say what thou artx
why i should yield to theex

clotenx
thou villain basex
knowxst me not by my clothesx

guideriusx
nox nor thy tailorx rascalx
who is thy grandfatherx he made those clothesx
whichx as it seemsx make theex

clotenx
thou precious varletx
my tailor made them notx

guideriusx
hencex thenx and thank
the man that gave them theex thou art some foolx
i am loath to beat theex

clotenx
thou injurious thiefx
hear but my namex and tremblex

guideriusx
whatxs thy namex

clotenx
clotenx thou villainx

guideriusx
clotenx thou double villainx be thy namex
i cannot tremble at itx were it toadx or adderx spiderx
xtwould move me soonerx

clotenx
to thy further fearx
nayx to thy mere confusionx thou shalt know
i am son to thx queenx

guideriusx
ixm sorry forxtx not seeming
so worthy as thy birthx

clotenx
art not afeardx

guideriusx
those that i reverencex those i fearxthe wisex
at fools i laughx not fear themx

clotenx
die the deathx
when i have slain thee with my proper handx
ixll follow those that even now fled hencex
and on the gates of ludxs town set your headsx
yieldx rustic mountaineerx

 xxexeuntx fightingxxx

 enter belarius and arviragusx

belariusx
no companyxs abroadx

arviragusx
none in the worldx you did mistake himx surex

belariusx
i cannot tellx long is it since i saw himx
but time hath nothing blurrxd those lines of favour
which then he worex the snatches in his voicex
and burst of speakingx were as hisx i am absolute
xtwas very clotenx

arviragusx
in this place we left themx
i wish my brother make good time with himx
you say he is so fellx

belariusx
being scarce made upx
i mean to manx he had not apprehension
or roaring terrorsx for defect of judgement
is oft the cease of fearx

 enter guiderius with clotenxs headx

butx seex thy brotherx

guideriusx
this cloten was a foolx an empty pursex
there was no money inxtx not hercules
could have knockxd out his brainsx for he had nonex
yet i not doing thisx the fool had borne
my head as i do hisx

belariusx
what hast thou donex

guideriusx
i am perfect whatx cut off one clotenxs headx
son to the queenx after his own reportx
who callxd me traitorx mountaineerx and swore
with his own single hand hexd take us inx
displace our heads wherex thank the godsx they growx
and set them on ludxs townx

belariusx
we are all undonex

guideriusx
whyx worthy fatherx what have we to lose
but that he swore to takex our livesx the law
protects not usx then why should we be tender
to let an arrogant piece of flesh threat usx
play judge and executioner all himselfx
for we do fear the lawx what company
discover you abroadx

belariusx
no single soul
can we set eye onx but in all safe reason
he must have some attendantsx though his humour
was nothing but mutationx ayx and that
from one bad thing to worsex not frenzyx not
absolute madness could so far have ravxdx
to bring him here alonex although perhaps
it may be heard at court that such as we
cave herex hunt herex are outlawsx and in time
may make some stronger headx the which he hearingx
as it is like himx might break out and swear
hexd fetch us inx yet isxt not probable
to come alonex either he so undertaking
or they so sufferingx then on good ground we fearx
if we do fear this body hath a tail
more perilous than the headx

arviragusx
let ordinance
come as the gods foresay itx howsoexerx
my brother hath done wellx

belariusx
i had no mind
to hunt this dayx the boy fidelexs sickness
did make my way long forthx

guideriusx
with his own swordx
which he did wave against my throatx i have taxen
his head from himx ixll throwxt into the creek
behind our rockx and let it to the sea
and tell the fishes hexs the queenxs sonx clotenx
thatxs all i reckx

 xxexitxxx

belariusx
i fear xtwill be revengxdx
wouldx polydorex thou hadst not donextx though valour
becomes thee well enoughx

arviragusx
would i had donextx
so the revenge alone pursuxd mex polydorex
i love thee brotherlyx but envy much
thou hast robbxd me of this deedx i would revengesx
that possible strength might meetx would seek us throughx
and put us to our answerx

belariusx
wellx xtis donex
wexll hunt no more todayx nor seek for danger
where therexs no profitx i prithee to our rockx
you and fidele play the cooksx ixll stay
till hasty polydore returnx and bring him
to dinner presentlyx

arviragusx
poor sick fidelex
ixll willingly to himx to gain his colour
ixd let a parish of such clotenxs bloodx
and praise myself for charityx

 xxexitxxx

belariusx
o thou goddessx
thou divine naturex thou thyself thou blazonxst
in these two princely boysx they are as gentle
as zephyrs blowing below the violetx
not wagging his sweet headx and yet as roughx
their royal blood enchafxdx as the rudxst wind
that by the top doth take the mountain pine
and make him stoop to thx valex xtis wonder
that an invisible instinct should frame them
to royalty unlearnxdx honour untaughtx
civility not seen from otherx valour
that wildly grows in themx but yields a crop
as if it had been sowxdx yet still itxs strange
what clotenxs being here to us portendsx
or what his death will bring usx

 enter guideriusx

guideriusx
wherexs my brotherx
i have sent clotenxs clotpoll down the streamx
in embassy to his motherx his bodyxs hostage
for his returnx

 xxsolemn musicxxx

belariusx
my ingenious instrumentx
harkx polydorex it soundsx but what occasion
hath cadwal now to give it motionx harkx

guideriusx
is he at homex

belariusx
he went hence even nowx

guideriusx
what does he meanx since death of my dearxst mother
it did not speak beforex all solemn things
should answer solemn accidentsx the matterx
triumphs for nothing and lamenting toys
is jollity for apes and grief for boysx
is cadwal madx

 enter arviragus with imogen as deadx bearing her in his armsx

belariusx
lookx here he comesx
and brings the dire occasion in his arms
of what we blame him forx

arviragusx
the bird is dead
that we have made so much onx i had rather
have skippxd from sixteen years of age to sixtyx
to have turnxd my leaping time into a crutchx
than have seen thisx

guideriusx
o sweetestx fairest lilyx
my brother wears thee not the one half so well
as when thou grewxst thyselfx

belariusx
o melancholyx
who ever yet could sound thy bottomx find
the ooze to show what coast thy sluggish crare
mightxst easiliest harbour inx thou blessed thingx
jove knows what man thou mightst have madex but ix
thou diedstx a most rare boyx of melancholyx
how found you himx

arviragusx
starkx as you seex
thus smilingx as some fly had tickled slumberx
not as deathxs dartx being laughxd atx his right cheek
reposing on a cushionx

guideriusx
wherex

arviragusx
ox thx floorx
his arms thus leaguxdx i thought he sleptx and put
my clouted brogues from off my feetx whose rudeness
answerxd my steps too loudx

guideriusx
whyx he but sleepsx
if he be gone hexll make his grave a bedx
with female fairies will his tomb be hauntedx
and worms will not come to theex

arviragusx
with fairest flowersx
whilst summer lasts and i live herex fidelex
ixll sweeten thy sad gravex thou shalt not lack
the flower thatxs like thy facex pale primrosex nor
the azurxd harexbellx like thy veinsx nox nor
the leaf of eglantinex whom not to slanderx
outxsweetxned not thy breathx the ruddock wouldx
with charitable bill xo billx sore shaming
those richxleft heirs that let their fathers lie
without a monumentxx bring thee all thisx
yeax and furrxd moss besidesx when flowxrs are nonex
to winterxground thy corsex

guideriusx
prithee have donex
and do not play in wenchxlike words with that
which is so seriousx let us bury himx
and not protract with admiration what
is now due debtx to thx gravex

arviragusx
sayx where shallxs lay himx

guideriusx
by good euriphilex our motherx

arviragusx
bext sox
and let usx polydorex though now our voices
have got the mannish crackx sing him to thx groundx
as once to our motherx use like note and wordsx
save that euriphile must be fidelex

guideriusx
cadwalx
i cannot singx ixll weepx and word it with theex
for notes of sorrow out of tune are worse
than priests and fanes that liex

arviragusx
wexll speak itx thenx

belariusx
great griefsx i seex medxcine the lessx for cloten
is quite forgotx he was a queenxs sonx boysx
and though he came our enemyx remember
he was paid for thatx though mean and mighty rotting
together have one dustx yet reverencex
that angel of the worldx doth make distinction
of place xtween high and lowx our foe was princelyx
and though you took his lifex as being our foex
yet bury him as a princex

guideriusx
pray you fetch him hitherx
thersitesx body is as good as ajaxxx
when neither are alivex

arviragusx
if youxll go fetch himx
wexll say our song the whilstx brotherx beginx

 xxexit belariusxxx

guideriusx
nayx cadwalx we must lay his head to thx eastx
my father hath a reason forxtx

arviragusx
xtis truex

guideriusx
come onx thenx and remove himx

arviragusx
sox beginx

song

guideriusx
x    fear no more the heat ox thx sunx
        nor the furious winterxs ragesx
    thou thy worldly task hast donex
        home art gonex and taxen thy wagesx
    golden lads and girls all mustx
    as chimneyxsweepersx come to dustxx

arviragusx
x    fear no more the frown ox thx greatx
        thou art past the tyrantxs strokex
    care no more to clothe and eatx
        to thee the reed is as the oakx
    the sceptrex learningx physicx must
    all follow this and come to dustxx

guideriusx
x    fear no more the lightning flashxx

arviragusx
x        nor thx allxdreaded thunderxstonexx

guideriusx
x    fear not slanderx censure rashxx

arviragusx
x    thou hast finishxd joy and moanxx

bothx
x    all lovers youngx all lovers must
    consign to thee and come to dustxx

guideriusx
x    no exorciser harm theexx

arviragusx
x    nor no witchcraft charm theexx

guideriusx
x    ghost unlaid forbear theexx

arviragusx
x    nothing ill come near theexx

bothx
x    quiet consummation havex
    and renowned be thy gravexx

 enter belarius with the body of clotenx

guideriusx
we have done our obsequiesx comex lay him downx

belariusx
herexs a few flowersx but xbout midnightx morex
the herbs that have on them cold dew ox thx night
are strewings fitxst for gravesx upon their facesx
you were as flowxrsx now witherxdx even so
these herblets shall which we upon you strewx
come onx awayx apart upon our kneesx
the ground that gave them first has them againx
their pleasures here are pastx so is their painx

 xxexeunt all but imogenxxx

imogenx
xxawakingxxx yesx sirx to milford havenx which is the wayx
i thank youx by yond bushx prayx how far thitherx
xods pittikinsx can it be six mile yetx
i have gone all nightx faithx ixll lie down and sleepx
butx softx no bedfellowx o gods and goddessesx

 xxseeing the bodyxxx

these flowxrs are like the pleasures of the worldx
this bloody manx the care onxtx i hope i dreamx
for so i thought i was a cavexkeeperx
and cook to honest creaturesx but xtis not sox
xtwas but a bolt of nothingx shot at nothingx
which the brain makes of fumesx our very eyes
are sometimesx like our judgementsx blindx good faithx
i tremble still with fearx but if there be
yet left in heaven as small a drop of pity
as a wrenxs eyex fearxd godsx a part of itx
the dreamxs here stillx even when i wake it is
without mex as within mex not imaginxdx feltx
a headless manx the garments of posthumusx
i know the shape ofxs legx this is his handx
his foot mercurialx his martial thighx
the brawns of herculesx but his jovial facex
murder in heavenx howx xtis gonex pisaniox
all curses madded hecuba gave the greeksx
and mine to bootx be darted on theex thoux
conspirxd with that irregulous devilx clotenx
hath here cut off my lordx to write and read
be henceforth treacherousx damnxd pisanio
hath with his forged letters xdamnxd pisaniox
from this most bravest vessel of the world
struck the mainxtopx o posthumusx alasx
where is thy headx wherexs thatx ay mex wherexs thatx
pisanio might have killxd thee at the heartx
and left this head onx how should this bex pisaniox
xtis he and clotenx malice and lucre in them
have laid this woe herex ox xtis pregnantx pregnantx
the drug he gave mex which he said was precious
and cordial to mex have i not found it
murdxrous to thx sensesx that confirms it homex
this is pisanioxs deedx and clotenx ox
give colour to my pale cheek with thy bloodx
that we the horrider may seem to those
which chance to find usx ox my lordx my lordx

 xxfalls fainting on the bodyxxx

 enter luciusx captains and a soothsayerx

captainx
to them the legions garrisonxd in galliax
after your willx have crossxd the seax attending
you here at milford havenx with your shipsx
they are in readinessx

luciusx
but what from romex

captainx
the senate hath stirrxd up the confiners
and gentlemen of italyx most willing spiritsx
that promise noble servicex and they come
under the conduct of bold iachimox
siennaxs brotherx

luciusx
when expect you themx

captainx
with the next benefit ox thx windx

luciusx
this forwardness
makes our hopes fairx command our present numbers
be musterxdx bid the captains look toxtx nowx sirx
what have you dreamxd of late of this warxs purposex

soothsayerx
last night the very gods showxd me a vision
xi fast and prayxd for their intelligencex thusx
i saw jovexs birdx the roman eaglex wingxd
from the spongy south to this part of the westx
there vanishxd in the sunbeamsx which portendsx
unless my sins abuse my divinationx
success to thx roman hostx

luciusx
dream often sox
and never falsex softx hox what trunk is here
without his topx the ruin speaks that sometime
it was a worthy buildingx howx a pagex
or dead or sleeping on himx but deadx ratherx
for nature doth abhor to make his bed
with the defunctx or sleep upon the deadx
letxs see the boyxs facex

captainx
hexs alivex my lordx

luciusx
hexll then instruct us of this bodyx young onex
inform us of thy fortunesx for it seems
they crave to be demandedx who is this
thou makxst thy bloody pillowx or who was he
thatx otherwise than noble nature didx
hath alterxd that good picturex whatxs thy interest
in this sad wreckx how camextx who isxtx
what art thoux

imogenx
i am nothingx or if notx
nothing to be were betterx this was my masterx
a very valiant briton and a goodx
that here by mountaineers lies slainx alasx
there is no more such mastersx i may wander
from east to occidentx cry out for servicex
try manyx all goodx serve trulyx never
find such another masterx

luciusx
xlackx good youthx
thou movxst no less with thy complaining than
thy master in bleedingx say his namex good friendx

imogenx
richard du champx xxasidexxx if i do liex and do
no harm by itx though the gods hearx i hope
theyxll pardon itxxsay youx sirx

luciusx
thy namex

imogenx
fidelex sirx

luciusx
thou dost approve thyself the very samex
thy name well fits thy faithx thy faith thy namex
wilt take thy chance with mex i will not say
thou shalt be so well masterxdx butx be surex
no less belovxdx the roman emperorxs lettersx
sent by a consul to mex should not sooner
than thine own worth prefer theex go with mex

imogenx
ixll followx sirx but firstx anxt please the godsx
ixll hide my master from the fliesx as deep
as these poor pickaxes can digx and when
with wild woodxleaves and weeds i hax strewxd his gravex
and on it said a century of prayersx
such as i canx twice oxerx ixll weep and sighx
and leaving so his servicex follow youx
so please you entertain mex

luciusx
ayx good youthx
and rather father thee than master theex
my friendsx
the boy hath taught us manly dutiesx let us
find out the prettiest daisied plot we canx
and make him with our pikes and partisans
a gravex comex arm himx boyx he is preferrxd
by thee to usx and he shall be interrxd
as soldiers canx be cheerfulx wipe thine eyesx
some falls are means the happier to arisex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix britainx cymbelinexs palacex

 enter cymbelinex lordsx pisanio and attendantsx

cymbelinex
againx and bring me word how xtis with herx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

a fever with the absence of her sonx
a madnessx of which her lifexs in dangerx heavensx
how deeply you at once do touch mex imogenx
the great part of my comfortx gonex my queen
upon a desperate bedx and in a time
when fearful wars point at mex her son gonex
so needful for this presentx it strikes me past
the hope of comfortx but for theex fellowx
who needs must know of her departure and
dost seem so ignorantx wexll enforce it from thee
by a sharp torturex

pisaniox
sirx my life is yoursx
i humbly set it at your willx but for my mistressx
i nothing know where she remainsx why gonex
nor when she purposes returnx beseech your highnessx
hold me your loyal servantx

lordx
good my liegex
the day that she was missing he was herex
i dare be bound hexs true and shall perform
all parts of his subjection loyallyx for clotenx
there wants no diligence in seeking himx
and will no doubt be foundx

cymbelinex
the time is troublesomex
xxto pisanioxxx wexll slip you for a seasonx but our jealousy
does yet dependx

lordx
so please your majestyx
the roman legionsx all from gallia drawnx
are landed on your coastx with a supply
of roman gentlemen by the senate sentx

cymbelinex
now for the counsel of my son and queenx
i am amazxd with matterx

lordx
good my liegex
your preparation can affront no less
than what you hear ofx come morex for more youxre readyx
the want is but to put those powxrs in motion
that long to movex

cymbelinex
i thank youx letxs withdrawx
and meet the time as it seeks usx we fear not
what can from italy annoy usx but
we grieve at chances herex awayx

 xxexeunt all but pisanioxxx

pisaniox
i heard no letter from my master since
i wrote him imogen was slainx xtis strangex
nor hear i from my mistressx who did promise
to yield me often tidingsx neither know i
what is betid to clotenx but remain
perplexxd in allx the heavens still must workx
wherein i am false i am honestx not truex to be truex
these present wars shall find i love my countryx
even to the note ox thx kingx or ixll fall in themx
all other doubtsx by time let them be clearxdx
fortune brings in some boats that are not steerxdx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx walesx before the cave of belariusx

 enter belariusx guiderius and arviragusx

guideriusx
the noise is round about usx

belariusx
let us from itx

arviragusx
what pleasurex sirx find we in lifex to lock it
from action and adventurex

guideriusx
nayx what hope
have we in hiding usx this way the romans
must or for britons slay usx or receive us
for barbarous and unnatural revolts
during their usex and slay us afterx

belariusx
sonsx
wexll higher to the mountainsx there secure usx
to the kingxs party therexs no goingx newness
of clotenxs death xwe being not knownx not musterxd
among the bandsx may drive us to a render
where we have livxdx and so extort fromxs that
which we have donex whose answer would be deathx
drawn on with torturex

guideriusx
this isx sirx a doubt
in such a time nothing becoming you
nor satisfying usx

arviragusx
it is not likely
that when they hear the roman horses neighx
behold their quarterxd firesx have both their eyes
and ears so cloyxd importantly as nowx
that they will waste their time upon our notex
to know from whence we arex

belariusx
ox i am known
of many in the armyx many yearsx
though cloten then but youngx you seex not wore him
from my remembrancex andx besidesx the king
hath not deservxd my service nor your lovesx
who find in my exile the want of breedingx
the certainty of this hard lifex aye hopeless
to have the courtesy your cradle promisxdx
but to be still hot summerxs tanlings and
the shrinking slaves of winterx

guideriusx
than be sox
better to cease to bex prayx sirx to thx armyx
i and my brother are not knownx yourself
so out of thoughtx and thereto so oxergrownx
cannot be questionedx

arviragusx
by this sun that shinesx
ixll thitherx what thing isxt that i never
did see man diex scarce ever lookxd on blood
but that of coward haresx hot goatsx and venisonx
never bestrid a horsex save one that had
a rider like myselfx who nexer wore rowel
nor iron on his heelx i am ashamxd
to look upon the holy sunx to have
the benefit of his blest beamsx remaining
so long a poor unknownx

guideriusx
by heavensx ixll gox
if you will bless mex sirx and give me leavex
ixll take the better carex but if you will notx
the hazard therefore due fall on me by
the hands of romansx

arviragusx
so say ix amenx

belariusx
no reason ix since of your lives you set
so slight a valuationx should reserve
my crackxd one to more carex have with youx boysx
if in your country wars you chance to diex
that is my bed toox ladsx and there ixll liex
leadx leadx xxasidexxx the time seems longx their blood thinks scorn
till it fly out and show them princes bornx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix britainx the roman campx

 enter posthumus alonex with a bloody handkerchiefx

posthumusx
yeax bloody clothx ixll keep theex for i wishxd
thou shouldst be colourxd thusx you married onesx
if each of you should take this coursex how many
must murder wives much better than themselves
for wrying but a littlex o pisaniox
every good servant does not all commandsx
no bond but to do just onesx godsx if you
should have taxen vengeance on my faultsx i never
had livxd to put on thisx so had you saved
the noble imogen to repentx and struck
mex wretch more worth your vengeancex but alackx
you snatch some hence for little faultsx thatxs lovex
to have them fall no morex you some permit
to second ills with illsx each elder worsex
and make them dread itx to the doersx thriftx
but imogen is your ownx do your best willsx
and make me blest to obeyx i am brought hither
among thx italian gentryx and to fight
against my ladyxs kingdomx xtis enough
thatx britainx i have killxd thy mistressx peacex
ixll give no wound to theex thereforex good heavensx
hear patiently my purposex ixll disrobe me
of these italian weedsx and suit myself
as does a britain peasantx so ixll fight
against the part i come withx so ixll die
for theex o imogenx even for whom my life
is every breath a deathx and thus unknownx
pitied nor hatedx to the face of peril
myself ixll dedicatex let me make men know
more valour in me than my habits showx
godsx put the strength ox thx leonati in mex
to shame the guise ox thx worldx i will begin
the fashion less without and more withinx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix britainx a field of battle between the british and roman
campsx

 enter luciusx iachimo and the roman army at one doorx and the british
 army at anotherx leonatus posthumus following like a poor soldierx
 they march over and go outx alarumsx then enter againx in skirmishx
 iachimo and posthumusx he vanquisheth and disarmeth iachimo and then
 leaves himx

iachimox
the heaviness and guilt within my bosom
takes off my manhoodx i have belied a ladyx
the princess of this countryx and the air onxt
revengingly enfeebles mex or could this carlx
a very drudge of naturexsx have subduxd me
in my professionx knighthoods and honours borne
as i wear mine are titles but of scornx
if that thy gentryx britainx go before
this lout as he exceeds our lordsx the odds
is that we scarce are menx and you are godsx

 xxexitxxx

 the battle continuesx the britons flyx cymbeline is takenx then enter
 to his rescue belariusx guiderius and arviragusx

belariusx
standx standx we have thx advantage of the groundx
the lane is guardedx nothing routs us but
the villainy of our fearsx

guiderius and arviragusx
standx standx and fightx

 enter posthumus and seconds the britonsx they rescue cymbeline and
 exeuntx then rexenter lucius and iachimo with imogenx

luciusx
awayx boyx from the troopsx and save thyselfx
for friends kill friendsx and the disorderxs such
as war were hoodwinkxdx

iachimox
xtis their fresh suppliesx

luciusx
it is a day turnxd strangelyx or betimes
letxs reinforce or flyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix another part of the fieldx

 enter posthumus and a briton lordx

lordx
camxst thou from where they made the standx

posthumusx
i didx
though youx it seemsx come from the fliersx

lordx
i didx

posthumusx
no blame be to youx sirx for all was lostx
but that the heavens foughtx the king himself
of his wings destitutex the army brokenx
and but the backs of britons seenx all flyingx
through a strait lanex the enemyx fullxheartedx
lolling the tongue with slaughtxringx having work
more plentiful than tools to doxtx struck down
some mortallyx some slightly touchxdx some falling
merely through fearx that the strait pass was dammxd
with dead men hurt behindx and cowards living
to die with lengthxned shamex

lordx
where was this lanex

posthumusx
close by the battlex ditchxdx and wallxd with turfx
which gave advantage to an ancient soldierx
an honest onex i warrantx who deservxd
so long a breeding as his white beard came tox
in doing this forxs countryx athwart the lane
hex with two striplings xlads more like to run
the country base than to commit such slaughterx
with faces fit for masksx or rather fairer
than those for preservation casxd or shamex
made good the passagex cried to those that fled
xour britainxs harts die flyingx not our menx
to darkness fleet souls that fly backwardsx standx
or we are romans and will give you thatx
like beastsx which you shun beastlyx and may save
but to look back in frownx standx standxx these threex
three thousand confidentx in act as manyx
for three performers are the file when all
the rest do nothingxwith this word xstandx standxx
accommodated by the placex more charming
with their own noblenessx which could have turnxd
a distaff to a lancex gilded pale looksx
part shamex part spirit renewxdx that some turnxd coward
but by example xox a sin in war
damnxd in the first beginnersx xgan to look
the way that they did and to grin like lions
upon the pikes ox thx huntersx then began
a stop ix thx chaserx a retirex anon
a routx confusion thickx forthwith they flyx
chickensx the way which they stoopxd eaglesx slavesx
the strides they victors madex and now our cowardsx
like fragments in hard voyagesx became
the life ox thx needx having found the backxdoor open
of the unguarded heartsx heavensx how they woundx
some slain beforex some dyingx some their friends
oxerborne ix thx former wavex ten chasxd by one
are now each one the slaughterman of twentyx
those that would die or ere resist are grown
the mortal bugs ox thx fieldx

lordx
this was strange chancex
a narrow lanex an old manx and two boysx

posthumusx
nayx do not wonder at itx you are made
rather to wonder at the things you hear
than to work anyx will you rhyme uponxtx
and vent it for a mockxryx here is onex


        xtwo boysx an old man xtwice a boyxx a lanex
        preservxd the britonsx was the romansx banexx

lordx
nayx be not angryx sirx

posthumusx
xlackx to what endx
who dares not stand his foe ixll be his friendx
for if hexll do as he is made to dox
i know hexll quickly fly my friendship toox
you have put me into rhymex

lordx
farewellx youxre angryx

 xxexitxxx

posthumusx
still goingx this is a lordx o noble miseryx
to be ix thx field and ask xwhat newsxx of mex
today how many would have given their honours
to have savxd their carcassesx took heel to doxtx
and yet died toox ix in mine own woe charmxdx
could not find death where i did hear him groanx
nor feel him where he struckx being an ugly monsterx
xtis strange he hides him in fresh cupsx soft bedsx
sweet wordsx or hath moe ministers than we
that draw his knives ix thx warx wellx i will find himx
for being now a favourer to the britonx
no more a britonx i have resumxd again
the part i came inx fight i will no morex
but yield me to the veriest hind that shall
once touch my shoulderx great the slaughter is
here made by thx romanx great the answer be
britons must takex for mex my ransomxs deathx
on either side i come to spend my breathx
which neither here ixll keep nor bear againx
but end it by some means for imogenx

 enter two british captains and soldiersx

first captainx
great jupiter be praisxdx lucius is takenx
xtis thought the old man and his sons were angelsx

second captainx
there was a fourth manx in a silly habitx
that gave thx affront with themx

first captainx
so xtis reportedx
but none of xem can be foundx standx whoxs therex

posthumusx
a romanx
who had not now been drooping here if seconds
had answerxd himx

second captainx
lay hands on himx a dogx
a leg of rome shall not return to tell
what crows have peckxd them herex he brags his servicex
as if he were of notex bring him to thx kingx

 enter cymbelinex belariusx guideriusx arviragusx pisanio and roman
 captivesx the captains present posthumus to cymbelinex who delivers
 him over to a gaolerx

 xxexeunt omnesxxx

scene ivx britainx a prisonx

 enter posthumus and two gaolersx

first gaolerx you shall not now be stolxnx you have locks upon youx
so graze as you find pasturex

second gaolerx
ayx or a stomachx

 xxexeunt gaolersxxx

posthumusx
most welcomex bondagex for thou art a wayx
i thinkx to libertyx yet am i better
than one thatxs sick ox thx goutx since he had rather
groan so in perpetuity than be curxd
by thx sure physician deathx who is the key
tx unbar these locksx my consciencex thou art fetterxd
more than my shanks and wristsx you good godsx give me
the penitent instrument to pick that boltx
thenx free for everx isxt enough i am sorryx
so children temporal fathers do appeasex
gods are more full of mercyx must i repentx
i cannot do it better than in gyvesx
desirxd more than constrainxdx to satisfyx
if of my freedom xtis the main partx take
no stricter render of me than my allx
i know you are more clement than vile menx
who of their broken debtors take a thirdx
a sixthx a tenthx letting them thrive again
on their abatementx thatxs not my desirex
for imogenxs dear life take minex and though
xtis not so dearx yet xtis a lifex you coinxd itx
xtween man and man they weigh not every stampx
though lightx take pieces for the figurexs sakex
you rather minex being yoursx and sox great powxrsx
if you will take this auditx take this lifex
and cancel these cold bondsx o imogenx
ixll speak to thee in silencex

 xxsleepsxxx

 solemn musicx enterx as in an apparitionx sicilius leonatusx father to
 posthumusx an old man attired like a warriorx leading in his hand an
 ancient matronx his wife and mother to posthumusx with music before
 themx thenx after other musicx follows the two young leonatix brothers
 to posthumusx with woundsx as they died in the warsx they circle
 posthumus round as he lies sleepingx

siciliusx
no morex thou thunderxmasterx show
thy spite on mortal fliesx
with mars fall outx with juno chidex
that thy adulteries
rates and revengesx
hath my poor boy done aught but wellx
whose face i never sawx
i died whilst in the womb he stayxd
attending naturexs lawx
whose father thenx as men report
thou orphansx father artx
thou shouldst have beenx and shielded him
from this earthxvexing smartx

motherx
lucina lent not me her aidx
but took me in my throesx
that from me was posthumus rippxdx
came crying xmongst his foesx
a thing of pityx

siciliusx
great nature like his ancestry
moulded the stuff so fair
that he deservxd the praise ox thx world
as great siciliusx heirx

first brotherx
when once he was mature for manx
in britain where was he
that could stand up his parallelx
or fruitful object be
in eye of imogenx that best
could deem his dignityx

motherx
with marriage wherefore was he mockxdx
to be exilxd and thrown
from leonati seat and cast
from her his dearest onex
sweet imogenx

siciliusx
why did you suffer iachimox
slight thing of italyx
to taint his nobler heart and brain
with needless jealousyx
and to become the geck and scorn
ox thx otherxs villainyx

second brotherx
for this from stiller seats we camex
our parents and us twainx
thatx striking in our countryxs causex
fell bravely and were slainx
our fealty and tenantiusx right
with honour to maintainx

first brotherx
like hardiment posthumus hath
to cymbeline performxdx
thenx jupiterx thou king of godsx
why hast thou thus adjournxd
the graces for his merits duex
being all to dolours turnxdx

siciliusx
thy crystal window opex look outx
no longer exercise
upon a valiant race thy harsh
and potent injuriesx

motherx
sincex jupiterx our son is goodx
take off his miseriesx

siciliusx
peep through thy marble mansionx helpx
or we poor ghosts will cry
to thx shining synod of the rest
against thy deityx

brothersx
helpx jupiterx or we appealx
and from thy justice flyx

 jupiter descends in thunder and lightningx sitting upon an eaglex he
 throws a thunderboltx the ghosts fall on their kneesx

jupiterx
no morex you petty spirits of region lowx
offend our hearingx hushx how dare you ghosts
accuse the thunderer whose boltx you knowx
skyxplantedx batters all rebelling coastsx
poor shadows of elysiumx hence and rest
upon your neverxwithering banks of flowxrsx
be not with mortal accidents opprestx
no care of yours it isx you know xtis oursx
whom best i love i crossx to make my giftx
the more delayxdx delightedx be contentx
your lowxlaid son our godhead will upliftx
his comforts thrivex his trials well are spentx
our jovial star reignxd at his birthx and in
our temple was he marriedx rise and fadex
he shall be lord of lady imogenx
and happier much by his affliction madex
this tablet lay upon his breastx wherein
our pleasure his full fortune doth confinex
and sox awayx no farther with your din
express impatiencex lest you stir up minex
mountx eaglex to my palace crystallinex

 xxascendsxxx

siciliusx
he came in thunderx his celestial breath
was sulphurous to smellx the holy eagle
stoopxd as to foot usx his ascension is
more sweet than our blest fieldsx his royal bird
prunes the immortal wingx and cloys his beakx
as when his god is pleasxdx

allx
thanksx jupiterx

siciliusx
the marble pavement closesx he is enterxd
his radiant roofx awayx andx to be blestx
let us with care perform his great behestx

 xxghosts vanishxxx

posthumusx
xxwakingxxx sleepx thou has been a grandsire and begot
a father to mex and thou hast created
a mother and two brothersx butx o scornx
gonex they went hence so soon as they were bornx
and so i am awakex poor wretchesx that depend
on greatnessx favourx dream as i have donex
wake and find nothingx butx alasx i swervex
many dream not to findx neither deservex
and yet are steepxd in favoursx so am ix
that have this golden chancex and know not whyx
what fairies haunt this groundx a bookx o rare onex
be notx as is our fangled worldx a garment
nobler than that it coversx let thy effects
so follow to be most unlike our courtiersx
as good as promisex

xxreadsxxx xwhen as a lionxs whelp shallx to himself unknownx without
seeking findx and be embracxd by a piece of tender airx and when from a
stately cedar shall be loppxd branches whichx being dead many yearsx
shall after revivex be jointed to the old stockx and freshly growx then
shall posthumus end his miseriesx britain be fortunate and flourish in
peace and plentyxx

xtis still a dreamx or else such stuff as madmen
tonguex and brain notx either both or nothingx
or senseless speakingx or a speaking such
as sense cannot untiex be what it isx
the action of my life is like itx which
ixll keepx if but for sympathyx

 enter gaolerx

gaolerx
comex sirx are you ready for deathx

posthumusx
overxroasted ratherx ready long agox

gaolerx
hanging is the wordx sirx if you be ready for thatx you are well
cookxdx

posthumusx
sox if i prove a good repast to the spectatorsx the dish pays the shotx

gaolerx
a heavy reckoning for youx sirx but the comfort isx you shall be called
to no more paymentsx fear no more tavern billsx which are often the
sadness of partingx as the procuring of mirthx you come in faint for
want of meatx depart reeling with too much drinkx sorry that you have
paid too muchx and sorry that you are paid too muchx purse and brain
both emptyx the brain the heavier for being too lightx the purse too
lightx being drawn of heavinessx ox of this contradiction you shall now
be quitx ox the charity of a penny cordx it sums up thousands in a
tricex you have no true debitor and creditor but itx of whatxs pastx
isx and to comex the dischargex your neckx sirx is penx bookx and
countersx so the acquittance followsx

posthumusx
i am merrier to die than thou art to livex

gaolerx
indeedx sirx he that sleeps feels not the toothachex but a man that
were to sleep your sleepx and a hangman to help him to bedx i think he
would change places with his officerx for look youx sirx you know not
which way you shall gox

posthumusx
yes indeed do ix fellowx

gaolerx
your death has eyes inxs headx thenx i have not seen him so picturxdx
you must either be directed by some that take upon them to knowx or to
take upon yourself that which i am sure you do not knowx or jump the
afterxinquiry on your own perilx and how you shall speed in your
journeyxs endx i think youxll never return to tell onex

posthumusx
i tell theex fellowx there are none want eyes to direct them the way i
am goingx but such as wink and will not use themx

gaolerx
what an infinite mock is thisx that a man should have the best use of
eyes to see the way of blindnessx i am sure hangingxs the way of
winkingx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
knock off his manaclesx bring your prisoner to the kingx

posthumusx
thou bringxst good newsx i am callxd to be made freex

gaolerx
ixll be hangxd thenx

posthumusx
thou shalt be then freer than a gaolerx no bolts for the deadx

 xxexeunt posthumus and messengerxxx

gaolerx
unless a man would marry a gallows and beget young gibbetsx i never saw
one so pronex yetx on my consciencex there are verier knaves desire to
livex for all he be a romanx and there be some of them too that die
against their willsx so should ix if i were onex i would we were all of
one mindx and one mind goodx ox there were desolation of gaolers and
gallowsesx i speak against my present profitx but my wish hath a
preferment inxtx

 xxexitxxx

scene vx britainx cymbelinexs tentx

 enter cymbelinex belariusx guideriusx arviragusx pisaniox lordsx
 officers and attendantsx

cymbelinex
stand by my sidex you whom the gods have made
preservers of my thronex woe is my heart
that the poor soldier that so richly foughtx
whose rags shamxd gilded armsx whose naked breast
steppxd before targes of proofx cannot be foundx
he shall be happy that can find himx if
our grace can make him sox

belariusx
i never saw
such noble fury in so poor a thingx
such precious deeds in one that promisxd nought
but beggary and poor looksx

cymbelinex
no tidings of himx

pisaniox
he hath been searchxd among the dead and livingx
but no trace of himx

cymbelinex
to my griefx i am
the heir of his rewardx xxto belariusx guideriusx and arviragusxx which
i will add
to youx the liverx heartx and brain of britainx
by whom i grant she livesx xtis now the time
to ask of whence you arex report itx

belariusx
sirx
in cambria are we bornx and gentlemenx
further to boast were neither true nor modestx
unless i add we are honestx

cymbelinex
bow your kneesx
arise my knights ox thx battlex i create you
companions to our personx and will fit you
with dignities becoming your estatesx

 enter cornelius and ladiesx

therexs business in these facesx why so sadly
greet you our victoryx you look like romansx
and not ox thx court of britainx

corneliusx
hailx great kingx
to sour your happiness i must report
the queen is deadx

cymbelinex
who worse than a physician
would this report becomex but i consider
by medxcine life may be prolongxdx yet death
will seize the doctor toox how ended shex

corneliusx
with horrorx madly dyingx like her lifex
whichx being cruel to the worldx concluded
most cruel to herselfx what she confessxd
i will reportx so please youx these her women
can trip me if i errx who with wet cheeks
were present when she finishxdx

cymbelinex
prithee sayx

corneliusx
firstx she confessxd she never lovxd youx only
affected greatness got by youx not youx
married your royaltyx was wife to your placex
abhorrxd your personx

cymbelinex
she alone knew thisx
and but she spoke it dyingx i would not
believe her lips in opening itx proceedx

corneliusx
your daughterx whom she bore in hand to love
with such integrityx she did confess
was as a scorpion to her sightx whose lifex
but that her flight prevented itx she had
taxen off by poisonx

cymbelinex
o most delicate fiendx
who isxt can read a womanx is there morex

corneliusx
morex sirx and worsex she did confess she had
for you a mortal mineralx whichx being tookx
should by the minute feed on lifex and lingxringx
by inches waste youx in which time she purposxdx
by watchingx weepingx tendancex kissingx to
oxercome you with her showx and in timex
when she had fitted you with her craftx to work
her son into thx adoption of the crownx
but failing of her end by his strange absencex
grew shamelessxdesperatex openxdx in despite
of heaven and menx her purposesx repented
the evils she hatchxd were not effectedx sox
despairingx diedx

cymbelinex
heard you all thisx her womenx

ladiesx
we didx so please your highnessx

cymbelinex
mine eyes
were not in faultx for she was beautifulx
mine earsx that heard her flatteryx nor my heart
that thought her like her seemingx it had been vicious
to have mistrusted herx yetx o my daughterx
that it was folly in me thou mayst sayx
and prove it in thy feelingx heaven mend allx

 enter luciusx iachimox the soothsayer and other roman prisonersx
 guardedx posthumus behindx and imogenx

thou comxst notx caiusx now for tributex that
the britons have razxd outx though with the loss
of many a bold onex whose kinsmen have made suit
that their good souls may be appeasxd with slaughter
of you their captivesx which ourself have grantedx
so think of your estatex

luciusx
considerx sirx the chance of warx the day
was yours by accidentx had it gone with usx
we should notx when the blood was coolx have threatenxd
our prisoners with the swordx but since the gods
will have it thusx that nothing but our lives
may be callxd ransomx let it comex sufficeth
a roman with a romanxs heart can sufferx
augustus lives to think onxtx and so much
for my peculiar carex this one thing only
i will entreatx my boyx a briton bornx
let him be ransomxdx never master had
a page so kindx so duteousx diligentx
so tender over his occasionsx truex
so featx so nursexlikex let his virtue join
with my requestx which ixll make bold your highness
cannot denyx he hath done no briton harm
though he have servxd a romanx save himx sirx
and spare no blood besidex

cymbelinex
i have surely seen himx
his favour is familiar to mex boyx
thou hast lookxd thyself into my gracex
and art mine ownx i know not whyx wherefore
to say xlivex boyxx nexer thank thy masterx livex
and ask of cymbeline what boon thou wiltx
fitting my bounty and thy statex ixll give itx
yeax though thou do demand a prisonerx
the noblest taxenx

imogenx
i humbly thank your highnessx

luciusx
i do not bid thee beg my lifex good ladx
and yet i know thou wiltx

imogenx
nox nox alackx
therexs other work in handx i see a thing
bitter to me as deathx your lifex good masterx
must shuffle for itselfx

luciusx
the boy disdains mex
he leaves mex scorns mex briefly die their joys
that place them on the truth of girls and boysx
why stands he so perplexxdx

cymbelinex
what wouldst thoux boyx
i love thee more and morex think more and more
whatxs best to askx knowxst him thou lookxst onx speakx
wilt have him livex is he thy kinx thy friendx

imogenx
he is a romanx no more kin to me
than i to your highnessx whox being born your vassalx
am something nearerx

cymbelinex
wherefore eyxst him sox

imogenx
ixll tell youx sirx in privatex if you please
to give me hearingx

cymbelinex
ayx with all my heartx
and lend my best attentionx whatxs thy namex

imogenx
fidelex sirx

cymbelinex
thouxrt my good youthx my pagex
ixll be thy masterx walk with mex speak freelyx

 xxcymbeline and imogen converse apartxxx

belariusx
is not this boy revivxd from deathx

arviragusx
one sand another
not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
who died and was fidelex what think youx

guideriusx
the same dead thing alivex

belariusx
peacex peacex see furtherx he eyes us notx forbearx
creatures may be alikex werext hex i am sure
he would have spoke to usx

guideriusx
but we see him deadx

belariusx
be silentx letxs see furtherx

pisaniox
xxasidexxx it is my mistressx
since she is livingx let the time run on
to good or badx

 xxcymbeline and imogen advancexxx

cymbelinex
comex stand thou by our sidex
make thy demand aloudx xxto iachimoxxx sirx step you forthx
give answer to this boyx and do it freelyx
orx by our greatness and the grace of itx
which is our honourx bitter torture shall
winnow the truth from falsehoodx onx speak to himx

imogenx
my boon is that this gentleman may render
of whom he had this ringx

posthumusx
xxasidexxx whatxs that to himx

cymbelinex
that diamond upon your fingerx say
how came it yoursx

iachimox
thouxlt torture me to leave unspoken that
which to be spoke would torture theex

cymbelinex
howx mex

iachimox
i am glad to be constrainxd to utter that
which torments me to concealx by villainy
i got this ringx xtwas leonatusx jewelx
whom thou didst banishx andxwhich more may grieve theex
as it doth mexa nobler sir nexer livxd
xtwixt sky and groundx wilt thou hear morex my lordx

cymbelinex
all that belongs to thisx

iachimox
that paragonx thy daughterx
for whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
quail to rememberxgive me leavex i faintx

cymbelinex
my daughterx what of herx renew thy strengthx
i had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
than die ere i hear morex strivex manx and speakx

iachimox
upon a timex unhappy was the clock
that struck the hourx was in romex accursxd
the mansion wherex xtwas at a feastx ox would
our viands had been poisonxd xor at least
those which i heavxd to headx the good posthumus
xwhat should i sayx he was too good to be
where ill men werex and was the best of all
amongst the rarxst of good onesx sitting sadly
hearing us praise our loves of italy
for beauty that made barren the swellxd boast
of him that best could speakx for featurex laming
the shrine of venus or straightxpight minervax
postures beyond brief naturex for conditionx
a shop of all the qualities that man
loves woman forx besides that hook of wivingx
fairness which strikes the eyex

cymbelinex
i stand on firex
come to the matterx

iachimox
all too soon i shallx
unless thou wouldst grieve quicklyx this posthumusx
most like a noble lord in love and one
that had a royal loverx took his hintx
and xnot dispraising whom we praisxdx therein
he was as calm as virtuex he began
his mistressx picturex which by his tongue being madex
and then a mind put inxtx either our brags
were crackxd of kitchen trullsx or his description
provxd us unspeaking sotsx

cymbelinex
nayx nayx to thx purposex

iachimox
your daughterxs chastity xthere it beginsx
he spake of her as dian had hot dreams
and she alone were coldx whereat ix wretchx
made scruple of his praisex and wagerxd with him
pieces of gold xgainst this which then he wore
upon his honourxd fingerx to attain
in suit the place ofxs bedx and win this ring
by hers and mine adulteryx hex true knightx
no lesser of her honour confident
than i did truly find herx stakes this ringx
and would sox had it been a carbuncle
of phoebusx wheelx and might so safelyx had it
been all the worth ofxs carx away to britain
post i in this designx well may youx sirx
remember me at courtx where i was taught
of your chaste daughter the wide difference
xtwixt amorous and villainousx being thus quenchxd
of hopex not longingx mine italian brain
gan in your duller britain operate
most vilelyx for my vantagex excellentx
andx to be briefx my practice so prevailxd
that i returnxd with simular proof enough
to make the noble leonatus madx
by wounding his belief in her renown
with tokens thus and thusx averring notes
of chamberxhangingx picturesx this her bracelet
xo cunningx how i got itxx nayx some marks
of secret on her personx that he could not
but think her bond of chastity quite crackxdx
i having taxen the forfeitx whereupon
methinks i see him nowx

posthumusx
xxcoming forwardxxx ayx so thou dostx
italian fiendx ay mex most credulous foolx
egregious murdererx thiefx anything
thatxs due to all the villains pastx in beingx
to comex ox give me cordx or knifex or poisonx
some upright justicerx thoux kingx send out
for torturers ingeniousx it is i
that all thx abhorred things ox thx earth amend
by being worse than theyx i am posthumusx
that killxd thy daughterx villainxlikex i liex
that causxd a lesser villain than myselfx
a sacrilegious thiefx to doxtx the temple
of virtue was shex yeax and she herselfx
spitx and throw stonesx cast mire upon mex set
the dogs ox thx street to bay mex every villain
be callxd posthumus leonatusx and
be villainy less than xtwasx o imogenx
my queenx my lifex my wifex o imogenx
imogenx imogenx

imogenx
peacex my lordx hearx hearx

posthumusx
shallxs have a play of thisx thou scornful pagex
there lies thy partx

 xxstrikes herx she fallsxxx

pisaniox
o gentlemenx helpx
mine and your mistressx ox my lord posthumusx
you nexer killxd imogen till nowx helpx helpx
mine honourxd ladyx

cymbelinex
does the world go roundx

posthumusx
how comes these staggers on mex

pisaniox
wakex my mistressx

cymbelinex
if this be sox the gods do mean to strike me
to death with mortal joyx

pisaniox
how fares my mistressx

imogenx
ox get thee from my sightx
thou gavxst me poisonx dangerous fellowx hencex
breathe not where princes arex

cymbelinex
the tune of imogenx

pisaniox
ladyx
the gods throw stones of sulphur on mex if
that box i gave you was not thought by me
a precious thingx i had it from the queenx

cymbelinex
new matter stillx

imogenx
it poisonxd mex

corneliusx
o godsx
i left out one thing which the queen confessxdx
which must approve thee honestx xif pisanio
havex said she xgiven his mistress that confection
which i gave him for cordialx she is servxd
as i would serve a ratxx

cymbelinex
whatxs thisx corneliusx

corneliusx
the queenx sirx very oft importunxd me
to temper poisons for herx still pretending
the satisfaction of her knowledge only
in killing creatures vilex as cats and dogsx
of no esteemx ix dreading that her purpose
was of more dangerx did compound for her
a certain stuffx whichx being taxen would cease
the present powxr of lifex but in short time
all offices of nature should again
do their due functionsx have you taxen of itx

imogenx
most like i didx for i was deadx

belariusx
my boysx
there was our errorx

guideriusx
this is sure fidelex

imogenx
why did you throw your wedded lady from youx
think that you are upon a rockx and now
throw me againx

 xxembracing himxxx

posthumusx
hang there like fruitx my soulx
till the tree diex

cymbelinex
how nowx my fleshx my childx
whatx makxst thou me a dullard in this actx
wilt thou not speak to mex

imogenx
xxkneelingxxx your blessingx sirx

belariusx
xxto guiderius and arviragusxxx though you did love this youthx i blame
ye notx
you had a motive forxtx

cymbelinex
my tears that fall
prove holy water on theex imogenx
thy motherxs deadx

imogenx
i am sorry forxtx my lordx

cymbelinex
ox she was naughtx and long of her it was
that we meet here so strangelyx but her son
is gonex we know not how nor wherex

pisaniox
my lordx
now fear is from mex ixll speak trothx lord clotenx
upon my ladyxs missingx came to me
with his sword drawnx foamxd at the mouthx and sworex
if i discoverxd not which way she was gonex
it was my instant deathx by accident
i had a feigned letter of my masterxs
then in my pocketx which directed him
to seek her on the mountains near to milfordx
wherex in a frenzyx in my masterxs garmentsx
which he enforcxd from mex away he posts
with unchaste purposex and with oath to violate
my ladyxs honourx what became of him
i further know notx

guideriusx
let me end the storyx
i slew him therex

cymbelinex
marryx the gods forfendx
i would not thy good deeds should from my lips
pluck a hard sentencex pritheex valiant youthx
denyxt againx

guideriusx
i have spoke itx and i did itx

cymbelinex
he was a princex

guideriusx
a most incivil onex the wrongs he did me
were nothing princexlikex for he did provoke me
with language that would make me spurn the seax
if it could so roar to mex i cut offxs headx
and am right glad he is not standing here
to tell this tale of minex

cymbelinex
i am sorry for theex
by thine own tongue thou art condemnxdx and must
endure our lawx thouxrt deadx

imogenx
that headless man
i thought had been my lordx

cymbelinex
bind the offenderx
and take him from our presencex

belariusx
stayx sir kingx
this man is better than the man he slewx
as well descended as thyselfx and hath
more of thee merited than a band of clotens
had ever scar forx xxto the guardxxx let his arms alonex
they were not born for bondagex

cymbelinex
whyx old soldierx
wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
by tasting of our wrathx how of descent
as good as wex

arviragusx
in that he spake too farx

cymbelinex
and thou shalt die forxtx

belariusx
we will die all threex
but i will prove that two onxs are as good
as i have given out himx my sonsx i must
for mine own part unfold a dangerous speechx
though haply well for youx

arviragusx
your dangerxs oursx

guideriusx
and our good hisx

belariusx
have at it then by leavex
thou hadstx great kingx a subject who
was callxd belariusx

cymbelinex
what of himx he is
a banishxd traitorx

belariusx
he it is that hath
assumxd this agex indeed a banishxd manx
i know not how a traitorx

cymbelinex
take him hencex
the whole world shall not save himx

belariusx
not too hotx
first pay me for the nursing of thy sonsx
and let it be confiscate allx so soon
as i have receivxd itx

cymbelinex
nursing of my sonsx

belariusx
i am too blunt and saucyx herexs my kneex
ere i arise i will prefer my sonsx
then spare not the old fatherx mighty sirx
these two young gentlemen that call me fatherx
and think they are my sonsx are none of minex
they are the issue of your loinsx my liegex
and blood of your begettingx

cymbelinex
howx my issuex

belariusx
so sure as you your fatherxsx ix old morganx
am that belarius whom you sometime banishxdx
your pleasure was my mere offencex my punishment
itselfx and all my treasonx that i sufferxd
was all the harm i didx these gentle princes
xfor such and so they arex these twenty years
have i trainxd upx those arts they have as i
could put into themx my breeding wasx sirx as
your highness knowsx their nursex euriphilex
whom for the theft i weddedx stole these children
upon my banishmentx i movxd her toxtx
having receivxd the punishment before
for that which i did thenx beaten for loyalty
excited me to treasonx their dear lossx
the more of you xtwas feltx the more it shapxd
unto my end of stealing themx butx gracious sirx
here are your sons againx and i must lose
two of the sweetxst companions in the worldx
the benediction of these covering heavens
fall on their heads like dewx for they are worthy
to inlay heaven with starsx

cymbelinex
thou weepxst and speakxstx
the service that you three have done is more
unlike than this thou tellxstx i lost my childrenx
if these be theyx i know not how to wish
a pair of worthier sonsx

belariusx
be pleasxd awhilex
this gentlemanx whom i call polydorex
most worthy princex as yoursx is true guideriusx
this gentlemanx my cadwalx arviragusx
your younger princely sonx hex sirx was lappxd
in a most curious mantlex wrought by thx hand
of his queen motherx which for more probation
i can with ease producex

cymbelinex
guiderius had
upon his neck a molex a sanguine starx
it was a mark of wonderx

belariusx
this is hex
who hath upon him still that natural stampx
it was wise naturexs end in the donationx
to be his evidence nowx

cymbelinex
ox what am ix
a mother to the birth of threex nexer mother
rejoicxd deliverance morex blest pray you bex
thatx after this strange starting from your orbsx
you may reign in them nowx o imogenx
thou hast lost by this a kingdomx

imogenx
nox my lordx
i have got two worlds byxtx o my gentle brothersx
have we thus metx ox never say hereafter
but i am truest speakerx you callxd me brotherx
when i was but your sisterx i you brothersx
when we were so indeedx

cymbelinex
did you exer meetx

arviragusx
ayx my good lordx

guideriusx
and at first meeting lovxdx
continuxd so until we thought he diedx

corneliusx
by the queenxs dram she swallowxdx

cymbelinex
o rare instinctx
when shall i hear all throughx this fierce abridgement
hath to it circumstantial branchesx which
distinction should be rich inx wherex how livxd youx
and when came you to serve our roman captivex
how parted with your brothersx how first met themx
why fled you from the courtx and whitherx thesex
and your three motives to the battlex with
i know not how much morex should be demandedx
and all the other byxdependancesx
from chance to chancex but nor the time nor place
will serve our long interrogatoriesx seex
posthumus anchors upon imogenx
and shex like harmless lightningx throws her eye
on himx her brothersx mex her masterx hitting
each object with a joyx the counterchange
is severally in allx letxs quit this groundx
and smoke the temple with our sacrificesx
xxto belariusxxx thou art my brotherx so wexll hold thee everx

imogenx
you are my father toox and did relieve me
to see this gracious seasonx

cymbelinex
all oxerjoyxd
save these in bondsx let them be joyful toox
for they shall taste our comfortx

imogenx
my good masterx
i will yet do you servicex

luciusx
happy be youx

cymbelinex
the forlorn soldierx that so nobly foughtx
he would have well becomxd this place and gracxd
the thankings of a kingx

posthumusx
i amx sirx
the soldier that did company these three
in poor beseemingx xtwas a fitment for
the purpose i then followxdx that i was hex
speakx iachimox i had you downx and might
have made you finishx

iachimox
xxkneelingxxx i am down againx
but now my heavy conscience sinks my kneex
as then your force didx take that lifex beseech youx
which i so often owex but your ring firstx
and here the bracelet of the truest princess
that ever swore her faithx

posthumusx
kneel not to mex
the powxr that i have on you is to spare youx
the malice towards you to forgive youx livex
and deal with others betterx

cymbelinex
nobly doomxdx
wexll learn our freeness of a sonxinxlawx
pardonxs the word to allx

arviragusx
you holp usx sirx
as you did mean indeed to be our brotherx
joyxd are we that you arex

posthumusx
your servantx princesx good my lord of romex
call forth your soothsayerx as i sleptx methought
great jupiterx upon his eagle backxdx
appearxd to mex with other spritely shows
of mine own kindredx when i wakxdx i found
this label on my bosomx whose containing
is so from sense in hardness that i can
make no collection of itx let him show
his skill in the constructionx

luciusx
philarmonusx

soothsayerx
herex my good lordx

luciusx
readx and declare the meaningx

soothsayerx
xxreadsxxx xwhen as a lionxs whelp shallx to himself unknownx without
seeking findx and be embracxd by a piece of tender airx and when from a
stately cedar shall be loppxd branches whichx being dead many yearsx
shall after revivex be jointed to the old stockx and freshly growx then
shall posthumus end his miseriesx britain be fortunate and flourish in
peace and plentyxx
thoux leonatusx art the lionxs whelpx
the fit and apt construction of thy namex
being leoxnatusx doth import so muchx
xxto cymbelinexx the piece of tender airx thy virtuous daughterx
which we call xmollis aerxx and xmollis aerx
we term it xmulierxx which xmulierx i divine
is this most constant wifex who even now
answering the letter of the oraclex
unknown to youx unsoughtx were clippxd about
with this most tender airx

cymbelinex
this hath some seemingx

soothsayerx
the lofty cedarx royal cymbelinex
personates theex and thy loppxd branches point
thy two sons forthx whox by belarius stolxnx
for many years thought deadx are now revivxdx
to the majestic cedar joinxdx whose issue
promises britain peace and plentyx

cymbelinex
wellx
my peace we will beginx andx caius luciusx
although the victorx we submit to cxsar
and to the roman empirex promising
to pay our wonted tributex from the which
we were dissuaded by our wicked queenx
whom heavens in justicex both on her and hersx
have laid most heavy handx

soothsayerx
the fingers of the powxrs above do tune
the harmony of this peacex the vision
which i made known to lucius ere the stroke
of yet this scarcexcold battlex at this instant
is full accomplishxdx for the roman eaglex
from south to west on wing soaring aloftx
lessenxd herself and in the beams ox thx sun
so vanishxdx which foreshowxd our princely eaglex
thx imperial cxsarx cxsarx should again unite
his favour with the radiant cymbelinex
which shines here in the westx

cymbelinex
laud we the godsx
and let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
from our blessxd altarsx publish we this peace
to all our subjectsx set we forwardx let
a roman and a british ensign wave
friendly togetherx so through ludxs town marchx
and in the temple of great jupiter
our peace wexll ratifyx seal it with feastsx
set on therex never was a war did ceasex
ere bloody hands were washxdx with such a peacex

 xxexeuntxxx





the tragedy of hamletx prince of denmark



contents

act i
scene ix elsinorex a platform before the castlex
scene iix elsinorex a room of state in the castle
scene iiix a room in poloniusxs housex
scene ivx the platformx
scene vx a more remote part of the castlex

act ii
scene ix a room in poloniusxs housex
scene iix a room in the castlex

act iii
scene ix a room in the castlex
scene iix a hall in the castlex
scene iiix a room in the castlex
scene ivx another room in the castlex

act iv
scene ix a room in the castlex
scene iix another room in the castlex
scene iiix another room in the castlex
scene ivx a plain in denmarkx
scene vx elsinorex a room in the castlex
scene vix another room in the castlex
scene viix another room in the castlex

act v
scene ix a churchyardx
scene iix a hall in the castlex




 dramatis personx

hamletx prince of denmarkx
claudiusx king of denmarkx hamletxs unclex
the ghost of the late kingx hamletxs fatherx
gertrudex the queenx hamletxs motherx now wife of claudiusx
poloniusx lord chamberlainx
laertesx son to poloniusx
opheliax daughter to poloniusx
horatiox friend to hamletx
fortinbrasx prince of norwayx
voltemandx courtierx
corneliusx courtierx
rosencrantzx courtierx
guildensternx courtierx
marcellusx officerx
barnardox officerx
franciscox a soldier
osricx courtierx
reynaldox servant to poloniusx
playersx
a gentlemanx courtierx
a priestx
two clownsx gravexdiggersx
a captainx
english ambassadorsx
lordsx ladiesx officersx soldiersx sailorsx messengersx and attendantsx

scenex elsinorex



act i

scene ix elsinorex a platform before the castlex

 enter francisco and barnardox two sentinelsx

barnardox
whoxs therex

franciscox
nayx answer mex stand and unfold yourselfx

barnardox
long live the kingx

franciscox
barnardox

barnardox
hex

franciscox
you come most carefully upon your hourx

barnardox
xtis now struck twelvex get thee to bedx franciscox

franciscox
for this relief much thanksx xtis bitter coldx
and i am sick at heartx

barnardox
have you had quiet guardx

franciscox
not a mouse stirringx

barnardox
wellx good nightx
if you do meet horatio and marcellusx
the rivals of my watchx bid them make hastex

 enter horatio and marcellusx

franciscox
i think i hear themx standx hox who is therex

horatiox
friends to this groundx

marcellusx
and liegemen to the danex

franciscox
give you good nightx

marcellusx
ox farewellx honest soldierx who hath relievxd youx

franciscox
barnardo has my placex give you goodxnightx

 xxexitxxx

marcellusx
hollax barnardox

barnardox
sayx whatx is horatio therex

horatiox
a piece of himx

barnardox
welcomex horatiox welcomex good marcellusx

marcellusx
whatx has this thing appearxd again tonightx

barnardox
i have seen nothingx

marcellusx
horatio says xtis but our fantasyx
and will not let belief take hold of him
touching this dreaded sightx twice seen of usx
therefore i have entreated him along
with us to watch the minutes of this nightx
that if again this apparition come
he may approve our eyes and speak to itx

horatiox
tushx tushx xtwill not appearx

barnardox
sit down awhilex
and let us once again assail your earsx
that are so fortified against our storyx
what we two nights have seenx

horatiox
wellx sit we downx
and let us hear barnardo speak of thisx

barnardox
last night of allx
when yond same star thatxs westward from the polex
had made his course txillume that part of heaven
where now it burnsx marcellus and myselfx
the bell then beating onex

marcellusx
peacex break thee offx look where it comes againx

 enter ghostx

barnardox
in the same figurex like the king thatxs deadx

marcellusx
thou art a scholarx speak to itx horatiox

barnardox
looks it not like the kingx mark itx horatiox

horatiox
most likex it harrows me with fear and wonderx

barnardo
it would be spoke tox

marcellusx
question itx horatiox

horatiox
what art thou that usurpxst this time of nightx
together with that fair and warlike form
in which the majesty of buried denmark
did sometimes marchx by heaven i charge thee speakx

marcellusx
it is offendedx

barnardox
seex it stalks awayx

horatiox
stayx speakx speakx i charge thee speakx

 xxexit ghostxxx

marcellusx
xtis gonex and will not answerx

barnardox
how nowx horatiox you tremble and look palex
is not this something more than fantasyx
what think you onxtx

horatiox
before my godx i might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyesx

marcellusx
is it not like the kingx

horatiox
as thou art to thyselfx
such was the very armour he had on
when he thxambitious norway combatedx
so frownxd he oncex when in an angry parle
he smote the sledded polacks on the icex
xtis strangex

marcellusx
thus twice beforex and jump at this dead hourx
with martial stalk hath he gone by our watchx

horatiox
in what particular thought to work i know notx
but in the gross and scope of my opinionx
this bodes some strange eruption to our statex

marcellusx
good nowx sit downx and tell mex he that knowsx
why this same strict and most observant watch
so nightly toils the subject of the landx
and why such daily cast of brazen cannon
and foreign mart for implements of warx
why such impress of shipwrightsx whose sore task
does not divide the sunday from the weekx
what might be towardx that this sweaty haste
doth make the night jointxlabourer with the dayx
who isxt that can inform mex

horatiox
that can ix
at leastx the whisper goes sox our last kingx
whose image even but now appearxd to usx
wasx as you knowx by fortinbras of norwayx
thereto prickxd on by a most emulate pridex
darxd to the combatx in which our valiant hamletx
for so this side of our known world esteemxd himx
did slay this fortinbrasx who by a sealxd compactx
well ratified by law and heraldryx
did forfeitx with his lifex all those his lands
which he stood seizxd ofx to the conquerorx
against the whichx a moiety competent
was gaged by our kingx which had returnxd
to the inheritance of fortinbrasx
had he been vanquisherx as by the same covxnant
and carriage of the article designxdx
his fell to hamletx nowx sirx young fortinbrasx
of unimproved mettlex hot and fullx
hath in the skirts of norwayx here and therex
sharkxd up a list of lawless resolutesx
for food and dietx to some enterprise
that hath a stomach inxtx which is no otherx
as it doth well appear unto our statex
but to recover of us by strong hand
and terms compulsatoryx those foresaid lands
so by his father lostx and thisx i take itx
is the main motive of our preparationsx
the source of this our watchx and the chief head
of this postxhaste and rummage in the landx

barnardox
i think it be no other but exen sox
well may it sort that this portentous figure
comes armed through our watch so like the king
that was and is the question of these warsx

horatiox
a mote it is to trouble the mindxs eyex
in the most high and palmy state of romex
a little ere the mightiest julius fellx
the graves stood tenantless and the sheeted dead
did squeak and gibber in the roman streetsx
as stars with trains of fire and dews of bloodx
disasters in the sunx and the moist starx
upon whose influence neptunexs empire standsx
was sick almost to doomsday with eclipsex
and even the like precurse of fierce eventsx
as harbingers preceding still the fates
and prologue to the omen coming onx
have heaven and earth together demonstrated
unto our climatures and countrymenx

 rexenter ghostx

butx softx beholdx lox where it comes againx
ixll cross itx though it blast mex stayx illusionx
if thou hast any soundx or use of voicex
speak to mex
if there be any good thing to be donex
that may to thee do easex and grace to mex
speak to mex
if thou art privy to thy countryxs fatex
whichx happilyx foreknowing may avoidx
o speakx
or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life
extorted treasure in the womb of earthx
for whichx they sayx you spirits oft walk in deathx
speak of itx stayx and speakx

 xxthe cock crowsxxx

stop itx marcellusx

marcellusx
shall i strike at it with my partisanx

horatiox
dox if it will not standx

barnardox
xtis herex

horatiox
xtis herex

 xxexit ghostxxx

marcellusx
xtis gonex
we do it wrongx being so majesticalx
to offer it the show of violencex
for it is as the airx invulnerablex
and our vain blows malicious mockeryx

barnardox
it was about to speakx when the cock crewx

horatiox
and then it startedx like a guilty thing
upon a fearful summonsx i have heard
the cockx that is the trumpet to the mornx
doth with his lofty and shrillxsounding throat
awake the god of dayx and at his warningx
whether in sea or firex in earth or airx
thxextravagant and erring spirit hies
to his confinex and of the truth herein
this present object made probationx

marcellusx
it faded on the crowing of the cockx
some say that ever xgainst that season comes
wherein our saviourxs birth is celebratedx
the bird of dawning singeth all night longx
and thenx they sayx no spirit dare stir abroadx
the nights are wholesomex then no planets strikex
no fairy takesx nor witch hath power to charmx
so hallowxd and so gracious is the timex

horatiox
so have i heardx and do in part believe itx
but lookx the morn in russet mantle cladx
walks oxer the dew of yon high eastward hillx
break we our watch upx and by my advicex
let us impart what we have seen tonight
unto young hamletx for upon my lifex
this spiritx dumb to usx will speak to himx
do you consent we shall acquaint him with itx
as needful in our lovesx fitting our dutyx

marcellusx
letxs doxtx i prayx and i this morning know
where we shall find him most convenientlyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix elsinorex a room of state in the castlex

 enter claudius king of denmarkx gertrude the queenx hamletx poloniusx
 laertesx voltemandx
corneliusx lords and attendantx

kingx
though yet of hamlet our dear brotherxs death
the memory be greenx and that it us befitted
to bear our hearts in griefx and our whole kingdom
to be contracted in one brow of woex
yet so far hath discretion fought with nature
that we with wisest sorrow think on himx
together with remembrance of ourselvesx
therefore our sometime sisterx now our queenx
thximperial jointress to this warlike statex
have wex as xtwere with a defeated joyx
with one auspicious and one dropping eyex
with mirth in funeralx and with dirge in marriagex
in equal scale weighing delight and dolex
taken to wifex nor have we herein barrxd
your better wisdomsx which have freely gone
with this affair alongx for allx our thanksx
now followsx that you know young fortinbrasx
holding a weak supposal of our worthx
or thinking by our late dear brotherxs death
our state to be disjoint and out of framex
colleagued with this dream of his advantagex
he hath not failxd to pester us with messagex
importing the surrender of those lands
lost by his fatherx with all bonds of lawx
to our most valiant brotherx so much for himx
now for ourself and for this time of meetingx
thus much the business isx we have here writ
to norwayx uncle of young fortinbrasx
whox impotent and bedxridx scarcely hears
of this his nephewxs purposex to suppress
his further gait hereinx in that the leviesx
the listsx and full proportions are all made
out of his subjectx and we here dispatch
youx good corneliusx and youx voltemandx
for bearers of this greeting to old norwayx
giving to you no further personal power
to business with the kingx more than the scope
of these dilated articles allowx
farewellx and let your haste commend your dutyx

cornelius and voltemandx
in thatx and all thingsx will we show our dutyx

kingx
we doubt it nothingx heartily farewellx

 xxexeunt voltemand and corneliusxxx

and nowx laertesx whatxs the news with youx
you told us of some suitx what isxtx laertesx
you cannot speak of reason to the danex
and lose your voicex what wouldst thou begx laertesx
that shall not be my offerx not thy askingx
the head is not more native to the heartx
the hand more instrumental to the mouthx
than is the throne of denmark to thy fatherx
what wouldst thou havex laertesx

laertesx
dread my lordx
your leave and favour to return to francex
from whence though willingly i came to denmark
to show my duty in your coronationx
yet now i must confessx that duty donex
my thoughts and wishes bend again toward francex
and bow them to your gracious leave and pardonx

kingx
have you your fatherxs leavex what says poloniusx

poloniusx
he hathx my lordx wrung from me my slow leave
by laboursome petitionx and at last
upon his will i sealxd my hard consentx
i do beseech you give him leave to gox

kingx
take thy fair hourx laertesx time be thinex
and thy best graces spend it at thy willx
but nowx my cousin hamletx and my sonx

hamletx
xxasidexxx a little more than kinx and less than kindx

kingx
how is it that the clouds still hang on youx

hamletx
not sox my lordx i am too much ix the sunx

queenx
good hamletx cast thy nighted colour offx
and let thine eye look like a friend on denmarkx
do not for ever with thy vailed lids
seek for thy noble father in the dustx
thou knowxst xtis commonx all that lives must diex
passing through nature to eternityx

hamletx
ayx madamx it is commonx

queenx
if it bex
why seems it so particular with theex

hamletx
seemsx madamx nayx it isx i know not seemsx
xtis not alone my inky cloakx good motherx
nor customary suits of solemn blackx
nor windy suspiration of forcxd breathx
nox nor the fruitful river in the eyex
nor the dejected haviour of the visagex
together with all formsx moodsx shows of griefx
that can denote me trulyx these indeed seemx
for they are actions that a man might playx
but i have that within which passeth showx
these but the trappings and the suits of woex

kingx
xtis sweet and commendable in your naturex hamletx
to give these mourning duties to your fatherx
but you must knowx your father lost a fatherx
that father lostx lost hisx and the survivor bound
in filial obligationx for some term
to do obsequious sorrowx but to persevere
in obstinate condolement is a course
of impious stubbornnessx xtis unmanly griefx
it shows a will most incorrect to heavenx
a heart unfortifiedx a mind impatientx
an understanding simple and unschoolxdx
for what we know must bex and is as common
as any the most vulgar thing to sensex
why should we in our peevish opposition
take it to heartx fiex xtis a fault to heavenx
a fault against the deadx a fault to naturex
to reason most absurdx whose common theme
is death of fathersx and who still hath criedx
from the first corse till he that died todayx
xthis must be soxx we pray you throw to earth
this unprevailing woex and think of us
as of a fatherx for let the world take note
you are the most immediate to our thronex
and with no less nobility of love
than that which dearest father bears his son
do i impart toward youx for your intent
in going back to school in wittenbergx
it is most retrograde to our desirex
and we beseech you bend you to remain
here in the cheer and comfort of our eyex
our chiefest courtierx cousinx and our sonx

queenx
let not thy mother lose her prayersx hamletx
i pray thee stay with usx go not to wittenbergx

hamletx
i shall in all my best obey youx madamx

kingx
whyx xtis a loving and a fair replyx
be as ourself in denmarkx madamx comex
this gentle and unforcxd accord of hamlet
sits smiling to my heartx in grace whereofx
no jocund health that denmark drinks today
but the great cannon to the clouds shall tellx
and the kingxs rouse the heaven shall bruit againx
rexspeaking earthly thunderx come awayx

 xxexeunt all but hamletxxx

hamletx
o that this too too solid flesh would meltx
thawx and resolve itself into a dewx
or that the everlasting had not fixxd
his canon xgainst selfxslaughterx o godx o godx
how wearyx stalex flatx and unprofitable
seem to me all the uses of this worldx
fie onxtx oh fiex xtis an unweeded garden
that grows to seedx things rank and gross in nature
possess it merelyx that it should come to thisx
but two months deadxnayx not so muchx not twox
so excellent a kingx that was to this
hyperion to a satyrx so loving to my motherx
that he might not beteem the winds of heaven
visit her face too roughlyx heaven and earthx
must i rememberx whyx she would hang on him
as if increase of appetite had grown
by what it fed onx and yetx within a monthx
let me not think onxtxfrailtyx thy name is womanx
a little monthx or ere those shoes were old
with which she followed my poor fatherxs body
like niobex all tearsxxwhy shex even shex
o godx a beast that wants discourse of reason
would have mournxd longerxxmarried with mine unclex
my fatherxs brotherx but no more like my father
than i to herculesx within a monthx
ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears
had left the flushing in her galled eyesx
she marriedx o most wicked speedx to post
with such dexterity to incestuous sheetsx
it is notx nor it cannot come to goodx
but break my heartx for i must hold my tonguex

 enter horatiox marcellus and barnardox

horatiox
hail to your lordshipx

hamletx
i am glad to see you wellx
horatiox or i do forget myselfx

horatiox
the samex my lordx
and your poor servant everx

hamletx
sirx my good friendx
ixll change that name with youx
and what make you from wittenbergx horatioxx
marcellusx

marcellusx
my good lordx

hamletx
i am very glad to see youxxgood evenx sirxx
but whatx in faithx make you from wittenbergx

horatiox
a truant dispositionx good my lordx

hamletx
i would not hear your enemy say sox
nor shall you do my ear that violencex
to make it truster of your own report
against yourselfx i know you are no truantx
but what is your affair in elsinorex
wexll teach you to drink deep ere you departx

horatiox
my lordx i came to see your fatherxs funeralx

hamletx
i prithee do not mock mex fellowxstudentx
i think it was to see my motherxs weddingx

horatiox
indeedx my lordx it followxd hard uponx

hamletx
thriftx thriftx horatiox the funeral bakxd meats
did coldly furnish forth the marriage tablesx
would i had met my dearest foe in heaven
or ever i had seen that dayx horatiox
my fatherxxmethinks i see my fatherx

horatiox
wherex my lordx

hamletx
in my mindxs eyex horatiox

horatiox
i saw him oncex he was a goodly kingx

hamletx
he was a manx take him for all in allx
i shall not look upon his like againx

horatiox
my lordx i think i saw him yesternightx

hamletx
sawx whox

horatiox
my lordx the king your fatherx

hamletx
the king my fatherx

horatiox
season your admiration for a while
with an attent earx till i may deliver
upon the witness of these gentlemen
this marvel to youx

hamletx
for godxs love let me hearx

horatiox
two nights together had these gentlemenx
marcellus and barnardox on their watch
in the dead waste and middle of the nightx
been thus encounterxdx a figure like your fatherx
armed at point exactlyx capxxxpiex
appears before themx and with solemn march
goes slow and stately by themx thrice he walkxd
by their oppressxd and fearxsurprised eyesx
within his truncheonxs lengthx whilst theyx distillxd
almost to jelly with the act of fearx
stand dumbx and speak not to himx this to me
in dreadful secrecy impart they didx
and i with them the third night kept the watchx
wherex as they had deliverxdx both in timex
form of the thingx each word made true and goodx
the apparition comesx i knew your fatherx
these hands are not more likex

hamletx
but where was thisx

marcellusx
my lordx upon the platform where we watchx

hamletx
did you not speak to itx

horatiox
my lordx i didx
but answer made it nonex yet once methought
it lifted up it headx and did address
itself to motionx like as it would speakx
but even then the morning cock crew loudx
and at the sound it shrunk in haste awayx
and vanishxd from our sightx

hamletx
xtis very strangex

horatiox
as i do livex my honourxd lordx xtis truex
and we did think it writ down in our duty
to let you know of itx

hamletx
indeedx indeedx sirsx but this troubles mex
hold you the watch tonightx

marx and barnardox
we dox my lordx

hamletx
armxdx say youx

bothx
armxdx my lordx

hamletx
from top to toex

bothx
my lordx from head to footx

hamletx
then saw you not his facex

horatiox
o yesx my lordx he wore his beaver upx

hamletx
whatx lookxd he frowninglyx

horatiox
a countenance more in sorrow than in angerx

hamletx
palex or redx

horatiox
nayx very palex

hamletx
and fixxd his eyes upon youx

horatiox
most constantlyx

hamletx
i would i had been therex

horatiox
it would have much amazxd youx

hamletx
very likex very likex stayxd it longx

horatiox
while one with moderate haste might tell a hundredx

marcellus and barnardox
longerx longerx

horatiox
not when i sawxtx

hamletx
his beard was grizzledx nox

horatiox
it wasx as i have seen it in his lifex
a sable silverxdx

hamletx
i will watch tonightx
perchance xtwill walk againx

horatiox
i warrant you it willx

hamletx
if it assume my noble fatherxs personx
ixll speak to itx though hell itself should gape
and bid me hold my peacex i pray you allx
if you have hitherto concealxd this sightx
let it be tenable in your silence stillx
and whatsoever else shall hap tonightx
give it an understandingx but no tonguex
i will requite your lovesx sox fare ye wellx
upon the platform xtwixt eleven and twelvex
ixll visit youx

allx
our duty to your honourx

hamletx
your lovesx as mine to youx farewellx

 xxexeunt horatiox marcellus and barnardoxxx

my fatherxs spirit in armsx all is not wellx
i doubt some foul playx would the night were comex
till then sit stillx my soulx foul deeds will risex
though all the earth oxerwhelm themx to menxs eyesx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a room in poloniusxs housex

 enter laertes and opheliax

laertesx
my necessaries are embarkxdx farewellx
andx sisterx as the winds give benefit
and convoy is assistantx do not sleepx
but let me hear from youx

opheliax
do you doubt thatx

laertesx
for hamletx and the trifling of his favourx
hold it a fashion and a toy in bloodx
a violet in the youth of primy naturex
forwardx not permanentx sweetx not lastingx
the perfume and suppliance of a minutex
no morex

opheliax
no more but sox

laertesx
think it no morex
for nature crescent does not grow alone
in thews and bulkx but as this temple waxesx
the inward service of the mind and soul
grows wide withalx perhaps he loves you nowx
and now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
the virtue of his willx but you must fearx
his greatness weighxdx his will is not his ownx
for he himself is subject to his birthx
he may notx as unvaluxd persons dox
carve for himselfx for on his choice depends
the sanctity and health of this whole statex
and therefore must his choice be circumscribxd
unto the voice and yielding of that body
whereof he is the headx then if he says he loves youx
it fits your wisdom so far to believe it
as he in his particular act and place
may give his saying deedx which is no further
than the main voice of denmark goes withalx
then weigh what loss your honour may sustain
if with too credent ear you list his songsx
or lose your heartx or your chaste treasure open
to his unmasterxd importunityx
fear itx opheliax fear itx my dear sisterx
and keep you in the rear of your affectionx
out of the shot and danger of desirex
the chariest maid is prodigal enough
if she unmask her beauty to the moonx
virtue itself scopes not calumnious strokesx
the canker galls the infants of the spring
too oft before their buttons be disclosxdx
and in the morn and liquid dew of youth
contagious blastments are most imminentx
be wary thenx best safety lies in fearx
youth to itself rebelsx though none else nearx

opheliax
i shall thxeffect of this good lesson keep
as watchman to my heartx but good my brotherx
do not as some ungracious pastors dox
show me the steep and thorny way to heavenx
whilst like a puffxd and reckless libertine
himself the primrose path of dalliance treadsx
and recks not his own redex

laertesx
ox fear me notx
i stay too longx but here my father comesx

 enter poloniusx

a double blessing is a double gracex
occasion smiles upon a second leavex

poloniusx
yet herex laertesx aboardx aboardx for shamex
the wind sits in the shoulder of your sailx
and you are stayxd forx therex my blessing with youx

 xxlaying his hand on laertesxs headxxx

and these few precepts in thy memory
look thou characterx give thy thoughts no tonguex
nor any unproportionxd thought his actx
be thou familiarx but by no means vulgarx
those friends thou hastx and their adoption triedx
grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steelx
but do not dull thy palm with entertainment
of each newxhatchxdx unfledgxd comradex beware
of entrance to a quarrelx but being inx
bearxt that thxopposed may beware of theex
give every man thine earx but few thy voicex
take each manxs censurex but reserve thy judgmentx
costly thy habit as thy purse can buyx
but not expressxd in fancyx richx not gaudyx
for the apparel oft proclaims the manx
and they in france of the best rank and station
are of a most select and generous chief in thatx
neither a borrower nor a lender bex
for loan oft loses both itself and friendx
and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandryx
this above allx to thine own self be truex
and it must followx as the night the dayx
thou canst not then be false to any manx
farewellx my blessing season this in theex

laertesx
most humbly do i take my leavex my lordx

poloniusx
the time invites youx gox your servants tendx

laertesx
farewellx opheliax and remember well
what i have said to youx

opheliax
xtis in my memory lockxdx
and you yourself shall keep the key of itx

laertesx
farewellx

 xxexitxxx

poloniusx
what isxtx opheliax he hath said to youx

opheliax
so please youx something touching the lord hamletx

poloniusx
marryx well bethoughtx
xtis told me he hath very oft of late
given private time to youx and you yourself
have of your audience been most free and bounteousx
if it be soxxas so xtis put on mex
and that in way of cautionxxi must tell you
you do not understand yourself so clearly
as it behoves my daughter and your honourx
what is between youx give me up the truthx

opheliax
he hathx my lordx of late made many tenders
of his affection to mex

poloniusx
affectionx poohx you speak like a green girlx
unsifted in such perilous circumstancex
do you believe his tendersx as you call themx

opheliax
i do not knowx my lordx what i should thinkx

poloniusx
marryx ixll teach youx think yourself a babyx
that you have taxen these tenders for true payx
which are not sterlingx tender yourself more dearlyx
orxxnot to crack the wind of the poor phrasex
roaming it thusxxyouxll tender me a foolx

opheliax
my lordx he hath importunxd me with love
in honourable fashionx

poloniusx
ayx fashion you may call itx go tox go tox

opheliax
and hath given countenance to his speechx my lordx
with almost all the holy vows of heavenx

poloniusx
ayx springes to catch woodcocksx i do knowx
when the blood burnsx how prodigal the soul
lends the tongue vowsx these blazesx daughterx
giving more light than heatx extinct in bothx
even in their promisex as it is axmakingx
you must not take for firex from this time
be something scanter of your maiden presencex
set your entreatments at a higher rate
than a command to parleyx for lord hamletx
believe so much in him that he is youngx
and with a larger tether may he walk
than may be given youx in fewx opheliax
do not believe his vowsx for they are brokersx
not of that dye which their investments showx
but mere implorators of unholy suitsx
breathing like sanctified and pious bawdsx
the better to beguilex this is for allx
i would notx in plain termsx from this time forth
have you so slander any moment leisure
as to give words or talk with the lord hamletx
look toxtx i charge youx come your waysx

opheliax
i shall obeyx my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx the platformx

 enter hamletx horatio and marcellusx

hamletx
the air bites shrewdlyx it is very coldx

horatiox
it is a nipping and an eager airx

hamletx
what hour nowx

horatiox
i think it lacks of twelvex

marcellusx
nox it is struckx

horatiox
indeedx i heard it notx it then draws near the season
wherein the spirit held his wont to walkx

 xxa flourish of trumpetsx and ordnance shot off withinxxx

what does this meanx my lordx

hamletx
the king doth wake tonight and takes his rousex
keeps wassailx and the swaggering upspring reelsx
and as he drains his draughts of rhenish downx
the kettlexdrum and trumpet thus bray out
the triumph of his pledgex

horatiox
is it a customx

hamletx
ay marry isxtx
and to my mindx though i am native herex
and to the manner bornx it is a custom
more honourxd in the breach than the observancex
this heavyxheaded revel east and west
makes us traducxd and taxxd of other nationsx
they clepe us drunkardsx and with swinish phrase
soil our additionx and indeed it takes
from our achievementsx though performxd at heightx
the pith and marrow of our attributex
so oft it chances in particular men
that for some vicious mole of nature in themx
as in their birthx wherein they are not guiltyx
since nature cannot choose his originx
by their oxergrowth of some complexionx
oft breaking down the pales and forts of reasonx
or by some habitx that too much oxerleavens
the form of plausive mannersxxthat these menx
carryingx i sayx the stamp of one defectx
being naturexs livery or fortunexs starxx
his virtues elsexxbe they as pure as gracex
as infinite as man may undergox
shall in the general censure take corruption
from that particular faultx the dram of evil
doth all the noble substance often doubt
to his own scandalx

horatiox
lookx my lordx it comesx

 enter ghostx

hamletx
angels and ministers of grace defend usx
be thou a spirit of health or goblin damnxdx
bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hellx
be thy intents wicked or charitablex
thou comxst in such a questionable shape
that i will speak to theex ixll call thee hamletx
kingx fatherx royal danex ox answer mex
let me not burst in ignorancex but tell
why thy canonizxd bonesx hearsed in deathx
have burst their cerementsx why the sepulchrex
wherein we saw thee quietly inurnxdx
hath opxd his ponderous and marble jaws
to cast thee up againx what may this meanx
that thoux dead corsex again in complete steelx
revisitxst thus the glimpses of the moonx
making night hideousx and we fools of nature
so horridly to shake our disposition
with thoughts beyond the reaches of our soulsx
sayx why is thisx whereforex what should we dox

 xxghost beckons hamletxxx

horatiox
it beckons you to go away with itx
as if it some impartment did desire
to you alonex

marcellusx
look with what courteous action
it waves you to a more removed groundx
but do not go with itx

horatiox
nox by no meansx

hamletx
it will not speakx then will i follow itx

horatiox
do notx my lordx

hamletx
whyx what should be the fearx
i do not set my life at a pinxs feex
and for my soulx what can it do to thatx
being a thing immortal as itselfx
it waves me forth againx ixll follow itx

horatiox
what if it tempt you toward the floodx my lordx
or to the dreadful summit of the cliff
that beetles oxer his base into the seax
and there assume some other horrible form
which might deprive your sovereignty of reasonx
and draw you into madnessx think of itx
the very place puts toys of desperationx
without more motivex into every brain
that looks so many fadoms to the sea
and hears it roar beneathx

hamletx
it waves me stillx
go onx ixll follow theex

marcellusx
you shall not gox my lordx

hamletx
hold off your handsx

horatiox
be rulxdx you shall not gox

hamletx
my fate cries outx
and makes each petty artery in this body
as hardy as the nemean lionxs nervex

 xxghost beckonsxxx

still am i callxdx unhand mex gentlemenx

 xxbreaking free from themxxx

by heavenx ixll make a ghost of him that lets mex
i sayx awayxxgo onx ixll follow theex

 xxexeunt ghost and hamletxxx

horatiox
he waxes desperate with imaginationx

marcellusx
letxs followx xtis not fit thus to obey himx

horatiox
have afterx to what issue will this comex

marcellusx
something is rotten in the state of denmarkx

horatiox
heaven will direct itx

marcellusx
nayx letxs follow himx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx a more remote part of the castlex

 enter ghost and hamletx

hamletx
whither wilt thou lead mex speakx ixll go no furtherx

ghostx
mark mex

hamletx
i willx

ghostx
my hour is almost comex
when i to sulphxrous and tormenting flames
must render up myselfx

hamletx
alasx poor ghostx

ghostx
pity me notx but lend thy serious hearing
to what i shall unfoldx

hamletx
speakx i am bound to hearx

ghostx
so art thou to revengex when thou shalt hearx

hamletx
whatx

ghostx
i am thy fatherxs spiritx
doomxd for a certain term to walk the nightx
and for the day confinxd to fast in firesx
till the foul crimes done in my days of nature
are burnt and purgxd awayx but that i am forbid
to tell the secrets of my prisonxhousex
i could a tale unfold whose lightest word
would harrow up thy soulx freeze thy young bloodx
make thy two eyes like stars start from their spheresx
thy knotted and combined locks to partx
and each particular hair to stand on end
like quills upon the fretful porcupinex
but this eternal blazon must not be
to ears of flesh and bloodx listx listx ox listx
if thou didst ever thy dear father lovex

hamletx
o godx

ghostx
revenge his foul and most unnatural murderx

hamletx
murderx

ghostx
murder most foulx as in the best it isx
but this most foulx strangex and unnaturalx

hamletx
haste me to knowxtx that ix with wings as swift
as meditation or the thoughts of love
may sweep to my revengex

ghostx
i find thee aptx
and duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed
that rots itself in ease on lethe wharfx
wouldst thou not stir in thisx nowx hamletx hearx
xtis given out thatx sleeping in my orchardx
a serpent stung mex so the whole ear of denmark
is by a forged process of my death
rankly abusxdx but knowx thou noble youthx
the serpent that did sting thy fatherxs life
now wears his crownx

hamletx
o my prophetic soulx
mine unclex

ghostx
ayx that incestuousx that adulterate beastx
with witchcraft of his witx with traitorous giftsxx
o wicked witx and giftsx that have the power
so to seducexxwon to his shameful lust
the will of my most seemingxvirtuous queenx
o hamletx what a falling off was therex
from mex whose love was of that dignity
that it went hand in hand even with the vow
i made to her in marriagex and to decline
upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor
to those of minex but virtuex as it never will be movxdx
though lewdness court it in a shape of heavenx
so lustx though to a radiant angel linkxdx
will sate itself in a celestial bed
and prey on garbagex
but softx methinks i scent the morning airx
brief let me bex sleeping within my orchardx
my custom always of the afternoonx
upon my secure hour thy uncle stole
with juice of cursed hebenon in a vialx
and in the porches of my ears did pour
the leperous distilmentx whose effect
holds such an enmity with blood of man
that swift as quicksilver it courses through
the natural gates and alleys of the bodyx
and with a sudden vigour it doth posset
and curdx like eager droppings into milkx
the thin and wholesome bloodx so did it minex
and a most instant tetter barkxd aboutx
most lazarxlikex with vile and loathsome crust
all my smooth bodyx
thus was ix sleepingx by a brotherxs handx
of lifex of crownx of queen at once dispatchxdx
cut off even in the blossoms of my sinx
unhousxledx disappointedx unanelxdx
no reckoning madex but sent to my account
with all my imperfections on my headx
o horriblex o horriblex most horriblex
if thou hast nature in theex bear it notx
let not the royal bed of denmark be
a couch for luxury and damned incestx
but howsoever thou pursuxst this actx
taint not thy mindx nor let thy soul contrive
against thy mother aughtx leave her to heavenx
and to those thorns that in her bosom lodgex
to prick and sting herx fare thee well at oncex
the glowxworm shows the matin to be nearx
and xgins to pale his uneffectual firex
adieux adieux adieux hamletx remember mex

 xxexitxxx

hamletx
o all you host of heavenx o earthx what elsex
and shall i couple hellx ox fiex holdx my heartx
and youx my sinewsx grow not instant oldx
but bear me stiffly upx remember theex
ayx thou poor ghostx while memory holds a seat
in this distracted globex remember theex
yeax from the table of my memory
ixll wipe away all trivial fond recordsx
all saws of booksx all formsx all pressures pastx
that youth and observation copied therex
and thy commandment all alone shall live
within the book and volume of my brainx
unmixxd with baser matterx yesx by heavenx
o most pernicious womanx
o villainx villainx smiling damned villainx
my tablesx meet it is i set it downx
that one may smilex and smilex and be a villainx
at least i am sure it may be so in denmarkx

 xxwritingxxx

sox unclex there you arex now to my wordx
it is xadieux adieux remember mexx
i have swornxtx

horatio and marcellusx
xxwithinxxx my lordx my lordx

marcellusx
xxwithinxxx lord hamletx

horatiox
xxwithinxxx heaven secure himx

hamletx
so be itx

marcellusx
xxwithinxxx illox hox hox my lordx

hamletx
hillox hox hox boyx comex birdx comex

 enter horatio and marcellusx

marcellusx
how isxtx my noble lordx

horatiox
what newsx my lordx

hamletx
ox wonderfulx

horatiox
good my lordx tell itx

hamletx
nox youxll reveal itx

horatiox
not ix my lordx by heavenx

marcellusx
nor ix my lordx

hamletx
how say you thenx would heart of man once think itxx
but youxll be secretx

horatio and marcellusx
ayx by heavenx my lordx

hamletx
therexs nexer a villain dwelling in all denmark
but hexs an arrant knavex

horatiox
there needs no ghostx my lordx come from the grave
to tell us thisx

hamletx
whyx rightx you are ix the rightx
and sox without more circumstance at allx
i hold it fit that we shake hands and partx
youx as your business and desires shall point youxx
for every man hath business and desirex
such as it isxxand for my own poor partx
look youx ixll go prayx

horatiox
these are but wild and whirling wordsx my lordx

hamletx
ixm sorry they offend youx heartilyx
yes faithx heartilyx

horatiox
therexs no offencex my lordx

hamletx
yesx by saint patrickx but there isx horatiox
and much offence toox touching this vision herex
it is an honest ghostx that let me tell youx
for your desire to know what is between usx
oxermasterxt as you mayx and nowx good friendsx
as you are friendsx scholarsx and soldiersx
give me one poor requestx

horatiox
what isxtx my lordx we willx

hamletx
never make known what you have seen tonightx

horatio and marcellusx
my lordx we will notx

hamletx
nayx but swearxtx

horatiox
in faithx my lordx not ix

marcellusx
nor ix my lordx in faithx

hamletx
upon my swordx

marcellusx
we have swornx my lordx alreadyx

hamletx
indeedx upon my swordx indeedx

ghostx
xxcries under the stagexxx swearx

hamletx
hax ha boyx sayxst thou sox art thou therex truepennyx
come onx you hear this fellow in the cellaragex
consent to swearx

horatiox
propose the oathx my lordx

hamletx
never to speak of this that you have seenx
swear by my swordx

ghostx
xxbeneathxxx swearx

hamletx
xhic et ubiquexx then wexll shift our groundx
come hitherx gentlemenx
and lay your hands again upon my swordx
never to speak of this that you have heardx
swear by my swordx

ghostx
xxbeneathxxx swearx

hamletx
well saidx old molex canst work ix thxearth so fastx
a worthy pionerx once more removex good friendsx

horatiox
o day and nightx but this is wondrous strangex

hamletx
and therefore as a stranger give it welcomex
there are more things in heaven and earthx horatiox
than are dreamt of in your philosophyx but comex
herex as beforex neverx so help you mercyx
how strange or odd soexer i bear myselfxx
as i perchance hereafter shall think meet
to put an antic disposition onx
that youx at such times seeing mex never shallx
with arms encumberxd thusx or this headxshakex
or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrasex
as xwellx we knowxx or xwe could and if we wouldxx
or xif we list to speakxx or xthere be and if they mightxx
or such ambiguous giving outx to note
that you know aught of mexxthis not to dox
so grace and mercy at your most need help youx
swearx

ghostx
xxbeneathxxx swearx

hamletx
restx restx perturbed spiritx sox gentlemenx
with all my love i do commend me to youx
and what so poor a man as hamlet is
may do txexpress his love and friending to youx
god willingx shall not lackx let us go in togetherx
and still your fingers on your lipsx i prayx
the time is out of jointx o cursed spitex
that ever i was born to set it rightx
nayx comex letxs go togetherx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix a room in poloniusxs housex

 enter polonius and reynaldox

poloniusx
give him this money and these notesx reynaldox

reynaldox
i willx my lordx

poloniusx
you shall do marvellous wiselyx good reynaldox
before you visit himx to make inquiry
of his behaviourx

reynaldox
my lordx i did intend itx

poloniusx
marryx well saidx very well saidx look youx sirx
enquire me first what danskers are in parisx
and howx and whox what meansx and where they keepx
what companyx at what expensex and finding
by this encompassment and drift of questionx
that they do know my sonx come you more nearer
than your particular demands will touch itx
take you as xtwere some distant knowledge of himx
as thusx xi know his father and his friendsx
and in part himxxdo you mark thisx reynaldox

reynaldox
ayx very wellx my lordx

poloniusx
xand in part himx butxx you may sayx xnot wellx
but ifxt be he i meanx hexs very wildx
addicted so and soxx and there put on him
what forgeries you pleasex marryx none so rank
as may dishonour himx take heed of thatx
butx sirx such wantonx wildx and usual slips
as are companions noted and most known
to youth and libertyx

reynaldox
as gamingx my lordx

poloniusx
ayx or drinkingx fencingx swearingx
quarrellingx drabbingx you may go so farx

reynaldox
my lordx that would dishonour himx

poloniusx
faith nox as you may season it in the chargex
you must not put another scandal on himx
that he is open to incontinencyx
thatxs not my meaningx but breathe his faults so quaintly
that they may seem the taints of libertyx
the flash and outbreak of a fiery mindx
a savageness in unreclaimed bloodx
of general assaultx

reynaldox
but my good lordx

poloniusx
wherefore should you do thisx

reynaldox
ayx my lordx i would know thatx

poloniusx
marryx sirx herexs my driftx
and i believe it is a fetch of warrantx
you laying these slight sullies on my sonx
as xtwere a thing a little soilxd ix thx workingx
mark youx
your party in conversex him you would soundx
having ever seen in the prenominate crimes
the youth you breathe of guiltyx be assurxd
he closes with you in this consequencex
xgood sirxx or sox or xfriendxx or xgentlemanxx
according to the phrase or the addition
of man and countryx

reynaldox
very goodx my lordx

poloniusx
and thenx sirx does he thisxx
he doesxwhat was i about to sayx
by the massx i was about to say somethingx where did i leavex

reynaldox
at xcloses in the consequencexx
at xfriend or soxx and xgentlemanxx

poloniusx
at xcloses in the consequencex ayx marryx
he closes with you thusx xi know the gentlemanx
i saw him yesterdayx or txother dayx
or thenx or thenx with such and suchx andx as you sayx
there was he gamingx there oxertook inxs rousex
there falling out at tennisxx or perchancex
xi saw him enter such a house of salexx
xvidelicetxx a brothelx or so forthx see you nowx
your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truthx
and thus do we of wisdom and of reachx
with windlassesx and with assays of biasx
by indirections find directions outx
so by my former lecture and advice
shall you my sonx you have mex have you notx

reynaldox
my lordx i havex

poloniusx
god bx wix youx fare you wellx

reynaldox
good my lordx

poloniusx
observe his inclination in yourselfx

reynaldox
i shallx my lordx

poloniusx
and let him ply his musicx

reynaldox
wellx my lordx

poloniusx
farewellx

 xxexit reynaldoxxx

 enter opheliax

how nowx opheliax whatxs the matterx

opheliax
alasx my lordx i have been so affrightedx

poloniusx
with whatx in the name of godx

opheliax
my lordx as i was sewing in my chamberx
lord hamletx with his doublet all unbracxdx
no hat upon his headx his stockings foulxdx
ungartxredx and downxgyved to his anklex
pale as his shirtx his knees knocking each otherx
and with a look so piteous in purport
as if he had been loosed out of hell
to speak of horrorsx he comes before mex

poloniusx
mad for thy lovex

opheliax
my lordx i do not knowx but truly i do fear itx

poloniusx
what said hex

opheliax
he took me by the wrist and held me hardx
then goes he to the length of all his armx
and with his other hand thus oxer his browx
he falls to such perusal of my face
as he would draw itx long stayxd he sox
at lastxxa little shaking of mine armx
and thrice his head thus waving up and downx
he raisxd a sigh so piteous and profound
as it did seem to shatter all his bulk
and end his beingx that donex he lets me gox
and with his head over his shoulder turnxd
he seemxd to find his way without his eyesx
for out ox doors he went without their helpx
and to the last bended their light on mex

poloniusx
comex go with mex i will go seek the kingx
this is the very ecstasy of lovex
whose violent property fordoes itselfx
and leads the will to desperate undertakingsx
as oft as any passion under heaven
that does afflict our naturesx i am sorryxx
whatx have you given him any hard words of latex

opheliax
nox my good lordx but as you did commandx
i did repel his letters and denied
his access to mex

poloniusx
that hath made him madx
i am sorry that with better heed and judgment
i had not quoted himx i fearxd he did but triflex
and meant to wreck theex but beshrew my jealousyx
it seems it is as proper to our age
to cast beyond ourselves in our opinions
as it is common for the younger sort
to lack discretionx comex go we to the kingx
this must be knownx whichx being kept closex might move
more grief to hide than hate to utter lovex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a room in the castlex

 enter kingx queenx rosencrantzx guildenstern and attendantsx

kingx
welcomex dear rosencrantz and guildensternx
moreover that we much did long to see youx
the need we have to use you did provoke
our hasty sendingx something have you heard
of hamletxs transformationx so i call itx
since nor thxexterior nor the inward man
resembles that it wasx what it should bex
more than his fatherxs deathx that thus hath put him
so much from thxunderstanding of himselfx
i cannot dream ofx i entreat you both
thatx being of so young days brought up with himx
and since so neighbourxd to his youth and humourx
that you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
some little timex so by your companies
to draw him on to pleasures and to gatherx
so much as from occasion you may gleanx
whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus
thatx openxdx lies within our remedyx

queenx
good gentlemenx he hath much talkxd of youx
and sure i amx two men there are not living
to whom he more adheresx if it will please you
to show us so much gentry and good will
as to expend your time with us awhilex
for the supply and profit of our hopex
your visitation shall receive such thanks
as fits a kingxs remembrancex

rosencrantzx
both your majesties
mightx by the sovereign power you have of usx
put your dread pleasures more into command
than to entreatyx

guildensternx
we both obeyx
and here give up ourselvesx in the full bentx
to lay our service freely at your feet
to be commandedx

kingx
thanksx rosencrantz and gentle guildensternx

queenx
thanksx guildenstern and gentle rosencrantzx
and i beseech you instantly to visit
my too much changed sonx gox some of youx
and bring these gentlemen where hamlet isx

guildensternx
heavens make our presence and our practices
pleasant and helpful to himx

queenx
ayx amenx

 xxexeunt rosencrantzx guildenstern and some attendantsxxx

 enter poloniusx

poloniusx
thxambassadors from norwayx my good lordx
are joyfully returnxdx

kingx
thou still hast been the father of good newsx

poloniusx
have ix my lordx assure youx my good liegex
i hold my dutyx as i hold my soulx
both to my god and to my gracious kingx
and i do thinkxxor else this brain of mine
hunts not the trail of policy so sure
as it hath usxd to doxthat i have found
the very cause of hamletxs lunacyx

kingx
o speak of thatx that do i long to hearx

poloniusx
give first admittance to thxambassadorsx
my news shall be the fruit to that great feastx

kingx
thyself do grace to themx and bring them inx

 xxexit poloniusxxx

he tells mex my sweet queenx that he hath found
the head and source of all your sonxs distemperx

queenx
i doubt it is no other but the mainx
his fatherxs death and our oxerhasty marriagex

kingx
wellx we shall sift himx

 enter polonius with voltemand and corneliusx

welcomex my good friendsx
sayx voltemandx what from our brother norwayx

voltemandx
most fair return of greetings and desiresx
upon our firstx he sent out to suppress
his nephewxs leviesx which to him appearxd
to be a preparation xgainst the polackx
but better lookxd intox he truly found
it was against your highnessx whereat grievxdx
that so his sicknessx agex and impotence
was falsely borne in handx sends out arrests
on fortinbrasx which hex in briefx obeysx
receives rebuke from norwayx and in finex
makes vow before his uncle never more
to give thxassay of arms against your majestyx
whereon old norwayx overcome with joyx
gives him three thousand crowns in annual feex
and his commission to employ those soldiers
so levied as beforex against the polackx
with an entreatyx herein further shownx
xxgives a paperxxx
that it might please you to give quiet pass
through your dominions for this enterprisex
on such regards of safety and allowance
as therein are set downx

kingx
it likes us wellx
and at our more considerxd time wexll readx
answerx and think upon this businessx
meantime we thank you for your wellxtook labourx
go to your restx at night wexll feast togetherxx
most welcome homex

 xxexeunt voltemand and corneliusxxx

poloniusx
this business is well endedx
my liege and madamx to expostulate
what majesty should bex what duty isx
why day is dayx night nightx and time is timex
were nothing but to waste nightx day and timex
thereforex since brevity is the soul of witx
and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishesx
i will be briefx your noble son is madx
mad call i itx for to define true madnessx
what isxt but to be nothing else but madx
but let that gox

queenx
more matterx with less artx

poloniusx
madamx i swear i use no art at allx
that he is madx xtis truex xtis true xtis pityx
and pity xtis xtis truex a foolish figurex
but farewell itx for i will use no artx
mad let us grant him thenx and now remains
that we find out the cause of this effectx
or rather sayx the cause of this defectx
for this effect defective comes by causex
thus it remainsx and the remainder thusx perpendx
i have a daughterxhave whilst she is minex
who in her duty and obediencex markx
hath given me thisx now gatherx and surmisex
xxreadsxxx
xto the celestialx and my soulxs idolx the most beautified opheliaxx
thatxs an ill phrasex a vile phrasex xbeautifiedx is a vile
phrasex but you shall hearx
xxreadsxxx
xthesex in her excellent white bosomx thesex xcxx

queenx
came this from hamlet to herx

poloniusx
good madamx stay awhilex i will be faithfulx
xxreadsxxx
  xdoubt thou the stars are firex
     doubt that the sun doth movex
   doubt truth to be a liarx
     but never doubt i lovex
o dear opheliax i am ill at these numbersx i have not art to reckon my
groansx but that i love thee bestx o most bestx believe itx adieux
  thine evermorex most dear ladyx whilst this machine is to himx
     hamletxx
this in obedience hath my daughter showxd mex
and more abovex hath his solicitingsx
as they fell out by timex by meansx and placex
all given to mine earx

kingx
but how hath she receivxd his lovex

poloniusx
what do you think of mex

kingx
as of a man faithful and honourablex

poloniusx
i would fain prove sox but what might you thinkx
when i had seen this hot love on the wingx
as i perceivxd itx i must tell you thatx
before my daughter told mex what might youx
or my dear majesty your queen herex thinkx
if i had playxd the desk or tablexbookx
or given my heart a winkingx mute and dumbx
or lookxd upon this love with idle sightx
what might you thinkx nox i went round to workx
and my young mistress thus i did bespeakx
xlord hamlet is a princex out of thy starx
this must not bexx and then i precepts gave herx
that she should lock herself from his resortx
admit no messengersx receive no tokensx
which donex she took the fruits of my advicex
and hex repulsedxxa short tale to makex
fell into a sadnessx then into a fastx
thence to a watchx thence into a weaknessx
thence to a lightnessx andx by this declensionx
into the madness wherein now he ravesx
and all we wail forx

kingx
do you think xtis thisx

queenx
it may bex very likelyx

poloniusx
hath there been such a timex ixd fain know thatx
that i have positively said xxtis soxx
when it provxd otherwisex

kingx
not that i knowx

poloniusx
take this from thisx if this be otherwisex
xxpoints to his head and shoulderxxx
if circumstances lead mex i will find
where truth is hidx though it were hid indeed
within the centrex

kingx
how may we try it furtherx

poloniusx
you know sometimes he walks four hours together
here in the lobbyx

queenx
so he does indeedx

poloniusx
at such a time ixll loose my daughter to himx
be you and i behind an arras thenx
mark the encounterx if he love her notx
and be not from his reason fallxn thereonx
let me be no assistant for a statex
but keep a farm and cartersx

kingx
we will try itx

 enter hamletx readingx

queenx
but look where sadly the poor wretch comes readingx

poloniusx
awayx i do beseech youx both away
ixll board him presentlyx ox give me leavex

 xxexeunt kingx queen and attendantsxxx

how does my good lord hamletx

hamletx
wellx godxaxmercyx

poloniusx
do you know mex my lordx

hamletx
excellent wellx youxre a fishmongerx

poloniusx
not ix my lordx

hamletx
then i would you were so honest a manx

poloniusx
honestx my lordx

hamletx
ay sirx to be honestx as this world goesx is to be one man picked out
of ten thousandx

poloniusx
thatxs very truex my lordx

hamletx
for if the sun breed maggots in a dead dogx being a good kissing
carrionxx
have you a daughterx

poloniusx
i havex my lordx

hamletx
let her not walk ix thx sunx conception is a blessingx but not as your
daughter may conceivex friendx look toxtx

poloniusx
how say you by thatx xxasidexxx still harping on my daughterx yet he
knew me not at firstx he said i was a fishmongerx he is far gonex far
gonex and truly in my youth i suffered much extremity for lovex very
near thisx ixll speak to him againxxwhat do you readx my lordx

hamletx
wordsx wordsx wordsx

poloniusx
what is the matterx my lordx

hamletx
between whox

poloniusx
i mean the matter that you readx my lordx

hamletx
slandersx sirx for the satirical slave says here that old men have grey
beardsx that their faces are wrinkledx their eyes purging thick amber
and plumxtree gumx and that they have a plentiful lack of witx together
with most weak hamsx all whichx sirx though i most powerfully and
potently believex yet i hold it not honesty to have it thus set downx
for you yourselfx sirx should be old as i amx if like a crab you could
go backwardx

poloniusx
xxasidexxx though this be madnessx yet there is a method inxtxx
will you walk out of the airx my lordx

hamletx
into my gravex

poloniusx
indeedx that is out ox the airx xxasidexxx how pregnant sometimes his
replies arex a happiness that often madness hits onx which reason and
sanity could not so prosperously be delivered ofx i will leave him and
suddenly contrive the means of meeting between him and my daughterx
my honourable lordx i will most humbly take my leave of youx

hamletx
you cannotx sirx take from me anything that i will more willingly part
withalx except my lifex except my lifex except my lifex

poloniusx
fare you wellx my lordx

hamletx
these tedious old foolsx

 enter rosencrantz and guildensternx

poloniusx
you go to seek the lord hamletx there he isx

rosencrantzx
xxto poloniusxxx god save youx sirx

 xxexit poloniusxxx

guildensternx
my honoured lordx

rosencrantzx
my most dear lordx

hamletx
my excellent good friendsx how dost thoux guildensternx ahx
rosencrantzx good ladsx how do ye bothx

rosencrantzx
as the indifferent children of the earthx

guildensternx
happy in that we are not overxhappyx
on fortunexs cap we are not the very buttonx

hamletx
nor the soles of her shoex

rosencrantzx
neitherx my lordx

hamletx
then you live about her waistx or in the middle of her favoursx

guildensternx
faithx her privates wex

hamletx
in the secret parts of fortunex ox most truex she is a strumpetx whatxs
the newsx

rosencrantzx
nonex my lordx but that the worldxs grown honestx

hamletx
then is doomsday nearx but your news is not truex let me question more
in particularx what have youx my good friendsx deserved at the hands of
fortunex that she sends you to prison hitherx

guildensternx
prisonx my lordx

hamletx
denmarkxs a prisonx

rosencrantzx
then is the world onex

hamletx
a goodly onex in which there are many confinesx wardsx and dungeonsx
denmark being one ox thx worstx

rosencrantzx
we think not sox my lordx

hamletx
whyx then xtis none to youx for there is nothing either good or bad but
thinking makes it sox to me it is a prisonx

rosencrantzx
whyx then your ambition makes it onex xtis too narrow for your mindx

hamletx
o godx i could be bounded in a nutshellx and count myself a king of
infinite spacex were it not that i have bad dreamsx

guildensternx
which dreamsx indeedx are ambitionx for the very substance of the
ambitious is merely the shadow of a dreamx

hamletx
a dream itself is but a shadowx

rosencrantzx
trulyx and i hold ambition of so airy and light a quality that it is
but a shadowxs shadowx

hamletx
then are our beggars bodiesx and our monarchs and outstretchxd heroes
the beggarsx shadowsx shall we to thx courtx forx by my fayx i cannot
reasonx

rosencrantz and guildensternx
wexll wait upon youx

hamletx
no such matterx i will not sort you with the rest of my servantsx forx
to speak to you like an honest manx i am most dreadfully attendedx butx
in the beaten way of friendshipx what make you at elsinorex

rosencrantzx
to visit youx my lordx no other occasionx

hamletx
beggar that i amx i am even poor in thanksx but i thank youx and surex
dear friendsx my thanks are too dear a halfpennyx were you not sent
forx is it your own incliningx is it a free visitationx comex deal
justly with mex comex comex nayx speakx

guildensternx
what should we sayx my lordx

hamletx
whyx anythingx but to the purposex you were sent forx and there is a
kind of confession in your looksx which your modesties have not craft
enough to colourx i know the good king and queen have sent for youx

rosencrantzx
to what endx my lordx

hamletx
that you must teach mex but let me conjure youx by the rights of our
fellowshipx by the consonancy of our youthx by the obligation of our
everxpreserved lovex and by what more dear a better proposer could
charge you withalx be even and direct with mex whether you were sent
for or nox

rosencrantzx
xxto guildensternxxx what say youx

hamletx
xxasidexxx nayx then i have an eye of youx if you love mex hold not
offx

guildensternx
my lordx we were sent forx

hamletx
i will tell you whyx so shall my anticipation prevent your discoveryx
and your secrecy to the king and queen moult no featherx i have of
latex but wherefore i know notx lost all my mirthx forgone all custom
of exercisesx and indeedx it goes so heavily with my disposition that
this goodly frame the earthx seems to me a sterile promontoryx this
most excellent canopy the airx look youx this brave oxerhanging
firmamentx this majestical roof fretted with golden firex whyx it
appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of
vapoursx what a piece of work is manx how noble in reasonx how infinite
in facultiesx in form and movingx how express and admirablex in action
how like an angelx in apprehensionx how like a godx the beauty of the
worldx the paragon of animalsx and yetx to mex what is this
quintessence of dustx man delights not mex nox nor woman neitherx
though by your smiling you seem to say sox

rosencrantzx
my lordx there was no such stuff in my thoughtsx

hamletx
why did you laugh thenx when i said xman delights not mexx

rosencrantzx
to thinkx my lordx if you delight not in manx what lenten entertainment
the players shall receive from youx we coted them on the wayx and
hither are they coming to offer you servicex

hamletx
he that plays the king shall be welcomexxhis majesty shall have tribute
of mex the adventurous knight shall use his foil and targetx the lover
shall not sigh gratisx the humorous man shall end his part in peacex
the clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle ax thx serex
and the lady shall say her mind freelyx or the blank verse shall halt
forxtx what players are theyx

rosencrantzx
even those you were wont to take such delight inxthe tragedians of the
cityx

hamletx
how chances it they travelx their residencex both in reputation and
profitx was better both waysx

rosencrantzx
i think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovationx

hamletx
do they hold the same estimation they did when i was in the cityx are
they so followedx

rosencrantzx
nox indeedx they are notx

hamletx
how comes itx do they grow rustyx

rosencrantzx
nayx their endeavour keeps in the wonted pacex but there isx sirx an
ayry of childrenx little eyasesx that cry out on the top of questionx
and are most tyrannically clapped forxtx these are now the fashionx and
so berattle the common stagesxso they call themxthat many wearing
rapiers are afraid of goosexquills and dare scarce come thitherx

hamletx
whatx are they childrenx who maintains xemx how are they escotedx will
they pursue the quality no longer than they can singx will they not say
afterwardsx if they should grow themselves to common playersxas it is
most likex if their means are no betterxtheir writers do them wrong to
make them exclaim against their own successionx

rosencrantzx
faithx there has been much to do on both sidesx and the nation holds it
no sin to tarre them to controversyx there was for a whilex no money
bid for argument unless the poet and the player went to cuffs in the
questionx

hamletx
isxt possiblex

guildensternx
ox there has been much throwing about of brainsx

hamletx
do the boys carry it awayx

rosencrantzx
ayx that they dox my lordx hercules and his load toox

hamletx
it is not very strangex for my uncle is king of denmarkx and those that
would make mouths at him while my father livedx give twentyx fortyx
fiftyx a hundred ducats apiece for his picture in littlex xsbloodx
there is something in this more than naturalx if philosophy could find
it outx

 xxflourish of trumpets withinxxx

guildensternx
there are the playersx

hamletx
gentlemenx you are welcome to elsinorex your handsx comex the
appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremonyx let me comply with you
in this garbx lest my extent to the playersx which i tell you must show
fairly outwardx should more appear like entertainment than yoursx you
are welcomex but my unclexfather and auntxmother are deceivedx

guildensternx
in whatx my dear lordx

hamletx
i am but mad northxnorthxwestx when the wind is southerlyx i know a
hawk from a handsawx

 enter poloniusx

poloniusx
well be with youx gentlemenx

hamletx
hark youx guildensternx and you toox at each ear a hearerx that great
baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling cloutsx

rosencrantzx
happily hexs the second time come to themx for they say an old man is
twice a childx

hamletx
i will prophesy he comes to tell me of the playersx mark itxxyou say
rightx sirx for a monday morning xtwas so indeedx

poloniusx
my lordx i have news to tell youx

hamletx
my lordx i have news to tell youx when roscius was an actor in romex

poloniusx
the actors are come hitherx my lordx

hamletx
buzzx buzzx

poloniusx
upon my honourx

hamletx
then came each actor on his assx

poloniusx
the best actors in the worldx either for tragedyx comedyx historyx
pastoralx pastoralxcomicalx historicalxpastoralx tragicalxhistoricalx
tragicalxcomicalxhistoricalxpastoralx scene individablex or poem
unlimitedx seneca cannot be too heavyx nor plautus too lightx for the
law of writ and the libertyx these are the only menx

hamletx
o jephthahx judge of israelx what a treasure hadst thoux

poloniusx
what treasure had hex my lordx

hamletx
whyx
   xone fair daughterx and no morex
   the which he loved passing wellxx

poloniusx
xxasidexxx still on my daughterx

hamletx
am i not ix thx rightx old jephthahx

poloniusx
if you call me jephthahx my lordx i have a daughter that i love passing
wellx

hamletx
nayx that follows notx

poloniusx
what follows thenx my lordx

hamletx
whyx
   as by lotx god wotx
and thenx you knowx
   it came to passx as most like it wasx
the first row of the pious chanson will show you morex for look where
my abridgement comesx

 enter four or five playersx

you are welcomex mastersx welcome allx i am glad to see thee wellx
welcomex good friendsx ox my old friendx thy face is valancxd since i
saw thee lastx comxst thou to beard me in denmarkx whatx my young lady
and mistressx byxr ladyx your ladyship is nearer to heaven than when i
saw you lastx by the altitude of a chopinex pray god your voicex like a
piece of uncurrent goldx be not cracked within the ringx mastersx you
are all welcomex wexll exen toxt like french falconersx fly at anything
we seex wexll have a speech straightx comex give us a taste of your
qualityx comex a passionate speechx

first playerx
what speechx my lordx

hamletx
i heard thee speak me a speech oncex but it was never actedx or if it
wasx not above oncex for the playx i rememberx pleased not the millionx
xtwas caviare to the generalx but it wasxas i received itx and othersx
whose judgments in such matters cried in the top of minexan excellent
playx well digested in the scenesx set down with as much modesty as
cunningx i remember one said there were no sallets in the lines to make
the matter savouryx nor no matter in the phrase that might indite the
author of affectationx but called it an honest methodx as wholesome as
sweetx and by very much more handsome than finex one speech in itx i
chiefly lovedx xtwas aeneasx tale to didox and thereabout of it
especially where he speaks of priamxs slaughterx if it live in your
memoryx begin at this linex let me seex let me seex
   xthe rugged pyrrhusx like thx hyrcanian beastxxx
it is not sox it begins with pyrrhusx
   xthe rugged pyrrhusx he whose sable armsx
   black as his purposex did the night resemble
   when he lay couched in the ominous horsex
   hath now this dread and black complexion smearxd
   with heraldry more dismalx head to foot
   now is he total gulesx horridly trickxd
   with blood of fathersx mothersx daughtersx sonsx
   bakxd and impasted with the parching streetsx
   that lend a tyrannous and a damned light
   to their vile murdersx roasted in wrath and firex
   and thus oxersized with coagulate gorex
   with eyes like carbunclesx the hellish pyrrhus
   old grandsire priam seeksxx
sox proceed youx

poloniusx
xfore godx my lordx well spokenx with good accent and good discretionx

first playerx
   xanon he finds himx
   striking too short at greeksx his antique swordx
   rebellious to his armx lies where it fallsx
   repugnant to commandx unequal matchxdx
   pyrrhus at priam drivesx in rage strikes widex
   but with the whiff and wind of his fell sword
   thxunnerved father fallsx then senseless iliumx
   seeming to feel this blowx with flaming top
   stoops to his basex and with a hideous crash
   takes prisoner pyrrhusx earx for lox his swordx
   which was declining on the milky head
   of reverend priamx seemxd ix thxair to stickx
   sox as a painted tyrantx pyrrhus stoodx
   and like a neutral to his will and matterx
   did nothingx
   but as we often see against some stormx
   a silence in the heavensx the rack stand stillx
   the bold winds speechlessx and the orb below
   as hush as deathx anon the dreadful thunder
   doth rend the regionx so after pyrrhusx pausex
   aroused vengeance sets him new axworkx
   and never did the cyclopsx hammers fall
   on marsxs armourx forgxd for proof eternex
   with less remorse than pyrrhusx bleeding sword
   now falls on priamx
   outx outx thou strumpet fortunex all you godsx
   in general synodx take away her powerx
   break all the spokes and fellies from her wheelx
   and bowl the round nave down the hill of heavenx
   as low as to the fiendsxx

poloniusx
this is too longx

hamletx
it shall to the barberxsx with your beardxxprythee say onx
hexs for a jig or a tale of bawdryx or he sleepsx
say onx come to hecubax

first playerx
   xbut whox o whox had seen the mobled queenxxx

hamletx
xthe mobled queenxx

poloniusx
thatxs goodx xmobled queenx is goodx

first playerx
   xrun barefoot up and downx threatxning the flames
   with bisson rheumx a clout upon that head
   where late the diadem stoodx and for a robex
   about her lank and all oxerteemed loinsx
   a blanketx in thxalarm of fear caught upx
   who this had seenx with tongue in venom steepxdx
   xgainst fortunexs state would treason have pronouncxdx
   but if the gods themselves did see her thenx
   when she saw pyrrhus make malicious sport
   in mincing with his sword her husbandxs limbsx
   the instant burst of clamour that she madexx
   unless things mortal move them not at allxx
   would have made milch the burning eyes of heavenx
   and passion in the godsxx

poloniusx
lookx where he has not turnxd his colourx and has tears inxs eyesx pray
youx no morex

hamletx
xtis wellx ixll have thee speak out the rest of this soonxxgood my
lordx will you see the players well bestowedx do you hearx let them be
well usedx for they are the abstracts and brief chronicles of the timex
after your death you were better have a bad epitaph than their ill
report while you livex

poloniusx
my lordx i will use them according to their desertx

hamletx
godxs bodikinx manx betterx use every man after his desertx and who
should scape whippingx use them after your own honour and dignityx the
less they deservex the more merit is in your bountyx take them inx

poloniusx
comex sirsx

hamletx
follow himx friendsx wexll hear a play tomorrowx

 xxexeunt polonius with all the players but the firstxxx

dost thou hear mex old friendx can you play xthe murder of gonzagoxx

first playerx
ayx my lordx

hamletx
wexll haxt tomorrow nightx you could for a need study a speech of some
dozen or sixteen linesx which i would set down and insert inxtx could
you notx

first playerx
ayx my lordx

hamletx
very wellx follow that lordx and look you mock him notx

 xxexit first playerxxx

xxto rosencrantz and guildensternxx my good friendsx ixll leave you
till nightx you are welcome to elsinorex

rosencrantzx
good my lordx

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

hamletx
ayx sox god bx wix yex now i am alonex
o what a rogue and peasant slave am ix
is it not monstrous that this player herex
but in a fictionx in a dream of passionx
could force his soul so to his own conceit
that from her working all his visage wanxdx
tears in his eyesx distraction inxs aspectx
a broken voicex and his whole function suiting
with forms to his conceitx and all for nothingx
for hecubax
whatxs hecuba to himx or he to hecubax
that he should weep for herx what would he dox
had he the motive and the cue for passion
that i havex he would drown the stage with tears
and cleave the general ear with horrid speechx
make mad the guiltyx and appal the freex
confound the ignorantx and amaze indeedx
the very faculties of eyes and earsx yet ix
a dull and muddyxmettled rascalx peak
like johnxaxdreamsx unpregnant of my causex
and can say nothingx nox not for a king
upon whose property and most dear life
a damnxd defeat was madex am i a cowardx
who calls me villainx breaks my pate acrossx
plucks off my beard and blows it in my facex
tweaks me by the nosex gives me the lie ix thx throat
as deep as to the lungsx who does me thisx
hax xswoundsx i should take itx for it cannot be
but i am pigeonxliverxdx and lack gall
to make oppression bitterx or ere this
i should have fatted all the region kites
with this slavexs offalx bloodyx bawdy villainx
remorselessx treacherousx lecherousx kindless villainx
oh vengeancex
whyx what an ass am ix this is most bravex
that ix the son of a dear father murderxdx
prompted to my revenge by heaven and hellx
mustx like a whorex unpack my heart with words
and fall axcursing like a very drabx
a scullionx fie uponxtx fohx
aboutx my brainx i have heard
that guilty creatures sitting at a playx
have by the very cunning of the scenex
been struck so to the soul that presently
they have proclaimxd their malefactionsx
for murderx though it have no tonguex will speak
with most miraculous organx ixll have these players
play something like the murder of my father
before mine unclex ixll observe his looksx
ixll tent him to the quickx if he but blenchx
i know my coursex the spirit that i have seen
may be the devilx and the devil hath power
txassume a pleasing shapex yeax and perhaps
out of my weakness and my melancholyx
as he is very potent with such spiritsx
abuses me to damn mex ixll have grounds
more relative than thisx the playxs the thing
wherein ixll catch the conscience of the kingx

 xxexitxxx



act iii

scene ix a room in the castlex

 enter kingx queenx poloniusx opheliax rosencrantz and guildensternx

kingx
and can you by no drift of circumstance
get from him why he puts on this confusionx
grating so harshly all his days of quiet
with turbulent and dangerous lunacyx

rosencrantzx
he does confess he feels himself distractedx
but from what cause he will by no means speakx

guildensternx
nor do we find him forward to be soundedx
but with a crafty madness keeps aloof
when we would bring him on to some confession
of his true statex

queenx
did he receive you wellx

rosencrantzx
most like a gentlemanx

guildensternx
but with much forcing of his dispositionx

rosencrantzx
niggard of questionx but of our demandsx
most free in his replyx

queenx
did you assay him to any pastimex

rosencrantzx
madamx it so fell out that certain players
we oxerxraught on the wayx of these we told himx
and there did seem in him a kind of joy
to hear of itx they are about the courtx
andx as i thinkx they have already order
this night to play before himx

poloniusx
xtis most truex
and he beseechxd me to entreat your majesties
to hear and see the matterx

kingx
with all my heartx and it doth much content me
to hear him so inclinxdx
good gentlemenx give him a further edgex
and drive his purpose on to these delightsx

rosencrantzx
we shallx my lordx

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

kingx
sweet gertrudex leave us toox
for we have closely sent for hamlet hitherx
that hex as xtwere by accidentx may here
affront opheliax
her father and myselfx lawful espialsx
will so bestow ourselves thatx seeing unseenx
we may of their encounter frankly judgex
and gather by himx as he is behavxdx
ifxt be thxaffliction of his love or no
that thus he suffers forx

queenx
i shall obey youx
and for your partx opheliax i do wish
that your good beauties be the happy cause
of hamletxs wildnessx so shall i hope your virtues
will bring him to his wonted way againx
to both your honoursx

opheliax
madamx i wish it mayx

 xxexit queenxxx

poloniusx
opheliax walk you herexxgraciousx so please youx
we will bestow ourselvesxxxxto opheliaxxx read on this bookx
that show of such an exercise may colour
your lonelinessxxwe are oft to blame in thisx
xtis too much provxdx that with devotionxs visage
and pious action we do sugar oxer
the devil himselfx

kingx
xxasidexxx o xtis too truex
how smart a lash that speech doth give my consciencex
the harlotxs cheekx beautied with plastering artx
is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
than is my deed to my most painted wordx
o heavy burdenx

poloniusx
i hear him comingx letxs withdrawx my lordx

 xxexeunt king and poloniusxxx

 enter hamletx

hamletx
to bex or not to bex that is the questionx
whether xtis nobler in the mind to suffer
the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunex
or to take arms against a sea of troublesx
and by opposing end themx to diexto sleepx
no morex and by a sleep to say we end
the heartxachex and the thousand natural shocks
that flesh is heir tox xtis a consummation
devoutly to be wishxdx to diex to sleepx
to sleepx perchance to dreamxayx therexs the rubx
for in that sleep of death what dreams may comex
when we have shuffled off this mortal coilx
must give us pausex therexs the respect
that makes calamity of so long lifex
for who would bear the whips and scorns of timex
the oppressorxs wrongx the proud manxs contumelyx
the pangs of disprizxd lovex the lawxs delayx
the insolence of officex and the spurns
that patient merit of the unworthy takesx
when he himself might his quietus make
with a bare bodkinx who would these fardels bearx
to grunt and sweat under a weary lifex
but that the dread of something after deathx
the undiscoverxd countryx from whose bourn
no traveller returnsx puzzles the willx
and makes us rather bear those ills we have
than fly to others that we know not ofx
thus conscience does make cowards of us allx
and thus the native hue of resolution
is sicklied oxer with the pale cast of thoughtx
and enterprises of great pith and momentx
with this regard their currents turn awry
and lose the name of actionx soft you nowx
the fair opheliax nymphx in thy orisons
be all my sins rememberxdx

opheliax
good my lordx
how does your honour for this many a dayx

hamletx
i humbly thank youx wellx wellx wellx

opheliax
my lordx i have remembrances of yours
that i have longed long to rexdeliverx
i pray youx now receive themx

hamletx
nox not ix
i never gave you aughtx

opheliax
my honourxd lordx you know right well you didx
and with them words of so sweet breath composxd
as made the things more richx their perfume lostx
take these againx for to the noble mind
rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkindx
therex my lordx

hamletx
hax hax are you honestx

opheliax
my lordx

hamletx
are you fairx

opheliax
what means your lordshipx

hamletx
that if you be honest and fairx your honesty should admit no discourse
to your beautyx

opheliax
could beautyx my lordx have better commerce than with honestyx

hamletx
ayx trulyx for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from
what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty
into his likenessx this was sometime a paradoxx but now the time gives
it proofx i did love you oncex

opheliax
indeedx my lordx you made me believe sox

hamletx
you should not have believed mex for virtue cannot so inoculate our old
stock but we shall relish of itx i loved you notx

opheliax
i was the more deceivedx

hamletx
get thee to a nunneryx why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinnersx i am
myself indifferent honestx but yet i could accuse me of such things
that it were better my mother had not borne mex i am very proudx
revengefulx ambitiousx with more offences at my beck than i have
thoughts to put them inx imagination to give them shapex or time to act
them inx what should such fellows as i do crawling between earth and
heavenx we are arrant knaves allx believe none of usx go thy ways to a
nunneryx wherexs your fatherx

opheliax
at homex my lordx

hamletx
let the doors be shut upon himx that he may play the fool nowhere but
inxs own housex farewellx

opheliax
o help himx you sweet heavensx

hamletx
if thou dost marryx ixll give thee this plague for thy dowryx be thou
as chaste as icex as pure as snowx thou shalt not escape calumnyx get
thee to a nunneryx gox farewellx or if thou wilt needs marryx marry a
foolx for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of themx to
a nunneryx gox and quickly toox farewellx

opheliax
o heavenly powersx restore himx

hamletx
i have heard of your paintings toox well enoughx god hath given you one
facex and you make yourselves anotherx you jigx you amblex and you
lispx and nickname godxs creaturesx and make your wantonness your
ignorancex go tox ixll no more onxtx it hath made me madx i sayx we
will have no more marriagesx those that are married alreadyx all but
onex shall livex the rest shall keep as they arex to a nunneryx gox

 xxexitxxx

opheliax
ox what a noble mind is here oxerthrownx
the courtierxsx soldierxsx scholarxsx eyex tonguex swordx
thxexpectancy and rose of the fair statex
the glass of fashion and the mould of formx
thxobservxd of all observersx quitex quite downx
and ix of ladies most deject and wretchedx
that suckxd the honey of his music vowsx
now see that noble and most sovereign reasonx
like sweet bells jangled out of tune and harshx
that unmatchxd form and feature of blown youth
blasted with ecstasyx o woe is mex
txhave seen what i have seenx see what i seex

 enter king and poloniusx

kingx
lovex his affections do not that way tendx
nor what he spakex though it lackxd form a littlex
was not like madnessx therexs something in his soul
oxer which his melancholy sits on broodx
and i do doubt the hatch and the disclose
will be some dangerx which for to preventx
i have in quick determination
thus set it downx he shall with speed to england
for the demand of our neglected tributex
haply the seas and countries differentx
with variable objectsx shall expel
this something settled matter in his heartx
whereon his brains still beating puts him thus
from fashion of himselfx what think you onxtx

poloniusx
it shall do wellx but yet do i believe
the origin and commencement of his grief
sprung from neglected lovex how nowx opheliax
you need not tell us what lord hamlet saidx
we heard it allx my lordx do as you pleasex
but if you hold it fitx after the playx
let his queen mother all alone entreat him
to show his griefx let her be round with himx
and ixll be placxdx so please youx in the ear
of all their conferencex if she find him notx
to england send himx or confine him where
your wisdom best shall thinkx

kingx
it shall be sox
madness in great ones must not unwatchxd gox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a hall in the castlex

 enter hamlet and certain playersx

hamletx
speak the speechx i pray youx as i pronounced it to youx trippingly on
the tonguex but if you mouth itx as many of your players dox i had as
lief the townxcrier spoke my linesx nor do not saw the air too much
with your handx thusx but use all gentlyx for in the very torrentx
tempestx andx as i may sayx whirlwind of passionx you must acquire and
beget a temperance that may give it smoothnessx ox it offends me to the
soul to hear a robustious periwigxpated fellow tear a passion to
tattersx to very ragsx to split the ears of the groundlingsx whox for
the most partx are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb shows and
noisex i would have such a fellow whipped for oxerdoing termagantx it
outxherods herodx pray you avoid itx

first playerx
i warrant your honourx

hamletx
be not too tame neitherx but let your own discretion be your tutorx
suit the action to the wordx the word to the actionx with this special
observancex that you oxerstep not the modesty of naturex for anything
so overdone is from the purpose of playingx whose endx both at the
first and nowx was and isx to hold as xtwere the mirror up to naturex
to show virtue her own featurex scorn her own imagex and the very age
and body of the time his form and pressurex nowx this overdonex or come
tardy offx though it make the unskilful laughx cannot but make the
judicious grievex the censure of the which one must in your allowance
oxerweigh a whole theatre of othersx ox there be players that i have
seen playxand heard others praisex and that highlyxnot to speak it
profanelyx thatx neither having the accent of christiansx nor the gait
of christianx paganx nor manx have so strutted and bellowed that i have
thought some of naturexs journeymen had made menx and not made them
wellx they imitated humanity so abominablyx

first playerx
i hope we have reformxd that indifferently with usx sirx

hamletx
o reform it altogetherx and let those that play your clowns speak no
more than is set down for themx for there be of them that will
themselves laughx to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh
toox though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then
to be consideredx thatxs villanousx and shows a most pitiful ambition
in the fool that uses itx go make you readyx

 xxexeunt playersxxx

 enter poloniusx rosencrantz and guildensternx

how nowx my lordx
will the king hear this piece of workx

poloniusx
and the queen toox and that presentlyx

hamletx
bid the players make hastex

 xxexit poloniusxxx

will you two help to hasten themx

rosencrantz and guildensternx
we willx my lordx

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

hamletx
what hox horatiox

 enter horatiox

horatiox
herex sweet lordx at your servicex

hamletx
horatiox thou art exen as just a man
as exer my conversation copxd withalx

horatiox
o my dear lordx

hamletx
nayx do not think i flatterx
for what advancement may i hope from theex
that no revenue hastx but thy good spirits
to feed and clothe theex why should the poor be flatterxdx
nox let the candied tongue lick absurd pompx
and crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
where thrift may follow fawningx dost thou hearx
since my dear soul was mistress of her choicex
and could of men distinguishx her election
hath sealxd thee for herselfx for thou hast been
as onex in suffering allx that suffers nothingx
a man that fortunexs buffets and rewards
hast taxen with equal thanksx and blesxd are those
whose blood and judgment are so well coxmingled
that they are not a pipe for fortunexs finger
to sound what stop she pleasex give me that man
that is not passionxs slavex and i will wear him
in my heartxs corex ayx in my heart of heartx
as i do theex something too much of thisx
there is a play tonight before the kingx
one scene of it comes near the circumstance
which i have told theex of my fatherxs deathx
i prytheex when thou seexst that act axfootx
even with the very comment of thy soul
observe mine unclex if his occulted guilt
do not itself unkennel in one speechx
it is a damned ghost that we have seenx
and my imaginations are as foul
as vulcanxs stithyx give him heedful notex
for i mine eyes will rivet to his facex
and after we will both our judgments join
in censure of his seemingx

horatiox
wellx my lordx
if he steal aught the whilst this play is playingx
and scape detectingx i will pay the theftx

hamletx
they are coming to the playx i must be idlex
get you a placex

 danish marchx a flourishx enter kingx queenx poloniusx opheliax
 rosencrantzx guildenstern and othersx

kingx
how fares our cousin hamletx

hamletx
excellentx ix faithx of the chameleonxs dishx i eat the airx
promisexcrammedx you cannot feed capons sox

kingx
i have nothing with this answerx hamletx these words are not minex

hamletx
nox nor mine nowx xxto poloniusxxx my lordx you playxd once ix
thxuniversityx you sayx

poloniusx
that did ix my lordx and was accounted a good actorx

hamletx
what did you enactx

poloniusx
i did enact julius caesarx i was killxd ix thx capitolx brutus killed
mex

hamletx
it was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf therex be the
players readyx

rosencrantzx
ayx my lordx they stay upon your patiencex

queenx
come hitherx my dear hamletx sit by mex

hamletx
nox good motherx herexs metal more attractivex

poloniusx
xxto the kingxxx o hox do you mark thatx

hamletx
ladyx shall i lie in your lapx

 xxlying down at opheliaxs feetxxx

opheliax
nox my lordx

hamletx
i meanx my head upon your lapx

opheliax
ayx my lordx

hamletx
do you think i meant country mattersx

opheliax
i think nothingx my lordx

hamletx
thatxs a fair thought to lie between maidsx legsx

opheliax
what isx my lordx

hamletx
nothingx

opheliax
you are merryx my lordx

hamletx
whox ix

opheliax
ayx my lordx

hamletx
o godx your only jigxmakerx what should a man do but be merryx for look
you how cheerfully my mother looksx and my father died withinxs two
hoursx

opheliax
nayx xtis twice two monthsx my lordx

hamletx
so longx nay thenx let the devil wear blackx for ixll have a suit of
sablesx o heavensx die two months agox and not forgotten yetx then
therexs hope a great manxs memory may outlive his life half a yearx but
byxr ladyx he must build churches thenx or else shall he suffer not
thinking onx with the hobbyxhorsex whose epitaph is xforx ox for ox the
hobbyxhorse is forgotxx

 trumpets soundx the dumb show entersx

xenter a king and a queen very lovinglyx the queen embracing him and he
herx she kneelsx and makes show of protestation unto himx he takes her
upx and declines his head upon her neckx lays him down upon a bank of
flowersx shex seeing him asleepx leaves himx anon comes in a fellowx
takes off his crownx kisses itx pours poison in the kingxs earsx and
exitsx the queen returnsx finds the king deadx and makes passionate
actionx the poisoner with some three or four mutesx comes in againx
seeming to lament with herx the dead body is carried awayx the poisoner
woos the queen with giftsx she seems loth and unwilling awhilex but in
the end accepts his lovexx

 xxexeuntxxx

opheliax
what means thisx my lordx

hamletx
marryx this is miching mallichox it means mischiefx

opheliax
belike this show imports the argument of the playx

 enter prologuex

hamletx
we shall know by this fellowx the players cannot keep counselx theyxll
tell allx

opheliax
will they tell us what this show meantx

hamletx
ayx or any show that youxll show himx be not you ashamed to showx hexll
not shame to tell you what it meansx

opheliax
you are naughtx you are naughtx ixll mark the playx

prologuex
   xfor usx and for our tragedyx
   here stooping to your clemencyx
   we beg your hearing patientlyxx

hamletx
is this a prologuex or the posy of a ringx

opheliax
xtis briefx my lordx

hamletx
as womanxs lovex

 enter a king and a queenx

player kingx
full thirty times hath phoebusx cart gone round
neptunexs salt wash and tellusx orbed groundx
and thirty dozen moons with borrowxd sheen
about the world have times twelve thirties beenx
since love our heartsx and hymen did our hands
unite commutual in most sacred bandsx

player queenx
so many journeys may the sun and moon
make us again count oxer ere love be donex
butx woe is mex you are so sick of latex
so far from cheer and from your former statex
that i distrust youx yetx though i distrustx
discomfort youx my lordx it nothing mustx
for womenxs fear and love holds quantityx
in neither aughtx or in extremityx
now what my love isx proof hath made you knowx
and as my love is sizxdx my fear is sox
where love is greatx the littlest doubts are fearx
where little fears grow greatx great love grows therex

player kingx
faithx i must leave theex lovex and shortly toox
my operant powers their functions leave to dox
and thou shalt live in this fair world behindx
honourxdx belovxdx and haply one as kind
for husband shalt thoux

player queenx
o confound the restx
such love must needs be treason in my breastx
in second husband let me be accurstx
none wed the second but who killxd the firstx

hamletx
xxasidexxx wormwoodx wormwoodx

player queenx
the instances that second marriage move
are base respects of thriftx but none of lovex
a second time i kill my husband deadx
when second husband kisses me in bedx

player kingx
i do believe you think what now you speakx
but what we do determinex oft we breakx
purpose is but the slave to memoryx
of violent birthx but poor validityx
which nowx like fruit unripex sticks on the treex
but fall unshaken when they mellow bex
most necessary xtis that we forget
to pay ourselves what to ourselves is debtx
what to ourselves in passion we proposex
the passion endingx doth the purpose losex
the violence of either grief or joy
their own enactures with themselves destroyx
where joy most revelsx grief doth most lamentx
grief joysx joy grievesx on slender accidentx
this world is not for ayex nor xtis not strange
that even our loves should with our fortunes changex
for xtis a question left us yet to provex
whether love lead fortunex or else fortune lovex
the great man downx you mark his favourite fliesx
the poor advancxd makes friends of enemiesx
and hitherto doth love on fortune tendx
for who not needs shall never lack a friendx
and who in want a hollow friend doth tryx
directly seasons him his enemyx
but orderly to end where i begunx
our wills and fates do so contrary run
that our devices still are overthrownx
our thoughts are oursx their ends none of our ownx
so think thou wilt no second husband wedx
but die thy thoughts when thy first lord is deadx

player queenx
nor earth to me give foodx nor heaven lightx
sport and repose lock from me day and nightx
to desperation turn my trust and hopex
an anchorxs cheer in prison be my scopex
each opposite that blanks the face of joyx
meet what i would have wellx and it destroyx
both here and hence pursue me lasting strifex
ifx once a widowx ever i be wifex

hamletx
xxto opheliaxxx if she should break it nowx

player kingx
xtis deeply swornx sweetx leave me here awhilex
my spirits grow dullx and fain i would beguile
the tedious day with sleepx
xxsleepsxxx

player queenx
sleep rock thy brainx
and never come mischance between us twainx

 xxexitxxx

hamletx
madamx how like you this playx

queenx
the lady protests too muchx methinksx

hamletx
ox but shexll keep her wordx

kingx
have you heard the argumentx is there no offence inxtx

hamletx
nox nox they do but jestx poison in jestx no offence ix thx worldx

kingx
what do you call the playx

hamletx
xthe mousetrapxx marryx howx tropicallyx this play is the image of a
murder done in viennax gonzago is the dukexs namex his wife baptistax
you shall see anonx xtis a knavish piece of workx but what ox thatx
your majestyx and we that have free soulsx it touches us notx let the
gallxd jade wincex our withers are unwrungx

 enter lucianusx

this is one lucianusx nephew to the kingx

opheliax
you are a good chorusx my lordx

hamletx
i could interpret between you and your lovex if i could see the puppets
dallyingx

opheliax
you are keenx my lordx you are keenx

hamletx
it would cost you a groaning to take off my edgex

opheliax
still betterx and worsex

hamletx
so you mistake your husbandsxxbeginx murdererx poxx leave thy damnable
facesx and beginx comex the croaking raven doth bellow for revengex

lucianusx
thoughts blackx hands aptx drugs fitx and time agreeingx
confederate seasonx else no creature seeingx
thou mixture rankx of midnight weeds collectedx
with hecatexs ban thrice blastedx thrice infectedx
thy natural magic and dire property
on wholesome life usurp immediatelyx

 xxpours the poison into the sleeperxs earsxxx

hamletx
he poisons him ix thxgarden forxs estatex his namexs gonzagox the story
is extantx and written in very choice italianx you shall see anon how
the murderer gets the love of gonzagoxs wifex

opheliax
the king risesx

hamletx
whatx frighted with false firex

queenx
how fares my lordx

poloniusx
give oxer the playx

kingx
give me some lightx awayx

allx
lightsx lightsx lightsx

 xxexeunt all but hamlet and horatioxxx

hamletx
   whyx let the strucken deer go weepx
     the hart ungalled playx
   for some must watchx while some must sleepx
     so runs the world awayx
would not thisx sirx and a forest of feathersx if the rest of my
fortunes turn turk with mex with two provincial roses on my razed
shoesx get me a fellowship in a cry of playersx sirx

horatiox
half a sharex

hamletx
a whole onex ix
   for thou dost knowx o damon dearx
     this realm dismantled was
   of jove himselfx and now reigns here
     a veryx veryxpajockx

horatiox
you might have rhymedx

hamletx
o good horatiox ixll take the ghostxs word for a thousand poundx didst
perceivex

horatiox
very wellx my lordx

hamletx
upon the talk of the poisoningx

horatiox
i did very well note himx

hamletx
ahx hax comex some musicx comex the recordersx
   for if the king like not the comedyx
   why thenx belike he likes it notx perdiex
comex some musicx

 enter rosencrantz and guildensternx

guildensternx
good my lordx vouchsafe me a word with youx

hamletx
sirx a whole historyx

guildensternx
the kingx sirx

hamletx
ayx sirx what of himx

guildensternx
is in his retirementx marvellous distemperedx

hamletx
with drinkx sirx

guildensternx
nox my lordx rather with cholerx

hamletx
your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the
doctorx for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him
into far more cholerx

guildensternx
good my lordx put your discourse into some framex and start not so
wildly from my affairx

hamletx
i am tamex sirx pronouncex

guildensternx
the queen your motherx in most great affliction of spiritx hath sent me
to youx

hamletx
you are welcomex

guildensternx
nayx good my lordx this courtesy is not of the right breedx if it shall
please you to make me a wholesome answerx i will do your motherxs
commandmentx if notx your pardon and my return shall be the end of my
businessx

hamletx
sirx i cannotx

guildensternx
whatx my lordx

hamletx
make you a wholesome answerx my witxs diseasedx butx sirx such answer
as i can makex you shall commandx or ratherx as you sayx my motherx
therefore no morex but to the matterx my motherx you sayxx

rosencrantzx
then thus she saysx your behaviour hath struck her into amazement and
admirationx

hamletx
o wonderful sonx that can so stonish a motherx but is there no sequel
at the heels of this motherxs admirationx

rosencrantzx
she desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bedx

hamletx
we shall obeyx were she ten times our motherx have you any further
trade with usx

rosencrantzx
my lordx you once did love mex

hamletx
and so i do stillx by these pickers and stealersx

rosencrantzx
good my lordx what is your cause of distemperx you do surely bar the
door upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friendx

hamletx
sirx i lack advancementx

rosencrantzx
how can that bex when you have the voice of the king himself for your
succession in denmarkx

hamletx
ayx sirx but while the grass growsxthe proverb is something mustyx

 rexenter the players with recordersx

ox the recordersx let me see onexxto withdraw with youx why do you go
about to recover the wind of mex as if you would drive me into a toilx

guildensternx
o my lordx if my duty be too boldx my love is too unmannerlyx

hamletx
i do not well understand thatx will you play upon this pipex

guildensternx
my lordx i cannotx

hamletx
i pray youx

guildensternx
believe mex i cannotx

hamletx
i do beseech youx

guildensternx
i know no touch of itx my lordx

hamletx
xtis as easy as lyingx govern these ventages with your finger and
thumbx give it breath with your mouthx and it will discourse most
eloquent musicx look youx these are the stopsx

guildensternx
but these cannot i command to any utterance of harmonyx i have not the
skillx

hamletx
whyx look you nowx how unworthy a thing you make of mex you would play
upon mex you would seem to know my stopsx you would pluck out the heart
of my mysteryx you would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my
compassx and there is much musicx excellent voicex in this little
organx yet cannot you make it speakx xsbloodx do you think i am easier
to be played on than a pipex call me what instrument you willx though
you can fret mex you cannot play upon mex

 enter poloniusx

god bless youx sirx

poloniusx
my lordx the queen would speak with youx and presentlyx

hamletx
do you see yonder cloud thatxs almost in shape of a camelx

poloniusx
by the massx and xtis like a camel indeedx

hamletx
methinks it is like a weaselx

poloniusx
it is backed like a weaselx

hamletx
or like a whalex

poloniusx
very like a whalex

hamletx
then will i come to my mother by and byxxthey fool me to the top of my
bentxxi will come by and byx

poloniusx
i will say sox

 xxexitxxx

hamletx
by and by is easily saidx leave mex friendsx

 xxexeunt all but hamletxxx

xtis now the very witching time of nightx
when churchyards yawnx and hell itself breathes out
contagion to this worldx now could i drink hot bloodx
and do such bitter business as the day
would quake to look onx soft nowx to my motherx
o heartx lose not thy naturex let not ever
the soul of nero enter this firm bosomx
let me be cruelx not unnaturalx
i will speak daggers to herx but use nonex
my tongue and soul in this be hypocritesx
how in my words somever she be shentx
to give them seals neverx my soulx consentx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a room in the castlex

 enter kingx rosencrantz and guildensternx

kingx
i like him notx nor stands it safe with us
to let his madness rangex therefore prepare youx
i your commission will forthwith dispatchx
and he to england shall along with youx
the terms of our estate may not endure
hazard so near us as doth hourly grow
out of his lunaciesx

guildensternx
we will ourselves providex
most holy and religious fear it is
to keep those many many bodies safe
that live and feed upon your majestyx

rosencrantzx
the single and peculiar life is bound
with all the strength and armour of the mindx
to keep itself from xnoyancex but much more
that spirit upon whose weal depend and rest
the lives of manyx the cease of majesty
dies not alonex but like a gulf doth draw
whatxs near it with itx it is a massy wheel
fixxd on the summit of the highest mountx
to whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things
are mortisxd and adjoinxdx which when it fallsx
each small annexmentx petty consequencex
attends the boistxrous ruinx never alone
did the king sighx but with a general groanx

kingx
arm youx i pray youx to this speedy voyagex
for we will fetters put upon this fearx
which now goes too freexfootedx

rosencrantz and guildensternx
we will haste usx

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

 enter poloniusx

poloniusx
my lordx hexs going to his motherxs closetx
behind the arras ixll convey myself
to hear the processx ixll warrant shexll tax him homex
and as you saidx and wisely was it saidx
xtis meet that some more audience than a motherx
since nature makes them partialx should oxerhear
the speech of vantagex fare you wellx my liegex
ixll call upon you ere you go to bedx
and tell you what i knowx

kingx
thanksx dear my lordx

 xxexit poloniusxxx

ox my offence is rankx it smells to heavenx
it hath the primal eldest curse uponxtxx
a brotherxs murderx pray can i notx
though inclination be as sharp as willx
my stronger guilt defeats my strong intentx
andx like a man to double business boundx
i stand in pause where i shall first beginx
and both neglectx what if this cursed hand
were thicker than itself with brotherxs bloodx
is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens
to wash it white as snowx whereto serves mercy
but to confront the visage of offencex
and whatxs in prayer but this twofold forcex
to be forestalled ere we come to fallx
or pardonxd being downx then ixll look upx
my fault is pastx but ox what form of prayer
can serve my turnx forgive me my foul murderx
that cannot bex since i am still possessxd
of those effects for which i did the murderxx
my crownx mine own ambitionx and my queenx
may one be pardonxd and retain thxoffencex
in the corrupted currents of this world
offencexs gilded hand may shove by justicex
and oft xtis seen the wicked prize itself
buys out the lawx but xtis not so abovex
there is no shufflingx there the action lies
in his true naturex and we ourselves compellxd
even to the teeth and forehead of our faultsx
to give in evidencex what thenx what restsx
try what repentance canx what can it notx
yet what can itx when one cannot repentx
o wretched statex o bosom black as deathx
o limed soulx that struggling to be freex
art more engagxdx helpx angelsx make assayx
bowx stubborn kneesx and heart with strings of steelx
be soft as sinews of the newxborn babex
all may be wellx

 xxretires and kneelsxxx

 enter hamletx

hamletx
now might i do it patx now he is prayingx
and now ixll doxtx and so he goes to heavenx
and so am i revengxdx that would be scannxdx
a villain kills my fatherx and for that
ix his sole sonx do this same villain send
to heavenx ox this is hire and salaryx not revengex
he took my father grosslyx full of breadx
with all his crimes broad blownx as flush as mayx
and how his audit standsx who knows save heavenx
but in our circumstance and course of thoughtx
xtis heavy with himx and am i then revengxdx
to take him in the purging of his soulx
when he is fit and seasonxd for his passagex nox
upx swordx and know thou a more horrid hentx
when he is drunk asleepx or in his ragex
or in thxincestuous pleasure of his bedx
at gamingx swearingx or about some act
that has no relish of salvation inxtx
then trip himx that his heels may kick at heavenx
and that his soul may be as damnxd and black
as hellx whereto it goesx my mother staysx
this physic but prolongs thy sickly daysx

 xxexitxxx

 the king rises and advancesx

kingx
my words fly upx my thoughts remain belowx
words without thoughts never to heaven gox

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx another room in the castlex

 enter queen and poloniusx

poloniusx
he will come straightx look you lay home to himx
tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear withx
and that your grace hath screenxd and stood between
much heat and himx ixll silence me exen herex
pray you be round with himx

hamletx
xxwithinxxx motherx motherx motherx

queenx
ixll warrant youx fear me notx
withdrawx i hear him comingx

 xxpolonius goes behind the arrasxxx

 enter hamletx

hamletx
nowx motherx whatxs the matterx

queenx
hamletx thou hast thy father much offendedx

hamletx
motherx you have my father much offendedx

queenx
comex comex you answer with an idle tonguex

hamletx
gox gox you question with a wicked tonguex

queenx
whyx how nowx hamletx

hamletx
whatxs the matter nowx

queenx
have you forgot mex

hamletx
nox by the roodx not sox
you are the queenx your husbandxs brotherxs wifex
andx would it were not sox you are my motherx

queenx
nayx then ixll set those to you that can speakx

hamletx
comex comex and sit you downx you shall not budgex
you go not till i set you up a glass
where you may see the inmost part of youx

queenx
what wilt thou dox thou wilt not murder mex
helpx helpx hox

poloniusx
xxbehindxxx whatx hox helpx helpx helpx

hamletx
how nowx a ratx xxdrawsxxx
dead for a ducatx deadx

 xxmakes a pass through the arrasxxx

poloniusx
xxbehindxxx ox i am slainx

 xxfalls and diesxxx

queenx
o mex what hast thou donex

hamletx
nayx i know notx is it the kingx

 xxdraws forth poloniusxxx

queenx
o what a rash and bloody deed is thisx

hamletx
a bloody deedx almost as badx good motherx
as kill a king and marry with his brotherx

queenx
as kill a kingx

hamletx
ayx ladyx xtwas my wordxx
xxto poloniusxxx thou wretchedx rashx intruding foolx farewellx
i took thee for thy betterx take thy fortunex
thou findxst to be too busy is some dangerxx
leave wringing of your handsx peacex sit you downx
and let me wring your heartx for so i shallx
if it be made of penetrable stuffx
if damned custom have not brazxd it sox
that it is proof and bulwark against sensex

queenx
what have i donex that thou darxst wag thy tongue
in noise so rude against mex

hamletx
such an act
that blurs the grace and blush of modestyx
calls virtue hypocritex takes off the rose
from the fair forehead of an innocent lovex
and sets a blister therex makes marriage vows
as false as dicersx oathsx o such a deed
as from the body of contraction plucks
the very soulx and sweet religion makes
a rhapsody of wordsx heavenxs face doth glowx
yea this solidity and compound massx
with tristful visagex as against the doomx
is thoughtxsick at the actx

queenx
ay mex what actx
that roars so loudx and thunders in the indexx

hamletx
look here upon this picturex and on thisx
the counterfeit presentment of two brothersx
see what a grace was seated on this browx
hyperionxs curlsx the front of jove himselfx
an eye like marsx to threaten and commandx
a station like the herald mercury
new lighted on a heavenxkissing hillx
a combination and a form indeedx
where every god did seem to set his sealx
to give the world assurance of a manx
this was your husbandx look you now what followsx
here is your husbandx like a mildewxd ear
blasting his wholesome brotherx have you eyesx
could you on this fair mountain leave to feedx
and batten on this moorx hax have you eyesx
you cannot call it lovex for at your age
the heyxday in the blood is tamex itxs humblex
and waits upon the judgmentx and what judgment
would step from this to thisx sense sure you havex
else could you not have motionx but sure that sense
is apoplexxdx for madness would not err
nor sense to ecstacy was nexer so thrallxd
but it reservxd some quantity of choice
to serve in such a differencex what devil wasxt
that thus hath cozenxd you at hoodmanxblindx
eyes without feelingx feeling without sightx
ears without hands or eyesx smelling sans allx
or but a sickly part of one true sense
could not so mopex o shamex where is thy blushx
rebellious hellx
if thou canst mutine in a matronxs bonesx
to flaming youth let virtue be as waxx
and melt in her own firex proclaim no shame
when the compulsive ardour gives the chargex
since frost itself as actively doth burnx
and reason panders willx

queenx
o hamletx speak no morex
thou turnxst mine eyes into my very soulx
and there i see such black and grained spots
as will not leave their tinctx

hamletx
nayx but to live
in the rank sweat of an enseamed bedx
stewxd in corruptionx honeying and making love
over the nasty styx

queenx
o speak to me no morex
these words like daggers enter in mine earsx
no morex sweet hamletx

hamletx
a murderer and a villainx
a slave that is not twentieth part the tithe
of your precedent lordx a vice of kingsx
a cutpurse of the empire and the rulex
that from a shelf the precious diadem stole
and put it in his pocketx

queenx
no morex

hamletx
a king of shreds and patchesxx

 enter ghostx

save me and hover oxer me with your wingsx
you heavenly guardsx what would your gracious figurex

queenx
alasx hexs madx

hamletx
do you not come your tardy son to chidex
thatx lapsxd in time and passionx lets go by
the important acting of your dread commandx
o sayx

ghostx
do not forgetx this visitation
is but to whet thy almost blunted purposex
but lookx amazement on thy mother sitsx
o step between her and her fighting soulx
conceit in weakest bodies strongest worksx
speak to herx hamletx

hamletx
how is it with youx ladyx

queenx
alasx how isxt with youx
that you do bend your eye on vacancyx
and with the incorporal air do hold discoursex
forth at your eyes your spirits wildly peepx
andx as the sleeping soldiers in the alarmx
your bedded hairsx like life in excrementsx
start up and stand an endx o gentle sonx
upon the heat and flame of thy distemper
sprinkle cool patiencex whereon do you lookx

hamletx
on himx on himx look you how pale he glaresx
his form and cause conjoinxdx preaching to stonesx
would make them capablexxdo not look upon mex
lest with this piteous action you convert
my stern effectsx then what i have to do
will want true colourx tears perchance for bloodx

queenx
to whom do you speak thisx

hamletx
do you see nothing therex

queenx
nothing at allx yet all that is i seex

hamletx
nor did you nothing hearx

queenx
nox nothing but ourselvesx

hamletx
whyx look you therex look how it steals awayx
my fatherx in his habit as he livxdx
look where he goes even now out at the portalx

 xxexit ghostxxx

queenx
this is the very coinage of your brainx
this bodiless creation ecstasy
is very cunning inx

hamletx
ecstasyx
my pulse as yours doth temperately keep timex
and makes as healthful musicx it is not madness
that i have utterxdx bring me to the testx
and i the matter will rexwordx which madness
would gambol fromx motherx for love of gracex
lay not that flattering unction to your soul
that not your trespassx but my madness speaksx
it will but skin and film the ulcerous placex
whilst rank corruptionx mining all withinx
infects unseenx confess yourself to heavenx
repent whatxs pastx avoid what is to comex
and do not spread the compost on the weedsx
to make them rankerx forgive me this my virtuex
for in the fatness of these pursy times
virtue itself of vice must pardon begx
yeax curb and woo for leave to do him goodx

queenx
o hamletx thou hast cleft my heart in twainx

hamletx
o throw away the worser part of itx
and live the purer with the other halfx
good nightx but go not to mine unclexs bedx
assume a virtuex if you have it notx
that monster customx who all sense doth eatx
of habits evilx is angel yet in thisx
that to the use of actions fair and good
he likewise gives a frock or livery
that aptly is put onx refrain tonightx
and that shall lend a kind of easiness
to the next abstinencex the next more easyx
for use almost can change the stamp of naturex
and either curb the devilx or throw him out
with wondrous potencyx once morex good nightx
and when you are desirous to be blesxdx
ixll blessing beg of youx for this same lord
xxpointing to poloniusxxx
i do repentx but heaven hath pleasxd it sox
to punish me with thisx and this with mex
that i must be their scourge and ministerx
i will bestow himx and will answer well
the death i gave himx so againx good nightx
i must be cruelx only to be kindx
thus bad beginsx and worse remains behindx
one word morex good ladyx

queenx
what shall i dox

hamletx
not thisx by no meansx that i bid you dox
let the bloat king tempt you again to bedx
pinch wanton on your cheekx call you his mousex
and let himx for a pair of reechy kissesx
or paddling in your neck with his damnxd fingersx
make you to ravel all this matter outx
that i essentially am not in madnessx
but mad in craftx xtwere good you let him knowx
for who thatxs but a queenx fairx soberx wisex
would from a paddockx from a batx a gibx
such dear concernings hidex who would do sox
nox in despite of sense and secrecyx
unpeg the basket on the housexs topx
let the birds flyx and like the famous apex
to try conclusionsx in the basket creep
and break your own neck downx

queenx
be thou assurxdx if words be made of breathx
and breath of lifex i have no life to breathe
what thou hast said to mex

hamletx
i must to englandx you know thatx

queenx
alackx
i had forgotx xtis so concluded onx

hamletx
therexs letters sealxdx and my two schoolfellowsx
whom i will trust as i will adders fangxdxx
they bear the mandatex they must sweep my way
and marshal me to knaveryx let it workx
for xtis the sport to have the enginer
hoist with his own petardx and xt shall go hard
but i will delve one yard below their mines
and blow them at the moonx ox xtis most sweetx
when in one line two crafts directly meetx
this man shall set me packingx
ixll lug the guts into the neighbour roomx
motherx good nightx indeedx this counsellor
is now most stillx most secretx and most gravex
who was in life a foolish peating knavex
comex sirx to draw toward an end with youx
good nightx motherx

 xxexit hamlet dragging out poloniusxxx



act iv

scene ix a room in the castlex

 enter kingx queenx rosencrantz and guildensternx

kingx
therexs matter in these sighsx these profound heaves
you must translatex xtis fit we understand themx
where is your sonx

queenx
bestow this place on us a little whilex

 xxto rosencrantz and guildensternx who go outxxx

ahx my good lordx what have i seen tonightx

kingx
whatx gertrudex how does hamletx

queenx
mad as the sea and windx when both contend
which is the mightierx in his lawless fit
behind the arras hearing something stirx
whips out his rapierx cries xa ratx a ratxx
and in this brainish apprehension kills
the unseen good old manx

kingx
o heavy deedx
it had been so with usx had we been therex
his liberty is full of threats to allx
to you yourselfx to usx to everyonex
alasx how shall this bloody deed be answerxdx
it will be laid to usx whose providence
should have kept shortx restrainxdx and out of haunt
this mad young manx but so much was our love
we would not understand what was most fitx
but like the owner of a foul diseasex
to keep it from divulgingx let it feed
even on the pith of lifex where is he gonex

queenx
to draw apart the body he hath killxdx
oxer whom his very madnessx like some ore
among a mineral of metals basex
shows itself purex he weeps for what is donex

kingx
o gertrudex come awayx
the sun no sooner shall the mountains touch
but we will ship him hencex and this vile deed
we must with all our majesty and skill
both countenance and excusexxhox guildensternx

 rexenter rosencrantz and guildensternx

friends bothx go join you with some further aidx
hamlet in madness hath polonius slainx
and from his motherxs closet hath he draggxd himx
go seek him outx speak fairx and bring the body
into the chapelx i pray you haste in thisx

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

comex gertrudex wexll call up our wisest friendsx
and let them know both what we mean to do
and whatxs untimely donex so haply slanderx
whose whisper oxer the worldxs diameterx
as level as the cannon to his blankx
transports his poisonxd shotx may miss our namex
and hit the woundless airx ox come awayx
my soul is full of discord and dismayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix another room in the castlex

 enter hamletx

hamletx
safely stowedx

rosencrantz and guildensternx
xxwithinxxx hamletx lord hamletx

hamletx
what noisex who calls on hamletx ox here they comex

 enter rosencrantz and guildensternx

rosencrantzx
what have you donex my lordx with the dead bodyx

hamletx
compounded it with dustx whereto xtis kinx

rosencrantzx
tell us where xtisx that we may take it thencex
and bear it to the chapelx

hamletx
do not believe itx

rosencrantzx
believe whatx

hamletx
that i can keep your counselx and not mine ownx besidesx to be demanded
of a spongexwhat replication should be made by the son of a kingx

rosencrantzx
take you me for a spongex my lordx

hamletx
ayx sirx that soaks up the kingxs countenancex his rewardsx his
authoritiesx but such officers do the king best service in the endx he
keeps themx like an apex in the corner of his jawx first mouthedx to be
last swallowedx when he needs what you have gleanedx it is but
squeezing youx andx spongex you shall be dry againx

rosencrantzx
i understand you notx my lordx

hamletx
i am glad of itx a knavish speech sleeps in a foolish earx

rosencrantzx
my lordx you must tell us where the body is and go with us to the kingx

hamletx
the body is with the kingx but the king is not with the bodyx the king
is a thingx

guildensternx
a thingx my lordx

hamletx
of nothingx bring me to himx hide foxx and all afterx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix another room in the castlex

 enter kingx attendedx

kingx
i have sent to seek him and to find the bodyx
how dangerous is it that this man goes loosex
yet must not we put the strong law on himx
hexs lovxd of the distracted multitudex
who like not in their judgmentx but their eyesx
and where xtis sox thxoffenderxs scourge is weighxdx
but never the offencex to bear all smooth and evenx
this sudden sending him away must seem
deliberate pausex diseases desperate grown
by desperate appliance are relievxdx
or not at allx

 enter rosencrantzx

how nowx what hath befallxnx

rosencrantzx
where the dead body is bestowxdx my lordx
we cannot get from himx

kingx
but where is hex

rosencrantzx
withoutx my lordx guardedx to know your pleasurex

kingx
bring him before usx

rosencrantzx
hox guildensternx bring in my lordx

 enter hamlet and guildensternx

kingx
nowx hamletx wherexs poloniusx

hamletx
at supperx

kingx
at supperx wherex

hamletx
not where he eatsx but where he is eatenx a certain convocation of
politic worms are exen at himx your worm is your only emperor for dietx
we fat all creatures else to fat usx and we fat ourselves for maggotsx
your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable servicexxtwo dishesx
but to one tablex thatxs the endx

kingx
alasx alasx

hamletx
a man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a kingx and eat of the
fish that hath fed of that wormx

kingx
what dost thou mean by thisx

hamletx
nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts
of a beggarx

kingx
where is poloniusx

hamletx
in heavenx send thither to seex if your messenger find him not therex
seek him ix thxother place yourselfx but indeedx if you find him not
within this monthx you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the
lobbyx

kingx
xxto some attendantsxxx go seek him therex

hamletx
he will stay till you comex

 xxexeunt attendantsxxx

kingx
hamletx this deedx for thine especial safetyxx
which we do tenderx as we dearly grieve
for that which thou hast donexxmust send thee hence
with fiery quicknessx therefore prepare thyselfx
the bark is readyx and the wind at helpx
thxassociates tendx and everything is bent
for englandx

hamletx
for englandx

kingx
ayx hamletx

hamletx
goodx

kingx
so is itx if thou knewxst our purposesx

hamletx
i see a cherub that sees themx butx comex for englandx farewellx dear
motherx

kingx
thy loving fatherx hamletx

hamletx
my motherx father and mother is man and wifex man and wife is one
fleshx and sox my motherx comex for englandx

 xxexitxxx

kingx
follow him at footx tempt him with speed aboardx
delay it notx ixll have him hence tonightx
awayx for everything is sealxd and done
that else leans on thxaffairx pray you make hastex

 xxexeunt rosencrantz and guildensternxxx

and englandx if my love thou holdxst at aughtxx
as my great power thereof may give thee sensex
since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red
after the danish swordx and thy free awe
pays homage to usxxthou mayst not coldly set
our sovereign processx which imports at fullx
by letters conjuring to that effectx
the present death of hamletx do itx englandx
for like the hectic in my blood he ragesx
and thou must cure mex till i know xtis donex
howexer my hapsx my joys were nexer begunx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx a plain in denmarkx

 enter fortinbras and forces marchingx

fortinbrasx
gox captainx from me greet the danish kingx
tell him that by his licensex fortinbras
craves the conveyance of a promisxd march
over his kingdomx you know the rendezvousx
if that his majesty would aught with usx
we shall express our duty in his eyex
and let him know sox

captainx
i will doxtx my lordx

fortinbrasx
go softly onx

 xxexeunt all but the captainxxx

 enter hamletx rosencrantzx guildenstern xcx

hamletx
good sirx whose powers are thesex

captainx
they are of norwayx sirx

hamletx
how purposxdx sirx i pray youx

captainx
against some part of polandx

hamletx
who commands themx sirx

captainx
the nephew to old norwayx fortinbrasx

hamletx
goes it against the main of polandx sirx
or for some frontierx

captainx
truly to speakx and with no additionx
we go to gain a little patch of ground
that hath in it no profit but the namex
to pay five ducatsx fivex i would not farm itx
nor will it yield to norway or the pole
a ranker ratex should it be sold in feex

hamletx
whyx then the polack never will defend itx

captainx
yesx it is already garrisonxdx

hamletx
two thousand souls and twenty thousand ducats
will not debate the question of this strawx
this is thximposthume of much wealth and peacex
that inward breaksx and shows no cause without
why the man diesx i humbly thank youx sirx

captainx
god bx wix youx sirx

 xxexitxxx

rosencrantzx
willxt please you gox my lordx

hamletx
ixll be with you straightx go a little beforex

 xxexeunt all but hamletxxx

how all occasions do inform against mex
and spur my dull revengex what is a man
if his chief good and market of his time
be but to sleep and feedx a beastx no morex
sure he that made us with such large discoursex
looking before and afterx gave us not
that capability and godlike reason
to fust in us unusxdx now whether it be
bestial oblivionx or some craven scruple
of thinking too precisely on thxeventxx
a thought whichx quarterxdx hath but one part wisdom
and ever three parts cowardxxi do not know
why yet i live to say this thingxs to dox
sith i have causex and willx and strengthx and means
to doxtx examples gross as earth exhort mex
witness this army of such mass and chargex
led by a delicate and tender princex
whose spiritx with divine ambition puffxdx
makes mouths at the invisible eventx
exposing what is mortal and unsure
to all that fortunex deathx and danger darex
even for an eggshellx rightly to be great
is not to stir without great argumentx
but greatly to find quarrel in a straw
when honourxs at the stakex how stand i thenx
that have a father killxdx a mother stainxdx
excitements of my reason and my bloodx
and let all sleepx while to my shame i see
the imminent death of twenty thousand men
thatx for a fantasy and trick of famex
go to their graves like bedsx fight for a plot
whereon the numbers cannot try the causex
which is not tomb enough and continent
to hide the slainx ox from this time forthx
my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worthx

 xxexitxxx

scene vx elsinorex a room in the castlex

 enter queenx horatio and a gentlemanx

queenx
i will not speak with herx

gentlemanx
she is importunatex indeed distractx
her mood will needs be pitiedx

queenx
what would she havex

gentlemanx
she speaks much of her fatherx says she hears
therexs tricks ix thx worldx and hemsx and beats her heartx
spurns enviously at strawsx speaks things in doubtx
that carry but half sensex her speech is nothingx
yet the unshaped use of it doth move
the hearers to collectionx they aim at itx
and botch the words up fit to their own thoughtsx
whichx as her winksx and nodsx and gestures yield themx
indeed would make one think there might be thoughtx
though nothing surex yet much unhappilyx
xtwere good she were spoken withx for she may strew
dangerous conjectures in illxbreeding mindsx

queenx
let her come inx

 xxexit gentlemanxxx

to my sick soulx as sinxs true nature isx
each toy seems prologue to some great amissx
so full of artless jealousy is guiltx
it spills itself in fearing to be spiltx

 enter opheliax

opheliax
where is the beauteous majesty of denmarkx

queenx
how nowx opheliax

opheliax
xxsingsxxx
   how should i your true love know
     from another onex
   by his cockle bat and staff
     and his sandal shoonx

queenx
alasx sweet ladyx what imports this songx

opheliax
say youx nayx pray you markx
xxsingsxxx
   he is dead and gonex ladyx
     he is dead and gonex
   at his head a grass green turfx
     at his heels a stonex

queenx
nayx but opheliax

opheliax
pray you markx
xxsingsxxx
   white his shroud as the mountain snowx

 enter kingx

queenx
alasx look herex my lordx

opheliax
xxsingsxxx
     larded all with sweet flowersx
   which bewept to the grave did go
     with truexlove showersx

kingx
how do youx pretty ladyx

opheliax
wellx god dild youx they say the owl was a bakerxs daughterx lordx we
know what we arex but know not what we may bex god be at your tablex

kingx
conceit upon her fatherx

opheliax
pray youx letxs have no words of thisx but when they ask you what it
meansx say you thisx
xxsingsxxx
   tomorrow is saint valentinexs dayx
     all in the morning betimex
   and i a maid at your windowx
     to be your valentinex

   then up he rose and donnxd his clothesx
     and duppxd the chamber doorx
   let in the maidx that out a maid
     never departed morex

kingx
pretty opheliax

opheliax
indeed lax without an oathx ixll make an end onxtx
xxsingsxxx
   by gis and by saint charityx
     alackx and fie for shamex
   young men will doxt if they come toxtx
     by cockx they are to blamex

   quoth shex before you tumbled mex
     you promisxd me to wedx
   so would i hax donex by yonder sunx
     an thou hadst not come to my bedx

kingx
how long hath she been thusx

opheliax
i hope all will be wellx we must be patientx but i cannot choose but
weepx to think they would lay him ix thx cold groundx my brother shall
know of itx and so i thank you for your good counselx comex my coachx
good nightx ladiesx good nightx sweet ladiesx good nightx good nightx

 xxexitxxx

kingx
follow her closex give her good watchx i pray youx

 xxexit horatioxxx

ox this is the poison of deep griefx it springs
all from her fatherxs deathx o gertrudex gertrudex
when sorrows comex they come not single spiesx
but in battalionsx firstx her father slainx
nextx your son gonex and he most violent author
of his own just removex the people muddiedx
thick and and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers
for good poloniusx deathx and we have done but greenly
in huggerxmugger to inter himx poor ophelia
divided from herself and her fair judgmentx
without the which we are pictures or mere beastsx
lastx and as much containing as all thesex
her brother is in secret come from francex
feeds on his wonderx keeps himself in cloudsx
and wants not buzzers to infect his ear
with pestilent speeches of his fatherxs deathx
wherein necessityx of matter beggarxdx
will nothing stick our person to arraign
in ear and earx o my dear gertrudex thisx
like to a murdering piecex in many places
gives me superfluous deathx

 xxa noise withinxxx

queenx
alackx what noise is thisx

kingx
where are my switzersx let them guard the doorx

 enter a gentlemanx

what is the matterx

gentlemanx
save yourselfx my lordx
the oceanx overpeering of his listx
eats not the flats with more impetuous haste
than young laertesx in a riotous headx
oxerbears your officesx the rabble call him lordx
andx as the world were now but to beginx
antiquity forgotx custom not knownx
the ratifiers and props of every wordx
they cry xchoose wex laertes shall be kingxx
capsx handsx and tongues applaud it to the cloudsx
xlaertes shall be kingx laertes kingxx

queenx
how cheerfully on the false trail they cryx
ox this is counterx you false danish dogsx

 xxa noise withinxxx

kingx
the doors are brokex

 enter laertesx armedx danes followingx

laertesx
where is this kingxxsirsx stand you all withoutx

danesx
nox letxs come inx

laertesx
i pray youx give me leavex

danesx
we willx we willx

 xxthey retire without the doorxxx

laertesx
i thank youx keep the doorx o thou vile kingx
give me my fatherx

queenx
calmlyx good laertesx

laertesx
that drop of blood thatxs calm proclaims me bastardx
cries cuckold to my fatherx brands the harlot
even here between the chaste unsmirched brow
of my true motherx

kingx
what is the causex laertesx
that thy rebellion looks so giantxlikexx
let him gox gertrudex do not fear our personx
therexs such divinity doth hedge a kingx
that treason can but peep to what it wouldx
acts little of his willxxtell mex laertesx
why thou art thus incensxdxxlet him gox gertrudexx
speakx manx

laertesx
where is my fatherx

kingx
deadx

queenx
but not by himx

kingx
let him demand his fillx

laertesx
how came he deadx ixll not be juggled withx
to hellx allegiancex vowsx to the blackest devilx
conscience and gracex to the profoundest pitx
i dare damnationx to this point i standx
that both the worldsx i give to negligencex
let come what comesx only ixll be revengxd
most throughly for my fatherx

kingx
who shall stay youx

laertesx
my willx not all the worldx
and for my meansx ixll husband them so wellx
they shall go far with littlex

kingx
good laertesx
if you desire to know the certainty
of your dear fatherxs deathx isxt writ in your revenge
thatx sweepstakex you will draw both friend and foex
winner and loserx

laertesx
none but his enemiesx

kingx
will you know them thenx

laertesx
to his good friends thus wide ixll ope my armsx
andx like the kind lifexrendering pelicanx
repast them with my bloodx

kingx
whyx now you speak
like a good child and a true gentlemanx
that i am guiltless of your fatherxs deathx
and am most sensibly in grief for itx
it shall as level to your judgment xpear
as day does to your eyex

danesx
xxwithinxxx let her come inx

laertesx
how nowx what noise is thatx

 rexenter opheliax fantastically dressed with straws and flowersx

o heatx dry up my brainsx tears seven times saltx
burn out the sense and virtue of mine eyex
by heavenx thy madness shall be paid by weightx
till our scale turn the beamx o rose of mayx
dear maidx kind sisterx sweet opheliax
o heavensx isxt possible a young maidxs wits
should be as mortal as an old manxs lifex
nature is fine in lovex and where xtis finex
it sends some precious instance of itself
after the thing it lovesx

opheliax
xxsingsxxx
   they bore him barefacxd on the bierx
   hey no nonnyx nonnyx hey nonny
   and on his grave rainxd many a tearxx
   fare you wellx my dovex

laertesx
hadst thou thy witsx and didst persuade revengex
it could not move thusx

opheliax
you must sing xdown axdownx and you call him axdownxaxx ox how the
wheel becomes itx it is the false steward that stole his masterxs
daughterx

laertesx
this nothingxs more than matterx

opheliax
therexs rosemaryx thatxs for remembrancex pray lovex rememberx and
there is pansiesx thatxs for thoughtsx

laertesx
a document in madnessx thoughts and remembrance fittedx

opheliax
therexs fennel for youx and columbinesx therexs rue for youx and herexs
some for mex we may call it herb of grace ox sundaysx o you must wear
your rue with a differencex therexs a daisyx i would give you some
violetsx but they witherxd all when my father diedx they say he made a
good endx
xxsingsxxx
   for bonny sweet robin is all my joyx

laertesx
thought and afflictionx passionx hell itself
she turns to favour and to prettinessx

opheliax
xxsingsxxx
   and will he not come againx
   and will he not come againx
     nox nox he is deadx
     go to thy deathxbedx
   he never will come againx

   his beard was as white as snowx
   all flaxen was his pollx
     he is gonex he is gonex
     and we cast away moanx
   god hax mercy on his soulx

and of all christian soulsx i pray godx god bx wix yex

 xxexitxxx

laertesx
do you see thisx o godx

kingx
laertesx i must commune with your griefx
or you deny me rightx go but apartx
make choice of whom your wisest friends you willx
and they shall hear and judge xtwixt you and mex
if by direct or by collateral hand
they find us touchxdx we will our kingdom givex
our crownx our lifex and all that we call ours
to you in satisfactionx but if notx
be you content to lend your patience to usx
and we shall jointly labour with your soul
to give it due contentx

laertesx
let this be sox
his means of deathx his obscure burialxx
no trophyx swordx nor hatchment oxer his bonesx
no noble ritex nor formal ostentationxx
cry to be heardx as xtwere from heaven to earthx
that i must callxt in questionx

kingx
so you shallx
and where thxoffence is let the great axe fallx
i pray you go with mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix another room in the castlex

 enter horatio and a servantx

horatiox
what are they that would speak with mex

servantx
sailorsx sirx they say they have letters for youx

horatiox
let them come inx

 xxexit servantxxx

i do not know from what part of the world
i should be greetedx if not from lord hamletx

 enter sailorsx

first sailorx
god bless youx sirx

horatiox
let him bless thee toox

first sailorx
he shallx sirx andxt please himx therexs a letter for youx sirx it
comes from thxambassador that was bound for englandx if your name be
horatiox as i am let to know it isx

horatiox
xxreadsxxx xhoratiox when thou shalt have overlooked thisx give these
fellows some means to the kingx they have letters for himx ere we were
two days old at seax a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us
chasex finding ourselves too slow of sailx we put on a compelled
valourx and in the grapple i boarded themx on the instant they got
clear of our shipx so i alone became their prisonerx they have dealt
with me like thieves of mercyx but they knew what they didx i am to do
a good turn for themx let the king have the letters i have sentx and
repair thou to me with as much haste as thou wouldst fly deathx i have
words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumbx yet are they much too
light for the bore of the matterx these good fellows will bring thee
where i amx rosencrantz and guildenstern hold their course for englandx
of them i have much to tell theex farewellx
     he that thou knowest thinex
     hamletxx

comex i will give you way for these your lettersx
and doxt the speedierx that you may direct me
to him from whom you brought themx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix another room in the castlex

 enter king and laertesx

kingx
now must your conscience my acquittance sealx
and you must put me in your heart for friendx
sith you have heardx and with a knowing earx
that he which hath your noble father slain
pursuxd my lifex

laertesx
it well appearsx but tell me
why you proceeded not against these featsx
so crimeful and so capital in naturex
as by your safetyx wisdomx all things elsex
you mainly were stirrxd upx

kingx
ox for two special reasonsx
which may to youx perhapsx seem much unsinewxdx
but yet to me they are strongx the queen his mother
lives almost by his looksx and for myselfxx
my virtue or my plaguex be it either whichxx
shexs so conjunctive to my life and soulx
thatx as the star moves not but in his spherex
i could not but by herx the other motivex
why to a public count i might not gox
is the great love the general gender bear himx
whox dipping all his faults in their affectionx
would like the spring that turneth wood to stonex
convert his gyves to gracesx so that my arrowsx
too slightly timberxd for so loud a windx
would have reverted to my bow againx
and not where i had aimxd themx

laertesx
and so have i a noble father lostx
a sister driven into desperate termsx
whose worthx if praises may go back againx
stood challenger on mount of all the age
for her perfectionsx but my revenge will comex

kingx
break not your sleeps for thatx you must not think
that we are made of stuff so flat and dull
that we can let our beard be shook with dangerx
and think it pastimex you shortly shall hear morex
i lovxd your fatherx and we love ourselfx
and thatx i hopex will teach you to imaginex

 enter a messengerx

how nowx what newsx

messengerx
lettersx my lordx from hamletx
this to your majestyx this to the queenx

kingx
from hamletx who brought themx

messengerx
sailorsx my lordx they sayx i saw them notx
they were given me by claudiox he receivxd them
of him that brought themx

kingx
laertesx you shall hear themx
leave usx

 xxexit messengerxxx

xxreadsxxx xhigh and mightyx you shall know i am set naked on your
kingdomx tomorrow shall i beg leave to see your kingly eyesx when i
shallx first asking your pardon thereuntox recount the occasions of my
sudden and more strange returnx
     hamletxx

what should this meanx are all the rest come backx
or is it some abusex and no such thingx

laertesx
know you the handx

kingx
xtis hamletxs characterx xnakedxx
and in a postscript here he says xalonexx
can you advise mex

laertesx
i am lost in itx my lordx but let him comex
it warms the very sickness in my heart
that i shall live and tell him to his teethx
xthus diest thouxx

kingx
if it be sox laertesxx
as how should it be sox how otherwisexx
will you be rulxd by mex

laertesx
ayx my lordx
so you will not oxerrule me to a peacex

kingx
to thine own peacex if he be now returnxdx
as checking at his voyagex and that he means
no more to undertake itx i will work him
to exploitx now ripe in my devicex
under the which he shall not choose but fallx
and for his death no wind shall breathex
but even his mother shall uncharge the practice
and call it accidentx

laertesx
my lordx i will be rulxdx
the rather if you could devise it so
that i might be the organx

kingx
it falls rightx
you have been talkxd of since your travel muchx
and that in hamletxs hearingx for a quality
wherein they say you shinex your sum of parts
did not together pluck such envy from him
as did that onex and thatx in my regardx
of the unworthiest siegex

laertesx
what part is thatx my lordx

kingx
a very riband in the cap of youthx
yet needful toox for youth no less becomes
the light and careless livery that it wears
than settled age his sables and his weedsx
importing health and gravenessx two months since
here was a gentleman of normandyxx
ixve seen myselfx and servxd againstx the frenchx
and they can well on horsebackx but this gallant
had witchcraft inxtx he grew unto his seatx
and to such wondrous doing brought his horsex
as had he been incorpsxd and demixnaturxd
with the brave beastx so far he toppxd my thought
that i in forgery of shapes and tricksx
come short of what he didx

laertesx
a norman wasxtx

kingx
a normanx

laertesx
upon my lifex lamondx

kingx
the very samex

laertesx
i know him wellx he is the brooch indeed
and gem of all the nationx

kingx
he made confession of youx
and gave you such a masterly report
for art and exercise in your defencex
and for your rapier most especiallyx
that he cried out xtwould be a sight indeed
if one could match youx the scrimers of their nation
he swore had neither motionx guardx nor eyex
if you opposxd themx sirx this report of his
did hamlet so envenom with his envy
that he could nothing do but wish and beg
your sudden coming oxer to play with himx
nowx out of thisxx

laertesx
what out of thisx my lordx

kingx
laertesx was your father dear to youx
or are you like the painting of a sorrowx
a face without a heartx

laertesx
why ask you thisx

kingx
not that i think you did not love your fatherx
but that i know love is begun by timex
and that i seex in passages of proofx
time qualifies the spark and fire of itx
there lives within the very flame of love
a kind of wick or snuff that will abate itx
and nothing is at a like goodness stillx
for goodnessx growing to a pleurisyx
dies in his own too muchx that we would dox
we should do when we wouldx for this xwouldx changesx
and hath abatements and delays as many
as there are tonguesx are handsx are accidentsx
and then this xshouldx is like a spendthrift sigh
that hurts by easingx but to the quick ox thxulcerx
hamlet comes backx what would you undertake
to show yourself your fatherxs son in deedx
more than in wordsx

laertesx
to cut his throat ix thx churchx

kingx
no placex indeedx should murder sanctuarizex
revenge should have no boundsx but good laertesx
will you do thisx keep close within your chamberx
hamlet returnxd shall know you are come homex
wexll put on those shall praise your excellencex
and set a double varnish on the fame
the frenchman gave youx bring you in fine together
and wager on your headsx hex being remissx
most generousx and free from all contrivingx
will not peruse the foilsx so that with easex
or with a little shufflingx you may choose
a sword unbatedx and in a pass of practicex
requite him for your fatherx

laertesx
i will doxtx
and for that purpose ixll anoint my swordx
i bought an unction of a mountebank
so mortal thatx but dip a knife in itx
where it draws blood no cataplasm so rarex
collected from all simples that have virtue
under the moonx can save the thing from death
this is but scratchxd withalx ixll touch my point
with this contagionx that if i gall him slightlyx
it may be deathx

kingx
letxs further think of thisx
weigh what convenience both of time and means
may fit us to our shapex if this should failx
and that our drift look through our bad performancex
xtwere better not assayxdx therefore this project
should have a back or secondx that might hold
if this did blast in proofx softx let me seex
wexll make a solemn wager on your cunningsxx
i haxtx when in your motion you are hot and dryx
as make your bouts more violent to that endx
and that he calls for drinkx ixll have preparxd him
a chalice for the noncex whereon but sippingx
if he by chance escape your venomxd stuckx
our purpose may hold therex

 enter queenx

how nowx sweet queenx

queenx
one woe doth tread upon anotherxs heelx
so fast they followx your sisterxs drownxdx laertesx

laertesx
drownxdx ox wherex

queenx
there is a willow grows aslant a brookx
that shows his hoary leaves in the glassy streamx
there with fantastic garlands did she make
of crowxflowersx nettlesx daisiesx and long purplesx
that liberal shepherds give a grosser namex
but our cold maids do dead menxs fingers call themx
there on the pendant boughs her coronet weeds
clambxring to hangx an envious sliver brokex
when down her weedy trophies and herself
fell in the weeping brookx her clothes spread widex
and mermaidxlikex awhile they bore her upx
which time she chaunted snatches of old tunesx
as one incapable of her own distressx
or like a creature native and indued
unto that elementx but long it could not be
till that her garmentsx heavy with their drinkx
pullxd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
to muddy deathx

laertesx
alasx then she is drownxdx

queenx
drownxdx drownxdx

laertesx
too much of water hast thoux poor opheliax
and therefore i forbid my tearsx but yet
it is our trickx nature her custom holdsx
let shame say what it willx when these are gonex
the woman will be outx adieux my lordx
i have a speech of firex that fain would blazex
but that this folly douts itx

 xxexitxxx

kingx
letxs followx gertrudex
how much i had to do to calm his ragex
now fear i this will give it start againx
therefore letxs followx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix a churchyardx

 enter two clowns with spadesx xcx

first clownx
is she to be buried in christian burialx when she wilfully seeks her
own salvationx

second clownx
i tell thee she isx and therefore make her grave straightx the crowner
hath sat on herx and finds it christian burialx

first clownx
how can that bex unless she drowned herself in her own defencex

second clownx
whyx xtis found sox

first clownx
it must be xse offendendoxx it cannot be elsex for here lies the pointx
if i drown myself wittinglyx it argues an actx and an act hath three
branchesx it is to actx to dox and to performx argalx she drowned
herself wittinglyx

second clownx
nayx but hear youx goodman delverxx

first clownx
give me leavex here lies the waterx goodx here stands the manx goodx if
the man go to this water and drown himselfx it isx will he nill hex he
goesxxmark you thatx but if the water come to him and drown himx he
drowns not himselfx argalx he that is not guilty of his own death
shortens not his own lifex

second clownx
but is this lawx

first clownx
ayx marryx isxtx crownerxs quest lawx

second clownx
will you hax the truth onxtx if this had not been a gentlewomanx she
should have been buried out ox christian burialx

first clownx
whyx there thou sayxstx and the more pity that great folk should have
countenance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their
even christianx comex my spadex there is no ancient gentlemen but
gardenersx ditchersx and gravexmakersx they hold up adamxs professionx

second clownx
was he a gentlemanx

first clownx
he was the first that ever bore armsx

second clownx
whyx he had nonex

first clownx
whatx art a heathenx how dost thou understand the scripturex the
scripture says adam diggxdx could he dig without armsx ixll put another
question to theex if thou answerest me not to the purposex confess
thyselfx

second clownx
go tox

first clownx
what is he that builds stronger than either the masonx the shipwrightx
or the carpenterx

second clownx
the gallowsxmakerx for that frame outlives a thousand tenantsx

first clownx
i like thy wit well in good faithx the gallows does wellx but how does
it wellx it does well to those that do illx nowx thou dost ill to say
the gallows is built stronger than the churchx argalx the gallows may
do well to theex toxt againx comex

second clownx
who builds stronger than a masonx a shipwrightx or a carpenterx

first clownx
ayx tell me thatx and unyokex

second clownx
marryx now i can tellx

first clownx
toxtx

second clownx
massx i cannot tellx

 enter hamlet and horatiox at a distancex

first clownx
cudgel thy brains no more about itx for your dull ass will not mend his
pace with beatingx and when you are asked this question nextx say xa
gravexmakerxx the houses he makes last till doomsdayx gox get thee to
yaughanx fetch me a stoup of liquorx

 xxexit second clownxxx

xxdigs and singsxxx

   in youth when i did lovex did lovex
     methought it was very sweetx
   to contractx ox the time forx ax my behovex
     o methought there was nothing meetx

hamletx
has this fellow no feeling of his businessx that he sings at
gravexmakingx

horatiox
custom hath made it in him a property of easinessx

hamletx
xtis exen sox the hand of little employment hath the daintier sensex

first clownx
xxsingsxxx
   but age with his stealing steps
     hath clawxd me in his clutchx
   and hath shippxd me into the landx
     as if i had never been suchx

 xxthrows up a skullxxx

hamletx
that skull had a tongue in itx and could sing oncex how the knave jowls
it to thx groundx as if xtwere cainxs jawbonex that did the first
murderx this might be the pate of a politician which this ass now
oxerxofficesx one that would circumvent godx might it notx

horatiox
it mightx my lordx

hamletx
or of a courtierx which could say xgood morrowx sweet lordx how dost
thoux good lordxx this might be my lord suchxaxonex that praised my
lord suchxaxonexs horse when he meant to beg itx might it notx

horatiox
ayx my lordx

hamletx
whyx exen sox and now my lady wormxsx chaplessx and knocked about the
mazard with a sextonxs spadex herexs fine revolutionx an we had the
trick to seextx did these bones cost no more the breeding but to play
at loggets with xemx mine ache to think onxtx

first clownx
xxsingsxxx
   a pickaxe and a spadex a spadex
     for and a shroudingxsheetx
   ox a pit of clay for to be made
     for such a guest is meetx

 xxthrows up another skullxxx

hamletx
therexs anotherx why may not that be the skull of a lawyerx where be
his quiddits nowx his quilletsx his casesx his tenuresx and his tricksx
why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock him about the sconce
with a dirty shovelx and will not tell him of his action of batteryx
humx this fellow might be inxs time a great buyer of landx with his
statutesx his recognizancesx his finesx his double vouchersx his
recoveriesx is this the fine of his finesx and the recovery of his
recoveriesx to have his fine pate full of fine dirtx will his vouchers
vouch him no more of his purchasesx and double ones toox than the
length and breadth of a pair of indenturesx the very conveyances of his
lands will scarcely lie in this boxx and must the inheritor himself
have no morex hax

horatiox
not a jot morex my lordx

hamletx
is not parchment made of sheepxskinsx

horatiox
ayx my lordx and of calfxskins toox

hamletx
they are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in thatx i will
speak to this fellowxxwhose gravexs thisx sirx

first clownx
minex sirx
xxsingsxxx
   ox a pit of clay for to be made
     for such a guest is meetx

hamletx
i think it be thine indeedx for thou liest inxtx

first clownx
you lie out onxtx sirx and therefore xtis not yoursx
for my partx i do not lie inxtx yet it is minex

hamletx
thou dost lie inxtx to be inxt and say it is thinex xtis for the deadx
not for the quickx therefore thou liestx

first clownx
xtis a quick liex sirx xt will away again from me to youx

hamletx
what man dost thou dig it forx

first clownx
for no manx sirx

hamletx
what woman thenx

first clownx
for none neitherx

hamletx
who is to be buried inxtx

first clownx
one that was a womanx sirx butx rest her soulx shexs deadx

hamletx
how absolute the knave isx we must speak by the cardx or equivocation
will undo usx by the lordx horatiox these three years i have taken note
of itx the age is grown so picked that the toe of the peasant comes so
near the heel of the courtier he galls his kibexxhow long hast thou
been a gravexmakerx

first clownx
of all the days ix thx yearx i came toxt that day that our last king
hamlet oxercame fortinbrasx

hamletx
how long is that sincex

first clownx
cannot you tell thatx every fool can tell thatx it was the very day
that young hamlet was bornxxhe that is madx and sent into englandx

hamletx
ayx marryx why was he sent into englandx

first clownx
whyx because he was madx he shall recover his wits therex or if he do
notx itxs no great matter therex

hamletx
whyx

first clownx
xtwill not be seen in him therex there the men are as mad as hex

hamletx
how came he madx

first clownx
very strangelyx they sayx

hamletx
how strangelyx

first clownx
faithx exen with losing his witsx

hamletx
upon what groundx

first clownx
whyx here in denmarkx i have been sexton herex man and boyx thirty
yearsx

hamletx
how long will a man lie ix thxearth ere he rotx

first clownx
faithx if he be not rotten before he diexxas we have many pocky corses
nowadays that will scarce hold the laying inxxhe will last you some
eight year or nine yearx a tanner will last you nine yearx

hamletx
why he more than anotherx

first clownx
whyx sirx his hide is so tannxd with his trade that he will keep out
water a great whilex and your water is a sore decayer of your whoreson
dead bodyx herexs a skull nowx this skull hath lain in the earth
threexandxtwenty yearsx

hamletx
whose was itx

first clownx
a whoresonx mad fellowxs it wasx whose do you think it wasx

hamletx
nayx i know notx

first clownx
a pestilence on him for a mad roguex a pourxd a flagon of rhenish on my
head oncex this same skullx sirx was yorickxs skullx the kingxs jesterx

hamletx
thisx

first clownx
exen thatx

hamletx
let me seex xxtakes the skullxxx alasx poor yorickx i knew himx
horatiox a fellow of infinite jestx of most excellent fancyx he hath
borne me on his back a thousand timesx and nowx how abhorred in my
imagination it isx my gorge rises at itx here hung those lips that i
have kissxd i know not how oftx where be your gibes nowx your gambolsx
your songsx your flashes of merrimentx that were wont to set the table
on a roarx not one nowx to mock your own grinningx quite chopxfallenx
now get you to my ladyxs chamberx and tell herx let her paint an inch
thickx to this favour she must comex make her laugh at thatxxprytheex
horatiox tell me one thingx

horatiox
whatxs thatx my lordx

hamletx
dost thou think alexander looked ox this fashion ix thxearthx

horatiox
exen sox

hamletx
and smelt sox pahx

 xxthrows down the skullxxx

horatiox
exen sox my lordx

hamletx
to what base uses we may returnx horatiox why may not imagination trace
the noble dust of alexander till he find it stopping a bungxholex

horatiox
xtwere to consider too curiously to consider sox

hamletx
nox faithx not a jotx but to follow him thither with modesty enoughx
and likelihood to lead itx as thusx alexander diedx alexander was
buriedx alexander returneth into dustx the dust is earthx of earth we
make loamx and why of that loam whereto he was converted might they not
stop a beerxbarrelx
imperious caesarx dead and turnxd to clayx
might stop a hole to keep the wind awayx
ox that that earth which kept the world in awe
should patch a wall txexpel the winterxs flawx
but softx but softx asidex here comes the kingx

 enter priestsx xcx in processionx the corpse of opheliax laertes and
 mourners followingx kingx queenx their trainsx xcx

the queenx the courtiersx who is that they followx
and with such maimed ritesx this doth betoken
the corse they follow did with desperate hand
fordo it own lifex xtwas of some estatex
couch we awhile and markx

 xxretiring with horatioxxx

laertesx
what ceremony elsex

hamletx
that is laertesx a very noble youthx markx

laertesx
what ceremony elsex

priestx
her obsequies have been as far enlargxd
as we have warrantiesx her death was doubtfulx
and but that great command oxersways the orderx
she should in ground unsanctified have lodgxd
till the last trumpetx for charitable prayersx
shardsx flintsx and pebbles should be thrown on herx
yet here she is allowed her virgin ritesx
her maiden strewmentsx and the bringing home
of bell and burialx

laertesx
must there no more be donex

priestx
no more be donex
we should profane the service of the dead
to sing sage requiem and such rest to her
as to peacexparted soulsx

laertesx
lay her ix thxearthx
and from her fair and unpolluted flesh
may violets springx i tell theex churlish priestx
a ministxring angel shall my sister be
when thou liest howlingx

hamletx
whatx the fair opheliax

queenx
xxscattering flowersxxx sweets to the sweetx farewellx
i hopxd thou shouldst have been my hamletxs wifex
i thought thy bridexbed to have deckxdx sweet maidx
and not have strewxd thy gravex

laertesx
ox treble woe
fall ten times treble on that cursed head
whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense
deprivxd thee ofx hold off the earth a whilex
till i have caught her once more in mine armsx
xxleaps into the gravexxx
now pile your dust upon the quick and deadx
till of this flat a mountain you have madex
to oxertop old pelion or the skyish head
of blue olympusx

hamletx
xxadvancingxxx
what is he whose grief
bears such an emphasisx whose phrase of sorrow
conjures the wandxring starsx and makes them stand
like wonderxwounded hearersx this is ix
hamlet the danex
xxleaps into the gravexxx

laertesx
xxgrappling with himxxx the devil take thy soulx

hamletx
thou prayxst not wellx
i prythee take thy fingers from my throatx
for though i am not splenative and rashx
yet have i in me something dangerousx
which let thy wiseness fearx away thy handx

kingx
pluck them asunderx

queenx
hamletx hamletx

allx
gentlemenx

horatiox
good my lordx be quietx

 xxthe attendants part themx and they come out of the gravexxx

hamletx
whyx i will fight with him upon this theme
until my eyelids will no longer wagx

queenx
o my sonx what themex

hamletx
i lovxd opheliax forty thousand brothers
could notx with all their quantity of lovex
make up my sumx what wilt thou do for herx

kingx
ox he is madx laertesx

queenx
for love of god forbear himx

hamletx
xswoundsx show me what thouxlt dox
woulxt weepx woulxt fightx woulxt fastx woulxt tear thyselfx
woulxt drink up eiselx eat a crocodilex
ixll doxtx dost thou come here to whinex
to outface me with leaping in her gravex
be buried quick with herx and so will ix
and if thou prate of mountainsx let them throw
millions of acres on usx till our groundx
singeing his pate against the burning zonex
make ossa like a wartx nayx an thouxlt mouthx
ixll rant as well as thoux

queenx
this is mere madnessx
and thus awhile the fit will work on himx
anonx as patient as the female dovex
when that her golden couplets are disclosxdx
his silence will sit droopingx

hamletx
hear youx sirx
what is the reason that you use me thusx
i lovxd you everx but it is no matterx
let hercules himself do what he mayx
the cat will mewx and dog will have his dayx

 xxexitxxx

kingx
i pray theex good horatiox wait upon himx

 xxexit horatioxxx

xxto laertesxx
strengthen your patience in our last nightxs speechx
wexll put the matter to the present pushxx
good gertrudex set some watch over your sonx
this grave shall have a living monumentx
an hour of quiet shortly shall we seex
till then in patience our proceeding bex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a hall in the castlex

 enter hamlet and horatiox

hamletx
so much for thisx sirx now let me see the otherx
you do remember all the circumstancex

horatiox
remember itx my lordx

hamletx
sirx in my heart there was a kind of fighting
that would not let me sleepx methought i lay
worse than the mutinies in the bilboesx rashlyx
and praisxd be rashness for itxxlet us knowx
our indiscretion sometime serves us wellx
when our deep plots do pallx and that should teach us
therexs a divinity that shapes our endsx
roughxhew them how we willx

horatiox
that is most certainx

hamletx
up from my cabinx
my seaxgown scarfxd about mex in the dark
gropxd i to find out themx had my desirex
fingerxd their packetx and in finex withdrew
to mine own room againx making so boldx
my fears forgetting mannersx to unseal
their grand commissionx where i foundx horatiox
oh royal knaveryx an exact commandx
larded with many several sorts of reasonsx
importing denmarkxs healthx and englandxs toox
with hox such bugs and goblins in my lifex
that on the supervisex no leisure batedx
nox not to stay the grinding of the axex
my head should be struck offx

horatiox
isxt possiblex

hamletx
herexs the commissionx read it at more leisurex
but wilt thou hear me how i did proceedx

horatiox
i beseech youx

hamletx
being thus benetted round with villaniesxx
or i could make a prologue to my brainsx
they had begun the playxxi sat me downx
devisxd a new commissionx wrote it fairx
i once did hold itx as our statists dox
a baseness to write fairx and labourxd much
how to forget that learningx butx sirx now
it did me yeomanxs servicex wilt thou know
the effect of what i wrotex

horatiox
ayx good my lordx

hamletx
an earnest conjuration from the kingx
as england was his faithful tributaryx
as love between them like the palm might flourishx
as peace should still her wheaten garland wear
and stand a comma xtween their amitiesx
and many suchxlike xasxes of great chargex
that on the view and know of these contentsx
without debatement furtherx more or lessx
he should the bearers put to sudden deathx
not shrivingxtime allowxdx

horatiox
how was this sealxdx

hamletx
whyx even in that was heaven ordinantx
i had my fatherxs signet in my pursex
which was the model of that danish sealx
folded the writ up in the form of the otherx
subscribxd itx gavext thximpressionx placxd it safelyx
the changeling never knownx nowx the next day
was our seaxfightx and what to this was sequent
thou knowxst alreadyx

horatiox
so guildenstern and rosencrantz go toxtx

hamletx
whyx manx they did make love to this employmentx
they are not near my consciencex their defeat
does by their own insinuation growx
xtis dangerous when the baser nature comes
between the pass and fell incensed points
of mighty oppositesx

horatiox
whyx what a king is thisx

hamletx
does it notx thinksxt theex stand me now uponxx
he that hath killxd my kingx and whorxd my motherx
poppxd in between thxelection and my hopesx
thrown out his angle for my proper lifex
and with such cozenagexisxt not perfect conscience
to quit him with this armx and isxt not to be damnxd
to let this canker of our nature come
in further evilx

horatiox
it must be shortly known to him from england
what is the issue of the business therex

hamletx
it will be shortx the interim is minex
and a manxs lifexs no more than to say xonexx
but i am very sorryx good horatiox
that to laertes i forgot myselfx
for by the image of my cause i see
the portraiture of hisx ixll court his favoursx
but sure the bravery of his grief did put me
into a towxring passionx

horatiox
peacex who comes herex

 enter osricx

osricx
your lordship is right welcome back to denmarkx

hamletx
i humbly thank youx sirx dost know this waterflyx

horatiox
nox my good lordx

hamletx
thy state is the more graciousx for xtis a vice to know himx he hath
much landx and fertilex let a beast be lord of beastsx and his crib
shall stand at the kingxs messx xtis a choughx butx as i sayx spacious
in the possession of dirtx

osricx
sweet lordx if your lordship were at leisurex i should impart a thing
to you from his majestyx

hamletx
i will receive it with all diligence of spiritx put your bonnet to his
right usex xtis for the headx

osricx
i thank your lordshipx xtis very hotx

hamletx
nox believe mex xtis very coldx the wind is northerlyx

osricx
it is indifferent coldx my lordx indeedx

hamletx
methinks it is very sultry and hot for my complexionx

osricx
exceedinglyx my lordx it is very sultryxxas xtwerexi cannot tell howx
butx my lordx his majesty bade me signify to you that he has laid a
great wager on your headx sirx this is the matterxx

hamletx
i beseech youx rememberxx

 xxhamlet moves him to put on his hatxxx

osricx
nayx in good faithx for mine easex in good faithx sirx here is newly
come to court laertesx believe mex an absolute gentlemanx full of most
excellent differencesx of very soft society and great showingx indeedx
to speak feelingly of himx he is the card or calendar of gentryx for
you shall find in him the continent of what part a gentleman would seex

hamletx
sirx his definement suffers no perdition in youx though i knowx to
divide him inventorially would dizzy thxarithmetic of memoryx and yet
but yaw neitherx in respect of his quick sailx butx in the verity of
extolmentx i take him to be a soul of great article and his infusion of
such dearth and rareness asx to make true diction of himx his semblable
is his mirror and who else would trace him his umbragex nothing morex

osricx
your lordship speaks most infallibly of himx

hamletx
the concernancyx sirx why do we wrap the gentleman in our more rawer
breathx

osricx
sirx

horatiox
isxt not possible to understand in another tonguex you will doxtx sirx
reallyx

hamletx
what imports the nomination of this gentlemanx

osricx
of laertesx

horatiox
his purse is empty alreadyx allxs golden words are spentx

hamletx
of himx sirx

osricx
i know you are not ignorantxx

hamletx
i would you didx sirx yet in faith if you didx it would not much
approve mex wellx sirx

osricx
you are not ignorant of what excellence laertes isxx

hamletx
i dare not confess thatx lest i should compare with him in excellencex
but to know a man well were to know himselfx

osricx
i meanx sirx for his weaponx but in the imputation laid on himx by them
in his meed hexs unfellowedx

hamletx
whatxs his weaponx

osricx
rapier and daggerx

hamletx
thatxs two of his weaponsx but wellx

osricx
the kingx sirx hath wagerxd with him six barbary horsesx against the
which he has imponedx as i take itx six french rapiers and poniardsx
with their assignsx as girdlex hangersx and sox three of the carriagesx
in faithx are very dear to fancyx very responsive to the hiltsx most
delicate carriagesx and of very liberal conceitx

hamletx
what call you the carriagesx

horatiox
i knew you must be edified by the margin ere you had donex

osricx
the carriagesx sirx are the hangersx

hamletx
the phrase would be more german to the matter if we could carry cannon
by our sidesx i would it might be hangers till thenx but onx six
barbary horses against six french swordsx their assignsx and three
liberal conceited carriagesx thatxs the french bet against the danishx
why is this all imponedx as you call itx

osricx
the kingx sirx hath laid that in a dozen passes between you and himx he
shall not exceed you three hitsx he hath laid on twelve for ninex and
it would come to immediate trial if your lordship would vouchsafe the
answerx

hamletx
how if i answer nox

osricx
i meanx my lordx the opposition of your person in trialx

hamletx
sirx i will walk here in the hallx if it please his majestyx it is the
breathing time of day with mex let the foils be broughtx the gentleman
willingx and the king hold his purposex i will win for him if i canx if
notx i will gain nothing but my shame and the odd hitsx

osricx
shall i rexdeliver you exen sox

hamletx
to this effectx sirx after what flourish your nature willx

osricx
i commend my duty to your lordshipx

hamletx
yoursx yoursx

 xxexit osricxxx

he does well to commend it himselfx there are no tongues else forxs
turnx

horatiox
this lapwing runs away with the shell on his headx

hamletx
he did comply with his dug before he suckxd itx thus has hexxand many
more of the same bevy that i know the drossy age dotes onxx only got
the tune of the time and outward habit of encounterx a kind of yeasty
collectionx which carries them through and through the most fanned and
winnowed opinionsx and do but blow them to their trialx the bubbles are
outx

 enter a lordx

lordx
my lordx his majesty commended him to you by young osricx who brings
back to him that you attend him in the hallx he sends to know if your
pleasure hold to play with laertes or that you will take longer timex

hamletx
i am constant to my purposesx they follow the kingxs pleasurex if his
fitness speaksx mine is readyx now or whensoeverx provided i be so able
as nowx

lordx
the king and queen and all are coming downx

hamletx
in happy timex

lordx
the queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment to laertes
before you fall to playx

hamletx
she well instructs mex

 xxexit lordxxx

horatiox
you will lose this wagerx my lordx

hamletx
i do not think sox since he went into francex i have been in continual
practicex i shall win at the oddsx but thou wouldst not think how ill
allxs here about my heartx but it is no matterx

horatiox
nayx good my lordx

hamletx
it is but fooleryx but it is such a kind of gainxgiving as would
perhaps trouble a womanx

horatiox
if your mind dislike anythingx obey itx i will forestall their repair
hitherx and say you are not fitx

hamletx
not a whitx we defy auguryx therexs a special providence in the fall of
a sparrowx if it be nowx xtis not to comex if it be not to comex it
will be nowx if it be not nowx yet it will comex the readiness is allx
since no man has aught of what he leavesx what isxt to leave betimesx

 enter kingx queenx laertesx lordsx osric and attendants with foils xcx

kingx
comex hamletx comex and take this hand from mex

 xxthe king puts laertesxs hand into hamletxsxxx

hamletx
give me your pardonx sirx i have done you wrongx
but pardonxt as you are a gentlemanx
this presence knowsx and you must needs have heardx
how i am punishxd with sore distractionx
what i have done
that might your naturex honourx and exception
roughly awakex i here proclaim was madnessx
wasxt hamlet wrongxd laertesx never hamletx
if hamlet from himself be taxen awayx
and when hexs not himself does wrong laertesx
then hamlet does it notx hamlet denies itx
who does itx thenx his madnessx ifxt be sox
hamlet is of the faction that is wrongxdx
his madness is poor hamletxs enemyx
sirx in this audiencex
let my disclaiming from a purposxd evil
free me so far in your most generous thoughts
that i have shot my arrow oxer the house
and hurt my brotherx

laertesx
i am satisfied in naturex
whose motive in this case should stir me most
to my revengex but in my terms of honour
i stand aloofx and will no reconcilement
till by some elder masters of known honour
i have a voice and precedent of peace
to keep my name ungorxdx but till that time
i do receive your offerxd love like lovex
and will not wrong itx

hamletx
i embrace it freelyx
and will this brotherxs wager frankly playxx
give us the foilsx come onx

laertesx
comex one for mex

hamletx
ixll be your foilx laertesx in mine ignorance
your skill shall like a star ix thx darkest nightx
stick fiery off indeedx

laertesx
you mock mex sirx

hamletx
nox by this handx

kingx
give them the foilsx young osricx cousin hamletx
you know the wagerx

hamletx
very wellx my lordx
your grace has laid the odds ox the weaker sidex

kingx
i do not fear itx i have seen you bothx
but since he is betterxdx we have therefore oddsx

laertesx
this is too heavyx let me see anotherx

hamletx
this likes me wellx these foils have all a lengthx

 xxthey prepare to playxxx

osricx
ayx my good lordx

kingx
set me the stoups of wine upon that tablex
if hamlet give the first or second hitx
or quit in answer of the third exchangex
let all the battlements their ordnance firex
the king shall drink to hamletxs better breathx
and in the cup an union shall he throw
richer than that which four successive kings
in denmarkxs crown have wornx give me the cupsx
and let the kettle to the trumpet speakx
the trumpet to the cannoneer withoutx
the cannons to the heavensx the heavens to earthx
xnow the king drinks to hamletxx comex beginx
and youx the judgesx bear a wary eyex

hamletx
come onx sirx

laertesx
comex my lordx

 xxthey playxxx

hamletx
onex

laertesx
nox

hamletx
judgmentx

osricx
a hitx a very palpable hitx

laertesx
wellx againx

kingx
stayx give me drinkx hamletx this pearl is thinex
herexs to thy healthx

 xxtrumpets soundx and cannon shot off withinxxx

give him the cupx

hamletx
ixll play this bout firstx set it by awhilex

 xxthey playxxx

comex another hitx what say youx


laertesx
a touchx a touchx i do confessx

kingx
our son shall winx

queenx
hexs fatx and scant of breathx
herex hamletx take my napkinx rub thy browsx
the queen carouses to thy fortunex hamletx

hamletx
good madamx

kingx
gertrudex do not drinkx

queenx
i willx my lordx i pray you pardon mex

kingx
xxasidexxx it is the poisonxd cupx it is too latex

hamletx
i dare not drink yetx madamx by and byx

queenx
comex let me wipe thy facex

laertesx
my lordx ixll hit him nowx

kingx
i do not thinkxtx

laertesx
xxasidexxx and yet xtis almost xgainst my consciencex

hamletx
come for the thirdx laertesx you do but dallyx
i pray you pass with your best violencex
i am afeard you make a wanton of mex

laertesx
say you sox come onx

 xxthey playxxx

osricx
nothing neither wayx

laertesx
have at you nowx

 xxlaertes wounds hamletx thenx in scufflingx they change rapiersx and
 hamlet wounds laertesxxx

kingx
part themx they are incensxdx

hamletx
nayx come againx

 xxthe queen fallsxxx

osricx
look to the queen therex hox

horatiox
they bleed on both sidesx how is itx my lordx

osricx
how isxtx laertesx

laertesx
whyx as a woodcock to my own springex osricx
i am justly killxd with mine own treacheryx

hamletx
how does the queenx

kingx
she swoons to see them bleedx

queenx
nox nox the drinkx the drinkx o my dear hamletx
the drinkx the drinkx i am poisonxdx

 xxdiesxxx

hamletx
o villanyx hox let the door be lockxdx
treacheryx seek it outx

 xxlaertes fallsxxx

laertesx
it is herex hamletx hamletx thou art slainx
no medicine in the world can do thee goodx
in thee there is not half an hour of lifex
the treacherous instrument is in thy handx
unbated and envenomxdx the foul practice
hath turnxd itself on mex lox here i liex
never to rise againx thy motherxs poisonxdx
i can no morex the kingx the kingxs to blamex

hamletx
the point envenomxd toox
thenx venomx to thy workx

 xxstabs the kingxxx

osric and lordsx
treasonx treasonx

kingx
o yet defend mex friendsx i am but hurtx

hamletx
herex thou incestuousx murderousx damned danex
drink off this potionx is thy union herex
follow my motherx

 xxking diesxxx

laertesx
he is justly servxdx
it is a poison temperxd by himselfx
exchange forgiveness with mex noble hamletx
mine and my fatherxs death come not upon theex
nor thine on mex

 xxdiesxxx

hamletx
heaven make thee free of itx i follow theex
i am deadx horatiox wretched queenx adieux
you that look pale and tremble at this chancex
that are but mutes or audience to this actx
had i but timexxas this fell sergeantx deathx
is strict in his arrestxxox i could tell youxx
but let it bex horatiox i am deadx
thou livxstx report me and my cause aright
to the unsatisfiedx

horatiox
never believe itx
i am more an antique roman than a danex
herexs yet some liquor leftx

hamletx
as thxart a manx
give me the cupx let gox by heavenx ixll havextx
o good horatiox what a wounded namex
things standing thus unknownx shall live behind mex
if thou didst ever hold me in thy heartx
absent thee from felicity awhilex
and in this harsh world draw thy breath in painx
to tell my storyx

 xxmarch afar offx and shot withinxxx

what warlike noise is thisx

osricx
young fortinbrasx with conquest come from polandx
to the ambassadors of england gives
this warlike volleyx

hamletx
ox i diex horatiox
the potent poison quite oxerxcrows my spiritx
i cannot live to hear the news from englandx
but i do prophesy thxelection lights
on fortinbrasx he has my dying voicex
so tell himx with the occurrents more and lessx
which have solicitedx the rest is silencex

 xxdiesxxx

horatiox
now cracks a noble heartx good nightx sweet princex
and flights of angels sing thee to thy restx
why does the drum come hitherx

 xxmarch withinxxx

 enter fortinbrasx the english ambassadors and othersx

fortinbrasx
where is this sightx

horatiox
what is it you would seex
if aught of woe or wonderx cease your searchx

fortinbrasx
this quarry cries on havocx o proud deathx
what feast is toward in thine eternal cellx
that thou so many princes at a shot
so bloodily hast struckx

first ambassadorx
the sight is dismalx
and our affairs from england come too latex
the ears are senseless that should give us hearingx
to tell him his commandment is fulfillxdx
that rosencrantz and guildenstern are deadx
where should we have our thanksx

horatiox
not from his mouthx
had it thxability of life to thank youx
he never gave commandment for their deathx
but sincex so jump upon this bloody questionx
you from the polack warsx and you from england
are here arrivxdx give order that these bodies
high on a stage be placed to the viewx
and let me speak to thx yet unknowing world
how these things came aboutx so shall you hear
of carnalx bloody and unnatural actsx
of accidental judgmentsx casual slaughtersx
of deaths put on by cunning and forcxd causex
andx in this upshotx purposes mistook
fallxn on the inventorsx headsx all this can i
truly deliverx

fortinbrasx
let us haste to hear itx
and call the noblest to the audiencex
for mex with sorrow i embrace my fortunex
i have some rights of memory in this kingdomx
which now to claim my vantage doth invite mex

horatiox
of that i shall have also cause to speakx
and from his mouth whose voice will draw on morex
but let this same be presently performxdx
even while menxs minds are wildx lest more mischance
on plots and errors happenx

fortinbrasx
let four captains
bear hamlet like a soldier to the stagex
for he was likelyx had he been put onx
to have provxd most royallyx and for his passagex
the soldiersx music and the rites of war
speak loudly for himx
take up the bodiesx such a sight as this
becomes the fieldx but here shows much amissx
gox bid the soldiers shootx

 xxa dead marchxxx

 xxexeuntx bearing off the bodiesx after which a peal of ordnance is
 shot offxxx



the first part of king henry the fourth



 dramatis personx

king henry the fourthx
henryx prince of walesx son to the kingx
prince john of lancasterx son to the kingx
earl of westmorelandx
sir walter bluntx
thomas percyx earl of worcesterx
henry percyx earl of northumberlandx
henry percyx surnamed hotspurx his sonx
edmund mortimerx earl of marchx
scroopx archbishop of yorkx
sir michaelx his friendx
archibaldx earl of douglasx
owen glendowerx
sir richard vernonx
sir john falstaffx
poinsx
gadshillx
petox
bardolphx
lady percyx wife to hotspurx
lady mortimerx daughter to glendowerx
mrsx quicklyx hostess in eastcheapx
lordsx officersx sheriffx vintnerx chamberlainx drawersx
carriersx travellers and attendantsx

scenex england and walesx

act i

scene ix londonx a room in the palacex

xenter the king henryx westmorelandx sir walter bluntx and othersxx

kingx
so shaken as we arex so wan with carex
find we a time for frighted peace to pantx
and breathe shortxwinded accents of new broils
to be commenced in strands afar remotex
no more the thirsty entrance of this soil
shall daub her lips with her own childrenxs bloodx
no more shall trenching war channel her fieldsx
nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs
of hostile pacesx  those opposed eyesx
whichx like the meteors of a troubled heavenx
all of one naturex of one substance bredx
did lately meet in the intestine shock
and furious close of civil butcheryx
shall nowx in mutual wellxbeseeming ranksx
march all one wayx and be no more opposed
against acquaintancex kindredx and alliesx
the edge of warx like an illxsheathed knifex
no more shall cut his masterx thereforex friendsx
as far as to the sepulchre of christx
whose soldier nowx under whose blessed cross
we are impressed and engaged to fightx
forthwith a power of english shall we levyx
to chase these pagans in those holy fields
over whose acres walkxd those blessed feet
which fourteen hundred years ago were nailxd
for our advantage on the bitter crossx
but this our purpose now is twelvemonth oldx
and bootless xtis to tell you we will gox
therefore we meet not nowxxthen let me hear
of youx my gentle cousin westmorelandx
what yesternight our council did decree
in forwarding this dear expediencex

westmorelandx
my liegex this haste was hot in questionx
and many limits of the charge set down
but yesternightx whenx all athwartx there came
a post from wales loaden with heavy newsx
whose worst wasx that the noble mortimerx
leading the men of herefordshire to fight
against thx irregular and wild glendowerx
was by the rude hands of that welshman takenx
a thousand of his people butcheredx
upon whose dead corpsex there was such misusex
such beastlyx shameless transformationx
by those welshwomen donex as may not be
without much shame rextold or spoken ofx

kingx
it seemsx thenx that the tidings of this broil
brake off our business for the holy landx

westmorelandx
thisx matchxd with otherx didx my gracious lordx
for more uneven and unwelcome news
came from the northx and thus it did importx
on holyxrood day the gallant hotspur therex
young harry percyx and brave archibaldx
that everxvaliant and approved scotx
at holmedon metx
where they did spend a sad and bloody hourx
as by discharge of their artilleryx
and shape of likelihoodx the news was toldx
for he that brought themx in the very heat
and pride of their contention did take horsex
uncertain of the issue any wayx

kingx
here is a dear and truexindustrious friendx
sir walter bluntx new lighted from his horsex
stainxd with the variation of each soil
betwixt that holmedon and this seat of oursx
and he hath brought us smooth and welcome newsx
the earl of douglas is discomfitedx
ten thousand bold scotsx twoxandxtwenty knightsx
balkxd in their own bloodx did sir walter see
on holmedonxs plainsx  of prisonersx hotspur took
mordake the earl of fife and eldest son
to beaten douglasx and the earls of atholx
of murrayx angusx and menteithx
and is not this an honourable spoilx
a gallant prizex hax cousinx is it notx

westmorelandx
faithx xtis a conquest for a prince to boast ofx

kingx
yeax there thou makest me sadx and makest me sin
in envy that my lord northumberland
should be the father to so blest a sonxx
a son who is the theme of honourxs tonguex
amongst a grovex the very straightest plantx
who is sweet fortunexs minion and her pridex
whilst ix by looking on the praise of himx
see riot and dishonour stain the brow
of my young harryx ox that it could be proved
that some nightxtripping fairy had exchanged
in cradlexclothes our children where they layx
and callxd mine percyx his plantagenetx
then would i have his harryx and he minex
but let him from my thoughtsx what think youx cozx
of this young percyxs pridex the prisonersx
which he in this adventure hath surprisedx
to his own use he keepsx and sends me wordx
i shall have none but mordake earl of fifex

westmorelandx
this is his unclexs teachingx this is worcesterx
malevolent to you in all aspectsx
which makes him prune himselfx and bristle up
the crest of youth against your dignityx

kingx
but i have sent for him to answer thisx
and for this cause awhile we must neglect
our holy purpose to jerusalemx
cousinx on wednesday next our council we
will hold at windsorx so inform the lordsx
but come yourself with speed to us againx
for more is to be said and to be done
than out of anger can be utteredx

westmorelandx
i willx my liegex

xexeuntxx

scene iix the samex an apartment of prince henryxsx

xenter prince henry and falstaffxx

falstaffx
nowx halx what time of day is itx ladx

princex
thou art so fatxwittedx with drinking of old sackx and unbuttoning thee
after supperx and sleeping upon benches after noonx that thou hast
forgotten to demand that truly which thou wouldst truly knowx what a
devil hast thou to do with the time of the dayx unless hours were cups
of sackx and minutes caponsx and the blessed sun himself a fair hot
wench in flamexcoloured taffetax i see no reason why thou shouldst be
so superfluous to demand the time of the dayx

falstaffx
indeedx you come near me nowx halx for we that take purses go by the
moon and the seven starsx and not by phoebusxxhex that wandering knight
so fairx and i prxytheex sweet wagx when thou art kingxxasx god save
thy gracexmajesty i should sayx for grace thou wilt have nonexx

princex
whatx nonex

falstaffx
nox by my trothx not so much as will serve to be prologue to an egg and
butterx

princex
wellx how thenx comex roundlyx roundlyx

falstaffx
marryx thenx sweet wagx when thou art kingx let not us that are squires
of the nightxs body be called thieves of the dayxs beautyx  let us be
dianaxs forestersx gentlemen of the shadex minions of the moonx and let
men say we be men of good governmentx being governedx as the sea isx by
our noble and chaste mistress the moonx under whose countenance we
stealx

princex
thou sayxst wellx and it holds well toox for the fortune of us that are
the moonxs men doth ebb and flow like the seax being governedx as the
sea isx by the moonx asx for proofx nowx a purse of gold most
resolutely snatchxd on monday nightx and most dissolutely spent on
tuesday morningx got with swearing lay byx and spent with crying bring
inx now ill as low an ebb as the foot of the ladderx and byxandxby in
as high a flow as the ridge of the gallowsx

falstaffx
by the lordx thou sayxst truex ladx  and is not my hostess of the
tavern a most sweet wenchx

princex
as the honey of hyblax my old lad of the castlex  and is not a buff
jerkin a most sweet robe of durancex

falstaffx
how nowx how nowx mad wagx whatx in thy quips and thy quidditiesx what
a plague have i to do with a buff jerkinx

princex
whyx what a pox have i to do with my hostess of the tavernx

falstaffx
wellx thou hast callxd her to a reckoning many a time and oftx

princex
did i ever call for thee to pay thy partx

falstaffx
nox ixll give thee thy duex thou hast paid all therex

princex
yeax and elsewherex so far as my coin would stretchx and where it would
notx i have used my creditx

falstaffx
yeax and so used itx thatx were it not here apparent that thou art
heirxapparentxbut i prxytheex sweet wagx shall there be gallows
standing in england when thou art kingx and resolution thus fobbxd as
it is with the rusty curb of old father antic the lawx do not thoux
when thou art kingx hang a thiefx

princex
nox thou shaltx

falstaffx
shall ix o rarex by the lordx ixll be a brave judgex

princex
thou judgest false alreadyx  i meanx thou shalt have the hanging of the
thievesx and so become a rare hangmanx

falstaffx
wellx halx wellx and in some sort it jumps with my humourx as well as
waiting in the courtx i can tell youx

princex
for obtaining of suitsx

falstaffx
yeax for obtaining of suitsx whereof the hangman hath no lean wardrobex
xsbloodx i am as melancholy as a gibxcat or a luggxd bearx

princex
or an old lionx or a loverxs lutex

falstaffx
yeax or the drone of a lincolnshire bagpipex

princex
what sayxst thou to a harex or the melancholy of moorxditchx

falstaffx
thou hast the most unsavoury similesx and artx indeedx the most
comparativex rascalliestx sweet young princexxbutx halx i prxythee
trouble me no more with vanityx i would to god thou and i knew where a
commodity of good names were to be boughtx an old lord of the council
rated me the other day in the street about youx sirxxbut i markxd him
notx and yet he talkxd very wiselyxxbut i regarded him notx and yet he
talkxd wiselyx and in the street toox

princex
thou didst wellx for wisdom cries out in the streetsx and no man
regards itx

falstaffx
ox thou hast damnable iterationx and artx indeedx able to corrupt a
saintx thou hast done much harm upon mex halx god forgive thee for itx
before i knew theex halx i knew nothingx and now am ix if a man should
speak trulyx little better than one of the wickedx i must give over
this lifex and i will give it overx by the lordx an i do notx i am a
villainx  ixll be damnxd for never a kingxs son in christendomx

princex
where shall we take a purse toxmorrowx jackx

falstaffx
zoundsx where thou wiltx ladx ixll make onex  an i do notx call me
villainx and baffle mex

princex
i see a good amendment of life in theexxfrom praying to pursextakingx

falstaffx
whyx halx xtis my vocationx halx xtis no sin for a man to labour in his
vocationx

xenter poinsxx

poinsx
now shall we know if gadshill have set a matchx ox if men were to be
saved by meritx what hole in hell were hot enough for himx this is the
most omnipotent villain that ever cried standx to a true manx

princex
good morrowx nedx

poinsx
good morrowx sweet halxxwhat says monsieur remorsex what says sir john
sackxandxsugarx jackx how agrees the devil and thee about thy soulx
that thou soldest him on goodxfriday last for a cup of madeira and a
cold caponxs legx

princex
sir john stands to his wordxxthe devil shall have his bargainx
for he was never yet a breaker of proverbsxxhe will give the
devil his duex

poinsx
then art thou damnxd for keeping thy word with the devilx

princex
else he had been damnxd for cozening the devilx

poinsx
butx my ladsx my ladsx toxmorrow morningx by four oxclockx early at
gadsxhillx there are pilgrims gong to canterbury with rich offeringsx
and traders riding to london with fat pursesx i have visards for you
allx you have horses for yourselvesx  gadshill lies toxnight in
rochesterx  i have bespoke supper toxmorrow night in eastcheapx  we may
do it as secure as sleepx if you will gox i will stuff your purses full
of crownsx if you will notx tarry at home and be hangxdx

falstaffx
hear yex yedwardx if i tarry at home and go notx ixll hang you for
goingx

poinsx
you willx chopsx

falstaffx
halx wilt thou make onex

princex
whox i robx i a thiefx not ix by my faithx

falstaffx
therexs neither honestyx manhoodx nor good fellowship in theex nor thou
camest not of the blood royalx if thou darest not stand for ten
shillingsx

princex
wellx thenx once in my days ixll be a madcapx

falstaffx
whyx thatxs well saidx

princex
wellx come what willx ixll tarry at homex

falstaffx
by the lordx ixll be a traitorx thenx when thou art kingx

princex
i care notx

poinsx
sir johnx i prxytheex leave the prince and me alonex i will lay him
down such reasons for this adventurex that he shall gox

falstaffx
wellx god give thee the spirit of persuasionx and him the ears of
profitingx that what thou speakest may movex and what he hears may be
believedx that the true prince mayx for recreationx sakex prove a false
thiefx for the poor abuses of the time want countenancex farewellx you
shall find me in eastcheapx

princex
farewellx thou latter springx farewellx allxhallown summerx

xexit falstaffxx

poinsx
nowx my good sweet honeyxlordx ride with us toxmorrowx  i have a jest
to execute that i cannot manage alonex falstaffx bardolphx petox and
gadshillx shall rob those men that we have already waylaidx  yourself
and i will not be therex and when they have the bootyx if you and i do
not rob themx cut this head off from my shouldersx

princex
but how shall we part with them in setting forthx

poinsx
whyx we will set forth before or after themx and appoint them a place
of meetingx wherein it is at our pleasure to failx and then will they
adventure upon the exploit themselvesx which they shall have no sooner
achieved but wexll set upon themx

princex
ayx but xtis like that they will know us by our horsesx by our habitsx
and by every other appointmentx to be ourselvesx

poinsx
tutx our horses they shall not seexxixll tie them in the woodx our
visards we will changex after we leave themx andx sirrahx i have cases
of buckram for the noncex to immask our noted outward garmentsx

princex
but i doubt they will be too hard for usx

poinsx
wellx for two of themx i know them to be as truexbred cowards as ever
turnxd backx and for the thirdx if he fight longer than he sees reasonx
ixll forswear armsx the virtue of this jest will bex the
incomprehensible lies that this same fat rogue will tell us when we
meet at supperx how thirtyx at leastx he fought withx what wardsx what
blowsx what extremities he enduredx and in the reproof of this lies the
jestx

princex
wellx ixll go with theex  provide us all things necessary and meet me
toxnight in eastcheapx there ixll supx farewellx

poinsx
farewellx my lordx

xexitxx

princex
i know you allx and will awhile uphold
the unyokxd humour of your idlenessx
yet herein will i imitate the sunx
who doth permit the base contagious clouds
to smotherxup his beauty from the worldx
thatx when he please again to be himselfx
being wantedx he may be more wonderxd atx
by breaking through the foul and ugly mists
of vapours that did seem to strangle himx
if all the year were playing holidaysx
to sport would be as tedious as to workx
butx when they seldom comex they wishxdxfor comex
and nothing pleaseth but rare accidentsx
sox when this loose behaviour i throw offx
and pay the debt i never promisedx
by how much better than my word i amx
by so much shall i falsify menxs hopesx
andx like bright metal on a sullen groundx
my reformationx glittering oxer my faultx
shall show more goodly and attract more eyes
than that which hath no foil to set it offx
ixll so offendx to make offence a skillx
redeeming timex when men think least i willx

xexitxx

scene iiix the samex a room in the palacex

xenter king henryx northumberlandx worcesterx hotspurx sir walter
bluntx and othersxx

kingx
my blood hath been too cold and temperatex
unapt to stir at these indignitiesx
and you have found mex forx accordinglyx
you tread upon my patiencex  but be sure
i will from henceforth rather be myselfx
mighty and to be fearxdx than my conditionx
which hath been smooth as oilx soft as young downx
and therefore lost that title of respect
which the proud soul nexer pays but to the proudx

worcesterx
our housex my sovereign liegex little deserves
the scourge of greatness to be used on itx
and that same greatness too which our own hands
have holp to make so portlyx

northumberlandx
my good lordxx

kingx
worcesterx get thee gonex for i do see
danger and disobedience in thine eyex
ox sirx your presence is too bold and peremptoryx
and majesty might never yet endure
the moody frontier of a servant browx
you have good leave to leave usx  when we need
your use and counselx we shall send for youx

xexit worcesterxx

xto northumberlandxx

you were about to speakx

northumberlandx
yeax my good lordx
those prisoners in your highnessx name demandedx
which harry percy here at holmedon tookx
werex as he saysx not with such strength denied
as is deliverxd to your majestyx
either envyx thereforex or misprision
is guilty of this faultx and not my sonx

hotspurx
my liegex i did deny no prisonersx
butx i rememberx when the fight was donex
when i was dry with rage and extreme toilx
breathless and faintx leaning upon my swordx
came there a certain lordx neatx trimly dressxdx
fresh as a bridegroomx and his chin new reapxd
showxd like a stubblexland at harvestxhomex
he was perfumed like a millinerx
and xtwixt his finger and his thumb he held
a pouncetxboxx which ever and anon
he gave his nosex and tookxt away againx
who therewith angryx when it next came therex
took it in snuffx  and still he smiled and talkxdx
andx as the soldiers bore dead bodies byx
he callxd them untaught knavesx unmannerlyx
to bring a slovenly unhandsome corse
betwixt the wind and his nobilityx
with many holiday and lady terms
he questionxd mex amongst the restx demanded
my prisoners in your majestyxs behalfx
i thenx all smarting with my wounds being coldx
out of my grief and my impatience
to be so pesterxd with a popinjayx
answerxd neglectinglyx i know not whatxx
he shouldx or he should notx forxt made me mad
to see him shine so briskx and smell so sweetx
and talk so like a waitingxgentlewoman
of guns and drums and woundsxxgod save the markxx
and telling me the sovereignxst thing on earth
was parmaceti for an inward bruisex
and that it was great pityx so it wasx
this villainous saltxpetre should be diggxd
out of the bowels of the harmless earthx
which many a good tall fellow had destroyxd
so cowardlyx andx but for these vile gunsx
he would himself have been a soldierx
this bald unjointed chat of hisx my lordx
i answered indirectlyx as i saidx
and i beseech youx let not his report
come current for an accusation
betwixt my love and your high majestyx

bluntx
the circumstance considerxdx good my lordx
whatever harry percy then had said
to such a personx and in such a placex
at such a timex with all the rest rextoldx
may reasonably diex and never rise
to do him wrongx or any way impeach
what then he saidx so he unsay it nowx

kingx
whyx yet he doth deny his prisonersx
but with proviso and exceptionx
that we at our own charge shall ransom straight
his brotherxinxlawx the foolish mortimerx
whox on my soulx hath wilfully betrayxd
the lives of those that he did lead to fight
against that great magicianx damnxd glendowerx
whose daughterx as we hearx the earl of march
hath lately marriedx shall our coffersx thenx
be emptied to redeem a traitor homex
shall we buy treasonx and indent with fears
when they have lost and forfeited themselvesx
nox on the barren mountains let him starvex
for i shall never hold that man my friend
whose tongue shall ask me for one penny cost
to ransom home revolted mortimerx

hotspurx
revolted mortimerx
he never did fall offx my sovereign liegex
but by the chance of warx  to prove that true
needs no more but one tongue for all those woundsx
those mouthed woundsx which valiantly he tookx
when on the gentle severnxs sedgy bankx
in single oppositionx hand to handx
he did confound the best part of an hour
in changing hardiment with great glendowerx
three times they breathedx and three times did they drinkx
upon agreementx of swift severnxs floodx
who thenx affrighted with their bloody looksx
ran fearfully among the trembling reedsx
and hid his crisp head in the hollow bank
bloodxstained with these valiant combatantsx
never did base and rotten policy
colour her working with such deadly woundsx
nor never could the noble mortimer
receive so manyx and all willinglyx
then let not him be slanderxd with revoltx

kingx
thou dost belie himx percyx thou dost belie himx
he never did encounter with glendowerx
i tell theex
he durst as well have met the devil alone
as owen glendower for an enemyx
art not ashamedx butx sirrahx henceforth
let me not hear you speak of mortimerx
send me your prisoners with the speediest meansx
or you shall hear in such a kind from me
as will displease youxxmy lord northumberlandx
we license your departure with your sonxx
send us your prisonersx or youxll hear of itx

xexeunt king henryx bluntx and trainxx

hotspurx
an if the devil come and roar for themx
i will not send themx  i will after straightx
and tell him sox for i will else my heartx
although it be with hazard of my headx

northumberlandx
whatx drunk with cholerx stayx and pause awhilex
here comes your unclex

xrexenter worcesterxx

hotspurx
speak of mortimerx
zoundsx i will speak of himx and let my soul
want mercyx if i do not join with himx
yeax on his part ixll empty all these veinsx
and shed my dear blood drop by drop ix the dustx
but i will lift the downxtrod mortimer
as high ix the air as this unthankful kingx
as this ingrate and cankerxd bolingbrokex

northx
xto worcesterxx
brotherx the king hath made your nephew madx

worcesterx
who struck this heat up after i was gonex

hotspurx
he willx forsoothx have all my prisonersx
and when i urged the ransom once again
of my wifexs brotherx then his cheek lookxd palex
and on my face he turnxd an eye of deathx
trembling even at the name of mortimerx

worcesterx
i cannot blame himx  was not he proclaimxd
by richard that dead is the next of bloodx

northumberlandx
he wasx i heard the proclamationx
and then it was when the unhappy kingx
whose wrongs in us god pardonxxdid set forth
upon his irish expeditionx
from whence he intercepted did return
to be deposedx and shortly murderedx

worcesterx
and for whose death we in the worldxs wide mouth
live scandalized and foully spoken ofx

hotspurx
butx softx i pray youx did king richard then
proclaim my brother edmund mortimer
heir to the crownx

northumberlandx
he didx myself did hear itx

hotspurx
nayx then i cannot blame his cousin kingx
that wishxd him on the barren mountains starvex
but shall it bex that youx that set the crown
upon the head of this forgetful manx
and for his sake wear the detested blot
of murderous subornationxxshall it bex
that you a world of curses undergox
being the agentsx or base second meansx
the cordsx the ladderx or the hangman ratherxx
ox pardon mex that i descend so lowx
to show the line and the predicament
wherein you range under this subtle kingxx
shall itx for shamex be spoken in these daysx
or fill up chronicles in time to comex
that men of your nobility and power
did gage them both in an unjust behalfxx
as both of youx god pardon itx have donexx
to put down richardx that sweet lovely rosex
and plant this thornx this cankerx bolingbrokex
and shall itx in more shamex be further spokenx
that you are foolxdx discardedx and shook off
by him for whom these shames ye underwentx
nox yet time servesx wherein you may redeem
your banishxd honoursx and restore yourselves
into the good thoughts of the world againx
revenge the jeering and disdainxd contempt
of this proud kingx who studies day and night
to answer all the debt he owes to you
even with the bloody payment of your deathsx
thereforex i sayxx

worcesterx
peacex cousinx say no morex
and now i will unclasp a secret bookx
and to your quickxconceiving discontent
ixll read you matter deep and dangerousx
as full of peril and adventurous spirit
as to oxerxwalk a current roaring loud
on the unsteadfast footing of a spearx

hotspurx
if we fall inx good nightx or sink or swimx
send danger from the east unto the westx
so honour cross it from the north to southx
and let them grapplex ox the blood more stirs
to rouse a lion than to start a harex

northumberlandx
imagination of some great exploit
drives him beyond the bounds of patiencex

hotspurx
by heavenx methinks it were an easy leapx
to pluck bright honour from the palexfaced moonx
or dive into the bottom of the deepx
where fathomxline could never touch the groundx
and pluck up drowned honour by the locksx
so he that doth redeem her thence might wear
without corrival all her dignitiesx
but out upon this halfxfaced fellowshipx

worcesterx
he apprehends a world of figures herex
but not the form of what he should attendxx
good cousinx give me audience for a whilex

hotspurx
i cry you mercyx

worcesterx
those same noble scots
that are your prisonersxx

hotspurx
ixll keep them allx
by godx he shall not have a scot of themx
nox if a scot would save his soulx he shall notx
ixll keep themx by this handx

worcesterx
you start awayx
and lend no ear unto my purposesx
those prisoners you shall keepxx

hotspurx
nayx i willx thatxs flatx
he said he would not ransom mortimerx
forbade my tongue to speak of mortimerx
but i will find him when he lies asleepx
and in his ear ixll holla mortimerx
nayx
ixll have a starling shall be taught to speak
nothing but mortimerx and give it himx
to keep his anger still in motionx

worcesterx
hear youx cousinx a wordx

hotspurx
all studies here i solemnly defyx
save how to gall and pinch this bolingbrokex
and that same swordxandxbuckler prince of walesx
but that i think his father loves him notx
and would be glad he met with some mischancex
ixd have him poisonxd with a pot of alex

worcesterx
farewellx kinsmanx  i will talk to you
when you are better temperxd to attendx

northumberlandx
whyx what a waspxstung and impatient fool
art thoux to break into this womanxs moodx
tying thine ear to no tongue but thine ownx

hotspurx
whyx look youx i am whippxd and scourged with rodsx
nettledx and stung with pismiresx when i hear
of this vile politicianx bolingbrokex
in richardxs timexxwhat do you call the placexx
a plague uponxtxxit is in gioucestershirexx
xtwas where the madcap duke his uncle keptx
his uncle yorkxxwhere i first bowxd my knee
unto this king of smilesx this bolingbrokexx
when you and he came back from ravenspurgx

northumberlandx
at berkeleyxcastlex

hotspurx
you say truexx
whyx what a candy deal of courtesy
this fawning greyhound then did proffer mex
lookx when his infant fortune came to agex
andx gentle harry percyx and kind cousinxx
ox the devil take such cozenersxxgod forgive mexx
good unclex tell your talex for i have donex

worcesterx
nayx if you have notx toxt againx
wexll stay your leisurex

hotspurx
i have donex ixfaithx

worcesterx
then once more to your scottish prisonersx
deliver them up without their ransom straightx
and make the douglasx son your only mean
for powers in scotlandx whichx for divers reasons
which i shall send you writtenx be assuredx
will easily be grantedxx
xto northumberlandxx youx my lordx
your son in scotland being thus employxdx
shall secretly into the bosom creep
of that same noble prelatex well belovedx
thx archbishopx

hotspurx
of yorkx isxt notx

worcesterx
truex who bears hard
his brotherxs death at bristolx the lord scroopx
i speak not this in estimationx
as what i think might bex but what i know
is ruminatedx plottedx and set downx
and only stays but to behold the face
of that occasion that shall bring it onx

hotspurx
i smellxtx  upon my lifex it will do wellx

northumberlandx
before the gamexs axfootx thou still lettxst slipx

hotspurx
whyx it cannot choose but be a noble plotxx
and then the power of scotland and of york
to join with mortimerx hax

worcesterx
and so they shallx

hotspurx
in faithx it is exceedingly well aimxdx

worcesterx
and xtis no little reason bids us speedx
to save our heads by raising of a headx
forx bear ourselves as even as we canx
the king will always think him in our debtx
and think we think ourselves unsatisfiedx
till he hath found a time to pay us homex
and see already how he doth begin
to make us strangers to his looks of lovex

hotspurx
he doesx he doesx  wexll be revenged on himx

worcesterx
cousinx farewellx  no further go in this
than i by letters shall direct your coursex
when time is ripexx which will be suddenlyxx
ixll steal to glendower and lord mortimerx
where you and douglasx and our powers at oncex
as i will fashion itx shall happily meetx
to bear our fortunes in our own strong armsx
which now we hold at much uncertaintyx

northumberlandx
farewellx good brotherx  we shall thrivex i trustx

hotspurx
unclex adieux ox let the hours be shortx
till fields and blows and groans applaud our sportx

xexeuntxx

act ii

scene ix rochesterx an innxyardx

xenter a carrier with a lantern in his handxx

first carrierx
heighxhox anxt be not four by the dayx ixll be hangxdx
charlesx wain is over the new chimneyx and yet our horsex not
packxdxxwhatx ostlerx

ostlerx
xwithinxx anonx anonx

first carrierx
i prxytheex tomx beat cutxs saddlex put a few flocks in the pointx the
poor jade is wrung in the withers out of all cessx

xenter another carrierxx

second carrierx
peas and beans are as dank here as a dogx and that is the next way to
give poor jades the botsx this house is turned upside down since robin
ostler diedx

first carrierx
poor fellowx never joyed since the price of oats rosex it was the death
of himx

second carrierx
i think this be the most villainous house in all london road for fleasx
 i am stung like a tenchx

first carrierx
like a tenchx by the massx there is nexer a king in christendom could
be better bit than i have been since the first cockxxwhatx

ostlerx come away and be hangxdx come awayx

second carrierx
i have a gammon of bacon and two razes of gingerx to be delivered as
far as charingxcrossx

first carrierx
xodsbodyx the turkeys in my pannier are quite starvedxxwhatx ostlerx a
plague on theex hast thou never an eye in thy headx canst not hearx an
xtwere not as good a deed as drink to break the pate of theex i am a
very villainx comex and be hangxdx hast no faith in theex

xenter gadshillxx

gadshillx
good morrowx carriersx whatxs oxclockx

first carrierx
i think it be two oxclockx

gadshillx
i prxytheex lend me thy lanternx to see my gelding in the stablex

first carrierx
nayx softx i pray yex i know a trick worth two of thatx ixfaithx

gadshillx
i prxytheex lend me thinex

second carrierx
ayx whenx canst tellx lend me thy lanternx quoth ax marryx ixll see
thee hangxd firstx

gadshillx
sirrah carrierx what time do you mean to come to londonx

second carrierx
time enough to go to bed with a candlex i warrant theexx
comex neighbour muggsx wexll call up the gentlemenx  they will
along with companyx for they have great chargex

xexeunt carriersxx

gadshillx
whatx hox chamberlainx

chamberlainx
xwithinxx at handx quoth pickxpursex

gadshillx
thatxs even as fair asxat handx quoth the chamberlainx for thou variest
no more from picking of purses than giving direction doth from
labouringx thou layxst the plot howx

xenter chamberlainxx

chamberlainx
good morrowx master gadshillx it holds current that i told you
yesternightx  therexs a franklin in the wild of kent hath brought three
hundred marks with him in goldx  i heard him tell it to one of his
company last night at supperx a kind of auditorx one that hath
abundance of charge toox god knows whatx they are up alreadyx and call
for eggs and butterx they will away presentlyx

gadshillx
sirrahx if they meet not with saint nicholasx clerksx ixll give thee
this neckx

chamberlainx
nox ixll none of itx i prxytheex keep that for the hangmanx for
i know thou worshippest saint nicholas as truly as a man of
falsehood mayx

gadshillx
what talkest thou to me of the hangmanx if i hangx ixll make a fat pair
of gallowsx forx if i hangx old sir john hangs with mex and thou
knowxst he is no starvelingx tutx there are other trojans that thou
dreamest not ofx the whichx for sportxsakex are content to do the
profession some gracex that wouldx if matters should be lookxd intox
for their own creditxsakex make all wholex i am joined with no foot
landxrakersx no longxstaff sixpenny strikersx none of these mad
mustachio purplexhued maltxwormsx but with nobility and tranquillityx
burgomasters and great oneyersx such as can hold inx such as will
strike sooner than speakx and speak sooner than drinkx and drink sooner
than prayx  and yetx zwoundsx i liex for they pray continually to their
saintx the commonwealthx orx ratherx not pray to herx but prey on herx
for they ride up and down on herx and make her their bootsx

chamberlainx
whatx the commonwealth their bootsx will she hold out water in foul
wayx

gadshillx
she willx she willx justice hath liquorxd herx we steal as in a castlex
cockxsurex we have the receipt of fernseedxxwe walk invisiblex

chamberlainx
nayx by my faithx i think you are more beholding to the night than to
fernxseed for your walking invisiblex

gadshillx
give me thy handx  thou shalt have a share in our purchasex as
i am a true manx

chamberlainx
nayx rather let me have itx as you are a false thiefx

gadshillx
go tox homo is a common name to all menx bid the ostler bring my
gelding out of the stablex farewellx you muddy knavex

xexeuntxx

scene iix the road by gadsxhillx

xenter prince henry and poinsx bardolph and peto at some distancexx

poinsx
comex shelterx shelterx  i have removxd falstaffxs horsex and he frets
like a gummxd velvetx

princex
stand closex

xthey retirexx

xenter falstaffxx

falstaffx
poinsx poinsx and be hangxdx poinsx

princex
xcoming forwardxx
peacex ye fatxkidneyxd rascalx what a brawling dost thou keepx

falstaffx
wherexs poinsx halx

princex
he is walkxd up to the top of the hillx ixll go seek himx

xretiresxx

falstaffx
i am accursed to rob in that thiefxs companyx  the rascal hath removed
my horsex and tied him i know not wherex if i travel but four foot by
the squire further axfootx i shall break my windx wellx i doubt not but
to die a fair death for all thisx if i xscape hanging for killing that
roguex i have forsworn his company hourly any time this twoxandxtwenty
yearx and yet i am bewitchxd with the roguexs companyx if the rascal
have not given me medicines to make me love himx ixll be hangxdx it
could not be elsex  i have drunk medicinesxx poinsxxhalxxa plague upon
you bothxxbardolphxxpetoxxixll starvex ere ixll rob a foot furtherx an
xtwere not as good a deed as drinkx to turn true manx and to leave
these roguesx i am the veriest varlet that ever chewed with a toothx
eight yards of uneven ground is threescore and ten miles axfoot with
mex and the stonyxhearted villains know it well enoughx  a plague
uponxtx when thieves cannot be true one to anotherx xthey whistlexx
whewxxa plague upon you allx give me my horsex you roguesx give me my
horsex and be hangxdx

princex
xcoming forwardxx peacex lie downx lay thine ear close to the groundx
and list if thou canst hear the tread of travellersx

falstaffx
have you any levers to lift me up againx being downx xsbloodx ixll not
bear mine own flesh so far axfoot again for all the coin in thy
fatherxs exchequerx what a plague mean ye to colt me thusx

princex
thou liestx thou art not coltedx thou art uncoltedx

falstaffx
i prxytheex good prince halx help me to my horsex good kingxs sonx

princex
outx ye roguex shall i be your ostlerx

falstaffx
gox hang thyself in thine own heirxapparent gartersx if i be taxenx
ixll peach for thisx an i have not ballads made on you allx and sung to
filthy tunesx let a cup of sack be my poisonx when a jest is so
forwardx and axfoot toox i hate itx

xenter gadshillxx

gadshillx
standx

falstaffx
so i dox against my willx

poinsx
ox xtis our setterx i know his voicex

xcomes forward with bardolph and petoxx

bardolphx
what newsx

gadshillx
case yex case yex on with your visardsx  therexs money of the kingxs
coming down the hillx xtis going to the kingxs exchequerx

falstaffx
you liex ye roguex xtis going to the kingxs tavernx

gadshillx
therexs enough to make us allx

falstaffx
to be hangxdx

princex
sirsx you four shall front them in the narrow lanex ned
poins and i will walk lowerx if they xscape from your
encounterx then they light on usx

petox
how many be there of themx

gadshillx
some eight or tenx

falstaffx
zwoundsx will they not rob usx

princex
whatx a cowardx sir john paunchx

falstaffx
indeedx i am not john of gauntx your grandfatherx but yet no cowardx
halx

princex
wellx we leave that to the proofx

poinsx
sirrah jackx thy horse stands behind the hedgex  when thou needxst himx
there thou shalt find himx farewellx and stand fastx

falstaffx
now cannot i strike himx if i should be hangxdx

princex
xaside to pointzxx nedx where are our disguisesx

poinsx
xaside to prince henryxx herex hard byx  stand closex

xexeunt prince and poinsxx

falstaffx
nowx my mastersx happy man be his dolex say ix  every man to his
businessx

xenter travellersxx

first travellerx
comex neighbourx
the boy shall lead our horses down the hillx
wexll walk axfoot awhile and ease our legsx

falstaffx gadshillxx xcx
standx

second travellerx
jesu bless usx

falstaffx
strikex down with themx cut the villainsx throatsx ahx whoreson
caterpillarsx baconxfed knavesx they hate us youthx down with themx
fleece themx

first travellerx
ox wexre undonex both we and ours for everx

falstaffx
hang yex gorbellied knavesx are ye undonex nox ye fat chuffsx i would
your store were herex onx bacons onx whatx ye knavesx young men must
livex you are grandxjurorsx are yex wexll jure yex ixfaithx

xexeunt falsxx gadsxx xcxx driving the travellers outxx

xrexenter prince henry and poinsx in buckram suitsxx

princex
the thieves have bound the true menx nowx could thou and i rob the
thievesx and go merrily to londonx it would be argument for a weekx
laughter for a monthx and a good jest for everx

poinsx
stand closex  i hear them comingx

xthey retirexx

xrexenter falstaffx gadshillx bardolphx and petoxx

falstaffx
comex my mastersx let us sharex and then to horse before dayx
an the prince and poins be not two arrant cowardsx therexs no
equity stirringx  therexs no more valour in that poins than in a

wild duckx

xas they are sharingx the prince and poins set upon themxx

princex
your moneyx

poinsx
villainsx

xfalstaffx after a blow or twox and the others run awayx leaving the
booty behind themxx

princex
got with much easex now merrily to horsex
the thieves are scatterxdx and possessxd with fear
so strongly that they dare not meet each otherx
each takes his fellow for an officerx
awayx good nedx fat falstaff sweats to deathx
and lards the lean earth as he walks alongx
werext not for laughingx i should pity himx

poinsx
how the rogue roarxdx

xexeuntxx

scene iiix warkworthx  a room in the castlex

xenter hotspurx reading a letterxx

hotspurx
xbutx for mine own partx my lordx i could be well contented to be
therex in respect of the love i bear your housexxhe could be contentedx
why is he notx thenx in respect of the love he bears our housexxhe
shows in thisx he loves his own barn better than he loves our housex
let me see some morex the purpose you undertake is dangerousxxwhyx
thatxs certainx  xtis dangerous to take a coldx to sleepx to drinkx but
i tell youx my lord foolx out of this nettlex dangerx we pluck this
flowerx safetyx the purpose you undertake is dangerousx the friends you
have named uncertainx the time itself unsortedx and your whole plot too
light for the counterpoise of so great an oppositionxx say you sox say
you sox  i say unto you againx you are a shallowx cowardly hindx and
you liex what a lackxbrain is thisx by the lordx our plot is a good
plot as ever was laidx our friends true and constantx a good plotx good
friendsx and full of expectationx an excellent plotx very good friendsx
what a frostyxspirited rogue is thisx whyx my lord of york commends the
plot and the general course of the actionx zwoundsx an i were now by
this rascalx i could brain him with his ladyxs fanx is there not my
fatherx my unclex and myselfx lord edmund mortimerx my lord of yorkx
and owen glendowerx is there notx besidesx the douglasx have i not all
their letters to meet me in arms by the ninth of the next monthx and
are they not some of them set forward alreadyx what a pagan rascal is
thisx an infidelx hax you shall see nowx in very sincerity of fear and
cold heartx will he to the kingx and lay open all our proceedingsx ox i
could divide myselfx and go to buffetsx for moving such a dish of
skimmxd milk with so honourable an actionx hang himx let him tell the
kingx  we are preparedx i will set forward toxnightxx

xenter lady percyxx

how nowx katex i must leave you within these two hoursx

lady percyx
ox my good lordx why are you thus alonex
for what offence have i this fortnight been
a banishxd woman from my harryxs bedx
tell mex sweet lordx what isxt that takes from thee
thy stomachx pleasurex and thy golden sleepx
why dost thou bend thine eyes upon the earthx
and start so often when thou sittxst alonex
why hast thou lost the fresh blood in thy cheeksx
and given my treasures and my rights of thee
to thickxeyed musing and curst melancholyx
in thy faint slumbers i by thee have watchxdx
and heard thee murmur tales of iron warsx
speak terms of manage to thy bounding steedx
cry couragex to the fieldx  and thou hast talkxd
of sallies and retiresx of trenchesx tentsx
of palisadoesx frontiersx parapetsx
of basilisksx of cannonx culverinx
of prisoners ransomedx and of soldiers slainx
and all the currents of a heady fightx
thy spirit within thee hath been so at warx
and thus hath so bestirrxd thee in thy sleepx
that beads of sweat have stood upon thy browx
like bubbles in a latexdisturbed streamx
and in thy face strange motions have appearxdx
such as we see when men restrain their breath
on some great sudden hestx ox what portents are thesex
some heavy business hath my lord in handx
and i must know itx else he loves me notx

hotspurx
whatx hox

xenter a servantxx

is gilliams with the packet gonex

servantx
he isx my lordx an hour agox

hotspurx
hath butler brought those horses from the sheriffx

servantx
one horsex my lordx he brought even nowx

hotspurx
what horsex a roanx a cropxearx is it notx

servantx
it isx my lordx

hotspurx
that roan shall be my thronex
wellx i will back him straightx  o esperancexx
bid butler lead him forth into the parkx

xexit servantxx

lady percyx
but hear youx my lordx

hotspurx
what sayxst thoux my ladyx

lady percyx
what is it carries you awayx

hotspurx
whyx my horsex my lovex my horsex

lady percyx
outx you madxheaded apex
a weasel hath not such a deal of spleen
as you are tossxd withx in faithx
ixll know your businessx harryx that i willx
i fear my brother mortimer doth stir
about his titlex and hath sent for you
to line his enterprisex  but if you goxx

hotspurx
so far axfootx i shall be wearyx lovex

lady percyx
comex comex you paraquitox answer me
directly to this question that i askx
in faithx ixll break thy little fingerx harryx
an if thou wilt not tell me truex

hotspurx
awayx
awayx you triflerx lovex i love thee notx
i care not for theex katex  this is no world
to play with mammets and to tilt with lipsx
we must have bloody noses and crackxd crownsx
and pass them current tooxxgods mex my horsexx
what sayxst thoux katex what wouldst thou have with mex

lady percyx
do you not love mex do you not indeedx
wellx do notx thenx forx since you love me notx
i will not love myselfx do you not love mex
nayx tell me if you speak in jest or nox

hotspurx
comex wilt thou see me ridex
and when i am ox horsebackx i will swear
i love thee infinitelyx but hark youx katex
i must not have you henceforth question me
whither i gox nor reason whereaboutx
whither i mustx i mustx andx to concludex
this evening must i leave youx gentle katex
i know you wisex but yet no further wise
than harry percyxs wifex constant you arex
but yet a womanx  andx for secrecyx
no lady closerx for i well believe
thou wilt not utter what thou dost not knowx
and so far will i trust theex gentle katex

lady percyx
howx so farx

hotspurx
not an inch furtherx but hark youx katex
whither i gox thither shall you go toox
toxday will i set forthx toxmorrow youx
will this content youx katex

lady percyx
it must of forcex

xexeuntxx

scene ivx eastcheapx a room in the boarxsxhead tavernx

xenter prince henryxx

princex
nedx prxytheex come out of that fat roomx and lend me thy hand to laugh
a littlex

xenter poinsxx

poinsx
where hast beenx halx

princex
with three or four loggerheads amongst three or fourscore hogsheadsx i
have sounded the very basexstring of humilityx sirrahx i am sworn
brother to a leash of drawersx and can call them all by their christian
namesx asx tomx dickx and francisx they take it already upon their
salvationx that though i be but prince of walesx yet i am the king of
courtesyx and tell me flatly i am no proud jackx like falstaffx but a
corinthianx a lad of mettlex a good boyxxby the lordx so they call
mexxandx when i am king of englandx i shall command all the good lads
in eastcheapx they call drinking deepx dying scarletx andx when you
breathe in your wateringx they cry hemx and bid you play it offx to
concludex i am so good a proficient in one quarter of an hourx that i
can drink with any tinker in his own language during my lifex i tell
theex nedx thou hast lost much honourx that thou wert not with me in
this actionx butx sweet nedxxto sweeten which name of nedx i give thee
this pennyworth of sugarx clappxd even now into my hand by an
underxskinkerx one that never spake other english in his life than
eight shillings and sixpencex and you are welcomex with this shrill
additionx anonx anonx sirx score a pint of bastard in the halfxmoonxxor
sox  butx nedx to drive away the time till falstaff comex i prxytheex
do thou stand in some byxroomx while i question my puny drawer to what
end he gave me the sugarx and do thou never leave calling francisx that
his tale to me may be nothing but anonx  step asidex and ixll show thee
a precedentx

xexit poinsxx

poinsx
xwithinxx  francisx

princex

thou art perfectx

poinsx
xwithinxx  francisx

xenter francisxx

francisx
anonx anonx sirxxlook down into the pomegranatex ralphx

princex
come hitherx francisx

francisx
my lordx

princex
how long hast thou to servex francisx

francisx
forsoothx five yearsx and as much as tox

poinsx
xwithinxx francisx

francisx
anonx anonx sirx

princex
five yearx byxr ladyx a long lease for the clinking of pewterx butx
francisx darest thou be so valiant as to play the coward with thy
indenture and show it a fair pair of heels and run from itx

francisx
o lordx sirx ixll be sworn upon all the books in englandx
i could find in my heartx

poinsx
xwithinxx francisx

francisx
anonx anonx sirx

princex
how old art thoux francisx

francisx
let me seexxabout michaelmas next i shall bex

poinsx
xwithinxx francisx

francisx
anonx sirxxpray youx stay a littlex my lordx

princex
nayx but hark youx francisx  for the sugar thou gavest mex xtwas a
pennyworthx wasxt notx

francisx
o lordx sirx i would it had been twox

princex
i will give thee for it a thousand poundx  ask me when thou wiltx and
thou shalt have itx

poinsx
xwithinxx francisx

francisx
anonx anonx

princex
anonx francisx nox francisx but toxmorrowx francisx orx
francisx a thursdayx orx indeedx francisx when thou wiltx butx
francisxx

francisx
my lordx

princex
xwilt thou rob this leathernxjerkinx crystalxbuttonx nottxpatedx
agatexringx pukexstockingx caddisxgarterx smoothxtonguex
spanishxpouchxx

francisx
o lordx sirx who do you meanx

princex
whyx thenx your brown bastard is your only drinkx forx look youx
francisx your white canvas doublet will sullyx  in barbaryx sirx it
cannot come to so muchx

francisx
whatx sirx

poinsx
xwithinxx francisx

princex
awayx you roguex dost thou not hear them callx

xhere they both call himx francis stands amazedx not knowing which way
to goxx

xenter vintnerxx

vintnerx
whatx standxst thou stillx and hearxst such a callingx look to the
guests withinx xexit francisxxxmy lordx old sir johnx with halfxaxdozen
morex are at the doorx  shall i let them inx

princex
let them alone awhilex and then open the doorx

xexit vintnerxx

poinsx

xrexenter poinsxx

poinsx
anonx anonx sirx

princex
sirrahx falstaff and the rest of the thieves are at the doorx  shall we
be merryx

poinsx
as merry as cricketsx my ladx but hark yex what cunning match have you
made with this jest of the drawerx comex whatxs the issuex

princex
i am now of all humours that have showed themselves humours since the
old days of goodman adam to the pupil age of this present twelve
oxclock at midnightxxwhatxs oxclockx francisx

francisx
xwithinxx  anonx anonx sirx

princex
that ever this fellow should have fewer words than a parrotx and yet
the son of a womanx his industry is upxstairs and downxstairsx his
eloquence the parcel of a reckoningx i am not yet of percyxs mindx the
hotspur of the northx he that kills me some six or seven dozen of scots
at a breakfastx washes his handsx and says to his wifex fie upon this
quiet lifex i want workx o my sweet harryx says shex how many hast thou
 killxd toxdayx  give my roan horse a drenchx says hex and answersx
some fourteenx an hour afterxxa triflex a triflex i prxytheex call in
falstaffx  ixll play percyx and that damnxd brawn shall play dame
mortimer his wifex rivox says the drunkardx call in ribsx call in
tallowx

xenter falstaffx gadshillx bardolphx and petox followed by
francis with winexx

poinsx
welcomex jackx  where hast thou beenx

falstaffx
a plague of all cowardsx i sayx and a vengeance toox marryx and
amenxx
give me a cup of sackx boyxxere i lead this life longx ixll sew
netherxstocksx and mend them and foot them toox a plague of all
cowardsxx
give me a cup of sackx roguexxis there no virtue extantx

xdrinksxx

princex
didst thou never see titan kiss a dish of butterx pitifulxhearted
butterx that melted at the sweet tale of the sunx if thou didstx then
behold that compoundx

falstaffx
you roguex herexs lime in this sack toox  there is nothing but roguery
to be found in villainous manx  yet a coward is worse than a cup of
sack with lime in itx a villanous cowardxxgo thy waysx old jackx  die
when thou wiltx if manhoodx good manhoodx be not forgot upon the face
of the earthx then am i a shotten herringx there live not three good
men unhangxd in englandx and one of them is fatx and grows oldx god
help the whilex a bad worldx i sayx i would i were a weaverx i could
sing psalms or any thingx a plague of all cowardsx i say stillx

princex
how nowx woolxsackx what mutter youx

falstaffx
a kingxs sonx if i do not beat thee out of thy kingdom with a dagger of
lathx and drive all thy subjects afore thee like a flock of wildxgeesex
ixll never wear hair on my face morex you prince of walesx

princex
whyx you whoreson round manx whatxs the matterx

falstaffx
are not you a cowardx answer me to thatxxand poins therex

poinsx
zwoundsx ye fat paunchx an ye call me cowardx by the lordx ixll stab
theex

falstaffx
i call thee cowardx  ixll see thee damnxd ere i call thee cowardx but i
would give a thousand poundx i could run as fast as thou canstx you are
straight enough in the shouldersx you care not who sees your backx
call you that backing of your friendsx a plague upon such backingx give
me them that will face mexxgive me a cup of sackx i am a roguex if i
drunk toxdayx

princex
o villainx thy lips are scarce wiped since thou drunkxst lastx

falstaffx
all is one for thatx a plague of all cowardsx still say ix

xdrinksxx

princex
whatxs the matterx

falstaffx
whatxs the matterx there be four of us here have taxen a thousand pound
this day morningx

princex
where is itx jackx where is itx

falstaffx
where is itx taken from us it isx  a hundred upon poor four of usx

princex
whatx a hundredx manx

falstaffx
i am a roguex if i were not at halfxsword with a dozen of them two
hours togetherx i have xscaped by miraclex i am eight times thrust
through the doubletx four through the hosex my buckler cut through and
throughx my sword hackxd like a handxsawxxecce signumx i never dealt
better since i was a manx  all would not dox a plague of all cowardsx
let them speakx  if they speak more or less than truthx they are
villains and the sons of darknessx

princex
speakx sirsx how was itx

gadshillx
we four set upon some dozenxx

falstaffx
sixteen at leastx my lordx

gadshillx
xand bound themx

petox
nox nox they were not boundx

falstaffx
you roguex they were boundx every man of themx or i am a jew elsex an
ebrew jewx

gadshillx
as we were sharingx some six or seven fresh men sea upon usxx

falstaffx
and unbound the restx and then come in the otherx

princex
whatx fought you with them allx

falstaffx
allx i know not what you call allx but if i fought not with fifty of
themx i am a bunch of radishx  if there were not two or three and fifty
upon poor old jackx then am i no twoxlegged creaturex

princex
pray god you have not murdered some of themx

falstaffx
nayx thatxs past praying forx i have pepperxd two of themx two i
am sure i have paidx two rogues in buckram suitsx i tell thee whatx
halx if i tell thee a liex spit in my facex call me horsex
thou knowest my old wardx  here i layx and thus i bore my pointx
four rogues in buckram let drive at mexx

princex
whatx fourx thou saidst but two even nowx

falstaffx
fourx halx i told thee fourx

poinsx
ayx ayx he said fourx

falstaffx
these four came all axfrontx and mainly thrust at mex i made me no more
ado but took all their seven points in my targetx thusx

princex
sevenx whyx there were but four even nowx

falstaffx
in buckramx

poinsx
ayx fourx in buckram suitsx

falstaffx
sevenx by these hiltsx or i am a villain elsex

princex
xaside to poinsxx prxythee let him alonex we shall have more anonx

falstaffx
dost thou hear mex halx

princex
ayx and mark thee toox jackx

falstaffx
do sox for it is worth the listening tox these nine in buckram that i
told thee ofxx

princex
sox two more alreadyx

falstaffx
xtheir points being brokenxx

poinsx
down fell their hosex

falstaffx
xbegan to give me groundx  but i followed me closex came in foot and
handx and with a thought seven of the eleven i paidx

princex
o monstrousx eleven buckram men grown out of twox

falstaffx
butx as the devil would have itx three misbegotten knaves in kendal
green came at my back and let drive at mex for it was so darkx halx
that thou couldst not see thy handx

princex
these lies are like the father that begets themx gross as a mountainx
openx palpablex whyx thou nottxpated foolx thou whoresonx obscene
greasy tallowxkeechxx

falstaffx
whatx art thou madx art thou madx is not the truth the truthx

princex
whyx how couldst thou know these men in kendal greenx when it was so
dark thou couldst not see thy handx comex tell us your reasonx what
sayest thou to thisx

poinsx
comex your reasonx jackx your reasonx

falstaffx
whatx upon compulsionx nox were i at the strappadox or all the racks in
the worldx i would not tell you on compulsionx give you a reason on
compulsionx if reasons were as plentiful as blackberriesx i would give
no man a reason upon compulsionx ix

princex
ixll be no longer guilty of this sinx this sanguine cowardx this
bedxpresserx this horsexbackxbreakerx this huge hill of fleshxx

falstaffx
awayx you starvelingx you eelxskinx you dried neatxsxtonguex you
stockxfishxx
ox for breath to utter what is like theexxyou tailorxsxyardx you
sheathx you bowxcasex you vile standing tuckxx

princex
wellx breathe awhilex and then to it againx  andx when thou hast tired
thyself in base comparisonsx hear me speak but thisxx

poinsx
markx jackx

princex
xwe two saw you four set on fourx you bound themx and were masters of
their wealthxxmark nowx how a plain tale shall put you downxx then did
we two set on you fourx andx with a wordx outfaced you from your prizex
and have itx yeax and can show it you here in the housex andx falstaffx
you carried yourself away as nimblyx with as quick dexterityx and
roared for mercyx and still ran and roarxdx as ever i heard bullxcalfx
what a slave art thoux to hack thy sword as thou hast donex and then
say it was in fightx what trickx what devicex what startingxhole canst
thou now find out to hide thee from this open and apparent shamex

poinsx
comex letxs hearx jackx what trick hast thou nowx

falstaffx
by the lordx i knew ye as well as he that made yex whyx hear yex my
mastersx was it for me to kill the heirxapparentx should i turn upon
the true princex whyx thou knowest i am as valiant as herculesx  but
beware instinctx the lion will not touch the true princex instinct is a
great matterx i was now a coward on instinctx i shall think the better
of myself and thee during my lifex i for a valiant lionx and thou for a
true princex  butx by the lordx ladsx i am glad you have the moneyxx
xto hostess withinxx  hostessx clapxto the doorsx  watch toxnightx pray
toxmorrowxxgallantsx ladsx boysx hearts of goldx all the titles of good
fellowship come to youx whatx shall we be merryx shall we have a play
extemporex

princex
contentx and the argument shall be thy running awayx

falstaffx
ahx no more of thatx halx an thou lovest mex

xenter the hostessxx

hostessx
o jesux my lord the princexx

princex
how nowx my lady the hostessx what sayxst thou to mex

hostessx
marryx my lordx there is a nobleman of the court at door would speak
with youx he says he comes from your fatherx

princex
give him as much as will make him a royal manx and send him back again
to my motherx

falstaffx
what manner of man is hex

hostessx
an old manx

falstaffx
what doth gravity out of his bed at midnightx shall i give him his
answerx

princex
prxytheex dox jackx

falstaffx
faithx and ixll send him packingx

xexitxx

princex
nowx sirsxxbyxr ladyx you fought fairxxso did youx petoxxso did youx
bardolphx  you are lionsx toox you ran away upon instinctx you will not
touch the true princex noxxfiex

bardolphx
faithx i ran when i saw others runx

princex
tell me now in earnestx how came falstaffxs sword so hackxdx

petox
whyx he hackxd it with his daggerx and said he would swear truth out of
englandx but he would make you believe it was done in fightx and
persuaded us to do the likex

bardolphx
yeax and to tickle our noses with spearxgrass to make them bleedx and
then to beslubber our garments with itx and swear it was the blood of
true menx i did that i did not this seven year beforex i blushxd to
hear his monstrous devicesx

princex
o villainx thou stolest a cup of sack eighteen years agox and wert
taken with the mannerx and ever since thou hast blushxd extemporex thou
hadst fire and sword on thy sidex and yet thou rannxst awayx what
instinct hadst thou for itx

bardolphx
my lordx do you see these meteorsx do you behold these exhalationsx

princex
i dox

bardolphx
what think you they portendx

princex
hot livers and cold pursesx

bardolphx
cholerx my lordx if rightly takenx

princex
nox if rightly takenx halterxxhere comes lean jackx here comes
barexbonexx

xenter falstaffxx

how nowx my sweet creature of bombastx how long isxt agox jackx since
thou sawxst thine own kneex

falstaffx
my own kneex when i was about thy yearsx halx i was not an eaglexs
talon in the waistx i could have crept into any aldermanxs thumbxringx
a plague of sighing and griefx it blows a man up like a bladderx
therexs villanous news abroadx  here was sir john bracy from your
fatherx you must to the court in the morningx that same mad fellow of
the northx percyx and he of walesx that gave amaimon the bastinadox and
swore the devil his true liegeman upon the cross of a welsh hookxxwhat
a plague call you himx

poinsx
ox glendowerx

falstaffx
owenx owenxxthe samex and his sonxinxlaw mortimerx and old
northumberlandx and that sprightly scot of scotsx douglasx that
runs ox horseback up a hill perpendicularxx

princex
he that rides at high speed and with his pistol kills a sparrow flyingx

falstaffx
you have hit itx

princex
so did he never the sparrowx

falstaffx
wellx that rascal hath good metal in himx he will not runx

princex
whyx what a rascal art thoux thenx to praise him so for runningx

falstaffx
ox horsebackx ye cuckoox but axfoot he will not budge a footx

princex
yesx jackx upon instinctx

falstaffx
i grant yex upon instinctx wellx he is there toox and one mordakex and
a thousand bluexcaps morex worcester is stolen away toxnightx thy
fatherxs beard is turnxd white with the newsx  you may buy land now as
cheap as stinking mackerelx butx tell mex halx art not thou horrible
afeardx thou being heirxapparentx could the world pick thee out three
such enemies again as that fiend douglasx that spirit percyx and that
devil glendowerx art thou not horribly afraidx doth not thy blood
thrill at itx

princex
not a whitx ixfaithx i lack some of thy instinctx

falstaffx
wellx thou wilt be horribly chid toxmorrow when thou comest to thy
fatherx  if thou love lifex practise an answerx

princex
do thou stand for my father and examine me upon the particulars of my
lifex

falstaffx
shall ix contentx  this chair shall be my statex this dagger my
sceptrex and this cushion my crownx

princex
thy state is taken for a jointxstoolx thy golden sceptre for a leaden
daggerx and thy precious rich crown for a pitiful bald crownx

falstaffx
wellx an the fire of grace be not quite out of theex now shalt thou be
movedxx give me a cup of sackx to make my eyes look redx that it may be
thought i have weptx for i must speak in passionx and i will do it in
king cambysesx veinx

princex
wellx here is my legx

falstaffx
and here is my speechxxstand asidex nobilityx

hostessx
o jesux this is excellent sportx i faithx

falstaffx
weep notx sweet queenx for trickling tears are vainx

hostessx
ox the fatherx how he holds his countenancex

falstaffx
for godxs sakex lordsx convey my tristful queenx
for tears do stop the floodgates of her eyesx

hostessx
o jesux he doth it as like one of these harlotry players as ever
i seex

falstaffx
peacex good pintxpotx peacex good ticklexbrainxxharryx i do not only
marvel where thou spendest thy timex but also how thou art accompaniedx
 for though the camomilex the more it is trodden onx the faster it
growsx yet youthx the more it is wastedx the sooner it wearsx that thou
art my sonx i have partly thy motherxs wordx partly my own opinionx but
chiefly a villainous trick of thine eyex and a foolish hanging of thy
nether lipx that doth warrant mex ifx thenx thou be son to mex here
lies the pointx  whyx being son to mex art thou so pointed atx shall
the blessed sun of heaven prove a micherx and eat blackberriesx a
question not to be askxdx shall the son of england prove a thiefx and
take pursesx a question to be askxdx there is a thingx harryx which
thou hast often heard ofx and it is known to many in our land by the
name of pitchx  this pitchx as ancient writers do reportx doth defilex
so doth the company thou keepestx  forx harryx now i do not speak to
thee in drinkx but in tearsx not in pleasurex but in passionx not in
words onlyx but in woes alsox  and yet there is a virtuous man whom i
have often noted in thy companyx but i know not his namex

princex
what manner of manx an it like your majestyx

falstaffx
a goodly portly manx ixfaithx and a corpulentx of a cheerful lookx a
pleasing eyex and a most noble carriagex andx as i thinkx his age some
fiftyx orx byxr ladyx inclining to threescorex and now i remember mex
his name is falstaffx  if that man should be lewdly givenx he deceiveth
mex forx harryx i see virtue in his looksx ifx thenx the tree may be
known by the fruitx as the fruit by the treex thenx peremptorily i
speak itx there is virtue in that falstaffx  him keep withx the rest
banishx and tell me nowx thou naughty varletx tell me where hast thou
been this monthx

princex
dost thou speak like a kingx do thou stand for mex and ixll play my
fatherx

falstaffx
depose mex if thou dost it half so gravelyx so majesticallyx both in
word and matterx hang me up by the heels for a rabbitxsucker or a
poulterxs harex

princex
wellx here i am setx

falstaffx
and here i standxxjudgex my mastersx

princex
nowx harryx whence come youx

falstaffx
my noble lordx from eastcheapx

princex
the complaints i hear of thee are grievousx

falstaffx
xsbloodx my lordx they are falsexxnayx ixll tickle ye for a young
princex ixfaithx

princex
swearest thoux ungracious boyx henceforth nexer look on mex thou art
violently carried away from gracex  there is a devil haunts theex in
the likeness of an old fat manxxa tun of man is thy companionx why dost
thou converse with that trunk of humoursx that boltingxhutch of
beastlinessx that swollen parcel of dropsiesx that huge bombard of
sackx that roasted manningtree ox with the pudding in his bellyx that
reverend vicex that grey iniquityx that father ruffianx that vanity in
yearsx wherein is he goodx but to taste sack and drink itx wherein neat
and cleanlyx but to carve a capon and eat itx wherein cunningx but in
craftx wherein craftyx but in villanyx wherein villainousx but in all
thingsx wherein worthyx but in nothingx

falstaffx
i would your grace would take me with youx  whom means your gracex

princex
that villainous abominable misleader of youthx falstaffx that old
whitexbearded satanx

falstaffx
my lordx the man i knowx

princex
i know thou dostx

falstaffx
but to say i know more harm in him than in myselfx were to say more
than i knowx that he is oldxxxthe more the pityxxhis white hairs do
witness itx if sack and sugar be a faultx god help the wickedx if to be
old and merry be a sinx then many an old host that i know is damnxdx if
to be fat be to be hatedx then pharaohxs lean kine are to be lovedx nox
my good lordx  banish petox banish bardolphx banish poinsx butx for
sweet jack falstaffx kind jack falstaffx true jack falstaffx valiant
jack falstaffx and therefore more valiantx beingx as he isx old jack
falstaffx banish not him thy harryxs companyx banish not him thy
harryxs companyx  banish plump jackx and banish all the worldx

princex
i dox i willx

xa knocking heardxx

xexeunt hostessx francisx and bardolphxx

xenter bardolphx runningxx

bardolphx
ox my lordx my lordx the sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the
doorx

falstaffx
outx ye roguexxplay out the playx  i have much to say in the behalf of
that falstaffx

xrexenter the hostessx hastilyxx

hostessx
o jesux my lordx my lordxx

princex
heighx heighx the devil rides upon a fiddlestickx  whatxs the matterx

hostessx
the sheriff and all the watch are at the doorx  they are come to search
the housex shall i let them inx

falstaffx
dost thou hearx halx never call a true piece of gold a counterfeitx
thou art essentially mad without seeming sox

princex
and thou a natural cowardx without instinctx

falstaffx
i deny your majorx  if you will deny the sheriffx sox if notx let him
enterx  if i become not a cart as well as another manx a plague on my
bringing upx i hope i shall as soon be strangled with a halter as
anotherx

princex
gox hide thee behind the arrasxxthe rest walkx up abovex  nowx my
mastersx for a true face and good consciencex

falstaffx
both which i have hadx but their date is outx and therefore ixll hide
mex

princex
call in the sheriffxx

xexeunt all but the prince and poinsxx

xenter sheriff and carrierxx

nowx master sheriffx whatxs your will with mex

sheriffx
firstx pardon mex my lordx a huexandxcry
hath followed certain men unto this housex

princex
what menx

sheriffx
one of them is well knownx my gracious lordxx
a gross fat manx

carrierx
as fat as butterx

princex
the manx i do assure youx is not herex
for i myself at this time have employxd himx
andx sheriffx i will engage my word to theex
that i willx by toxmorrow dinnerxtimex
send him to answer theex or any manx
for any thing he shall be charged withalx
and sox let me entreat you leave the housex

sheriffx
i willx my lordx there are two gentlemen
have in this robbery lost three hundred marksx

princex
it may be sox  if he have robbxd these menx
he shall be answerablex and sox farewellx

sheriffx
good nightx my noble lordx

princex
i think it is good morrowx is it notx

sheriffx
indeedx my lordx i thinkxt be two oxclockx

xexit sheriff and carrierxx

princex
this oily rascal is known as well as paulxsx gox call him forthx

poinsx
falstaffxxfast asleep behind the arrasx and snorting like a horsex

princex
harkx how hard he fetches breathx search his pocketsx

xpoins searchesxx

what hast thou foundx

poinsx
nothing but papersx my lordx

princex
letxs see what they bex  read themx

poinsx
xreadsx
itemx a caponx x x x x x x x x x  xsx xdx
itemx saucex x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xdx
itemx sack two gallons xx x x xsx xdx
itemx anchovies and sack after supperx  xsx xdx
itemx breadx x x x x x x x x x x x x x xobx

princex
o monstrousx but one halfxpennyworth of bread to this intolerable deal
of sackx what there is elsex keep closex wexll read it at more
advantagex  there let him sleep till dayx ixll to the court in the
morningx we must all to the warsx and thy place shall be honourablex
ixll procure this fat rogue a charge of footx and i know his death will
be a march of twelvexscorex the money shall be paid back again with
advantagex be with me betimes in the morningx and sox good morrowx
poinsx

poinsx
good morrowx good my lordx

xexeuntxx

act iii

scene ix bangorx a room in the archdeaconxs housex

xenter hotspurx worcesterx mortimerx and glendowerxx

mortimerx
these promises are fairx the parties surex
and our induction full of prosperous hopex

hotspurx
lord mortimerxxand cousin glendowerxxwill you sit downxx
and uncle worcesterxxa plague upon itx  i have forgot the mapx

glendowerx
nox here it isx
sitx cousin percyx sitx good cousin hotspurx
for by that name as oft as lancaster
doth speak of youx his cheek looks palex and with
a rising sigh he wisheth you in heavenx

hotspurx
and you in hellx as oft as he hears owen glendower spoke ofx

glendowerx
i cannot blame himx  at my nativity
the front of heaven was full of fiery shapesx
of burning cressetsx ayx and at my birth
the frame and huge foundation of the earth
shaked like a cowardx

hotspurx
whyx so it would have done at the same seasonx if your motherxs cat had
but kittenxdx though yourself had never been bornx

glendowerx
i say the earth did shake when i was bornx

hotspurx
and i say the earth was not of my mindx if you suppose as fearing you
it shookx

glendowerx
the heavens were all on firex the earth did tremblex

hotspurx
ox then thx earth shook to see the heavens on firex
and not in fear of your nativityx
diseased nature oftentimes breaks forth
in strange eruptionsx oft the teeming earth
is with a kind of colic pinchxd and vexxd
by the imprisoning of unruly wind
within her wombx whichx for enlargement strivingx
shakes the old beldam earthx and topples down
steeples and mossxgrown towersx at your birthx
our grandam earthx having this distemperaturex
in passion shookx

glendowerx
cousinx of many men
i do not bear these crossingsx give me leave
to tell you once againx that at my birth
the front of heaven was full of fiery shapesx
the goats ran from the mountainsx and the herds
were strangely clamorous to the frighted fieldsx
these signs have markxd me extraordinaryx
and all the courses of my life do show
i am not in the roll of common menx
where is he livingxxclippxd in with the sea
that chides the banks of englandx scotlandx walesxx
which calls me pupilx or hath read to mex
and bring him out that is but womanxs son
can trace me in the tedious ways of artx
and hold me pace in deep experimentsx

hotspurx
i think there is no man speaks better welshxxixll to dinnerx

mortimerx
peacex cousin percyx you will make him madx

glendowerx
i can call spirits from the vasty deepx

hotspurx
whyx so can ix or so can any manx
but will they come when you do call for themx

glendowerx
whyx i can teach youx cousinx to command the devilx

hotspurx
and i can teach theex cozx to shame the devil
by telling truthx  tell truthx and shame the devilx
if thou have power to raise himx bring him hitherx
and ixll be sworn ixve power to shame him hencex
ox while you livex tell truthx and shame the devilx

mortimerx
comex comex no more of this unprofitable chatx

glendowerx
three times hath henry bolingbroke made head
against my powerx thrice from the banks of wye
and sandyxbottomxd severn have i sent
him bootless home and weatherxbeaten backx

hotspurx
home without bootsx and in foul weather toox
how xscaped he aguesx in the devilxs namex

glendowerx
comex herexs the mapx  shall we divide our right
according to our threefold order taxenx

mortimerx
thx archdeacon hath divided it
into three limits very equallyx
englandx from trent and severn hithertox
by south and east is to my part assignxdx
all westwardx wales beyond the severn shorex
and all the fertile land within that boundx
to owen glendowerxxandx dear cozx to you
the remnant northwardx lying off from trentx
and our indentures tripartite are drawnx
which being sealed interchangeablyxx
a business that this night may executexx
toxmorrowx cousin percyx youx and ix
and my good lord of worcesterx will set forth
to meet your father and the scottish powerx
as is appointed usx at shrewsburyx
my father glendower is not ready yetx
nor shall we need his help these fourteen daysxx
xto glendxx within that space you may have drawn together
your tenantsx friendsx and neighbouring gentlemenx

glendowerx
a shorter time shall send me to youx lordsx
and in my conduct shall your ladies comex
from whom you now must stealx and take no leavex
for there will be a world of water shed
upon the parting of your wives and youx

hotspurx
methinks my moietyx north from burton herex
in quantity equals not one of yoursx
see how this river comes me cranking inx
and cuts me from the best of all my land
a huge halfxmoonx a monstrous cantle outx
ixll have the current in this place damnxd upx
and here the smug and sliver trent shall run
in a new channelx fair and evenlyx
it shall not wind with such a deep indentx
to rob me of so rich a bottom herex

glendowerx
not windx it shallx it mustx you see it dothx

mortimerx
yeax but
mark how he bears his coursex and runs me up
with like advantage on the other sidex
gelding thx opposed continent as much
as on the other side it takes from youx

worcesterx
yeax but a little charge will trench him herex
and on this north side win this cape of landx
and then he runneth straight and evenlyx

hotspurx
ixll have it sox  a little charge will do itx

glendowerx
i will not have it alterxdx

hotspurx
will not youx

glendowerx
nox nor you shall notx

hotspurx
who shall say me nayx

glendowerx
whyx that will ix

hotspurx
let me not understand youx thenx speak it in welshx

glendowerx
i can speak englishx lordx as well as youx
for i was trainxd up in the english courtx
wherex being but youngx i framed to the harp
many an english ditty lovely wellx
and gave the tongue a helpful ornamentx
a virtue that was never seen in youx

hotspurx
marryx and i am glad of it with all my heartx
i had rather be a kittenx and cry mewx
than one of these same metre balletxmongersx
i had rather hear a brazen canstick turnxdx
or a dry wheel grate on the axletreex
and that would set my teeth nothing on edgex
nothing so much as mincing poetryx
xtis like the forced gait of a shuffling nagx

glendowerx
comex you shall have trent turnxdx

hotspurx
i do not carex  ixll give thrice so much land
to any wellxdeserving friendx
but in the way of bargainx mark ye mex
ixll cavil on the ninth part of a hairx
are the indentures drawnx shall we be gonex
glendx

the moon shines fairx you may away by nightx
ixll in and haste the writerx and withal
break with your wives of your departure hencex
i am afraid my daughter will run madx
so much she doteth on her mortimerx

xexitxx

mortimerx
fiex cousin percyx how you cross my fatherx

hotspurx
i cannot choosex  sometimes he angers me
with telling me of the moldwarp and the antx
of the dreamer merlin and his propheciesx
and of a dragon and a finless fishx
a clipxwingxd griffin and a moulten ravenx
a couching lion and a ramping catx
and such a deal of skimblexskamble stuff
as puts me from my faithx i tell you whatx
he held me last night at the least nine hours
in reckoning up the several devilsx names
that were his lacqueysx  i cried humx and wellx
but markxd him not a wordx ox hexs as tedious
as a tired horsex a railing wifex
worse than a smoky housex i had rather live
with cheese and garlic in a windmillx farx
than feed on cates and have him talk to me
in any summerxhouse in christendomx

mortimerx
in faithx he is a worthy gentlemanx
exceedingly wellxreadx and profited
in strange concealmentsx valiant as a lionx
and wondrous affablex and as bountiful
as mines of indiax shall i tell youx cousinx
he holds your temper in a high respectx
and curbs himself even of his natural scope
when you do cross his humourx faithx he doesx
i warrant youx that man is not alive
might so have tempted him as you have donex
without the taste of danger and reproofx
but do not use it oftx let me entreat youx

worcesterx
in faithx my lordx you are too wilfulxbluntx
and since your coming hither have done enough
to put him quite beside his patiencex
you must needs learnx lordx to amend this faultx
though sometimes it show greatnessx couragex bloodx
and thatxs the dearest grace it renders youxx
yet oftentimes it doth present harsh ragex
defect of mannersx want of governmentx
pridex haughtinessx opinionx and disdainx
the least of which haunting a nobleman
loseth menxs heartsx and leaves behind a stain
upon the beauty of all parts besidesx
beguiling them of commendationx

hotspurx
wellx i am schoolxdx  good manners be your speedx
here come our wivesx and let us take our leavex

xrexenter glendowerx with lady mortimer and lady percyxx

mortimerx
this is the deadly spite that angers mex
my wife can speak no englishx i no welshx

glendowerx
my daughter weepsx  she will not part with youx
shexll be a soldier toox shexll to the warsx

mortimerx
good fatherx tell her that she and my aunt percy
shall follow in your conduct speedilyx

xglendower speaks to lady mortimer in welshx and she answers him in the
samexx

glendowerx
shexs desperate herex a peevish selfxwillxd harlotryx
one that no persuasion can do good uponx

xlady mortimer speaks to mortimer in welshxx

mortimerx
i understand thy looksx that pretty welsh
which thou pourxst down from these swelling heavens
i am too perfect inx andx but for shamex
in such a parley should i answer theex

xlady mortimer speaks to him again in welshxx

i understand thy kissesx and thou minex
and thatxs a feeling disputationx
but i will never be a truantx lovex
till i have learnxd thy languagex for thy tongue
makes welsh as sweet as ditties highly pennxdx
sung by a fair queen in a summerxs bowerx
with ravishing divisionx to her lutex

glendowerx
nayx if you meltx then will she run madx

xlady mortimer speaks to mortimer again in welshxx

mortimerx
ox i am ignorance itself in thisx

glendowerx
she bids you on the wanton rushes lay you downx
and rest your gentle head upon her lapx
and she will sing the song that pleaseth youx
and on your eyelids crown the god of sleepx
charming your blood with pleasing heavinessx
making such difference betwixt wake and sleepx
as is the difference betwixt day and nightx
the hour before the heavenlyxharnessxd team
begins his golden progress in the eastx

mortimerx
with all my heart ixll sit and hear her singx
by that time will our bookx i thinkx be drawnx

glendowerx
do sox
an those musicians that shall play to you
hang in the air a thousand leagues from hencex
and straight they shall be herex  sitx and attendx

hotspurx
comex katex thou art perfect in lying downx  comex quickx quickx that i
may lay my head in thy lapx

lady percyx
gox ye giddy goosex

xthe music playsxx

hotspurx
now i perceive the devil understands welshx
and xtis no marvel hexs so humorousx
byxr ladyx hexs a good musicianx

lady percyx
then should you be nothing but musicalx for you are altogether governed
by humoursx lie stillx ye thiefx and hear the lady sing in welshx

hotspurx
i had rather hear ladyx my brachx howl in irishx

lady percyx
wouldst thou have thy head brokenx

hotspurx
nox

lady percyx
then be stillx

hotspurx
neitherx xtis a womanxs faultx

lady percyx
now god help theex

hotspurx
peacex she singsx

xa welsh song by lady mortimerxx

comex katex ixll have your song toox

lady percyx
not minex in good soothx

hotspurx
not yoursx in good soothx xheartx you swear like a
comfitxmakerxs wifex not minex in good soothx andx as true
as i livex andx as god shall mend mex andx as sure as dayx
and givest such sarcenet surety for thy oathsx
as if thou nexer walkxdst further than finsburyx
swear mex katex like a lady as thou artx
a good mouthxfilling oathx and leave in soothx
and such protest of pepperxgingerbreadx
to velvetxguards and sundayxcitizensx comex singx

lady percyx
i will not singx

hotspurx
xtis the next way to turn tailorx or be redbreastxteacherx
an the indentures be drawnx ixll away within these two hoursx
and sox come in when ye willx

xexitxx

glendowerx
comex comex lord mortimerx you are as slow
as hot lord percy is on fire to gox
by this our bookxs drawnx wexll but sealx and then
to horse immediatelyx

mortimerx
with all my heartx

xexeuntxx

scene iix londonx a room in the palacex

xenter king henryx prince henryx and lordsxx

kingx
lordsx give us leavex the prince of wales and i
must have some private conferencex but be near at handx
for we shall presently have need of youx

xexeunt lordsxx

i know not whether god will have it sox
for some displeasing service i have donex
thatx in his secret doomx out of my blood
hexll breed revengement and a scourge for mex
but thou dostx in thy passages of lifex
make me believe that thou art only markxd
for the hot vengeance and the rod of heaven
to punish my mistreadingsx tell me elsex
could such inordinate and low desiresx
such poorx such basex such lewdx such mean attemptsx
such barren pleasuresx rude societyx
as thou art matchxd withal and grafted tox
accompany the greatness of thy bloodx
and hold their level with thy princely heartx

princex
so please your majestyx i would i could
quit all offences with as clear excuse
as well as i am doubtless i can purge
myself of many i am charged withalx
yet such extenuation let me begx
asx in reproof of many tales devised
by smiling pickxthanks and base newsxmongersxx
which oft the ear of greatness needs must hearxx
i mayx for some things truex wherein my youth
hath faulty wanderxd and irregularx
find pardon on my true submissionx

kingx
god pardon theex yet let me wonderx harryx
at thy affectionsx which do hold a wing
quite from the flight of all thy ancestorsx
thy place in council thou hast rudely lostx
which by thy younger brother is suppliedx
and art almost an alien to the hearts
of all the court and princes of my bloodx
the hope and expectation of thy time
is ruinxdx and the soul of every man
prophetically does forethink thy fallx
had i so lavish of my presence beenx
so commonxhackneyxd in the eyes of menx
so stale and cheap to vulgar companyx
opinionx that did help me to the crownx
had still kept loyal to possessionx
and left me in reputeless banishmentx

a fellow of no mark nor likelihoodx
by being seldom seenx i could not stir
butx like a cometx i was wonderxd atx
that men would tell their childrenx this is hex
others would sayx wherex which is bolingbrokex
and then i stole all courtesy from heavenx
and dressxd myself in such humilityx
that i did pluck allegiance from menxs heartsx
loud shouts and salutations from their mouthsx
even in the presence of the crowned kingx
thus did i keep my person fresh and newx
my presencex like a robe pontificalx
nexer seen but wonderxd atx  and so my statex
seldom but sumptuousx showed like a feastx
and won by rareness such solemnityx
the skipping kingx he ambled up and down
with shallow jesters and rash bavin witsx
soon kindled and soon burntx carded his statex
mingled his royaltyx with capering foolsx
had his great name profaned with their scornsx
and gave his countenancex against his namex
to laugh at gibing boysx and stand the push
of every beardless vain comparativex
grew a companion to the common streetsx
enfeoffxd himself to popularityx
thatx being dally swallowxd by menxs eyesx
they surfeited with honeyx and began
to loathe the taste of sweetnessx whereof a little
more than a little is by much too muchx
sox when he had occasion to be seenx
he was but as the cuckoo is in junex
heardx not regardedx seenx but with such eyes
asx sick and blunted with communityx
afford no extraordinary gazex
such as is bent on sunxlike majesty
when it shines seldom in admiring eyesx
but rather drowsedx and hung their eyelids downx
slept in his facex and renderxd such aspect
as cloudy men use to their adversariesx
being with his presence gluttedx gorgedx and fullx
and in that very linex harryx standxst thoux
for thou hast lost thy princely privilege
with vile participationx  not an eye
but is axweary of thy common sightx
save minex which hath desired to see thee morex
which now doth that i would not have it dox
make blind itself with foolish tendernessx

princex
i shall hereafterx my thricexgracious lordx
be more myselfx

kingx
for all the worldx
as thou art to this hourx was richard then
when i from france set foot at ravenspurgx
and even as i was then is percy nowx
nowx by my sceptrex and my soul to bootx
he hath more worthy interest to the state
than thoux the shadow of successionx
forx of no rightx nor colour like to rightx
he doth fill fields with harness in the realmx
turns head against the lionxs armed jawsx
andx being no more in debt to years than thoux
leads ancient lords and reverend bishops on
to bloody battles and to bruising armsx
what neverxdying honour hath he got
against renowned douglasx whose high deedsx
whose hot incursionsx and great name in armsx
holds from all soldiers chief majority
and military title capital
through all the kingdoms that acknowledge christx
thrice hath this hotspurx mars in swathingxclothesx
this infant warriorx in his enterprises
discomfited great douglasx taxen him oncex
enlarged himx and made a friend of himx
to fill the mouth of deep defiance upx
and shake the peace and safety of our thronex
and what say you to thisx percyx northumberlandx
thx archbishopxs grace of yorkx douglasx and mortimer
capitulate against usx and are upx
but wherefore do i tell these news to theex
whyx harryx do i tell thee of my foesx
which art my nearxst and dearest enemyx
thou that art like enoughxxthrough vassal fearx
base inclinationx and the start of spleenxx
to fight against me under percyxs payx
to dog his heelsx and curtsy at his frownsx
to show how much thou art degeneratex

princex
do not think sox you shall not find it sox
and god forgive them that so much have swayxd
your majestyxs good thoughts away from mex
i will redeem all this on percyxs headx
andx in the closing of some glorious dayx
be bold to tell you that i am your sonx
when i will wear a garment all of bloodx
and stain my favour in a bloody maskx
whichx washxd awayx shall scour my shame with itx
and that shall be the dayx whenexer it lightsx
that this same child of honour and renownx
this gallant hotspurx this allxpraised knightx
and your unthoughtxof harryx chance to meetx
for every honour sitting on his helmx
would they were multitudesx and on my head
my shames redoubledx for the time will comex
that i shall make this northern youth exchange
his glorious deeds for my indignitiesx
percy is but my factorx good my lordx
tx engross up glorious deeds on my behalfx
and i will call hall to so strict accountx
that he shall render every glory upx
yeax even the slightest worship of his timex
or i will tear the reckoning from his heartx
thisx in the name of godx i promise herex
the which if i performx and do survivex
i do beseech your majestyx may salve
the longxgrown wounds of my intemperancex
if notx the end of life cancels all bandsx
and i will die a hundred thousand deaths
ere break the smallest parcel of this vowx

kingx
a hundred thousand rebels die in thisx
thou shalt have charge and sovereign trust hereinxx

xenter sir walter bluntxx

how nowx good bluntx thy looks are full of speedx

bluntx
so is the business that i come to speak ofx
lord mortimer of scotland hath sent word
that douglas and the english rebels met
thx eleventh of this month at shrewsburyx
a mighty and a fearful head they arex
if promises be kept on every handx
as ever offerxd foul play in a statex

kingx
the earl of westmoreland set forth toxdayx
with him my sonx lord john of lancasterx
for this advertisement is five days oldx
on wednesday next youx harryx shall set forwardx
on thursday we ourselves will marchx
our meeting is bridgenorthx  andx harryx you
shall march through glostershirex by which accountx
our business valuedx some twelve days hence
our general forces at bridgenorth shall meetx
our hands are full of businessx  letxs awayx
advantage feeds him fatx while men delayx

xexeuntxx

scene iiix eastcheapx a room in the boarxsxhead tavernx

xenter falstaff and bardolphxx

falstaffx
bardolphx am i not fallen away vilely since this last actionx do i not
batex do i not dwindlex whyx my skin hangs about me like an old ladyxs
loose gownx i am withered like an old applexjohnx wellx ixll repentx
and that suddenlyx while i am in some likingx i shall be out of heart
shortlyx and then i shall have no strength to repentx an i have not
forgotten what the inside of a church is made ofx i am a peppercornx a
brewerxs horsex  the inside of a churchx companyx villainous companyx
hath been the spoil of mex

bardolphx
sir johnx you are so fretfulx you cannot live longx

falstaffx
whyx there is itx  comex sing me a songx make me merryx i was as
virtuously given as a gentleman need to bex virtuous enoughx swore
littlex diced not above seven times a weekx paid money that i borrowed
xthree or four timesx lived wellx and in good compassx  and now i live
out of all orderx out of all compassx

bardolphx
whyx you are so fatx sir johnx that you must needs be out of all
compassx xout of all reasonable compassx sir johnx

falstaffx
do thou amend thy facex and ixll amend my lifex  thou art our admiralx
thou bearest the lantern in the poopxxbut xtis in the nose of theex
thou art the knight of the burning lampx

bardolphx
whyx sir johnx my face does you no harmx

falstaffx
nox ixll be swornx i make as good use of it as many a man doth of a
deathxsxhead or a memento morix  i never see thy face but i think upon
hellxfirex and dives that lived in purplex for there he is in his
robesx burningx burningx if thou wert any way given to virtuex i would
swear by thy facex my oath should bex by this firex thatxs godxs angelx
 but thou art altogether given overx and wert indeedx but for the light
in thy facex the son of utter darknessx when thou rannxst up gadxsxhill
in the night to catch my horsex if i did not think thou hadst been an
ignis fatuus or a ball of wildfirex therexs no purchase in moneyx ox
thou art a perpetual triumphx an everlasting bonfirexlightx thou hast
saved me a thousand marks in links and torchesx walking with thee in
the night betwixt tavern and tavernx  but the sack that thou hast drunk
me would have bought me lights as good cheap at the dearest chandlerxs
in europex i have maintainxd that salamander of yours with fire any
time this twoxandxthirty yearsx god reward me for itx

bardolphx
xsbloodx i would my face were in your stomachx

falstaffx
godxaxmercyx so should i be sure to be heartxburnxdxx

xenter the hostessxx

how nowx dame partlet the henx have you enquirxd yet who pickxd my
pocketx

hostessx
whyx sir johnx what do you thinkx sir johnx do you think i keep thieves
in my housex i have searchxdx i have inquiredx so has my husbandx man
by manx boy by boyx servant by servantx the tithe of a hair was never
lost in my house beforex

falstaffx
ye liex hostessx  bardolph was shavedx and lost many a hairx and
ixll be sworn my pocket was pickxdx go tox you are a womanx gox

hostessx
whox ix nox i defy theex  godxs lightx i was never callxd so in mine
own house beforex

falstaffx
go tox i know you well enoughx

hostessx
nox sir johnx you do not know mex sir johnx i know youx sir johnx you
owe me moneyx sir johnx and now you pick a quarrel to beguile me of itx
i bought you a dozen of shirts to your backx

falstaffx
dowlasx filthy dowlasx  i have given them away to bakersx wivesx and
they have made bolters of themx

hostessx
nowx as i am a true womanx holland of eight shillings an ellx
you owe money here besidesx sir johnx for your diet and byxdrinkingsx
and money lent youx fourxandxtwenty poundx

falstaffx
he had his part of itx let him payx

hostessx
hex alasx he is poorx he hath nothingx

falstaffx
howx poorx look upon his facex what call you richx let them coin his
nosex let them coin his cheeksx  ixll not pay a denierx whatx will you
make a younker of mex shall i not take mine ease in mine innx but i
shall have my pocket pickxdx i have lost a sealxring of my
grandfatherxs worth forty markx

hostessx
o jesux i have heard the prince tell himx i know not how oftx that that
ring was copperx

falstaffx
howx the prince is a jackx a sneakxcupx  xsbloodx an he were herex i
would cudgel him like a dogx if he would say soxx

xenter prince henry and poinsx marchingx  falstaff meets themx playing
on his truncheon like a fifexx

how nowx ladx is the wind in that doorx ixfaithx must we all marchx

bardolphx
yeax twoxandxtwox newgatexfashionx

hostessx
my lordx i pray youx hear mex

princex
what sayxst thoux mistress quicklyx how doth thy husbandx i love him
wellx he is an honest manx

hostessx
good my lordx hear mex

falstaffx
prxytheex let her alonex and list to mex

princex
what sayxst thoux jackx

falstaffx
the other night i fell asleep here behind the arrasx and had my pocket
pickxdx  this house is turnxd bawdyxhousex they pick pocketsx

princex
what didst thou losex jackx

falstaffx
wilt thou believe mex halx three or four bonds of forty pound axpiece
and a sealxring of my grandfatherxsx

princex
a triflex some eightxpenny matterx

hostessx
so i told himx my lordx and i said i heard your grace say sox andx my
lordx he speaks most vilely of youx like a foulxmouthxd man as he isx
and said he would cudgel youx

princex
whatx he did notx

hostessx
therexs neither faithx truthx nor womanhood in me elsex

falstaffx
therexs no more faith in thee than in a stewxd prunex nor no more truth
in thee than in a drawn foxx andx for womanxhoodx maid marian may be
the deputyxs wife of the ward to theex gox you thingx gox

hostessx
sayx what thingx what thingx  i am an honest manxs wifex  andx setting
thy knighthood asidex thou art a knave to call me sox

falstaffx
setting thy womanhood asidex thou art a beast to say otherwisex

hostessx
sayx what beastx thou knavex thoux

falstaffx
what beastx  whyx an otterx

princex
an otterx sir johnx why an otterx

falstaffx
whyx shexs neither fish nor fleshx a man knows not where to have herx

hostessx
thou art an unjust man in saying sox thou or any man knows where to
have mex thou knavex thoux

princex
thou sayxst truex hostessx and he slanders thee most grosslyx

hostessx
so he doth youx my lordx and said this other day you ought him a
thousand poundx

princex
sirrahx do i owe you a thousand poundx

falstaffx

a thousand poundx halx a millionx  thy love is worth a millionx thou
owest me thy lovex

hostessx
nayx my lordx he callxd you jackx and said he would cudgel youx

falstaffx
did ix bardolphx

bardolphx
indeedx sir johnx you said sox

falstaffx
yeax if he said my ring was copperx

princex
i say xtis copperx  darest thou be as good as thy word nowx

falstaffx
whyx halx thou knowxstx as thou art but manx i darex but as thou art
princex i fear thee as i fear the roaring of the lionxs whelpx

princex
and why not as the lionx

falstaffx
the king himself is to be feared as the lionx  dost thou think ixll
fear thee as i fear thy fatherx nayx an i dox i pray god my girdle
breakx

princex
sirrahx therexs no room for faithx truthx nor honesty in this bosom of
thinex it is all fillxd up with midriffx charge an honest woman with
picking thy pocketx whyx thou whoresonx impudentx embossxd rascalx if
there were anything in thy pocket but tavernxreckoningsx and one poor
pennyworth of sugarxcandy to make thee longxwindedxxif thy pocket were
enrichxd with any other injuries but thesex i am a villainx  and yet
you will stand to itx you will not pocketxup wrongx art thou not
ashamedx

falstaffx
dost thou hearx halx thou knowxstx in the state of innocency adam fellx
and what should poor jack falstaff do in the days of villainyx thou
seexst i have more flesh than another manx and therefore more frailtyx
you confessx thenx you pickxd my pocketx

princex
it appears so by the storyx

falstaffx
hostessx i forgive theex  gox make ready breakfastx love thy husbandx
look to thy servantsx cherish thy guestsx  thou shalt find me tractable
to any honest reasonx thou seexst i am pacifiedxxstillx  nayx prxytheex
be gonex

xexit hostessxx

nowx halx to the news at courtx  for the robberyx ladx how is that
answeredx

princex
ox my sweet beefx i must still be good angel to theex  the money is
paid back againx

falstaffx
ox i do not like that paying backx xtis a double labourx

princex
i am good friends with my fatherx and may do any thingx

falstaffx
rob me the exchequer the first thing thou doestx and do it with
unwashxd hands toox

bardolphx
dox my lordx

princex
i have procured theex jackx a charge of footx

falstaffx
i would it had been of horsex where shall i find one that can steal
wellx ox for a fine thiefx of the age of twoxandxtwenty or thereaboutsx
i am heinously unprovidedx wellx god be thanked for these rebelsx they
offend none but the virtuousx  i laud themx i praise themx

princex
bardolphxx

bardolphx
my lordx

princex
go bear this letter to lord john of lancasterx
to my brother johnx this to my lord of westmorelandxx

xexit bardolphxx

gox poinsx to horsex to horsex for thou and i
have thirty miles to ride yet ere dinnerxtimexx

xexit poinsxx

meet me toxmorrowx jackx ix the templexhall
at two oxclock in thx afternoonx
there shalt thou know thy chargex and there receive
money and order for their furniturex
the land is burningx percy stands on highx
and either they or we must lower liex

xexitxx

falstaffx
rare wordsx brave worldxxhostessx my breakfastx comexx
ox i could wish this tavern were my drumx

xexitxx

act iv

scene ix the rebel camp near shrewsburyx

xenter hotspurx worcesterx and douglasxx

hotspurx
well saidx my noble scotx  if speaking truth
in this fine age were not thought flatteryx
such attribution should the douglas havex
as not a soldier of this seasonxs stamp
should go so generalxcurrent through the worldx
by godx i cannot flatterx i defy
the tongues of soothersx but a braver place
in my heartxs love hath no man than yourselfx
nayx task me to my wordx approve mex lordx

douglasx
thou art the king of honourx
no man so potent breathes upon the ground
but i will beard himx

hotspurx
do sox and xtis wellxx

xenter a messenger with lettersxx

what letters hast thou therexxi can but thank youx

messengerx
these letters come from your fatherx

hotspurx
letters from himx why comes he not himselfx

messengerx
he cannot comex my lordx hexs grievous sickx

hotspurx
zwoundsx how has he the leisure to be sick
in such a justling timex who leads his powerx
under whose government come they alongx

messengerx
his letters bears his mindx not ix my lordx

worcesterx
i prxytheex tell mex doth he keep his bedx

messengerx
he didx my lordx four days ere i set forthx
and at the time of my departure thence
he was much fearxd by his physiciansx

worcesterx
i would the state of time had first been whole
ere he by sickness had been visitedx
his health was never better worth than nowx

hotspurx
sick nowx droop nowx this sickness doth infect
the very lifexblood of our enterprisex
xtis catching hitherx even to our campx

he writes me herex that inward sicknessxx
and that his friends by deputation could not
so soon be drawnx no did he think it meet
to lay so dangerous and dear a trust
on any soul removedx but on his ownx
yet doth he give us bold advertisementx
that with our small conjunction we should onx
to see how fortune is disposed to usx
forx as he writesx there is no quailing nowx
because the king is certainly possessxd
of all our purposesx what say you to itx

worcesterx
your fatherxs sickness is a maim to usx

hotspurx
a perilous gashx a very limb loppxd offxx
and yetx in faithx xtis notx his present want
seems more than we shall find itx were it good
to set the exact wealth of all our states
all at one castx to set so rich a main
on the nice hazard of one doubtful hourx
it were not goodx for therein should we read
the very bottom and the soul of hopex
the very listx the very utmost bound
of all our fortunesx

douglasx
faithx and so we shouldx
where now remains a sweet reversionx
and we may boldly spend upon the hope
of what is to come inx
a comfort of retirement lives in thisx

hotspurx
a rendezvousx a home to fly untox
if that the devil and mischance look big
upon the maidenhead of our affairsx

worcesterx
but yet i would your father had been herex
the quality and hair of our attempt
brooks no divisionx  it will be thought
by somex that know not why he is awayx
that wisdomx loyaltyx and mere dislike
of our proceedingsx kept the earl from hencex
and think how such an apprehension
may turn the tide of fearful factionx
and breed a kind of question in our causex
for well you know we of the offering side
must keep aloof from strict arbitrementx
and stop all sightxholesx every loop from whence
the eye of reason may pry in upon usx
this absence of your fatherxs draws a curtainx
that shows the ignorant a kind of fear
before not dreamt ofx

hotspurx
nayx you strain too farx
ix ratherx of his absence make this usex
it lends a lustre and more great opinionx
a larger dare to our great enterprisex
than if the earl were herex for men must thinkx
if wex without his helpx can make a head
to push against the kingdomx with his help
we shall oxerturn it topsyxturvy downx
yet all goes wellx yet all our joints are wholex

douglasx
as heart can thinkx  there is not such a word
spoke in scotland as this term of fearx

xenter sir richard vernonxx

hotspurx
my cousin vernonx welcomex by my soulx

vernonx
pray god my news be worth a welcomex lordx
the earl of westmorelandx seven thousand strongx
is marching hitherwardsx with him prince johnx

hotspurx
no harmx  what morex

vernonx
and furtherx i have learnxd
the king himself in person is set forthx
or hitherwards intended speedilyx
with strong and mighty preparationx

hotspurx
he shall be welcome toox where is his sonx
the nimblexfooted madcap prince of walesx
and his comradesx that daff the world asidex
and bid it passx

vernonx
all furnishxdx all in armsx
all plumed like estridges that with the wind
bate itx like eagles having lately bathedx
glittering in golden coatsx like imagesx
as full of spirit as the month of may
and gorgeous as the sun at midsummerx
wanton as youthful goatsx wild as young bullsx
i saw young harryxwith his beaver onx
his cuisses on his thighsx gallantly armxdx
rise from the ground like featherxd mercuryx
and vault it with such ease into his seatx
as if an angel droppxd down from the cloudsx
to turn and wind a fiery pegasusx
and witch the world with noble horsemanshipx

hotspurx
no morex no morex  worse than the sun in marchx
this praise doth nourish aguesx let them comex
they come like sacrifices in their trimx
and to the firexeyed maid of smoky warx
all hot and bleedingx will we offer themx
the mailed mars shall on his altar sit
up to the ears in bloodx i am on fire
to hear this rich reprisal is so nighx
and yet not oursxxcomex let me taste my horsex
who is to bear mex like a thunderboltx
against the bosom of the prince of walesx
harry and harry shallx hot horse to horsex
meetx and nexer part till one drop down a corsexx
ox that glendower were comex

vernonx
there is more newsx
i learnxd in worcesterx as i rode alongx
he cannot draw his power this fourteen daysx

douglasx
thatxs the worst tidings that i hear of yetx

worcesterx
ayx by my faithx that bears a frosty soundx

hotspurx
what may the kingxs whole battle reach untox

vernonx
to thirty thousandx

hotspurx
forty let it bex
my father and glendower being both awayx
the powers of us may serve so great a dayx
comex let us take a muster speedilyx
doomsday is nearx die allx die merrilyx

douglasx
talk not of dyingx  i am out of fear
of death or deathxs hand for this one halfxyearx

xexeuntxx

scene iix a public road near coventryx

xenter falstaff and bardolphxx

falstaffx
bardolphx get thee before to coventryx fill me a bottle of sackx  our
soldiers shall march throughx wexll to suttonxcoxfilx toxnightx

bardolphx
will you give me moneyx captainx

falstaffx
lay outx lay outx

bardolphx
this bottle makes an angelx

falstaffx
an if it dox take it for thy labourx an if it make twentyx
take them allx ixll answer the coinagex bid my lieutenant
peto meet me at the townxs endx

bardolphx
i willx captainx  farewellx

xexitxx

falstaffx
if i be not ashamed of my soldiersx i am a soused gurnetx i have
misused the kingxs press damnablyx i have gotx in exchange of a hundred
and fifty soldiersx three hundred and odd poundsx i pressxd me none but
good householdersx yeomenxs sonsx inquired me out contracted bachelorsx
such as had been askxd twice on the bannsx such a commodity of warm
slaves as had as lief hear the devil as a drumx such as fear the report
of a caliver worse than a struck fowl or a hurt wildxduckx i pressxd me
none but such toastsxandxbutterx with hearts in their bodies no bigger
than pinsxxheadsx and they have bought out their servicesx and now my
whole charge consists of ancientsx corporalsx lieutenantsx gentlemen of
companiesx slaves as ragged as lazarus in the painted clothx where the
gluttonxs dogs licked his soresx and such asx indeedx were never
soldiersx but discarded unjust servingxmenx younger sons to younger
brothersx revolted tapstersx and ostlers tradexfallenx the cankers of a
calm world and a long peacex ten times more dishonourable ragged than
an old faced ancientx  and such have ix to fill up the rooms of them
that have bought out their servicesx that you would think that i had a
hundred and fifty tattered prodigals lately come from swinexkeepingx
from eating draff and husksx a mad fellow met me on the wayx and told
me i had unloaded all the gibbetsx and pressxd the dead bodiesx no eye
hath seen such scarecrowsx ixll not march through coventry with themx
thatxs flatx  nayx and the villains march wide betwixt the legsx as if
they had gyves onx forx indeedx i had the most of them out of prisonx
therexs but a shirt and a half in all my companyx and the halfxshirt is
two napkins tackxd together and thrown over the shoulders like a
heraldxs coat without sleevesx and the shirtx to say the truthx stolen
from my host at saint albanxsx or the redxnose innkeeper of daventryx
but thatxs all onex theyxll find linen enough on every hedgex

xenter prince henry and westmorelandxx

princex
how nowx blown jackx how nowx quiltx

falstaffx
whatx halx how nowx mad wagx what a devil dost thou in
warwickshirexxmy good lord of westmorelandx i cry you mercyx
i thought your honour had already been at shrewsburyx

westmorelandx
faithx sir johnx xtis more than time that i were therex and you toox
but my powers are there alreadyx the kingx i can tell youx looks for us
allx  we must away allx toxnightx

falstaffx
tutx never fear mex  i am as vigilant as a cat to steal creamx

princex
i thinkx to steal creamx indeedx for thy theft hath already made thee
butterx but tell mex jackx whose fellows are these that come afterx

falstaffx
minex halx minex

princex
i did never see such pitiful rascalsx

falstaffx
tutx tutx good enough to tossx food for powderx food for powderx
theyxll fill a pit as well as betterx  tushx manx mortal menx mortal
menx

westmorelandx
ayx butx sir johnx methinks they are exceeding poor and barexxtoo
beggarlyx

falstaffx
faithx for their povertyx i know not where they had thatx andx for
their barenessx i am sure they never learnxd that of mex

princex
nox ixll be swornx unless you call three fingers on the ribs barex butx
sirrahx make hastex  percy is already in the fieldx

xexitxx

falstaffx
whatx is the king encampxdx

westmorelandx
he isx sir johnx  i fear we shall stay too longx

xexitxx

falstaffx
wellx
to the latter end of a fray and the beginning of a feast
fits a dull fighter and a keen guestx

xexitxx

scene iiix the rebel camp near shrewsburyx

xenter hotspurx worcesterx douglasx and vernonxx

hotspurx
wexll fight with him toxnightx

worcesterx
it may not bex

douglasx
you give himx thenx advantagex

vernonx
not a whitx

hotspurx
why say you sox looks he not for supplyx

vernonx
so do wex

hotspurx
his is certainx ours is doubtfulx

worcesterx
good cousinx be advisedx stir not toxnightx

vernonx
do notx my lordx

douglasx
you do not counsel wellx
you speak it out of fear and cold heartx

vernonx
do me no slanderx douglasx  by my lifexx
and i dare well maintain it with my lifexx
if wellxrespected honour bid me onx
i hold as little counsel with weak fear
as youx my lordx or any scot that this day livesx
let it be seen toxmorrow in the battle
which of us fearsx

douglasx
yeax or toxnightx

vernonx
contentx

hotspurx
toxnightx say ix

vernonx
comex comex it may not bex i wonder muchx
being men of such great leading as you arex
that you foresee not what impediments
drag back our expeditionx  certain horse
of my cousin vernonxs are not yet come upx
your uncle worcesterxs horse came but toxdayx
and now their pride and mettle is asleepx
their courage with hard labour tame and dullx
that not a horse is half the half himselfx

hotspurx
so are the horses of the enemy
in generalx journeyxbated and brought lowx
the better part of ours are full of restx

worcesterx
the number of the king exceedeth oursx
for godxs sakex cousinx stay till all come inx

xthe trumpet sounds a parleyxx

xenter sir walter bluntxx

bluntx
i come with gracious offers from the kingx
if you vouchsafe me hearing and respectx

hotspurx
welcomex sir walter bluntx and would to god
you were of our determinationx
some of us love you wellx and even those some
envy your great deservings and good namex
because you are not of our qualityx
but stand against us like an enemyx

bluntx
and god defend but still i should stand sox
so long as out of limit and true rule
you stand against anointed majestyx
but to my chargex  the king hath sent to know
the nature of your griefsx and whereupon
you conjure from the breast of civil peace
such bold hostilityx teaching his duteous land
audacious crueltyx if that the king
have any way your good deserts forgotx
which he confesseth to be manifoldx
he bids you name your griefsx and with all speed
you shall have your desires with interestx
and pardon absolute for yourself and these
herein misled by your suggestionx

hotspurx
the king is kindx and well we know the king
knows at what time to promisex when to payx
my father and my uncle and myself
did give him that same royalty he wearsx
andxwhen he was not sixxandxtwenty strongx
sick in the worldxs regardx wretched and lowx
a poor unminded outlaw sneaking homex
my father gave him welcome to the shorex
andxwhen he heard him swear and vow to godx
he came but to be duke of lancasterx
to sue his livery and beg his peacex
with tears of innocence and terms of zealx
my fatherx in kind heart and pity movedx
swore him assistancex and performed it toox
nowx when the lords and barons of the realm
perceived northumberland did lean to himx
the more and less came in with cap and kneex
met him in boroughsx citiesx villagesx
attended him on bridgesx stood in lanesx
laid gifts before himx profferxd him their oathsx
give him their heirs as pagesx followxd him
even at the heels in golden multitudesx
he presentlyxas greatness knows itselfx
steps me a little higher than his vow
made to my fatherx while his blood was poorx
upon the naked shore at ravenspurgx
and nowx forsoothx takes on him to reform
some certain edicts and some strait decrees
that lie too heavy on the commonwealthx
cries out upon abusesx seems to weep
over his countryxs wrongsx andx by this facex
this seeming brow of justicex did he win
the hearts of all that he did angle forx
proceeded furtherx cut me off the heads
of all the favouritesx that the absent king
in deputation left behind him here
when he was personal in the irish warx

bluntx
tutx i came not to hear thisx

hotspurx
then to the pointx
in short time afterx he deposed the kingx
soon after thatx deprived him of his lifex
andx in the neck of thatx taskxd the whole statex
to make that worsex sufferxd his kinsman march
xwho isx if every owner were well placedx
indeed his kingx to be engaged in walesx
there without ransom to lie forfeitedx
disgraced me in my happy victoriesx
sought to entrap me by intelligencex
rated my uncle from the councilxboardx
in rage dismissxd my father from the courtx
broke oath on oathx committed wrong on wrongx
andx in conclusionx drove us to seek out
this head of safetyx and withal to pry
into his titlex the which now we find
too indirect for long continuancex

bluntx
shall i return this answer to the kingx

hotspurx
not sox sir walterx  wexll withdraw awhilex
go to the kingx and let there be impawnxd
some surety for a safe return againx
and in the morning early shall my uncle
bring him our purposesx and sox farewellx

bluntx
i would you would accept of grace and lovex

hotspurx
and may be so we shallx

bluntx
pray god you dox

xexeuntxx

scene ivx yorkx  a room in the archbishopxs palacex

xenter the archbishop of york and sir michaelxx

archbishopx
hiex good sir michaelx bear this sealed brief
with winged haste to the lord marshalx
this to my cousin scroopx and all the rest
to whom they are directedx if you knew
how much they do importx you would make hastex

sir michaelx
my good lordx
i guess their tenourx

archbishopx
like enough you dox
toxmorrowx good sir michaelx is a day
wherein the fortune of ten thousand men
must bide the touchx forx sirx at shrewsburyx
as i am truly given to understandx
the kingx with mighty and quickxraised powerx
meets with lord harryx  andx i fearx sir michaelx
what with the sickness of northumberlandx
whose power was in the first proportionx
and what with owen glendowerxs absence thencex
who with them was a rated sinew toox
and comes not inx oxerxrulxd by propheciesxx
i fear the power of percy is too weak
to wage an instant trial with the kingx

sir michaelx
whyx my good lordx you need not fearx
therexs douglas and lord mortimerx

archbishopx
nox mortimerxs not therex

sir michaelx
but there is mordakex vernonx lord harry percyx
and therexs my lord of worcesterx and a head
of gallant warriorsx noble gentlemenx

archbishopx
and so there isx  but yet the king hath drawn
the special head of all the land togetherx
the prince of walesx lord john of lancasterx
the noble westmorelandx and warlike bluntx
and many more corrivals and dear men
of estimation and command in armsx

sir michaelx
doubt notx my lordx they shall be well opposedx

archbishopx
i hope no lessx yet needful xtis to fearx
andx to prevent the worstx sir michaelx speedx
for if lord percy thrive notx ere the king
dismiss his powerx he means to visit usx
for he hath heard of our confederacyx
and xtis but wisdom to make strong against himx
therefore make hastex i must go write again
to other friendsx and sox farewellx sir michaelx

xexeuntxx

act v

scene ix the kingxs camp near shrewsburyx

xenter king henryx prince henryx lancasterx sir walter bluntx and sir
john falstaffxx

kingx
how bloodily the sun begins to peer
above yon busky hillx the day looks pale
at his distemperaturex

princex
the southern wind
doth play the trumpet to his purposesx
and by his hollow whistling in the leaves
foretells a tempest and a blustering dayx

kingx
then with the losers let it sympathizex
for nothing can seem foul to those that winxx

xthe trumpet soundsx enter worcester and vernonxx

howx nowx my lord of worcesterx xtis not well
that you and i should meet upon such terms
as now we meetx you have deceived our trustx
and made us doff our easy robes of peacex
to crush our old limbs in ungentle steelx
this is not wellx my lordx this is not wellx
what say you toxtx will you again unknit
this churlish knot of allxabhorred warx
and move in that obedient orb again
where you did give a fair and natural lightx
and be no more an exhaled meteorx
a prodigy of fearx and a portent
of broached mischief to the unborn timesx

worcesterx
hear mex my liegex
for mine own partx i could be well content
to entertain the lagxend of my life
with quiet hoursx for i do protestx
i have not sought the day of this dislikex

kingx
you have not sought itx whyx how comes itx thenx

falstaffx
rebellion lay in his wayx and he found itx

princex
peacex chewetx peacex

worcesterx
it pleased your majesty to turn your looks
of favour from myself and all our housex
and yet i must remember youx my lordx
we were the first and dearest of your friendsx
for you my staff of office did i break
in richardxs timex and posted day and night
to meet you on the wayx and kiss your handx
when yet you were in place and in account
nothing so strong and fortunate as ix
it was myselfx my brotherx and his sonx
that brought you homex and boldly did outdare
the dangers of the timex you swore to usxx
and you did swear that oath at doncasterxx
that you did nothing purpose xgainst the statex
nor claim no further than your newxfallxn rightx
the seat of gauntx dukedom of lancasterx
to this we swore our aidx but in short space
it rainxd down fortune showering on your headx
and such a flood of greatness fell on youxx
what with our helpx what with the absent kingx
what with the injuries of a wanton timex
the seeming sufferances that you had bornex
and the contrarious winds that held the king
so long in his unlucky irish wars
that all in england did repute him deadxx
andx from this swarm of fair advantagesx
you took occasion to be quickly wooxd
to gripe the general sway into your handx
forgot your oath to us at doncasterx
andx being fed by usx you used us so
as that ungentle gullx the cuckooxbirdx
useth the sparrowx did oppress our nestx
grew by our feeding to so great a bulkx
that even our love thirst not come near your sight
for fear of swallowingx but with nimble wing
we were enforcedx for safetyxsakex to fly
out of your sightx and raise this present headx
whereby we stand opposed by such means
as you yourself have forged against yourselfx
by unkind usagex dangerous countenancex
and violation of all faith and troth
sworn to tis in your younger enterprisex

kingx
these thingsx indeedx you have articulatex
proclaimxd at marketxcrossesx read in churchesx
to face the garment of rebellion
with some fine colour that may please the eye
of fickle changelings and poor discontentsx
which gape and rub the elbow at the news
of hurlyburly innovationx
and never yet did insurrection want
such waterxcolours to impaint his causex
nor moody beggarsx starving for a time
of pellmell havoc and confusionx

princex
in both our armies there is many a soul
shall pay full dearly for this encounterx
if once they join in trialx tell your nephewx
the prince of wales doth join with all the world
in praise of henry percyx  by my hopesx
this present enterprise set off his headx
i do not think a braver gentlemanx
more activexvaliant or more valiantxyoungx
more daring or more boldx is now alive
to grace this latter age with noble deedsx
for my partxxi may speak it to my shamexx
i have a truant been to chivalryx
and so i hear he doth account me toox
yet this before my fatherxs majestyxx
i am content that he shall take the odds
of his great name and estimationx
and willx to save the blood on either sidex
try fortune with him in a single fightx

kingx
andx prince of walesx so dare we venture theex
albeit considerations infinite
do make against itxxnox good worcesterx nox
we love our people wellx even those we love
that are misled upon your cousinxs partx
andx will they take the offer of our gracex
both hex and theyx and youx yeax every man
shall be my friend againx and ixll be hisx
so tell your cousinx and then bring me word
what he will dox  butx if he will not yieldx
rebuke and dread correction wait on usx
and they shall do their officex sox be gonex
we will not now be troubled with replyx
we offer fairx take it advisedlyx

xexit worcester with vernonxx

princex
it will not be acceptedx on my lifex
the douglas and the hotspur both together
are confident against the world in armsx

kingx
hencex thereforex every leader to his chargex
forx on their answerx will we set on themx
and god befriend usx as our cause is justx

xexeunt the kingx bluntx and prince johnxx

falstaffx
halx if thou see me down in the battlex and bestride mex sox xtis a
point of friendshipx

princex
nothing but a colossus can do thee that friendshipx
say thy prayersx and farewellx

falstaffx
i would it were bedtimex halx and all wellx

princex
whyx thou owest god a deathx

xexitxx

falstaffx
xtis not due yetx i would be loth to pay him before his dayx what need
i be so forward with him that calls not on mex wellx xtis no matterx
honour pricks me onx yeax but how if honour prick me off when i come
onx how thenx can honor setxto a legx nox  or an armx nox  or take away
the grief of a woundx nox honour hath no skill in surgery thenx nox
what is honourx a wordx what is that wordx honourx airx a trim
reckoningxxwho hath itx he that died ox wednesdayx doth he feel itx nox
doth be hear itx nox is it insensiblex thenx yeax to the deadx but will
it not live with the livingx nox whyx detraction will not suffer itx
therefore ixll none of itx  honour is a mere scutcheonxxand so ends my
catechismx

xexitxx

scene iix the rebel campx

xenter worcester and vernonxx

worcesterx
o nox my nephew must not knowx sir richardx
the liberalxkind offer of the kingx

vernonx
xtwere best he didx

worcesterx
then are we all undonex
it is not possiblex it cannot bex
the king should keep his word in loving usx
he will suspect us stillx and find a time
to punish this offence in other faultsx
suspicion all our lives shall be stuck full of eyesx
for treason is but trusted like the foxx
whox nexer so tamex so cherishxdx and lockxd upx
will have a wild trick of his ancestorsx
look how we canx or sad or merrilyx
interpretation will misquote our looksx
and we shall feed like oxen at a stallx
the better cherishxdx still the nearer deathx
my nephewxs trespass may be well forgotx
it hath thx excuse of youth and heat of bloodx
and an adopted name of privilegexx
a harexbrainxd hotspurx governxd by a spleenx
all his offences live upon my head
and on his fatherxsx  we did train him onx
andx his corruption being taxen from usx
wex as the spring of allx shall pay for allx
thereforex good cousinx let not harry knowx
in any casex the offer of the kingx

vernonx
deliver what you willx ixll say xtis sox
here comes your cousinx

xenter hotspur and douglasx officers and soldiers behindxx

hotspurx
my uncle is returnxdx deliver up
my lord of westmorelandxxunclex what newsx

worcesterx
the king will bid you battle presentlyx

douglasx
defy him by the lord of westmorelandx

hotspurx
lord douglasx go you and tell him sox

douglasx
marryx i shallx and very willinglyx

xexitxx

worcesterx
there is no seeming mercy in the kingx

hotspurx
did you beg anyx god forbidx

worcesterx
i told him gently of our grievancesx
of his oathxbreakingx which he mended thusx
by newxforswearing that he is forswornx
he calls us rebelsx traitorsx and will scourge
with haughty arms this hateful name in usx

xrexenter douglasxx

douglasx
armx gentlemenx to armsx for i have thrown
a brave defiance in king henryxs teethx
and westmorelandx that was engagedx did bear itx
which cannot choose but bring him quickly onx

worcesterx
the prince of wales steppxd forth before the kingx
andx nephewx challenged you to single fightx

hotspurx
ox would the quarrel lay upon our headsx
and that no man might draw short breath toxday
but i and harry monmouthx tell mex tell mex
how showxd his taskingx seemxd it in contemptx

vernonx
nox by my soulx i never in my life
did hear a challenge urged more modestlyx
unless a brother should a brother dare
to gentle exercise and proof of armsx
he gave you all the duties of a manx
trimmxd up your praises with a princely tonguex
spoke your deservings like a chroniclex
making you ever better than his praisex
by still dispraising praise valued with youx
andx which became him like a prince indeedx
he made a blushing cital of himselfx
and chid his truant youth with such a gracex
as if he masterxd there a double spiritx
of teaching and of learning instantlyx
there did he pausex  but let me tell the worldx
if he outlive the envy of this dayx
england did never owe so sweet a hopex
so much misconstrued in his wantonnessx

hotspurx
cousinx i think thou art enamoured
upon his folliesx never did i hear
of any prince so wild ox libertyx
but be he as he willx yet once ere night
i will embrace him with a soldierxs armx
that he shall shrink under my courtesyxx
armx arm with speedx  andx fellowsx soldiersx friendsx
better consider what you have to do
than ix that have not well the gift of tonguex
can lift your blood up with persuasionx

xenter a messengerxx

messengerx
my lordx here are letters for youx

hotspurx
i cannot read them nowxx
o gentlemenx the time of life is shortx
to spend that shortness basely were too longx
if life did ride upon a dialxs pointx
still ending at thx arrival of an hourx
an if we livex we live to tread on kingsx
if diex brave deathx when princes die with usx
nowx for our consciencesx the arms are fairx
when the intent of bearing them is justx

xenter another messengerxx

messengerx
my lordx preparex  the king comes on apacex

hotspurx
i thank himx that he cuts me from my talex
for i profess not talkingx only thisx
let each man do his bestx  and here draw i
a swordx whose temper i intend to stain
with the best blood that i can meet withal
in the adventure of this perilous dayx
nowx esperancex percyx and set onx
sound all the lofty instruments of warx
and by that music let us all embracex
forx heaven to earthx some of us never shall
a second time do such a courtesyx

xthe trumpets soundx  they embracex and exeuntxx

scene iiix plain between the campsx

xexcursionsx and parties fightingx  alarum to the battlex
then enter douglas and sir walter bluntx meetingxx

bluntx
what is thy namex that in the battle thus
thou crossest mex what honour dost thou seek
upon my headx

douglasx
knowx thenx my name is douglasx
and i do haunt thee in the battle thus
because some tell me that thou art a kingx

bluntx
they tell thee truex

douglasx
the lord of stafford dear toxday hath bought
thy likenessx forx instead of theex king harryx
this sword hath ended himx  so shall it theex
unless thou yield thee as my prisonerx

bluntx
i was not born a yielderx thou proud scotx
and thou shalt find a king that will revenge
lord staffordxs deathx

xthey fightx and blunt is slainx enter hotspurxx

hotspurx
o douglasx hadst thou fought at holmedon thusx
i never had triumphed oxer a scotx

douglasx
allxs donex allxs wonx here breathless lies the kingx

hotspurx
wherex

douglasx
herex

hotspurx
thisx douglasx nox i know this face full wellx
a gallant knight he wasx his name was bluntx
semblably furnishxd like the king himselfx

douglasx
a fool go with thy soulx wherexre it goesx
a borrowxd title hast thou bought too dearx
why didst thou tell me that thou wert a kingx

hotspurx
the king hath many marching in his coatsx

douglasx
nowx by my swordx i will kill all his coatsx
ixll murder all his wardrobe piece by piecex
until i meet the kingx

hotspurx
upx and awayx
our soldiers stand full fairly for the dayx

xexeuntxx

xalarumsx enter falstaffxx

falstaffx
though i could xscape shotxfree at londonx i fear the shot herex herexs
no scoring but upon the patexxsoftx who are youx sir walter bluntx
therexs honour for youx herexs no vanityx i am as hot as molten leadx
and as heavy toox  god keep lead out of mex i need no more weight than
mine own bowelsx i have led my ragamuffins where they are pepperedx
therexs not three of my hundred and fifty left alivex and they are for
the townxs endx to beg during lifex but who comes herex

xenter prince henryxx

princex
whatx standxst thou idle herex lend me thy swordx
many a nobleman lies stark and stiff
under the hoofs of vaunting enemiesx
whose deaths are yet unrevengedx  i prxytheex
lend me thy swordx

falstaffx
o halx i prxythee give me leave to breathe awhilex turk
gregory never did such deeds in arms as i have done this
dayx i have paid percyx i have made him surex

princex
he is indeedx and living to kill theex
i prxytheex lend me thy swordx

falstaffx
nayx before godx halx if percy be alivex thou gettxst not my swordx but
take my pistolx if thou wiltx

princex
give it mex  whatx is it in the casex

falstaffx
ayx halx xtis hotx xtis hotx  therexs that will sack a cityx

xthe prince draws out a bottle of sackxx

whatx isxt a time to jest and dally nowx

xthrows it at himx and exitxx

falstaffx
wellx if percy be alivex ixll pierce himx if he do come in my wayx sox
if he do notx if i come in his willinglyx let him make a carbonado of
mex i like not such grinning honour as sir walter hathx  give me lifex
which if i can savex sox if notx honour comes unlooked forx and therexs
an endx

xexitxx

scene ivx another part of the fieldx

xalarumsx excursionsx enter king henryx prince henryx
lancasterx and westmorelandxx

kingx
i prxytheex
harryx withdraw thyselfx thou bleedest too muchxx
lord john of lancasterx go you unto himx

lancasterx
not ix my lordx unless i did bleed toox

princex
i do beseech your majestyx make upx
lest your retirement do amaze your friendsx

kingx
i will do soxx
my lord of westmorelandx lead him to his tentx

westmorelandx
comex my lordx ixll lead you to your tentx

princex
lead mex my lordx  i do not need your helpx
and god forbidx a shallow scratch should drive
the prince of wales from such a field as thisx
where stainxd nobility lies trodden onx
and rebelsx arms triumph in massacresx

lancasterx
we breathe too longxxcomex cousin westmorelandx
our duty this way liesx for godxs sakex comex

xexeunt lancaster and westmorelandxx

princex
by heavenx thou hast deceived mex lancasterx
i did not think thee lord of such a spiritx
beforex i loved thee as a brotherx johnx
but now i do respect thee as my soulx

kingx
i saw him hold lord percy at the point
with lustier maintenance than i did look for
of such an ungrown warriorx

princex
ox this boy
lends mettle to us allx

xexitxx

xalarumsx enter douglasxx

douglasx
another kingx they grow like hydraxs headsx
i am the douglasx fatal to all those

that wear those colours on themxxwhat art thoux
that counterfeitxst the person of a kingx

kingx
the king himselfx whox douglasx grieves at heart
so many of his shadows thou hast metx
and not the very kingx i have two boys
seek percy and thyself about the fieldx
butx seeing thou fallxst on me so luckilyx
i will assay theex sox defend thyselfx

douglasx
i fear thou art another counterfeitx
and yetx in faithx thou bearxst thee like a kingx
but mine ixm sure thou artx whoexer thou bex
and thus i win theex

xthey fightx the king being in dangerx rexenter prince henryxx

princex
hold up thy headx vile scotx or thou art like
never to hold it up againx the spirits
of valiant shirleyx staffordx blunt are in my armsx
it is the prince of wales that threatens theex
who never promiseth but he means to payxx

xthey fightx  douglas fliesxx

cheerlyx my lordx  how fares your gracex
sir nicholas gawsey hath for succour sentx
and so hath cliftonx  ixll to clifton straightx

kingx
stayx and breathe awhilex
thou hast redeemxd thy lost opinionx
and showxd thou makest some tender of my lifex
in this fair rescue thou hast brought to mex

princex
o godx they did me too much injury
that ever said i hearkenxd for your deathx
if it were sox i might have let alone
thx insulting hand of douglas over youx
which would have been as speedy in your end
as all the poisonous potions in the worldx
and saved the treacherous labour of your sonx

kingx
make up to cliftonx  ixll to sir nicholas gawseyx

xexitxx

xenter hotspurxx

hotspurx
if i mistake notx thou art harry monmouthx

princex
thou speakxst as if i would deny my namex

hotspurx
my name is harry percyx

princex
whyx then i see
a very valiant rebel of the namex
i am the prince of walesx and think notx percyx
to share with me in glory any morex
two stars keep not their motion in one spherex
nor can one england brook a double reignx
of harry percy and the prince of walesx

hotspurx
nor shall itx harryx for the hour is come
to end the one of usx and would to god
thy name in arms were now as great as minex

princex
ixll make it greater ere i part from theex
and all the budding honours on thy crest
ixll cropx to make a garland for my headx

hotspurx
i can no longer brook thy vanitiesx

xthey fightxx

xenter falstaffxx

falstaffx
well saidx halx to itx halx nayx you shall find no boyxs play herex i
can tell youx

xrexenter douglasx he fights with falstaffx who falls down as if he
were deadx and exit douglasx hotspure is woundedx and fallsxx

hotspurx
o harryx thou hast robbxd me of my youthx
i better brook the loss of brittle life
than those proud titles thou hast won of mex
they wound my thoughts worse than thy sword my fleshx
but thoughts the slave of lifex and life timexs foolx
and timex that takes survey of all the worldx
must have a stopx ox i could prophesyx
but that the earthy and cold hand of death
lies on my tonguex  nox percyx thou art dustx
and food forx

xdiesxx

princex
for wormsx brave percyx  fare thee wellx great heartx
illxweaved ambitionx how much art thou shrunkx
when that this body did contain a spiritx
a kingdom for it was too small a boundx
but now two paces of the vilest earth
is room enoughx this earth that bears thee dead
bears not alive so stout a gentlemanx
if thou wert sensible of courtesyx
i should not make so dear a show of zealx
but let my favours hide thy mangled facex
andx even in thy behalfx ixll thank myself
for doing these fair rites of tendernessx
adieux and take thy praise with thee to heavenx
thy ignominy sleep with thee in the gravex
but not rememberxd in thy epitaphxx

xsees falstaff on the groundxx

whatx old acquaintancex could not all this flesh
keep in a little lifex poor jackx farewellx
i could have better spared a better manx
ox i should have a heavy miss of theex
if i were much in love with vanityx
death hath not struck so fat a deer toxdayx
though many dearerx in this bloody frayx
embowellxd will i see thee byxandxbyx
till then in blood by noble percy liex

xexitxx

falstaffx
xrisingxx embowellxdx if thou embowel me toxdayx ixll give you leave to
powder me and eat me too toxmorrowx xsbloodx xtwas time to counterfeitx
or that hot termagant scot had paid me scot and lot toox counterfeitx i
liex i am no counterfeitx  to diex is to be a counterfeitx for he is
but the counterfeit of a man who hath not the life of a manx  but to
counterfeit dyingx when a man thereby livethx is to be no counterfeitx
but the true and perfect image of life indeedx the better part of
valour is discretionx in the which better part i have saved my lifexx
zwoundsx i am afraid of this gunpowder percyx though he be deadx  howx
if he should counterfeit toox and risex by my faithx i am afraid he
would prove the better counterfeitx therefore ixll make him surex yeax
and ixll swear i killxd himx why may not he rise as well as ix nothing
confutes me but eyesx and nobody sees mex thereforex sirrahx with a new
wound in your thighx come you along with mex

xtakes hotspur on his hackxx

xrexenter prince henry and lancasterxx

princex
comex brother johnx full bravely hast thou fleshxd
thy maiden swordx

lancasterx
butx softx whom have we herex
did you not tell me this fat man was deadx

princex
i didx i saw him deadx breathless and bleeding
upon the groundxx
art thou alivex or is it fantasy
that plays upon our eyesightx i prxytheex speakx
we will not trust our eyes without our earsx
thou art not what thou seemxstx

falstaffx
nox thatxs certainx i am not a double manx  but if i be not jack
falstaffx then am i a jackx there is percyx  xthrowing the body downxx
if your father will do me any honourx sox if notx let him kill the next
percy himselfx i look to be either earl or dukex i can assure youx

princex
whyx percy i killxd myselfx and saw thee deadx

falstaffx
didst thouxx lordx lordx how this world is given to lyingxx i grant you
i was down and out of breathx and so was hex  but we rose both at an
instantx and fought a long hour by shrewsbury clockx if i may be
believedx sox if notx let them that should reward valour bear the sin
upon their own headsx ixll take it upon my deathx i gave him this wound
in the thighx  if the man were alivex and would deny itx zwoundsx i
would make him eat a piece of my swordx

lancasterx
this is the strangest tale that ever i heardx

princex
this is the strangest fellowx brother johnxx
comex bring your luggage nobly on your backx
for my partx if a lie may do thee gracex
ixll gild it with the happiest terms i havexx

xa retreat is soundedxx

the trumpet sounds retreatx the day is oursx
comex brotherx letxs to thx highest of the fieldx
to see what friends are livingx who are deadx

xexeunt prince henry and lancasterxx

falstaffx
ixll followx as they sayx for rewardx he that rewards mex god reward
himx if i do grow greatx ixll grow lessx for ixll purgex and leave
sackx and live cleanly as a nobleman should dox

xexitx bearing off the bodyxx

scene vx another part of the fieldx

xthe trumpets soundx enter king henryx prince henryx
lancasterx westmorelandx and othersx with worcester and
vernon prisonersxx

kingx
thus ever did rebellion find rebukexx
illxspirited worcesterx did not we send gracex
pardonx and terms of love to all of youx
and wouldst thou turn our offers contraryx
misuse the tenour of thy kinsmanxs trustx
three knights upon our party slain toxdayx
a noble earlx and many a creature elsex
had been alive this hourx
ifx like a christianx thou hadst truly borne
betwixt our armies true intelligencex

worcesterx
what i have done my safety urged me tox
and i embrace this fortune patientlyx
since not to be avoided it fails on mex

kingx
bear worcester to the deathx and vernon toox
other offenders we will pause uponxx

xexeunt worcester and vernonx guardedxx

how goes the fieldx

princex
the noble scotx lord douglasx when he saw
the fortune of the day quite turnxd from himx
the noble percy slainx and all his men
upon the foot of fearx fled with the restx
andx falling from a hillx he was so bruised
that the pursuers took himx at my tent
the douglas isx  and i beseech your grace
i may dispose of himx

kingx
with all my heartx

princex
thenx brother john of lancasterx to you
this honourable bounty shall belongx
go to the douglasx and deliver him
up to his pleasurex ransomless and freex
his valourx shown upon our crests toxdayx
hath taught us how to cherish such high deeds
even in the bosom of our adversariesx

kingx
then this remainsx that we divide our powerxx
youx son johnx and my cousin westmorelandx
towards york shall bend you with your dearest speedx
to meet northumberland and the prelate scroopx
whox as we hearx are busily in armsx
myselfxxand youx son harryxxwill towards walesx
to fight with glendower and the earl of marchx
rebellion in this land shall lose his swayx
meeting the check of such another dayx
and since this business so fair is donex
let us not leave till all our own be wonx

xexeuntxx



the second part of king henry the fourth

dramatis personae

  rumourx the presenter
  king henry the fourth

  henryx prince of walesx afterwards henry
  prince john of lancaster
  prince humphrey of gloucester
  thomasx duke of clarence
    sons of henry iv

  earl of northumberland
  scroopx archbishop of york
  lord mowbray
  lord hastings
  lord bardolph
  sir john colville
  travers and mortonx retainers of northumberland
    opposites against king henry iv

  earl of warwick
  earl of westmoreland
  earl of surrey
  earl of kent
  gower
  harcourt
  blunt
    of the kingxs party

  lord chief justice
  servantx to lord chief justice

  sir john falstaff
  edward poins
  bardolph
  pistol
  peto
    irregular humourists

  pagex to falstaff

  robert shallow and silencex country justices
  davyx servant to shallow

  fang and snarex sheriffxs officers

  ralph mouldy
  simon shadow
  thomas wart
  francis feeble
  peter bullcalf
    country soldiers

  francisx a drawer

  lady northumberland
  lady percyx percyxs widow
  hostess quicklyx of the boarxs headx eastcheap
  doll tearsheet

  lordsx attendantsx porterx drawersx beadlesx groomsx servantsx
    speaker of the epilogue

                       scenex england

induction
                         inductionx
           warkworthx before northumberlandxs castle

            enter rumourx painted full of tongues

  rumourx open your earsx for which of you will stop
    the vent of hearing when loud rumour speaksx
    ix from the orient to the drooping westx
    making the wind my postxhorsex still unfold
    the acts commenced on this ball of earthx
    upon my tongues continual slanders ridex
    the which in every language i pronouncex
    stuffing the ears of men with false reportsx
    i speak of peace while covert emnityx
    under the smile of safetyx wounds the worldx
    and who but rumourx who but only ix
    make fearful musters and preparxd defencex
    whiles the big yearx swoln with some other griefx
    is thought with child by the stern tyrant warx
    and no such matterx rumour is a pipe
    blown by surmisesx jealousiesx conjecturesx
    and of so easy and so plain a stop
    that the blunt monster with uncounted headsx
    the stillxdiscordant wavxring multitudex
    can play upon itx but what need i thus
    my wellxknown body to anatomize
    among my householdx why is rumour herex
    i run before king harryxs victoryx
    whox in a bloody field by shrewsburyx
    hath beaten down young hotspur and his troopsx
    quenching the flame of bold rebellion
    even with the rebelsx bloodx but what mean i
    to speak so true at firstx my office is
    to noise abroad that harry monmouth fell
    under the wrath of noble hotspurxs swordx
    and that the king before the douglasx rage
    stoopxd his anointed head as low as deathx
    this have i rumourxd through the peasant towns
    between that royal field of shrewsbury
    and this wormxeaten hold of ragged stonex
    where hotspurxs fatherx old northumberlandx
    lies craftyxsickx the posts come tiring onx
    and not a man of them brings other news
    than they have learnt of mex from rumourxs tongues
    they bring smooth comforts falsex worse than true wrongsx
 exit

act ix scene ix warkworthx before northumberlandxs castle

enter lord bardolph

  lord bardolphx who keeps the gate herex hox

                   the porter opens the gate

    where is the earlx
  porterx what shall i say you arex
  lord bardolphx tell thou the earl
    that the lord bardolph doth attend him herex
  porterx his lordship is walkxd forth into the orchardx
    please it your honour knock but at the gatex
    and he himself will answerx

                      enter northumberland

  lord bardolphx here comes the earlx                exit porter
  northumberlandx what newsx lord bardolphx every minute now
    should be the father of some stratagemx
    the times are wildx contentionx like a horse
    full of high feedingx madly hath broke loose
    and bears down all before himx
  lord bardolphx noble earlx
    i bring you certain news from shrewsburyx
  northumberlandx goodx an god willx
  lord bardolphx as good as heart can wishx
    the king is almost wounded to the deathx
    andx in the fortune of my lord your sonx
    prince harry slain outrightx and both the blunts
    killxd by the hand of douglasx young prince johnx
    and westmorelandx and staffordx fled the fieldx
    and harry monmouthxs brawnx the hulk sir johnx
    is prisoner to your sonx ox such a dayx
    so foughtx so followedx and so fairly wonx
    came not till now to dignify the timesx
    since cxsarxs fortunesx
  northumberlandx how is this derivxdx
    saw you the fieldx came you from shrewsburyx
  lord bardolphx i spake with onex my lordx that came from thencex
    a gentleman well bred and of good namex
    that freely rendxred me these news for truex

                         enter travers

  northumberlandx here comes my servant traversx whom i sent
    on tuesday last to listen after newsx
  lord bardolphx my lordx i overxrode him on the wayx
    and he is furnishxd with no certainties
    more than he haply may retail from mex
  northumberlandx nowx traversx what good tidings comes with youx
  traversx my lordx sir john umfrevile turnxd me back
    with joyful tidingsx andx being better horsxdx
    outxrode mex after him came spurring hard
    a gentlemanx almost forspent with speedx
    that stoppxd by me to breathe his bloodied horsex
    he askxd the way to chesterx and of him
    i did demand what news from shrewsburyx
    he told me that rebellion had bad luckx
    and that young harry percyxs spur was coldx
    with that he gave his able horse the head
    andx bending forwardx struck his armed heels
    against the panting sides of his poor jade
    up to the rowelxheadx and starting sox
    he seemxd in running to devour the wayx
    staying no longer questionx
  northumberlandx hax againx
    said he young harry percyxs spur was coldx
    of hotspurx coldspurx that rebellion
    had met ill luckx
  lord bardolphx my lordx ixll tell you whatx
    if my young lord your son have not the dayx
    upon mine honourx for a silken point
    ixll give my baronyx never talk of itx
  northumberlandx why should that gentleman that rode by travers
    give then such instances of lossx
  lord bardolphx whox hex
    he was some hilding fellow that had stolxn
    the horse he rode on andx upon my lifex
    spoke at a venturex lookx here comes more newsx

                        enter morton

  northumberlandx yeax this manxs browx like to a titlexleafx
    foretells the nature of a tragic volumex
    so looks the strand whereon the imperious flood
    hath left a witnessxd usurpationx
    sayx mortonx didst thou come from shrewsburyx
  mortonx i ran from shrewsburyx my noble lordx
    where hateful death put on his ugliest mask
    to fright our partyx
  northumberlandx how doth my son and brotherx
    thou tremblestx and the whiteness in thy cheek
    is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errandx
    even such a manx so faintx so spiritlessx
    so dullx so dread in lookx so woexbegonex
    drew priamxs curtain in the dead of night
    and would have told him half his troy was burntx
    but priam found the fire ere he his tonguex
    and i my percyxs death ere thou reportxst itx
    this thou wouldst sayx xyour son did thus and thusx
    your brother thusx so fought the noble douglasxx
    stopping my greedy ear with their bold deedsx
    but in the endx to stop my ear indeedx
    thou hast a sigh to blow away this praisex
    ending with xbrotherx sonx and allx are deadxx
  mortonx douglas is livingx and your brotherx yetx
    but for my lord your sonx
  northumberlandx whyx he is deadx
    see what a ready tongue suspicion hathx
    he that but fears the thing he would not know
    hath by instinct knowledge from othersx eyes
    that what he fearxd is chancedx yet speakx mortonx
    tell thou an earl his divination liesx
    and i will take it as a sweet disgrace
    and make thee rich for doing me such wrongx
  mortonx you are too great to be by me gainsaidx
    your spirit is too truex your fears too certainx
  northumberlandx yetx for all thisx say not that percyxs deadx
    i see a strange confession in thine eyex
    thou shakxst thy headx and holdxst it fear or sin
    to speak a truthx if he be slainx say sox
    the tongue offends not that reports his deathx
    and he doth sin that doth belie the deadx
    not he which says the dead is not alivex
    yet the first bringer of unwelcome news
    hath but a losing officex and his tongue
    sounds ever after as a sullen bellx
    remembxred tolling a departing friendx
  lord bardolphx i cannot thinkx my lordx your son is deadx
  mortonx i am sorry i should force you to believe
    that which i would to god i had not seenx
    but these mine eyes saw him in bloody statex
    rendxring faint quittancex wearied and outxbreathxdx
    to harry monmouthx whose swift wrath beat down
    the neverxdaunted percy to the earthx
    from whence with life he never more sprung upx
    in fewx his deathx whose spirit lent a fire
    even to the dullest peasant in his campx
    being bruited oncex took fire and heat away
    from the bestxtemperxd courage in his troopsx
    for from his metal was his party steeledx
    which once in him abatedx an the rest
    turnxd on themselvesx like dull and heavy leadx
    and as the thing thatxs heavy in itself
    upon enforcement flies with greatest speedx
    so did our menx heavy in hotspurxs lossx
    lend to this weight such lightness with their fear
    that arrows fled not swifter toward their aim
    than did our soldiersx aiming at their safetyx
    fly from the fieldx then was that noble worcester
    too soon taxen prisonerx and that furious scotx
    the bloody douglasx whose wellxlabouring sword
    had three times slain thx appearance of the kingx
    gan vail his stomach and did grace the shame
    of those that turnxd their backsx and in his flightx
    stumbling in fearx was tookx the sum of all
    is that the king hath wonx and hath sent out
    a speedy power to encounter youx my lordx
    under the conduct of young lancaster
    and westmorelandx this is the news at fullx
  northumberlandx for this i shall have time enough to mournx
    in poison there is physicx and these newsx
    having been wellx that would have made me sickx
    being sickx have in some measure made me wellx
    and as the wretch whose feverxweakxned jointsx
    like strengthless hingesx buckle under lifex
    impatient of his fitx breaks like a fire
    out of his keeperxs armsx even so my limbsx
    weakxned with griefx being now enragxd with griefx
    are thrice themselvesx hencex thereforex thou nice crutchx
    a scaly gauntlet now with joints of steel
    must glove this handx and hencex thou sickly coifx
    thou art a guard too wanton for the head
    which princesx fleshxd with conquestx aim to hitx
    now bind my brows with ironx and approach
    the raggedxst hour that time and spite dare bring
    to frown upon thx enragxd northumberlandx
    let heaven kiss earthx now let not naturexs hand
    keep the wild flood confinxdx let order diex
    and let this world no longer be a stage
    to feed contention in a lingxring actx
    but let one spirit of the firstxborn cain
    reign in all bosomsx thatx each heart being set
    on bloody coursesx the rude scene may end
    and darkness be the burier of the deadx
  lord bardolphx this strained passion doth you wrongx my lordx
  mortonx sweet earlx divorce not wisdom from your honourx
    the lives of all your loving complices
    lean on your healthx the whichx if you give oxer
    to stormy passionx must perforce decayx
    you cast thx event of warx my noble lordx
    and summxd the account of chance before you said
    xlet us make headxx it was your prexsurmise
    that in the dole of blows your son might dropx
    you knew he walkxd oxer perils on an edgex
    more likely to fall in than to get oxerx
    you were advisxd his flesh was capable
    of wounds and scarsx and that his forward spirit
    would lift him where most trade of danger rangxdx
    yet did you say xgo forthxx and none of thisx
    though strongly apprehendedx could restrain
    the stiffxborne actionx what hath then befallxnx
    or what hath this bold enterprise brought forth
    more than that being which was like to bex
  lord bardolphx we all that are engaged to this loss
    knew that we ventured on such dangerous seas
    that if we wrought out life xtwas ten to onex
    and yet we venturxdx for the gain proposxd
    chokxd the respect of likely peril fearxdx
    and since we are oxersetx venture againx
    comex we will put forthx body and goodsx
  mortonx xtis more than timex andx my most noble lordx
    i hear for certainx and dare speak the truthx
    the gentle archbishop of york is up
    with wellxappointed powxrsx he is a man
    who with a double surety binds his followersx
    my lord your son had only but the corpsex
    but shadows and the shows of menx to fightx
    for that same word xrebellionx did divide
    the action of their bodies from their soulsx
    and they did fight with queasinessx constrainxdx
    as men drink potionsx that their weapons only
    seemxd on our sidex but for their spirits and souls
    this word xrebellionxx it had froze them upx
    as fish are in a pondx but now the bishop
    turns insurrection to religionx
    supposxd sincere and holy in his thoughtsx
    hexs followxd both with body and with mindx
    and doth enlarge his rising with the blood
    of fair king richardx scrapxd from pomfret stonesx
    derives from heaven his quarrel and his causex
    tells them he doth bestride a bleeding landx
    gasping for life under great bolingbrokex
    and more and less do flock to follow himx
  northumberlandx i knew of this beforex butx to speak truthx
    this present grief had wipxd it from my mindx
    go in with mex and counsel every man
    the aptest way for safety and revengex
    get posts and lettersx and make friends with speedx
    never so fewx and never yet more needx                exeunt

scene iix londonx a street

enter sir john falstaffx with his page bearing his sword and buckler

  falstaffx sirrahx you giantx what says the doctor to my waterx
  pagex he saidx sirx the water itself was a good healthy waterx but
    for the party that owed itx he might have moe diseases than he
    knew forx
  falstaffx men of all sorts take a pride to gird at mex the brain of
    this foolishxcompounded clayx manx is not able to invent anything
    that intends to laughterx more than i invent or is invented on
    mex i am not only witty in myselfx but the cause that wit is in
    other menx i do here walk before thee like a sow that hath
    overwhelmxd all her litter but onex if the prince put thee into
    my service for any other reason than to set me offx why then i
    have no judgmentx thou whoreson mandrakex thou art fitter to be
    worn in my cap than to wait at my heelsx i was never mannxd with
    an agate till nowx but i will inset you neither in gold nor
    silverx but in vile apparelx and send you back again to your
    masterx for a jewelx the juvenalx the prince your masterx whose
    chin is not yet fledgex i will sooner have a beard grow in the
    palm of my hand than he shall get one off his cheekx and yet he
    will not stick to say his face is a facexroyalx god may finish it
    when he willx xtis not a hair amiss yetx he may keep it still at
    a facexroyalx for a barber shall never earn sixpence out of itx
    and yet hexll be crowing as if he had writ man ever since his
    father was a bachelorx he may keep his own gracex but hexs almost
    out of minex i can assure himx what said master dommelton about
    the satin for my short cloak and my slopsx
  pagex he saidx sirx you should procure him better assurance than
    bardolphx he would not take his band and yoursx he liked not the
    securityx
  falstaffx let him be damnxdx like the gluttonx pray god his tongue
    be hotterx a whoreson achitophelx a rascalxyeaxforsooth knavex to
    bear a gentleman in handx and then stand upon securityx the
    whoreson smoothxpates do now wear nothing but high shoesx and
    bunches of keys at their girdlesx and if a man is through with
    them in honest takingxupx then they must stand upon securityx i
    had as lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth as offer to stop
    it with securityx i lookxd xa should have sent me two and twenty
    yards of satinx as i am a true knightx and he sends me securityx
    wellx he may sleep in securityx for he hath the horn of
    abundancex and the lightness of his wife shines through itx and
    yet cannot he seex though he have his own lanthorn to light himx
    wherexs bardolphx
  pagex hexs gone into smithfield to buy your worship horsex
  falstaffx i bought him in paulxsx and hexll buy me a horse in
    smithfieldx an i could get me but a wife in the stewsx i were
    mannxdx horsxdx and wivxdx

              enter the lord chief justice and servant

  pagex sirx here comes the nobleman that committed the prince for
  striking him about bardolphx falstaffx wait closex i will not see
  himx chief justicex whatxs he that goes therex servantx falstaffx
  anxt please your lordshipx chief justicex he that was in question for
  the robbxryx servantx hex my lordx but he hath since done good
  service at shrewsburyx andx as i hearx is now going with some charge
  to the lord john of lancasterx chief justicex whatx to yorkx call him
  back againx servantx sir john falstaffx falstaffx boyx tell him i am
  deafx pagex you must speak louderx my master is deafx chief justicex
  i am sure he isx to the hearing of anything goodx gox pluck him by
  the elbowx i must speak with himx servantx sir johnx falstaffx whatx
  a young knavex and beggingx is there not warsx is there not
  employmentx doth not the king lack subjectsx do not the rebels need
  soldiersx though it be a shame to be on any side but onex it is worse
  shame to beg than to be on the worst sidex were it worse than the
  name of rebellion can tell how to make itx servantx you mistake mex
  sirx falstaffx whyx sirx did i say you were an honest manx setting my
  knighthood and my soldiership asidex i had lied in my throat if i had
  said sox servantx i pray youx sirx then set your knighthood and your
  soldiership asidex and give me leave to tell you you in your throatx
  if you say i am any other than an honest manx falstaffx i give thee
  leave to tell me sox i lay aside that which grows to mex if thou
  getxst any leave of mex hang mex if thou takxst leavex thou wert
  better be hangxdx you hunt counterx hencex avauntx servantx sirx my
  lord would speak with youx chief justicex sir john falstaffx a word
  with youx falstaffx my good lordx god give your lordship good time of
  dayx i am glad to see your lordship abroadx i heard say your lordship
  was sickx i hope your lordship goes abroad by advicex your lordshipx
  though not clean past your youthx hath yet some smack of age in youx
  some relish of the saltness of timex and i most humbly beseech your
  lordship to have a reverend care of your healthx chief justicex sir
  johnx i sent for you before your expedition to shrewsburyx falstaffx
  anxt please your lordshipx i hear his majesty is returnxd with some
  discomfort from walesx chief justicex i talk not of his majestyx you
  would not come when i sent for youx falstaffx and i hearx moreoverx
  his highness is fallxn into this same whoreson apoplexyx chief
  justicex well god mend himx i pray you let me speak with youx
  falstaffx this apoplexyx as i take itx is a kind of lethargyx anxt
  please your lordshipx a kind of sleeping in the bloodx a whoreson
  tinglingx chief justicex what tell you me of itx be it as it isx
  falstaffx it hath it original from much griefx from studyx and
  perturbation of the brainx i have read the cause of his effects in
  galenx it is a kind of deafnessx chief justicex i think you are
  fallxn into the diseasex for you hear not what i say to youx
  falstaffx very wellx my lordx very wellx rather anxt please youx it
  is the disease of not listeningx the malady of not markingx that i am
  troubled withalx chief justicex to punish you by the heels would
  amend the attention of your earsx and i care not if i do become your
  physicianx falstaffx i am as poor as jobx my lordx but not so
  patientx your lordship may minister the potion of imprisonment to me
  in respect of povertyx but how i should be your patient to follow
  your prescriptionsx the wise may make some dram of a scruplex or
  indeed a scruple itselfx chief justicex i sent for youx when there
  were matters against you for your lifex to come speak with mex
  falstaffx as i was then advisxd by my learned counsel in the laws of
  this landxservicex i did not comex chief justicex wellx the truth isx
  sir johnx you live in great infamyx falstaffx he that buckles himself
  in my belt cannot live in lessx chief justicex your means are very
  slenderx and your waste is greatx falstaffx i would it were
  otherwisex i would my means were greater and my waist slendererx
  chief justicex you have misled the youthful princex falstaffx the
  young prince hath misled mex i am the fellow with the great bellyx
  and he my dogx chief justicex wellx i am loath to gall a newxhealxd
  woundx your dayxs service at shrewsbury hath a little gilded over
  your nightxs exploit on gadshillx you may thank thx unquiet time for
  your quiet oxerposting that actionx falstaffx my lordx chief justicex
  but since all is wellx keep it sox wake not a sleeping wolfx
  falstaffx to wake a wolf is as bad as smell a foxx chief justicex
  whatx you are as a candlex the better part burnt outx falstaffx a
  wassail candlex my lordx all tallowx if i did say of waxx my growth
  would approve the truthx chief justicex there is not a white hair in
  your face but should have his effect of gravityx falstaffx his effect
  of gravyx gravyx chief justicex you follow the young prince up and
  downx like his ill angelx falstaffx not sox my lordx your ill angel
  is lightx but  hope he that looks upon me will take me without
  weighingx and yet in some respectsx i grantx i cannot gox i cannot
  tellx virtue is of so little regard in these costermongersx times
  that true valour is turnxd berodx pregnancy is made a tapsterx and
  his quick wit wasted in giving reckoningsx all the other gifts
  appertinent to manx as the malice of this age shapes themx are not
  worth a gooseberryx you that are old consider not the capacities of
  us that are youngx you do measure the heat of our livers with the
  bitterness of your gallsx and we that are in the vaward of our youthx
  must confessx are wags toox chief justicex do you set down your name
  in the scroll of youthx that are written down old with all the
  characters of agex have you not a moist eyex a dry handx a yellow
  cheekx a white beardx a decreasing legx an increasing bellyx is not
  your voice brokenx your wind shortx your chin doublex your wit
  singlex and every part about you blasted with antiquityx and will you
  yet call yourself youngx fiex fiex fiex sir johnx falstaffx my lordx
  i was born about three of the clock in the afternoonx with a white
  head and something a round bellyx for my voicex i have lost it with
  hallooing and singing of anthemsx to approve my youth furtherx i will
  notx the truth isx i am only old in judgment and understandingx and
  he that will caper with me for a thousand marksx let him lend me the
  moneyx and have at himx for the box of the ear that the prince gave
  youx he gave it like a rude princex and you took it like a sensible
  lordx i have checkxd him for itx and the young lion repentsx marryx
  not in ashes and sackclothx but in new silk and old sackx chief
  justicex wellx god send the prince a better companionx falstaffx god
  send the companion a better princex i cannot rid my hands of himx
  chief justicex wellx the king hath severxd youx i hear you are going
  with lord john of lancaster against the archbishop and the earl of
  northumberlandx falstaffx yeax i thank your pretty sweet wit for itx
  but look you prayx all you that kiss my lady peace at homex that our
  armies join not in a hot dayx forx by the lordx i take but two shirts
  out with mex and i mean not to sweat extraordinarilyx if it be a hot
  dayx and i brandish anything but a bottlex i would i might never spit
  white againx there is not a dangerous action can peep out his head
  but i am thrust upon itx wellx i cannot last everx but it was alway
  yet the trick of our english nationx if they have a good thingx to
  make it too commonx if ye will needs say i am an old manx you should
  give me restx i would to god my name were not so terrible to the
  enemy as it isx i were better to be eaten to death with a rust than
  to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motionx chief justicex wellx
  be honestx be honestx and god bless your expeditionx falstaffx will
  your lordship lend me a thousand pound to furnish me forthx chief
  justicex not a pennyx not a pennyx you are too impatient to bear
  crossesx fare you wellx commend me to my cousin westmorelandx exeunt
  chief justice and servant falstaffx if i dox fillip me with a
  threexman beetlex a man can no more separate age and covetousness
  than xa can part young limbs and lecheryx but the gout galls the onex
  and the pox pinches the otherx and so both the degrees prevent my
  cursesx boyx pagex sirx falstaffx what money is in my pursex pagex
  seven groats and two pencex falstaffx i can get no remedy against
  this consumption of the pursex borrowing only lingers and lingers it
  outx but the disease is incurablex go bear this letter to my lord of
  lancasterx this to the princex this to the earl of westmorelandx and
  this to old mistress ursulax whom i have weekly sworn to marry since
  i perceivxd the first white hair of my chinx about itx you know where
  to find mex  xexit pagex  a pox of this goutx orx a gout of this poxx
  for the one or the other plays the rogue with my great toex xtis no
  matter if i do haltx i have the wars for my colourx and my pension
  shall seem the more reasonablex a good wit will make use of anythingx
  i will turn diseases to commodityx exit

scene iiix yorkx the archbishopxs palace

enter the archbishopx thomas mowbray the earl marshalx lord hastingsx
and lord bardolph

  archbishopx thus have you heard our cause and known our meansx
    andx my most noble friendsx i pray you all
    speak plainly your opinions of our hopesx
    and firstx lord marshalx what say you to itx
  mowbrayx i well allow the occasion of our amisx
    but gladly would be better satisfied
    howx in our meansx we should advance ourselves
    to look with forehead bold and big enough
    upon the power and puissance of the kingx
  hastingsx our present musters grow upon the file
    to five and twenty thousand men of choicex
    and our supplies live largely in the hope
    of great northumberlandx whose bosom burns
    with an incensed fire of injuriesx
  lord bardolphx the question thenx lord hastingsx standeth thusx
    whether our present five and twenty thousand
    may hold up head without northumberlandx
  hastingsx with himx we mayx
  lord bardolphx yeax marryx therexs the pointx
    but if without him we be thought too feeblex
    my judgment is we should not step too far
    till we had his assistance by the handx
    forx in a theme so bloodyxfacxd as thisx
    conjecturex expectationx and surmise
    of aids incertainx should not be admittedx
  archbishopx xtis very truex lord bardolphx for indeed
    it was young hotspurxs case at shrewsburyx
  lord bardolphx it wasx my lordx who linxd himself with hopex
    eating the air and promise of supplyx
    flattxring himself in project of a power
    much smaller than the smallest of his thoughtsx
    and sox with great imagination
    proper to madmenx led his powers to deathx
    andx winkingx leapt into destructionx
  hastingsx butx by your leavex it never yet did hurt
    to lay down likelihoods and forms of hopex
  lord bardolphx yesx if this present quality of warx
    indeed the instant actionx a cause on footx
    lives so in hopex as in an early spring
    we see thx appearing budsx which to prove fruit
    hope gives not so much warrantx as despair
    that frosts will bite themx when we mean to buildx
    we first survey the plotx then draw the modelx
    and when we see the figure of the housex
    then we must rate the cost of the erectionx
    which if we find outweighs abilityx
    what do we then but draw anew the model
    in fewer officesx or at least desist
    to build at allx much morex in this great workx
    which is almost to pluck a kingdom down
    and set another upx should we survey
    the plot of situation and the modelx
    consent upon a sure foundationx
    question surveyorsx know our own estate
    how able such a work to undergox
    to weigh against his oppositex or else
    we fortify in paper and in figuresx
    using the names of men instead of menx
    like one that draws the model of a house
    beyond his power to build itx whox half throughx
    gives oxer and leaves his partxcreated cost
    a naked subject to the weeping clouds
    and waste for churlish winterxs tyrannyx
  hastingsx grant that our hopesx yet likely of fair birthx
    should be stillxbornx and that we now possessxd
    the utmost man of expectationx
    i think we are so a body strong enoughx
    even as we arex to equal with the kingx
  lord bardolphx whatx is the king but five and twenty thousandx
  hastingsx to us no morex nayx not so muchx lord bardolphx
    for his divisionsx as the times do brawlx
    are in three headsx one power against the frenchx
    and one against glendowerx perforce a third
    must take up usx so is the unfirm king
    in three dividedx and his coffers sound
    with hollow poverty and emptinessx
  archbishopx that he should draw his several strengths together
    and come against us in full puissance
    need not be dreadedx
  hastingsx if he should do sox
    he leaves his back unarmxdx the french and welsh
    baying at his heelsx never fear thatx
  lord bardolphx who is it like should lead his forces hitherx
  hastingsx the duke of lancaster and westmorelandx
    against the welshx himself and harry monmouthx
    but who is substituted against the french
    i have no certain noticex
  archbishopx let us onx
    and publish the occasion of our armsx
    the commonwealth is sick of their own choicex
    their overxgreedy love hath surfeitedx
    an habitation giddy and unsure
    hath he that buildeth on the vulgar heartx
    o thou fond manyx with what loud applause
    didst thou beat heaven with blessing bolingbroke
    before he was what thou wouldst have him bex
    and being now trimmxd in thine own desiresx
    thoux beastly feederx art so full of him
    that thou provokxst thyself to cast him upx
    sox sox thou common dogx didst thou disgorge
    thy glutton bosom of the royal richardx
    and now thou wouldst eat thy dead vomit upx
    and howlxst to find itx what trust is in these timesx
    they thatx when richard livxdx would have him die
    are now become enamourxd on his gravex
    thou that threwxst dust upon his goodly headx
    when through proud london he came sighing on
    after thx admired heels of bolingbrokex
    criest now xo earthx yield us that king againx
    and take thou thisxx o thoughts of men accursxdx
    past and to come seems bestx things presentx worstx
  mowbrayx shall we go draw our numbersx and set onx
  hastingsx we are timexs subjectsx and time bids be gonex
                                                          exeunt

act iix scene ix londonx a street

enter hostess with two officersx fang and snare

  hostessx master fangx have you entxred the actionx
  fangx it is entxredx
  hostessx wherexs your yeomanx isxt a lusty yeomanx will xa stand
    toxtx
  fangx sirrahx wherexs snarex
  hostessx o lordx ayx good master snarex
  snarex herex herex
  fangx snarex we must arrest sir john falstaffx
  hostessx yeax good master snarex i have entxred him and allx
  snarex it may chance cost some of our livesx for he will stabx
  hostessx alas the dayx take heed of himx he stabbxd me in mine own
    housex and that most beastlyx in good faithx xa cares not what
    mischief he doesx if his weapon be outx he will foin like any
    devilx he will spare neither manx womanx nor childx
  fangx if i can close with himx i care not for his thrustx
  hostessx nox nor i neitherx ixll be at your elbowx
  fangx an i but fist him oncex an xa come but within my vicex
  hostessx i am undone by his goingx i warrant youx hexs an
    infinitive thing upon my scorex good master fangx hold him surex
    good master snarex let him not scapex xa comes continuantly to
    piexcornerx saving your manhoodsx to buy a saddlex and he is
    indited to dinner to the lubberxs head in lumbert streetx to
    master smoothxs the silkmanx i pray youx since my exion is
    entxredx and my case so openly known to the worldx let him be
    brought in to his answerx a hundred mark is a long one for a poor
    lone woman to bearx and i have bornex and bornex and bornex and
    have been fubbxd offx and fubbxd offx and fubbxd offx from this
    day to that dayx that it is a shame to be thought onx there is no
    honesty in such dealingx unless a woman should be made an ass and
    a beastx to bear every knavexs wrongx

            enter sir john falstaffx pagex and bardolph

    yonder he comesx and that arrant malmseyxnose knavex bardolphx
    with himx do your officesx do your officesx master fang and
    master snarex do mex do mex do me your officesx
  falstaffx how nowx whose marexs deadx whatxs the matterx
  fangx sir johnx i arrest you at the suit of mistress quicklyx
  falstaffx awayx varletsx drawx bardolphx cut me off the villianxs
    headx throw the quean in the channelx
  hostessx throw me in the channelx ixll throw thee in the channelx
    wilt thoux wilt thoux thou bastardly roguex murderx murderx ahx
    thou honeysuckle villainx wilt thou kill godxs officers and the
    kingxsx ahx thou honeyxseed roguex thou art a honeyxseedx a
    manxqueller and a womanxquellerx
  falstaffx keep them offx bardolphx
  fangx a rescuex a rescuex
  hostessx good peoplex bring a rescue or twox thou wotx wot thoux
    thou wotx wot tax dox dox thou roguex dox thou hempxseedx
  pagex awayx you scullionx you rampallianx you fustilarianx
    ixll tickle your catastrophex

              enter the lord chief justice and his men

  chief justicex what is the matterx keep the peace herex hox
  hostessx good my lordx be good to mex i beseech youx stand to mex
  chief justicex how nowx sir johnx whatx are you brawling herex
    doth this become your placex your timex and businessx
    you should have been well on your way to yorkx
    stand from himx fellowx wherefore hangxst thou upon himx
  hostessx o my most worshipful lordx anxt please your gracex i am a
    poor widow of eastcheapx and he is arrested at my suitx
  chief justicex for what sumx
  hostessx it is more than for somex my lordx it is for allx all i
    havex he hath eaten me out of house and homex he hath put all my
    substance into that fat belly of hisx but i will have some of it
    out againx or i will ride thee a nights like a marex
  falstaffx i think i am as like to ride the marex if i have any
    vantage of ground to get upx
  chief justicex how comes thisx sir johnx fiex what man of good
    temper would endure this tempest of exclamationx are you not
    ashamed to enforce a poor widow to so rough a course to come by
    her ownx
  falstaffx what is the gross sum that i owe theex
  hostessx marryx if thou wert an honest manx thyself and the money
    toox thou didst swear to me upon a parcelxgilt gobletx sitting in
    my dolphin chamberx at the round tablex by a seaxcoal firex upon
    wednesday in wheeson weekx when the prince broke thy head for
    liking his father to singingxman of windsorx thou didst swear to
    me thenx as i was washing thy woundx to marry me and make me my
    lady thy wifex canst thou deny itx did not goodwife keechx the
    butcherxs wifex come in then and call me gossip quicklyx coming
    in to borrow a mess of vinegarx telling us she had a good dish of
    prawnsx whereby thou didst desire to eat somex whereby i told
    thee they were ill for green woundx and didst thou notx when she
    was gone down stairsx desire me to be no more so familiarity with
    such poor peoplex saying that ere long they should call me madamx
    and didst thou not kiss mex and bid me fetch the thirty
    shillingsx i put thee now to thy bookxoathx deny itx if thou
    canstx
  falstaffx my lordx this is a poor mad soulx and she says up and
    down the town that her eldest son is like youx she hath been in
    good casex andx the truth isx poverty hath distracted herx but
    for these foolish officersx i beseech you i may have redress
    against themx
  chief justicex sir johnx sir johnx i am well acquainted with your
    manner of wrenching the true cause the false wayx it is not a
    confident browx nor the throng of words that come with such more
    than impudent sauciness from youx can thrust me from a level
    considerationx you havex as it appears to mex practisxd upon the
    easy yielding spirit of this womanx and made her serve your uses
    both in purse and in personx
  hostessx yeax in truthx my lordx
  chief justicex pray theex peacex pay her the debt you owe herx and
    unpay the villainy you have done with herx the one you may do
    with sterling moneyx and the other with current repentancex
  falstaffx my lordx i will not undergo this sneap without replyx you
    call honourable boldness impudent saucinessx if a man will make
    curtsy and say nothingx he is virtuousx nox my lordx my humble
    duty remembxredx i will not be your suitorx i say to you i do
    desire deliverance from these officersx being upon hasty
    employment in the kingxs affairsx
  chief justicex you speak as having power to do wrongx but answer in
    thx effect of your reputationx and satisfy the poor womanx
  falstaffx come hitherx hostessx

                               enter gower

  chief justicex nowx master gowerx what newsx
  gowerx the kingx my lordx and harry prince of wales
    are near at handx the rest the paper tellsx xgives a letterx
  falstaffx as i am a gentlemanx
  hostessx faithx you said so beforex
  falstaffx as i am a gentlemanx comex no more words of itx
  hostessx by this heavenly ground i tread onx i must be fain to pawn
    both my plate and the tapestry of my diningxchambersx
  falstaffx glassesx glassesx is the only drinkingx and for thy
    wallsx a pretty slight drolleryx or the story of the prodigalx or
    the german huntingx in waterxworkx is worth a thousand of these
    bedxhangers and these flyxbitten tapestriesx let it be ten poundx
    if thou canstx comex and xtwere not for thy humoursx therexs not
    a better wench in englandx gox wash thy facex and draw the
    actionx comex thou must not be in this humour with mex dost not
    know mex comex comex i know thou wast set on to thisx
  hostessx pray theex sir johnx let it be but twenty noblesx
    ix faithx i am loath to pawn my platex so god save mex lax
  falstaffx let it alonex ixll make other shiftx youxll be a fool
    stillx
  hostessx wellx you shall have itx though i pawn my gownx
    i hope youxll come to supperx youxll pay me all togetherx
  falstaffx will i livex  xto bardolphx  gox with herx with herx hook
    onx hook onx
  hostessx will you have doll tearsheet meet you at supperx
  falstaffx no more wordsx letxs have herx
                          exeunt hostessx bardolphx and officers
  chief justicex i have heard better newsx
  falstaffx whatxs the newsx my lordx
  chief justicex where lay the king toxnightx
  gowerx at basingstokex my lordx
  falstaffx i hopex my lordx allxs wellx what is the newsx my lordx
  chief justicex come all his forces backx
  gowerx nox fifteen hundred footx five hundred horsex
    are marchxd up to my lord of lancasterx
    against northumberland and the archbishopx
  falstaffx comes the king back from walesx my noble lordx
  chief justicex you shall have letters of me presentlyx
    comex go along with mex good master gowerx
  falstaffx my lordx
  chief justicex whatxs the matterx
  falstaffx master gowerx shall i entreat you with me to dinnerx
  gowerx i must wait upon my good lord herex i thank youx good sir
    johnx
  chief justicex sir johnx you loiter here too longx being you are to
    take soldiers up in counties as you gox
  falstaffx will you sup with mex master gowerx
  chief justicex what foolish master taught you these mannersx sir
    johnx
  falstaffx master gowerx if they become me notx he was a fool that
    taught them mex this is the right fencing gracex my lordx tap for
    tapx and so part fairx
  chief justicex nowx the lord lighten theex thou art a great foolx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix londonx another street

enter prince henry and poins

  princex before godx i am exceeding wearyx
  poinsx isxt come to thatx i had thought weariness durst not have
    attachxd one of so high bloodx
  princex faithx it does mex though it discolours the complexion of
    my greatness to acknowledge itx doth it not show vilely in me to
    desire small beerx
  poinsx whyx a prince should not be so loosely studied as to
    remember so weak a compositionx
  princex belike then my appetite was notxprincely gotx forx by my
    trothx i do now remember the poor creaturex small beerx but
    indeed these humble considerations make me out of love with my
    greatnessx what a disgrace is it to me to remember thy namex or
    to know thy face toxmorrowx or to take note how many pair of silk
    stockings thou hastx vizxx thesex and those that were thy
    peachxcolourxd onesx or to bear the inventory of thy shirtsx asx
    one for superfluityx and another for usex but that the
    tennisxcourtxkeeper knows better than ix for it is a low ebb of
    linen with thee when thou keepest not racket therex as thou hast
    not done a great whilex because the rest of thy low countries
    have made a shift to eat up thy hollandx and god knows whether
    those that bawl out of the ruins of thy linen shall inherit his
    kingdomx but the midwives say the children are not in the faultx
    whereupon the world increasesx and kindreds are mightily
    strengthenedx
  poinsx how ill it followsx after you have laboured so hardx you
    should talk so idlyx tell mex how many good young princes would
    do sox their fathers being so sick as yours at this time isx
  princex shall i tell thee one thingx poinsx
  poinsx yesx faithx and let it be an excellent good thingx
  princex it shall serve among wits of no higher breeding than thinex
  poinsx go tox i stand the push of your one thing that you will
    tellx
  princex marryx i tell thee it is not meet that i should be sadx now
    my father is sickx albeit i could tell to theex as to one it
    pleases mex for fault of a betterx to call my friendx i could be
    sad and sad indeed toox
  poinsx very hardly upon such a subjectx
  princex by this handx thou thinkest me as far in the devilxs book
    as thou and falstaff for obduracy and persistencyx let the end
    try the manx but i tell thee my heart bleeds inwardly that my
    father is so sickx and keeping such vile company as thou art hath
    in reason taken from me all ostentation of sorrowx
  poinsx the reasonx
  princex what wouldst thou think of me if i should weepx
  poinsx i would think thee a most princely hypocritex
  princex it would be every manxs thoughtx and thou art a blessed
    fellow to think as every man thinksx never a manxs thought in the
    world keeps the roadxway better than thinex every man would think
    me an hypocrite indeedx and what accites your most worshipful
    thought to think sox
  poinsx whyx because you have been so lewd and so much engraffed to
    falstaffx
  princex and to theex
  poinsx by this lightx i am well spoke onx i can hear it with mine
    own earsx the worst that they can say of me is that i am a second
    brother and that i am a proper fellow of my handsx and those two
    thingsx i confessx i cannot helpx by the massx here comes
    bardolphx

                         enter bardolph and page

  princex and the boy that i gave falstaffx xa had him from me
    christianx and look if the fat villain have not transformxd him
    apex
  bardolphx god save your gracex
  princex and yoursx most noble bardolphx
  poinsx comex you virtuous assx you bashful foolx must you be
    blushingx wherefore blush you nowx what a maidenly manxatxarms
    are you becomex isxt such a matter to get a pottlexpotxs
    maidenheadx
  pagex xa calls me exen nowx my lordx through a red latticex and i
    could discern no part of his face from the windowx at last i
    spied his eyesx and methought he had made two holes in the
    alewifexs new petticoatx and so peepxd throughx
  princex has not the boy profitedx
  bardolphx awayx you whoreson upright rabbitx awayx
  pagex awayx you rascally althaeaxs dreamx awayx
  princex instruct usx boyx what dreamx boyx
  pagex marryx my lordx althaea dreamt she was delivered of a
    firebrandx and therefore i call him her dreamx
  princex a crownxs worth of good interpretationx there xtisx boyx
                                                xgiving a crownx
  poinsx o that this blossom could be kept from cankersx
    wellx there is sixpence to preserve theex
  bardolphx an you do not make him be hangxd among youx the gallows
    shall have wrongx
  princex and how doth thy masterx bardolphx
  bardolphx wellx my lordx he heard of your gracexs coming to townx
    therexs a letter for youx
  poinsx deliverxd with good respectx and how doth the martlemasx
    your masterx
  bardolphx in bodily healthx sirx
  poinsx marryx the immortal part needs a physicianx but that moves
    not himx though that be sickx it dies notx
  princex i do allow this well to be as familiar with me as my dogx
    and he holds his placex for look you how he writesx
  poinsx  xreadsx  xjohn falstaffx knightxx every man must know that
    as oft as he has occasion to name himselfx even like those that
    are kin to the kingx for they never prick their finger but they
    say xtherexs some of the kingxs blood spiltxx xhow comes thatxx
    says he that takes upon him not to conceivex the answer is as
    ready as a borrowerxs capx xi am the kingxs poor cousinx sirxx
  princex nayx they will be kin to usx or they will fetch it from
    japhetx but the letterx  xreadsx  xsir john falstaffx knightx to
    the son of the king nearest his fatherx harry prince of walesx
    greetingxx
  poinsx whyx this is a certificatex
  princex peacex  xreadsx  xi will imitate the honourable romans in
    brevityxxx
  poinsx he sure means brevity in breathx shortxwindedx
  princex  xreadsx  xi commend me to theex i commend theex and i
    leave theex be not too familiar with poinsx for he misuses thy
    favours so much that he swears thou art to marry his sister nellx
    repent at idle times as thou maystx and so farewellx
      thinex by yea and nox which is as much as to say as
        thou usest himx jack falstaff with my familiarsx
        john with my brothers and sistersx and sir john with
        all europexx
  poinsx my lordx ixll steep this letter in sack and make him eat itx
  princex thatxs to make him eat twenty of his wordsx but do you use
    me thusx nedx must i marry your sisterx
  poinsx god send the wench no worse fortunex but i never said sox
  princex wellx thus we play the fools with the timex and the spirits
    of the wise sit in the clouds and mock usx is your master here in
    londonx
  bardolphx yeax my lordx
  princex where sups hex doth the old boar feed in the old frankx
  bardolphx at the old placex my lordx in eastcheapx
  princex what companyx
  pagex ephesiansx my lordx of the old churchx
  princex sup any women with himx
  pagex nonex my lordx but old mistress quickly and mistress doll
    tearsheetx
  princex what pagan may that bex
  pagex a proper gentlewomanx sirx and a kinswoman of my masterxsx
  princex even such kin as the parish heifers are to the town bullx
    shall we steal upon themx nedx at supperx
  poinsx i am your shadowx my lordx ixll follow youx
  princex sirrahx you boyx and bardolphx no word to your master that
    i am yet come to townx therexs for your silencex
  bardolphx i have no tonguex sirx
  pagex and for minex sirx i will govern itx
  princex fare you wellx gox            exeunt bardolph and page
    this doll tearsheet should be some roadx
  poinsx i warrant youx as common as the way between saint albans and
    londonx
  princex how might we see falstaff bestow himself toxnight in his
    true coloursx and not ourselves be seenx
  poinsx put on two leathern jerkins and apronsx and wait upon him at
    his table as drawersx
  princex from a god to a bullx a heavy descensionx it was jovexs
    casex from a prince to a prenticex a low transformationx that
    shall be minex for in everything the purpose must weigh with the
    follyx follow mex nedx
                                                          exeunt

scene iiix warkworthx before the castle

enter northumberlandx lady northumberlandx and lady percy

  northumberlandx i pray theex loving wifex and gentle daughterx
    give even way unto my rough affairsx
    put not you on the visage of the times
    and bex like themx to percy troublesomex
  lady northumberlandx i have given overx i will speak no morex
    do what you willx your wisdom be your guidex
  northumberlandx alasx sweet wifex my honour is at pawnx
    and but my going nothing can redeem itx
  lady percyx ox yetx for godxs sakex go not to these warsx
    the time wasx fatherx that you broke your wordx
    when you were more endearxd to it than nowx
    when your own percyx when my heartxs dear harryx
    threw many a northward look to see his father
    bring up his powersx but he did long in vainx
    who then persuaded you to stay at homex
    there were two honours lostx yours and your sonxsx
    for yoursx the god of heaven brighten itx
    for hisx it stuck upon him as the sun
    in the grey vault of heavenx and by his light
    did all the chivalry of england move
    to do brave actsx he was indeed the glass
    wherein the noble youth did dress themselvesx
    he had no legs that practisxd not his gaitx
    and speaking thickx which nature made his blemishx
    became the accents of the valiantx
    for those who could speak low and tardily
    would turn their own perfection to abuse
    to seem like himx so that in speechx in gaitx
    in dietx in affections of delightx
    in military rulesx humours of bloodx
    he was the mark and glassx copy and bookx
    that fashionxd othersx and himx o wondrous himx
    o miracle of menxx him did you leavex
    second to nonex unseconded by youx
    to look upon the hideous god of war
    in disadvantagex to abide a field
    where nothing but the sound of hotspurxs name
    did seem defensiblex so you left himx
    neverx o neverx do his ghost the wrong
    to hold your honour more precise and nice
    with others than with himx let them alonex
    the marshal and the archbishop are strongx
    had my sweet harry had but half their numbersx
    toxday might ix hanging on hotspurxs neckx
    have talkxd of monmouthxs gravex
  northumberlandx beshrew your heartx
    fair daughterx you do draw my spirits from me
    with new lamenting ancient oversightsx
    but i must go and meet with danger therex
    or it will seek me in another placex
    and find me worse providedx
  lady northumberlandx ox fly to scotland
    till that the nobles and the armed commons
    have of their puissance made a little tastex
  lady percyx if they get ground and vantage of the kingx
    then join you with themx like a rib of steelx
    to make strength strongerx butx for all our lovesx
    first let them try themselvesx so did your sonx
    he was so suffxredx so came i a widowx
    and never shall have length of life enough
    to rain upon remembrance with mine eyesx
    that it may grow and sprout as high as heavenx
    for recordation to my noble husbandx
  northumberlandx comex comex go in with mex xtis with my mind
    as with the tide swellxd up unto his heightx
    that makes a stillxstandx running neither wayx
    fain would i go to meet the archbishopx
    but many thousand reasons hold me backx
    i will resolve for scotlandx there am ix
    till time and vantage crave my companyx               exeunt

scene ivx londonx the boarxs head tavern in eastcheap

enter francis and another drawer

  francisx what the devil hast thou brought therexapplexjohnsx thou
    knowest sir john cannot endure an applexjohnx
  second drawerx massx thou sayxst truex the prince once set a dish
    of applexjohns before himx and told him there were five more sir
    johnsx andx putting off his hatx said xi will now take my leave
    of these six dryx roundx oldx withered knightsxx it angxred him
    to the heartx but he hath forgot thatx
  francisx whyx thenx cover and set them downx and see if thou canst
    find out sneakxs noisex mistress tearsheet would fain hear some
    musicx

                        enter third drawer

  third drawerx dispatchx the room where they suppxd is too hotx
    theyxll come in straightx
  francisx sirrahx here will be the prince and master poins anonx and
    they will put on two of our jerkins and apronsx and sir john must
    not know of itx bardolph hath brought wordx
  third drawerx by the massx here will be old udsx it will be an
    excellent stratagemx
  second drawerx ixll see if i can find out sneakx
                                 exeunt second and third drawers

                enter hostess and doll tearsheet

  hostessx ix faithx sweetheartx methinks now you are in an excellent
    good temperalityx your pulsidge beats as extraordinarily as heart
    would desirex and your colourx i warrant youx is as red as any
    rosex in good truthx lax butx ix faithx you have drunk too much
    canariesx and thatxs a marvellous searching winex and it perfumes
    the blood ere one can say xwhatxs thisxx how do you nowx
  dollx better than i wasx hemx
  hostessx whyx thatxs well saidx a good heartxs worth goldx
    lox here comes sir johnx

                          enter falstaff

  falstaffx  xsingingx  xwhen arthur first in courtxx empty the
    jordanx  xexit francisxx xsingingx  xand was a worthy kingxx how
    nowx mistress dollx
  hostessx sick of a calmx yeax good faithx
  falstaffx so is all her sectx and they be once in a calmx they are
    sickx
  dollx a pox damn youx you muddy rascalx is that all the comfort you
    give mex
  falstaffx you make fat rascalsx mistress dollx
  dollx i make themx gluttony and diseases make themx i make them
    notx
  falstaffx if the cook help to make the gluttonyx you help to make
    the diseasesx dollx we catch of youx dollx we catch of youx grant
    thatx my poor virtuex grant thatx
  dollx yeax joyx our chains and our jewelsx
  falstaffx xyour broochesx pearlsx and ouchesxx for to serve bravely
    is to come halting offx you knowx to come off the breach with his
    pike bent bravelyx and to surgery bravelyx to venture upon the
    chargxd chambers bravelyx
  dollx hang yourselfx you muddy congerx hang yourselfx
  hostessx by my trothx this is the old fashionx you two never meet
    but you fall to some discordx you are bothx ix good truthx as
    rheumatic as two dry toastsx you cannot one bear with anotherxs
    confirmitiesx what the goodxyearx one must bearx and that must be
    youx you are the weaker vesselx as as they sayx the emptier
    vesselx
  dollx can a weak empty vessel bear such a huge full hogsxheadx
    therexs a whole merchantxs venture of bourdeaux stuff in himx you
    have not seen a hulk better stuffxd in the holdx comex ixll be
    friends with theex jackx thou art going to the warsx and whether
    i shall ever see thee again or nox there is nobody caresx

                            rexenter francis

  francisx sirx ancient pistolxs below and would speak with youx
  dollx hang himx swaggering rascalx let him not come hitherx it is
    the foulxmouthxdst rogue in englandx
  hostessx if he swaggerx let him not come herex nox by my faithx i
    must live among my neighboursx ixll no swaggerersx i am in good
    name and fame with the very bestx shut the doorx there comes no
    swaggerers herex i have not livxd all this while to have
    swaggering nowx shut the doorx i pray youx
  falstaffx dost thou hearx hostessx
  hostessx pray yex pacify yourselfx sir johnx there comes no
    swaggerers herex
  falstaffx dost thou hearx it is mine ancientx
  hostessx tillyxfallyx sir johnx nexer tell mex and your ancient
    swaggxrer comes not in my doorsx i was before master tisickx the
    debutyx tx other dayx andx as he said to mex xtwas no longer ago
    than wednesday lastx ix good faithxx xneighbour quicklyxx says
    hex master dumbex our ministerx was by thenx xneighbour quicklyxx
    says he xreceive those that are civilx forx said he xyou are in
    an ill namexx now xa said sox i can tell whereuponx xforx says he
    xyou are an honest woman and well thought onx therefore take heed
    what guests you receivex receivex says he xno swaggering
    companionsxx there comes none herex you would bless you to hear
    what he saidx nox ixll no swaggxrersx
  falstaffx hexs no swaggxrerx hostessx a tame cheaterx ix faithx you
    may stroke him as gently as a puppy greyhoundx hexll not swagger
    with a barbary henx if her feathers turn back in any show of
    resistancex call him upx drawerx
                                                    exit francis
  hostessx cheaterx call you himx i will bar no honest man my housex
    nor no cheaterx but i do not love swaggeringx by my trothx i am
    the worse when one says xswaggerxx feelx mastersx how i shakex
    look youx i warrant youx
  dollx so you dox hostessx
  hostessx do ix yeax in very truthx do ix an xtwere an aspen leafx i
    cannot abide swaggxrersx

                   enter pistolx bardolphx and page

  pistolx god save youx sir johnx
  falstaffx welcomex ancient pistolx herex pistolx i charge you with
    a cup of sackx do you discharge upon mine hostessx
  pistolx i will discharge upon herx sir johnx with two bulletsx
  falstaffx she is pistolxproofx sirx you shall not hardly offend
    herx
  hostessx comex ixll drink no proofs nor no bulletsx ixll drink no
    more than will do me goodx for no manxs pleasurex ix
  pistolx then to youx mistress dorothyx i will charge youx
  dollx charge mex i scorn youx scurvy companionx whatx you poorx
    basex rascallyx cheatingx lackxlinen matex awayx you mouldy
    roguex awayx i am meat for your masterx
  pistolx i know youx mistress dorothyx
  dollx awayx you cutxpurse rascalx you filthy bungx awayx by this
    winex ixll thrust my knife in your mouldy chapsx an you play the
    saucy cuttle with mex awayx you bottlexale rascalx you
    basketxhilt stale jugglerx youx since whenx i pray youx sirx
    godxs lightx with two points on your shoulderx muchx
  pistolx god let me not live but i will murder your ruff for thisx
  falstaffx no morex pistolx i would not have you go off herex
    discharge yourself of our companyx pistolx
  hostessx nox good captain pistolx not herex sweet captainx
  dollx captainx thou abominable damnxd cheaterx art thou not ashamed
    to be called captainx an captains were of my mindx they would
    truncheon you outx for taking their names upon you before you
    have earnxd themx you a captainx you slavex for whatx for tearing
    a poor whorexs ruff in a bawdyxhousex he a captainx hang himx
    roguex he lives upon mouldy stewxd prunes and dried cakesx a
    captainx godxs lightx these villains will make the word as odious
    as the word xoccupyxx which was an excellent good word before it
    was ill sortedx therefore captains had need look toxtx
  bardolphx pray thee go downx good ancientx
  falstaffx hark thee hitherx mistress dollx
  pistolx not ix i tell thee whatx corporal bardolphx i could tear
    herx ixll be revengxd of herx
  pagex pray thee go downx
  pistolx ixll see her damnxd firstx to plutoxs damnxd lakex by this
    handx to thx infernal deepx with erebus and tortures vile alsox
    hold hook and linex say ix downx downx dogsx downx faitorsx have
    we not hiren herex
  hostessx good captain peeselx be quietx xtis very latex ix faithx i
    beseek you nowx aggravate your cholerx
  pistolx these be good humoursx indeedx shall packhorsesx
    and hollow pamperxd jades of asiax
    which cannot go but thirty mile a dayx
    compare with caesarsx and with cannibalsx
    and troiant greeksx nayx rather damn them with
    king cerberusx and let the welkin roarx
    shall we fall foul for toysx
  hostessx by my trothx captainx these are very bitter wordsx
  bardolphx be gonex good ancientx this will grow to a brawl anonx
  pistolx die men like dogsx give crowns like pinsx have we not hiren
    herex
  hostessx ox my wordx captainx therexs none such herex what the
    goodxyearx do you think i would deny herx for godxs sakex be
    quietx
  pistolx then feed and be fatx my fair calipolisx
    comex givexs some sackx
    xsi fortune me tormente sperato me contentoxx
    fear we broadsidesx nox let the fiend give firex
    give me some sackx andx sweetheartx lie thou therex
                                         xlaying down his swordx
    come we to full points herex and are etceteras nothingsx
  falstaffx pistolx i would be quietx
  pistolx sweet knightx i kiss thy neafx whatx we have seen the seven
    starsx
  dollx for godxs sake thrust him down stairsx i cannot endure such a
    fustian rascalx
  pistolx thrust him down stairsx know we not galloway nagsx
  falstaffx quoit him downx bardolphx like a shovexgroat shillingx
    nayx an xa do nothing but speak nothingx xa shall be nothing
    herex
  bardolphx comex get you down stairsx
  pistolx whatx shall we have incisionx shall we imbruex
                                        xsnatching up his swordx
    then death rock me asleepx abridge my doleful daysx
    whyx thenx let grievousx ghastlyx gaping wounds
    untwine the sisters threex comex atroposx i sayx
  hostessx herexs goodly stuff towardx
  falstaffx give me my rapierx boyx
  dollx i pray theex jackx i pray theex do not drawx
  falstaffx get you down stairsx
                                xdrawing and driving pistol outx
  hostessx herexs a goodly tumultx ixll forswear keeping house afore
    ixll be in these tirrits and frightsx sox murderx i warrant nowx
    alasx alasx put up your naked weaponsx put up your naked weaponsx
                                      exeunt pistol and bardolph
  dollx i pray theex jackx be quietx the rascalxs gonex ahx you
    whoreson little valiant villainx youx
  hostessx are you not hurt ix thx groinx methought xa made a shrewd
    thrust at your bellyx

                        rexenter bardolph

  falstaffx have you turnxd him out a doorsx
  bardolphx yeax sirx the rascalxs drunkx you have hurt himx sirx ix
    thx shoulderx
  falstaffx a rascalx to brave mex
  dollx ahx you sweet little roguex youx alasx poor apex how thou
    sweatxstx comex let me wipe thy facex come onx you whoreson
    chopsx ahx roguex ix faithx i love theex thou art as valorous as
    hector of troyx worth five of agamemnonx and ten times better
    than the nine worthiesx ahx villainx
  falstaffx a rascally slavex i will toss the rogue in a blanketx
  dollx dox an thou darxst for thy heartx an thou dostx ixll canvass
    thee between a pair of sheetsx

                          enter musicians

  pagex the music is comex sirx
  falstaffx let them playx playx sirsx sit on my kneex donx a rascal
    bragging slavex the rogue fled from me like quickxsilverx
  dollx ix faithx and thou followxdst him like a churchx thou
    whoreson little tidy bartholomew boarxpigx when wilt thou leave
    fighting a days and foining a nightsx and begin to patch up thine
    old body for heavenx

       enterx behindx prince henry and poins disguised as drawers

  falstaffx peacex good dollx do not speak like a deathxsxheadx do
    not bid me remember mine endx
  dollx sirrahx what humourxs the prince ofx
  falstaffx a good shallow young fellowx xa would have made a good
    pantlerx xa would hax chippxd bread wellx
  dollx they say poins has a good witx
  falstaffx he a good witx hang himx baboonx his witxs as thick as
    tewksbury mustardx therexs no more conceit in him than is in a
    malletx
  dollx why does the prince love him sox thenx
  falstaffx because their legs are both of a bignessx and xa plays at
    quoits wellx and eats conger and fennelx and drinks off candlesx
    ends for flapxdragonsx and rides the wild mare with the boysx and
    jumps upon joinxdxstoolsx and swears with a good gracex and wears
    his boots very smoothx like unto the sign of the legx and breeds
    no bate with telling of discreet storiesx and such other gambol
    faculties xa hasx that show a weak mind and an able bodyx for the
    which the prince admits himx for the prince himself is such
    anotherx the weight of a hair will turn the scales between their
    avoirdupoisx
  princex would not this nave of a wheel have his ears cut offx
  poinsx letxs beat him before his whorex
  princex look whexer the witherxd elder hath not his poll clawxd
    like a parrotx
  poinsx is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive
    performancex
  falstaffx kiss mex dollx
  princex saturn and venus this year in conjunctionx what says thx
    almanac to thatx
  poinsx and look whether the fiery trigonx his manx be not lisping
    to his masterxs old tablesx his notexbookx his counselxkeeperx
  falstaffx thou dost give me flattering bussesx
  dollx by my trothx i kiss thee with a most constant heartx
  falstaffx i am oldx i am oldx
  dollx i love thee better than i love exer a scurvy young boy of
    them allx
  falstaffx what stuff wilt have a kirtle ofx i shall receive money a
    thursdayx shalt have a cap toxmorrowx a merry songx comex xa
    grows latex wexll to bedx thouxt forget me when i am gonex
  dollx by my trothx thouxt set me axweepingx an thou sayxst sox
    prove that ever i dress myself handsome till thy returnx wellx
    hearken ax thx endx
  falstaffx some sackx francisx
  prince x poinsx anonx anonx sirx                   xadvancingx
  falstaffx hax a bastard son of the kingxsx and art thou not poins
    his brotherx
  princex whyx thou globe of sinful continentsx what a life dost thou
    leadx
  falstaffx a better than thoux i am a gentlemanx thou art a drawerx
  princex very truex sirx and i come to draw you out by the earsx
  hostessx ox the lord preserve thy gracex by my trothx welcome to
    londonx now the lord bless that sweet face of thinex o jesux are
    you come from walesx
  falstaffx thou whoreson mad compound of majestyx by this light
    flesh and corrupt bloodx thou art welcomex
                                    xleaning his band upon dollx
  dollx howx you fat foolx i scorn youx
  poinsx my lordx he will drive you out of your revenge and turn all
    to a merrimentx if you take not the heatx
  princex you whoreson candlexminex youx how vilely did you speak of
    me even now before this honestx virtuousx civil gentlewomanx
  hostessx godxs blessing of your good heartx and so she isx by my
    trothx
  falstaffx didst thou hear mex
  princex yeax and you knew mex as you did when you ran away by
    gadshillx you knew i was at your backx and spoke it on purpose to
    try my patiencex
  falstaffx nox nox nox not sox i did not think thou wast within
    hearingx
  princex i shall drive you then to confess the wilful abusex and
    then i know how to handle youx
  falstaffx no abusex halx ox mine honourx no abusex
  princex notx to dispraise mex and call me panderx and
    breadxchipperx and i know not whatx
  falstaffx no abusex halx
  poinsx no abusex
  falstaffx no abusex nedx ix thx worldx honest nedx nonex i
    dispraisxd him before the wickedx that the wicked might not fall
    in love with theex in which doingx i have done the part of a
    careful friend and a true subjectx and thy father is to give me
    thanks for itx no abusex halx nonex nedx nonex nox faithx boysx
    nonex
  princex see nowx whether pure fear and entire cowardice doth not
    make thee wrong this virtuous gentlewoman to close with usx is
    she of the wickedx is thine hostess here of the wickedx or is thy
    boy of the wickedx or honest bardolphx whose zeal burns in his
    nosex of the wickedx
  poinsx answerx thou dead elmx answerx
  falstaffx the fiend hath prickxd down bardolph irrecoverablex and
    his face is luciferxs privyxkitchenx where he doth nothing but
    roast maltxwormsx for the boyx there is a good angel about himx
    but the devil outbids him toox
  princex for the womenx
  falstaffx for one of themx shexs in hell alreadyx and burns poor
    soulsx for thx otherx i owe her moneyx and whether she be damnxd
    for thatx i know notx
  hostessx nox i warrant youx
  falstaffx nox i think thou art notx i think thou art quit for thatx
    marryx there is another indictment upon thee for suffering flesh
    to be eaten in thy housex contrary to the lawx for the which i
    think thou wilt howlx
  hostessx all victxlers do sox whatxs a joint of mutton or two in a
    whole lentx
  princex youx gentlewomanx
  dollx what says your gracex
  falstaffx his grace says that which his flesh rebels againstx
                                               xknocking withinx
  hostessx who knocks so loud at doorx look to thx door therex
    francisx

                              enter peto

  princex petox how nowx what newsx
  petox the king your father is at westminsterx
    and there are twenty weak and wearied posts
    come from the northx and as i came along
    i met and overtook a dozen captainsx
    barexheadedx sweatingx knocking at the tavernsx
    and asking every one for sir john falstaffx
  princex by heavenx poinsx i feel me much to blame
    so idly to profane the precious timex
    when tempest of commotionx like the southx
    borne with black vapourx doth begin to melt
    and drop upon our bare unarmed headsx
    give me my sword and cloakx falstaffx good nightx

                        exeunt princex poinsx petox and bardolph

  falstaffx now comes in the sweetest morsel of the nightx and we
    must hencex and leave it unpickxdx  xknocking withinx  more
    knocking at the doorx

                      rexenter bardolph

    how nowx whatxs the matterx
  bardolphx you must away to courtx sirx presentlyx
    a dozen captains stay at door for youx
  falstaffx  xto the pagexx pay the musiciansx sirrahxx farewellx
    hostessx farewellx dollx you seex my good wenchesx how men of
    merit are sought afterx the undeserver may sleepx when the man of
    action is callxd onx farewellx good wenchesx if i be not sent
    away postx i will see you again ere i gox
  dollx i cannot speakx if my heart be not ready to burstx
    wellx sweet jackx have a care of thyselfx
  falstaffx farewellx farewellx
                                    exeunt falstaff and bardolph
  hostessx wellx fare thee wellx i have known thee these twentyxnine
    yearsx come peascodxtimex but an honester and truerxhearted man
    xwell fare thee wellx
  bardolphx  x withinx  mistress tearsheetx
  hostessx whatxs the matterx
  bardolphx  x withinx  bid mistress tearsheet come to my masterx
  hostessx ox run dollx runx runx good comex  xto bardolphx  she
    comes blubberxdxx yeax will you comex dollx           exeunt

act iiix scene ix westminsterx the palace

enter the king in his nightgownx with a page

  kingx go call the earls of surrey and of warwickx
    butx ere they comex bid them oxerxread these letters
    and well consider of themx make good speedx        exit page
    how many thousands of my poorest subjects
    are at this hour asleepx o sleepx o gentle sleepx
    naturexs soft nursex how have i frightened theex
    that thou no more will weigh my eyelids downx
    and steep my senses in forgetfulnessx
    why ratherx sleepx liest thou in smoky cribsx
    upon uneasy pallets stretching theex
    and hushxd with buzzing nightxflies to thy slumberx
    than in the perfumxd chambers of the greatx
    under the canopies of costly statex
    and lullxd with sound of sweetest melodyx
    o thou dull godx why liest thou with the vile
    in loathsome bedsx and leavxst the kingly couch
    a watchxcase or a common xlarumxbellx
    wilt thou upon the high and giddy mast
    seal up the shipxboyxs eyesx and rock his brains
    in cradle of the rude imperious surgex
    and in the visitation of the windsx
    who take the ruffian billows by the topx
    curling their monstrous headsx and hanging them
    with deafing clamour in the slippery cloudsx
    that with the hurly death itself awakesx
    canst thoux o partial sleepx give thy repose
    to the wet seaxboy in an hour so rudex
    and in the calmest and most stillest nightx
    with all appliances and means to bootx
    deny it to a kingx thenx happy lowx lie downx
    uneasy lies the head that wears a crownx

                    enter warwick and surrey

  warwickx many good morrows to your majestyx
  kingx is it good morrowx lordsx
  warwickx xtis one oxclockx and pastx
  kingx why thenx good morrow to you allx my lordsx
    have you read oxer the letters that i sent youx
  warwickx we havex my liegex
  kingx then you perceive the body of our kingdom
    how foul it isx what rank diseases growx
    and with what dangerx near the heart of itx
  warwickx it is but as a body yet distemperedx
    which to his former strength may be restored
    with good advice and little medicinex
    my lord northumberland will soon be coolxdx
  kingx o godx that one might read the book of fatex
    and see the revolution of the times
    make mountains levelx and the continentx
    weary of solid firmnessx melt itself
    into the seax and other times to see
    the beachy girdle of the ocean
    too wide for neptunexs hipsx how chances mockx
    and changes fill the cup of alteration
    with divers liquorsx ox if this were seenx
    the happiest youthx viewing his progress throughx
    what perils pastx what crosses to ensuex
    would shut the book and sit him down and diex
    xtis not ten years gone
    since richard and northumberlandx great friendsx
    did feast togetherx and in two years after
    were they at warsx it is but eight years since
    this percy was the man nearest my soulx
    who like a brother toilxd in my affairs
    and laid his love and life under my footx
    yeax for my sakex even to the eyes of richard
    gave him defiancex but which of you was byx
    xto warwickx  youx cousin nevilx as i may rememberx
    when richardx with his eye brim full of tearsx
    then checkxd and rated by northumberlandx
    did speak these wordsx now provxd a prophecyx
    xnorthumberlandx thou ladder by the which
    my cousin bolingbroke ascends my thronexx
    though thenx god knowsx i had no such intent
    but that necessity so bowxd the state
    that i and greatness were compellxd to kissx
    xthe time shall comexx thus did he follow itx
    xthe time will come that foul sinx gathering headx
    shall break into corruptionx so went onx
    foretelling this same timexs condition
    and the division of our amityx
  warwickx there is a history in all menxs livesx
    figuring the natures of the times deceasxdx
    the which observxdx a man may prophesyx
    with a near aimx of the main chance of things
    as yet not come to lifex who in their seeds
    and weak beginning lie intreasuredx
    such things become the hatch and brood of timex
    andx by the necessary form of thisx
    king richard might create a perfect guess
    that great northumberlandx then false to himx
    would of that seed grow to a greater falsenessx
    which should not find a ground to root upon
    unless on youx
  kingx are these things then necessitiesx
    then let us meet them like necessitiesx
    and that same word even now cries out on usx
    they say the bishop and northumberland
    are fifty thousand strongx
  warwickx it cannot bex my lordx
    rumour doth doublex like the voice and echox
    the numbers of the fearedx please it your grace
    to go to bedx upon my soulx my lordx
    the powers that you already have sent forth
    shall bring this prize in very easilyx
    to comfort you the morex i have receivxd
    a certain instance that glendower is deadx
    your majesty hath been this fortnight illx
    and these unseasoned hours perforce must ad
    unto your sicknessx
  kingx i will take your counselx
    andx were these inward wars once out of handx
    we wouldx dear lordsx unto the holy landx            exeunt

scene iix gloucestershirex before justicex shallowxs house

enter shallow and silencex meetingx mouldyx shadowx wartx feeblex
bullcalfx and servants behind

  shallowx come onx come onx come onx give me your handx sirx give me
    your handx sirx an early stirrerx by the roodx and how doth my
    good cousin silencex
  silencex good morrowx good cousin shallowx
  shallowx and how doth my cousinx your bedxfellowx and your fairest
    daughter and minex my godxdaughter ellenx
  silencex alasx a black ouselx cousin shallowx
  shallowx by yea and nox sirx i dare say my cousin william is become
    a good scholarx he is at oxford stillx is he notx
  silencex indeedx sirx to my costx
  shallowx xa mustx thenx to the inns ox court shortlyx i was once of
    clementxs innx where i think they will talk of mad shallow yetx
  silencex you were callxd xlusty shallowx thenx cousinx
  shallowx by the massx i was callxd anythingx and i would have done
    anything indeed toox and roundly toox there was ix and little
    john doit of staffordshirex and black george barnesx and francis
    pickbonex and will squele a cotsole manx you had not four such
    swingexbucklers in all the inns of court againx and i may say to
    you we knew where the bonaxrobas werex and had the best of them
    all at commandmentx then was jack falstaffx now sir johnx boyx
    and page to thomas mowbrayx duke of norfolkx
  silencex this sir johnx cousinx that comes hither anon about
    soldiersx
  shallowx the same sir johnx the very samex i see him break
    scogginxs head at the court gatex when xa was a crack not thus
    highx and the very same day did i fight with one sampson
    stockfishx a fruitererx behind grayxs innx jesux jesux the mad
    days that i have spentx and to see how many of my old
    acquaintance are deadx
  silencex we shall all followx cousinx
  shallowx certainx xtis certainx very surex very surex deathx as the
    psalmist saithx is certain to allx all shall diex how a good yoke
    of bullocks at stamford fairx
  silencex by my trothx i was not therex
  shallowx death is certainx is old double of your town living yetx
  silencex deadx sirx
  shallowx jesux jesux deadx drew a good bowx and deadx xa shot a
    fine shootx john a gaunt loved him wellx and betted much money on
    his headx deadx xa would have clappxd ix thx clout at twelve
    scorex and carried you a forehand shaft a fourteen and fourteen
    and a halfx that it would have done a manxs heart good to seex
    how a score of ewes nowx
  silencex thereafter as they bex a score of good ewes may be worth
    ten poundsx
  shallowx and is old double deadx

                    enter bardolphx and one with him

  silencex here come two of sir john falstaffs menx as i thinkx
  shallowx good morrowx honest gentlemenx
  bardolphx i beseech youx which is justice shallowx
  shallowx i am robert shallowx sirx a poor esquire of this countyx
    and one of the kingxs justices of the peacex what is your good
    pleasure with mex
  bardolphx my captainx sirx commends him to youx my captainx sir
    john falstaffx a tall gentlemanx by heavenx and a most gallant
    leaderx
  shallowx he greets me wellx sirx i knew him a good backxsword manx
    how doth the good knightx may i ask how my lady his wife dothx
  bardolphx sirx pardonx a soldier is better accommodated than with a
    wifex
  shallowx it is well saidx in faithx sirx and it is well said indeed
    toox xbetter accommodatedxx it is goodx yeax indeedx is itx good
    phrases are surelyx and ever werex very commendablex
    xaccommodatedxx it comes of accommodox very goodx a good phrasex
  bardolphx pardonx sirx i have heard the wordx xphrasex call you itx
    by this dayx i know not the phrasex but i will maintain the word
    with my sword to be a soldierxlike wordx and a word of exceeding
    good commandx by heavenx accommodatedx that isx when a man isx as
    they sayx accommodatedx orx when a man is beingxwhereby xa may be
    thought to be accommodatedx which is an excellent thingx

                              enter falstaff

  shallowx it is very justx lookx here comes good sir johnx give me
    your good handx give me your worshipxs good handx by my trothx
    you like well and bear your years very wellx welcomex good sir
    johnx
  falstaffx i am glad to see you wellx good master robert shallowx
    master surecardx as i thinkx
  shallowx nox sir johnx it is my cousin silencex in commission with
   mex
  falstaffx good master silencex it well befits you should be of the
    peacex
  silencex your good worship is welcomex
  falstaffx fiex this is hot weatherx gentlemenx have you provided me
    here half a dozen sufficient menx
  shallowx marryx have wex sirx will you sitx
  falstaffx let me see themx i beseech youx
  shallowx wherexs the rollx wherexs the rollx wherexs the rollx let
    me seex let me seex let me seex sox sox sox soxx sox sox yeax
    marryx sirx rafe mouldyx let them appear as i callx let them do
    sox let them do sox let me seex where is mouldyx
  mouldyx herex anxt please youx
  shallowx what think youx sir johnx a goodxlimbxd fellowx youngx
    strongx and of good friendsx
  falstaffx is thy name mouldyx
  mouldyx yeax anxt please youx
  falstaffx xtis the more time thou wert usxdx
  shallowx hax hax hax most excellentx ix faithx things that are
    mouldy lack usex very singular goodx in faithx well saidx sir
    johnx very well saidx
  falstaffx prick himx
  mouldyx i was prickxd well enough beforex an you could have let me
    alonex my old dame will be undone now for one to do her husbandry
    and her drudgeryx you need not to have prickxd mex there are
    other men fitter to go out than ix
  falstaffx go tox peacex mouldyx you shall gox mouldyx it is time
    you were spentx
  mouldyx spentx
  shallowx peacex fellowx peacex stand asidex know you where you arex
    for thx otherx sir johnx let me seex simon shadowx
  falstaffx yeax marryx let me have him to sit underx hexs like to be
    a cold soldierx
  shallowx wherexs shadowx
  shadowx herex sirx
  falstaffx shadowx whose son art thoux
  shadowx my motherxs sonx sirx
  falstaffx thy motherxs sonx like enoughx and thy fatherxs shadowx
    so the son of the female is the shadow of the malex it is often
    so indeedx but much of the fatherxs substancex
  shallowx do you like himx sir johnx
  falstaffx shadow will serve for summerx prick himx for we have a
    number of shadows fill up the musterxbookx
  shallowx thomas wartx
  falstaffx wherexs hex
  wartx herex sirx
  falstaffx is thy name wartx
  wartx yeax sirx
  falstaffx thou art a very ragged wartx
  shallowx shall i prick himx sir johnx
  falstaffx it were superfluousx for his apparel is built upon his
    backx and the whole frame stands upon pinsx prick him no morex
  shallowx hax hax hax you can do itx sirx you can do itx i commend
    you wellx francis feeblex
  feeblex herex sirx
  falstaffx what trade art thoux feeblex
  feeblex a womanxs tailorx sirx
  shallowx shall i prick himx sirx
  falstaffx you mayx but if he had been a manxs tailorx hexd hax
    prickxd youx wilt thou make as many holes in an enemyxs battle as
    thou hast done in a womanxs petticoatx
  feeblex i will do my good willx sirx you can have no morex
  falstaffx well saidx good womanxs tailorx well saidx courageous
    feeblex thou wilt be as valiant as the wrathful dove or most
    magnanimous mousex prick the womanxs tailorx wellx master
    shallowx deepx master shallowx
  feeblex i would wart might have gonex sirx
  falstaffx i would thou wert a manxs tailorx that thou mightst mend
    him and make him fit to gox i cannot put him to a private
    soldierx that is the leader of so many thousandsx let that
    sufficex most forcible feeblex
  feeblex it shall sufficex sirx
  falstaffx i am bound to theex reverend feeblex who is nextx
  shallowx peter bullcalf ox thx greenx
  falstaffx yeax marryx letxs see bullcalfx
  bullcalfx herex sirx
  falstaffx fore godx a likely fellowx comex prick me bullcalf till
    he roar againx
  bullcalfx o lordx good my lord captainx
  falstaffx whatx dost thou roar before thou art prickxdx
  bullcalfx o lordx sirx i am a diseased manx
  falstaffx what disease hast thoux
  bullcalfx a whoreson coldx sirx a coughx sirx which i caught with
    ringing in the kingxs affairs upon his coronation dayx sirx
  falstaffx comex thou shalt go to the wars in a gownx we will have
    away thy coldx and i will take such order that thy friends shall
    ring for theex is here allx
  shallowx here is two more callxd than your numberx you must have
    but four herex sirx and sox i pray youx go in with me to dinnerx
  falstaffx comex i will go drink with youx but i cannot tarry
    dinnerx i am glad to see youx by my trothx master shallowx
  shallowx ox sir johnx do you remember since we lay all night in the
    windmill in saint georgexs fieldx
  falstaffx no more of thatx master shallowx no more of thatx
  shallowx hax xtwas a merry nightx and is jane nightwork alivex
  falstaffx she livesx master shallowx
  shallowx she never could away with mex
  falstaffx neverx neverx she would always say she could not abide
    master shallowx
  shallowx by the massx i could anger her to thx heartx she was then
    a bonaxrobax doth she hold her own wellx
  falstaffx oldx oldx master shallowx
  shallowx nayx she must be oldx she cannot choose but be oldx
    certain shexs oldx and had robin nightworkx by old nightworkx
    before i came to clementxs innx
  silencex thatxs fiftyxfive year agox
  shallowx hax cousin silencex that thou hadst seen that that this
    knight and i have seenx hax sir johnx said i wellx
  falstaffx we have heard the chimes at midnightx master shallowx
  shallowx that we havex that we havex that we havex in faithx sir
    johnx we havex our watchword was xhemx boysxx comex letxs to
    dinnerx comex letxs to dinnerx jesusx the days that we have seenx
    comex comex
                                exeunt falstaff and the justices
  bullcalfx good master corporate bardolphx stand my friendx and
    herexs four harry ten shillings in french crowns for youx in very
    truthx sirx i had as lief be hangxdx sirx as gox and yetx for
    mine own partx sirx i do not carex but rather because i am
    unwilling andx for mine own partx have a desire to stay with my
    friendsx elsex sirx i did not care for mine own part so muchx
  bardolphx go tox stand asidex
  mouldyx andx good master corporal captainx for my old damexs sakex
    stand my friendx she has nobody to do anything about her when i
    am gonex and she is oldx and cannot help herselfx you shall have
    fortyx sirx
  bardolphx go tox stand asidex
  feeblex by my trothx i care notx a man can die but oncex we owe god
    a deathx ixll nexer bear a base mindx anxt be my destinyx sox
    anxt be notx sox no manxs too good to serve xs princex andx let
    it go which way it willx he that dies this year is quit for the
    nextx
  bardolphx well saidx thxart a good fellowx
  feeblex faithx ixll bear no base mindx

                    rexenter falstaff and the justices

  falstaffx comex sirx which men shall i havex
  shallowx four of which you pleasex
  bardolphx sirx a word with youx i have three pound to free mouldy
    and bullcalfx
  falstaffx go tox wellx
  shallowx comex sir johnx which four will you havex
  falstaffx do you choose for mex
  shallowx marryx thenx mouldyx bullcalfx feeblex and shadowx
  falstaffx mouldy and bullcalfx for youx mouldyx stay at home till
    you are past servicex and for your partx bullcalfx grow you come
    unto itx i will none of youx
  shallowx sir johnx sir johnx do not yourself wrongx they are your
    likeliest menx and i would have you servxd with the bestx
  falstaffx will you tell mex master shallowx how to choose a manx
    care i for the limbx the thewsx the staturex bulkx and big
    assemblance of a manx give me the spiritx master shallowx herexs
    wartx you see what a ragged appearance it isx xa shall charge you
    and discharge you with the motion of a pewtererxs hammerx come
    off and on swifter than he that gibbets on the brewerxs bucketx
    and this same halfxfacxd fellowx shadowx give me this manx he
    presents no mark to the enemyx the foeman may with as great aim
    level at the edge of a penknifex andx for a retreatx how swiftly
    will this feeblex the womanxs tailorx run offx ox give me the
    spare menx and spare me the great onesx put me a caliver into
    wartxs handx bardolphx
  bardolphx holdx wartx traversex thusx thusx thusx
  falstaffx comex manage me your caliverx sox very wellx go tox very
    goodx exceeding goodx ox give me always a littlex leanx oldx
    choptx bald shotx well saidx ix faithx wartx thxart a good scabx
    holdx therexs a tester for theex
  shallowx he is not his craftxs masterx he doth not do it rightx i
    remember at milexend greenx when i lay at clementxs innx i was
    then sir dagonet in arthurxs showx there was a little quiver
    fellowx and xa would manage you his piece thusx and xa would
    about and aboutx and come you in and come you inx xrahx tahx
    tahxx would xa sayx xbouncexx would xa sayx and away again would
    xa gox and again would xa comex i shall nexer see such a fellowx
  falstaffx these fellows will do wellx master shallowx god keep youx
    master silencex i will not use many words with youx fare you
    wellx gentlemen bothx i thank youx i must a dozen mile toxnightx
    bardolphx give the soldiers coatsx
  shallowx sir johnx the lord bless youx god prosper your affairsx
    god send us peacex at your returnx visit our housex let our old
    acquaintance be renewedx peradventure i will with ye to the
    courtx
  falstaffx fore godx would you wouldx
  shallowx go tox i have spoke at a wordx god keep youx
  falstaffx fare you wellx gentle gentlemenx  xexeunt justicesx  onx
    bardolphx lead the men awayx  xexeunt all but falstaffx  as i
    returnx i will fetch off these justicesx i do see the bottom of
    justice shallowx lordx lordx how subject we old men are to this
    vice of lyingx this same starvxd justice hath done nothing but
    prate to me of the wildness of his youth and the feats he hath
    done about turnbull streetx and every third word a liex duer paid
    to the hearer than the turkxs tributex i do remember him at
    clementxs innx like a man made after supper of a cheesexparingx
    when xa was nakedx he was for all the world like a forkxd radishx
    with a head fantastically carved upon it with a knifex xa was so
    forlorn that his dimensions to any thick sight were invisiblex xa
    was the very genius of faminex yet lecherous as a monkeyx and the
    whores callxd him mandrakex xa came ever in the rearward of the
    fashionx and sung those tunes to the overscutchxd huswifes that
    he heard the carmen whistlex and sware they were his fancies or
    his goodxnightsx and now is this vicexs dagger become a squirex
    and talks as familiarly of john a gaunt as if he had been sworn
    brother to himx and ixll be sworn xa nexer saw him but once in
    the tiltyardx and then he burst his head for crowding among the
    marshalxs menx i saw itx and told john a gaunt he beat his own
    namex for you might have thrust him and all his apparel into an
    eelxskinx the case of a treble hautboy was a mansion for himx a
    courtx and now has he land and beevesx wellx ixll be acquainted
    with him if i returnx and xt shall go hard but ixll make him a
    philosopherxs two stones to mex if the young dace be a bait for
    the old pikex i see no reason in the law of nature but i may snap
    at himx let time shapex and there an endx               exit

act ivx scene ix yorkshirex within the forest of gaultree

enter the archbishop of yorkx mowbrayx hastingsx and others

  archbishopx what is this forest callxd
  hastingsx xtis gaultree forestx anxt shall please your gracex
  archbishopx here standx my lordsx and send discoverers forth
    to know the numbers of our enemiesx
  hastingsx we have sent forth alreadyx
  archbishopx xtis well donex
    my friends and brethren in these great affairsx
    i must acquaint you that i have receivxd
    newxdated letters from northumberlandx
    their cold intentx tenourx and substancex thusx
    here doth he wish his personx with such powers
    as might hold sortance with his qualityx
    the which he could not levyx whereupon
    he is retirxdx to ripe his growing fortunesx
    to scotlandx and concludes in hearty prayers
    that your attempts may overlive the hazard
    and fearful meeting of their oppositex
  mowbrayx thus do the hopes we have in him touch ground
    and dash themselves to piecesx

                          enter a messenger

  hastingsx nowx what newsx
  messengerx west of this forestx scarcely off a milex
    in goodly form comes on the enemyx
    andx by the ground they hidex i judge their number
    upon or near the rate of thirty thousandx
  mowbrayx the just proportion that we gave them outx
    let us sway on and face them in the fieldx

                        enter westmoreland

  archbishopx what wellxappointed leader fronts us herex
  mowbrayx i think it is my lord of westmorelandx
  westmorelandx health and fair greeting from our generalx
    the princex lord john and duke of lancasterx
  archbishopx say onx my lord of westmorelandx in peacex
    what doth concern your comingx
  westmorelandx thenx my lordx
    unto your grace do i in chief address
    the substance of my speechx if that rebellion
    came like itselfx in base and abject routsx
    led on by bloody youthx guarded with ragsx
    and countenancxd by boys and beggaryx
    i sayx if damnxd commotion so appearxd
    in his truex nativex and most proper shapex
    youx reverend fatherx and these noble lordsx
    had not been here to dress the ugly form
    of base and bloody insurrection
    with your fair honoursx youx lord archbishopx
    whose see is by a civil peace maintainxdx
    whose beard the silver hand of peace hath touchxdx
    whose learning and good letters peace hath tutorxdx
    whose white investments figure innocencex
    the dovex and very blessed spirit of peacex
    wherefore you do so ill translate yourself
    out of the speech of peacex that bears such gracex
    into the harsh and boistxrous tongue of warx
    turning your books to gravesx your ink to bloodx
    your pens to lancesx and your tongue divine
    to a loud trumpet and a point of warx
  archbishopx wherefore do i thisx so the question standsx
    briefly to this endx we are all diseasxd
    and with our surfeiting and wanton hours
    have brought ourselves into a burning feverx
    and we must bleed for itx of which disease
    our late kingx richardx being infectedx diedx
    butx my most noble lord of westmorelandx
    i take not on me here as a physicianx
    nor do i as an enemy to peace
    troop in the throngs of military menx
    but rather show awhile like fearful war
    to diet rank minds sick of happinessx
    and purge thx obstructions which begin to stop
    our very veins of lifex hear me more plainlyx
    i have in equal balance justly weighxd
    what wrongs our arms may dox what wrongs we sufferx
    and find our griefs heavier than our offencesx
    we see which way the stream of time doth run
    and are enforcxd from our most quiet there
    by the rough torrent of occasionx
    and have the summary of all our griefsx
    when time shall servex to show in articlesx
    which long ere this we offerxd to the kingx
    and might by no suit gain our audiencex
    when we are wrongxdx and would unfold our griefsx
    we are denied access unto his personx
    even by those men that most have done us wrongx
    the dangers of the days but newly gonex
    whose memory is written on the earth
    with yet appearing bloodx and the examples
    of every minutexs instancex present nowx
    hath put us in these illxbeseeming armsx
    not to break peacex or any branch of itx
    but to establish here a peace indeedx
    concurring both in name and qualityx
  westmorelandx when ever yet was your appeal deniedx
    wherein have you been galled by the kingx
    what peer hath been subornxd to grate on you
    that you should seal this lawless bloody book
    of forgxd rebellion with a seal divinex
    and consecrate commotionxs bitter edgex
  archbishopx my brother generalx the commonwealthx
    to brother horn an household crueltyx
    i make my quarrel in particularx
  westmorelandx there is no need of any such redressx
    or if there werex it not belongs to youx
  mowbrayx why not to him in partx and to us all
    that feel the bruises of the days beforex
    and suffer the condition of these times
    to lay a heavy and unequal hand
    upon our honoursx
  westmorelandx o my good lord mowbrayx
    construe the times to their necessitiesx
    and you shall sayx indeedx it is the timex
    and not the kingx that doth you injuriesx
    yetx for your partx it not appears to mex
    either from the king or in the present timex
    that you should have an inch of any ground
    to build a grief onx were you not restorxd
    to all the duke of norfolkxs signioriesx
    your noble and right wellxremembxred fatherxsx
  mowbrayx what thingx in honourx had my father lost
    that need to be revivxd and breathxd in mex
    the king that lovxd himx as the state stood thenx
    was force perforce compellxd to banish himx
    and then that henry bolingbroke and hex
    being mounted and both roused in their seatsx
    their neighing coursers daring of the spurx
    their armed staves in chargex their beavers downx
    their eyes of fire sparkling through sights of steelx
    and the loud trumpet blowing them togetherx
    thenx thenx when there was nothing could have stayxd
    my father from the breast of bolingbrokex
    ox when the king did throw his warder downx
    his own life hung upon the staff he threwx
    then threw he down himselfx and all their lives
    that by indictment and by dint of sword
    have since miscarried under bolingbrokex
  westmorelandx you speakx lord mowbrayx now you know not whatx
    the earl of hereford was reputed then
    in england the most valiant gentlemanx
    who knows on whom fortune would then have smilxdx
    but if your father had been victor therex
    he nexer had borne it out of coventryx
    for all the countryx in a general voicex
    cried hate upon himx and all their prayers and love
    were set on herefordx whom they doted onx
    and blessxd and gracxd indeed more than the kingx
    but this is mere digression from my purposex
    here come i from our princely general
    to know your griefsx to tell you from his grace
    that he will give you audiencex and wherein
    it shall appear that your demands are justx
    you shall enjoy themx everything set off
    that might so much as think you enemiesx
  mowbrayx but he hath forcxd us to compel this offerx
    and it proceeds from policyx not lovex
  westmorelandx mowbrayx you overween to take it sox
    this offer comes from mercyx not from fearx
    forx lox within a ken our army liesx
    upon mine honourx all too confident
    to give admittance to a thought of fearx
    our battle is more full of names than yoursx
    our men more perfect in the use of armsx
    our armour all as strongx our cause the bestx
    then reason will our hearts should be as goodx
    say you notx thenx our offer is compellxdx
  mowbrayx wellx by my will we shall admit no parleyx
  westmorelandx that argues but the shame of your offencex
    a rotten case abides no handlingx
  hastingsx hath the prince john a full commissionx
    in very ample virtue of his fatherx
    to hear and absolutely to determine
    of what conditions we shall stand uponx
  westmorelandx that is intended in the generalxs namex
    i muse you make so slight a questionx
  archbishopx then takex my lord of westmorelandx this schedulex
    for this contains our general grievancesx
    each several article herein redressxdx
    all members of our causex both here and hencex
    that are insinewed to this actionx
    acquitted by a true substantial formx
    and present execution of our wills
    to us and to our purposes confinxdx
    we come within our awful banks againx
    and knit our powers to the arm of peacex
  westmorelandx this will i show the generalx please youx lordsx
    in sight of both our battles we may meetx
    and either end in peacex which god so framexx
    or to the place of diffxrence call the swords
    which must decide itx
  archbishopx my lordx we will do sox          exit westmoreland
  mowbrayx there is a thing within my bosom tells me
    that no conditions of our peace can standx
  hastingsx fear you not thatx if we can make our peace
    upon such large terms and so absolute
    as our conditions shall consist uponx
    our peace shall stand as firm as rocky mountainsx
  mowbrayx yeax but our valuation shall be such
    that every slight and falsexderived causex
    yeax every idlex nicex and wanton reasonx
    shall to the king taste of this actionx
    thatx were our royal faiths martyrs in lovex
    we shall be winnowxd with so rough a wind
    that even our corn shall seem as light as chaffx
    and good from bad find no partitionx
  archbishopx nox nox my lordx note thisx the king is weary
    of dainty and such picking grievancesx
    for he hath found to end one doubt by death
    revives two greater in the heirs of lifex
    and therefore will he wipe his tables cleanx
    and keep no tellxtale to his memory
    that may repeat and history his los
    to new remembrancex for full well he knows
    he cannot so precisely weed this land
    as his misdoubts present occasionx
    his foes are so enrooted with his friends
    thatx plucking to unfix an enemyx
    he doth unfasten so and shake a friendx
    so that this landx like an offensive wife
    that hath enragxd him on to offer strokesx
    as he is strikingx holds his infant upx
    and hangs resolvxd correction in the arm
    that was uprearxd to executionx
  hastingsx besidesx the king hath wasted all his rods
    on late offendersx that he now doth lack
    the very instruments of chastisementx
    so that his powerx like to a fangless lionx
    may offerx but not holdx
  archbishopx xtis very truex
    and therefore be assurxdx my good lord marshalx
    if we do now make our atonement wellx
    our peace willx like a broken limb unitedx
    grow stronger for the breakingx
  mowbrayx be it sox
    here is returnxd my lord of westmorelandx

                       rexenter westmoreland

  westmorelandx the prince is here at handx pleaseth your lordship
    to meet his grace just distance xtween our armiesx
  mowbrayx your grace of yorkx in godxs name thenx set forwardx
  archbishopx beforex and greet his gracex my lordx we comex
                                                          exeunt

scene iix another part of the forest

enterx from one sidex mowbrayx attendedx afterwardsx the archbishopx
hastingsx and othersx from the other sidex prince john of lancasterx
westmorelandx officersx and others

  prince johnx you are well encountxred herex my cousin mowbrayx
    good day to youx gentle lord archbishopx
    and so to youx lord hastingsx and to allx
    my lord of yorkx it better showxd with you
    when that your flockx assembled by the bellx
    encircled you to hear with reverence
    your exposition on the holy text
    than now to see you here an iron manx
    cheering a rout of rebels with your drumx
    turning the word to swordx and life to deathx
    that man that sits within a monarchxs heart
    and ripens in the sunshine of his favourx
    would he abuse the countenance of the kingx
    alackx what mischiefs might he set abroach
    in shadow of such greatnessx with youx lord bishopx
    it is even sox who hath not heard it spoken
    how deep you were within the books of godx
    to us the speaker in his parliamentx
    to us thx imaginxd voice of god himselfx
    the very opener and intelligencer
    between the gracex the sanctities of heavenx
    and our dull workingsx ox who shall believe
    but you misuse the reverence of your placex
    employ the countenance and grace of heavxn
    as a false favourite doth his princexs namex
    in deeds dishonourablex you have taxen upx
    under the counterfeited zeal of godx
    the subjects of his substitutex my fatherx
    and both against the peace of heaven and him
    have here upxswarmxd themx
  archbishopx good my lord of lancasterx
    i am not here against your fatherxs peacex
    butx as i told my lord of westmorelandx
    the time misordxred dothx in common sensex
    crowd us and crush us to this monstrous form
    to hold our safety upx i sent your grace
    the parcels and particulars of our griefx
    the which hath been with scorn shovxd from the courtx
    whereon this hydra son of war is bornx
    whose dangerous eyes may well be charmxd asleep
    with grant of our most just and right desiresx
    and true obediencex of this madness curxdx
    stoop tamely to the foot of majestyx
  mowbrayx if notx we ready are to try our fortunes
    to the last manx
  hastingsx and though we here fall downx
    we have supplies to second our attemptx
    if they miscarryx theirs shall second themx
    and so success of mischief shall be bornx
    and heir from heir shall hold this quarrel up
    whiles england shall have generationx
  prince johnx you are too shallowx hastingsx much to shallowx
    to sound the bottom of the afterxtimesx
  westmorelandx pleaseth your grace to answer them directly
    how far forth you do like their articlesx
  prince johnx i like them all and do allow them wellx
    and swear herex by the honour of my bloodx
    my fatherxs purposes have been mistookx
    and some about him have too lavishly
    wrested his meaning and authorityx
    my lordx these griefs shall be with speed redressxdx
    upon my soulx they shallx if this may please youx
    discharge your powers unto their several countiesx
    as we will oursx and herex between the armiesx
    letxs drink together friendly and embracex
    that all their eyes may bear those tokens home
    of our restored love and amityx
  archbishopx i take your princely word for these redressesx
  prince johnx i give it youx and will maintain my wordx
    and thereupon i drink unto your gracex
  hastingsx gox captainx and deliver to the army
    this news of peacex let them have payx and partx
    i know it will please themx hie theex captainx
                                                    exit officer
  archbishopx to youx my noble lord of westmorelandx
  westmorelandx i pledge your gracex and if you knew what pains
    i have bestowxd to breed this present peacex
    you would drink freelyx but my love to ye
    shall show itself more openly hereafterx
  archbishopx i do not doubt youx
  westmorelandx i am glad of itx
    health to my lord and gentle cousinx mowbrayx
  mowbrayx you wish me health in very happy seasonx
    for i am on the sudden something illx
  archbishopx against ill chances men are ever merryx
    but heaviness foreruns the good eventx
  westmorelandx therefore be merryx cozx since sudden sorrow
    serves to say thusx xsome good thing comes toxmorrowxx
  archbishopx believe mex i am passing light in spiritx
  mowbrayx so much the worsex if your own rule be truex
                                                 xshouts withinx
  prince johnx the word of peace is rendxredx harkx how they shoutx
  mowbrayx this had been cheerful after victoryx
  archbishopx a peace is of the nature of a conquestx
    for then both parties nobly are subduxdx
    and neither party loserx
  prince johnx gox my lordx
    and let our army be discharged toox
                                               exit westmoreland
    andx good my lordx so please you let our trains
    march by usx that we may peruse the men
    we should have copxd withalx
  archbishopx gox good lord hastingsx
    andx ere they be dismissxdx let them march byx
                                                   exit hastings
  prince johnx i trustx lordsx we shall lie toxnight togetherx

                      rexenter westmoreland

    nowx cousinx wherefore stands our army stillx
  westmorelandx the leadersx having charge from you to standx
    will not go off until they hear you speakx
  prince johnx they know their dutiesx

                        rexenter hastings

  hastingsx my lordx our army is dispersxd alreadyx
    like youthful steers unyokxdx they take their courses
    eastx westx northx southx or like a school broke upx
    each hurries toward his home and sportingxplacex
  westmorelandx good tidingsx my lord hastingsx for the which
    i do arrest theex traitorx of high treasonx
    and youx lord archbishopx and youx lord mowbrayx
    of capital treason i attach you bothx
  mowbrayx is this proceeding just and honourablex
  westmorelandx is your assembly sox
  archbishopx will you thus break your faithx
  prince johnx i pawnxd thee nonex
    i promisxd you redress of these same grievances
    whereof you did complainx whichx by mine honourx
    i will perform with a most christian carex
    but for youx rebelsx look to taste the due
    meet for rebellion and such acts as yoursx
    most shallowly did you these arms commencex
    fondly brought herex and foolishly sent hencex
    strike up our drumsx pursue the scattxred strayx
    godx and not wex hath safely fought toxdayx
    some guard these traitors to the block of deathx
    treasonxs true bed and yielderxup of breathx          exeunt

scene iiix another part of the forest

alarumx excursionsx enter falstaff and colvillex meeting

  falstaffx whatxs your namex sirx of what condition are youx and of
    what placex i prayx
  colvillex i am a knight sirx and my name is colville of the dalex
  falstaffx well thenx colville is your namex a knight is your
    degreex and your place the dalex colville shall still be your
    namex a traitor your degreex and the dungeon your placex a place
    deep enoughx so shall you be still colville of the dalex
  colvillex are not you sir john falstaffx
  falstaffx as good a man as hex sirx whoexer i amx do you yieldx
    sirx or shall i sweat for youx if i do sweatx they are the drops
    of thy loversx and they weep for thy deathx therefore rouse up
    fear and tremblingx and do observance to my mercyx
  colvillex i think you are sir john falstaffx and in that thought
    yield mex
  falstaffx i have a whole school of tongues in this belly of minex
    and not a tongue of them all speaks any other word but my namex
    an i had but a belly of any indifferencyx i were simply the most
    active fellow in europex my wombx my wombx my womb undoes mex
    here comes our generalx

            enter prince john of lancasterx westmorelandx
                            bluntx and others

  prince johnx the heat is pastx follow no further nowx
    call in the powersx good cousin westmorelandx
                                               exit westmoreland
    nowx falstaffx where have you been all this whilex
    when everything is endedx then you comex
    these tardy tricks of yours willx on my lifex
    one time or other break some gallowsx backx
  falstaffx i would be sorryx my lordx but it should be thusx i never
    knew yet but rebuke and check was the reward of valourx do you
    think me a swallowx an arrowx or a bulletx have ix in my poor and
    old motionx the expedition of thoughtx i have speeded hither with
    the very extremest inch of possibilityx i have foundxred nine
    score and odd postsx and herex travel tainted as i amx havex in
    my pure and immaculate valourx taken sir john colville of the
    dalexa most furious knight and valorous enemyx but what of thatx
    he saw mex and yieldedx that i may justly say with the hookxnosxd
    fellow of romexi camex sawx and overcamex
  prince johnx it was more of his courtesy than your deservingx
  falstaffx i know notx here he isx and here i yield himx and i
    beseech your gracex let it be bookxd with the rest of this dayxs
    deedsx orx by the lordx i will have it in a particular ballad
    elsex with mine own picture on the top onxtx colville kissing my
    footx to the which course if i be enforcxdx if you do not all
    show like gilt twopences to mex and ix in the clear sky of famex
    oxershine you as much as the full moon doth the cinders of the
    elementx which show like pinsx heads to herx believe not the word
    of the noblex therefore let me have rightx and let desert mountx
  prince johnx thinexs too heavy to mountx
  falstaffx let it shinex thenx
  prince johnx thinexs too thick to shinex
  falstaffx let it do somethingx my good lordx that may do me goodx
    and call it what you willx
  prince johnx is thy name colvillex
  colvillex it isx my lordx
  prince johnx a famous rebel art thoux colvillex
  falstaffx and a famous true subject took himx
  colvillex i amx my lordx but as my betters are
    that led me hitherx had they been rulxd by mex
    you should have won them dearer than you havex
  falstaffx i know not how they sold themselvesx but thoux like a
    kind fellowx gavest thyself away gratisx and i thank thee for
    theex

                       rexenter westmoreland

  prince johnx nowx have you left pursuitx
  westmorelandx retreat is madex and execution stayxdx
  prince johnx send colvillex with his confederatesx
    to yorkx to present executionx
    bluntx lead him hencex and see you guard him surex
                                         exeunt blunt and others
    and now dispatch we toward the courtx my lordsx
    i hear the king my father is sore sickx
    our news shall go before us to his majestyx
    whichx cousinx you shall bear to comfort him
    and we with sober speed will follow youx
  falstaffx my lordx i beseech youx give me leave to go through
    gloucestershirex andx when you come to courtx stand my good lordx
    prayx in your good reportx
  prince johnx fare you wellx falstaffx ix in my conditionx
    shall better speak of you than you deservex
                                         exeunt all but falstaff
  falstaffx i would you had but the witx xtwere better than your
    dukedomx good faithx this same young soberxblooded boy doth not
    love mex nor a man cannot make him laughx but thatxs no marvelx
    he drinks no winex therexs never none of these demure boys come
    to any proofx for thin drink doth so overxcool their bloodx and
    making many fishxmealsx that they fall into a kind of male
    greenxsicknessx and thenx when they marryx they get wenchesx they
    are generally fools and cowardsxwhich some of us should be toox
    but for inflammationx a good sherrisxsack hath a twoxfold
    operation in itx it ascends me into the brainx dries me there all
    the foolish and dull and crudy vapours which environ itx makes it
    apprehensivex quickx forgetivex full of nimblex fieryx and
    delectable shapesx which delivered oxer to the voicex the tonguex
    which is the birthx becomes excellent witx the second property of
    your excellent sherris is the warming of the bloodx which beforex
    cold and settledx left the liver white and palex which is the
    badge of pusillanimity and cowardicex but the sherris warms itx
    and makes it course from the inwards to the parts extremesx it
    illumineth the facex whichx as a beaconx gives warning to all the
    rest of this little kingdomx manx to armx and then the vital
    commoners and inland petty spirits muster me all to their
    captainx the heartx whox great and puffxd up with this retinuex
    doth any deed of couragex and this valour comes of sherrisx so
    that skill in the weapon is nothing without sackx for that sets
    it axworkx and learningx a mere hoard of gold kept by a devil
    till sack commences it and sets it in act and usex hereof comes
    it that prince harry is valiantx for the cold blood he did
    naturally inherit of his fatherx he hathx like leanx sterilex and
    bare landx manuredx husbandedx and tillxdx with excellent
    endeavour of drinking good and good store of fertile sherrisx
    that he is become very hot and valiantx if i had a thousand sonsx
    the first humane principle i would teach them should be to
    forswear thin potations and to addict themselves to sackx

                           enter bardolph

    how nowx bardolphx
  bardolphx the army is discharged all and gonex
  falstaffx let them gox ixll through gloucestershirex and there will
    i visit master robert shallowx esquirex i have him already
    tempxring between my finger and my thumbx and shortly will i seal
    with himx come awayx                                  exeunt

scene ivx westminsterx the jerusalem chamber

enter the kingx prince thomas of clarencex prince humphrey of
gloucesterx
warwickx and others

  kingx nowx lordsx if god doth give successful end
    to this debate that bleedeth at our doorsx
    we will our youth lead on to higher fieldsx
    and draw no swords but what are sanctifiedx
    our navy is addressxdx our power connectedx
    our substitutes in absence well investedx
    and everything lies level to our wishx
    only we want a little personal strengthx
    and pause us till these rebelsx now afootx
    come underneath the yoke of governmentx
  warwickx both which we doubt not but your majesty
    shall soon enjoyx
  kingx humphreyx my son of gloucesterx
    where is the prince your brotherx
  prince humphreyx i think hexs gone to huntx my lordx at windsorx
  kingx and how accompaniedx
  prince humphreyx i do not knowx my lordx
  kingx is not his brotherx thomas of clarencex with himx
  prince humphreyx nox my good lordx he is in presence herex
  clarencex what would my lord and fatherx
  kingx nothing but well to theex thomas of clarencex
    how chance thou art not with the prince thy brotherx
    he loves theex and thou dost neglect himx thomasx
    thou hast a better place in his affection
    than all thy brothersx cherish itx my boyx
    and noble offices thou mayst effect
    of mediationx after i am deadx
    between his greatness and thy other brethrenx
    therefore omit him notx blunt not his lovex
    nor lose the good advantage of his grace
    by seeming cold or careless of his willx
    for he is gracious if he be observxdx
    he hath a tear for pity and a hand
    open as day for melting charityx
    yet notwithstandingx being incensxdx he is flintx
    as humorous as winterx and as sudden
    as flaws congealed in the spring of dayx
    his temperx thereforex must be well observxdx
    chide him for faultsx and do it reverentlyx
    when you perceive his blood inclinxd to mirthx
    butx being moodyx give him line and scope
    till that his passionsx like a whale on groundx
    confound themselves with workingx learn thisx thomasx
    and thou shalt prove a shelter to thy friendsx
    a hoop of gold to bind thy brothers inx
    that the united vessel of their bloodx
    mingled with venom of suggestionx
    asx force perforcex the age will pour it inx
    shall never leakx though it do work as strong
    as aconitum or rash gunpowderx
  clarencex i shall observe him with all care and lovex
  kingx why art thou not at windsor with himx thomasx
  clarencex he is not there toxdayx he dines in londonx
  kingx and how accompaniedx canst thou tell thatx
  clarencex with poinsx and other his continual followersx
  kingx most subject is the fattest soil to weedsx
    and hex the noble image of my youthx
    is overspread with themx therefore my grief
    stretches itself beyond the hour of deathx
    the blood weeps from my heart when i do shapex
    in forms imaginaryx thxunguided days
    and rotten times that you shall look upon
    when i am sleeping with my ancestorsx
    for when his headstrong riot hath no curbx
    when rage and hot blood are his counsellors
    when means and lavish manners meet togetherx
    ox with what wings shall his affections fly
    towards fronting peril and opposxd decayx
  warwickx my gracious lordx you look beyond him quitex
    the prince but studies his companions
    like a strange tonguex whereinx to gain the languagex
    xtis needful that the most immodest word
    be lookxd upon and learntx which once attainxdx
    your highness knowsx comes to no further use
    but to be known and hatedx sox like gross termsx
    the prince willx in the perfectness of timex
    cast off his followersx and their memory
    shall as a pattern or a measure live
    by which his grace must mete the lives of otherx
    turning past evils to advantagesx
  kingx xtis seldom when the bee doth leave her comb
    in the dead carrionx

                      enter westmoreland

    whoxs herex westmorelandx
  westmorelandx health to my sovereignx and new happiness
    added to that that am to deliverx
    prince johnx your sonx doth kiss your gracexs handx
    mowbrayx the bishop scroopx hastingsx and allx
    are brought to the correction of your lawx
    there is not now a rebelxs sword unsheathxdx
    but peace puts forth her olive everywherex
    the manner how this action hath been borne
    here at more leisure may your highness readx
    with every course in his particularx
  kingx o westmorelandx thou art a summer birdx
    which ever in the haunch of winter sings
    the lifting up of dayx

                        enter harcourt

    look herexs more newsx
  harcourtx from enemies heaven keep your majestyx
    andx when they stand against youx may they fall
    as those that i am come to tell you ofx
    the earl northumberland and the lord bardolphx
    with a great power of english and of scotsx
    are by the shrieve of yorkshire overthrownx
    the manner and true order of the fight
    this packetx please it youx contains at largex
  kingx and wherefore should these good news make me sickx
    will fortune never come with both hands fullx
    but write her fair words still in foulest lettersx
    she either gives a stomach and no foodx
    such are the poorx in healthx or else a feastx
    and takes away the stomachx such are the rich
    that have abundance and enjoy it notx
    i should rejoice now at this happy newsx
    and now my sight failsx and my brain is giddyx
    o mex come near me now i am much illx
  prince humphreyx comfortx your majestyx
  clarencex o my royal fatherx
  westmorelandx my sovereign lordx cheer up yourselfx look upx
  warwickx be patientx princesx you do know these fits
    are with his highness very ordinaryx
    stand from himx give him airx hexll straight be wellx
  clarencex nox nox he cannot long hold out these pangsx
    thx incessant care and labour of his mind
    hath wrought the mure that should confine it in
    so thin that life looks throughx and will break outx
  prince humphreyx the people fear mex for they do observe
    unfatherxd heirs and loathly births of naturex
    the seasons change their mannersx as the year
    had found some months asleepx and leapt them overx
  clarencex the river hath thrice flowxdx no ebb betweenx
    and the old folkx timexs doting chroniclesx
    say it did so a little time before
    that our great grandsirex edwardx sickxd and diedx
  warwickx speak lowerx princesx for the king recoversx
  prince humphreyx this apoplexy will certain be his endx
  kingx i pray you take me upx and bear me hence
    into some other chamberx softlyx prayx                exeunt

scene vx westminsterx another chamber

the king lying on a bedx clarencex gloucesterx warwickx and others in
attendance

  kingx let there be no noise madex my gentle friendsx
    unless some dull and favourable hand
    will whisper music to my weary spiritx
  warwickx call for the music in the other roomx
  kingx set me the crown upon my pillow herex
  clarencex his eye is hollowx and he changes muchx
  warwickx less noisex less noisex

                        enter prince henry

  princex who saw the duke of clarencex
  clarencex i am herex brotherx full of heavinessx
  princex how nowx rain within doorsx and none abroadx
    how doth the kingx
  prince humphreyx exceeding illx
  princex heard he the good news yetx tell it himx
  prince humphreyx he altxred much upon the hearing itx
  princex if he be sick with joyx hexll recover without physicx
  warwickx not so much noisex my lordsx sweet princex speak lowx
    the king your father is disposxd to sleepx
  clarencex let us withdraw into the other roomx
  warwickx willxt please your grace to go along with usx
  princex nox i will sit and watch here by the kingx
                                       exeunt all but the prince
    why doth the crown lie there upon his pillowx
    being so troublesome a bedfellowx
    o polishxd perturbationx golden carex
    that keepxst the ports of slumber open wide
    to many a watchful nightx sleep with it nowx
    yet not so sound and half so deeply sweet
    as he whose brow with homely biggen bound
    snores out the watch of nightx o majestyx
    when thou dost pinch thy bearerx thou dost sit
    like a rich armour worn in heat of day
    that scaldxst with safetyx by his gates of breath
    there lies a downy feather which stirs notx
    did he suspirex that light and weightless down
    perforce must movex my gracious lordx my fatherx
    this sleep is sound indeedx this is a sleep
    that from this golden rigol hath divorcxd
    so many english kingsx thy due from me
    is tears and heavy sorrows of the blood
    which naturex lovex and filial tendernessx
    shallx o dear fatherx pay thee plenteouslyx
    my due from thee is this imperial crownx
    whichx as immediate from thy place and bloodx
    derives itself to mex  xputting on the crownx  lo where it sitsx
    which god shall guardx and put the worldxs whole strength
    into one giant armx it shall not force
    this lineal honour from mex this from thee
    will i to mine leave as xtis left to mex                exit
  kingx warwickx gloucesterx clarencex

           rexenter warwickx gloucesterx clarence

  clarencex doth the king callx
  warwickx what would your majestyx how fares your gracex
  kingx why did you leave me here alonex my lordsx
  clarencex we left the prince my brother herex my liegex
    who undertook to sit and watch by youx
  kingx the prince of walesx where is hex let me see himx
    he is not herex
  warwickx this door is openx he is gone this wayx
  prince humphreyx he came not through the chamber where we stayxdx
  kingx where is the crownx who took it from my pillowx
  warwickx when we withdrewx my liegex we left it herex
  kingx the prince hath taxen it hencex gox seek him outx
    is he so hasty that he doth suppose
    my sleep my deathx
    find himx my lord of warwickx chide him hitherx
                                                    exit warwick
    this part of his conjoins with my disease
    and helps to end mex seex sonsx what things you arex
    how quickly nature falls into revolt
    when gold becomes her objectx
    for this the foolish overxcareful fathers
    have broke their sleep with thoughtsx
    their brains with carex their bones with industryx
    for this they have engrossed and pilxd up
    the cankxred heaps of strangexachieved goldx
    for this they have been thoughtful to invest
    their sons with arts and martial exercisesx
    whenx like the beex tolling from every flower
    the virtuous sweetsx
    our thighs with waxx our mouths with honey packxdx
    we bring it to the hivex andx like the beesx
    are murdxred for our painsx this bitter taste
    yields his engrossments to the ending fatherx

                         rexenter warwick

    now where is he that will not stay so long
    till his friend sickness hath determinxd mex
  warwickx my lordx i found the prince in the next roomx
    washing with kindly tears his gentle cheeksx
    with such a deep demeanour in great sorrowx
    that tyrannyx which never quaffxd but bloodx
    wouldx by beholding himx have washxd his knife
    with gentle eyexdropsx he is coming hitherx
  kingx but wherefore did he take away the crownx

                        rexenter prince henry

    lo where he comesx come hither to mex harryx
    depart the chamberx leave us here alonex
                          exeunt all but the king and the prince
  princex i never thought to hear you speak againx
  kingx thy wish was fatherx harryx to that thoughtx
    i stay too long by theex i weary theex
    dost thou so hunger for mine empty chair
    that thou wilt needs invest thee with my honours
    before thy hour be ripex o foolish youthx
    thou seekxst the greatness that will overwhelm theex
    stay but a littlex for my cloud of dignity
    is held from falling with so weak a wind
    that it will quickly dropx my day is dimx
    thou hast stolxn that whichx after some few hoursx
    were thine without offensex and at my death
    thou hast sealxd up my expectationx
    thy life did manifest thou lovxdst me notx
    and thou wilt have me die assurxd of itx
    thou hidxst a thousand daggers in thy thoughtsx
    which thou hast whetted on thy stony heartx
    to stab at half an hour of my lifex
    whatx canst thou not forbear me half an hourx
    then get thee gonex and dig my grave thyselfx
    and bid the merry bells ring to thine ear
    that thou art crownedx not that i am deadx
    let all the tears that should bedew my hearse
    be drops of balm to sanctify thy headx
    only compound me with forgotten dustx
    give that which gave thee life unto the wormsx
    pluck down my officersx break my decreesx
    for now a time is come to mock at formx
    harry the fifth is crownxdx upx vanityx
    downx royal statex all you sage counsellorsx hencex
    and to the english court assemble nowx
    from every regionx apes of idlenessx
    nowx neighbour confinesx purge you of your scumx
    have you a ruffian that will swearx drinkx dancex
    revel the nightx robx murderx and commit
    the oldest sins the newest kind of waysx
    be happyx he will trouble you no morex
    england shall double gild his treble guiltx
    england shall give him officex honourx mightx
    for the fifth harry from curbxd license plucks
    the muzzle of restraintx and the wild dog
    shall flesh his tooth on every innocentx
    o my poor kingdomx sick with civil blowsx
    when that my care could not withhold thy riotsx
    what wilt thou do when riot is thy carex
    ox thou wilt be a wilderness againx
    peopled with wolvesx thy old inhabitantsx
  princex ox pardon mex my liegex but for my tearsx
    the moist impediments unto my speechx
    i had forestallxd this dear and deep rebuke
    ere you with grief had spoke and i had heard
    the course of it so farx there is your crownx
    and he that wears the crown immortally
    long guard it yoursx  xkneelingx  if i affect it more
    than as your honour and as your renownx
    let me no more from this obedience risex
    which my most inward true and duteous spirit
    teacheth this prostrate and exterior bendingx
    god witness with mex when i here came in
    and found no course of breath within your majestyx
    how cold it struck my heartx if i do feignx
    ox let me in my present wildness diex
    and never live to show thx incredulous world
    the noble change that i have purposedx
    coming to look on youx thinking you deadx
    and dead almostx my liegex to think you werex
    i spake unto this crown as having sensex
    and thus upbraided itx xthe care on thee depending
    hath fed upon the body of my fatherx
    therefore thou best of gold art worst of goldx
    otherx less fine in caratx is more preciousx
    preserving life in medxcine potablex
    but thoux most finex most honourxdx most renownxdx
    hast eat thy bearer upxx thusx my most royal liegex
    accusing itx i put it on my headx
    to try with itx as with an enemy
    that had before my face murdxred my fatherx
    the quarrel of a true inheritorx
    but if it did infect my blood with joyx
    or swell my thoughts to any strain of pridex
    if any rebel or vain spirit of mine
    did with the least affection of a welcome
    give entertainment to the might of itx
    let god for ever keep it from my headx
    and make me as the poorest vassal isx
    that doth with awe and terror kneel to itx
  kingx o my sonx
    god put it in thy mind to take it hencex
    that thou mightst win the more thy fatherxs lovex
    pleading so wisely in excuse of itx
    come hitherx harryx sit thou by my bedx
    and hearx i thinkx the very latest counsel
    that ever i shall breathex god knowsx my sonx
    by what byxpaths and indirect crookxd ways
    i met this crownx and i myself know well
    how troublesome it sat upon my headx
    to thee it shall descend with better quietx
    better opinionx better confirmationx
    for all the soil of the achievement goes
    with me into the earthx it seemxd in me
    but as an honour snatchxd with boistxrous handx
    and i had many living to upbraid
    my gain of it by their assistancesx
    which daily grew to quarrel and to bloodshedx
    wounding supposed peacex all these bold fears
    thou seest with peril i have answeredx
    for all my reign hath been but as a scene
    acting that argumentx and now my death
    changes the moodx for what in me was purchasxd
    falls upon thee in a more fairer sortx
    so thou the garland wearxst successivelyx
    yetx though thou standxst more sure than i could dox
    thou art not firm enoughx since griefs are greenx
    and all my friendsx which thou must make thy friendsx
    have but their stings and teeth newly taxen outx
    by whose fell working i was first advancxdx
    and by whose power i well might lodge a fear
    to be again displacxdx which to avoidx
    i cut them offx and had a purpose now
    to lead out many to the holy landx
    lest rest and lying still might make them look
    too near unto my statex thereforex my harryx
    be it thy course to busy giddy minds
    with foreign quarrelsx that actionx hence borne outx
    may waste the memory of the former daysx
    more would ix but my lungs are wasted so
    that strength of speech is utterly denied mex
    how i came by the crownx o godx forgivex
    and grant it may with thee in true peace livex
  princex my gracious liegex
    you won itx wore itx kept itx gave it mex
    then plain and right must my possession bex
    which i with more than with a common pain
    xgainst all the world will rightfully maintainx

       enter prince john of lancasterx warwickx lordsx and others

  kingx lookx lookx here comes my john of lancasterx
  prince johnx healthx peacex and happinessx to my royal fatherx
  kingx thou bringxst me happiness and peacex son johnx
    but healthx alackx with youthful wings is flown
    from this bare witherxd trunkx upon thy sight
    my worldly business makes a periodx
    where is my lord of warwickx
  princex my lord of warwickx
  kingx doth any name particular belong
    unto the lodging where i first did swoonx
  warwickx xtis callxd jerusalemx my noble lordx
  kingx laud be to godx even there my life must endx
    it hath been prophesied to me many yearsx
    i should not die but in jerusalemx
    which vainly i supposxd the holy landx
    but bear me to that chamberx there ixll liex
    in that jerusalem shall harry diex                    exeunt

act vx scene ix gloucestershirex shallowxs house

enter shallowx falstaffx bardolphx and page

  shallowx by cock and piex sirx you shall not away toxnightx
    whatx davyx i sayx
  falstaffx you must excuse mex master robert shallowx
  shallowx i will not excuse youx you shall not be excusxdx excuses
    shall not be admittedx there is no excuse shall servex you shall
    not be excusxdx whyx davyx

                            enter davy

  davyx herex sirx
  shallowx davyx davyx davyx davyx let me seex davyx let me seex
    davyx let me seex yeax marryx william cookx bid him come hitherx
    sir johnx you shall not be excusxdx
  davyx marryx sirx thusx those precepts cannot be servedx andx
    againx sirx shall we sow the headland with wheatx
  shallowx with red wheatx davyx but for william cookx are there no
    young pigeonsx
  davyx yesx sirx here is now the smithxs note for shoeing and
    ploughxironsx
  shallowx let it be castx and paidx sir johnx you shall not be
    excusedx
  davyx nowx sirx a new link to the bucket must needs be hadx andx
    sirx do you mean to stop any of williamxs wages about the sack he
    lost the other day at hinckley fairx
  shallowx xa shall answer itx some pigeonsx davyx a couple of
    shortxleggxd hensx a joint of muttonx and any pretty little tiny
    kickshawsx tell william cookx
  davyx doth the man of war stay all nightx sirx
  shallowx yeax davyx i will use him wellx a friend ix thx court is
    better than a penny in pursex use his men wellx davyx for they
    are arrant knaves and will backbitex
  davyx no worse than they are backbittenx sirx for they have
    marvellous foul linenx
  shallowx well conceitedx davyx about thy businessx davyx
  davyx i beseech youx sirx to countenance william visor of woncot
    against clement perkes ox thx hillx
  shallowx therex is many complaintsx davyx against that visorx that
    visor is an arrant knavex on my knowledgex
  davyx i grant your worship that he is a knavex sirx but yet god
    forbidx sirx but a knave should have some countenance at his
    friendxs requestx an honest manx sirx is able to speak for
    himselfx when a knave is notx i have servxd your worship trulyx
    sirx this eight yearsx an i cannot once or twice in a quarter
    bear out a knave against an honest manx i have but a very little
    credit with your worshipx the knave is mine honest friendx sirx
    thereforex i beseech youx let him be countenancxdx
  shallowx go tox i say he shall have no wrongx look aboutx
  davyx  xexit davyx  where are youx sir johnx comex comex comex off
    with your bootsx give me your handx master bardolphx
  bardolphx i am glad to see your worshipx
  shallowx i thank thee with all my heartx kind master bardolphx
    xto the pagex  and welcomex my tall fellowx comex sir johnx
  falstaffx ixll follow youx good master robert shallowx
    xexit shallowx  bardolphx look to our horsesx  xexeunt bardolph
    and pagex  if i were sawed into quantitiesx i should make four
    dozen of such bearded hermitsx staves as master shallowx it is a
    wonderful thing to see the semblable coherence of his menxs
    spirits and hisx theyx by observing of himx do bear themselves
    like foolish justicesx hex by conversing with themx is turned
    into a justicexlike servingxmanx their spirits are so married in
    conjunction with the participation of society that they flock
    together in consentx like so many wild geesex if i had a suit to
    master shallowx i would humour his men with the imputation of
    being near their masterx if to his menx i would curry with master
    shallow that no man could better command his servantsx it is
    certain that either wise bearing or ignorant carriage is caughtx
    as men take diseasesx one of anotherx therefore let men take heed
    of their companyx i will devise matter enough out of this shallow
    to keep prince harry in continual laughter the wearing out of six
    fashionsx which is four termsx or two actionsx and xa shall laugh
    without intervallumsx ox it is much that a lie with a slight
    oathx and a jest with a sad brow will do with a fellow that never
    had the ache in his shouldersx ox you shall see him laugh till
    his face be like a wet cloak ill laid upx
  shallowx  xwithinx  sir johnx
  falstaffx i comex master shallowx i comex master shallowx
 exit

scene iix westminsterx the palace

enterx severallyx warwickx and the lord chief justice

  warwickx how nowx my lord chief justicex whither awayx
  chief justicex how doth the kingx
  warwickx exceeding wellx his cares are now all endedx
  chief justicex i hopex not deadx
  warwickx hexs walkxd the way of naturex
    and to our purposes he lives no morex
  chief justicex i would his majesty had callxd me with himx
    the service that i truly did his life
    hath left me open to all injuriesx
  warwickx indeedx i think the young king loves you notx
  chief justicex i know he doth notx and do arm myself
    to welcome the condition of the timex
    which cannot look more hideously upon me
    than i have drawn it in my fantasyx

              enter lancasterx clarencex gloucesterx
                     westmorelandx and others

  warwickx here comes the heavy issue of dead harryx
    o that the living harry had the temper
    of hex the worst of these three gentlemenx
    how many nobles then should hold their places
    that must strike sail to spirits of vile sortx
  chief justicex o godx i fear all will be overturnxdx
  prince johnx good morrowx cousin warwickx good morrowx
  gloucester x clarencex good morrowx cousinx
  prince johnx we meet like men that had forgot to speakx
  warwickx we do rememberx but our argument
    is all too heavy to admit much talkx
  prince johnx wellx peace be with him that hath made us heavyx
  chief justicex peace be with usx lest we be heavierx
  prince humphreyx ox good my lordx you have lost a friend indeedx
    and i dare swear you borrow not that face
    of seeming sorrowx it is sure your ownx
  prince johnx though no man be assurxd what grace to findx
    you stand in coldest expectationx
    i am the sorrierx would xtwere otherwisex
  clarencex wellx you must now speak sir john falstaff fairx
    which swims against your stream of qualityx
  chief justicex sweet princesx what i didx i did in honourx
    led by thx impartial conduct of my soulx
    and never shall you see that i will beg
    a ragged and forestallxd remissionx
    if truth and upright innocency fail mex
    ixll to the king my master that is deadx
    and tell him who hath sent me after himx
  warwickx here comes the princex

            enter king henry the fifthx attended

  chief justicex good morrowx and god save your majestyx
  kingx this new and gorgeous garmentx majestyx
    sits not so easy on me as you thinkx
    brothersx you mix your sadness with some fearx
    this is the englishx not the turkish courtx
    not amurath an amurath succeedsx
    but harry harryx yet be sadx good brothersx
    forx by my faithx it very well becomes youx
    sorrow so royally in you appears
    that i will deeply put the fashion onx
    and wear it in my heartx whyx thenx be sadx
    but entertain no more of itx good brothersx
    than a joint burden laid upon us allx
    for mex by heavenx i bid you be assurxdx
    ixll be your father and your brother toox
    let me but bear your lovex ixll bear your caresx
    yet weep that harryxs deadx and so will ix
    but harry lives that shall convert those tears
    by number into hours of happinessx
  brothersx we hope no otherwise from your majestyx
  kingx you all look strangely on mex and you mostx
    you arex i thinkx assurxd i love you notx
  chief justicex i am assurxdx if i be measurxd rightlyx
    your majesty hath no just cause to hate mex
  kingx nox
    how might a prince of my great hopes forget
    so great indignities you laid upon mex
    whatx ratex rebukex and roughly send to prisonx
    thx immediate heir of englandx was this easyx
    may this be washxd in lethe and forgottenx
  chief justicex i then did use the person of your fatherx
    the image of his power lay then in mex
    and in thx administration of his lawx
    whiles i was busy for the commonwealthx
    your highness pleased to forget my placex
    the majesty and power of law and justicex
    the image of the king whom i presentedx
    and struck me in my very seat of judgmentx
    whereonx as an offender to your fatherx
    i gave bold way to my authority
    and did commit youx if the deed were illx
    be you contentedx wearing now the garlandx
    to have a son set your decrees at noughtx
    to pluck down justice from your awful benchx
    to trip the course of lawx and blunt the sword
    that guards the peace and safety of your personx
    nayx morex to spurn at your most royal imagex
    and mock your workings in a second bodyx
    question your royal thoughtsx make the case yoursx
    be now the fatherx and propose a sonx
    hear your own dignity so much profanxdx
    see your most dreadful laws so loosely slightedx
    behold yourself so by a son disdainxdx
    and then imagine me taking your part
    andx in your powerx soft silencing your sonx
    after this cold considerancex sentence mex
    andx as you are a kingx speak in your state
    what i have done that misbecame my placex
    my personx or my liegexs sovereigntyx
  kingx you are rightx justicex and you weigh this wellx
    therefore still bear the balance and the swordx
    and i do wish your honours may increase
    till you do live to see a son of mine
    offend youx and obey youx as i didx
    so shall i live to speak my fatherxs wordsx
    xhappy am i that have a man so bold
    that dares do justice on my proper sonx
    and not less happyx having such a son
    that would deliver up his greatness so
    into the hands of justicexx you did commit mex
    for which i do commit into your hand
    thx unstained sword that you have usxd to bearx
    with this remembrancex that you use the same
    with the like boldx justx and impartial spirit
    as you have done xgainst mex there is my handx
    you shall be as a father to my youthx
    my voice shall sound as you do prompt mine earx
    and i will stoop and humble my intents
    to your wellxpractisxd wise directionsx
    andx princes allx believe mex i beseech youx
    my father is gone wild into his gravex
    for in his tomb lie my affectionsx
    and with his spirits sadly i survivex
    to mock the expectation of the worldx
    to frustrate propheciesx and to raze out
    rotten opinionx who hath writ me down
    after my seemingx the tide of blood in me
    hath proudly flowxd in vanity till nowx
    now doth it turn and ebb back to the seax
    where it shall mingle with the state of floodsx
    and flow henceforth in formal majestyx
    now call we our high court of parliamentx
    and let us choose such limbs of noble counselx
    that the great body of our state may go
    in equal rank with the best governxd nationx
    that warx or peacex or both at oncex may be
    as things acquainted and familiar to usx
    in which youx fatherx shall have foremost handx
    our coronation donex we will accitex
    as i before remembxredx all our statex
    andx god consigning to my good intentsx
    no prince nor peer shall have just cause to sayx
    god shorten harryxs happy life one dayx               exeunt

scene iiix gloucestershirex shallowxs orchard

enter falstaffx shallowx silencex bardolphx the pagex and davy

  shallowx nayx you shall see my orchardx wherex in an arbourx we
    will eat a last yearxs pippin of mine own graffingx with a dish
    of carawaysx and so forthx comex cousin silencex and then to bedx
  falstaffx fore godx you have here a goodly dwelling and richx
  shallowx barrenx barrenx barrenx beggars allx beggars allx sir john
    xmarryx good airx spreadx davyx spreadx davyx well saidx davyx
  falstaffx this davy serves you for good usesx he is your
    servingxman and your husbandx
  shallowx a good varletx a good varletx a very good varletx sir
    johnx by the massx i have drunk too much sack at supperx a good
    varletx now sit downx now sit downx comex cousinx
  silencex ahx sirrahx quothxax we shall               xsingingx

              do nothing but eat and make good cheerx
              and praise god for the merry yearx
              when flesh is cheap and females dearx
              and lusty lads roam here and therex
                  so merrilyx
                and ever among so merrilyx

  falstaffx therexs a merry heartx good master silencex ixll give you
    a health for that anonx
  shallowx give master bardolph some winex davyx
  davyx sweet sirx sitx ixll be with you anonx most sweet sirx sitx
    master pagex good master pagex sitx profacex what you want in
    meatx wexll have in drinkx but you must bearx the heartxs allx
 exit
  shallowx be merryx master bardolphx andx my little soldier therex
    be merryx
  silencex  xsingingx

         be merryx be merryx my wife has allx
         for women are shrewsx both short and tallx
         xtis merry in hall when beards wag anx
           and welcome merry shrovextidex
         be merryx be merryx

  falstaffx i did not think master silence had been a man of this
    mettlex
  silencex whox ix i have been merry twice and once ere nowx

                          rexenter davy

  davyx  xto bardolphx  therexs a dish of leatherxcoats for youx
  shallowx davyx
  davyx your worshipx ixll be with you straightx  xto bardolphx
    a cup of winex sirx
  silencex  xsingingx

         a cup of wine thatxs brisk and finex
         and drink unto the leman minex
           and a merry heart lives longxax

  falstaffx well saidx master silencex
  silencex an we shall be merryx now comes in the sweet ox thx nightx
  falstaffx health and long life to youx master silencex
  silencex  xsingingx

         fill the cupx and let it comex
         ixll pledge you a mile to thx bottomx

  shallowx honest bardolphx welcomex if thou wantxst anything and
    wilt not callx beshrew thy heartx welcomex my little tiny thief
    and welcome indeed toox ixll drink to master bardolphx and to all
    the cabileros about londonx
  davyx i hope to see london once ere i diex
  bardolphx an i might see you therex davyx
  shallowx by the massx youxr crack a quart togetherx hax will you
    notx master bardolphx
  bardolphx yeax sirx in a pottlexpotx
  shallowx by godxs liggensx i thank theex the knave will stick by
    theex i can assure thee thatx xa will not outx xax xtis true
    bredx
  bardolphx and ixll stick by himx sirx
  shallowx whyx there spoke a kingx lack nothingx be merryx
    xone knocks at doorx  look whoxs at door therex hox who knocksx
                                                       exit davy
  falstaffx  xto silencex who has drunk a bumperx  whyx now you have
    done me rightx
  silencex  xsingingx

         do me rightx
         and dub me knightx
           samingox

    isxt not sox
  falstaffx xtis sox
  silencex isxt sox why thenx say an old man can do somewhatx

                        rexenter davy

  davyx anxt please your worshipx therexs one pistol come from the
    court with newsx
  falstaffx from the courtx let him come inx

                        enter pistol

    how nowx pistolx
  pistolx sir johnx god save youx
  falstaffx what wind blew you hitherx pistolx
  pistolx not the ill wind which blows no man to goodx sweet knightx
    thou art now one of the greatest men in this realmx
  silencex byxr ladyx i think xa bex but goodman puff of barsonx
  pistolx puffx
    puff in thy teethx most recreant coward basex
    sir johnx i am thy pistol and thy friendx
    and helterxskelter have i rode to theex
    and tidings do i bringx and lucky joysx
    and golden timesx and happy news of pricex
  falstaffx i pray thee nowx deliver them like a man of this worldx
  pistolx a foutra for the world and worldlings basex
    i speak of africa and golden joysx
  falstaffx o base assyrian knightx what is thy newsx
    let king cophetua know the truth thereofx
  silencex  xsingingx  and robin hoodx scarletx and johnx
  pistolx shall dunghill curs confront the heliconsx
    and shall good news be baffledx
    thenx pistolx lay thy head in furiesx lapx
  shallowx honest gentlemanx i know not your breedingx
  pistolx whyx thenx lament thereforex
  shallowx give me pardonx sirx ifx sirx you come with news from the
    courtx i take it therexs but two waysx either to utter them or
    conceal themx i amx sirx under the kingx in some authorityx
  pistolx under which kingx bezonianx speakx or diex
  shallowx under king harryx
  pistolx harry the fourthx or fifthx
  shallowx harry the fourthx
  pistolx a foutra for thine officex
    sir johnx thy tender lambkin now is kingx
    harry the fifthxs the manx i speak the truthx
    when pistol liesx do thisx and fig mex like
    the bragging spaniardx
  falstaffx whatx is the old king deadx
  pistolx as nail in doorx the things i speak are justx
  falstaffx awayx bardolphx saddle my horsex master robert shallowx
    choose what office thou wilt in the landx xtis thinex pistolx i
    will doublexcharge thee with dignitiesx
  bardolphx o joyful dayx
    i would not take a knighthood for my fortunex
  pistolx whatx i do bring good newsx
  falstaffx carry master silence to bedx master shallowx my lord
    shallowx be what thou wiltx i am fortunexs stewardx get on thy
    bootsx wexll ride all nightx o sweet pistolx awayx bardolphx
    xexit bardolphx  comex pistolx utter more to mex and withal
    devise something to do thyself goodx bootx bootx master shallowx
    i know the young king is sick for mex let us take any manxs
    horsesx the laws of england are at my commandmentx blessed are
    they that have been my friendsx and woe to my lord chief justicex
  pistolx let vultures vile seize on his lungs alsox
    xwhere is the life that late i ledxx say theyx
    whyx here it isx welcome these pleasant daysx         exeunt

scene ivx londonx a street

enter beadlesx dragging in hostess quickly and doll tearsheet

  hostessx nox thou arrant knavex i would to god that i might diex
    that i might have thee hangxdx thou hast drawn my shoulder out of
    jointx
  first beadlex the constables have delivered her over to mex and she
    shall have whippingxcheer enoughx i warrant herx there hath been
    a man or two lately killxd about herx
  dollx nutxhookx nutxhookx you liex come onx ixll tell thee whatx
    thou damnxd tripexvisagxd rascalx an the child i now go with do
    miscarryx thou wert better thou hadst struck thy motherx thou
    paperxfacxd villainx
  hostessx o the lordx that sir john were comex he would make this a
    bloody day to somebodyx but i pray god the fruit of her womb
    miscarryx
  first beadlex if it dox you shall have a dozen of cushions againx
    you have but eleven nowx comex i charge you both go with mex for
    the man is dead that you and pistol beat amongst youx
  dollx ixll tell you whatx you thin man in a censerx i will have you
    as soundly swingxd for thisx you bluexbottle roguex you filthy
    famishxd correctionerx if you be not swingxdx ixll forswear
    halfxkirtlesx
  first beadlex comex comex you she knightxerrantx comex
  hostessx o godx that right should thus overcome mightx
    wellx of sufferance comes easex
  dollx comex you roguex comex bring me to a justicex
  hostessx ayx comex you starvxd bloodhoundx
  dollx goodman deathx goodman bonesx
  hostessx thou atomyx thoux
  dollx comex you thin thingx comex you rascalx
  first beadlex very wellx                                exeunt

scene vx westminsterx near the abbey

enter groomsx strewing rushes

  first groomx more rushesx more rushesx
  second groomx the trumpets have sounded twicex
  third groomx xtwill be two oxclock ere they come from the
    coronationx dispatchx dispatchx                       exeunt

        trumpets soundx and the king and his train pass
       over the stagex after them enter falstaffx shallowx
                  pistolx bardolphx and page

  falstaffx stand here by mex master robert shallowx i will make the
    king do you gracex i will leer upon himx as xa comes byx and do
    but mark the countenance that he will give mex
  pistolx god bless thy lungsx good knightx
  falstaffx come herex pistolx stand behind mex  xto shallowx  ox if
    i had had to have made new liveriesx i would have bestowed the
    thousand pound i borrowed of youx but xtis no matterx this poor
    show doth betterx this doth infer the zeal i had to see himx
  shallowx it doth sox
  falstaffx it shows my earnestness of affectionx
  shallowx it doth sox
  falstaffx my devotionx
  shallowx it dothx it dothx it dothx
  falstaffx as it werex to ride day and nightx and not to deliberatex
    not to rememberx not to have patience to shift mex
  shallowx it is bestx certainx
  falstaffx but to stand stained with travelx and sweating with
    desire to see himx thinking of nothing elsex putting all affairs
    else in oblivionx as if there were nothing else to be done but to
    see himx
  pistolx xtis xsemper idemx for xobsque hoc nihil estxx xtis all in
    every partx
  shallowx xtis sox indeedx
  pistolx my knightx i will inflame thy noble liver
    and make thee ragex
    thy dollx and helen of thy noble thoughtsx
    is in base durance and contagious prisonx
    halxd thither
    by most mechanical and dirty handx
    rouse up revenge from ebon den with fell alectoxs snakex
    for doll is inx pistol speaks nought but truthx
  falstaffx i will deliver herx
                         xshoutsxwithinx and the trumpets soundx
  pistolx there roarxd the seax and trumpetxclangor soundsx

        enter the king and his trainx the lord chief justice
                               among them

  falstaffx god save thy gracex king halx my royal halx
  pistolx the heavens thee guard and keepx most royal imp of famex
  falstaffx god save theex my sweet boyx
  kingx my lord chief justicex speak to that vain manx
  chief justicex have you your witsx know you what xtis you speakx
  falstaffx my kingx my jovex i speak to theex my heartx
  kingx i know thee notx old manx fall to thy prayersx
    how ill white hairs become a fool and jesterx
    i have long dreamt of such a kind of manx
    so surfeitxswellxdx so oldx and so profanex
    but being awakxdx i do despise my dreamx
    make less thy body hencex and more thy gracex
    leave gormandizingx know the grave doth gape
    for thee thrice wider than for other menx
    reply not to me with a foolxborn jestx
    presume not that i am the thing i wasx
    for god doth knowx so shall the world perceivex
    that i have turnxd away my former selfx
    so will i those that kept me companyx
    when thou dost hear i am as i have beenx
    approach mex and thou shalt be as thou wastx
    the tutor and the feeder of my riotsx
    till then i banish theex on pain of deathx
    as i have done the rest of my misleadersx
    not to come near our person by ten milex
    for competence of life i will allow youx
    that lack of means enforce you not to evilsx
    andx as we hear you do reform yourselvesx
    we willx according to your strengths and qualitiesx
    give you advancementx be it your chargex my lordx
    to see performxd the tenour of our wordx
    set onx                        exeunt the king and his train
  falstaffx master shallowx i owe you a thousand poundsx
  shallowx yeax marryx sir johnx which i beseech you to let me have
    home with mex
  falstaffx that can hardly bex master shallowx do not you grieve at
    thisx i shall be sent for in private to himx look youx he must
    seem thus to the worldx fear not your advancementsx i will be the
    man yet that shall make you greatx
  shallowx i cannot perceive howx unless you give me your doubletx
    and stuff me out with strawx i beseech youx good sir johnx let me
    have five hundred of my thousandx
  falstaffx sirx i will be as good as my wordx this that you heard
    was but a colourx
  shallowx a colour that i fear you will die inx sir johnx
  falstaffx fear no coloursx go with me to dinnerx comex lieutenant
    pistolx comex bardolphx i shall be sent for soon at nightx

            rexenter prince johnx the lord chief justicex
                            with officers

  chief justicex gox carry sir john falstaff to the fleetx
    take all his company along with himx
  falstaffx my lordx my lordx
  chief justicex i cannot now speakx i will hear you soonx
    take them awayx
  pistolx si fortuna me tormentax spero me contentax
           exeunt all but prince john and the lord chief justice
  prince johnx i like this fair proceeding of the kingxsx
    he hath intent his wonted followers
    shall all be very well provided forx
    but all are banishxd till their conversations
    appear more wise and modest to the worldx
  chief justicex and so they arex
  prince johnx the king hath callxd his parliamentx my lordx
  chief justicex he hathx
  prince johnx i will lay odds thatx ere this year expirex
    we bear our civil swords and native fire
    as far as francex i heard a bird so singx
    whose musicx to my thinkingx pleasxd the kingx
    comex will you hencex                                 exeunt

epilogue epiloguex

  first my fearx then my curtsyx last my speechx my fearx is your
  displeasurex my curtsyx my dutyx and my speechx to beg your pardonsx
  if you look for a good speech nowx you undo mex for what i have to
  say is of mine own makingx and whatx indeedx i should say willx i
  doubtx prove mine own marringx but to the purposex and so to the
  venturex be it known to youx as it is very wellx i was lately here in
  the end of a displeasing playx to pray your patience for it and to
  promise you a betterx i meantx indeedx to pay you with thisx which if
  like an ill venture it come unluckily homex i breakx and youx my
  gentle creditorsx losex here i promisxd you i would bex and here i
  commit my body to your merciesx bate me somex and i will pay you
  somex andx as most debtors dox promise you infinitelyx and so i kneel
  down before youx butx indeedx to pray for the queenx if my tongue
  cannot entreat you to acquit mex will you command me to use my legsx
  and yet that were but light paymentxto dance out of your debtx but a
  good conscience will make any possible satisfactionx and so would ix
  all the gentlewomen here have forgiven mex if the gentlemen will notx
  then the gentlemen do not agree with the gentlewomenx which was never
  seen before in such an assemblyx one word morex i beseech youx if you
  be not too much cloyxd with fat meatx our humble author will continue
  the storyx with sir john in itx and make you merry with fair
  katherine of francex wherex for anything i knowx falstaff shall die
  of a sweatx unless already xa be killed with your hard opinionsx for
  oldcastle died a martyr and this is not the manx my tongue is wearyx
  when my legs are toox i will bid you good nightx



the life of king henry v



contents

act i
prologuex
scene ix londonx an antexchamber in the kingxs palacex
scene iix the samex the presence chamberx

act ii
chorusx
scene ix londonx a streetx
scene iix southamptonx a councilxchamberx
scene iiix londonx before a tavernx
scene ivx francex the kingxs palacex

act iii
chorusx
scene ix francex before harfleurx
scene iix the samex
scene iiix before the gatesx
scene ivx the french kingxs palacex
scene vx the samex
scene vix the english camp in picardyx
scene viix the french campx near agincourtx

act iv
chorusx
scene ix the english camp at agincourtx
scene iix the french campx
scene iiix the english campx
scene ivx the field of battlex
scene vx another part of the fieldx
scene vix another part of the fieldx
scene viix another part of the fieldx
scene viiix before king henryxs pavilionx

act v
chorusx
scene ix francex the english campx
scene iix francex a royal palacex
epiloguex


dramatis personx

king henry vx
duke of clarencex brother to the kingx
duke of bedfordx brother to the kingx
duke of gloucesterx brother to the kingx
duke of exeterx uncle to the kingx
duke of yorkx cousin to the kingx
earl of salisburyx
earl of huntingdonx
earl of westmorlandx
earl of warwickx
archbishop of canterburyx
bishop of elyx
earl of cambridgex
lord scroopx
sir thomas greyx
sir thomas erpinghamx officer in king henryxs armyx
gowerx officer in king henryxs armyx
fluellenx officer in king henryxs armyx
macmorrisx officer in king henryxs armyx
jamyx officer in king henryxs armyx
batesx soldier in the samex
courtx soldier in the samex
williamsx soldier in the samex
pistolx
nymx
bardolphx
boyx
a heraldx

charles vix king of francex
lewisx the dauphinx
duke of berryx
duke of brittanyx
duke of burgundyx
duke of orleansx
duke of bourbonx
the constable of francex
ramburesx french lordx
grandprxx french lordx
governor of harfleur
montjoyx a french heraldx
ambassadors to the king of englandx

isabelx queen of francex
katharinex daughter to charles and isabelx
alicex a lady attending on herx
hostess of a tavern in eastcheapx formerly mistress nell quicklyx and
now married to pistolx

chorusx

lordsx ladiesx officersx soldiersx citizensx messengersx and
attendantsx

scenex englandx afterwards francex


prologuex

 enter chorusx

chorusx
o for a muse of firex that would ascend
the brightest heaven of inventionx
a kingdom for a stagex princes to actx
and monarchs to behold the swelling scenex
then should the warlike harryx like himselfx
assume the port of marsx and at his heelsx
leashxd in like houndsx should faminex swordx and fire
crouch for employmentx but pardonx gentles allx
the flat unraised spirits that hath darxd
on this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
so great an objectx can this cockpit hold
the vasty fields of francex or may we cram
within this wooden o the very casques
that did affright the air at agincourtx
o pardonx since a crooked figure may
attest in little place a millionx
and let usx ciphers to this great accomptx
on your imaginary forces workx
suppose within the girdle of these walls
are now confinxd two mighty monarchiesx
whose high upreared and abutting fronts
the perilous narrow ocean parts asunderx
piece out our imperfections with your thoughtsx
into a thousand parts divide one manx
and make imaginary puissancex
thinkx when we talk of horsesx that you see them
printing their proud hoofs ix thx receiving earthx
for xtis your thoughts that now must deck our kingsx
carry them here and therex jumping oxer timesx
turning the accomplishment of many years
into an hourxglassx for the which supplyx
admit me chorus to this historyx
who prologuexlike your humble patience prayx
gently to hearx kindly to judgex our playx

 xxexitxxx



act i

scene ix londonx an antexchamber in the kingxs palacex

 enter the archbishop of canterbury and the bishop of elyx

canterburyx
my lordx ixll tell youx that self bill is urgxd
which in the eleventh year of the last kingxs reign
was likex and had indeed against us passed
but that the scambling and unquiet time
did push it out of farther questionx

elyx
but howx my lordx shall we resist it nowx

canterburyx
it must be thought onx if it pass against usx
we lose the better half of our possessionx
for all the temporal landsx which men devout
by testament have given to the churchx
would they strip from usx being valuxd thusx
as much as would maintainx to the kingxs honourx
full fifteen earls and fifteen hundred knightsx
six thousand and two hundred good esquiresx
andx to relief of lazars and weak agex
of indigent faint souls past corporal toilx
a hundred almshouses right well suppliedx
and to the coffers of the king besidex
a thousand pounds by thx yearx thus runs the billx

elyx
this would drink deepx

canterburyx
xtwould drink the cup and allx

elyx
but what preventionx

canterburyx
the king is full of grace and fair regardx

elyx
and a true lover of the holy churchx

canterburyx
the courses of his youth promisxd it notx
the breath no sooner left his fatherxs body
but that his wildnessx mortified in himx
seemed to die toox yeax at that very moment
consideration like an angel came
and whipped thx offending adam out of himx
leaving his body as a paradise
tx envelope and contain celestial spiritsx
never was such a sudden scholar madex
never came reformation in a flood
with such a heady currance scouring faultsx
nor never hydraxheaded wilfulness
so soon did lose his seatx and all at oncex
as in this kingx

elyx
we are blessed in the changex

canterburyx
hear him but reason in divinity
andx allxadmiringx with an inward wish
you would desire the king were made a prelatex
hear him debate of commonwealth affairsx
you would say it hath been all in all his studyx
list his discourse of warx and you shall hear
a fearful battle rendered you in musicx
turn him to any cause of policyx
the gordian knot of it he will unloosex
familiar as his garterx thatx when he speaksx
the airx a chartered libertinex is stillx
and the mute wonder lurketh in menxs ears
to steal his sweet and honeyed sentencesx
so that the art and practic part of life
must be the mistress to this theoricx
which is a wonder how his grace should glean itx
since his addiction was to courses vainx
his companies unletteredx rudex and shallowx
his hours filled up with riotsx banquetsx sportsx
and never noted in him any studyx
any retirementx any sequestration
from open haunts and popularityx

elyx
the strawberry grows underneath the nettlex
and wholesome berries thrive and ripen best
neighboured by fruit of baser qualityx
and so the prince obscured his contemplation
under the veil of wildnessx whichx no doubtx
grew like the summer grassx fastest by nightx
unseenx yet crescive in his facultyx

canterburyx
it must be sox for miracles are ceasedx
and therefore we must needs admit the means
how things are perfectedx

elyx
butx my good lordx
how now for mitigation of this bill
urged by the commonsx doth his majesty
incline to itx or nox

canterburyx
he seems indifferentx
or rather swaying more upon our part
than cherishing thx exhibitors against usx
for i have made an offer to his majestyx
upon our spiritual convocation
and in regard of causes now in handx
which i have opened to his grace at largex
as touching francex to give a greater sum
than ever at one time the clergy yet
did to his predecessors part withalx

elyx
how did this offer seem receivedx my lordx

canterburyx
with good acceptance of his majestyx
save that there was not time enough to hearx
as i perceived his grace would fain have donex
the severals and unhidden passages
of his true titles to some certain dukedomsx
and generally to the crown and seat of francex
derived from edwardx his greatxgrandfatherx

elyx
what was thx impediment that broke this offx

canterburyx
the french ambassador upon that instant
craved audiencex and the hourx i thinkx is come
to give him hearingx is it four oxclockx

elyx
it isx

canterburyx
then go we inx to know his embassyx
which i could with a ready guess declare
before the frenchman speak a word of itx

elyx
ixll wait upon youx and i long to hear itx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex the presence chamberx

 enter king henryx gloucesterx bedfordx clarencex warwickx westmorlandx
 exeter and attendantsx

king henryx
where is my gracious lord of canterburyx

exeterx
not here in presencex

king henryx
send for himx good unclex

westmorlandx
shall we call in thx ambassadorx my liegex

king henryx
not yetx my cousinx we would be resolvedx
before we hear himx of some things of weight
that task our thoughts concerning us and francex

 enter the archbishop of canterbury and the bishop of elyx

canterburyx
god and his angels guard your sacred throne
and make you long become itx

king henryx
surex we thank youx
my learned lordx we pray you to proceed
and justly and religiously unfold
why the law salic that they have in france
or should or should not bar us in our claimx
and god forbidx my dear and faithful lordx
that you should fashionx wrestx or bow your readingx
or nicely charge your understanding soul
with opening titles miscreatex whose right
suits not in native colours with the truthx
for god doth know how many now in health
shall drop their blood in approbation
of what your reverence shall incite us tox
therefore take heed how you impawn our personx
how you awake our sleeping sword of warx
we charge you in the name of godx take heedx
for never two such kingdoms did contend
without much fall of bloodx whose guiltless drops
are every one a woex a sore complaint
xgainst him whose wrongs gives edge unto the swords
that makes such waste in brief mortalityx
under this conjuration speakx my lordx
for we will hearx notex and believe in heart
that what you speak is in your conscience washed
as pure as sin with baptismx

canterburyx
then hear mex gracious sovereignx and you peersx
that owe yourselvesx your livesx and services
to this imperial thronex there is no bar
to make against your highnessx claim to france
but thisx which they produce from pharamondx
xin terram salicam mulieres ne succedantxx
xno woman shall succeed in salic landxx
which salic land the french unjustly gloze
to be the realm of francex and pharamond
the founder of this law and female barx
yet their own authors faithfully affirm
that the land salic is in germanyx
between the floods of sala and of elbex
where charles the greatx having subduxd the saxonsx
there left behind and settled certain frenchx
whox holding in disdain the german women
for some dishonest manners of their lifex
establishxd then this lawx to witx no female
should be inheritrix in salic landx
which salicx as i saidx xtwixt elbe and salax
is at this day in germany callxd meissenx
then doth it well appear the salic law
was not devised for the realm of francex
nor did the french possess the salic land
until four hundred one and twenty years
after defunction of king pharamondx
idly supposxd the founder of this lawx
who died within the year of our redemption
four hundred twentyxsixx and charles the great
subduxd the saxonsx and did seat the french
beyond the river salax in the year
eight hundred fivex besidesx their writers sayx
king pepinx which deposed childericx
didx as heir generalx being descended
of blithildx which was daughter to king clothairx
make claim and title to the crown of francex
hugh capet alsox who usurpxd the crown
of charles the duke of lorrainex sole heir male
of the true line and stock of charles the greatx
to find his title with some shows of truthx
thoughx in pure truthx it was corrupt and naughtx
conveyxd himself as the heir to the lady lingarex
daughter to charlemainx who was the son
to lewis the emperorx and lewis the son
of charles the greatx alsox king lewis the tenthx
who was sole heir to the usurper capetx
could not keep quiet in his consciencex
wearing the crown of francex till satisfied
that fair queen isabelx his grandmotherx
was lineal of the lady ermengarex
daughter to charlesx the foresaid duke of lorrainex
by the which marriage the line of charles the great
was rexunited to the crown of francex
so thatx as clear as is the summerxs sunx
king pepinxs title and hugh capetxs claimx
king lewis his satisfactionx all appear
to hold in right and title of the femalex
so do the kings of france unto this dayx
howbeit they would hold up this salic law
to bar your highness claiming from the femalex
and rather choose to hide them in a net
than amply to imbar their crooked titles
usurpxd from you and your progenitorsx

king henryx
may i with right and conscience make this claimx

canterburyx
the sin upon my headx dread sovereignx
for in the book of numbers is it writx
xwhen the man diesx let the inheritance
descend unto the daughterxx gracious lordx
stand for your ownx unwind your bloody flagx
look back into your mighty ancestorsx
gox my dread lordx to your greatxgrandsirexs tombx
from whom you claimx invoke his warlike spiritx
and your greatxunclexsx edward the black princex
who on the french ground playxd a tragedyx
making defeat on the full power of francex
whiles his most mighty father on a hill
stood smiling to behold his lionxs whelp
forage in blood of french nobilityx
o noble englishx that could entertain
with half their forces the full pride of france
and let another half stand laughing byx
all out of work and cold for actionx

elyx
awake remembrance of these valiant deadx
and with your puissant arm renew their featsx
you are their heirx you sit upon their thronex
the blood and courage that renowned them
runs in your veinsx and my thricexpuissant liege
is in the very mayxmorn of his youthx
ripe for exploits and mighty enterprisesx

exeterx
your brother kings and monarchs of the earth
do all expect that you should rouse yourselfx
as did the former lions of your bloodx

westmorlandx
they know your grace hath cause and means and mightx
so hath your highnessx never king of england
had nobles richerx and more loyal subjectsx
whose hearts have left their bodies here in england
and lie pavilionxd in the fields of francex

canterburyx
ox let their bodies followx my dear liegex
with blood and sword and fire to win your rightx
in aid whereof we of the spiritualty
will raise your highness such a mighty sum
as never did the clergy at one time
bring in to any of your ancestorsx

king henryx
we must not only arm to invade the frenchx
but lay down our proportions to defend
against the scotx who will make road upon us
with all advantagesx

canterburyx
they of those marchesx gracious sovereignx
shall be a wall sufficient to defend
our inland from the pilfering borderersx

king henryx
we do not mean the coursing snatchers onlyx
but fear the main intendment of the scotx
who hath been still a giddy neighbour to usx
for you shall read that my greatxgrandfather
never went with his forces into france
but that the scot on his unfurnishxd kingdom
came pouringx like the tide into a breachx
with ample and brim fullness of his forcex
galling the gleaned land with hot assaysx
girdling with grievous siege castles and townsx
that englandx being empty of defencex
hath shook and trembled at the ill neighbourhoodx

canterburyx
she hath been then more fearxd than harmxdx my liegex
for hear her but examplxd by herselfx
when all her chivalry hath been in francex
and she a mourning widow of her noblesx
she hath herself not only well defended
but taken and impounded as a stray
the king of scotsx whom she did send to france
to fill king edwardxs fame with prisoner kingsx
and make her chronicle as rich with praise
as is the ooze and bottom of the sea
with sunken wreck and sumless treasuriesx

westmorlandx
but therexs a saying very old and truex
xif that you will france winx
then with scotland first beginxx
for once the eagle england being in preyx
to her unguarded nest the weasel scot
comes sneaking and so sucks her princely eggsx
playing the mouse in absence of the catx
to tear and havoc more than she can eatx

exeterx
it follows then the cat must stay at homex
yet that is but a crushxd necessityx
since we have locks to safeguard necessariesx
and pretty traps to catch the petty thievesx
while that the armed hand doth fight abroadx
the advised head defends itself at homex
for governmentx though high and low and lowerx
put into partsx doth keep in one consentx
congreeing in a full and natural closex
like musicx

canterburyx
therefore doth heaven divide
the state of man in divers functionsx
setting endeavour in continual motionx
to which is fixedx as an aim or buttx
obediencex for so work the honeyxbeesx
creatures that by a rule in nature teach
the act of order to a peopled kingdomx
they have a king and officers of sortsx
where somex like magistratesx correct at homex
others like merchantsx venture trade abroadx
othersx like soldiersx armed in their stingsx
make boot upon the summerxs velvet budsx
which pillage they with merry march bring home
to the tentxroyal of their emperorx
whox busied in his majestyx surveys
the singing masons building roofs of goldx
the civil citizens kneading up the honeyx
the poor mechanic porters crowding in
their heavy burdens at his narrow gatex
the sadxeyed justicex with his surly humx
delivering oxer to executors pale
the lazy yawning dronex i this inferx
that many thingsx having full reference
to one consentx may work contrariouslyx
as many arrowsx loosed several waysx
come to one markx as many ways meet in one townx
as many fresh streams meet in one salt seax
as many lines close in the dialxs centrex
so many a thousand actionsx once afootx
end in one purposex and be all well borne
without defeatx therefore to francex my liegex
divide your happy england into fourx
whereof take you one quarter into francex
and you withal shall make all gallia shakex
if wex with thrice such powers left at homex
cannot defend our own doors from the dogx
let us be worried and our nation lose
the name of hardiness and policyx

king henryx
call in the messengers sent from the dauphinx

 xxexeunt some attendantsxxx

now are we well resolvxdx andx by godxs helpx
and yoursx the noble sinews of our powerx
france being oursx wexll bend it to our awex
or break it all to piecesx or there wexll sitx
ruling in large and ample empery
oxer france and all her almost kingly dukedomsx
or lay these bones in an unworthy urnx
tomblessx with no remembrance over themx
either our history shall with full mouth
speak freely of our actsx or else our gravex
like turkish mutex shall have a tongueless mouthx
not worshippxd with a waxen epitaphx

 enter ambassadors of francex

now are we well preparxd to know the pleasure
of our fair cousin dauphinx for we hear
your greeting is from himx not from the kingx

first ambassadorx
mayxt please your majesty to give us leave
freely to render what we have in chargex
or shall we sparingly show you far off
the dauphinxs meaning and our embassyx

king henryx
we are no tyrantx but a christian kingx
unto whose grace our passion is as subject
as is our wretches fettxred in our prisonsx
therefore with frank and with uncurbed plainness
tell us the dauphinxs mindx

ambassadorx
thusx thenx in fewx
your highnessx lately sending into francex
did claim some certain dukedomsx in the right
of your great predecessorx king edward the thirdx
in answer of which claimx the prince our master
says that you savour too much of your youthx
and bids you be advisxd therexs nought in france
that can be with a nimble galliard wonx
you cannot revel into dukedoms therex
he therefore sends youx meeter for your spiritx
this tun of treasurex andx in lieu of thisx
desires you let the dukedoms that you claim
hear no more of youx this the dauphin speaksx

king henryx
what treasurex unclex

exeterx
tennisxballsx my liegex

king henryx
we are glad the dauphin is so pleasant with usx
his present and your pains we thank you forx
when we have matchxd our rackets to these ballsx
we willx in francex by godxs gracex play a set
shall strike his fatherxs crown into the hazardx
tell him he hath made a match with such a wrangler
that all the courts of france will be disturbxd
with chacesx and we understand him wellx
how he comes oxer us with our wilder daysx
not measuring what use we made of themx
we never valuxd this poor seat of englandx
and thereforex living hencex did give ourself
to barbarous licencex as xtis ever common
that men are merriest when they are from homex
but tell the dauphin i will keep my statex
be like a kingx and show my sail of greatness
when i do rouse me in my throne of francex
for that i have laid by my majesty
and plodded like a man for working daysx
but i will rise there with so full a glory
that i will dazzle all the eyes of francex
yeax strike the dauphin blind to look on usx
and tell the pleasant prince this mock of his
hath turnxd his balls to gunxstonesx and his soul
shall stand sore charged for the wasteful vengeance
that shall fly with themx for many a thousand widows
shall this his mock mock out of their dear husbandsx
mock mothers from their sonsx mock castles downx
and some are yet ungotten and unborn
that shall have cause to curse the dauphinxs scornx
but this lies all within the will of godx
to whom i do appealx and in whose name
tell you the dauphin i am coming on
to venge me as i mayx and to put forth
my rightful hand in a wellxhallowxd causex
so get you hence in peacex and tell the dauphin
his jest will savour but of shallow witx
when thousands weep more than did laugh at itxx
convey them with safe conductxxfare you wellx

 xxexeunt ambassadorsxxx

exeterx
this was a merry messagex

king henryx
we hope to make the sender blush at itx
thereforex my lordsx omit no happy hour
that may give furtherance to our expeditionx
for we have now no thought in us but francex
save those to godx that run before our businessx
thereforex let our proportions for these wars
be soon collectedx and all things thought upon
that may with reasonable swiftness add
more feathers to our wingsx forx god beforex
wexll chide this dauphin at his fatherxs doorx
therefore let every man now task his thoughtx
that this fair action may on foot be broughtx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

 flourishx enter chorusx

chorusx
now all the youth of england are on firex
and silken dalliance in the wardrobe liesx
now thrive the armourersx and honourxs thought
reigns solely in the breast of every manx
they sell the pasture now to buy the horsex
following the mirror of all christian kingsx
with winged heelsx as english mercuriesx
for now sits expectation in the airx
and hides a sword from hilts unto the point
with crowns imperialx crownsx and coronetsx
promisxd to harry and his followersx
the frenchx advisxd by good intelligence
of this most dreadful preparationx
shake in their fearx and with pale policy
seek to divert the english purposesx
o englandx model to thy inward greatnessx
like little body with a mighty heartx
what mightst thou dox that honour would thee dox
were all thy children kind and naturalx
but see thy faultx france hath in thee found out
a nest of hollow bosomsx which he fills
with treacherous crownsx and three corrupted menx
onex richard earl of cambridgex and the secondx
henry lord scroop of mashamx and the thirdx
sir thomas greyx knight of northumberlandx
havex for the gilt of francexxo guilt indeedxx
confirmxd conspiracy with fearful francex
and by their hands this grace of kings must diex
if hell and treason hold their promisesx
ere he take ship for francex and in southamptonx
linger your patience onx and wexll digest
the abuse of distancex force a playx
the sum is paidx the traitors are agreedx
the king is set from londonx and the scene
is now transportedx gentlesx to southamptonx
there is the playhouse nowx there must you sitx
and thence to france shall we convey you safex
and bring you backx charming the narrow seas
to give you gentle passx forx if we mayx
wexll not offend one stomach with our playx
butx till the king come forthx and not till thenx
unto southampton do we shift our scenex

 xxexitxxx

scene ix londonx a streetx

 enter corporal nym and lieutenant bardolphx

bardolphx
well metx corporal nymx

nymx
good morrowx lieutenant bardolphx

bardolphx
whatx are ancient pistol and you friends yetx

nymx
for my partx i care notx i say littlex but when time shall servex there
shall be smilesx but that shall be as it mayx i dare not fightx but i
will wink and hold out mine ironx it is a simple onex but what thoughx
it will toast cheesex and it will endure cold as another manxs sword
willx and therexs an endx

bardolphx
i will bestow a breakfast to make you friendsx and wexll be all three
sworn brothers to francex let it be sox good corporal nymx

nymx
faithx i will live so long as i mayx thatxs the certain of itx and when
i cannot live any longerx i will do as i mayx that is my restx that is
the rendezvous of itx

bardolphx
it is certainx corporalx that he is married to nell quicklyx and
certainly she did you wrongx for you were trothxplight to herx

nymx
i cannot tellx things must be as they mayx men may sleepx and they may
have their throats about them at that timex and some say knives have
edgesx it must be as it mayx though patience be a tired marex yet she
will plodx there must be conclusionsx wellx i cannot tellx

 enter pistol and hostessx

bardolphx
here comes ancient pistol and his wifex good corporalx be patient herex
how nowx mine host pistolx

pistolx
base tikex callxst thou me hostx
nowx by this handx i swear i scorn the termx
nor shall my nell keep lodgersx

hostessx
nox by my trothx not longx for we cannot lodge and board a dozen or
fourteen gentlewomen that live honestly by the prick of their needlesx
but it will be thought we keep a bawdy house straightx xxnym and pistol
drawxxx o well a dayx ladyx if he be not drawn nowx we shall see wilful
adultery and murder committedx

bardolphx
good lieutenantx good corporalx offer nothing herex

nymx
pishx

pistolx
pish for theex iceland dogx thou prickxearxd cur of icelandx

hostessx
good corporal nymx show thy valourx and put up your swordx

nymx
will you shog offx i would have you xsolusxx

pistolx
xsolusxx egregious dogx o viper vilex
the xsolusx in thy most mervailous facex
the xsolusx in thy teethx and in thy throatx
and in thy hateful lungsx yeax in thy mawx perdyx
andx which is worsex within thy nasty mouthx
i do retort the xsolusx in thy bowelsx
for i can takex and pistolxs cock is upx
and flashing fire will followx

nymx
i am not barbasonx you cannot conjure mex i have an humour to knock you
indifferently wellx if you grow foul with mex pistolx i will scour you
with my rapierx as i mayx in fair termsx if you would walk offx i would
prick your guts a littlex in good termsx as i mayx and thatxs the
humour of itx

pistolx
o braggart vile and damned furious wightx
the grave doth gapex and doting death is nearx
therefore exhalex

bardolphx
hear mex hear me what i sayx he that strikes the first stroke ixll run
him up to the hiltsx as i am a soldierx

 xxdrawsxxx

pistolx
an oath of mickle mightx and fury shall abatex
give me thy fistx thy forexfoot to me givex
thy spirits are most tallx

nymx
i will cut thy throatx one time or otherx in fair termsx that is the
humour of itx

pistolx
xcouple a gorgexx
that is the wordx i thee defy againx
o hound of cretex thinkxst thou my spouse to getx
nox to the spital gox
and from the powdering tub of infamy
fetch forth the lazar kite of cressidxs kindx
doll tearsheet she by namex and her espousex
i havex and i will holdx the quondam quickly
for the only shex and xpaucaxx therexs enoughx
go tox

 enter the boyx

boyx
mine host pistolx you must come to my masterx and youx hostessx he is
very sickx and would to bedx good bardolphx put thy face between his
sheetsx and do the office of a warmingxpanx faithx hexs very illx

bardolphx
awayx you roguex

hostessx
by my trothx hexll yield the crow a pudding one of these daysx
the king has killxd his heartx
good husbandx come home presentlyx

 xxexeunt hostess and boyxxx

bardolphx
comex shall i make you two friendsx we must to france togetherx why the
devil should we keep knives to cut one anotherxs throatsx

pistolx
let floods oxerswellx and fiends for food howl onx

nymx
youxll pay me the eight shillings i won of you at bettingx

pistolx
base is the slave that paysx

nymx
that now i will havex thatxs the humour of itx

pistolx
as manhood shall compoundx push homex

 xxthey drawxxx

bardolphx
by this swordx he that makes the first thrustx ixll kill himx by this
swordx i willx

pistolx
sword is an oathx and oaths must have their coursex

bardolphx
corporal nymx and thou wilt be friendsx be friendsx an thou wilt notx
whyx thenx be enemies with me toox pritheex put upx

nymx
i shall have my eight shillings i won from you at bettingx

pistolx
a noble shalt thou havex and present payx
and liquor likewise will i give to theex
and friendship shall combinex and brotherhoodx
ixll live by nymx and nym shall live by mex
is not this justx for i shall sutler be
unto the campx and profits will accruex
give me thy handx

nymx
i shall have my noblex

pistolx
in cash most justly paidx

nymx
wellx thenx thatxs the humour ofxtx

 enter hostessx

hostessx
as ever you come of womenx come in quickly to sir johnx
ahx poor heartx he is so shakxd of a burning quotidian tertianx
that it is most lamentable to beholdx sweet menx come to himx

nymx
the king hath run bad humours on the knightx thatxs the even of itx

pistolx
nymx thou hast spoke the rightx
his heart is fracted and corroboratex

nymx
the king is a good kingx but it must be as it mayx he passes some
humours and careersx

pistolx
let us condole the knightx forx lambkinsx we will livex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix southamptonx a councilxchamberx

 enter exeterx bedford and westmorlandx

bedfordx
xfore godx his grace is boldx to trust these traitorsx

exeterx
they shall be apprehended by and byx

westmorlandx
how smooth and even they do bear themselvesx
as if allegiance in their bosoms sat
crowned with faith and constant loyaltyx

bedfordx
the king hath note of all that they intendx
by interception which they dream not ofx

exeterx
nayx but the man that was his bedxfellowx
whom he hath dullxd and cloyxd with gracious favoursx
that he shouldx for a foreign pursex so sell
his sovereignxs life to death and treacheryx

 trumpets soundx enter king henryx scroopx cambridge and greyx

king henryx
now sits the wind fairx and we will aboardx
my lord of cambridgex and my kind lord of mashamx
and youx my gentle knightx give me your thoughtsx
think you not that the powers we bear with us
will cut their passage through the force of francex
doing the execution and the act
for which we have in head assembled themx

scroopx
no doubtx my liegex if each man do his bestx

king henryx
i doubt not thatx since we are well persuaded
we carry not a heart with us from hence
that grows not in a fair consent with oursx
nor leave not one behind that doth not wish
success and conquest to attend on usx

cambridgex
never was monarch better fearxd and lovxd
than is your majestyx therexs notx i thinkx a subject
that sits in heartxgrief and uneasiness
under the sweet shade of your governmentx

greyx
truex those that were your fatherxs enemies
have steepxd their galls in honeyx and do serve you
with hearts create of duty and of zealx

king henryx
we therefore have great cause of thankfulnessx
and shall forget the office of our hand
sooner than quittance of desert and merit
according to the weight and worthinessx

scroopx
so service shall with steeled sinews toilx
and labour shall refresh itself with hopex
to do your grace incessant servicesx

king henryx
we judge no lessx uncle of exeterx
enlarge the man committed yesterdayx
that railxd against our personx we consider
it was excess of wine that set him onx
and on his more advice we pardon himx

scroopx
thatxs mercyx but too much securityx
let him be punishxdx sovereignx lest example
breedx by his sufferancex more of such a kindx

king henryx
ox let us yet be mercifulx

cambridgex
so may your highnessx and yet punish toox

greyx
sirx
you show great mercy if you give him life
after the taste of much correctionx

king henryx
alasx your too much love and care of me
are heavy orisons xgainst this poor wretchx
if little faultsx proceeding on distemperx
shall not be winkxd atx how shall we stretch our eye
when capital crimesx chewxdx swallowxdx and digestedx
appear before usx wexll yet enlarge that manx
though cambridgex scroopx and greyx in their dear care
and tender preservation of our personx
would have him punishxdx and now to our french causesx
who are the late commissionersx

cambridgex
i onex my lordx
your highness bade me ask for it todayx

scroopx
so did you mex my liegex

greyx
and ix my royal sovereignx

king henryx
thenx richard earl of cambridgex there is yoursx
there yoursx lord scroop of mashamx andx sir knightx
grey of northumberlandx this same is yoursx
read themx and know i know your worthinessx
my lord of westmorlandx and uncle exeterx
we will aboard tonightxxwhyx how nowx gentlemenx
what see you in those papers that you lose
so much complexionxxlook yex how they changex
their cheeks are paperxxwhyx what read you therex
that have so cowarded and chasxd your blood
out of appearancex

cambridgex
i do confess my faultx
and do submit me to your highnessx mercyx

greyx scroopx
to which we all appealx

king henryx
the mercy that was quick in us but latex
by your own counsel is suppressxd and killxdx
you must not darex for shamex to talk of mercyx
for your own reasons turn into your bosomsx
as dogs upon their mastersx worrying youx
see youx my princes and my noble peersx
these english monstersx my lord of cambridge herex
you know how apt our love was to accord
to furnish him with an appertinents
belonging to his honourx and this man
hathx for a few light crownsx lightly conspirxd
and sworn unto the practices of france
to kill us here in hamptonx to the which
this knightx no less for bounty bound to us
than cambridge isx hath likewise swornx butx o
what shall i say to theex lord scroopx thou cruelx
ingratefulx savagex and inhuman creaturex
thou that didst bear the key of all my counselsx
that knewxst the very bottom of my soulx
that almost mightst have coinxd me into goldx
wouldst thou have practisxd on me for thy usexx
may it be possible that foreign hire
could out of thee extract one spark of evil
that might annoy my fingerx xtis so strangex
thatx though the truth of it stands off as gross
as black and whitex my eye will scarcely see itx
treason and murder ever kept togetherx
as two yokexdevils sworn to eitherxs purposex
working so grossly in a natural cause
that admiration did not whoop at themx
but thoux xgainst all proportionx didst bring in
wonder to wait on treason and on murderx
and whatsoever cunning fiend it was
that wrought upon thee so preposterously
hath got the voice in hell for excellencex
and other devils that suggest by treasons
do botch and bungle up damnation
with patchesx coloursx and with forms being fetchxd
from glistxring semblances of pietyx
but he that temperxd thee bade thee stand upx
gave thee no instance why thou shouldst do treasonx
unless to dub thee with the name of traitorx
if that same demon that hath gullxd thee thus
should with his lion gait walk the whole worldx
he might return to vasty tartar backx
and tell the legionsx xi can never win
a soul so easy as that englishmanxsxx
ox how hast thou with jealousy infected
the sweetness of affiancex show men dutifulx
whyx so didst thoux seem they grave and learnedx
whyx so didst thoux come they of noble familyx
whyx so didst thoux seem they religiousx
whyx so didst thoux or are they spare in dietx
free from gross passion or of mirth or angerx
constant in spiritx not swerving with the bloodx
garnishxd and deckxd in modest complementx
not working with the eye without the earx
and but in purged judgement trusting neitherx
such and so finely bolted didst thou seemx
and thus thy fall hath left a kind of blot
to mark the fullxfraught man and best indued
with some suspicionx i will weep for theex
for this revolt of thinex methinksx is like
another fall of manx their faults are openx
arrest them to the answer of the lawx
and god acquit them of their practicesx

exeterx
i arrest thee of high treasonx by the name of richard earl of
cambridgex
i arrest thee of high treasonx by the name of henry lord scroop of
mashamx
i arrest thee of high treasonx by the name of thomas greyx knightx of
northumberlandx

scroopx
our purposes god justly hath discoverxdx
and i repent my fault more than my deathx
which i beseech your highness to forgivex
although my body pay the price of itx

cambridgex
for mex the gold of france did not seducex
although i did admit it as a motive
the sooner to effect what i intendedx
but god be thanked for preventionx
which i in sufferance heartily will rejoicex
beseeching god and you to pardon mex

greyx
never did faithful subject more rejoice
at the discovery of most dangerous treason
than i do at this hour joy oxer myselfx
prevented from a damned enterprisex
my faultx but not my bodyx pardonx sovereignx

king henryx
god quit you in his mercyx hear your sentencex
you have conspirxd against our royal personx
joinxd with an enemy proclaimxdx and from his coffers
received the golden earnest of our deathx
wherein you would have sold your king to slaughterx
his princes and his peers to servitudex
his subjects to oppression and contemptx
and his whole kingdom into desolationx
touching our person seek we no revengex
but we our kingdomxs safety must so tenderx
whose ruin you have soughtx that to her laws
we do deliver youx get you therefore hencex
poor miserable wretchesx to your deathx
the taste whereof god of his mercy give
you patience to endurex and true repentance
of all your dear offencesx bear them hencex

 xxexeunt cambridgex scroop and greyx guardedxxx

nowx lordsx for francex the enterprise whereof
shall be to youx as usx like gloriousx
we doubt not of a fair and lucky warx
since god so graciously hath brought to light
this dangerous treason lurking in our way
to hinder our beginningsx we doubt not now
but every rub is smoothed on our wayx
then forthx dear countrymenx let us deliver
our puissance into the hand of godx
putting it straight in expeditionx
cheerly to seax the signs of war advancex
no king of englandx if not king of francex

 xxflourishx exeuntxxx

scene iiix londonx before a tavernx

 enter pistolx nymx bardolphx boy and hostessx

hostessx
pritheex honeyx sweet husbandx let me bring thee to stainesx

pistolx
nox for my manly heart doth yearnx
bardolphx be blithex nymx rouse thy vaunting veinsx
boyx bristle thy courage upx for falstaff he is deadx
and we must yearn thereforex

bardolphx
would i were with himx wheresomexer he isx either in heaven or in hellx

hostessx
nayx surex hexs not in hellx hexs in arthurxs bosomx if ever man went
to arthurxs bosomx xa made a finer end and went away an it had been any
christom childx xa parted even just between twelve and onex even at the
turning ox the tidex for after i saw him fumble with the sheetsx and
play with flowersx and smile upon his fingersx endsx i knew there was
but one wayx for his nose was as sharp as a penx and xa babbled of
green fieldsx xhow nowx sir johnxx quoth ix xwhatx manx be ox good
cheerxx so xa cried outx xgodx godx godxx three or four timesx now ix
to comfort himx bid him xa should not think of godx i hopxd there was
no need to trouble himself with any such thoughts yetx so xa bade me
lay more clothes on his feetx i put my hand into the bed and felt themx
and they were as cold as any stonex then i felt to his kneesx and so
upward and upwardx and all was as cold as any stonex

nymx
they say he cried out of sackx

hostessx
ayx that xa didx

bardolphx
and of womenx

hostessx
nayx that xa did notx

boyx
yesx that xa didx and said they were devils incarnatex

hostessx
xa could never abide carnationx xtwas a colour he never likedx

boyx
xa said oncex the devil would have him about womenx

hostessx
xa did in some sortx indeedx handle womenx but then he was rheumaticx
and talkxd of the whore of babylonx

boyx
do you not rememberx xa saw a flea stick upon bardolphxs nosex and xa
said it was a black soul burning in hellxfirex

bardolphx
wellx the fuel is gone that maintainxd that firex thatxs all the riches
i got in his servicex

nymx
shall we shogx the king will be gone from southamptonx

pistolx
comex letxs awayx my lovex give me thy lipsx
look to my chattels and my movablesx
let senses rulex the word is xpitch and payxx
trust nonex
for oaths are strawsx menxs faiths are waferxcakes
and holdxfast is the only dogx my duckx
thereforex xcavetox be thy counsellorx
gox clear thy crystalsx yokexfellows in armsx
let us to francex like horsexleechesx my boysx
to suckx to suckx the very blood to suckx

boyx
and thatxs but unwholesome foodx they sayx

pistolx
touch her soft mouthx and marchx

bardolphx
farewellx hostessx

 xxkissing herxxx

nymx
i cannot kissx that is the humour of itx butx adieux

pistolx
let housewifery appearx keep closex i thee commandx

hostessx
farewellx adieux

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx francex the kingxs palacex

 flourishx enter the french kingx the dauphinx the dukes of berry and
 brittanyx the constable and othersx

french kingx
thus comes the english with full power upon usx
and more than carefully it us concerns
to answer royally in our defencesx
therefore the dukes of berry and of brittanyx
of brabant and of orleansx shall make forthx
and youx prince dauphinx with all swift dispatchx
to line and new repair our towns of war
with men of courage and with means defendantx
for england his approaches makes as fierce
as waters to the sucking of a gulfx
it fits us then to be as provident
as fears may teach us out of late examples
left by the fatal and neglected english
upon our fieldsx

dauphinx
my most redoubted fatherx
it is most meet we arm us xgainst the foex
for peace itself should not so dull a kingdomx
though war nor no known quarrel were in questionx
but that defencesx mustersx preparationsx
should be maintainxdx assembledx and collectedx
as were a war in expectationx
thereforex i sayx xtis meet we all go forth
to view the sick and feeble parts of francex
and let us do it with no show of fearx
nox with no more than if we heard that england
were busied with a whitsun morrisxdancex
forx my good liegex she is so idly kingxdx
her sceptre so fantastically borne
by a vainx giddyx shallowx humorous youthx
that fear attends her notx

constablex
o peacex prince dauphinx
you are too much mistaken in this kingx
question your grace the late ambassadors
with what great state he heard their embassyx
how well supplied with noble counsellorsx
how modest in exceptionx and withal
how terrible in constant resolutionx
and you shall find his vanities forespent
were but the outside of the roman brutusx
covering discretion with a coat of follyx
as gardeners do with ordure hide those roots
that shall first spring and be most delicatex

dauphinx
wellx xtis not sox my lord high constablex
but though we think it sox it is no matterx
in cases of defence xtis best to weigh
the enemy more mighty than he seemsx
so the proportions of defence are fillxdx
whichx of a weak and niggardly projectionx
dothx like a miserx spoil his coat with scanting
a little clothx

french kingx
think we king harry strongx
andx princesx look you strongly arm to meet himx
the kindred of him hath been fleshxd upon usx
and he is bred out of that bloody strain
that haunted us in our familiar pathsx
witness our too much memorable shame
when cressy battle fatally was struckx
and all our princes captivxd by the hand
of that black namex edwardx black prince of walesx
whiles that his mountain sirex on mountain standingx
up in the airx crownxd with the golden sunx
saw his heroical seedx and smilxd to see himx
mangle the work of nature and deface
the patterns that by god and by french fathers
had twenty years been madex this is a stem
of that victorious stockx and let us fear
the native mightiness and fate of himx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
ambassadors from harry king of england
do crave admittance to your majestyx

french kingx
wexll give them present audiencex gox and bring themx

 xxexeunt messenger and certain lordsxxx

you see this chase is hotly followxdx friendsx

dauphinx
turn head and stop pursuitx for coward dogs
most spend their mouths when what they seem to threaten
runs far before themx good my sovereignx
take up the english shortx and let them know
of what a monarchy you are the headx
selfxlovex my liegex is not so vile a sin
as selfxneglectingx

 enter exeterx

french kingx
from our brother of englandx

exeterx
from himx and thus he greets your majestyx
he wills youx in the name of god almightyx
that you divest yourselfx and lay apart
the borrowed glories that by gift of heavenx
by law of nature and of nationsx xlongs
to him and to his heirsx namelyx the crown
and all widexstretched honours that pertain
by custom and the ordinance of times
unto the crown of francex that you may know
xtis no sinister nor no awkward claim
pickxd from the wormxholes of longxvanishxd daysx
nor from the dust of old oblivion rakxdx
he sends you this most memorable linex
in every branch truly demonstrativex
willing you overlook this pedigreex
and when you find him evenly derivxd
from his most famxd of famous ancestorsx
edward the thirdx he bids you then resign
your crown and kingdomx indirectly held
from himx the native and true challengerx

french kingx
or else what followsx

exeterx
bloody constraintx for if you hide the crown
even in your heartsx there will he rake for itx
therefore in fierce tempest is he comingx
in thunder and in earthquakex like a jovex
thatx if requiring failx he will compelx
and bids youx in the bowels of the lordx
deliver up the crownx and to take mercy
on the poor souls for whom this hungry war
opens his vasty jawsx and on your head
turning the widowsx tearsx the orphansx criesx
the dead menxs bloodx the pining maidensx groansx
for husbandsx fathersx and betrothed loversx
that shall be swallowed in this controversyx
this is his claimx his threatxningx and my messagex
unless the dauphin be in presence herex
to whom expressly i bring greeting toox

french kingx
for usx we will consider of this furtherx
tomorrow shall you bear our full intent
back to our brother of englandx

dauphinx
for the dauphinx
i stand here for himx what to him from englandx

exeterx
scorn and defiancex slight regardx contemptx
and anything that may not misbecome
the mighty senderx doth he prize you atx
thus says my kingx an if your fatherxs highness
do notx in grant of all demands at largex
sweeten the bitter mock you sent his majestyx
hexll call you to so hot an answer of it
that caves and womby vaultages of france
shall chide your trespass and return your mock
in second accent of his ordinancex

dauphinx
sayx if my father render fair returnx
it is against my willx for i desire
nothing but odds with englandx to that endx
as matching to his youth and vanityx
i did present him with the paris ballsx

exeterx
hexll make your paris louvre shake for itx
were it the mistressxcourt of mighty europex
andx be assurxdx youxll find a differencex
as we his subjects have in wonder foundx
between the promise of his greener days
and these he masters nowx now he weighs time
even to the utmost grainx that you shall read
in your own lossesx if he stay in francex

french kingx
tomorrow shall you know our mind at fullx

 xxflourishxxx

exeterx
dispatch us with all speedx lest that our king
come here himself to question our delayx
for he is footed in this land alreadyx

french kingx
you shall be soon dispatchxd with fair conditionsx
a night is but small breath and little pause
to answer matters of this consequencex

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

 flourishx enter chorusx

chorusx
thus with imaginxd wing our swift scene fliesx
in motion of no less celerity
than that of thoughtx suppose that you have seen
the wellxappointed king at hampton pier
embark his royaltyx and his brave fleet
with silken streamers the young phoebus fanningx
play with your fanciesx and in them behold
upon the hempen tackle shipxboys climbingx
hear the shrill whistle which doth order give
to sounds confusxdx behold the threaden sailsx
borne with the invisible and creeping windx
draw the huge bottoms through the furrowxd seax
breasting the lofty surgex ox do but think
you stand upon the rivage and behold
a city on the inconstant billows dancingx
for so appears this fleet majesticalx
holding due course to harfleurx followx followx
grapple your minds to sternage of this navyx
and leave your englandx as dead midnight stillx
guarded with grandsiresx babiesx and old womenx
either past or not arrivxd to pith and puissancex
for who is hex whose chin is but enrichxd
with one appearing hairx that will not follow
these cullxd and choicexdrawn cavaliers to francex
workx work your thoughtsx and therein see a siegex
behold the ordnance on their carriagesx
with fatal mouths gaping on girded harfleurx
suppose the ambassador from the french comes backx
tells harry that the king doth offer him
katharine his daughterx and with herx to dowryx
some petty and unprofitable dukedomsx
the offer likes notx and the nimble gunner
with linstock now the devilish cannon touchesx

 xxalarumx and chambers go offxxx

and down goes all before themx still be kindx
and eke out our performance with your mindx

 xxexitxxx

scene ix francex before harfleurx

 alarumx enter king henryx exeterx bedfordx gloucester and soldiersx
 with scalingxladdersx

king henryx
once more unto the breachx dear friendsx once morex
or close the wall up with our english deadx
in peace therexs nothing so becomes a man
as modest stillness and humilityx
but when the blast of war blows in our earsx
then imitate the action of the tigerx
stiffen the sinewsx summon up the bloodx
disguise fair nature with hardxfavourxd ragex
then lend the eye a terrible aspectx
let it pry through the portage of the head
like the brass cannonx let the brow oxerwhelm it
as fearfully as does a galled rock
oxerhang and jutty his confounded basex
swillxd with the wild and wasteful oceanx
now set the teeth and stretch the nostril widex
hold hard the breathx and bend up every spirit
to his full heightx onx onx you noblest englishx
whose blood is fet from fathers of warxproofx
fathers thatx like so many alexandersx
have in these parts from morn till even foughtx
and sheathxd their swords for lack of argumentx
dishonour not your mothersx now attest
that those whom you callxd fathers did beget youx
be copy now to men of grosser bloodx
and teach them how to warx and youx good yeomenx
whose limbs were made in englandx show us here
the mettle of your pasturex let us swear
that you are worth your breedingx which i doubt notx
for there is none of you so mean and basex
that hath not noble lustre in your eyesx
i see you stand like greyhounds in the slipsx
straining upon the startx the gamexs afootx
follow your spiritx and upon this charge
cryx xgod for harryx england and saint georgexx

 xxexeuntx alarumx and chambers go offxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter nymx bardolphx pistol and boyx

bardolphx
onx onx onx onx onx to the breachx to the breachx

nymx
pray theex corporalx stayx the knocks are too hotx andx for mine own
partx i have not a case of livesx the humour of it is too hotx that is
the very plainxsong of itx

pistolx
the plainxsong is most justx for humours do aboundx
knocks go and comex godxs vassals drop and diex
    and sword and shieldx
    in bloody fieldx
    doth win immortal famex

boyx
would i were in an alehouse in londonx i would give all my fame for a
pot of ale and safetyx

pistolx
and ix
    if wishes would prevail with mex
    my purpose should not fail with mex
    but thither would i hiex

boyx
    as dulyx
    but not as trulyx
    as bird doth sing on boughx

 enter fluellenx

fluellenx
up to the breachx you dogsx avauntx you cullionsx

 xxdriving them forwardxxx

pistolx
be mercifulx great dukex to men of mouldx
abate thy ragex abate thy manly ragex
abate thy ragex great dukex
good bawcockx bate thy ragex use lenityx sweet chuckx

nymx
these be good humoursx your honour wins bad humoursx

 xxexeunt all but boyxxx

boyx
as young as i amx i have observxd these three swashersx i am boy to
them all threex but all they threex though they would serve mex could
not be man to mex for indeed three such antics do not amount to a manx
for bardolphx he is whitexliverxd and redxfacxdx by the means whereof
xa faces it outx but fights notx for pistolx he hath a killing tongue
and a quiet swordx by the means whereof xa breaks wordsx and keeps
whole weaponsx for nymx he hath heard that men of few words are the
best menx and therefore he scorns to say his prayersx lest xa should be
thought a cowardx but his few bad words are matchxd with as few good
deedsx for xa never broke any manxs head but his ownx and that was
against a post when he was drunkx they will steal anythingx and call it
purchasex bardolph stole a lutexcasex bore it twelve leaguesx and sold
it for three halfxpencex nym and bardolph are sworn brothers in
filchingx and in calais they stole a firexshovelx i knew by that piece
of service the men would carry coalsx they would have me as familiar
with menxs pockets as their gloves or their handkerchersx which makes
much against my manhoodx if i should take from anotherxs pocket to put
into minex for it is plain pocketing up of wrongsx i must leave themx
and seek some better servicex their villainy goes against my weak
stomachx and therefore i must cast it upx

 xxexitxxx

 enter gower and fluellenx

gowerx
captain fluellenx you must come presently to the minesx
the duke of gloucester would speak with youx

fluellenx
to the minesx tell you the dukex it is not so good to come to the
minesx forx look youx the mines is not according to the disciplines of
the warx the concavities of it is not sufficientx forx look youx the
athversaryx you may discuss unto the dukex look youx is digt himself
four yard under the counterminesx by cheshux i think xa will plow up
allx if there is not better directionsx

gowerx
the duke of gloucesterx to whom the order of the siege is givenx is
altogether directed by an irishmanx a very valiant gentlemanx ix faithx

fluellenx
it is captain macmorrisx is it notx

gowerx
i think it bex

fluellenx
by cheshux he is an assx as in the worldx i will verify as much in his
beardx he has no more directions in the true disciplines of the warsx
look youx of the roman disciplinesx than is a puppyxdogx

 enter macmorris and captain jamyx

gowerx
here xa comesx and the scots captainx captain jamyx with himx

fluellenx
captain jamy is a marvellous falorous gentlemanx that is certainx and
of great expedition and knowledge in the anchient warsx upon my
particular knowledge of his directionsx by cheshux he will maintain his
argument as well as any military man in the worldx in the disciplines
of the pristine wars of the romansx

jamyx
i say gudxdayx captain fluellenx

fluellenx
godxden to your worshipx good captain jamesx

gowerx
how nowx captain macmorrisx have you quit the minesx
have the pioneers given oxerx

macmorrisx
by chrishx lax xtish ill donex the work ish give overx the trompet
sound the retreatx by my hand i swearx and my fatherxs soulx the work
ish ill donex it ish give overx i would have blowed up the townx so
chrish save mex lax in an hourx ox xtish ill donex xtish ill donex by
my handx xtish ill donex

fluellenx
captain macmorrisx i beseech you nowx will you voutsafe mex look youx a
few disputations with youx as partly touching or concerning the
disciplines of the warx the roman warsx in the way of argumentx look
youx and friendly communicationx partly to satisfy my opinionx and
partly for the satisfactionx look youx of my mindx as touching the
direction of the military disciplinex that is the pointx

jamyx
it sall be vary gudx gud feithx gud captains bathx and i sall quit you
with gud levex as i may pick occasionx that sall ix marryx

macmorrisx
it is no time to discoursex so chrish save mex the day is hotx and the
weatherx and the warsx and the kingx and the dukesx it is no time to
discoursex the town is beseechxdx and the trumpet call us to the
breachx and we talkx andx be chrishx do nothingx xtis shame for us allx
so god sax mex xtis shame to stand stillx it is shamex by my handx and
there is throats to be cutx and works to be donex and there ish nothing
donex so chrish sax mex lax

jamyx
by the messx ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slomberx ixll
de gud servicex or ixll lig ix the grund for itx ayx or go to deathx
and ixll payxt as valorously as i mayx that sall i suerly dox that is
the breff and the longx marryx i wad full fain heard some question
xtween you twayx

fluellenx
captain macmorrisx i thinkx look youx under your correctionx there is
not many of your nationx

macmorrisx
of my nationx what ish my nationx ish a villainx and a bastardx and a
knavex and a rascalx what ish my nationx who talks of my nationx

fluellenx
look youx if you take the matter otherwise than is meantx captain
macmorrisx peradventure i shall think you do not use me with that
affability as in discretion you ought to use mex look youx being as
good a man as yourselfx both in the disciplines of warx and in the
derivation of my birthx and in other particularitiesx

macmorrisx
i do not know you so good a man as myselfx so chrish save mex
i will cut off your headx

gowerx
gentlemen bothx you will mistake each otherx

jamyx
ahx thatxs a foul faultx

 xxa parley soundedxxx

gowerx
the town sounds a parleyx

fluellenx
captain macmorrisx when there is more better opportunity to be
requiredx look youx i will be so bold as to tell you i know the
disciplines of warx and there is an endx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix before the gatesx

 the governor and some citizens on the wallsx the english forces belowx
 enter king henry and his trainx

king henryx
how yet resolves the governor of the townx
this is the latest parle we will admitx
therefore to our best mercy give yourselvesx
or like to men proud of destruction
defy us to our worstx forx as i am a soldierx
a name that in my thoughts becomes me bestx
if i begin the battery once againx
i will not leave the halfxachieved harfleur
till in her ashes she lie buriedx
the gates of mercy shall be all shut upx
and the fleshxd soldierx rough and hard of heartx
in liberty of bloody hand shall range
with conscience wide as hellx mowing like grass
your fresh fair virgins and your flowxring infantsx
what is it then to mex if impious warx
arrayxd in flames like to the prince of fiendsx
do with his smirchxd complexion all fell feats
enlinkxd to waste and desolationx
what isxt to mex when you yourselves are causex
if your pure maidens fall into the hand
of hot and forcing violationx
what rein can hold licentious wickedness
when down the hill he holds his fierce careerx
we may as bootless spend our vain command
upon the enraged soldiers in their spoil
as send precepts to the leviathan
to come ashorex thereforex you men of harfleurx
take pity of your town and of your peoplex
whiles yet my soldiers are in my commandx
whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace
oxerblows the filthy and contagious clouds
of heady murderx spoilx and villainyx
if notx whyx in a moment look to see
the blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
defile the locks of your shrillxshrieking daughtersx
your fathers taken by the silver beardsx
and their most reverend heads dashxd to the wallsx
your naked infants spitted upon pikesx
whiles the mad mothers with their howls confusxd
do break the cloudsx as did the wives of jewry
at herodxs bloodyxhunting slaughtermenx
what say youx will you yieldx and this avoidx
orx guilty in defencex be thus destroyxdx

governorx
our expectation hath this day an endx
the dauphinx whom of succours we entreatedx
returns us that his powers are yet not ready
to raise so great a siegex thereforex great kingx
we yield our town and lives to thy soft mercyx
enter our gatesx dispose of us and oursx
for we no longer are defensiblex

king henryx
open your gatesx comex uncle exeterx
go you and enter harfleurx there remainx
and fortify it strongly xgainst the frenchx
use mercy to them allx for usx dear unclex
the winter coming onx and sickness growing
upon our soldiersx we will retire to calaisx
tonight in harfleur will we be your guestx
tomorrow for the march are we addrestx

 flourishx the king and his train enter the townx

scene ivx the french kingxs palacex

 enter katharine and alicex an old gentlewomanx

katharinex
xalicex tu as xtx en angleterrex et tu parles bien le langagexx

alicex
xun peux madamexx

katharinex
xje te priex mxenseignezx il faut que jxapprenne x parlerx
comment appelezxvous la main en anglaisxx

alicex
xla mainx elle est appelxex de handx

katharinex
de handx xet les doigtsxx

alicex
xles doigtsx ma foix jxoublie les doigtsx mais je me souviendraix les
doigtsx je pense quxils sont appelxsx de fingresx xouixx de fingresx

katharinex
xla mainxx de handx xles doigtsxx de fingresx xje pense que je suis le
bon xcolierx jxai gagnx deux mots dxanglais vitementx comment
appelezxvous les onglesxx

alicex
xles onglesx nous les appelonsx de nailsx

katharinex
de nailsx xxcoutezx ditesxmoix si je parle bienxx de handx de fingresx
xetx de nailsx

alicex
xcxest bien ditx madamex il est fort bon anglaisxx

katharinex
xditesxmoi lxanglais pour le brasxx

alicex
de armx xmadamexx

katharinex
xet le coudexx

alicex
dxelbowx

katharinex
dxelbowx xje mxen fais la rxpxtition de tous les mots que vous mxavez
appris dxs x prxsentxx

alicex
xil est trop difficilex madamex comme je pensexx

katharinex
xexcusezxmoix alicex xcoutezxx dxhandx de fingresx de nailsx dxarmx de
bilbowx

alicex
dxelbowx xmadamexx

katharinex
xo seigneur dieux je mxen oubliexx dxelbowx
xcomment appelezxvous le colxx

alicex
de nickx xmadamexx

katharinex
de nickx xet le mentonxx

alicex
de chinx

katharinex
de sinx xle colxx de nickx xle mentonxx de sinx

alicex
xouix sauf votre honneurx en vxritxx vous prononcez les mots aussi
droit que les natifs dxangleterrexx

katharinex
xje ne doute point dxapprendrex par la grxce de dieux et en peu de
tempsxx

alicex
xnxavezxvous pas dxjx oublix ce que je vous ai enseignxxx

katharinex
xnonx je rxciterai x vous promptementxx dxhandx de fingresx de mailsxx

alicex
de nailsx xmadamexx

katharinex
de nailsx de armx de ilbowx

alicex
xsauf votre honneurxx de elbowx

katharinex
xainsi disxjexx dxelbowx de nickx xetx de sinx xcomment appelezxvous le
pied et la robexx

alicex
de footx xmadamex etx de counx

katharinex
de foot xetx de counx xo seigneur dieux ils sont les mots de son
mauvaisx corruptiblex grosx et impudiquex et non pour les dames
dxhonneur dxuserx je ne voudrais prononcer ces mots devant les
seigneurs de france pour tout le mondex fohxx le foot xetx le counx
xnxanmoinsx je rxciterai une autre fois ma lexon ensemblexx dxhandx de
fingresx de nailsx dxarmx dxelbowx de nickx de sinx de footx de counx

alicex
xexcellentx madamexx

katharinex
xcxest assez pour une foisx allonsxnous x dxnerxx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx the samex

 enter the king of francex the dauphinx the duke of bourbonx the
 constable of france and othersx

french kingx
xtis certain he hath passxd the river sommex

constablex
and if he be not fought withalx my lordx
let us not live in francex let us quit all
and give our vineyards to a barbarous peoplex

dauphinx
xo dieu vivantxx shall a few sprays of usx
the emptying of our fathersx luxuryx
our scions put in wild and savage stockx
spirt up so suddenly into the cloudsx
and overlook their graftersx

bourbonx
normansx but bastard normansx norman bastardsx
xmort de ma viexx if they march along
unfought withalx but i will sell my dukedomx
to buy a slobbery and a dirty farm
in that nookxshotten isle of albionx

constablex
xdieu de bataillesxx where have they this mettlex
is not their climate foggyx rawx and dullx
on whomx as in despitex the sun looks palex
killing their fruit with frownsx can sodden waterx
a drench for surxreinxd jadesx their barleyxbrothx
decoct their cold blood to such valiant heatx
and shall our quick bloodx spirited with winex
seem frostyx ox for honour of our landx
let us not hang like roping icicles
upon our housesx thatchx whiles a more frosty people
sweat drops of gallant youth in our rich fieldsx
poor we may call them in their native lordsx

dauphinx
by faith and honourx
our madams mock at usx and plainly say
our mettle is bred outx and they will give
their bodies to the lust of english youth
to newxstore france with bastard warriorsx

bourbonx
they bid us to the english dancingxschoolsx
and teach lavoltas highx and swift corantosx
saying our grace is only in our heelsx
and that we are most lofty runawaysx

french kingx
where is montjoy the heraldx speed him hencex
let him greet england with our sharp defiancex
upx princesx andx with spirit of honour edged
more sharper than your swordsx hie to the fieldx
charles delabrethx high constable of francex
you dukes of orleansx bourbonx and of berryx
alenxonx brabantx barx and burgundyx
jacques chatillonx ramburesx vaudemontx
beaumontx grandprxx roussix and fauconbridgex
foixx lestralex boucicaultx and charoloisx
high dukesx great princesx baronsx lordsx and knightsx
for your great seats now quit you of great shamesx
bar harry englandx that sweeps through our land
with pennons painted in the blood of harfleurx
rush on his hostx as doth the melted snow
upon the valleysx whose low vassal seat
the alps doth spit and void his rheum uponx
go down upon himx you have power enoughx
and in a captive chariot into rouen
bring him our prisonerx

constablex
this becomes the greatx
sorry am i his numbers are so fewx
his soldiers sick and famishxd in their marchx
for i am surex when he shall see our armyx
hexll drop his heart into the sink of fear
and for achievement offer us his ransomx

french kingx
thereforex lord constablex haste on montjoyx
and let him say to england that we send
to know what willing ransom he will givex
prince dauphinx you shall stay with us in rouenx

dauphinx
not sox i do beseech your majestyx

french kingx
be patientx for you shall remain with usx
now forthx lord constable and princes allx
and quickly bring us word of englandxs fallx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix the english camp in picardyx

 enter gower and fluellenx meetingx

gowerx
how nowx captain fluellenx come you from the bridgex

fluellenx
i assure youx there is very excellent services committed at the bridgex

gowerx
is the duke of exeter safex

fluellenx
the duke of exeter is as magnanimous as agamemnonx and a man that i
love and honour with my soulx and my heartx and my dutyx and my lifex
and my livingx and my uttermost powerx he is notxgod be praised and
blessedxxany hurt in the worldx but keeps the bridge most valiantlyx
with excellent disciplinex there is an anchient lieutenant there at the
pridgex i think in my very conscience he is as valiant a man as mark
antonyx and he is a man of no estimation in the worldx but i did see
him do as gallant servicex

gowerx
what do you call himx

fluellenx
he is callxd anchient pistolx

gowerx
i know him notx

 enter pistolx

fluellenx
here is the manx

pistolx
captainx i thee beseech to do me favoursx
the duke of exeter doth love thee wellx

fluellenx
ayx i praise godx and i have merited some love at his handsx

pistolx
bardolphx a soldierx firm and sound of heartx
and of buxom valourx hath by cruel fate
and giddy fortunexs furious fickle wheelx
that goddess blindx
that stands upon the rolling restless stonex

fluellenx
by your patiencex anchient pistolx fortune is painted blindx with a
muffler afore his eyesx to signify to you that fortune is blindx and
she is painted also with a wheelx to signify to youx which is the moral
of itx that she is turningx and inconstantx and mutabilityx and
variationx and her footx look youx is fixed upon a spherical stonex
which rollsx and rollsx and rollsx in good truthx the poet makes a most
excellent description of itx fortune is an excellent moralx

pistolx
fortune is bardolphxs foex and frowns on himx
for he hath stolen a paxx and hanged must xa bexx
a damned deathx
let gallows gape for dogx let man go freex
and let not hemp his windpipe suffocatex
but exeter hath given the doom of death
for pax of little pricex
thereforex go speakx the duke will hear thy voicex
and let not bardolphxs vital thread be cut
with edge of penny cord and vile reproachx
speakx captainx for his lifex and i will thee requitex

fluellenx
anchient pistolx i do partly understand your meaningx

pistolx
why thenx rejoice thereforex

fluellenx
certainlyx anchientx it is not a thing to rejoice atx for ifx look youx
he were my brotherx i would desire the duke to use his good pleasurex
and put him to executionx for discipline ought to be usedx

pistolx
die and be damnxdx and xficox for thy friendshipx

fluellenx
it is wellx

pistolx
the fig of spainx

 xxexitxxx

fluellenx
very goodx

gowerx
whyx this is an arrant counterfeit rascalx i remember him nowx a bawdx
a cutpursex

fluellenx
ixll assure youx xa uttered as prave words at the pridge as you shall
see in a summerxs dayx but it is very wellx what he has spoke to mex
that is wellx i warrant youx when time is servex

gowerx
whyx xt is a gullx a foolx a roguex that now and then goes to the warsx
to grace himself at his return into london under the form of a soldierx
and such fellows are perfect in the great commandersx namesx and they
will learn you by rote where services were donex at such and such a
sconcex at such a breachx at such a convoyx who came off bravelyx who
was shotx who disgracxdx what terms the enemy stood onx and this they
con perfectly in the phrase of warx which they trick up with newxtuned
oathsx and what a beard of the generalxs cut and a horrid suit of the
camp will do among foaming bottles and alexwashxd witsx is wonderful to
be thought onx but you must learn to know such slanders of the agex or
else you may be marvellously mistookx

fluellenx
i tell you whatx captain gowerx i do perceive he is not the man that he
would gladly make show to the world he isx if i find a hole in his
coatx i will tell him my mindx xxdrum heardxxx hark youx the king is
comingx and i must speak with him from the pridgex

 drum and coloursx enter king henryx gloucester and his poor soldiersx

god bless your majestyx

king henryx
how nowx fluellenx camxst thou from the bridgex

fluellenx
ayx so please your majestyx the duke of exeter has very gallantly
maintainxd the pridgex the french is gone offx look youx and there is
gallant and most prave passagesx marryx thx athversary was have
possession of the pridgex but he is enforced to retirex and the duke of
exeter is master of the pridgex i can tell your majestyx the duke is a
prave manx

king henryx
what men have you lostx fluellenx

fluellenx
the perdition of the athversary hath been very greatx reasonable greatx
marryx for my partx i think the duke hath lost never a manx but one
that is like to be executed for robbing a churchx one bardolphx if your
majesty know the manx his face is all bubuklesx and whelksx and knobsx
and flames ox firex and his lips blows at his nosex and it is like a
coal of firex sometimes plue and sometimes redx but his nose is
executedx and his firexs outx

king henryx
we would have all such offenders so cut offx and we give express
chargex that in our marches through the countryx there be nothing
compellxd from the villagesx nothing taken but paid forx none of the
french upbraided or abused in disdainful languagex for when lenity and
cruelty play for a kingdomx the gentler gamester is the soonest winnerx

 tucketx enter montjoyx

montjoyx
you know me by my habitx

king henryx
well then i know theex what shall i know of theex

montjoyx
my masterxs mindx

king henryx
unfold itx

montjoyx
thus says my kingx say thou to harry of englandx though we seemxd deadx
we did but sleepx advantage is a better soldier than rashnessx tell him
we could have rebukxd him at harfleurx but that we thought not good to
bruise an injury till it were full ripex now we speak upon our cuex and
our voice is imperialx england shall repent his follyx see his
weaknessx and admire our sufferancex bid him therefore consider of his
ransomx which must proportion the losses we have bornex the subjects we
have lostx the disgrace we have digestedx which in weight to rexanswerx
his pettishness would bow underx for our lossesx his exchequer is too
poorx for the effusion of our bloodx the muster of his kingdom too
faint a numberx and for our disgracex his own personx kneeling at our
feetx but a weak and worthless satisfactionx to this add defiancex and
tell himx for conclusionx he hath betrayed his followersx whose
condemnation is pronouncxdx so far my king and masterx so much my
officex

king henryx
what is thy namex i know thy qualityx

montjoyx
montjoyx

king henryx
thou dost thy office fairlyx turn thee backx
and tell thy king i do not seek him nowx
but could be willing to march on to calais
without impeachmentx forx to say the soothx
though xtis no wisdom to confess so much
unto an enemy of craft and vantagex
my people are with sickness much enfeebledx
my numbers lessenxdx and those few i have
almost no better than so many frenchx
who when they were in healthx i tell theex heraldx
i thought upon one pair of english legs
did march three frenchmenx yetx forgive mex godx
that i do brag thusx this your air of france
hath blown that vice in mex i must repentx
go thereforex tell thy master here i amx
my ransom is this frail and worthless trunkx
my army but a weak and sickly guardx
yetx god beforex tell him we will come onx
though france himself and such another neighbour
stand in our wayx therexs for thy labourx montjoyx
gox bid thy master well advise himselfx
if we may passx we willx if we be hindxredx
we shall your tawny ground with your red blood
discolourx and sox montjoyx fare you wellx
the sum of all our answer is but thisx
we would not seek a battlex as we arex
norx as we arex we say we will not shun itx
so tell your masterx

montjoyx
i shall deliver sox thanks to your highnessx

 xxexitxxx

gloucesterx
i hope they will not come upon us nowx

king henryx
we are in godxs handsx brotherx not in theirsx
march to the bridgex it now draws toward nightx
beyond the river wexll encamp ourselvesx
and on tomorrow bid them march awayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix the french campx near agincourtx

 enter the constable of francex the lord ramburesx orleansx dauphin
 with othersx

constablex
tutx i have the best armour of the worldx
would it were dayx

orleansx
you have an excellent armourx but let my horse have his duex

constablex
it is the best horse of europex

orleansx
will it never be morningx

dauphinx
my lord of orleansx and my lord high constablex you talk of horse and
armourx

orleansx
you are as well provided of both as any prince in the worldx

dauphinx
what a long night is thisx i will not change my horse with any that
treads but on four pasternsx chxhax he bounds from the earthx as if his
entrails were hairsx xle cheval volantxx the pegasusx xqui a les
narines de feuxx when i bestride himx i soarx i am a hawkx he trots the
airx the earth sings when he touches itx the basest horn of his hoof is
more musical than the pipe of hermesx

orleansx
hexs of the colour of the nutmegx

dauphinx
and of the heat of the gingerx it is a beast for perseusx he is pure
air and firex and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in
himx but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts himx he is
indeed a horsex and all other jades you may call beastsx

constablex
indeedx my lordx it is a most absolute and excellent horsex

dauphinx
it is the prince of palfreysx his neigh is like the bidding of a
monarchx and his countenance enforces homagex

orleansx
no morex cousinx

dauphinx
nayx the man hath no wit that cannotx from the rising of the lark to
the lodging of the lambx vary deserved praise on my palfreyx it is a
theme as fluent as the seax turn the sands into eloquent tonguesx and
my horse is argument for them allx xtis a subject for a sovereign to
reason onx and for a sovereignxs sovereign to ride onx and for the
worldx familiar to us and unknownx to lay apart their particular
functions and wonder at himx i once writ a sonnet in his praise and
began thusx xwonder of naturexxx

orleansx
i have heard a sonnet begin so to onexs mistressx

dauphinx
then did they imitate that which i composxd to my courserx for my horse
is my mistressx

orleansx
your mistress bears wellx

dauphinx
me wellx which is the prescript praise and perfection of a good and
particular mistressx

constablex
nayx for methought yesterday your mistress shrewdly shook your backx

dauphinx
so perhaps did yoursx

constablex
mine was not bridledx

dauphinx
o then belike she was old and gentlex and you rodex like a kern of
irelandx your french hose offx and in your strait strossersx

constablex
you have good judgment in horsemanshipx

dauphinx
be warnxd by mex thenx they that ride so and ride not warilyx fall into
foul bogsx i had rather have my horse to my mistressx

constablex
i had as lief have my mistress a jadex

dauphinx
i tell theex constablex my mistress wears his own hairx

constablex
i could make as true a boast as thatx if i had a sow to my mistressx

dauphinx
xxle chien est retournx x son propre vomissementx et la truie lavxe au
bourbierxxx thou makxst use of anythingx

constablex
yet do i not use my horse for my mistressx or any such proverb so
little kin to the purposex

ramburesx
my lord constablex the armour that i saw in your tent tonightx are
those stars or suns upon itx

constablex
starsx my lordx

dauphinx
some of them will fall tomorrowx i hopex

constablex
and yet my sky shall not wantx

dauphinx
that may bex for you bear a many superfluouslyx and xtwere more honour
some were awayx

constablex
even as your horse bears your praisesx who would trot as wellx were
some of your brags dismountedx

dauphinx
would i were able to load him with his desertx will it never be dayx i
will trot tomorrow a milex and my way shall be paved with english
facesx

constablex
i will not say sox for fear i should be facxd out of my wayx but i
would it were morningx for i would fain be about the ears of the
englishx

ramburesx
who will go to hazard with me for twenty prisonersx

constablex
you must first go yourself to hazardx ere you have themx

dauphinx
xtis midnightx ixll go arm myselfx

 xxexitxxx

orleansx
the dauphin longs for morningx

ramburesx
he longs to eat the englishx

constablex
i think he will eat all he killsx

orleansx
by the white hand of my ladyx hexs a gallant princex

constablex
swear by her foot that she may tread out the oathx

orleansx
he is simply the most active gentleman of francex

constablex
doing is activityx and he will still be doingx

orleansx
he never did harmx that i heard ofx

constablex
nor will do none tomorrowx he will keep that good name stillx

orleansx
i know him to be valiantx

constablex
i was told that by one that knows him better than youx

orleansx
whatxs hex

constablex
marryx he told me so himselfx and he said he carxd not who knew itx

orleansx
he needs notx it is no hidden virtue in himx

constablex
by my faithx sirx but it isx never anybody saw it but his lackeyx xtis
a hooded valourx and when it appearsx it will batex

orleansx
xill will never said wellxx

constablex
i will cap that proverb with xthere is flattery in friendshipxx

orleansx
and i will take up that with xgive the devil his duexx

constablex
well placxdx there stands your friend for the devilx have at the very
eye of that proverb with xa pox of the devilxx

orleansx
you are the better at proverbsx by how much xa foolxs bolt is soon
shotxx

constablex
you have shot overx

orleansx
xtis not the first time you were overshotx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
my lord high constablex the english lie within fifteen hundred paces of
your tentsx

constablex
who hath measurxd the groundx

messengerx
the lord grandprxx

constablex
a valiant and most expert gentlemanx would it were dayx alasx poor
harry of englandx he longs not for the dawning as we dox

orleansx
what a wretched and peevish fellow is this king of englandx to mope
with his fatxbrainxd followers so far out of his knowledgex

constablex
if the english had any apprehensionx they would run awayx

orleansx
that they lackx for if their heads had any intellectual armourx they
could never wear such heavy headxpiecesx

ramburesx
that island of england breeds very valiant creaturesx their mastiffs
are of unmatchable couragex

orleansx
foolish cursx that run winking into the mouth of a russian bear and
have their heads crushxd like rotten applesx you may as well sayx
thatxs a valiant flea that dare eat his breakfast on the lip of a lionx

constablex
justx justx and the men do sympathize with the mastiffs in robustious
and rough coming onx leaving their wits with their wivesx and thenx
give them great meals of beef and iron and steelx they will eat like
wolves and fight like devilsx

orleansx
ayx but these english are shrewdly out of beefx

constablex
then shall we find tomorrow they have only stomachs to eat and none to
fightx now is it time to armx comex shall we about itx

orleansx
it is now two oxclockx butx let me seex by ten
we shall have each a hundred englishmenx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

 enter chorusx

chorusx
now entertain conjecture of a time
when creeping murmur and the poring dark
fills the wide vessel of the universex
from camp to camp through the foul womb of night
the hum of either army stilly soundsx
that the fixxd sentinels almost receive
the secret whispers of each otherxs watchx
fire answers firex and through their paly flames
each battle sees the otherxs umberxd facex
steed threatens steedx in high and boastful neighs
piercing the nightxs dull earx and from the tents
the armourersx accomplishing the knightsx
with busy hammers closing rivets upx
give dreadful note of preparationx
the country cocks do crowx the clocks do tollx
and the third hour of drowsy morning namex
proud of their numbers and secure in soulx
the confident and overxlusty french
do the lowxrated english play at dicex
and chide the cripple tardyxgaited night
whox like a foul and ugly witchx doth limp
so tediously awayx the poor condemned englishx
like sacrificesx by their watchful fires
sit patiently and inly ruminate
the morningxs dangerx and their gesture sadx
investing lankxlean cheeks and warxworn coatsx
presented them unto the gazing moon
so many horrid ghostsx o nowx who will behold
the royal captain of this ruinxd band
walking from watch to watchx from tent to tentx
let him cryx xpraise and glory on his headxx
for forth he goes and visits all his hostx
bids them good morrow with a modest smilex
and calls them brothersx friendsx and countrymenx
upon his royal face there is no note
how dread an army hath enrounded himx
nor doth he dedicate one jot of colour
unto the weary and allxwatched nightx
but freshly looksx and overxbears attaint
with cheerful semblance and sweet majestyx
that every wretchx pining and pale beforex
beholding himx plucks comfort from his looksx
a largess universal like the sun
his liberal eye doth give to everyonex
thawing cold fearx that mean and gentle all
beholdx as may unworthiness definex
a little touch of harry in the nightx
and so our scene must to the battle flyx
wherexo for pityxxwe shall much disgrace
with four or five most vile and ragged foilsx
right illxdisposxd in brawl ridiculousx
the name of agincourtx yet sit and seex
minding true things by what their mockxries bex

 xxexitxxx

scene ix the english camp at agincourtx

 enter king henryx bedford and gloucesterx

king henryx
gloucesterx xtis true that we are in great dangerx
the greater therefore should our courage bex
good morrowx brother bedfordx god almightyx
there is some soul of goodness in things evilx
would men observingly distil it outx
for our bad neighbour makes us early stirrersx
which is both healthful and good husbandryx
besidesx they are our outward consciencesx
and preachers to us allx admonishing
that we should dress us fairly for our endx
thus may we gather honey from the weedx
and make a moral of the devil himselfx

 enter erpinghamx

good morrowx old sir thomas erpinghamx
a good soft pillow for that good white head
were better than a churlish turf of francex

erpinghamx
not sox my liegex this lodging likes me betterx
since i may sayx xnow lie i like a kingxx

king henryx
xtis good for men to love their present pains
upon examplex so the spirit is easedx
and when the mind is quickxnedx out of doubtx
the organsx though defunct and dead beforex
break up their drowsy grave and newly movex
with casted slough and fresh legerityx
lend me thy cloakx sir thomasx brothers bothx
commend me to the princes in our campx
do my good morrow to themx and anon
desire them all to my pavilionx

gloucesterx
we shallx my liegex

erpinghamx
shall i attend your gracex

king henryx
nox my good knightx
go with my brothers to my lords of englandx
i and my bosom must debate a whilex
and then i would no other companyx

erpinghamx
the lord in heaven bless theex noble harryx

 xxexeunt all but kingxxx

king henryx
godxaxmercyx old heartx thou speakxst cheerfullyx

 enter pistolx

pistolx
xqui vous lxxx

king henryx
a friendx

pistolx
discuss unto mex art thou officerx
or art thou basex commonx and popularx

king henryx
i am a gentleman of a companyx

pistolx
trailxst thou the puissant pikex

king henryx
even sox what are youx

pistolx
as good a gentleman as the emperorx

king henryx
then you are a better than the kingx

pistolx
the kingxs a bawcockx and a heart of goldx
a lad of lifex an imp of famex
of parents goodx of fist most valiantx
i kiss his dirty shoex and from heartxstring
i love the lovely bullyx what is thy namex

king henryx
harry le royx

pistolx
le royx a cornish namex art thou of cornish crewx

king henryx
nox i am a welshmanx

pistolx
knowxst thou fluellenx

king henryx
yesx

pistolx
tell him ixll knock his leek about his pate
upon saint davyxs dayx

king henryx
do not you wear your dagger in your cap that dayx lest he knock that
about yoursx

pistolx
art thou his friendx

king henryx
and his kinsman toox

pistolx
the xficox for theex thenx

king henryx
i thank youx god be with youx

pistolx
my name is pistol callxdx

 xxexitxxx

king henryx
it sorts well with your fiercenessx

 enter fluellen and gowerx

gowerx
captain fluellenx

fluellenx
sox in the name of jesu christx speak lowerx it is the greatest
admiration in the universal worldx when the true and anchient
prerogatifes and laws of the wars is not keptx if you would take the
pains but to examine the wars of pompey the greatx you shall findx i
warrant youx that there is no tiddle taddle nor pibble pabble in
pompeyxs campx i warrant youx you shall find the ceremonies of the
warsx and the cares of itx and the forms of itx and the sobriety of itx
and the modesty of itx to be otherwisex

gowerx
whyx the enemy is loudx you hear him all nightx

fluellenx
if the enemy is an ass and a fool and a prating coxcombx is it meetx
think youx that we should alsox look youx be an ass and a fool and a
prating coxcombx in your own consciencex nowx

gowerx
i will speak lowerx

fluellenx
i pray you and beseech you that you willx

 xxexeunt gower and fluellenxxx

king henryx
though it appear a little out of fashionx
there is much care and valour in this welshmanx

 enter three soldiersx john batesx alexander court and michael
 williamsx

courtx
brother john batesx is not that the morning which breaks yonderx

batesx
i think it bex but we have no great cause to desire the approach of
dayx

williamsx
we see yonder the beginning of the dayx but i think we shall never see
the end of itx who goes therex

king henryx
a friendx

williamsx
under what captain serve youx

king henryx
under sir thomas erpinghamx

williamsx
a good old commander and a most kind gentlemanx i pray youx what thinks
he of our estatex

king henryx
even as men wreckxd upon a sandx that look to be washxd off the next
tidex

batesx
he hath not told his thought to the kingx

king henryx
nox nor it is not meet he shouldx for though i speak it to youx i think
the king is but a man as i amx the violet smells to him as it doth to
mex the element shows to him as it doth to mex all his senses have but
human conditionsx his ceremonies laid byx in his nakedness he appears
but a manx and though his affections are higher mounted than oursx yetx
when they stoopx they stoop with the like wingx thereforex when he sees
reason of fears as we dox his fearsx out of doubtx be of the same
relish as ours arex yetx in reasonx no man should possess him with any
appearance of fearx lest hex by showing itx should dishearten his armyx

batesx
he may show what outward courage he willx but i believex as cold a
night as xtisx he could wish himself in thames up to the neckx and so i
would he werex and i by himx at all adventuresx so we were quit herex

king henryx
by my trothx i will speak my conscience of the kingx i think he would
not wish himself anywhere but where he isx

batesx
then i would he were here alonex so should he be sure to be ransomedx
and a many poor menxs lives savedx

king henryx
i dare say you love him not so illx to wish him here alonex howsoever
you speak this to feel other menxs mindsx methinks i could not die
anywhere so contented as in the kingxs companyx his cause being just
and his quarrel honourablex

williamsx
thatxs more than we knowx

batesx
ayx or more than we should seek afterx for we know enoughx if we know
we are the kingxs subjectsx if his cause be wrongx our obedience to the
king wipes the crime of it out of usx

williamsx
but if the cause be not goodx the king himself hath a heavy reckoning
to makex when all those legs and arms and headsx choppxd off in a
battlex shall join together at the latter day and cry allx xwe died at
such a placexx some swearingx some crying for a surgeonx some upon
their wives left poor behind themx some upon the debts they owex some
upon their children rawly leftx i am afeard there are few die well that
die in a battlex for how can they charitably dispose of anythingx when
blood is their argumentx nowx if these men do not die wellx it will be
a black matter for the king that led them to itx who to disobey were
against all proportion of subjectionx

king henryx
sox if a son that is by his father sent about merchandise do sinfully
miscarry upon the seax the imputation of his wickednessx by your rulex
should be imposed upon his father that sent himx or if a servantx under
his masterxs command transporting a sum of moneyx be assailed by
robbers and die in many irreconcilxd iniquitiesx you may call the
business of the master the author of the servantxs damnationx but this
is not sox the king is not bound to answer the particular endings of
his soldiersx the father of his sonx nor the master of his servantx for
they purpose not their deathx when they purpose their servicesx
besidesx there is no kingx be his cause never so spotlessx if it come
to the arbitrement of swordsx can try it out with all unspotted
soldiersx some peradventure have on them the guilt of premeditated and
contrived murderx somex of beguiling virgins with the broken seals of
perjuryx somex making the wars their bulwarkx that have before gored
the gentle bosom of peace with pillage and robberyx nowx if these men
have defeated the law and outrun native punishmentx though they can
outstrip menx they have no wings to fly from godx war is his beadlex
war is his vengeancex so that here men are punishxd for beforexbreach
of the kingxs laws in now the kingxs quarrelx where they feared the
deathx they have borne life awayx and where they would be safex they
perishx then if they die unprovidedx no more is the king guilty of
their damnation than he was before guilty of those impieties for the
which they are now visitedx every subjectxs duty is the kingxsx but
every subjectxs soul is his ownx therefore should every soldier in the
wars do as every sick man in his bedx wash every mote out of his
consciencex and dying sox death is to him advantagex or not dyingx the
time was blessedly lost wherein such preparation was gainedx and in him
that escapesx it were not sin to think thatx making god so free an
offerx he let him outlive that day to see his greatness and to teach
others how they should preparex

williamsx
xtis certainx every man that dies illx the ill upon his own headx the
king is not to answer for itx

batesx
i do not desire he should answer for mex and yet i determine to fight
lustily for himx

king henryx
i myself heard the king say he would not be ransomxdx

williamsx
ayx he said sox to make us fight cheerfullyx but when our throats are
cutx he may be ransomxdx and we nexer the wiserx

king henryx
if i live to see itx i will never trust his word afterx

williamsx
you pay him thenx thatxs a perilous shot out of an elderxgunx that a
poor and a private displeasure can do against a monarchx you may as
well go about to turn the sun to ice with fanning in his face with a
peacockxs featherx youxll never trust his word afterx comex xtis a
foolish sayingx

king henryx
your reproof is something too roundx i should be angry with youx if the
time were convenientx

williamsx
let it be a quarrel between us if you livex

king henryx
i embrace itx

williamsx
how shall i know thee againx

king henryx
give me any gage of thinex and i will wear it in my bonnetx thenx if
ever thou darxst acknowledge itx i will make it my quarrelx

williamsx
herexs my glovex give me another of thinex

king henryx
therex

williamsx
this will i also wear in my capx if ever thou come to me and sayx after
tomorrowx xthis is my glovexx by this hand i will take thee a box on
the earx

king henryx
if ever i live to see itx i will challenge itx

williamsx
thou darxst as well be hangxdx

king henryx
wellx i will do itx though i take thee in the kingxs companyx

williamsx
keep thy wordx fare thee wellx

batesx
be friendsx you english foolsx be friendsx we have french quarrels
enoughx if you could tell how to reckonx

king henryx
indeedx the french may lay twenty french crowns to one they will beat
usx for they bear them on their shouldersx but it is no english treason
to cut french crownsx and tomorrow the king himself will be a clipperx

 xxexeunt soldiersxxx

 upon the kingx let us our livesx our soulsx
our debtsx our careful wivesx
our childrenx and our sins lay on the kingx
we must bear allx o hard conditionx
twinxborn with greatnessx subject to the breath
of every foolx whose sense no more can feel
but his own wringingx what infinite heartxs ease
must kings neglectx that private men enjoyx
and what have kingsx that privates have not toox
save ceremonyx save general ceremonyx
and what art thoux thou idol ceremonyx
what kind of god art thoux that sufferxst more
of mortal griefs than do thy worshippersx
what are thy rentsx what are thy comings inx
o ceremonyx show me but thy worthx
what is thy soul of adorationx
art thou aught else but placex degreex and formx
creating awe and fear in other menx
wherein thou art less happy being fearxd
than they in fearingx
what drinkxst thou oftx instead of homage sweetx
but poisonxd flatteryx ox be sickx great greatnessx
and bid thy ceremony give thee curex
thinkxst thou the fiery fever will go out
with titles blown from adulationx
will it give place to flexure and low bendingx
canst thoux when thou commandxst the beggarxs kneex
command the health of itx nox thou proud dreamx
that playxst so subtly with a kingxs reposex
i am a king that find theex and i know
xtis not the balmx the sceptrex and the ballx
the swordx the macex the crown imperialx
the intertissued robe of gold and pearlx
the farced title running xfore the kingx
the throne he sits onx nor the tide of pomp
that beats upon the high shore of this worldx
nox not all thesex thricexgorgeous ceremonyxx
not all thesex laid in bed majesticalx
can sleep so soundly as the wretched slavex
who with a body fillxd and vacant mind
gets him to restx crammxd with distressful breadx
never sees horrid nightx the child of hellx
butx like a lackeyx from the rise to set
sweats in the eye of phoebusx and all night
sleeps in elysiumx next day after dawnx
doth rise and help hyperion to his horsex
and follows so the everxrunning yearx
with profitable labourx to his gravex
andx but for ceremonyx such a wretchx
winding up days with toil and nights with sleepx
had the forexhand and vantage of a kingx
the slavex a member of the countryxs peacex
enjoys itx but in gross brain little wots
what watch the king keeps to maintain the peacex
whose hours the peasant best advantagesx

 enter erpinghamx

erpinghamx
my lordx your noblesx jealous of your absencex
seek through your camp to find youx

king henryx
good old knightx
collect them all together at my tentx
ixll be before theex

erpinghamx
i shall doxtx my lordx

 xxexitxxx

king henryx
o god of battlesx steel my soldiersx heartsx
possess them not with fearx take from them now
the sense of reckoningx if the opposed numbers
pluck their hearts from themx not todayx o lordx
ox not todayx think not upon the fault
my father made in compassing the crownx
i richardxs body have interred newx
and on it have bestowxd more contrite tears
than from it issued forced drops of bloodx
five hundred poor i have in yearly payx
who twice a day their witherxd hands hold up
toward heavenx to pardon bloodx and i have built
two chantriesx where the sad and solemn priests
sing still for richardxs soulx more will i dox
though all that i can do is nothing worthx
since that my penitence comes after allx
imploring pardonx

 enter gloucesterx

gloucesterx
my liegex

king henryx
my brother gloucesterxs voicex ayx
i know thy errandx i will go with theex
the dayx my friendsx and all things stay for mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the french campx

 enter the dauphinx orleansx rambures and othersx

orleansx
the sun doth gild our armourx upx my lordsx

dauphinx
xmonte x chevalxx my horsex xvarletx laquaisxx hax

orleansx
o brave spiritx

dauphinx
xviax les eaux et terrexx

orleansx
xrien puisx lxair et feuxx

dauphinx
xcieuxxx cousin orleansx

 enter constablex

nowx my lord constablex

constablex
harkx how our steeds for present service neighx

dauphinx
mount themx and make incision in their hidesx
that their hot blood may spin in english eyesx
and dout them with superfluous couragex hax

ramburesx
whatx will you have them weep our horsesx bloodx
how shall wex thenx behold their natural tearsx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
the english are embattlxdx you french peersx

constablex
to horsex you gallant princesx straight to horsex
do but behold yon poor and starved bandx
and your fair show shall suck away their soulsx
leaving them but the shales and husks of menx
there is not work enough for all our handsx
scarce blood enough in all their sickly veins
to give each naked curtlexaxe a stainx
that our french gallants shall today draw outx
and sheathe for lack of sportx let us but blow on themx
the vapour of our valour will oxerturn themx
xtis positive xgainst all exceptionsx lordsx
that our superfluous lackeys and our peasantsx
who in unnecessary action swarm
about our squares of battlex were enough
to purge this field of such a hilding foex
though we upon this mountainxs basis by
took stand for idle speculationx
but that our honours must notx whatxs to sayx
a very little little let us dox
and all is donex then let the trumpets sound
the tucket sonance and the note to mountx
for our approach shall so much dare the field
that england shall crouch down in fear and yieldx

 enter grandprxx

grandprxx
why do you stay so longx my lords of francex
yond island carrionsx desperate of their bonesx
illxfavouredly become the morning fieldx
their ragged curtains poorly are let loosex
and our air shakes them passing scornfullyx
big mars seems bankrupt in their beggarxd hostx
and faintly through a rusty beaver peepsx
the horsemen sit like fixed candlesticks
with torchxstaves in their handx and their poor jades
lob down their headsx drooping the hides and hipsx
the gum downxroping from their palexdead eyesx
and in their pale dull mouths the gimmal bit
lies foul with chewxd grassx stillx and motionlessx
and their executorsx the knavish crowsx
fly oxer themx all impatient for their hourx
description cannot suit itself in words
to demonstrate the life of such a battlex
in life so lifeless as it shows itselfx

constablex
they have said their prayersx and they stay for deathx

dauphinx
shall we go send them dinners and fresh suits
and give their fasting horses provenderx
and after fight with themx

constablex
i stay but for my guardx on to the fieldx
i will the banner from a trumpet takex
and use it for my hastex comex comex awayx
the sun is highx and we outwear the dayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the english campx

 enter gloucesterx bedfordx exeterx erpinghamx with all his hostx
 salisbury and westmorlandx

gloucesterx
where is the kingx

bedfordx
the king himself is rode to view their battlex

westmorlandx
of fighting men they have full threexscore thousandx

exeterx
therexs five to onex besidesx they all are freshx

salisburyx
godxs arm strike with usx xtis a fearful oddsx
god be wix youx princes allx ixll to my chargex
if we no more meet till we meet in heavenx
thenx joyfullyx my noble lord of bedfordx
my dear lord gloucesterx and my good lord exeterx
and my kind kinsmanx warriors allx adieux

bedfordx
farewellx good salisburyx and good luck go with theex

exeterx
farewellx kind lordx fight valiantly todayx
and yet i do thee wrong to mind thee of itx
for thou art framxd of the firm truth of valourx

 xxexit salisburyxxx

bedfordx
he is as full of valour as of kindnessx
princely in bothx

 enter the kingx

westmorlandx
o that we now had here
but one ten thousand of those men in england
that do no work todayx

kingx
whatxs he that wishes sox
my cousin westmorlandx nox my fair cousinx
if we are markxd to diex we are enough
to do our country lossx and if to livex
the fewer menx the greater share of honourx
godxs willx i pray theex wish not one man morex
by jovex i am not covetous for goldx
nor care i who doth feed upon my costx
it yearns me not if men my garments wearx
such outward things dwell not in my desiresx
but if it be a sin to covet honourx
i am the most offending soul alivex
nox faithx my cozx wish not a man from englandx
godxs peacex i would not lose so great an honour
as one man morex methinksx would share from me
for the best hope i havex ox do not wish one morex
rather proclaim itx westmorlandx through my hostx
that he which hath no stomach to this fightx
let him departx his passport shall be madex
and crowns for convoy put into his pursex
we would not die in that manxs company
that fears his fellowship to die with usx
this day is callxd the feast of crispianx
he that outlives this dayx and comes safe homex
will stand a tipxtoe when this day is namedx
and rouse him at the name of crispianx
he that shall live this dayx and see old agex
will yearly on the vigil feast his neighboursx
and sayx xtomorrow is saint crispianxx
then will he strip his sleeve and show his scarsx
and sayx xthese wounds i had on crispianxs dayxx
old men forgetx yet all shall be forgotx
but hexll remember with advantages
what feats he did that dayx then shall our namesx
familiar in his mouth as household wordsx
harry the kingx bedfordx and exeterx
warwick and talbotx salisbury and gloucesterx
be in their flowing cups freshly rememberedx
this story shall the good man teach his sonx
and crispin crispian shall nexer go byx
from this day to the ending of the worldx
but we in it shall be rememberedx
we fewx we happy fewx we band of brothersx
for he today that sheds his blood with me
shall be my brotherx be he nexer so vilex
this day shall gentle his conditionx
and gentlemen in england now abed
shall think themselves accursxd they were not herex
and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
that fought with us upon saint crispinxs dayx

 enter salisburyx

salisburyx
my sovereign lordx bestow yourself with speedx
the french are bravely in their battles setx
and will with all expedience charge on usx

king henryx
all things are readyx if our minds be sox

westmorlandx
perish the man whose mind is backward nowx

king henryx
thou dost not wish more help from englandx cozx

westmorlandx
godxs willx my liegex would you and i alonex
without more helpx could fight this royal battlex

king henryx
whyx now thou hast unwishxd five thousand menx
which likes me better than to wish us onex
you know your placesx god be with you allx

 tucketx enter montjoyx

montjoyx
once more i come to know of theex king harryx
if for thy ransom thou wilt now compoundx
before thy most assured overthrowx
for certainly thou art so near the gulfx
thou needs must be engluttedx besidesx in mercyx
the constable desires thee thou wilt mind
thy followers of repentancex that their souls
may make a peaceful and a sweet retire
from off these fieldsx wherex wretchesx their poor bodies
must lie and festerx

king henryx
who hath sent thee nowx

montjoyx
the constable of francex

king henryx
i pray theex bear my former answer backx
bid them achieve me and then sell my bonesx
good godx why should they mock poor fellows thusx
the man that once did sell the lionxs skin
while the beast livxdx was killxd with hunting himx
a many of our bodies shall no doubt
find native gravesx upon the whichx i trustx
shall witness live in brass of this dayxs workx
and those that leave their valiant bones in francex
dying like menx though buried in your dunghillsx
they shall be famxdx for there the sun shall greet themx
and draw their honours reeking up to heavenx
leaving their earthly parts to choke your climex
the smell whereof shall breed a plague in francex
mark then abounding valour in our englishx
that being deadx like to the bulletxs grazingx
break out into a second course of mischiefx
killing in relapse of mortalityx
let me speak proudlyx tell the constable
we are but warriors for the workingxdayx
our gayness and our gilt are all besmirchxd
with rainy marching in the painful fieldx
therexs not a piece of feather in our hostx
good argumentx i hopex we will not flyx
and time hath worn us into slovenryx
butx by the massx our hearts are in the trimx
and my poor soldiers tell mex yet ere night
theyxll be in fresher robesx or they will pluck
the gay new coats oxer the french soldiersx heads
and turn them out of servicex if they do thisx
asx if god pleasex they shallxxmy ransom then
will soon be leviedx heraldx save thou thy labourx
come thou no more for ransomx gentle heraldx
they shall have nonex i swearx but these my jointsx
which if they have as i will leave xem themx
shall yield them littlex tell the constablex

montjoyx
i shallx king harryx and so fare thee wellx
thou never shalt hear herald any morex

 xxexitxxx

king henryx
i fear thouxlt once more come again for ransomx

 enter yorkx

yorkx
my lordx most humbly on my knee i beg
the leading of the vawardx

king henryx
take itx brave yorkx nowx soldiersx march awayx
and how thou pleasestx godx dispose the dayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx the field of battlex

 alarumx excursionsx enter pistolx french soldier and boyx

pistolx
yieldx curx

french soldierx
xje pense que vous xtes le gentilhomme de bonne qualitxxx

pistolx
xqualitxx caleno custore mexx
art thou a gentlemanx
what is thy namex discussx

french soldierx
xo seigneur dieuxx

pistolx
ox signieur dew should be a gentlemanx
perpend my wordsx o signieur dewx and markx
o signieur dewx thou diest on point of foxx
exceptx o signieurx thou do give to me
egregious ransomx

french soldierx
xox prenez misxricordex ayez pitix de moixx

pistolx
moy shall not servex i will have forty moysx
or i will fetch thy rim out at thy throat
in drops of crimson bloodx

french soldierx
xestxil impossible dxxchapper la force de ton brasxx

pistolx
brassx curx
thou damned and luxurious mountain goatx
offerxst me brassx

french soldierx
xo pardonnezxmoixx

pistolx
sayxst thou me sox is that a ton of moysx
come hitherx boyx ask me this slave in french
what is his namex

boyx
xxcoutezx comment xtesxvous appelxxx

french soldierx
xmonsieur le ferxx

boyx
he says his name is master ferx

pistolx
master ferx ixll fer himx and firk himx and ferret himx
discuss the same in french unto himx

boyx
i do not know the french for ferx and ferretx and firkx

pistolx
bid him preparex for i will cut his throatx

french soldierx
xque ditxilx monsieurxx

boyx
xil me commande x vous dire que vous faites vous prxtx car ce soldat
ici est disposx tout x cette heure de couper votre gorgexx

pistolx
owyx cuppele gorgex permafoyx
peasantx unless thou give me crownsx brave crownsx
or mangled shalt thou be by this my swordx

french soldierx
xox je vous suppliex pour lxamour de dieux me pardonnerx je suis le
gentilhomme de bonne maisonx gardez ma viex et je vous donnerai deux
cents xcusxx

pistolx
what are his wordsx

boyx
he prays you to save his lifex he is a gentleman of a good housex and
for his ransom he will give you two hundred crownsx

pistolx
tell him my fury shall abatex and i
the crowns will takex

french soldierx
xpetit monsieurx que ditxilxx

boyx
xencore quxil est contre son jurement de pardonner aucun prisonnierx
nxanmoinsx pour les xcus que vous lui avez promisx il est content x
vous donner la libertxx le franchisementxx

french soldierx
xsur mes genoux je vous donne mille remerciementsx et je mxestime
heureux que je suis tombx entre les mains dxun chevalierx je pensex le
plus bravex vaillantx et trxs distingux seigneur dxangleterrexx

pistolx
expound unto mex boyx

boyx
he gives you upon his kneesx a thousand thanksx and he esteems himself
happy that he hath fallen into the hands of onex as he thinksx the most
bravex valorousx and thricexworthy xseigneurx of englandx

pistolx
as i suck bloodx i will some mercy showx
follow mex

boyx
xsuivezxvous le grand capitainexx

 xxexeunt pistol and french soldierxxx

i did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heartx but the
saying is truex xthe empty vessel makes the greatest soundxx bardolph
and nym had ten times more valour than this roaring devil ix the old
playx that everyone may pare his nails with a wooden daggerx and they
are both hangxdx and so would this bex if he durst steal anything
adventurouslyx i must stay with the lackeys with the luggage of our
campx the french might have a good prey of usx if he knew of itx for
there is none to guard it but boysx

 xxexitxxx

scene vx another part of the fieldx

 enter constablex orleansx bourbonx dauphin and ramburesx

constablex
xo diablexx

orleansx
xo seigneurx le jour est perdux tout est perduxx

dauphinx
xmort de ma viexx all is confoundedx allx
reproach and everlasting shame
sits mocking in our plumesx

 xxa short alarumxxx

xo mxchante fortunexx do not run awayx

constablex
whyx all our ranks are brokex

dauphinx
o perdurable shamex letxs stab ourselvesx
be these the wretches that we playxd at dice forx

orleansx
is this the king we sent to for his ransomx

bourbonx
shame and eternal shamex nothing but shamex
letxs die in honourx once more back againx
and he that will not follow bourbon nowx
let him go hencex and with his cap in handx
like a base pandarx hold the chamber door
whilst by a slavex no gentler than my dogx
his fairest daughter is contaminatedx

constablex
disorderx that hath spoilxd usx friend us nowx
let us on heaps go offer up our livesx

orleansx
we are enough yet living in the field
to smother up the english in our throngsx
if any order might be thought uponx

bourbonx
the devil take order nowx ixll to the throngx
let life be shortx else shame will be too longx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix another part of the fieldx

 alarumx enter king henry and his trainx with prisonersx

king henryx
well have we donex thrice valiant countrymenx
but allxs not donex yet keep the french the fieldx

exeterx
the duke of york commends him to your majestyx

king henryx
lives hex good unclex thrice within this hour
i saw him downx thrice up againx and fightingx
from helmet to the spur all blood he wasx

exeterx
in which arrayx brave soldierx doth he liex
larding the plainx and by his bloody sidex
yokexfellow to his honourxowing woundsx
the noble earl of suffolk also liesx
suffolk first diedx and yorkx all haggled overx
comes to himx where in gore he lay insteepedx
and takes him by the beardx kisses the gashes
that bloodily did yawn upon his facex
he cries aloudx xtarryx my cousin suffolkx
my soul shall thine keep company to heavenx
tarryx sweet soulx for minex then fly abreastx
as in this glorious and wellxfoughten field
we kept together in our chivalryxx
upon these words i came and cheerxd him upx
he smilxd me in the facex raught me his handx
andx with a feeble gripex saysx xdear my lordx
commend my service to my sovereignxx
so did he turn and over suffolkxs neck
he threw his wounded arm and kissxd his lipsx
and so espousxd to deathx with blood he sealxd
a testament of noblexending lovex
the pretty and sweet manner of it forcxd
those waters from me which i would have stoppxdx
but i had not so much of man in mex
and all my mother came into mine eyes
and gave me up to tearsx

king henryx
i blame you notx
forx hearing thisx i must perforce compound
with mistful eyesx or they will issue toox

 xxalarumxxx

but harkx what new alarum is this samex
the french have reinforcxd their scatterxd menx
then every soldier kill his prisonersx
give the word throughx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix another part of the fieldx

 enter fluellen and gowerx

fluellenx
kill the poys and the luggagex xtis expressly against the law of armsx
xtis as arrant a piece of knaveryx mark you nowx as can be offerxtx in
your consciencex nowx is it notx

gowerx
xtis certain therexs not a boy left alivex and the cowardly rascals
that ran from the battle hax done this slaughterx besidesx they have
burned and carried away all that was in the kingxs tentx wherefore the
kingx most worthilyx hath causxd every soldier to cut his prisonerxs
throatx ox xtis a gallant kingx

fluellenx
ayx he was porn at monmouthx captain gowerx what call you the townxs
name where alexander the pig was bornx

gowerx
alexander the greatx

fluellenx
whyx i pray youx is not pig greatx the pigx or the greatx or the
mightyx or the hugex or the magnanimousx are all one reckoningsx save
the phrase is a little variationsx

gowerx
i think alexander the great was born in macedonx his father was called
philip of macedonx as i take itx

fluellenx
i think it is in macedon where alexander is pornx i tell youx captainx
if you look in the maps of the xorldx i warrant you sall findx in the
comparisons between macedon and monmouthx that the situationsx look
youx is both alikex there is a river in macedonx and there is also
moreover a river at monmouthx it is callxd wye at monmouthx but it is
out of my prains what is the name of the other riverx but xtis all onex
xtis alike as my fingers is to my fingersx and there is salmons in
bothx if you mark alexanderxs life wellx harry of monmouthxs life is
come after it indifferent wellx for there is figures in all thingsx
alexanderx god knowsx and you knowx in his ragesx and his furiesx and
his wrathsx and his cholersx and his moodsx and his displeasuresx and
his indignationsx and also being a little intoxicates in his prainsx
didx in his ales and his angersx look youx kill his best friendx
cleitusx

gowerx
our king is not like him in thatx he never killxd any of his friendsx

fluellenx
it is not well donex mark you nowx to take the tales out of my mouthx
ere it is made and finishedx i speak but in the figures and comparisons
of itx as alexander killxd his friend cleitusx being in his ales and
his cupsx so also harry monmouthx being in his right wits and his good
judgementsx turnxd away the fat knight with the great belly doubletx he
was full of jestsx and gipesx and knaveriesx and mocksx i have forgot
his namex

gowerx
sir john falstaffx

fluellenx
that is hex ixll tell you there is good men porn at monmouthx

gowerx
here comes his majestyx

 alarumx enter king henry and forcesx warwickx gloucesterx exeter with
 prisonersx flourishx

king henryx
i was not angry since i came to france
until this instantx take a trumpetx heraldx
ride thou unto the horsemen on yond hillx
if they will fight with usx bid them come downx
or void the fieldx they do offend our sightx
if theyxll do neitherx we will come to themx
and make them skirr awayx as swift as stones
enforced from the old assyrian slingsx
besidesx wexll cut the throats of those we havex
and not a man of them that we shall take
shall taste our mercyx go and tell them sox

 enter montjoyx

exeterx
here comes the herald of the frenchx my liegex

gloucesterx
his eyes are humbler than they usxd to bex

king henryx
how nowx what means thisx heraldx knowxst thou not
that i have finxd these bones of mine for ransomx
comxst thou again for ransomx

montjoyx
nox great kingx
i come to thee for charitable licensex
that we may wander oxer this bloody field
to book our deadx and then to bury themx
to sort our nobles from our common menx
for many of our princesxwoe the whilexx
lie drownxd and soakxd in mercenary bloodx
so do our vulgar drench their peasant limbs
in blood of princesx and their wounded steeds
fret fetlock deep in gorex and with wild rage
yerk out their armed heels at their dead mastersx
killing them twicex ox give us leavex great kingx
to view the field in safetyx and dispose
of their dead bodiesx

king henryx
i tell thee trulyx heraldx
i know not if the day be ours or nox
for yet a many of your horsemen peer
and gallop oxer the fieldx

montjoyx
the day is yoursx

king henryx
praised be godx and not our strengthx for itx
what is this castle callxd that stands hard byx

montjoyx
they call it agincourtx

king henryx
then call we this the field of agincourtx
fought on the day of crispin crispianusx

fluellenx
your grandfather of famous memoryx anxt please your majestyx and your
greatxuncle edward the plack prince of walesx as i have read in the
chroniclesx fought a most prave pattle here in francex

king henryx
they didx fluellenx

fluellenx
your majesty says very truex if your majesties is remembxred of itx the
welshmen did good service in garden where leeks did growx wearing leeks
in their monmouth capsx whichx your majesty knowx to this hour is an
honourable badge of the servicex and i do believe your majesty takes no
scorn to wear the leek upon saint tavyxs dayx

king henryx
i wear it for a memorable honourx
for i am welshx you knowx good countrymanx

fluellenx
all the water in wye cannot wash your majestyxs welsh plood out of your
podyx i can tell you thatx got pless it and preserve itx as long as it
pleases his gracex and his majesty toox

king henryx
thanksx good my countrymanx

fluellenx
by jeshux i am your majestyxs countrymanx i care not who know itx i
will confess it to all the xorldx i need not be ashamxd of your
majestyx praised be godx so long as your majesty is an honest manx

king henryx
god keep me sox

 enter williamsx

our heralds go with himx
bring me just notice of the numbers dead
on both our partsx call yonder fellow hitherx

 xxexeunt heralds with montjoyxxx

exeterx
soldierx you must come to the kingx

king henryx
soldierx why wearxst thou that glove in thy capx

williamsx
anxt please your majestyx xtis the gage of one that i should fight
withalx if he be alivex

king henryx
an englishmanx

williamsx
anxt please your majestyx a rascal that swaggerxd with me last nightx
whox if alive and ever dare to challenge this glovex i have sworn to
take him a box ox the earx or if i can see my glove in his capx which
he sworex as he was a soldierx he would wear if alivex i will strike it
out soundlyx

king henryx
what think youx captain fluellenx is it fit this soldier keep his oathx

fluellenx
he is a craven and a villain elsex anxt please your majestyx in my
consciencex

king henryx
it may be his enemy is a gentlemen of great sortx quite from the answer
of his degreex

fluellenx
though he be as good a gentleman as the devil isx as lucifier and
belzebub himselfx it is necessaryx look your gracex that he keep his
vow and his oathx if he be perjurxdx see you nowx his reputation is as
arrant a villain and a jacksaucex as ever his black shoe trod upon
godxs ground and his earthx in my consciencex lax

king henryx
then keep thy vowx sirrahx when thou meetxst the fellowx

williamsx
so i willx my liegex as i livex

king henryx
who servxst thou underx

williamsx
under captain gowerx my liegex

fluellenx
gower is a good captainx and is good knowledge and literatured in the
warsx

king henryx
call him hither to mex soldierx

williamsx
i willx my liegex

 xxexitxxx

king henryx
herex fluellenx wear thou this favour for me and stick it in thy capx
when alenxon and myself were down togetherx i pluckxd this glove from
his helmx if any man challenge thisx he is a friend to alenxonx and an
enemy to our personx if thou encounter any suchx apprehend himx an thou
dost me lovex

fluellenx
your grace does me as great honours as can be desirxd in the hearts of
his subjectsx i would fain see the manx that has but two legsx that
shall find himself aggriefxd at this glovex that is allx but i would
fain see it oncex an please god of his grace that i might seex

king henryx
knowxst thou gowerx

fluellenx
he is my dear friendx an please youx

king henryx
pray theex go seek himx and bring him to my tentx

fluellenx
i will fetch himx

 xxexitxxx

king henryx
my lord of warwickx and my brother gloucesterx
follow fluellen closely at the heelsx
the glove which i have given him for a favour
may haply purchase him a box ox the earx
it is the soldierxsx i by bargain should
wear it myselfx followx good cousin warwickx
if that the soldier strike himx as i judge
by his blunt bearing he will keep his wordx
some sudden mischief may arise of itx
for i do know fluellen valiant
andx touchxd with cholerx hot as gunpowderx
and quickly will return an injuryx
followx and see there be no harm between themx
go you with mex uncle of exeterx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viiix before king henryxs pavilionx

 enter gower and williamsx

williamsx
i warrant it is to knight youx captainx

 enter fluellenx

fluellenx
godxs will and his pleasurex captainx i beseech you nowx come apace to
the kingx there is more good toward you peradventure than is in your
knowledge to dream ofx

williamsx
sirx know you this glovex

fluellenx
know the glovex i know the glove is a glovex

williamsx
i know thisx and thus i challenge itx

 xxstrikes himxxx

fluellenx
xsbloodx an arrant traitor as any is in the universal worldx or in
francex or in englandx

gowerx
how nowx sirx you villainx

williamsx
do you think ixll be forswornx

fluellenx
stand awayx captain gowerx i will give treason his payment into plowsx
i warrant youx

williamsx
i am no traitorx

fluellenx
thatxs a lie in thy throatx i charge you in his majestyxs namex
apprehend himx hexs a friend of the duke alenxonxsx

 enter warwick and gloucesterx

warwickx
how nowx how nowx whatxs the matterx

fluellenx
my lord of warwickx here isxpraised be god for itxxa most contagious
treason come to lightx look youx as you shall desire in a summerxs dayx
here is his majestyx

 enter king henry and exeterx

king henryx
how nowx whatxs the matterx

fluellenx
my liegex here is a villain and a traitorx thatx look your gracex has
struck the glove which your majesty is take out of the helmet of
alenxonx

williamsx
my liegex this was my glovex here is the fellow of itx and he that i
gave it to in change promisxd to wear it in his capx i promisxd to
strike himx if he didx i met this man with my glove in his capx and i
have been as good as my wordx

fluellenx
your majesty hear nowx saving your majestyxs manhoodx what an arrantx
rascallyx beggarlyx lousy knave it isx i hope your majesty is pear me
testimony and witnessx and will avouchmentx that this is the glove of
alenxon that your majesty is give mex in your consciencex nowx

king henryx
give me thy glovex soldierx lookx here is the fellow of itx
xtwas ix indeedx thou promisedst to strikex
and thou hast given me most bitter termsx

fluellenx
an it please your majestyx let his neck answer for itx if there is any
martial law in the worldx

king henryx
how canst thou make me satisfactionx

williamsx
all offencesx my lordx come from the heartx never came any from mine
that might offend your majestyx

king henryx
it was ourself thou didst abusex

williamsx
your majesty came not like yourselfx you appearxd to me but as a common
manx witness the nightx your garmentsx your lowlinessx and what your
highness sufferxd under that shapex i beseech you take it for your own
fault and not minex for had you been as i took you forx i made no
offencex thereforex i beseech your highnessx pardon mex

king henryx
herex uncle exeterx fill this glove with crownsx
and give it to this fellowx keep itx fellowx
and wear it for an honour in thy cap
till i do challenge itx give him his crownsx
andx captainx you must needs be friends with himx

fluellenx
by this day and this lightx the fellow has mettle enough in his bellyx
holdx there is twelve pence for youx and i pray you to serve godx and
keep you out of prawlsx and prabblesx and quarrelsx and dissensionsx
andx i warrant youx it is the better for youx

williamsx
i will none of your moneyx

fluellenx
it is with a good willx i can tell youx it will serve you to mend your
shoesx comex wherefore should you be so pashfulx your shoes is not so
goodx xtis a good sillingx i warrant youx or i will change itx

 enter an english heraldx

king henryx
nowx heraldx are the dead numbxredx

heraldx
here is the number of the slaughtxred frenchx

king henryx
what prisoners of good sort are takenx unclex

exeterx
charles duke of orleansx nephew to the kingx
john duke of bourbonx and lord boucicaultx
of other lords and baronsx knights and squiresx
full fifteen hundredx besides common menx

king henryx
this note doth tell me of ten thousand french
that in the field lie slainx of princesx in this numberx
and nobles bearing bannersx there lie dead
one hundred twentyxsixx added to thesex
of knightsx esquiresx and gallant gentlemenx
eight thousand and four hundredx of the whichx
five hundred were but yesterday dubbxd knightsx
so thatx in these ten thousand they have lostx
there are but sixteen hundred mercenariesx
the rest are princesx baronsx lordsx knightsx squiresx
and gentlemen of blood and qualityx
the names of those their nobles that lie deadx
charles delabrethx high constable of francex
jacques of chatillonx admiral of francex
the master of the crossbowsx lord ramburesx
great master of francex the brave sir guichard dauphinx
johnx duke of alenxonx anthonyx duke of brabantx
the brother to the duke of burgundyx
and edwardx duke of barx of lusty earlsx
grandprx and roussix fauconbridge and foixx
beaumont and marlex vaudemont and lestralex
here was a royal fellowship of deathx
where is the number of our english deadx

 xxherald gives him another paperxxx

edward the duke of yorkx the earl of suffolkx
sir richard ketlyx davy gamx esquirex
none else of namex and of all other men
but five and twentyxxo godx thy arm was herex
and not to usx but to thy arm alonex
ascribe we allx whenx without stratagemx
but in plain shock and even play of battlex
was ever known so great and little loss
on one part and on the otherx take itx godx
for it is none but thinex

exeterx
xtis wonderfulx

king henryx
comex go we in procession to the villagex
and be it death proclaimed through our host
to boast of this or take that praise from god
which is his onlyx

fluellenx
is it not lawfulx an please your majestyx to tell how many is killxdx

king henryx
yesx captainx but with this acknowledgmentx
that god fought for usx

fluellenx
yesx my consciencex he did us great goodx

king henryx
do we all holy ritesx
let there be sung xnon nobisx and xte deumxx
the dead with charity enclosxd in clayx
and then to calaisx and to england thenx
where nexer from france arrivxd more happy menx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

 enter chorusx

chorusx
vouchsafe to those that have not read the storyx
that i may prompt themx and of such as havex
i humbly pray them to admit the excuse
of timex of numbersx and due course of thingsx
which cannot in their huge and proper life
be here presentedx now we bear the king
toward calaisx grant him therex there seenx
heave him away upon your winged thoughts
athwart the seax beholdx the english beach
pales in the flood with menx with wives and boysx
whose shouts and claps outxvoice the deepxmouthxd seax
which like a mighty whiffler xfore the king
seems to prepare his wayx so let him landx
and solemnly see him set on to londonx
so swift a pace hath thought that even now
you may imagine him upon blackheathx
where that his lords desire him to have borne
his bruised helmet and his bended sword
before him through the cityx he forbids itx
being free from vainness and selfxglorious pridex
giving full trophyx signalx and ostent
quite from himself to godx but now beholdx
in the quick forge and workingxhouse of thoughtx
how london doth pour out her citizensx
the mayor and all his brethren in best sortx
like to the senators of thx antique romex
with the plebeians swarming at their heelsx
go forth and fetch their conquering caesar inx
asx by a lower but loving likelihoodx
were now the general of our gracious empressx
as in good time he mayx from ireland comingx
bringing rebellion broached on his swordx
how many would the peaceful city quitx
to welcome himx much morex and much more causex
did they this harryx now in london place himx
as yet the lamentation of the french
invites the king of englandxs stay at homex
the emperorxs coming in behalf of francex
to order peace between themxxand omit
all the occurrencesx whatever chancxdx
till harryxs backxreturn again to francex
there must we bring himx and myself have playxd
the interimx by remembxring you xtis pastx
then brook abridgementx and your eyes advance
after your thoughtsx straight back again to francex

 xxexitxxx

scene ix francex the english campx

 enter fluellen and gowerx

gowerx
nayx thatxs rightx but why wear you your leek todayx
saint davyxs day is pastx

fluellenx
there is occasions and causes why and wherefore in all thingsx i will
tell you ass my friendx captain gowerx the rascallyx scaldx beggarlyx
lousyx pragging knavex pistolx which you and yourself and all the world
know to be no petter than a fellowx look you nowx of no meritsx he is
come to me and prings me pread and salt yesterdayx look youx and bid me
eat my leekx it was in a place where i could not breed no contention
with himx but i will be so bold as to wear it in my cap till i see him
once againx and then i will tell him a little piece of my desiresx

 enter pistolx

gowerx
whyx here he comesx swelling like a turkeyxcockx

fluellenx
xtis no matter for his swellings nor his turkeyxcocksx god pless youx
anchient pistolx you scurvyx lousy knavex god pless youx

pistolx
hax art thou bedlamx dost thou thirstx base trojanx
to have me fold up parcaxs fatal webx
hencex i am qualmish at the smell of leekx

fluellenx
i peseech you heartilyx scurfyx lousy knavex at my desiresx and my
requestsx and my petitionsx to eatx look youx this leekx becausex look
youx you do not love itx nor your affections and your appetites and
your digestions does not agree with itx i would desire you to eat itx

pistolx
not for cadwallader and all his goatsx

fluellenx
there is one goat for youx xxstrikes himxxx will you be so goodx scald
knavex as eat itx

pistolx
base trojanx thou shalt diex

fluellenx
you say very truex scald knavex when godxs will isx i will desire you
to live in the mean timex and eat your victualsx comex there is sauce
for itx xxstrikes himxxx you callxd me yesterday mountainxsquirex but i
will make you today a squire of low degreex i pray youx fall tox if you
can mock a leekx you can eat a leekx

gowerx
enoughx captainx you have astonishxd himx

fluellenx
i sayx i will make him eat some part of my leekx or i will peat his
pate four daysx bitex i pray youx it is good for your green wound and
your ploody coxcombx

pistolx
must i bitex

fluellenx
yesx certainlyx and out of doubt and out of question toox and
ambiguitiesx

pistolx
by this leekx i will most horribly revengex i eat and eatx i swearx

fluellenx
eatx i pray youx will you have some more sauce to your leekx there is
not enough leek to swear byx

pistolx
quiet thy cudgelx thou dost see i eatx

fluellenx
much good do youx scald knavex heartilyx nayx pray youx throw none
awayx the skin is good for your broken coxcombx when you take occasions
to see leeks hereafterx i pray youx mock at xemx that is allx

pistolx
goodx

fluellenx
ayx leeks is goodx hold youx there is a groat to heal your patex

pistolx
me a groatx

fluellenx
yesx verily and in truth you shall take itx or i have another leek in
my pocketx which you shall eatx

pistolx
i take thy groat in earnest of revengex

fluellenx
if i owe you anything i will pay you in cudgelsx you shall be a
woodmongerx and buy nothing of me but cudgelsx god be wix youx and keep
youx and heal your patex

 xxexitxxx

pistolx
all hell shall stir for thisx

gowerx
gox gox you are a couterfeit cowardly knavex will you mock at an
ancient traditionx begun upon an honourable respectx and worn as a
memorable trophy of predeceased valourx and dare not avouch in your
deeds any of your wordsx i have seen you gleeking and galling at this
gentleman twice or thricex you thoughtx because he could not speak
english in the native garbx he could not therefore handle an english
cudgelx you find it otherwisex and henceforth let a welsh correction
teach you a good english conditionx fare ye wellx

 xxexitxxx

pistolx
doth fortune play the huswife with me nowx
news have ix that my doll is dead ix the spital
of malady of francex
and there my rendezvous is quite cut offx
old i do waxx and from my weary limbs
honour is cudgellxdx wellx bawd ixll turnx
and something lean to cutpurse of quick handx
to england will i stealx and there ixll stealx
and patches will i get unto these cudgellxd scarsx
and swear i got them in the gallia warsx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix francex a royal palacex

 enter at one doorx king henryx exeterx bedfordx warwickx gloucesterx
 westmorlandx clarencex huntingdon and other lordsx at anotherx queen
 isabelx the french kingx the princess katharinex alicex and other
 ladiesx the duke of burgundy and other frenchx

king henryx
peace to this meetingx wherefore we are metx
unto our brother francex and to our sisterx
health and fair time of dayx joy and good wishes
to our most fair and princely cousin katharinex
andx as a branch and member of this royaltyx
by whom this great assembly is contrivxdx
we do salute youx duke of burgundyx
andx princes frenchx and peersx health to you allx

french kingx
right joyous are we to behold your facex
most worthy brother englandx fairly metx
so are youx princes englishx every onex

queen isabelx
so happy be the issuex brother englandx
of this good day and of this gracious meeting
as we are now glad to behold your eyesx
your eyesx which hitherto have borne in them
against the french that met them in their bent
the fatal balls of murdering basilisksx
the venom of such looksx we fairly hopex
have lost their qualityx and that this day
shall change all griefs and quarrels into lovex

king henryx
to cry amen to thatx thus we appearx

queen isabelx
you english princes allx i do salute youx

burgundyx
my duty to you bothx on equal lovex
great kings of france and englandx that i have labourxdx
with all my witsx my painsx and strong endeavoursx
to bring your most imperial majesties
unto this bar and royal interviewx
your mightiness on both parts best can witnessx
since then my office hath so far prevailxd
thatx face to face and royal eye to eyex
you have congreetedx let it not disgrace me
if i demandx before this royal viewx
what rub or what impediment there isx
why that the nakedx poorx and mangled peacex
dear nurse of artsx plentiesx and joyful birthsx
should not in this best garden of the worldx
our fertile francex put up her lovely visagex
alasx she hath from france too long been chasxdx
and all her husbandry doth lie on heapsx
corrupting in it own fertilityx
her vinex the merry cheerer of the heartx
unpruned diesx her hedges evenxpleachxdx
like prisoners wildly overgrown with hairx
put forth disorderxd twigsx her fallow leas
the darnelx hemlockx and rank fumitoryx
doth root uponx while that the coulter rusts
that should deracinate such savageryx
the even meadx that erst brought sweetly forth
the freckled cowslipx burnetx and green cloverx
wanting the scythex all uncorrectedx rankx
conceives by idlenessx and nothing teems
but hateful docksx rough thistlesx kecksiesx bursx
losing both beauty and utilityx
and as our vineyardsx fallowsx meadsx and hedgesx
defective in their naturesx grow to wildnessx
even so our houses and ourselves and children
have lostx or do not learn for want of timex
the sciences that should become our countryx
but grow like savagesxxas soldiers will
that nothing do but meditate on bloodxx
to swearing and stern looksx diffusxd attirex
and everything that seems unnaturalx
which to reduce into our former favour
you are assembledx and my speech entreats
that i may know the letx why gentle peace
should not expel these inconveniences
and bless us with her former qualitiesx

king henryx
ifx duke of burgundyx you would the peacex
whose want gives growth to the imperfections
which you have citedx you must buy that peace
with full accord to all our just demandsx
whose tenours and particular effects
you have enschedulxd briefly in your handsx

burgundyx
the king hath heard themx to the which as yet
there is no answer madex

king henryx
wellx thenx the peacex
which you before so urgxdx lies in his answerx

french kingx
i have but with a cursorary eye
oxerglancxd the articlesx pleaseth your grace
to appoint some of your council presently
to sit with us once morex with better heed
to rexsurvey themx we will suddenly
pass our accept and peremptory answerx

king henryx
brotherx we shallx gox uncle exeterx
and brother clarencex and youx brother gloucesterx
warwickx and huntingtonx go with the kingx
and take with you free power to ratifyx
augmentx or alterx as your wisdoms best
shall see advantageable for our dignityx
anything in or out of our demandsx
and wexll consign theretox will youx fair sisterx
go with the princesx or stay here with usx

queen isabelx
our gracious brotherx i will go with themx
haply a womanxs voice may do some goodx
when articles too nicely urgxd be stood onx

king henryx
yet leave our cousin katharine here with usx
she is our capital demandx comprisxd
within the forexrank of our articlesx

queen isabelx
she hath good leavex

 xxexeunt all except henryx katharine and alicexxx

king henryx
fair katharinex and most fairx
will you vouchsafe to teach a soldier terms
such as will enter at a ladyxs ear
and plead his lovexsuit to her gentle heartx

katharinex
your majesty shall mock mex i cannot speak your englandx

king henryx
o fair katharinex if you will love me soundly with your french heartx i
will be glad to hear you confess it brokenly with your english tonguex
do you like mex katex

katharinex
xpardonnezxmoixx i cannot tell wat is xlike mexx

king henryx
an angel is like youx katex and you are like an angelx

katharinex
xque ditxilx que je suis semblable x les angesxx

alicex
xouix vraimentx sauf votre grxcex ainsi ditxilxx

king henryx
i said sox dear katharinex and i must not blush to affirm itx

katharinex
xo bon dieux les langues des hommes sont pleines de tromperiesxx

king henryx
what says shex fair onex that the tongues of men are full of deceitsx

alicex
xouixx dat de tongues of de mans is be full of deceitsx dat is de
princessx

king henryx
the princess is the better englishwomanx ix faithx katex my wooing is
fit for thy understandingx i am glad thou canst speak no better
englishx for if thou couldstx thou wouldst find me such a plain king
that thou wouldst think i had sold my farm to buy my crownx i know no
ways to mince it in lovex but directly to sayx xi love youxx then if
you urge me farther than to sayx xdo you in faithxx i wear out my suitx
give me your answerx ix faithx dox and so clap hands and a bargainx how
say youx ladyx

katharinex
xsauf votre honneurxx me understand wellx

king henryx
marryx if you would put me to versesx or to dance for your sakex katex
why you undid mex for the onex i have neither words nor measurex and
for the other i have no strength in measurex yet a reasonable measure
in strengthx if i could win a lady at leapxfrogx or by vaulting into my
saddle with my armour on my backx under the correction of bragging be
it spokenx i should quickly leap into a wifex or if i might buffet for
my lovex or bound my horse for her favoursx i could lay on like a
butcher and sit like a jackxanxapesx never offx butx before godx katex
i cannot look greenlyx nor gasp out my eloquencex nor i have no cunning
in protestationx only downright oathsx which i never use till urgxdx
nor never break for urgingx if thou canst love a fellow of this temperx
katex whose face is not worth sunburningx that never looks in his glass
for love of anything he sees therex let thine eye be thy cookx i speak
to thee plain soldierx if thou canst love me for thisx take mex if notx
to say to thee that i shall diex is truex but for thy lovex by the
lordx nox yet i love thee toox and while thou livxstx dear katex take a
fellow of plain and uncoined constancyx for he perforce must do thee
rightx because he hath not the gift to woo in other placesx for these
fellows of infinite tonguex that can rhyme themselves into ladiesx
favoursx they do always reason themselves out againx whatx a speaker is
but a praterx a rhyme is but a balladx a good leg will fallx a straight
back will stoopx a black beard will turn whitex a curlxd pate will grow
baldx a fair face will witherx a full eye will wax hollowx but a good
heartx katex is the sun and the moonx or rather the sun and not the
moonx for it shines bright and never changesx but keeps his course
trulyx if thou would have such a onex take mex and take mex take a
soldierx take a soldierx take a kingx and what sayxst thou then to my
lovex speakx my fairx and fairlyx i pray theex

katharinex
is it possible dat i should love de enemy of francex

king henryx
nox it is not possible you should love the enemy of francex katex butx
in loving mex you should love the friend of francex for i love france
so well that i will not part with a village of itx i will have it all
minex andx katex when france is mine and i am yoursx then yours is
france and you are minex

katharinex
i cannot tell wat is datx

king henryx
nox katex i will tell thee in frenchx which i am sure will hang upon my
tongue like a newxmarried wife about her husbandxs neckx hardly to be
shook offx xje quand sur le possession de francex et quand vous avez le
possession de moixxxlet me seex what thenx saint denis be my
speedxxxdonc votre est francex et vous xtes miennexx it is as easy for
mex katex to conquer the kingdom as to speak so much more frenchx i
shall never move thee in frenchx unless it be to laugh at mex

katharinex
xsauf votre honneurx le franxais que vous parlezx il est meilleur que
lxanglais lequel je parlexx

king henryx
nox faithx isxt notx katex but thy speaking of my tonguex and i thinex
most trulyxfalselyx must needs be granted to be much at onex butx katex
dost thou understand thus much englishx canst thou love mex

katharinex
i cannot tellx

king henryx
can any of your neighbours tellx katex ixll ask themx comex i know thou
lovest mex and at nightx when you come into your closetx youxll
question this gentlewoman about mex and i knowx katex you will to her
dispraise those parts in me that you love with your heartx butx good
katex mock me mercifullyx the ratherx gentle princessx because i love
thee cruellyx if ever thou beest minex katex as i have a saving faith
within me tells me thou shaltx i get thee with scamblingx and thou must
therefore needs prove a good soldierxbreederx shall not thou and ix
between saint denis and saint georgex compound a boyx half frenchx half
englishx that shall go to constantinople and take the turk by the
beardx shall we notx what sayxst thoux my fair flowerxdexlucex

katharinex
i do not know datx

king henryx
nox xtis hereafter to knowx but now to promisex do but now promisex
katex you will endeavour for your french part of such a boyx and for my
english moietyx take the word of a king and a bachelorx how answer youx
xla plus belle katherine du mondex mon trxs cher et divin dxessexx

katharinex
your majestee xave xfaussex french enough to deceive de most xsage
demoisellex dat is xen francexx

king henryx
nowx fie upon my false frenchx by mine honourx in true englishx i love
theex katex by which honour i dare not swear thou lovest mex yet my
blood begins to flatter me that thou dostx notwithstanding the poor and
untempering effect of my visagex nowx beshrew my fatherxs ambitionx he
was thinking of civil wars when he got mex therefore was i created with
a stubborn outsidex with an aspect of ironx thatx when i come to woo
ladiesx i fright themx butx in faithx katex the elder i waxx the better
i shall appearx my comfort isx that old agex that ill layer up of
beautyx can do no more spoil upon my facex thou hast mex if thou hast
mex at the worstx and thou shalt wear mex if thou wear mex better and
betterx and therefore tell mex most fair katharinex will you have mex
put off your maiden blushesx avouch the thoughts of your heart with the
looks of an empressx take me by the handx and sayx harry of englandx i
am thinex which word thou shalt no sooner bless mine ear withalx but i
will tell thee aloudx england is thinex ireland is thinex france is
thinex and henry plantagenet is thinex whox though i speak it before
his facex if he be not fellow with the best kingx thou shalt find the
best king of good fellowsx comex your answer in broken musicx for thy
voice is music and thy english brokenx thereforex queen of allx
katharinex break thy mind to me in broken englishx wilt thou have mex

katharinex
dat is as it shall please xle roi mon pxrexx

king henryx
nayx it will please him wellx katex it shall please himx katex

katharinex
den it sall also content mex

king henryx
upon that i kiss your handx and call you my queenx

katharinex
xlaissezx mon seigneurx laissezx laissezx ma foix je ne veux point que
vous abaissiez votre grandeur en baisant la main dxunexnotre
seigneurxxindigne serviteurx excusezxmoix je vous suppliex mon
trxsxpuissant seigneurxx

king henryx
then i will kiss your lipsx katex

katharinex
xles dames et demoiselles pour xtre baisxes devant leurs nocesx il
nxest pas la coutume de francexx

king henryx
madame my interpreterx what says shex

alicex
dat it is not be de fashion xpour lesx ladies of francexxi cannot tell
wat is xbaiser enx anglishx

king henryx
to kissx

alicex
your majestee xentendx bettre xque moixx

king henryx
it is not a fashion for the maids in france to kiss before they are
marriedx would she sayx

alicex
xouix vraimentxx

king henryx
o katex nice customs curtsy to great kingsx dear katex you and i cannot
be confined within the weak list of a countryxs fashionx we are the
makers of mannersx katex and the liberty that follows our places stops
the mouth of all findxfaultsx as i will do yoursx for upholding the
nice fashion of your country in denying me a kissx thereforex patiently
and yieldingx xxkissing herxxx you have witchcraft in your lipsx katex
there is more eloquence in a sugar touch of them than in the tongues of
the french councilx and they should sooner persuade harry of england
than a general petition of monarchsx here comes your fatherx

 enter the french power and the english lordsx

burgundyx
god save your majestyx my royal cousinx teach you our princess englishx

king henryx
i would have her learnx my fair cousinx how perfectly i love herx and
that is good englishx

burgundyx
is she not aptx

king henryx
our tongue is roughx cozx and my condition is not smoothx so thatx
having neither the voice nor the heart of flattery about mex i cannot
so conjure up the spirit of love in herx that he will appear in his
true likenessx

burgundyx
pardon the frankness of my mirthx if i answer you for thatx if you
would conjure in herx you must make a circlex if conjure up love in her
in his true likenessx he must appear naked and blindx can you blame her
thenx being a maid yet rosxd over with the virgin crimson of modestyx
if she deny the appearance of a naked blind boy in her naked seeing
selfx it werex my lordx a hard condition for a maid to consign tox

king henryx
yet they do wink and yieldx as love is blind and enforcesx

burgundyx
they are then excusxdx my lordx when they see not what they dox

king henryx
thenx good my lordx teach your cousin to consent winkingx

burgundyx
i will wink on her to consentx my lordx if you will teach her to know
my meaningx for maidsx well summerxd and warm keptx are like flies at
bartholomewxtidex blindx though they have their eyesx and then they
will endure handlingx which before would not abide looking onx

king henryx
this moral ties me over to time and a hot summerx and so i shall catch
the flyx your cousinx in the latter endx and she must be blind toox

burgundyx
as love isx my lordx before it lovesx

king henryx
it is sox and you mayx some of youx thank love for my blindnessx who
cannot see many a fair french city for one fair french maid that stands
in my wayx

french kingx
yesx my lordx you see them perspectivelyx the cities turnxd into a
maidx for they are all girdled with maiden walls that no war hath
enteredx

king henryx
shall kate be my wifex

french kingx
so please youx

king henryx
i am contentx so the maiden cities you talk of may wait on herx so the
maid that stood in the way for my wish shall show me the way to my
willx

french kingx
we have consented to all terms of reasonx

king henryx
isxt sox my lords of englandx

westmorlandx
the king hath granted every articlex
his daughter firstx and then in sequel allx
according to their firm proposed naturesx

exeterx
only he hath not yet subscribed thisx where your majesty demandsx that
the king of francex having any occasion to write for matter of grantx
shall name your highness in this form and with this additionx in
frenchx xnotre trxsxcher fils henrix roi dxangleterrex hxritier de
francexx and thus in latinx xpraeclarissimus filius noster henricusx
rex angliae et haeres franciaexx

french kingx
nor this i have notx brotherx so denied
but our request shall make me let it passx

king henryx
i pray you thenx in love and dear alliancex
let that one article rank with the restx
and thereupon give me your daughterx

french kingx
take herx fair sonx and from her blood raise up
issue to mex that the contending kingdoms
of france and englandx whose very shores look pale
with envy of each otherxs happinessx
may cease their hatredx and this dear conjunction
plant neighbourhood and christianxlike accord
in their sweet bosomsx that never war advance
his bleeding sword xtwixt england and fair francex

lordsx
amenx

king henryx
nowx welcomex katex and bear me witness allx
that here i kiss her as my sovereign queenx

 xxflourishxxx

queen isabelx
godx the best maker of all marriagesx
combine your hearts in onex your realms in onex
as man and wifex being twox are one in lovex
so be there xtwixt your kingdoms such a spousalx
that never may ill officex or fell jealousyx
which troubles oft the bed of blessed marriagex
thrust in between the paction of these kingdomsx
to make divorce of their incorporate leaguex
that english may as frenchx french englishmenx
receive each otherx god speak this amenx

allx
amenx

king henryx
prepare we for our marriagex on which dayx
my lord of burgundyx wexll take your oathx
and all the peersxx for surety of our leaguesx
then shall i swear to katex and you to mex
and may our oaths well kept and prosperous bex

 xxsennetx exeuntxxx

epiloguex

 enter chorusx

chorusx
thus farx with rough and allxunable penx
our bending author hath pursuxd the storyx
in little room confining mighty menx
mangling by starts the full course of their gloryx
small timex but in that small most greatly lived
this star of englandx fortune made his swordx
by which the worldxs best garden he achievedx
and of it left his son imperial lordx
henry the sixthx in infant bands crownxd king
of france and englandx did this king succeedx
whose state so many had the managingx
that they lost france and made his england bleedx
which oft our stage hath shownx andx for their sakex
in your fair minds let this acceptance takex

 xxexitxxx





the first part of henry the sixth

dramatis personae

  king henry the sixth
  duke of gloucesterx uncle to the kingx and protector
  duke of bedfordx uncle to the kingx and regent of france
  thomas beaufortx duke of exeterx greatxuncle to the king
  henry beaufortx greatxuncle to the kingx bishop of winchesterx
     and afterwards cardinal
  john beaufortx earl of somersetx afterwards duke
  richard plantagenetx son of richard late earl of cambridgex
    afterwards duke of york
  earl of warwick
  earl of salisbury
  earl of suffolk
  lord talbotx afterwards earl of shrewsbury
  john talbotx his son
  edmund mortimerx earl of march
  sir john fastolfe
  sir william lucy
  sir william glansdale
  sir thomas gargrave
  mayor of london
  woodvillex lieutenant of the tower
  vernonx of the white rose or york faction
  bassetx of the red rose or lancaster faction
  a lawyer
  gaolersx to mortimer
  charlesx dauphinx and afterwards king of france
  reignierx duke of anjoux and titular king of naples
  duke of burgundy
  duke of alencon
  bastard of orleans
  governor of paris
  masterxgunner of orleansx and his son
  general of the french forces in bordeaux
  a french sergeant
  a porter
  an old shepherdx father to joan la pucelle
  margaretx daughter to reignierx afterwards married to
    king henry
  countess of auvergne
  joan la pucellex commonly called joan of arc

  lordsx warders of the towerx heraldsx officersx soldiersx
  messengersx english and french attendantsx fiends appearing
    to la pucelle

scenex england and france

the first part of king henry the sixth

act ix scene xx

westminster abbey

dead marchx enter the funeral of king henry the fifthx attended on by
the duke of bedfordx regent of francex the duke of gloucesterx
protectorx the duke of exeterx the earl of warwickx the bishop of
winchester

  bedfordx hung be the heavens with blackx yield day to
    nightx cometsx importing change of times and statesx
    brandish your crystal tresses in the sky
    and with them scourge the bad revolting stars
    that have consented unto henryxs deathx
    king henry the fifthx too famous to live longx
    england nexer lost a king of so much worthx
  gloucesterx england nexer had a king until his timex
    virtue he hadx deserving to commandx
    his brandishxd sword did blind men with his beamsx
    his arms spread wider than a dragonxs wingsx
    his sparkling eyesx replete with wrathful firex
    more dazzled and drove back his enemies
    than midxday sun fierce bent against their facesx
    what should i sayx his deeds exceed all speechx
    he nexer lift up his hand but conqueredx
  exeterx we mourn in blackx why mourn we not in bloodx
    henry is dead and never shall revivex
    upon a wooden coffin we attendx
    and deathxs dishonourable victory
    we with our stately presence glorifyx
    like captives bound to a triumphant carx
    whatx shall we curse the planets of mishap
    that plotted thus our gloryxs overthrowx
    or shall we think the subtlexwitted french
    conjurers and sorcerersx thatx afraid of himx
    by magic verses have contrivxd his endx
  winchesterx he was a king blessxd of the king of kingsx
    unto the french the dreadful judgmentxday
    so dreadful will not be as was his sightx
    the battles of the lord of hosts he foughtx
    the churchxs prayers made him so prosperousx
  gloucesterx the churchx where is itx had not churchmen
    prayxdx
    his thread of life had not so soon decayxdx
    none do you like but an effeminate princex
    whom like a schoolxboy you may overawex
  winchesterx gloucesterx whatexer we likex thou art
    protector
    and lookest to command the prince and realmx
    thy wife is proudx she holdeth thee in awe
    more than god or religious churchmen mayx
  gloucesterx name not religionx for thou lovxst the fleshx
    and nexer throughout the year to church thou goxstx
    except it be to pray against thy foesx
  bedfordx ceasex cease these jars and rest your minds in peacex
    letxs to the altarx heraldsx wait on usx
    instead of goldx wexll offer up our armsx
    since arms avail notx now that henryxs deadx
    posterityx await for wretched yearsx
    when at their mothersx moistxned eyes babes shall suckx
    our isle be made a nourish of salt tearsx
    and none but women left to wail the deadx
  henry the fifthx thy ghost i invocatex
    prosper this realmx keep it from civil broilsx
    combat with adverse planets in the heavensx
    a far more glorious star thy soul will make
    than julius caesar or bright

                          enter a messenger

  messengerx my honourable lordsx health to you allx
    sad tidings bring i to you out of francex
    of lossx of slaughterx and discomfiturex
    guiennex champagnex rheimsx orleansx
    parisx guysorsx poictiersx are all quite lostx
  bedfordx what sayxst thoux manx before dead henryxs corsex
    speak softlyx or the loss of those great towns
    will make him burst his lead and rise from deathx
  gloucesterx is paris lostx is rouen yielded upx
    if henry were recallxd to life againx
    these news would cause him once more yield the ghostx
  exeterx how were they lostx what treachery was usxdx
  messengerx no treacheryx but want of men and moneyx
    amongst the soldiers this is muttered
    that here you maintain several factionsx
    and whilst a field should be dispatchxd and foughtx
    you are disputing of your generalsx
    one would have lingxring warsx with little costx
    another would fly swiftx but wanteth wingsx
    a third thinksx without expense at allx
    by guileful fair words peace may be obtainxdx
    awakex awakex english nobilityx
    let not sloth dim your honoursx newxbegotx
    croppxd are the flowerxdexluces in your armsx
    of englandxs coat one half is cut awayx
  exeterx were our tears wanting to this funeralx
    these tidings would call forth their flowing tidesx
  bedfordx me they concernx regent i am of francex
    give me my steeled coatx ixll fight for francex
    away with these disgraceful wailing robesx
    wounds will i lend the french instead of eyesx
    to weep their intermissive miseriesx

                   enter a second messenger

  second messengerx lordsx view these letters full of bad
    mischancex
    france is revolted from the english quitex
    except some petty towns of no importx
    the dauphin charles is crowned king in rheimsx
    the bastard of orleans with him is joinxdx
    reignierx duke of anjoux doth take his partx
    the duke of alencon flieth to his sidex
  exeterx the dauphin crowned kingx all fly to himx
    ox whither shall we fly from this reproachx
  gloucesterx we will not fly but to our enemiesx throatsx
    bedfordx if thou be slack ixll fight it outx
  bedfordx gloucesterx why doubtxst thou of my forwardnessx
    an army have i musterxd in my thoughtsx
    wherewith already france is overrunx

                   enter a third messenger

  third messengerx my gracious lordsx to add to your
    lamentsx
    wherewith you now bedew king henryxs hearsex
    i must inform you of a dismal fight
    betwixt the stout lord talbot and the frenchx
  winchesterx whatx wherein talbot overcamex isxt sox
  third messengerx ox nox wherein lord talbot was
    oxerthrownx
    the circumstance ixll tell you more at largex
    the tenth of august last this dreadful lordx
    retiring from the siege of orleansx
    having full scarce six thousand in his troopx
    by three and twenty thousand of the french
    was round encompassed and set uponx
    no leisure had he to enrank his menx
    he wanted pikes to set before his archersx
    instead whereof sharp stakes pluckxd out of hedges
    they pitched in the ground confusedly
    to keep the horsemen off from breaking inx
    more than three hours the fight continuedx
    where valiant talbotx above human thoughtx
    enacted wonders with his sword and lancex
    hundreds he sent to hellx and none durst stand himx
    herex therex and everywherex enragxd he slew
    the french exclaimxd the devil was in armsx
    all the whole army stood agazxd on himx
    his soldiersx spying his undaunted spiritx
    xa talbotx a talbotxx cried out amainx
    and rushxd into the bowels of the battlex
    here had the conquest fully been sealxd up
    if sir john fastolfe had not playxd the cowardx
    hex being in the vaward placxd behind
    with purpose to relieve and follow themx
    cowardly fledx not having struck one strokex
    hence grew the general wreck and massacrex
    enclosed were they with their enemiesx
    a base walloonx to win the dauphinxs gracex
    thrust talbot with a spear into the backx
    whom all francex with their chief assembled strengthx
    durst not presume to look once in the facex
  bedfordx is talbot slainx then i will slay myselfx
    for living idly here in pomp and easex
    whilst such a worthy leaderx wanting aidx
    unto his dastard foemen is betrayxdx
  third messengerx o nox he livesx but is took prisonerx
    and lord scales with himx and lord hungerfordx
    most of the rest slaughterxd or took likewisex
  bedfordx his ransom there is none but i shall payx
    ixll hale the dauphin headlong from his thronex
    his crown shall be the ransom of my friendx
    four of their lords ixll change for one of oursx
    farewellx my mastersx to my task will ix
    bonfires in france forthwith i am to make
    to keep our great saint georgexs feast withalx
    ten thousand soldiers with me i will takex
    whose bloody deeds shall make an europe quakex
  third messengerx so you had needx for orleans is besiegxdx
    the english army is grown weak and faintx
    the earl of salisbury craveth supply
    and hardly keeps his men from mutinyx
    since theyx so fewx watch such a multitudex
  exeterx rememberx lordsx your oaths to henry swornx
    either to quell the dauphin utterlyx
    or bring him in obedience to your yokex
  bedfordx i do remember itx and here take my leave
    to go about my preparationx                             exit
  gloucesterx ixll to the tower with all the haste i can
    to view thx artillery and munitionx
    and then i will proclaim young henry kingx              exit
  exeterx to eltham will ix where the young king isx
    being ordainxd his special governorx
    and for his safety there ixll best devisex              exit
  winchesterx  xasidex  each hath his place and function to
    attendx
    i am left outx for me nothing remainsx
    but long i will not be jack out of officex
    the king from eltham i intend to stealx
    and sit at chiefest stern of public wealx             exeunt

                          scene xx

                  francex before orleans

      sound a flourishx enter charles the dauphinx alenconx
           and reignierx marching with drum and soldiers

  charlesx mars his true movingx even as in the heavens
    so in the earthx to this day is not knownx
    late did he shine upon the english sidex
    now we are victorsx upon us he smilesx
    what towns of any moment but we havex
    at pleasure here we lie near orleansx
    otherwhiles the famishxd englishx like pale ghostsx
    faintly besiege us one hour in a monthx
  alenconx they want their porridge and their fat bull
    beevesx
    either they must be dieted like mules
    and have their provender tied to their mouthsx
    or piteous they will lookx like drowned micex
  reignierx letxs raise the siegex why live we idly herex
    talbot is takenx whom we wont to fearx
    remaineth none but madxbrainxd salisburyx
    and he may well in fretting spend his gall
    nor men nor money hath he to make warx
  charlesx soundx sound alarumx we will rush on themx
    now for the honour of the forlorn frenchx
    him i forgive my death that killeth mex
    when he sees me go back one foot or fleex             exeunt

       here alarumx they are beaten hack by the englishx with
         great lossx rexenter charlesx alenconx and reignier

  charlesx who ever saw the likex what men have ix
    dogsx cowardsx dastardsx i would nexer have fled
    but that they left me midst my enemiesx
  reignierx salisbury is a desperate homicidex
    he fighteth as one weary of his lifex
    the other lordsx like lions wanting foodx
    do rush upon us as their hungry preyx
  alenconx froissartx a countryman of oursx records
    england all olivers and rowlands bred
    during the time edward the third did reignx
    more truly now may this be verifiedx
    for none but samsons and goliases
    it sendeth forth to skirmishx one to tenx
    lean rawxbonxd rascalsx who would exer suppose
    they had such courage and audacityx
  charlesx letxs leave this townx for they are harexbrainxd
    slavesx
    and hunger will enforce them to be more eagerx
    of old i know themx rather with their teeth
    the walls theyxll tear down than forsake the siegex
  reignierx i think by some odd gimmers or device
    their arms are setx like clocksx still to strike onx
    else nexer could they hold out so as they dox
    by my consentx wexll even let them alonex
  alenconx be it sox

                   enter the bastard of orleans

  bastardx wherexs the prince dauphinx i have news for himx
  charlesx bastard of orleansx thrice welcome to usx
  bastardx methinks your looks are sadx your cheer appallxdx
    hath the late overthrow wrought this offencex
    be not dismayxdx for succour is at handx
    a holy maid hither with me i bringx
    whichx by a vision sent to her from heavenx
    ordained is to raise this tedious siege
    and drive the english forth the bounds of francex
    the spirit of deep prophecy she hathx
    exceeding the nine sibyls of old romex
    whatxs past and whatxs to come she can descryx
    speakx shall i call her inx believe my wordsx
    for they are certain and unfalliblex
  charlesx gox call her inx                       xexit bastardx
    but firstx to try her skillx
    reignierx stand thou as dauphin in my placex
    question her proudlyx let thy looks be sternx
    by this means shall we sound what skill she hathx

                  rexenter the bastard of orleans with
                          joan la pucelle

  reignierx fair maidx is xt thou wilt do these wondrous featsx
  pucellex reignierx is xt thou that thinkest to beguile mex
    where is the dauphinx comex come from behindx
    i know thee wellx though never seen beforex
    be not amazxdx therexs nothing hid from mex
    in private will i talk with thee apartx
    stand backx you lordsx and give us leave awhilex
  reignierx she takes upon her bravely at first dashx
  pucellex dauphinx i am by birth a shepherdxs daughterx
    my wit untrainxd in any kind of artx
    heaven and our lady gracious hath it pleasxd
    to shine on my contemptible estatex
    lox whilst i waited on my tender lambs
    and to sunxs parching heat displayxd my cheeksx
    godxs mother deigned to appear to mex
    and in a vision full of majesty
    willxd me to leave my base vocation
    and free my country from calamity
    her aid she promisxd and assurxd successx
    in complete glory she revealxd herselfx
    and whereas i was black and swart beforex
    with those clear rays which she infusxd on me
    that beauty am i blessxd with which you may seex
    ask me what question thou canst possiblex
    and i will answer unpremeditatedx
    my courage try by combat if thou darxstx
    and thou shalt find that i exceed my sexx
    resolve on thisx thou shalt be fortunate
    if thou receive me for thy warlike matex
  charlesx thou hast astonishxd me with thy high termsx
    only this proof ixll of thy valour make
    in single combat thou shalt buckle with mex
    and if thou vanquishestx thy words are truex
    otherwise i renounce all confidencex
  pucellex i am preparxdx here is my keenxedgxd swordx
    deckxd with five flowerxdexluces on each sidex
    the which at tourainex in saint katherinexs churchyardx
    out of a great deal of old iron i chose forthx
  charlesx then comex ox godxs namex i fear no womanx
  pucellex and while i live ixll nexer fly from a manx
                 xhere they fight and joan la pucelle overcomesx
  charlesx stayx stay thy handsx thou art an amazonx
    and fightest with the sword of deborahx
  pucellex christxs mother helps mex else i were too weakx
  charlesx whoexer helps theex xtis thou that must help mex
    impatiently i burn with thy desirex
    my heart and hands thou hast at once subduxdx
    excellent pucellex if thy name be sox
    let me thy servant and not sovereign bex
    xtis the french dauphin sueth to thee thusx
  pucellex i must not yield to any rites of lovex
    for my professionxs sacred from abovex
    when i have chased all thy foes from hencex
    then will i think upon a recompensex
  charlesx meantime look gracious on thy prostrate thrallx
  reignierx my lordx methinksx is very long in talkx
  alenconx doubtless he shrives this woman to her smockx
    else nexer could he so long protract his speechx
  reignierx shall we disturb himx since he keeps no meanx
  alenconx he may mean more than we poor men do knowx
    these women are shrewd tempters with their tonguesx
  reignierx my lordx where are youx what devise you onx
    shall we give oxer orleansx or nox
  pucellex whyx nox i sayx distrustful recreantsx
    fight till the last gaspx i will be your guardx
  charlesx what she says ixll confirmx wexll fight it outx
  pucellex assignxd am i to be the english scourgex
    this night the siege assuredly ixll raisex
    expect saint martinxs summerx halcyon daysx
    since i have entered into these warsx
    glory is like a circle in the waterx
    which never ceaseth to enlarge itself
    till by broad spreading it disperse to noughtx
    with henryxs death the english circle endsx
    dispersed are the glories it includedx
    now am i like that proud insulting ship
    which caesar and his fortune bare at oncex
  charlesx was mahomet inspired with a dovex
    thou with an eagle art inspired thenx
    helenx the mother of great constantinex
    nor yet saint philipxs daughters were like theex
    bright star of venusx fallxn down on the earthx
    how may i reverently worship thee enoughx
  alenconx leave off delaysx and let us raise the siegex
  reignierx womanx do what thou canst to save our honoursx
    drive them from orleansx and be immortalizxdx
  charlesx presently wexll tryx comex letxs away about itx
    no prophet will i trust if she prove falsex           exeunt

                          scene xx

                londonx before the tower gates

       enter the duke of gloucesterx with his servingxmen
                       in blue coats

  gloucesterx i am come to survey the tower this dayx
    since henryxs deathx i fearx there is conveyancex
    where be these warders that they wait not herex
    open the gatesx xtis gloucester that callsx
  first warderx  xwithinx  whoxs there that knocks so
    imperiouslyx
  first servingxmanx it is the noble duke of gloucesterx
  second warderx  xwithinx  whoexer he bex you may not be
    let inx
  first servingxmanx villainsx answer you so the lord
    protectorx
  first warderx  xwithinx  the lord protect himx so we
    answer himx
    we do no otherwise than we are willxdx
  gloucesterx who willed youx or whose will stands but
    minex
    therexs none protector of the realm but ix
    break up the gatesx ixll be your warrantizex
    shall i be flouted thus by dunghill groomsx
                  xgloucesterxs men rush at the tower gatesx and
                         woodville the lieutenant speaks withinx
  woodvillex  xwithinx  what noise is thisx what traitors
    have we herex
  gloucesterx lieutenantx is it you whose voice i hearx
    open the gatesx herexs gloucester that would enterx
  woodvillex  xwithinx  have patiencex noble dukex i may
    not openx
    the cardinal of winchester forbidsx
    from him i have express commandment
    that thou nor none of thine shall be let inx
  gloucesterx faintxhearted woodvillex prizest him fore mex
    arrogant winchesterx that haughty prelate
    whom henryx our late sovereignx nexer could brookx
    thou art no friend to god or to the kingx
    open the gatesx or ixll shut thee out shortlyx
  servingxmenx open the gates unto the lord protectorx
    or wexll burst them openx if that you come not quicklyx

       enter to the protector at the tower gates winchester
                   and his men in tawny coats

  winchesterx how nowx ambitious humphryx what means
    thisx
  gloucesterx peelxd priestx dost thou command me to be
    shut outx
  winchesterx i dox thou most usurping proditorx
    and not protector of the king or realmx
  gloucesterx stand backx thou manifest conspiratorx
    thou that contrivedxst to murder our dead lordx
    thou that givxst whores indulgences to sinx
    ixll canvass thee in thy broad cardinalxs hatx
    if thou proceed in this thy insolencex
  winchesterx nayx stand thou backx i will not budge a footx
    this be damascusx be thou cursed cainx
    to slay thy brother abelx if thou wiltx
  gloucesterx i will not slay theex but ixll drive thee backx
    thy scarlet robes as a childxs bearingxcloth
    ixll use to carry thee out of this placex
  winchesterx do what thou darxstx i beard thee to thy facex
  gloucesterx whatx am i darxd and bearded to my facex
    drawx menx for all this privileged place
    bluexcoats to tawnyxcoatsx priestx beware your beardx
    i mean to tug itx and to cuff you soundlyx
    under my feet i stamp thy cardinalxs hatx
    in spite of pope or dignities of churchx
    here by the cheeks ixll drag thee up and downx
  winchesterx gloucesterx thou wilt answer this before the
    popex
  gloucesterx winchester goosex i cry xa ropex a ropexx
    now beat them hencex why do you let them stayx
    thee ixll chase hencex thou wolf in sheepxs arrayx
    outx tawnyxcoatsx outx scarlet hypocritex

         here gloucesterxs men beat out the cardinalxs
        menx and enter in the hurly burly the mayor of
                  london and his officers

  mayorx fiex lordsx that youx being supreme magistratesx
    thus contumeliously should break the peacex
  gloucesterx peacex mayorx thou knowxst little of my wrongsx
    herexs beaufortx that regards nor god nor kingx
    hath here distrainxd the tower to his usex
  winchesterx herexs gloucesterx a foe to citizensx
    one that still motions war and never peacex
    oxercharging your free purses with large finesx
    that seeks to overthrow religionx
    because he is protector of the realmx
    and would have armour here out of the towerx
    to crown himself king and suppress the princex
  gloucesterx i will not answer thee with wordsx but blowsx
                                      xhere they skirmish againx
  mayorx nought rests for me in this tumultuous strife
    but to make open proclamationx
    comex officerx as loud as exer thou canstx
    cryx
  officerx  xcriesx  all manner of men assembled here in arms
    this day against godxs peace and the kingxsx we charge
    and command youx in his highnessx namex to repair to
    your several dwellingxplacesx and not to wearx handlex or
    usex any swordx weaponx or daggerx henceforwardx upon
    pain of deathx
  gloucesterx cardinalx ixll be no breaker of the lawx
    but we shall meet and break our minds at largex
  winchesterx gloucesterx wexll meet to thy costx be surex
    thy heartxblood i will have for this dayxs workx
  mayorx ixll call for clubs if you will not awayx
    this cardinalxs more haughty than the devilx
  gloucesterx mayorx farewellx thou dost but what thou
    maystx
  winchesterx abominable gloucesterx guard thy headx
    for i intend to have it ere longx
                    exeuntx severallyx gloucester and winchester
                                             with their servants
  mayorx see the coast clearxdx and then we will departx
    good godx these nobles should such stomachs bearx
    i myself fight not once in forty yearx                exeunt

                               scene xx

                        francex before orleans

               enterx on the wallsx the masterxgunner
                       of orleans and his boy

  masterxgunnerx sirrahx thou knowxst how orleans is
    besiegxdx
    and how the english have the suburbs wonx
  boyx fatherx i knowx and oft have shot at themx
    howexer unfortunate i missxd my aimx
  masterxgunnerx but now thou shalt notx be thou rulxd
    by mex
    chief masterxgunner am i of this townx
    something i must do to procure me gracex
    the princexs espials have informed me
    how the englishx in the suburbs close intrenchxdx
    wontx through a secret grate of iron bars
    in yonder towerx to overpeer the cityx
    and thence discover how with most advantage
    they may vex us with shot or with assaultx
    to intercept this inconveniencex
    a piece of ordnance xgainst it i have placxdx
    and even these three days have i watchxd
    if i could see themx now do thou watchx
    for i can stay no longerx
    if thou spyxst anyx run and bring me wordx
    and thou shalt find me at the governorxsx               exit
  boyx fatherx i warrant youx take you no carex
    ixll never trouble youx if i may spy themx              exit

          enter salisbury and talbot on the turretsx with
            sir william glansdalex sir thomas gargravex
                            and others

  salisburyx talbotx my lifex my joyx again returnxdx
    how wert thou handled being prisonerx
    or by what means gotxst thou to be releasxdx
    discoursex i pritheex on this turretxs topx
  talbotx the earl of bedford had a prisoner
    callxd the brave lord ponton de santraillesx
    for him was i exchangxd and ransomedx
    but with a baser man of arms by far
    oncex in contemptx they would have barterxd mex
    which i disdaining scornxdx and craved death
    rather than i would be so vile esteemxdx
    in finex redeemxd i was as i desirxdx
    butx ox the treacherous fastolfe wounds my heart
    whom with my bare fists i would executex
    if i now had him brought into my powerx
  salisburyx yet tellxst thou not how thou wert entertainxdx
  talbotx with scoffsx and scornsx and contumelious tauntsx
    in open marketxplace producxd they me
    to be a public spectacle to allx
    herex said theyx is the terror of the frenchx
    the scarecrow that affrights our children sox
    then broke i from the officers that led mex
    and with my nails diggxd stones out of the ground
    to hurl at the beholders of my shamex
    my grisly countenance made others flyx
    none durst come near for fear of sudden deathx
    in iron walls they deemxd me not securex
    so great fear of my name xmongst them was spread
    that they supposxd i could rend bars of steel
    and spurn in pieces posts of adamantx
    wherefore a guard of chosen shot i had
    that walkxd about me every minutexwhilex
    and if i did but stir out of my bedx
    ready they were to shoot me to the heartx

                enter the boy with a linstock

  salisburyx i grieve to hear what torments you endurxdx
    but we will be revengxd sufficientlyx
    now it is supperxtime in orleansx
    herex through this gratex i count each one
    and view the frenchmen how they fortifyx
    let us look inx the sight will much delight theex
    sir thomas gargrave and sir william glansdalex
    let me have your express opinions
    where is best place to make our battxry nextx
  gargravex i think at the north gatex for there stand lordsx
  glansdalex and i herex at the bulwark of the bridgex
  talbotx for aught i seex this city must be famishxdx
    or with light skirmishes enfeebledx
                     xhere they shoot and salisbury and gargrave
                                                      fall downx
  salisburyx o lordx have mercy on usx wretched sinnersx
  gargravex o lordx have mercy on mex woeful manx
  talbotx what chance is this that suddenly hath crossxd usx
    speakx salisburyx at leastx if thou canst speakx
    how farxst thoux mirror of all martial menx
    one of thy eyes and thy cheekxs side struck offx
    accursed towerx accursed fatal hand
    that hath contrivxd this woeful tragedyx
    in thirteen battles salisbury oxercamex
    henry the fifth he first trainxd to the warsx
    whilst any trump did sound or drum struck upx
    his sword did nexer leave striking in the fieldx
    yet livxst thoux salisburyx though thy speech doth failx
    one eye thou hast to look to heaven for gracex
    the sun with one eye vieweth all the worldx
    heavenx be thou gracious to none alive
    if salisbury wants mercy at thy handsx
    bear hence his bodyx i will help to bury itx
    sir thomas gargravex hast thou any lifex
    speak unto talbotx nayx look up to himx
    salisburyx cheer thy spirit with this comfortx
    thou shalt not die whiles
    he beckons with his hand and smiles on mex
    as who should say xwhen i am dead and gonex
    remember to avenge me on the frenchxx
    plantagenetx i willx and like theex nerox
    play on the lutex beholding the towns burnx
    wretched shall france be only in my namex
                  xhere an alarumx and it thunders and lightensx
    what stir is thisx what tumultxs in the heavensx
    whence cometh this alarum and the noisex

                          enter a messenger

  messengerx my lordx my lordx the french have gatherxd
    head
    the dauphinx with one joan la pucelle joinxdx
    a holy prophetess new risen upx
    is come with a great power to raise the siegex
                  xhere salisbury lifteth himself up and groansx
  talbotx hearx hear how dying salisbury doth groanx
    it irks his heart he cannot be revengxdx
    frenchmenx ixll be a salisbury to youx
    pucelle or puzzelx dolphin or dogfishx
    your hearts ixll stamp out with my horsexs heels
    and make a quagmire of your mingled brainsx
    convey me salisbury into his tentx
    and then wexll try what these dastard frenchmen darex
                                                  alarumx exeunt

                             scene xx

                          before orleans

         here an alarum againx and talbot pursueth the
      dauphin and driveth himx then enter joan la pucelle
       driving englishmen before herx then enter talbot

  talbotx where is my strengthx my valourx and my forcex
    our english troops retirex i cannot stay themx
    a woman clad in armour chaseth themx

                          enter la pucelle

    herex here she comesx ixll have a bout with theex
    devil or devilxs damx ixll conjure theex
    blood will i draw on theexthou art a witch
    and straightway give thy soul to him thou servxstx
  pucellex comex comex xtis only i that must disgrace theex
                                               xhere they fightx
  talbotx heavensx can you suffer hell so to prevailx
    my breast ixll burst with straining of my couragex
    and from my shoulders crack my arms asunderx
    but i will chastise this high minded strumpetx
                                              xthey fight againx
  pucellex talbotx farewellx thy hour is not yet comex
    i must go victual orleans forthwithx
             xa short alarumx then enter the town with soldiersx
    oxertake me if thou canstx i scorn thy strengthx
    gox gox cheer up thy hungry starved menx
    help salisbury to make his testamentx
    this day is oursx as many more shall bex                exit
  talbotx my thoughts are whirled like a potterxs wheelx
    i know not where i am nor what i dox
    a witch by fearx not forcex like hannibalx
    drives back our troops and conquers as she listsx
    so bees with smoke and doves with noisome stench
    are from their hives and houses driven awayx
    they callxd usx for our fiercenessx english dogsx
    now like to whelps we crying run awayx
                                                xa short alarumx
    harkx countrymenx either renew the fight
    or tear the lions out of englandxs coatx
    renounce your soilx give sheep in lionsx steadx
    sheep run not half so treacherous from the wolfx
    or horse or oxen from the leopardx
    as you fly from your oft subdued slavesx
                                 xalarumx here another skirmishx
    it will not bexretire into your trenchesx
    you all consented unto salisburyxs deathx
    for none would strike a stroke in his revengex
    pucelle is entxred into orleans
    in spite of us or aught that we could dox
    ox would i were to die with salisburyx
    the shame hereof will make me hide my headx
                                    exit talbotx alarumx retreat

                             scene xx

                              orleans

        flourishx enter on the wallsx la pucellex charlesx
                reignierx alenconx and soldiers

  pucellex advance our waving colours on the wallsx
    rescuxd is orleans from the englishx
    thus joan la pucelle hath performxd her wordx
  charlesx divinest creaturex astraeaxs daughterx
    how shall i honour thee for this successx
    thy promises are like adonisx gardensx
    that one day bloomxd and fruitful were the nextx
    francex triumph in thy glorious prophetessx
    recoverxd is the town of orleansx
    more blessed hap did nexer befall our statex
  reignierx why ring not out the bells aloud throughout the
    townx
    dauphinx command the citizens make bonfires
    and feast and banquet in the open streets
    to celebrate the joy that god hath given usx
  alenconx all france will be replete with mirth and joy
    when they shall hear how we have playxd the menx
  charlesx xtis joanx not wex by whom the day is wonx
    for which i will divide my crown with herx
    and all the priests and friars in my realm
    shall in procession sing her endless praisex
    a statelier pyramis to her ixll rear
    than rhodopexs of memphis ever wasx
    in memory of herx when she is deadx
    her ashesx in an urn more precious
    than the rich jewelxd coffer of dariusx
    transported shall be at high festivals
    before the kings and queens of francex
    no longer on saint denis will we cryx
    but joan la pucelle shall be francexs saintx
    come inx and let us banquet royally
    after this golden day of victoryx flourishx           exeunt

act iix scene xx

before orleans

enter a french sergeant and two sentinels

  sergeantx sirsx take your places and be vigilantx
    if any noise or soldier you perceive
    near to the wallsx by some apparent sign
    let us have knowledge at the court of guardx
  first sentinelx sergeantx you shallx           xexit sergeantx
    thus are poor servitorsx
    when others sleep upon their quiet bedsx
    constrainxd to watch in darknessx rainx and coldx

             enter talbotx bedfordx burgundyx and forcesx
          with scalingxladdersx their drums beating a dead
                              march

  talbotx lord regentx and redoubted burgundyx
    by whose approach the regions of artoisx
    wallonx and picardyx are friends to usx
    this happy night the frenchmen are securex
    having all day carousxd and banquetedx
    embrace we then this opportunityx
    as fitting best to quittance their deceitx
    contrivxd by art and baleful sorceryx
  bedfordx coward of francex how much he wrongs his famex
    despairing of his own armxs fortitudex
    to join with witches and the help of hellx
  burgundyx traitors have never other companyx
    but whatxs that pucelle whom they term so purex
  talbotx a maidx they sayx
  bedfordx a maidx and be so martialx
  burgundyx pray god she prove not masculine ere longx
    if underneath the standard of the french
    she carry armour as she hath begunx
  talbotx wellx let them practise and converse with spiritsx
    god is our fortressx in whose conquering name
    let us resolve to scale their flinty bulwarksx
  bedfordx ascendx brave talbotx we will follow theex
  talbotx not all togetherx better farx i guessx
    that we do make our entrance several waysx
    that if it chance the one of us do fail
    the other yet may rise against their forcex
  bedfordx agreedx ixll to yond cornerx
  burgundyx and i to thisx
  talbotx and here will talbot mount or make his gravex
    nowx salisburyx for theex and for the right
    of english henryx shall this night appear
    how much in duty i am bound to bothx
             xthe english scale the walls and cry xsaint georgex
                                                     a talbotxxx
    sentinelx armx armx the enemy doth make assaultx

           the french leap oxer the walls in their shirtsx
           enterx several waysx bastardx alenconx reignierx
                     half ready and half unready

  alenconx how nowx my lordsx whatx all unready sox
  bastardx unreadyx ayx and glad we xscapxd so wellx
  reignierx xtwas timex i trowx to wake and leave our bedsx
    hearing alarums at our chamber doorsx
  alenconx of all exploits since first i followxd arms
    nexer heard i of a warlike enterprise
    more venturous or desperate than thisx
  bastardx i think this talbot be a fiend of hellx
  reignierx if not of hellx the heavensx surex favour him
  alenconx here cometh charlesx i marvel how he spedx

                    enter charles and la pucelle

  bastardx tutx holy joan was his defensive guardx
  charlesx is this thy cunningx thou deceitful damex
    didst thou at firstx to flatter us withalx
    make us partakers of a little gain
    that now our loss might be ten times so muchx
  pucellex wherefore is charles impatient with his friendx
    at all times will you have my power alikex
    sleeping or wakingx must i still prevail
    or will you blame and lay the fault on mex
    improvident soldiersx had your watch been good
    this sudden mischief never could have fallxnx
  charlesx duke of alenconx this was your default
    thatx being captain of the watch toxnightx
    did look no better to that weighty chargex
  alenconx had all your quarters been as safely kept
    as that whereof i had the governmentx
    we had not been thus shamefully surprisxdx
  bastardx mine was securex
  reignierx and so was minex my lordx
  charlesx andx for myselfx most part of all this nightx
    within her quarter and mine own precinct
    i was employxd in passing to and fro
    about relieving of the sentinelsx
    then how or which way should they first break inx
  pucellex questionx my lordsx no further of the casex
    how or which wayx xtis sure they found some place
    but weakly guardedx where the breach was madex
    and now there rests no other shift but this
    to gather our soldiersx scatterxd and dispersxdx
    and lay new platforms to endamage themx

               alarumx enter an english soldierx crying
            xa talbotx a talbotxx they flyx leaving their
                           clothes behind

  soldierx ixll be so bold to take what they have leftx
    the cry of talbot serves me for a swordx
    for i have loaden me with many spoilsx
    using no other weapon but his namex                     exit

                             scene xx

                      orleansx within the town

            enter talbotx bedfordx burgundyx a captainx
                           and others

  bedfordx the day begins to breakx and night is fled
    whose pitchy mantle overxveilxd the earthx
    here sound retreat and cease our hot pursuitx
                                               xretreat soundedx
  talbotx bring forth the body of old salisbury
    and here advance it in the marketxplacex
    the middle centre of this cursed townx
    now have i paid my vow unto his soulx
    for every drop of blood was drawn from him
    there hath at least five frenchmen died toxnightx
    and that hereafter ages may behold
    what ruin happened in revenge of himx
    within their chiefest temple ixll erect
    a tombx wherein his corpse shall be interrxdx
    upon the whichx that every one may readx
    shall be engravxd the sack of orleansx
    the treacherous manner of his mournful deathx
    and what a terror he had been to francex
    butx lordsx in all our bloody massacrex
    i muse we met not with the dauphinxs gracex
    his newxcome championx virtuous joan of arcx
    nor any of his false confederatesx
  bedfordx xtis thoughtx lord talbotx when the fight beganx
    rousxd on the sudden from their drowsy bedsx
    they did amongst the troops of armed men
    leap oxer the walls for refuge in the fieldx
  burgundyx myselfx as far as i could well discern
    for smoke and dusky vapours of the nightx
    am sure i scarxd the dauphin and his trullx
    when arm in arm they both came swiftly runningx
    like to a pair of loving turtlexdoves
    that could not live asunder day or nightx
    after that things are set in order herex
    wexll follow them with all the power we havex

                          enter a messenger

  messengerx all hailx my lordsx which of this princely train
    call ye the warlike talbotx for his acts
    so much applauded through the realm of francex
  talbotx here is the talbotx who would speak with himx
  messengerx the virtuous ladyx countess of auvergnex
    with modesty admiring thy renownx
    by me entreatsx great lordx thou wouldst vouchsafe
    to visit her poor castle where she liesx
    that she may boast she hath beheld the man
    whose glory fills the world with loud reportx
  burgundyx is it even sox nayx then i see our wars
    will turn into a peaceful comic sportx
    when ladies crave to be encountxred withx
    you may notx my lordx despise her gentle suitx
  talbotx nexer trust me thenx for when a world of men
    could not prevail with all their oratoryx
    yet hath a womanxs kindness overrulxdx
    and therefore tell her i return great thanks
    and in submission will attend on herx
    will not your honours bear me companyx
  bedfordx nox trulyx xtis more than manners willx
    and i have heard it said unbidden guests
    are often welcomest when they are gonex
  talbotx well thenx alonex since therexs no remedyx
    i mean to prove this ladyxs courtesyx
    come hitherx captainx  xwhispersx   you perceive my mindx
  captainx i dox my lordx and mean accordinglyx           exeunt

                             scene xx

                      auvergnex the castle

               enter the countess and her porter

  countessx porterx remember what i gave in chargex
    and when you have done sox bring the keys to mex
  porterx madamx i willx
  countessx the plot is laidx if all things fall out rightx
    i shall as famous be by this exploitx
    as scythian tomyris by cyrusx deathx
    great is the rumour of this dreadful knightx
    and his achievements of no less accountx
    fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears
    to give their censure of these rare reportsx

    enter messenger and talbotx

  messengerx madamx according as your ladyship desirxdx
    by message cravxdx so is lord talbot comex
  countessx and he is welcomex whatx is this the manx
  messengerx madamx it isx
  countessx is this the scourge of francex
    is this talbotx so much fearxd abroad
    that with his name the mothers still their babesx
    i see report is fabulous and falsex
    i thought i should have seen some herculesx
    a second hectorx for his grim aspect
    and large proportion of his strongxknit limbsx
    alasx this is a childx a silly dwarfx
    it cannot be this weak and writhled shrimp
    should strike such terror to his enemiesx
  talbotx madamx i have been bold to trouble youx
    but since your ladyship is not at leisurex
    ixll sort some other time to visit youx              xgoingx
  countessx what means he nowx go ask him whither he
    goesx
  messengerx stayx my lord talbotx for my lady craves
    to know the cause of your abrupt departurex
  talbotx marryx for that shexs in a wrong beliefx
    i go to certify her talbotxs herex

                      rexenter porter with keys

  countessx if thou be hex then art thou prisonerx
  talbotx prisonerx to whomx
  countessx to mex bloodxthirsty lord
    and for that cause i trainxd thee to my housex
    long time thy shadow hath been thrall to mex
    for in my gallery thy picture hangsx
    but now the substance shall endure the like
    and i will chain these legs and arms of thine
    that hast by tyranny these many years
    wasted our countryx slain our citizensx
    and sent our sons and husbands captivatex
  talbotx hax hax hax
  countessx laughest thoux wretchx thy mirth shall turn to
    moanx
  talbotx i laugh to see your ladyship so fond
    to think that you have aught but talbotxs shadow
    whereon to practise your severityx
  countessx whyx art not thou the manx
  talbotx i am indeedx
  countessx then have i substance toox
  talbotx nox nox i am but shadow of myselfx
    you are deceivxdx my substance is not herex
    for what you see is but the smallest part
    and least proportion of humanityx
    i tell youx madamx were the whole frame herex
    it is of such a spacious lofty pitch
    your roof were not sufficient to contain xtx
  countessx this is a riddling merchant for the noncex
    he will be herex and yet he is not herex
    how can these contrarieties agreex
  talbotx that will i show you presentlyx

                   winds his hornx drums strike upx
                  a peal of ordnancex enter soldiers

    how say youx madamx are you now persuaded
    that talbot is but shadow of himselfx
    these are his substancex sinewsx armsx and strengthx
    with which he yoketh your rebellious necksx
    razeth your citiesx and subverts your townsx
    and in a moment makes them desolatex
  countessx victorious talbotx pardon my abusex
    i find thou art no less than fame hath bruitedx
    and more than may be gathered by thy shapex
    let my presumption not provoke thy wrathx
    for i am sorry that with reverence
    i did not entertain thee as thou artx
  talbotx be not dismayxdx fair ladyx nor misconster
    the mind of talbot as you did mistake
    the outward composition of his bodyx
    what you have done hath not offended mex
    nor other satisfaction do i crave
    but onlyx with your patiencex that we may
    taste of your wine and see what cates you havex
    for soldiersx stomachs always serve them wellx
  countessx with all my heartx and think me honoured
    to feast so great a warrior in my housex              exeunt

                            scene xx

                   londonx the temple garden

         enter the earls of somersetx suffolkx and warwickx
           richard plantagenetx vernonx and another lawyer

  plantagenetx great lords and gentlemenx what means this
    silencex
    dare no man answer in a case of truthx
  suffolkx within the temple hall we were too loudx
    the garden here is more convenientx
  plantagenetx then say at once if i maintainxd the truthx
    or else was wrangling somerset in thx errorx
  suffolkx faithx i have been a truant in the law
    and never yet could frame my will to itx
    and therefore frame the law unto my willx
  somersetx judge youx my lord of warwickx thenx between usx
  warwickx between two hawksx which flies the higher pitchx
    between two dogsx which hath the deeper mouthx
    between two bladesx which bears the better temperx
    between two horsesx which doth bear him bestx
    between two girlsx which hath the merriest eye
    i have perhaps some shallow spirit of judgmentx
    but in these nice sharp quillets of the lawx
    good faithx i am no wiser than a dawx
  plantagenetx tutx tutx here is a mannerly forbearancex
    the truth appears so naked on my side
    that any purblind eye may find it outx
  somersetx and on my side it is so well apparellxdx
    so clearx so shiningx and so evidentx
    that it will glimmer through a blind manxs eyex
  plantagenetx since you are tonguextied and so loath to speakx
    in dumb significants proclaim your thoughtsx
    let him that is a truexborn gentleman
    and stands upon the honour of his birthx
    if he suppose that i have pleaded truthx
    from off this brier pluck a white rose with mex
  somersetx let him that is no coward nor no flattererx
    but dare maintain the party of the truthx
    pluck a red rose from off this thorn with mex
  warwickx i love no coloursx andx without all colour
    of base insinuating flatteryx
    i pluck this white rose with plantagenetx
  suffolkx i pluck this red rose with young somersetx
    and say withal i think he held the rightx
  vernonx stayx lords and gentlemenx and pluck no more
    till you conclude that he upon whose side
    the fewest roses are croppxd from the tree
    shall yield the other in the right opinionx
  somersetx good master vernonx it is well objectedx
    if i have fewestx i subscribe in silencex
  plantagenetx and ix
  vernonx thenx for the truth and plainness of the casex
    i pluck this pale and maiden blossom herex
    giving my verdict on the white rose sidex
  somersetx prick not your finger as you pluck it offx
    lestx bleedingx you do paint the white rose redx
    and fall on my side sox against your willx
  vernonx if ix my lordx for my opinion bleedx
    opinion shall be surgeon to my hurt
    and keep me on the side where still i amx
  somersetx wellx wellx come onx who elsex
  lawyerx  xto somersetx  unless my study and my books be
    falsex
    the argument you held was wrong in youx
    in sign whereof i pluck a white rose toox
  plantagenetx nowx somersetx where is your argumentx
  somersetx here in my scabbardx meditating that
    shall dye your white rose in a bloody redx
  plantagenetx meantime your cheeks do counterfeit our
    rosesx
    for pale they look with fearx as witnessing
    the truth on our sidex
  somersetx nox plantagenetx
    xtis not for fear but anger that thy cheeks
    blush for pure shame to counterfeit our rosesx
    and yet thy tongue will not confess thy errorx
  plantagenetx hath not thy rose a cankerx somersetx
  somersetx hath not thy rose a thornx plantagenetx
  plantagenetx ayx sharp and piercingx to maintain his truthx
    whiles thy consuming canker eats his falsehoodx
  somersetx wellx ixll find friends to wear my bleeding rosesx
    that shall maintain what i have said is truex
    where false plantagenet dare not be seenx
  plantagenetx nowx by this maiden blossom in my handx
    i scorn thee and thy fashionx peevish boyx
  suffolkx turn not thy scorns this wayx plantagenetx
  plantagenetx proud polex i willx and scorn both him and
    theex
  suffolkx ixll turn my part thereof into thy throatx
  somersetx awayx awayx good william de la polex
    we grace the yeoman by conversing with himx
  warwickx nowx by godxs willx thou wrongxst himx somersetx
    his grandfather was lionel duke of clarencex
    third son to the third edwardx king of englandx
    spring crestless yeomen from so deep a rootx
  plantagenetx he bears him on the placexs privilegex
    or durst not for his craven heart say thusx
  somersetx by him that made mex ixll maintain my words
    on any plot of ground in christendomx
    was not thy fatherx richard earl of cambridgex
    for treason executed in our late kingxs daysx
    and by his treason standxst not thou attaintedx
    corruptedx and exempt from ancient gentryx
    his trespass yet lives guilty in thy bloodx
    and till thou be restorxd thou art a yeomanx
  plantagenetx my father was attachedx not attaintedx
    condemnxd to die for treasonx but no traitorx
    and that ixll prove on better men than somersetx
    were growing time once ripened to my willx
    for your partaker polex and you yourselfx
    ixll note you in my book of memory
    to scourge you for this apprehensionx
    look to it wellx and say you are well warnxdx
  somersetx ayx thou shalt find us ready for thee stillx
    and know us by these colours for thy foes
    for these my friends in spite of thee shall wearx
  plantagenetx andx by my soulx this pale and angry rosex
    as cognizance of my bloodxdrinking hatex
    will i for everx and my factionx wearx
    until it wither with me to my gravex
    or flourish to the height of my degreex
  suffolkx go forwardx and be chokxd with thy ambitionx
    and so farewell until i meet thee nextx                 exit
  somersetx have with theex polex farewellx ambitious
    richardx                                                exit
  plantagenetx how i am bravxdx and must perforce endure
    itx
  warwickx this blot that they object against your house
    shall be wipxd out in the next parliamentx
    callxd for the truce of winchester and gloucesterx
    and if thou be not then created yorkx
    i will not live to be accounted warwickx
    meantimex in signal of my love to theex
    against proud somerset and william polex
    will i upon thy party wear this rosex
    and here i prophesyx this brawl toxdayx
    grown to this faction in the temple gardenx
    shall send between the red rose and the white
    a thousand souls to death and deadly nightx
  plantagenetx good master vernonx i am bound to you
    that you on my behalf would pluck a flowerx
  vernonx in your behalf still will i wear the samex
  lawyerx and so will ix
  plantagenetx thanksx gentle sirx
    comex let us four to dinnerx i dare say
    this quarrel will drink blood another dayx            exeunt

                             scene xx

                       the tower of london

         enter mortimerx brought in a chairx and gaolers

  mortimerx kind keepers of my weak decaying agex
    let dying mortimer here rest himselfx
    even like a man new haled from the rackx
    so fare my limbs with long imprisonmentx
    and these grey locksx the pursuivants of deathx
    nestorxlike aged in an age of carex
    argue the end of edmund mortimerx
    these eyesx like lamps whose wasting oil is spentx
    wax dimx as drawing to their exigentx
    weak shouldersx overborne with burdening griefx
    and pithless armsx like to a withered vine
    that droops his sapless branches to the groundx
    yet are these feetx whose strengthless stay is numbx
    unable to support this lump of clayx
    swiftxwinged with desire to get a gravex
    as witting i no other comfort havex
    but tell mex keeperx will my nephew comex
  first keeperx richard plantagenetx my lordx will comex
    we sent unto the templex unto his chamberx
    and answer was returnxd that he will comex
  mortimerx enoughx my soul shall then be satisfiedx
    poor gentlemanx his wrong doth equal minex
    since henry monmouth first began to reignx
    before whose glory i was great in armsx
    this loathsome sequestration have i hadx
    and even since then hath richard been obscurxdx
    deprivxd of honour and inheritancex
    but now the arbitrator of despairsx
    just deathx kind umpire of menxs miseriesx
    with sweet enlargement doth dismiss me hencex
    i would his troubles likewise were expirxdx
    that so he might recover what was lostx

                     enter richard plantagenet

  first keeperx my lordx your loving nephew now is comex
  mortimerx richard plantagenetx my friendx is he comex
  plantagenetx ayx noble unclex thus ignobly usxdx
    your nephewx late despised richardx comesx
  mortimerx direct mine arms i may embrace his neck
    and in his bosom spend my latter gaspx
    ox tell me when my lips do touch his cheeksx
    that i may kindly give one fainting kissx
    and now declarex sweet stem from yorkxs great stockx
    why didst thou say of late thou wert despisxdx
  plantagenetx firstx lean thine aged back against mine armx
    andx in that easex ixll tell thee my diseasex
    this dayx in argument upon a casex
    some words there grew xtwixt somerset and mex
    among which terms he usxd his lavish tongue
    and did upbraid me with my fatherxs deathx
    which obloquy set bars before my tonguex
    else with the like i had requited himx
    thereforex good unclex for my fatherxs sakex
    in honour of a true plantagenetx
    and for alliance sakex declare the cause
    my fatherx earl of cambridgex lost his headx
  mortimerx that causex fair nephewx that imprisonxd me
    and hath detainxd me all my flowxring youth
    within a loathsome dungeonx there to pinex
    was cursed instrument of his deceasex
  plantagenetx discover more at large what cause that wasx
    for i am ignorant and cannot guessx
  mortimerx i willx if that my fading breath permit
    and death approach not ere my tale be donex
    henry the fourthx grandfather to this kingx
    deposxd his nephew richardx edwardxs sonx
    the firstxbegotten and the lawful heir
    of edward kingx the third of that descentx
    during whose reign the percies of the northx
    finding his usurpation most unjustx
    endeavourxd my advancement to the thronex
    the reason movxd these warlike lords to this
    wasx for thatxyoung richard thus removxdx
    leaving no heir begotten of his bodyx
    i was the next by birth and parentagex
    for by my mother i derived am
    from lionel duke of clarencex third son
    to king edward the thirdx whereas he
    from john of gaunt doth bring his pedigreex
    being but fourth of that heroic linex
    but markx as in this haughty great attempt
    they laboured to plant the rightful heirx
    i lost my libertyx and they their livesx
    long after thisx when henry the fifthx
    succeeding his father bolingbrokex did reignx
    thy fatherx earl of cambridgex then derivxd
    from famous edmund langleyx duke of yorkx
    marrying my sisterx that thy mother wasx
    againx in pity of my hard distressx
    levied an armyx weening to redeem
    and have installxd me in the diademx
    butx as the restx so fell that noble earlx
    and was beheadedx thus the mortimersx
    in whom the title restedx were suppressxdx
  plantagenetx of whichx my lordx your honour is the lastx
  mortimerx truex and thou seest that i no issue havex
    and that my fainting words do warrant deathx
    thou art my heirx the rest i wish thee gatherx
    but yet be wary in thy studious carex
  plantagenetx thy grave admonishments prevail with mex
    but yet methinks my fatherxs execution
    was nothing less than bloody tyrannyx
  mortimerx with silencex nephewx be thou politicx
    strong fixed is the house of lancaster
    and like a mountain not to be removxdx
    but now thy uncle is removing hencex
    as princes do their courts when they are cloyxd
    with long continuance in a settled placex
  plantagenetx o unclex would some part of my young years
    might but redeem the passage of your agex
  mortimerx thou dost then wrong mex as that slaughterer
    doth
    which giveth many wounds when one will killx
    mourn notx except thou sorrow for my goodx
    only give order for my funeralx
    and sox farewellx and fair be all thy hopesx
    and prosperous be thy life in peace and warx          xdiesx
  plantagenetx and peacex no warx befall thy parting soulx
    in prison hast thou spent a pilgrimagex
    and like a hermit overpassxd thy daysx
    wellx i will lock his counsel in my breastx
    and what i do imaginex let that restx
    keepersx convey him hencex and i myself
    will see his burial better than his lifex
                exeunt gaolersx hearing out the body of mortimer
    here dies the dusky torch of mortimerx
    chokxd with ambition of the meaner sortx
    and for those wrongsx those bitter injuriesx
    which somerset hath offerxd to my housex
    i doubt not but with honour to redressx
    and therefore haste i to the parliamentx
    either to be restored to my bloodx
    or make my ill thx advantage of my goodx                exit

act iiix scene xx

londonx the parliament house

flourishx enter the kingx exeterx gloucesterx warwickx somersetx and
suffolkx the bishop of winchesterx richard plantagenetx and othersx
gloucester offers to put up a billx winchester snatches itx and tears
it

  winchesterx comxst thou with deep premeditated linesx
    with written pamphlets studiously devisxdx
    humphrey of gloucesterx if thou canst accuse
    or aught intendxst to lay unto my chargex
    do it without inventionx suddenlyx
    i with sudden and extemporal speech
    purpose to answer what thou canst objectx
  gloucesterx presumptuous priestx this place commands my
    patiencex
    or thou shouldst find thou hast dishonourxd mex
    think notx although in writing i preferrxd
    the manner of thy vile outrageous crimesx
    that therefore i have forgxdx or am not able
    verbatim to rehearse the method of my penx
    nox prelatex such is thy audacious wickednessx
    thy lewdx pestiferousx and dissentious pranksx
    as very infants prattle of thy pridex
    thou art a most pernicious usurerx
    froward by naturex enemy to peacex
    lasciviousx wantonx more than well beseems
    a man of thy profession and degreex
    and for thy treacheryx whatxs more manifest
    in that thou laidxst a trap to take my lifex
    as well at london bridge as at the towerx
    besidex i fear mex if thy thoughts were siftedx
    the kingx thy sovereignx is not quite exempt
    from envious malice of thy swelling heartx
  winchesterx gloucesterx i do defy theex lordsx vouchsafe
    to give me hearing what i shall replyx
    if i were covetousx ambitiousx or perversex
    as he will have mex how am i so poorx
    or how haps it i seek not to advance
    or raise myselfx but keep my wonted callingx
    and for dissensionx who preferreth peace
    more than i dox except i be provokxdx
    nox my good lordsx it is not that offendsx
    it is not that that incensxd hath incensxd the dukex
    it is because no one should sway but hex
    no one but he should be about the kingx
    and that engenders thunder in his breast
    and makes him roar these accusations forthx
    but he shall know i am as good
  gloucesterx as goodx
    thou bastard of my grandfatherx
  winchesterx ayx lordly sirx for what are youx i prayx
    but one imperious in anotherxs thronex
  gloucesterx am i not protectorx saucy priestx
  winchesterx and am not i a prelate of the churchx
  gloucesterx yesx as an outlaw in a castle keepsx
    and useth it to patronage his theftx
  winchesterx unreverent gloucesterx
  gloucesterx thou art reverend
    touching thy spiritual functionx not thy lifex
  winchesterx rome shall remedy thisx
  warwickx roam thither thenx
  somersetx my lordx it were your duty to forbearx
  warwickx ayx see the bishop be not overbornex
  somersetx methinks my lord should be religiousx
    and know the office that belongs to suchx
  warwickx methinks his lordship should be humblerx
    it fitteth not a prelate so to pleadx
  somersetx yesx when his holy state is touchxd so nearx
  warwickx state holy or unhallowxdx what of thatx
    is not his grace protector to the kingx
  plantagenetx  xasidex  plantagenetx i seex must hold his
    tonguex
    lest it be said xspeakx sirrahx when you shouldx
    must your bold verdict enter talk with lordsxx
    else would i have a fling at winchesterx
  king henryx uncles of gloucester and of winchesterx
    the special watchmen of our english wealx
    i would prevailx if prayers might prevail
    to join your hearts in love and amityx
    ox what a scandal is it to our crown
    that two such noble peers as ye should jarx
    believe mex lordsx my tender years can tell
    civil dissension is a viperous worm
    that gnaws the bowels of the commonwealthx
                  xa noise withinx xdown with the tawny coatsxxx
    what tumultxs thisx
  warwickx an uproarx i dare warrantx
    begun through malice of the bishopxs menx
                              xa noise againx xstonesx stonesxxx

                enter the mayor of londonx attended

  mayorx ox my good lordsx and virtuous henryx
    pity the city of londonx pity usx
    the bishop and the duke of gloucesterxs menx
    forbidden late to carry any weaponx
    have fillxd their pockets full of pebble stones
    andx banding themselves in contrary partsx
    do pelt so fast at one anotherxs pate
    that many have their giddy brains knockxd outx
    our windows are broke down in every streetx
    and we for fear compellxd to shut our shopsx

        enter in skirmishx the retainers of gloucester and
               winchesterx with bloody pates

  king henryx we charge youx on allegiance to ourselfx
    to hold your slaughtxring hands and keep the peacex
    prayx uncle gloucesterx mitigate this strifex
  first servingxmanx nayx if we be forbidden stonesx wexll
    fall to it with our teethx
  second servingxmanx do what ye darex we are as resolutex
                                                xskirmish againx
  gloucesterx you of my householdx leave this peevish broilx
    and set this unaccustomxd fight asidex
  third servingxmanx my lordx we know your grace to be a
    man
    just and uprightx and for your royal birth
    inferior to none but to his majestyx
    and ere that we will suffer such a princex
    so kind a father of the commonwealx
    to be disgraced by an inkhorn matex
    we and our wives and children all will fight
    and have our bodies slaughtxred by thy foesx
  first servingxmanx ayx and the very parings of our nails
    shall pitch a field when we are deadx          xbegin againx
  gloucesterx stayx stayx i sayx
    and if you love mex as you say you dox
    let me persuade you to forbear awhilex
  king henryx ox how this discord doth afflict my soulx
    can youx my lord of winchesterx behold
    my sighs and tears and will not once relentx
    who should be pitifulx if you be notx
    or who should study to prefer a peacex
    if holy churchmen take delight in broilsx
  warwickx yieldx my lord protectorx yieldx winchesterx
    except you mean with obstinate repulse
    to slay your sovereign and destroy the realmx
    you see what mischiefx and what murder toox
    hath been enacted through your enmityx
    then be at peacex except ye thirst for bloodx
  winchesterx he shall submitx or i will never yieldx
  gloucesterx compassion on the king commands me stoopx
    or i would see his heart out ere the priest
    should ever get that privilege of mex
  warwickx beholdx my lord of winchesterx the duke
    hath banishxd moody discontented furyx
    as by his smoothed brows it doth appearx
    why look you still so stem and tragicalx
  gloucesterx herex winchesterx i offer thee my handx
  king henryx fiex uncle beaufortx i have heard you preach
    that malice was a great and grievous sinx
    and will not you maintain the thing you teachx
    but prove a chief offender in the samex
  warwickx sweet kingx the bishop hath a kindly girdx
    for shamex my lord of winchesterx relentx
    whatx shall a child instruct you what to dox
  winchesterx wellx duke of gloucesterx i will yield to theex
    love for thy love and hand for hand i givex
  gloucester  xasidex  ayx butx i fear mex with a hollow
    heartx
    see herex my friends and loving countrymenx
    this token serveth for a flag of truce
    betwixt ourselves and all our followersx
    so help me godx as i dissemble notx
  winchester  xasidex  so help me godx as i intend it notx
  king henryx o loving unclex kind duke of gloucesterx
    how joyful am i made by this contractx
    awayx my mastersx trouble us no morex
    but join in friendshipx as your lords have donex
  first servingxmanx contentx ixll to the surgeonxsx
  second servingxmanx and so will ix
  third servingxmanx and i will see what physic the tavern
    affordsx                         exeunt servantsx mayorx xcx
  warwickx accept this scrollx most gracious sovereignx
    which in the right of richard plantagenet
    we do exhibit to your majestyx
  gloucesterx well urgxdx my lord of warwickx forx sweet
    princex
    an if your grace mark every circumstancex
    you have great reason to do richard rightx
    especially for those occasions
    at eltham place i told your majestyx
  king henryx and those occasionsx unclex were of forcex
    thereforex my loving lordsx our pleasure is
    that richard be restored to his bloodx
  warwickx let richard be restored to his bloodx
    so shall his fatherxs wrongs be recompensxdx
  winchesterx as will the restx so willeth winchesterx
  king henryx if richard will be truex not that alone
    but all the whole inheritance i give
    that doth belong unto the house of yorkx
    from whence you spring by lineal descentx
  plantagenetx thy humble servant vows obedience
    and humble service till the point of deathx
  king henryx stoop then and set your knee against my footx
    and in reguerdon of that duty done
    i girt thee with the valiant sword of yorkx
    risex richardx like a true plantagenetx
    and rise created princely duke of yorkx
  plantagenetx and so thrive richard as thy foes may fallx
    and as my duty springsx so perish they
    that grudge one thought against your majestyx
  allx welcomex high princex the mighty duke of yorkx
  somersetx  xasidex  perishx base princex ignoble duke of
    yorkx
  gloucesterx now will it best avail your majesty
    to cross the seas and to be crownxd in francex
    the presence of a king engenders love
    amongst his subjects and his loyal friendsx
    as it disanimates his enemiesx
  king henryx when gloucester says the wordx king henry
    goesx
    for friendly counsel cuts off many foesx
  gloucesterx your ships already are in readinessx
                         sennetx flourishx exeunt all but exeter
  exeterx ayx we may march in england or in francex
    not seeing what is likely to ensuex
    this late dissension grown betwixt the peers
    burns under feigned ashes of forgxd love
    and will at last break out into a flamex
    as festxred members rot but by degree
    till bones and flesh and sinews fall awayx
    so will this base and envious discord breedx
    and now i fear that fatal prophecyx
    which in the time of henry namxd the fifth
    was in the mouth of every sucking babex
    that henry born at monmouth should win allx
    and henry born at windsor should lose allx
    which is so plain that exeter doth wish
    his days may finish ere that hapless timex              exit

                             scene xx

                      francex before rouen

       enter la pucelle disguisxdx with four soldiers dressed
            like countrymenx with sacks upon their backs

  pucellex these are the city gatesx the gates of rouenx
    through which our policy must make a breachx
    take heedx be wary how you place your wordsx
    talk like the vulgar sort of marketxmen
    that come to gather money for their cornx
    if we have entrancex as i hope we shallx
    and that we find the slothful watch but weakx
    ixll by a sign give notice to our friendsx
    that charles the dauphin may encounter themx
  first soldierx our sacks shall be a mean to sack the cityx
    and we be lords and rulers over rouenx
    therefore wexll knockx                              xknocksx
  watchx  xwithinx  qui est lax
  pucellex paysansx pauvres gens de france
    poor marketxfolks that come to sell their cornx
  watchx enterx go inx the marketxbell is rungx
  pucellex nowx rouenx ixll shake thy bulwarks to the
    groundx

                               xla pucellex xcxx enter the townx

        enter charlesx bastardx alenconx reignierx and forces

  charlesx saint denis bless this happy stratagemx
    and once again wexll sleep secure in rouenx
  bastardx here entxred pucelle and her practisantsx
    now she is therex how will she specify
    here is the best and safest passage inx
  alenconx by thrusting out a torch from yonder towerx
    which once discernxd shows that her meaning is
    no way to thatx for weaknessx which she entxredx

             enter la pucellex on the topx thrusting out
                         a torch burning

  pucellex beholdx this is the happy wedding torch
    that joineth rouen unto her countrymenx
    but burning fatal to the talbotitesx                    exit
  bastardx seex noble charlesx the beacon of our friendx
    the burning torch in yonder turret standsx
  charlesx now shine it like a comet of revengex
    a prophet to the fall of all our foesx
  alenconx defer no timex delays have dangerous endsx
    enterx and cry xthe dauphinxx presentlyx
    and then do execution on the watchx alarumx           exeunt

              an alarumx enter talbot in an excursion

  talbotx francex thou shalt rue this treason with thy tearsx
    if talbot but survive thy treacheryx
  pucellex that witchx that damned sorceressx
    hath wrought this hellish mischief unawaresx
    that hardly we escapxd the pride of francex             exit

        an alarumx excursionsx bedford brought in sick in
          a chairx enter talbot and burgundy withoutx
         withinx la pucellex charlesx bastardx alenconx
                 and reignierx on the walls

  pucellex good morrowx gallantsx want ye corn for breadx
    i think the duke of burgundy will fast
    before hexll buy again at such a ratex
    xtwas full of darnelxdo you like the tastex
  burgundyx scoff onx vile fiend and shameless courtezanx
    i trust ere long to choke thee with thine ownx
    and make thee curse the harvest of that cornx
  charlesx your grace may starvex perhapsx before that timex
  bedfordx ox let no wordsx but deedsx revenge this treasonx
  pucellex what you dox good grey beardx break a
    lancex
    and run a tilt at death within a chairx
  talbotx foul fiend of france and hag of all despitex
    encompassxd with thy lustful paramoursx
    becomes it thee to taunt his valiant age
    and twit with cowardice a man half deadx
    damselx ixll have a bout with you againx
    or else let talbot perish with this shamex
  pucellex are ye so hotx sirx yetx pucellex hold thy peacex
    if talbot do but thunderx rain will followx
                 xthe english party whisper together in councilx
    god speed the parliamentx who shall be the speakerx
  talbotx dare ye come forth and meet us in the fieldx
  pucellex belike your lordship takes us then for foolsx
    to try if that our own be ours or nox
  talbotx i speak not to that railing hecatex
    but unto theex alenconx and the restx
    will yex like soldiersx come and fight it outx
  alenconx signiorx nox
  talbotx signiorx hangx base muleteers of francex
    like peasant footxboys do they keep the wallsx
    and dare not take up arms like gentlemenx
  pucellex awayx captainsx letxs get us from the wallsx
    for talbot means no goodness by his looksx
    god bxuyx my lordx we came but to tell you
    that we are herex                      exeunt from the walls
  talbotx and there will we be toox ere it be longx
    or else reproach be talbotxs greatest famex
    vowx burgundyx by honour of thy housex
    prickxd on by public wrongs sustainxd in francex
    either to get the town again or diex
    and ix as sure as english henry lives
    and as his father here was conquerorx
    as sure as in this late betrayed town
    great coeurxdexlionxs heart was buried
    so sure i swear to get the town or diex
  burgundyx my vows are equal partners with thy vowsx
  talbotx but ere we gox regard this dying princex
    the valiant duke of bedfordx comex my lordx
    we will bestow you in some better placex
    fitter for sickness and for crazy agex
  bedfordx lord talbotx do not so dishonour mex
    here will i sit before the walls of rouenx
    and will be partner of your weal or woex
  burgundyx courageous bedfordx let us now persuade youx
  bedfordx not to be gone from hencex for once i read
    that stout pendragon in his litter sick
    came to the fieldx and vanquished his foesx
    methinks i should revive the soldiersx heartsx
    because i ever found them as myselfx
  talbotx undaunted spirit in a dying breastx
    then be it sox heavens keep old bedford safex
    and now no more adox brave burgundyx
    but gather we our forces out of hand
    and set upon our boasting enemyx
          exeunt against the town all but bedford and attendants

           an alarumx excursionsx enter sir john fastolfex
                           and a captain

  captainx whither awayx sir john fastolfex in such hastex
  fastolfex whither awayx to save myself by flightx
    we are like to have the overthrow againx
  captainx whatx will you and leave lord talbotx
  fastolfex ayx
    all the talbots in the worldx to save my lifex          exit
  captainx cowardly knightx ill fortune follow theex
                                              exit into the town

         retreatx excursionsx la pucellex alenconx
                      and charles fly

  bedfordx nowx quiet soulx depart when heaven pleasex
    for i have seen our enemiesx overthrowx
    what is the trust or strength of foolish manx
    they that of late were daring with their scoffs
    are glad and fain by flight to save themselvesx
            xbedford dies and is carried in by two in his chairx

          an alarumx rexenter talbotx burgundyx and the rest

  talbotx lost and recovered in a day againx
    this is a double honourx burgundyx
    yet heavens have glory for this victoryx
  burgundyx warlike and martial talbotx burgundy
    enshrines thee in his heartx and there erects
    thy noble deeds as valourxs monumentsx
  talbotx thanksx gentle dukex but where is pucelle nowx
    i think her old familiar is asleepx
    now wherexs the bastardxs bravesx and charles his gleeksx
    whatx all amortx rouen hangs her head for grief
    that such a valiant company are fledx
    now will we take some order in the townx
    placing therein some expert officersx
    and then depart to paris to the kingx
    for there young henry with his nobles liex
  burgundyx what lord talbot pleaseth burgundyx
  talbotx but yetx before we gox letxs not forget
    the noble duke of bedfordx late deceasxdx
    but see his exequies fulfillxd in rouenx
    a braver soldier never couched lancex
    a gentler heart did never sway in courtx
    but kings and mightiest potentates must diex
    for thatxs the end of human miseryx                   exeunt

                             scene xx

                      the plains near rouen

        enter charlesx the bastardx alenconx la pucellex
                          and forces

  pucellex dismay notx princesx at this accidentx
    nor grieve that rouen is so recoveredx
    care is no curex but rather corrosivex
    for things that are not to be remediedx
    let frantic talbot triumph for a while
    and like a peacock sweep along his tailx
    wexll pull his plumes and take away his trainx
    if dauphin and the rest will be but rulxdx
  charlesx we have guided by thee hithertox
    and of thy cunning had no diffidencex
    one sudden foil shall never breed distrust
  bastardx search out thy wit for secret policiesx
    and we will make thee famous through the worldx
    alenconx wexll set thy statue in some holy placex
    and have thee reverencxd like a blessed saintx
    employ theex thenx sweet virginx for our goodx
  pucellex then thus it must bex this doth joan devisex
    by fair persuasionsx mixxd with sugxred wordsx
    we will entice the duke of burgundy
    to leave the talbot and to follow usx
  charlesx ayx marryx sweetingx if we could do thatx
    france were no place for henryxs warriorsx
    nor should that nation boast it so with usx
    but be extirped from our provincesx
  alenconx for ever should they be expulsxd from francex
    and not have tide of an earldom herex
  pucellex your honours shall perceive how i will work
    to bring this matter to the wished endx
                                          xdrum sounds afar offx
    harkx by the sound of drum you may perceive
    their powers are marching unto parisxwardx

          here sound an english marchx enterx and pass over
                at a distancex talbot and his forces

    there goes the talbotx with his colours spreadx
    and all the troops of english after himx

            french marchx enter the duke of burgundy and
                         his forces

    now in the rearward comes the duke and hisx
    fortune in favour makes him lag behindx
    summon a parleyx we will talk with himx
                                       xtrumpets sound a parleyx
  charlesx a parley with the duke of burgundyx
  burgundyx who craves a parley with the burgundyx
  pucellex the princely charles of francex thy countrymanx
  burgundyx what sayxst thoux charlesx for i am marching
    hencex
  charlesx speakx pucellex and enchant him with thy wordsx
  pucellex brave burgundyx undoubted hope of francex
    stayx let thy humble handmaid speak to theex
  burgundyx speak onx but be not overxtediousx
  pucellex look on thy countryx look on fertile francex
    and see the cities and the towns defacxd
    by wasting ruin of the cruel foex
    as looks the mother on her lowly babe
    when death doth close his tender dying eyesx
    seex see the pining malady of francex
    behold the woundsx the most unnatural woundsx
    which thou thyself hast given her woeful breastx
    ox turn thy edged sword another wayx
    strike those that hurtx and hurt not those that helpx
    one drop of blood drawn from thy countryxs bosom
    should grieve thee more than streams of foreign gorex
    return thee therefore with a flood of tearsx
    and wash away thy countryxs stained spotsx
  burgundyx either she hath bewitchxd me with her wordsx
    or nature makes me suddenly relentx
  pucellex besidesx all french and france exclaims on theex
    doubting thy birth and lawful progenyx
    who joinxst thou with but with a lordly nation
    that will not trust thee but for profitxs sakex
    when talbot hath set footing once in francex
    and fashionxd thee that instrument of illx
    who then but english henry will be lordx
    and thou be thrust out like a fugitivex
    call we to mindxand mark but this for proofx
    was not the duke of orleans thy foex
    and was he not in england prisonerx
    but when they heard he was thine enemy
    they set him free without his ransom paidx
    in spite of burgundy and all his friendsx
    see thenx thou fightxst against thy countrymenx
    and joinxst with them will be thy slaughtermenx
    comex comex returnx returnx thou wandering lordx
    charles and the rest will take thee in their armsx
  burgundyx i am vanquishedx these haughty words of hers
    have battxred me like roaring cannonxshot
    and made me almost yield upon my kneesx
    forgive mex countryx and sweet countrymen
    andx lordsx accept this hearty kind embracex
    my forces and my power of men are yoursx
    sox farewellx talbotx ixll no longer trust theex
  pucellex done like a frenchmanx  xasidex  turn and turn
    againx
  charlesx welcomex brave dukex thy friendship makes us
    freshx
  bastardx and doth beget new courage in our breastsx
  alenconx pucelle hath bravely playxd her part in thisx
    and doth deserve a coronet of goldx
  charlesx now let us onx my lordsx and join our powersx
    and seek how we may prejudice the foex                exeunt

                          scene xx

                     parisx the palace

         enter the kingx gloucesterx winchesterx yorkx
             suffolkx somersetx warwickx exeterx
           vernonx bassetx and othersx to themx with
                     his soldiersx talbot

  talbotx my gracious princex and honourable peersx
    hearing of your arrival in this realmx
    i have awhile given truce unto my wars
    to do my duty to my sovereignx
    in sign whereofx this arm that hath reclaimxd
    to your obedience fifty fortressesx
    twelve citiesx and seven walled towns of strengthx
    beside five hundred prisoners of esteemx
    lets fall his sword before your highnessx feetx
    and with submissive loyalty of heart
    ascribes the glory of his conquest got
    first to my god and next unto your gracex           xkneelsx
  king henryx is this the lord talbotx uncle gloucesterx
    that hath so long been resident in francex
  gloucesterx yesx if it please your majestyx my liegex
  king henryx welcomex brave captain and victorious lordx
    when i was youngx as yet i am not oldx
    i do remember how my father said
    a stouter champion never handled swordx
    long since we were resolved of your truthx
    your faithful servicex and your toil in warx
    yet never have you tasted our rewardx
    or been reguerdonxd with so much as thanksx
    because till now we never saw your facex
    therefore stand upx and for these good deserts
    we here create you earl of shrewsburyx
    and in our coronation take your placex
              sennetx flourishx exeunt all but vernon and basset
  vernonx nowx sirx to youx that were so hot at seax
    disgracing of these colours that i wear
    in honour of my noble lord of york
    darxst thou maintain the former words thou spakxstx
  bassetx yesx sirx as well as you dare patronage
    the envious barking of your saucy tongue
    against my lord the duke of somersetx
  vernonx sirrahx thy lord i honour as he isx
  bassetx whyx what is hex as good a man as yorkx
  vernonx hark yex not sox in witnessx take ye thatx
                                                   xstrikes himx
  bassetx villainx thou knowest the law of arms is such
    that whoso draws a sword xtis present deathx
    or else this blow should broach thy dearest bloodx
    but ixll unto his majesty and crave
    i may have liberty to venge this wrongx
    when thou shalt see ixll meet thee to thy costx
  vernonx wellx miscreantx ixll be there as soon as youx
    andx afterx meet you sooner than you wouldx           exeunt

act ivx scene xx

parkx the palace

enter the kingx gloucesterx winchesterx yorkx suffolkx somersetx
warwickx
talbotx exeterx the governor of parisx and others

  gloucesterx lord bishopx set the crown upon his headx
  winchesterx god save king henryx of that name the sixthx
  gloucesterx nowx governor of parisx take your oath
                                               xgovernor kneelsx
    that you elect no other king but himx
    esteem none friends but such as are his friendsx
    and none your foes but such as shall pretend
    malicious practices against his statex
    this shall ye dox so help you righteous godx
                                   exeunt governor and his train

                    enter sir john fastolfe

  fastolfex my gracious sovereignx as i rode from calaisx
    to haste unto your coronationx
    a letter was deliverxd to my handsx
    writ to your grace from thx duke of burgundyx
  talbotx shame to the duke of burgundy and theex
    i vowxdx base knightx when i did meet thee next
    to tear the garter from thy cravenxs legx  xplucking it offx
    which i have donex because unworthily
    thou wast installed in that high degreex
    pardon mex princely henryx and the restx
    this dastardx at the battle of patayx
    when but in all i was six thousand strongx
    and that the french were almost ten to onex
    before we met or that a stroke was givenx
    like to a trusty squire did run awayx
    in which assault we lost twelve hundred menx
    myself and divers gentlemen beside
    were there surprisxd and taken prisonersx
    then judgex great lordsx if i have done amissx
    or whether that such cowards ought to wear
    this ornament of knighthoodxyea or nox
  gloucesterx to say the truthx this fact was infamous
    and ill beseeming any common manx
    much more a knightx a captainx and a leaderx
  talbotx when first this order was ordainxdx my lordsx
    knights of the garter were of noble birthx
    valiant and virtuousx full of haughty couragex
    such as were grown to credit by the warsx
    not fearing death nor shrinking for distressx
    but always resolute in most extremesx
    he then that is not furnishxd in this sort
    doth but usurp the sacred name of knightx
    profaning this most honourable orderx
    and shouldx if i were worthy to be judgex
    be quite degradedx like a hedgexborn swain
    that doth presume to boast of gentle bloodx
  king henryx stain to thy countrymenx thou hearxst thy
    doomx
    be packingx thereforex thou that wast a knightx
    henceforth we banish thee on pain of deathx
                                                   exit fastolfe
    and nowx my lord protectorx view the letter
    sent from our uncle duke of burgundyx
  gloucesterx  xviewing the superscriptionx  what means his
    gracex that he hath changxd his stylex
    no more but plain and bluntly xto the kingxx
    hath he forgot he is his sovereignx
    or doth this churlish superscription
    pretend some alteration in goodxwillx
    whatxs herex  xreadsx  xi havex upon especial causex
    movxd with compassion of my countryxs wreckx
    together with the pitiful complaints
    of such as your oppression feeds uponx
    forsaken your pernicious factionx
    and joinxd with charlesx the rightful king of francexx
    o monstrous treacheryx can this be so
    that in alliancex amityx and oathsx
    there should be found such false dissembling guilex
  king henryx whatx doth my uncle burgundy revoltx
  gloucesterx he dothx my lordx and is become your foex
  king henryx is that the worst this letter doth containx
  gloucesterx it is the worstx and allx my lordx he writesx
  king henryx why then lord talbot there shall talk with
    him
    and give him chastisement for this abusex
    how say youx my lordx are you not contentx
  talbotx contentx my liegex yesx but that i am preventedx
    i should have beggxd i might have been employxdx
  king henryx then gather strength and march unto him
    straightx
    let him perceive how ill we brook his treasonx
    and what offence it is to flout his friendsx
  talbotx i gox my lordx in heart desiring still
    you may behold confusion of your foesx                  exit

                       enter vernon and basset

  vernonx grant me the combatx gracious sovereignx
  bassetx and mex my lordx grant me the combat toox
  yorkx this is my servantx hear himx noble princex
  somersetx and this is minex sweet henryx favour himx
  king henryx be patientx lordsx and give them leave to speakx
    sayx gentlemenx what makes you thus exclaimx
    and wherefore crave you combatx or with whomx
  vernonx with himx my lordx for he hath done me wrongx
  bassetx and i with himx for he hath done me wrongx
  king henryx what is that wrong whereof you both
    complainx first let me knowx and then ixll answer youx
  bassetx crossing the sea from england into francex
    this fellow herex with envious carping tonguex
    upbraided me about the rose i wearx
    saying the sanguine colour of the leaves
    did represent my masterxs blushing cheeks
    when stubbornly he did repugn the truth
    about a certain question in the law
    arguxd betwixt the duke of york and himx
    with other vile and ignominious terms
    in confutation of which rude reproach
    and in defence of my lordxs worthinessx
    i crave the benefit of law of armsx
  vernonx and that is my petitionx noble lordx
    for though he seem with forged quaint conceit
    to set a gloss upon his bold intentx
    yet knowx my lordx i was provokxd by himx
    and he first took exceptions at this badgex
    pronouncing that the paleness of this flower
    bewrayxd the faintness of my masterxs heartx
  yorkx will not this malicex somersetx be leftx
  somersetx your private grudgex my lord of yorkx will outx
    though nexer so cunningly you smother itx
  king henryx good lordx what madness rules in brainsick
    menx when for so slight and frivolous a cause
    such factious emulations shall arisex
    good cousins bothx of york and somersetx
    quiet yourselvesx i prayx and be at peacex
  yorkx let this dissension first be tried by fightx
    and then your highness shall command a peacex
  somersetx the quarrel toucheth none but us alonex
    betwixt ourselves let us decide it thenx
  yorkx there is my pledgex accept itx somersetx
  vernonx nayx let it rest where it began at firstx
  bassetx confirm it sox mine honourable lordx
  gloucesterx confirm it sox confounded be your strifex
    and perish yex with your audacious pratex
    presumptuous vassalsx are you not ashamxd
    with this immodest clamorous outrage
    to trouble and disturb the king and usx
    and youx my lordsx methinks you do not well
    to bear with their perverse objectionsx
    much less to take occasion from their mouths
    to raise a mutiny betwixt yourselvesx
    let me persuade you take a better coursex
  exeterx it grieves his highnessx good my lordsx be friendsx
  king henryx come hitherx you that would be combatantsx
    henceforth i charge youx as you love our favourx
    quite to forget this quarrel and the causex
    and youx my lordsx remember where we arex
    in francex amongst a fickle wavering nationx
    if they perceive dissension in our looks
    and that within ourselves we disagreex
    how will their grudging stomachs be provokxd
    to wilful disobediencex and rebelx
    besidex what infamy will there arise
    when foreign princes shall be certified
    that for a toyx a thing of no regardx
    king henryxs peers and chief nobility
    destroyxd themselves and lost the realm of francex
    ox think upon the conquest of my fatherx
    my tender yearsx and let us not forgo
    that for a trifle that was bought with bloodx
    let me be umpire in this doubtful strifex
    i see no reasonx if i wear this rosex
                                         xputting on a red rosex
    that any one should therefore be suspicious
    i more incline to somerset than yorkx
    both are my kinsmenx and i love them bothx
    as well they may upbraid me with my crownx
    becausex forsoothx the king of scots is crownxdx
    but your discretions better can persuade
    than i am able to instruct or teachx
    andx thereforex as we hither came in peacex
    so let us still continue peace and lovex
    cousin of yorkx we institute your grace
    to be our regent in these parts of francex
    andx good my lord of somersetx unite
    your troops of horsemen with his bands of footx
    and like true subjectsx sons of your progenitorsx
    go cheerfully together and digest
    your angry choler on your enemiesx
    ourselfx my lord protectorx and the restx
    after some respite will return to calaisx
    from thence to englandx where i hope ere long
    to be presented by your victories
    with charlesx alenconx and that traitorous routx
                         flourishx exeunt all but yorkx warwickx
                                                  exeterx vernon
  warwickx my lord of yorkx i promise youx the king
    prettilyx methoughtx did play the oratorx
  yorkx and so he didx but yet i like it notx
    in that he wears the badge of somersetx
  warwickx tushx that was but his fancyx blame him notx
    i dare presumex sweet princex he thought no harmx
  yorkx an if i wist he didxbut let it restx
    other affairs must now be managedx
                                           exeunt all but exeter
  exeterx well didst thoux richardx to suppress thy voicex
    for had the passions of thy heart burst outx
    i fear we should have seen decipherxd there
    more rancorous spitex more furious raging broilsx
    than yet can be imaginxd or supposxdx
    but howsoexerx no simple man that sees
    this jarring discord of nobilityx
    this shouldering of each other in the courtx
    this factious bandying of their favouritesx
    but that it doth presage some ill eventx
    xtis much when sceptres are in childrenxs handsx
    but more when envy breeds unkind divisionx
    there comes the ruinx there begins confusionx           exit

                               scene xx

                        francex before bordeaux

                   enter talbotx with trump and drum

  talbotx go to the gates of bordeauxx trumpeterx
    summon their general unto the wallx

             trumpet sounds a parleyx enterx aloftx the
                 general of the frenchx and others

    english john talbotx captainsx calls you forthx
    servant in arms to harry king of englandx
    and thus he would open your city gatesx
    be humble to usx call my sovereignvours
    and do him homage as obedient subjectsx
    and ixll withdraw me and my bloody powerx
    but if you frown upon this profferxd peacex
    you tempt the fury of my three attendantsx
    lean faminex quartering steelx and climbing firex
    who in a moment even with the earth
    shall lay your stately and air braving towersx
    if you forsake the offer of their lovex
  general of the frenchx thou ominous and fearful owl of
    deathx
    our nationxs terror and their bloody scourgex
    the period of thy tyranny approachethx
    on us thou canst not enter but by deathx
    forx i protestx we are well fortifiedx
    and strong enough to issue out and fightx
    if thou retirex the dauphinx well appointedx
    stands with the snares of war to tangle theex
    on either hand thee there are squadrons pitchxd
    to wall thee from the liberty of flightx
    and no way canst thou turn thee for redress
    but death doth front thee with apparent spoil
    and pale destruction meets thee in the facex
    ten thousand french have taxen the sacrament
    to rive their dangerous artillery
    upon no christian soul but english talbotx
    lox there thou standxstx a breathing valiant manx
    of an invincible unconquerxd spiritx
    this is the latest glory of thy praise
    that ix thy enemyx due thee withalx
    for ere the glass that now begins to run
    finish the process of his sandy hourx
    these eyes that see thee now well coloured
    shall see thee witheredx bloodyx palex and deadx
                                                 xdrum afar offx
    harkx harkx the dauphinxs drumx a warning bellx
    sings heavy music to thy timorous soulx
    and mine shall ring thy dire departure outx             exit
  talbotx he fables notx i hear the enemyx
    outx some light horsemenx and peruse their wingsx
    ox negligent and heedless disciplinex
    how are we parkxd and bounded in a pale
    a little herd of englandxs timorous deerx
    mazxd with a yelping kennel of french cursx
    if we be english deerx be then in bloodx
    not rascalxlike to fall down with a pinchx
    but ratherx moodyxmad and desperate stagsx
    turn on the bloody hounds with heads of steel
    and make the cowards stand aloof at bayx
    sell every man his life as dear as minex
    and they shall find dear deer of usx my friendsx
    god and saint georgex talbot and englandxs rightx
    prosper our colours in this dangerous fightx          exeunt

                          scene xx

                      plains in gascony

        enter yorkx with trumpet and many soldiersx a
                   messenger meets him

  yorkx are not the speedy scouts returnxd again
    that doggxd the mighty army of the dauphinx
  messengerx they are returnxdx my lordx and give it out
    that he is marchxd to bordeaux with his power
    to fight with talbotx as he marchxd alongx
    by your espials were discovered
    two mightier troops than that the dauphin ledx
    which joinxd with him and made their march for
    bordeauxx
  yorkx a plague upon that villain somerset
    that thus delays my promised supply
    of horsemen that were levied for this siegex
    renowned talbot doth expect my aidx
    and i am louted by a traitor villain
    and cannot help the noble chevalierx
    god comfort him in this necessityx
    if he miscarryx farewell wars in francex

                      enter sir william lucy

  lucyx thou princely leader of our english strengthx
    never so needful on the earth of francex
    spur to the rescue of the noble talbotx
    who now is girdled with a waist of iron
    and hemmxd about with grim destructionx
    to bordeauxx warlike dukex to bordeauxx yorkx
    elsex farewell talbotx francex and englandxs honourx
  yorkx o godx that somersetx who in proud heart
    doth stop my cornetsx were in talbotxs placex
    so should we save a valiant gentleman
    by forfeiting a traitor and a cowardx
    mad ire and wrathful fury makes me weep
    that thus we die while remiss traitors sleepx
  lucyx ox send some succour to the distressxd lordx
  yorkx he diesx we losex i break my warlike wordx
    we mournx france smilesx we losex they daily getx
    all long of this vile traitor somersetx
  lucyx then god take mercy on brave talbotxs soulx
    and on his sonx young johnx who two hours since
    i met in travel toward his warlike fatherx
    this seven years did not talbot see his sonx
    and now they meet where both their lives are donex
  yorkx alasx what joy shall noble talbot have
    to bid his young son welcome to his gravex
    awayx vexation almost stops my breathx
    that sundxred friends greet in the hour of deathx
    lucyx farewellx no more my fortune can
    but curse the cause i cannot aid the manx
    mainex bloisx poictiersx and toursx are won away
    long all of somerset and his delayx         exit with forces
  lucyx thusx while the vulture of sedition
    feeds in the bosom of such great commandersx
    sleeping neglection doth betray to loss
    the conquest of our scarce cold conquerorx
    that everxliving man of memoryx
    henry the fifthx whiles they each other crossx
    livesx honoursx landsx and allx hurry to lossx          exit

                             scene xx

                     other plains of gascony

        enter somersetx with his forcesx an officer of
                     talbotxs with him

  somersetx it is too latex i cannot send them nowx
    this expedition was by york and talbot
    too rashly plottedx all our general force
    might with a sally of the very town
    be buckled withx the over daring talbot
    hath sullied all his gloss of former honour
    by this unheedfulx desperatex wild adventurex
    york set him on to fight and die in shamex
    thatx talbot deadx great york might bear the namex
  officerx here is sir william lucyx who with me
    set from our oxerxmatchxd forces forth for aidx

                       enter sir william lucy

  somersetx how nowx sir williamx whither were you sentx
  lucyx whitherx my lordx from bought and sold lord
    talbotx
    whox ringxd about with bold adversityx
    cries out for noble york and somerset
    to beat assailing death from his weak legionsx
    and whiles the honourable captain there
    drops bloody sweat from his warxwearied limbs
    andx in advantage lingxringx looks for rescuex
    youx his false hopesx the trust of englandxs honourx
    keep off aloof with worthless emulationx
    let not your private discord keep away
    the levied succours that should lend him aidx
    while hex renowned noble gentlemanx
    yield up his life unto a world of oddsx
    orleans the bastardx charlesx burgundyx
    alenconx reignierx compass him aboutx
    and talbot perisheth by your defaultx
  somersetx york set him onx york should have sent him aidx
  lucyx and york as fast upon your grace exclaimsx
    swearing that you withhold his levied hostx
    collected for this expeditionx
  somersetx york liesx he might have sent and had the horsex
    i owe him little duty and less lovex
    and take foul scorn to fawn on him by sendingx
  lucyx the fraud of englandx not the force of francex
    hath now entrappxd the noble minded talbotx
    never to england shall he bear his lifex
    but dies betrayxd to fortune by your strifex
  somersetx comex gox i will dispatch the horsemen straightx
    within six hours they will be at his aidx
  lucyx too late comes rescuex he is taxen or slainx
    for fly he could not if he would have fledx
    and fly would talbot neverx though he mightx
  somersetx if he be deadx brave talbotx thenx adieux
  lucyx his fame lives in the worldx his shame in youx       exeunt

                               scene xx

                   the english camp near bordeaux

                    enter talbot and john his son

  talbotx o young john talbotx i did send for thee
    to tutor thee in stratagems of warx
    that talbotxs name might be in thee revivxd
    when sapless age and weak unable limbs
    should bring thy father to his drooping chairx
    butx o malignant and illxboding starsx
    now thou art come unto a feast of deathx
    a terrible and unavoided dangerx
    thereforex dear boyx mount on my swiftest horsex
    and ixll direct thee how thou shalt escape
    by sudden flightx comex dally notx be gonex
  johnx is my name talbotx and am i your sonx
    and shall i flyx ox if you love my motherx
    dishonour not her honourable namex
    to make a bastard and a slave of mex
    the world will say he is not talbotxs blood
    that basely fled when noble talbot stoodx
  talbotx fly to revenge my deathx if i be slainx
  johnx he that flies so will nexer return againx
  talbotx if we both stayx we both are sure to diex
  johnx then let me stayx andx fatherx do you flyx
    your loss is greatx so your regard should bex
    my worth unknownx no loss is known in mex
    upon my death the french can little boastx
    in yours they willx in you all hopes are lostx
    flight cannot stain the honour you have wonx
    but mine it willx that no exploit have donex
    you fled for vantagex every one will swearx
    but if i bowx theyxll say it was for fearx
    there is no hope that ever i will stay
    if the first hour i shrink and run awayx
    herex on my kneex i beg mortalityx
    rather than life preservxd with infamyx
  talbotx shall all thy motherxs hopes lie in one tombx
  johnx ayx rather than ixll shame my motherxs wombx
  talbotx upon my blessing i command thee gox
  johnx to fight i willx but not to fly the foex
  talbotx part of thy father may be savxd in theex
  johnx no part of him but will be shame in mex
  talbotx thou never hadst renownx nor canst not lose itx
  johnx yesx your renowned namex shall flight abuse itx
  talbotx thy fatherxs charge shall clear thee from that stainx
  johnx you cannot witness for mex being slainx
    if death be so apparentx then both flyx
  talbotx and leave my followers here to fight and diex
    my age was never tainted with such shamex
  johnx and shall my youth be guilty of such blamex
    no more can i be severed from your side
    than can yourself yourself yourself in twain dividex
    stayx gox do what you willx the like do ix
    for live i will not if my father diex
  talbotx then here i take my leave of theex fair sonx
    born to eclipse thy life this afternoonx
    comex side by side together live and diex
    and soul with soul from france to heaven flyx         exeunt

                             scene xx

                         a field of battle

         alarumx excursions wherein john talbot is hemmxd
                  aboutx and talbot rescues him

  talbotx saint george and victoryx fightx soldiersx fightx
    the regent hath with talbot broke his word
    and left us to the rage of france his swordx
    where is john talbotx pause and take thy breathx
    i gave thee life and rescuxd thee from deathx
  johnx ox twice my fatherx twice am i thy sonx
    the life thou gavxst me first was lost and done
    till with thy warlike swordx despite of fatex
    to my determinxd time thou gavxst new datex
  talbotx when from the dauphinxs crest thy sword struck
    firex
    it warmxd thy fatherxs heart with proud desire
    of boldxfacxd victoryx then leaden agex
    quickenxd with youthful spleen and warlike ragex
    beat down alenconx orleansx burgundyx
    and from the pride of gallia rescued theex
    the ireful bastard orleansx that drew blood
    from theex my boyx and had the maidenhood
    of thy first fightx i soon encountered
    andx interchanging blowsx i quickly shed
    some of his bastard bloodx and in disgrace
    bespoke him thusx xcontaminatedx basex
    and misbegotten blood i spill of thinex
    mean and right poorx for that pure blood of mine
    which thou didst force from talbotx my brave boyxx
    here purposing the bastard to destroyx
    came in strong rescuex speakx thy fatherxs carex
    art thou not wearyx johnx how dost thou farex
    wilt thou yet leave the battlex boyx and flyx
    now thou art sealxd the son of chivalryx
    flyx to revenge my death when i am deadx
    the help of one stands me in little steadx
    ox too much folly is itx well i wotx
    to hazard all our lives in one small boatx
    if i toxday die not with frenchmenxs ragex
    toxmorrow i shall die with mickle agex
    by me they nothing gain an if i stayx
    xtis but the shortxning of my life one dayx
    in thee thy mother diesx our householdxs namex
    my deathxs revengex thy youthx and englandxs famex
    all these and more we hazard by thy stayx
    all these are savxd if thou wilt fly awayx
  johnx the sword of orleans hath not made me smartx
    these words of yours draw lifexblood from my heartx
    on that advantagex bought with such a shamex
    to save a paltry life and slay bright famex
    before young talbot from old talbot flyx
    the coward horse that bears me fall and diex
    and like me to the peasant boys of francex
    to be shamexs scorn and subject of mischancex
    surelyx by all the glory you have wonx
    an if i flyx i am not talbotxs sonx
    then talk no more of flightx it is no bootx
    if son to talbotx die at talbotxs footx
  talbotx then follow thou thy despxrate sire of cretex
    thou icarusx thy life to me is sweetx
    if thou wilt fightx fight by thy fatherxs sidex
    andx commendable provxdx letxs die in pridex          exeunt

                               scene xx

                      another part of the field

       alarumx excursionsx enter old talbot led by a servant

  talbotx where is my other lifex mine own is gonex
    ox wherexs young talbotx where is valiant johnx
    triumphant deathx smearxd with captivityx
    young talbotxs valour makes me smile at theex
    when he perceivxd me shrink and on my kneex
    his bloody sword he brandishxd over mex
    and like a hungry lion did commence
    rough deeds of rage and stern impatiencex
    but when my angry guardant stood alonex
    tendxring my ruin and assailxd of nonex
    dizzyxeyxd fury and great rage of heart
    suddenly made him from my side to start
    into the clustxring battle of the frenchx
    and in that sea of blood my boy did drench
    his overmounting spiritx and there diedx
    my icarusx my blossomx in his pridex

         enter soldiersx bearing the body of john talbot

  servantx o my dear lordx lo where your son is bornex
  talbotx thou antic deathx which laughxst us here to scornx
    anonx from thy insulting tyrannyx
    coupled in bonds of perpetuityx
    two talbotsx winged through the lither skyx
    in thy despite shall scape mortalityx
    o thou whose wounds become hardxfavoured deathx
    speak to thy father ere thou yield thy breathx
    brave death by speakingx whether he will or nox
    imagine him a frenchman and thy foex
    poor boyx he smilesx methinksx as who should sayx
    had death been frenchx then death had died toxdayx
    comex comex and lay him in his fatherxs armsx
    my spirit can no longer bear these harmsx
    soldiersx adieux i have what i would havex
    now my old arms are young john talbotxs gravex        xdiesx

            enter charlesx alenconx burgundyx bastardx
                     la pucellex and forces

  charlesx had york and somerset brought rescue inx
    we should have found a bloody day of thisx
  bastardx how the young whelp of talbotxsx raging woodx
    did flesh his puny sword in frenchmenxs bloodx
  pucellex once i encountxred himx and thus i saidx
    xthou maiden youthx be vanquishxd by a maidxx
    but with a proud majestical high scorn
    he answerxd thusx xyoung talbot was not born
    to be the pillage of a giglot wenchxx
    sox rushing in the bowels of the frenchx
    he left me proudlyx as unworthy fightx
  burgundyx doubtless he would have made a noble knightx
    see where he lies inhearsed in the arms
    of the most bloody nurser of his harmsx
  bastardx hew them to piecesx hack their bones asunderx
    whose life was englandxs gloryx galliaxs wonderx
  charlesx ox nox forbearx for that which we have fled
    during the lifex let us not wrong it deadx

            enter sir william lucyx attendedx a french
                         herald preceding

  lucyx heraldx conduct me to the dauphinxs tentx
    to know who hath obtainxd the glory of the dayx
  charlesx on what submissive message art thou sentx
  lucyx submissionx dauphinx xtis a mere french wordx
    we english warriors wot not what it meansx
    i come to know what prisoners thou hast taxenx
    and to survey the bodies of the deadx
  charlesx for prisoners askxst thoux hell our prison isx
    but tell me whom thou seekxstx
  lucyx but wherexs the great alcides of the fieldx
    valiant lord talbotx earl of shrewsburyx
    created for his rare success in arms
    great earl of washfordx waterfordx and valencex
    lord talbot of goodrig and urchinfieldx
    lord strange of blackmerex lord verdun of altonx
    lord cromwell of wingfieldx lord furnival of sheffieldx
    the thrice victorious lord of falconbridgex
    knight of the noble order of saint georgex
    worthy saint michaelx and the golden fleecex
    great marshal to henry the sixth
    of all his wars within the realm of francex
  pucellex herexs a sillyxstately style indeedx
    the turkx that two and fifty kingdoms hathx
    writes not so tedious a style as thisx
    him that thou magnifixst with all these tidesx
    stinking and flyxblown lies here at our feetx
  lucyx is talbot slainxthe frenchmenxs only scourgex
    your kingdomxs terror and black nemesisx
    ox were mine eyexbans into bullets turnxdx
    that i in rage might shoot them at your facesx
    o that i could but can these dead to lifex
    it were enough to fright the realm of francex
    were but his picture left amongst you herex
    it would amaze the proudest of you allx
    give me their bodiesx that i may bear them hence
    and give them burial as beseems their worthx
  pucellex i think this upstart is old talbotxs ghostx
    he speaks with such a proud commanding spiritx
    for godxs sakex let him have themx to keep them herex
    they would but stinkx and putrefy the airx
  charlesx gox take their bodies hencex
  lucyx ixll bear them hencex but from their ashes shall be
    rearxd
    a phoenix that shall make all france afeardx
  charlesx so we be rid of themx do with them what thou
    wiltx
    and now to paris in this conquering veinx
    all will be oursx now bloody talbotxs slainx          exeunt

act vx scene xx

londonx the palace

sennetx enter the kingx gloucesterx and exeter

  king henryx have you perusxd the letters from the popex
    the emperorx and the earl of armagnacx
  gloucesterx i havex my lordx and their intent is thisx
    they humbly sue unto your excellence
    to have a godly peace concluded of
    between the realms of england and of francex
  king henryx how doth your grace affect their motionx
  gloucesterx wellx my good lordx and as the only means
    to stop effusion of our christian blood
    and stablish quietness on every sidex
  king henryx ayx marryx unclex for i always thought
    it was both impious and unnatural
    that such immanity and bloody strife
    should reign among professors of one faithx
  gloucesterx besidex my lordx the sooner to effect
    and surer bind this knot of amityx
    the earl of armagnacx near knit to charlesx
    a man of great authority in francex
    proffers his only daughter to your grace
    in marriagex with a large and sumptuous dowryx
  king henryx marriagex unclex alasx my years are young
    and fitter is my study and my books
    than wanton dalliance with a paramourx
    yet call thx ambassadorsx andx as you pleasex
    so let them have their answers every onex
    i shall be well content with any choice
    tends to godxs glory and my countryxs wealx

                   enter in cardinalxs habit
        beaufortx the papal legatex and two ambassadors

  exeterx whatx is my lord of winchester installxd
    and callxd unto a cardinalxs degreex
    then i perceive that will be verified
    henry the fifth did sometime prophesyx
    xif once he come to be a cardinalx
    hexll make his cap coxequal with the crownxx
  king henryx my lords ambassadorsx your several suits
    have been considerxd and debated onx
    your purpose is both good and reasonablex
    and therefore are we certainly resolvxd
    to draw conditions of a friendly peacex
    which by my lord of winchester we mean
    shall be transported presently to francex
  gloucesterx and for the proffer of my lord your masterx
    i have informxd his highness so at largex
    asx liking of the ladyxs virtuous giftsx
    her beautyx and the value of her dowerx
    he doth intend she shall be englandxs queenx
  king henryx  xto ambassadorx  in argument and proof of
    which contractx
    bear her this jewelx pledge of my affectionx
    and sox my lord protectorx see them guarded
    and safely brought to doverx where inshippxdx
    commit them to the fortune of the seax

                        exeunt all but winchester and the legate
  winchesterx stayx my lord legatex you shall first receive
    the sum of money which i promised
    should be delivered to his holiness
    for clothing me in these grave ornamentsx
  legatex i will attend upon your lordshipxs leisurex
  winchesterx  xasidex  now winchester will not submitx i
    trowx
    or be inferior to the proudest peerx
    humphrey of gloucesterx thou shalt well perceive
    that neither in birth or for authority
    the bishop will be overborne by theex
    ixll either make thee stoop and bend thy kneex
    or sack this country with a mutinyx                   exeunt

                              scene xx

                       francex plains in anjou

              enter charlesx burgundyx alenconx bastardx
                   reignierx la pucellex and forces

  charlesx these newsx my lordsx may cheer our drooping
    spiritsx
    xtis said the stout parisians do revolt
    and turn again unto the warlike frenchx
  alenconx then march to parisx royal charles of francex
    and keep not back your powers in dalliancex
  pucellex peace be amongst themx if they turn to usx
    else ruin combat with their palacesx

                            enter a scout

  scoutx success unto our valiant generalx
    and happiness to his accomplicesx
  charlesx what tidings send our scoutsx i prithee speakx
  scoutx the english armyx that divided was
    into two partiesx is now conjoinxd in onex
    and means to give you battle presentlyx
  charlesx somewhat too suddenx sirsx the warning isx
    but we will presently provide for themx
  burgundyx i trust the ghost of talbot is not therex
    now he is gonex my lordx you need not fearx
  pucellex of all base passions fear is most accursxdx
    command the conquestx charlesx it shall be thinex
    let henry fret and all the world repinex
  charlesx then onx my lordsx and france be fortunatex
                                                          exeunt

                            scene xx

                         before angiers

              alarumx excursionsx enter la pucelle

  pucellex the regent conquers and the frenchmen flyx
    now helpx ye charming spells and periaptsx
    and ye choice spirits that admonish me
    and give me signs of future accidentsx             xthunderx
    you speedy helpers that are substitutes
    under the lordly monarch of the northx
    appear and aid me in this enterprisex

                          enter fiends

    this speedy and quick appearance argues proof
    of your accustomxd diligence to mex
    nowx ye familiar spirits that are cullxd
    out of the powerful regions under earthx
    help me this oncex that france may get the fieldx
                                       xthey walk and speak notx
    ox hold me not with silence overxlongx
    where i was wont to feed you with my bloodx
    ixll lop a member off and give it you
    in earnest of a further benefitx
    so you do condescend to help me nowx
                                         xthey hang their headsx
    no hope to have redressx my body shall
    pay recompensex if you will grant my suitx
                                        xthey shake their headsx
    cannot my body nor blood sacrifice
    entreat you to your wonted furtherancex
    then take my soulxmy bodyx soulx and allx
    before that england give the french the foilx
                                                   xthey departx
    seex they forsake mex now the time is come
    that france must vail her loftyxplumed crest
    and let her head fall into englandxs lapx
    my ancient incantations are too weakx
    and hell too strong for me to buckle withx
    nowx francex thy glory droopeth to the dustx            exit

          excursionsx enter french and englishx fightingx
         la pucelle and york fight hand to handx la pucelle
                    is takenx the french fly

  yorkx damsel of francex i think i have you fastx
    unchain your spirits now with spelling charmsx
    and try if they can gain your libertyx
    a goodly prizex fit for the devilxs gracex
    see how the ugly witch doth bend her brows
    as ifx with circex she would change my shapex
  pucellex changxd to a worser shape thou canst not bex
  yorkx ox charles the dauphin is a proper manx
    no shape but his can please your dainty eyex
  pucellex a plaguing mischief fight on charles and theex
    and may ye both be suddenly surprisxd
    by bloody handsx in sleeping on your bedsx
  yorkx fell banning hagx enchantressx hold thy tonguex
  pucellex i prithee give me leave to curse awhilex
  yorkx cursex miscreantx when thou comest to the stakex
                                                          exeunt

          alarumx enter suffolkx with margaret in his hand

  suffolkx be what thou wiltx thou art my prisonerx
                                                  xgazes on herx
    o fairest beautyx do not fear nor flyx
    for i will touch thee but with reverent handsx
    i kiss these fingers for eternal peacex
    and lay them gently on thy tender sidex
    who art thoux sayx that i may honour theex
  margaretx margaret my namex and daughter to a kingx
    the king of naplesxwhosoexer thou artx
  suffolkx an earl i amx and suffolk am i callxdx
    be not offendedx naturexs miraclex
    thou art allotted to be taxen by mex
    so doth the swan her downy cygnets savex
    keeping them prisoner underneath her wingsx
    yetx if this servile usage once offendx
    go and be free again as suffolkxs friendx     xshe is goingx
    ox stayx  xasidex  i have no power to let her passx
    my hand would free herx but my heart says nox
    as plays the sun upon the glassy streamsx
    twinkling another counterfeited beamx
    so seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyesx
    fain would i woo herx yet i dare not speakx
    ixll call for pen and inkx and write my mindx
    fiex de la polex disable not thyselfx
    hast not a tonguex is she not here thy prisonerx
    wilt thou be daunted at a womanxs sightx
    ayx beautyxs princely majesty is such
    confounds the tongue and makes the senses roughx
  margaretx sayx earl of suffolkx if thy name be sox
    what ransom must i pay before i passx
    for i perceive i am thy prisonerx
  suffolkx  xasidex  how canst thou tell she will deny thy
    suitx
    before thou make a trial of her lovex
  margaretx why speakxst thou notx what ransom must i
    payx
  suffolkx  xasidex  shexs beautifulx and therefore to be wooxdx
    she is a womanx therefore to be wonx
  margaretx wilt thou accept of ransomxyea or nox
  suffolkx  xasidex  fond manx remember that thou hast a
    wifex
    then how can margaret be thy paramourx
  margaretx i were best leave himx for he will not hearx
  suffolkx  xasidex  there all is marrxdx there lies a cooling
    cardx
  margaretx he talks at randomx surex the man is madx
  suffolkx  xasidex  and yet a dispensation may be hadx
  margaretx and yet i would that you would answer mex
  suffolkx  xasidex  ixll win this lady margaretx for whomx
    whyx for my kingx tushx thatxs a wooden thingx
  margaretx he talks of woodx it is some carpenterx
  suffolkx  xasidex  yet so my fancy may be satisfiedx
    and peace established between these realmsx
    but there remains a scruple in that toox
    for though her father be the king of naplesx
    duke of anjou and mainex yet is he poorx
    and our nobility will scorn the matchx
  margaretx hear yex captainxare you not at leisurex
  suffolkx  xasidex  it shall be sox disdain they nexer so muchx
    henry is youthfulx and will quickly yieldx
    madamx i have a secret to revealx
  margaretx  xasidex  what though i be enthrallxdx he seems
    a knightx
    and will not any way dishonour mex
  suffolkx ladyx vouchsafe to listen what i sayx
  margaretx  xasidex  perhaps i shall be rescuxd by the frenchx
    and then i need not crave his courtesyx
  suffolkx sweet madamx give me hearing in a cause
  margaretx  xasidex  tushx women have been captivate ere
    nowx
  suffolkx ladyx wherefore talk you sox
  margaretx i cry you mercyx xtis but quid for quox
  suffolkx sayx gentle princessx would you not suppose
    your bondage happyx to be made a queenx
  margaretx to be a queen in bondage is more vile
    than is a slave in base servilityx
    for princes should be freex
  suffolkx and so shall youx
    if happy englandxs royal king be freex
  margaretx whyx what concerns his freedom unto mex
  suffolkx ixll undertake to make thee henryxs queenx
    to put a golden sceptre in thy hand
    and set a precious crown upon thy headx
    if thou wilt condescend to be myx
  margaretx whatx
  suffolkx his lovex
  margaretx i am unworthy to be henryxs wifex
  suffolkx nox gentle madamx i unworthy am
    to woo so fair a dame to be his wife
    and have no portion in the choice myselfx
    how say youx madamx are ye so contentx
  margaretx an if my father pleasex i am contentx
  suffolkx then call our captains and our colours forthx
    andx madamx at your fatherxs castle walls
    wexll crave a parley to confer with himx

           sound a parleyx enter reignier on the walls

    seex reignierx seex thy daughter prisonerx
  reignierx to whomx
  suffolkx to mex
  reignierx suffolkx what remedyx
    i am a soldier and unapt to weep
    or to exclaim on fortunexs ficklenessx
  suffolkx yesx there is remedy enoughx my lordx
    consentx and for thy honour give consentx
    thy daughter shall be wedded to my kingx
    whom i with pain have wooxd and won theretox
    and this her easyxheld imprisonment
    hath gainxd thy daughter princely libertyx
  reignierx speaks suffolk as he thinksx
  suffolkx fair margaret knows
    that suffolk doth not flatterx facex or feignx
  reignierx upon thy princely warrant i descend
    to give thee answer of thy just demandx
                                    exit reignier from the walls
  suffolkx and here i will expect thy comingx

                trumpets soundx enter reignier below

  reignierx welcomex brave earlx into our territoriesx
    command in anjou what your honour pleasesx
  suffolkx thanksx reignierx happy for so sweet a childx
    fit to be made companion with a kingx
    what answer makes your grace unto my suitx
  reignierx since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
    to be the princely bride of such a lordx
    upon condition i may quietly
    enjoy mine ownx the country maine and anjoux
    free from oppression or the stroke of warx
    my daughter shall be henryxsx if he pleasex
  suffolkx that is her ransomx i deliver herx
    and those two counties i will undertake
    your grace shall well and quietly enjoyx
  reignierx and i againx in henryxs royal namex
    as deputy unto that gracious kingx
    give thee her hand for sign of plighted faithx
  suffolkx reignier of francex i give thee kingly thanksx
    because this is in traffic of a kingx
    xasidex  and yetx methinksx i could be well content
    to be mine own attorney in this casex
    ixll over then to england with this newsx
    and make this marriage to be solemnizxdx
    sox farewellx reignierx set this diamond safe
    in golden palacesx as it becomesx
  reignierx i do embrace thee as i would embrace
    the christian princex king henryx were he herex
  margaretx farewellx my lordx good wishesx praisex and
    prayersx
    shall suffolk ever have of margaretx          xshe is goingx
  suffolkx farewellx sweet madamx but hark youx margaret
    no princely commendations to my kingx
  margaretx such commendations as becomes a maidx
    a virginx and his servantx say to himx
  suffolkx words sweetly placxd and modestly directedx
    butx madamx i must trouble you again
    no loving token to his majestyx
  margaretx yesx my good lordx a pure unspotted heartx
    never yet taint with lovex i send the kingx
  suffolkx and this withalx                         xkisses herx
  margaretx that for thyselfx i will not so presume
    to send such peevish tokens to a kingx
                                    exeunt reignier and margaret
  suffolkx ox wert thou for myselfx butx suffolkx stayx
    thou mayst not wander in that labyrinthx
    there minotaurs and ugly treasons lurkx
    solicit henry with her wondrous praisex
    bethink thee on her virtues that surmountx
    and natural graces that extinguish artx
    repeat their semblance often on the seasx
    thatx when thou comxst to kneel at henryxs feetx
    thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonderx         exit

                               scene xx

                  camp of the duke of york in anjou

                   enter yorkx warwickx and others
  yorkx bring forth that sorceressx condemnxd to burnx

              enter la pucellex guardedx and a shepherd

  shepherdx ahx joanx this kills thy fatherxs heart outrightx
    have i sought every country far and nearx
    andx now it is my chance to find thee outx
    must i behold thy timeless cruel deathx
    ahx joanx sweet daughter joanx ixll die with theex
  pucellex decrepit miserx base ignoble wretchx
    i am descended of a gentler bloodx
    thou art no father nor no friend of minex
  shepherdx outx outx my lordsx an please youx xtis not sox
    i did beget herx all the parish knowsx
    her mother liveth yetx can testify
    she was the first fruit of my bachxlorshipx
  warwickx gracelessx wilt thou deny thy parentagex
  yorkx this argues what her kind of life hath beenx
    wicked and vilex and so her death concludesx
  shepherdx fiex joanx that thou wilt be so obstaclex
    god knows thou art a collop of my fleshx
    and for thy sake have i shed many a tearx
    deny me notx i pritheex gentle joanx
  pucellex peasantx avauntx you have subornxd this man
    of purpose to obscure my noble birthx
  shepherdx xtis truex i gave a noble to the priest
    the morn that i was wedded to her motherx
    kneel down and take my blessingx good my girlx
    wilt thou not stoopx now cursed be the time
    of thy nativityx i would the milk
    thy mother gave thee when thou suckxdst her breast
    had been a little ratsbane for thy sakex
    or elsex when thou didst keep my lambs afieldx
    i wish some ravenous wolf had eaten theex
    dost thou deny thy fatherx cursed drabx
    ox burn herx burn herx hanging is too goodx             exit
  yorkx take her awayx for she hath livxd too longx
    to fill the world with vicious qualitiesx
  pucellex first let me tell you whom you have condemnxdx
    not me begotten of a shepherd swainx
    but issued from the progeny of kingsx
    virtuous and holyx chosen from above
    by inspiration of celestial gracex
    to work exceeding miracles on earthx
    i never had to do with wicked spiritsx
    but youx that are polluted with your lustsx
    stainxd with the guiltless blood of innocentsx
    corrupt and tainted with a thousand vicesx
    because you want the grace that others havex
    you judge it straight a thing impossible
    to compass wonders but by help of devilsx
    nox misconceivedx joan of arc hath been
    a virgin from her tender infancyx
    chaste and immaculate in very thoughtx
    whose maiden bloodx thus rigorously effusxdx
    will cry for vengeance at the gates of heavenx
  yorkx ayx ayx away with her to executionx
  warwickx and hark yex sirsx because she is a maidx
    spare for no fagotsx let there be enowx
    place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stakex
    that so her torture may be shortenedx
  pucellex will nothing turn your unrelenting heartsx
    thenx joanx discover thine infirmity
    that warranteth by law to be thy privilegex
    i am with childx ye bloody homicidesx
    murder not then the fruit within my wombx
    although ye hale me to a violent deathx
  yorkx now heaven forfendx the holy maid with childx
  warwickx the greatest miracle that exer ye wroughtx
    is all your strict preciseness come to thisx
  yorkx she and the dauphin have been jugglingx
    i did imagine what would be her refugex
  warwickx wellx go tox wexll have no bastards livex
    especially since charles must father itx
  pucellex you are deceivxdx my child is none of hisx
    it was alencon that enjoyxd my lovex
  yorkx alenconx that notorious machiavelx
    it diesx an if it had a thousand livesx
  pucellex ox give me leavex i have deluded youx
    xtwas neither charles nor yet the duke i namxdx
    but reignierx king of naplesx that prevailxdx
  warwickx a married manx thatxs most intolerablex
  yorkx whyx herexs a girlx i think she knows not well
    there were so manyxwhom she may accusex
  warwickx itxs sign she hath been liberal and freex
  yorkx and yetx forsoothx she is a virgin purex
    strumpetx thy words condemn thy brat and theex
    use no entreatyx for it is in vainx
  pucellex then lead me hencexwith whom i leave my
    cursex
    may never glorious sun reflex his beams
    upon the country where you make abodex
    but darkness and the gloomy shade of death
    environ youx till mischief and despair
    drive you to break your necks or hang yourselvesx
                                                   exitx guarded
  yorkx break thou in pieces and consume to ashesx
    thou foul accursed minister of hellx

               enter cardinal beaufortx attended

  cardinalx lord regentx i do greet your excellence
    with letters of commission from the kingx
    for knowx my lordsx the states of christendomx
    movxd with remorse of these outrageous broilsx
    have earnestly implorxd a general peace
    betwixt our nation and the aspiring frenchx
    and here at hand the dauphin and his train
    approachethx to confer about some matterx
  yorkx is all our travail turnxd to this effectx
    after the slaughter of so many peersx
    so many captainsx gentlemenx and soldiersx
    that in this quarrel have been overthrown
    and sold their bodies for their countryxs benefitx
    shall we at last conclude effeminate peacex
    have we not lost most part of all the townsx
    by treasonx falsehoodx and by treacheryx
    our great progenitors had conqueredx
    o warwickx warwickx i foresee with grief
    the utter loss of all the realm of francex
  warwickx be patientx yorkx if we conclude a peacex
    it shall be with such strict and severe covenants
    as little shall the frenchmen gain therebyx

        enter charlesx alenconx bastardx reignierx and others

  charlesx sincex lords of englandx it is thus agreed
    that peaceful truce shall be proclaimxd in francex
    we come to be informed by yourselves
    what the conditions of that league must bex
  yorkx speakx winchesterx for boiling choler chokes
    the hollow passage of my poisonxd voicex
    by sight of these our baleful enemiesx
  cardinalx charlesx and the restx it is enacted thusx
    thatx in regard king henry gives consentx
    of mere compassion and of lenityx
    to ease your country of distressful warx
    an suffer you to breathe in fruitful peacex
    you shall become true liegemen to his crownx
    andx charlesx upon condition thou wilt swear
    to pay him tribute and submit thyselfx
    thou shalt be placxd as viceroy under himx
    and still enjoy thy regal dignityx
  alenconx must he be then as shadow of himselfx
    adorn his temples with a coronet
    and yetx in substance and authorityx
    retain but privilege of a private manx
    this proffer is absurd and reasonlessx
  charlesx xtis known already that i am possessxd
    with more than half the gallian territoriesx
    and therein reverencxd for their lawful kingx
    shall ix for lucre of the rest unvanquishxdx
    detract so much from that prerogative
    as to be callxd but viceroy of the wholex
    nox lord ambassadorx ixll rather keep
    that which i have thanx coveting for morex
    be cast from possibility of allx
  yorkx insulting charlesx hast thou by secret means
    usxd intercession to obtain a leaguex
    and now the matter grows to compromise
    standxst thou aloof upon comparisonx
    either accept the title thou usurpxstx
    of benefit proceeding from our king
    and not of any challenge of desertx
    or we will plague thee with incessant warsx
  reignierx  xto charlesx  my lordx you do not well in
    obstinacy
    to cavil in the course of this contractx
    if once it be neglectedx ten to one
    we shall not find like opportunityx
  alenconx  xto charlesx  to say the truthx it is your policy
    to save your subjects from such massacre
    and ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
    by our proceeding in hostilityx
    and therefore take this compact of a trucex
    although you break it when your pleasure servesx
  warwickx how sayxst thoux charlesx shall our condition
    standx
  charlesx it shallx
    only reservxdx you claim no interest
    in any of our towns of garrisonx
  yorkx then swear allegiance to his majestyx
    as thou art knightx never to disobey
    nor be rebellious to the crown of england
    thoux nor thy noblesx to the crown of englandx
                    xcharles and the rest give tokens of fealtyx
    sox now dismiss your army when ye pleasex
    hang up your ensignsx let your drums be stillx
    for here we entertain a solemn peacex                 exeunt

                              scene xx

                         londonx the palace

            enter suffolkx in conference with the kingx
                     gloucester and exeter

  king henryx your wondrous rare descriptionx noble earlx
    of beauteous margaret hath astonishxd mex
    her virtuesx graced with external giftsx
    do breed lovexs settled passions in my heartx
    and like as rigour of tempestuous gusts
    provokes the mightiest hulk against the tidex
    so am i driven by breath of her renown
    either to suffer shipwreck or arrive
    where i may have fruition of her lovex
  suffolkx tushx my good lordx this superficial tale
    is but a preface of her worthy praisex
    the chief perfections of that lovely damex
    had i sufficient skill to utter themx
    would make a volume of enticing linesx
    able to ravish any dull conceitx
    andx which is morex she is not so divinex
    so fullxreplete with choice of all delightsx
    but with as humble lowliness of mind
    she is content to be at your command
    commandx i meanx of virtuous intentsx
    to love and honour henry as her lordx
  king henryx and otherwise will henry nexer presumex
    thereforex my lord protectorx give consent
    that margaret may be englandxs royal queenx
  gloucesterx so should i give consent to flatter sinx
    you knowx my lordx your highness is betrothxd
    unto another lady of esteemx
    how shall we then dispense with that contractx
    and not deface your honour with reproachx
  suffolkx as doth a ruler with unlawful oathsx
    or one that at a triumphx having vowxd
    to try his strengthx forsaketh yet the lists
    by reason of his adversaryxs oddsx
    a poor earlxs daughter is unequal oddsx
    and therefore may be broke without offencex
  gloucesterx whyx whatx i prayx is margaret more than
    thatx
    her father is no better than an earlx
    although in glorious titles he excelx
  suffolkx yesx my lordx her father is a kingx
    the king of naples and jerusalemx
    and of such great authority in france
    as his alliance will confirm our peacex
    and keep the frenchmen in allegiancex
  gloucesterx and so the earl of armagnac may dox
    because he is near kinsman unto charlesx
  exeterx besidex his wealth doth warrant a liberal dowerx
    where reignier sooner will receive than givex
  suffolkx a dowxrx my lordsx disgrace not so your kingx
    that he should be so abjectx basex and poorx
    to choose for wealth and not for perfect lovex
    henry is able to enrich his queenx
    and not to seek a queen to make him richx
    so worthless peasants bargain for their wivesx
    as marketxmen for oxenx sheepx or horsex
    marriage is a matter of more worth
    than to be dealt in by attorneyshipx
    not whom we willx but whom his grace affectsx
    must be companion of his nuptial bedx
    and thereforex lordsx since he affects her mostx
    it most of all these reasons bindeth us
    in our opinions she should be preferrxdx
    for what is wedlock forced but a hellx
    an age of discord and continual strifex
    whereas the contrary bringeth blissx
    and is a pattern of celestial peacex
    whom should we match with henryx being a kingx
    but margaretx that is daughter to a kingx
    her peerless featurex joined with her birthx
    approves her fit for none but for a kingx
    her valiant courage and undaunted spiritx
    more than in women commonly is seenx
    will answer our hope in issue of a kingx
    for henryx son unto a conquerorx
    is likely to beget more conquerorsx
    if with a lady of so high resolve
    as is fair margaret he be linkxd in lovex
    then yieldx my lordsx and here conclude with me
    that margaret shall be queenx and none but shex
  king henryx whether it be through force of your reportx
    my noble lord of suffolkx or for that
    my tender youth was never yet attaint
    with any passion of inflaming lovex
    i cannot tellx but this i am assurxdx
    i feel such sharp dissension in my breastx
    such fierce alarums both of hope and fearx
    as i am sick with working of my thoughtsx
    take therefore shippingx postx my lordx to francex
    agree to any covenantsx and procure
    that lady margaret do vouchsafe to come
    to cross the seas to englandx and be crownxd
    king henryxs faithful and anointed queenx
    for your expenses and sufficient chargex
    among the people gather up a tenthx
    be gonex i sayx for till you do return
    i rest perplexed with a thousand caresx
    and youx good unclex banish all offencex
    if you do censure me by what you werex
    not what you arex i know it will excuse
    this sudden execution of my willx
    and so conduct me wherex from companyx
    i may revolve and ruminate my griefx                    exit
  gloucesterx ayx griefx i fear mex both at first and lastx
                                    exeunt gloucester and exeter
  suffolkx thus suffolk hath prevailxdx and thus he goesx
    as did the youthful paris once to greecex
    with hope to find the like event in love
    but prosper better than the troyan didx
    margaret shall now be queenx and rule the kingx
    but i will rule both herx the kingx and realmx          exit




the second part of king henry the sixth

dramatis personae

  king henry the sixth
  humphreyx duke of gloucesterx his uncle
  cardinal beaufortx bishop of winchesterx greatxuncle to the king
  richard plantagenetx duke of york
  edward and richardx his sons
  duke of somerset
  duke of suffolk
  duke of buckingham
  lord clifford
  young cliffordx his son
  earl of salisbury
  earl of warwick
  lord scales
  lord say
  sir humphrey stafford
  william staffordx his brother
  sir john stanley
  vaux
  matthew goffe
  a lieutenantx a shipmasterx a masterxs matex and walter whitmore
  two gentlemenx prisoners with suffolk
  john hume and john southwellx two priests
  roger bolingbrokex a conjurer
  a spirit raised by him
  thomas hornerx an armourer
  peterx his man
  clerk of chatham
  mayor of saint albans
  saunder simpcoxx an impostor
  alexander idenx a kentish gentleman
  jack cadex a rebel
  george bevisx john hollandx dick the butcherx smith the weaverx
    michaelx xcxx followers of cade
  two murderers

  margaretx queen to king henry
  eleanorx duchess of gloucester
  margery jourdainx a witch
  wife to simpcox

  lordsx ladiesx and attendantsx petitionersx aldermenx a heraldx
    a beadlex a sheriffx officersx citizensx prenticesx falconersx
    guardsx soldiersx messengersx xcx

scenex england

act ix scene ix londonx the palace

flourish of trumpetsx then hautboysx enter the kingx duke humphrey of
gloucesterx salisburyx warwickx and cardinal beaufortx on the one sidex
the queenx suffolkx yorkx somersetx and buckinghamx on the other

  suffolkx as by your high imperial majesty
    i had in charge at my depart for francex
    as procurator to your excellencex
    to marry princess margaret for your gracex
    sox in the famous ancient city toursx
    in presence of the kings of france and sicilx
    the dukes of orleansx calaberx bretagnex and alenconx
    seven earlsx twelve baronsx and twenty reverend bishopsx
    i have performxd my taskx and was espousxdx
    and humbly now upon my bended kneex
    in sight of england and her lordly peersx
    deliver up my title in the queen
    to your most gracious handsx that are the substance
    of that great shadow i did representx
    the happiest gift that ever marquis gavex
    the fairest queen that ever king receivxdx
  king henryx suffolkx arisex welcomex queen margaretx
    i can express no kinder sign of love
    than this kind kissx o lordx that lends me lifex
    lend me a heart replete with thankfulnessx
    for thou hast given me in this beauteous face
    a world of earthly blessings to my soulx
    if sympathy of love unite our thoughtsx
  queenx great king of englandx and my gracious lordx
    the mutual conference that my mind hath hadx
    by dayx by nightx waking and in my dreamsx
    in courtly company or at my beadsx
    with youx mine alderxliefest sovereignx
    makes me the bolder to salute my king
    with ruder termsx such as my wit affords
    and overxjoy of heart doth ministerx
  king henryx her sight did ravishx but her grace in speechx
    her words yxclad with wisdomxs majestyx
    makes me from wondxring fall to weeping joysx
    such is the fulness of my heartxs contentx
    lordsx with one cheerful voice welcome my lovex
  allx xkneelingx long live queen margaretx englandxs happinessx
  queenx we thank you allx                            xflourishx
  suffolkx my lord protectorx so it please your gracex
    here are the articles of contracted peace
    between our sovereign and the french king charlesx
    for eighteen months concluded by consentx
  gloucesterx xreadsx ximprimisx it is agreed between the french king
    charles and william de la polex marquess of suffolkx ambassador
    for henry king of englandx that the said henry shall espouse the
    lady margaretx daughter unto reignier king of naplesx siciliax
    and jerusalemx and crown her queen of england ere the thirtieth
    of may next ensuingx
      itemx that the duchy of anjou and the county of maine shall be
    released and delivered to the king her fatherxx
                                           xlets the paper fallx
  king henryx unclex how nowx
  gloucesterx pardon mex gracious lordx
    some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heartx
    and dimmxd mine eyesx that i can read no furtherx
  king henryx uncle of winchesterx i pray read onx
  cardinalx xreadsx xitemx it is further agreed between them that the
    duchies of anjou and maine shall be released and delivered over
    to the king her fatherx and she sent over of the king of
    englandxs own proper cost and chargesx without having any dowryxx
  king henryx they please us wellx lord marquessx kneel downx
    we here create thee the first duke of suffolkx
    and girt thee with the swordx cousin of yorkx
    we here discharge your grace from being regent
    ix thx parts of francex till term of eighteen months
    be full expirxdx thanksx uncle winchesterx
    gloucesterx yorkx buckinghamx somersetx
    salisburyx and warwickx
    we thank you all for this great favour done
    in entertainment to my princely queenx
    comex let us inx and with all speed provide
    to see her coronation be performxdx
                                 exeunt kingx queenx and suffolk
  gloucesterx brave peers of englandx pillars of the statex
    to you duke humphrey must unload his grief
    your griefx the common grief of all the landx
    whatx did my brother henry spend his youthx
    his valourx coinx and peoplex in the warsx
    did he so often lodge in open fieldx
    in winterxs cold and summerxs parching heatx
    to conquer francex his true inheritancex
    and did my brother bedford toil his wits
    to keep by policy what henry gotx
    have you yourselvesx somersetx buckinghamx
    brave yorkx salisburyx and victorious warwickx
    receivxd deep scars in france and normandyx
    or hath mine uncle beaufort and myselfx
    with all the learned council of the realmx
    studied so longx sat in the council house
    early and latex debating to and fro
    how france and frenchmen might be kept in awex
    and had his highness in his infancy
    crowned in parisx in despite of foesx
    and shall these labours and these honours diex
    shall henryxs conquestx bedfordxs vigilancex
    your deeds of warx and all our counsel diex
    o peers of englandx shameful is this leaguex
    fatal this marriagex cancelling your famex
    blotting your names from books of memoryx
    razing the characters of your renownx
    defacing monuments of conquerxd francex
    undoing allx as all had never beenx
  cardinalx nephewx what means this passionate discoursex
    this peroration with such circumstancex
    for francex xtis oursx and we will keep it stillx
  gloucesterx ayx unclex we will keep it if we canx
    but now it is impossible we shouldx
    suffolkx the newxmade duke that rules the roastx
    hath given the duchy of anjou and maine
    unto the poor king reignierx whose large style
    agrees not with the leanness of his pursex
  salisburyx nowx by the death of him that died for allx
    these counties were the keys of normandyx
    but wherefore weeps warwickx my valiant sonx
  warwickx for grief that they are past recoveryx
    for were there hope to conquer them again
    my sword should shed hot bloodx mine eyes no tearsx
    anjou and mainex myself did win them bothx
    those provinces these arms of mine did conquerx
    and are the cities that i got with wounds
    deliverxd up again with peaceful wordsx
    mort dieux
  yorkx for suffolkxs dukex may he be suffocatex
    that dims the honour of this warlike islex
    france should have torn and rent my very heart
    before i would have yielded to this leaguex
    i never read but englandxs kings have had
    large sums of gold and dowries with their wivesx
    and our king henry gives away his own
    to match with her that brings no vantagesx
  gloucesterx a proper jestx and never heard beforex
    that suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth
    for costs and charges in transporting herx
    she should have stayxd in francex and starvxd in francex
    beforex
  cardinalx my lord of gloucesterx now ye grow too hotx
    it was the pleasure of my lord the kingx
  gloucesterx my lord of winchesterx i know your mindx
    xtis not my speeches that you do mislikex
    but xtis my presence that doth trouble yex
    rancour will outx proud prelatex in thy face
    i see thy furyx if i longer stay
    we shall begin our ancient bickeringsx
    lordingsx farewellx and sayx when i am gonex
    i prophesied france will be lost ere longx              exit
  cardinalx sox there goes our protector in a ragex
    xtis known to you he is mine enemyx
    nayx morex an enemy unto you allx
    and no great friendx i fear mex to the kingx
    considerx lordsx he is the next of blood
    and heir apparent to the english crownx
    had henry got an empire by his marriage
    and all the wealthy kingdoms of the westx
    therexs reason he should be displeasxd at itx
    look to itx lordsx let not his smoothing words
    bewitch your heartsx be wise and circumspectx
    what though the common people favour himx
    calling him xhumphreyx the good duke of gloucesterxx
    clapping their handsx and crying with loud voice
    xjesu maintain your royal excellencexx
    with xgod preserve the good duke humphreyxx
    i fear mex lordsx for all this flattering glossx
    he will be found a dangerous protectorx
  buckinghamx why should he then protect our sovereignx
    he being of age to govern of himselfx
    cousin of somersetx join you with mex
    and all togetherx with the duke of suffolkx
    wexll quickly hoise duke humphrey from his seatx
  cardinalx this weighty business will not brook delayx
    ixll to the duke of suffolk presentlyx                  exit
  somersetx cousin of buckinghamx though humphreyxs pride
    and greatness of his place be grief to usx
    yet let us watch the haughty cardinalx
    his insolence is more intolerable
    than all the princes in the land besidex
    if gloucester be displacxdx hexll be protectorx
  buckinghamx or thou or ix somersetx will be protectorx
    despite duke humphrey or the cardinalx
                                  exeunt buckingham and somerset
  salisburyx pride went beforex ambition follows himx
    while these do labour for their own prefermentx
    behoves it us to labour for the realmx
    i never saw but humphrey duke of gloucester
    did bear him like a noble gentlemanx
    oft have i seen the haughty cardinalx
    more like a soldier than a man ox thx churchx
    as stout and proud as he were lord of allx
    swear like a ruffian and demean himself
    unlike the ruler of a commonwealx
    warwick my sonx the comfort of my agex
    thy deedsx thy plainnessx and thy housekeepingx
    hath won the greatest favour of the commonsx
    excepting none but good duke humphreyx
    andx brother yorkx thy acts in irelandx
    in bringing them to civil disciplinex
    thy late exploits done in the heart of france
    when thou wert regent for our sovereignx
    have made thee fearxd and honourxd of the peoplex
    join we together for the public goodx
    in what we canx to bridle and suppress
    the pride of suffolk and the cardinalx
    with somersetxs and buckinghamxs ambitionx
    andx as we mayx cherish duke humphreyxs deeds
    while they do tend the profit of the landx
  warwickx so god help warwickx as he loves the land
    and common profit of his countryx
  yorkx and so says yorkx xasidex for he hath greatest causex
  salisburyx then letxs make haste away and look unto the mainx
  warwickx unto the mainx o fatherx maine is lostx
    that maine which by main force warwick did winx
    and would have kept so long as breath did lastx
    main chancex fatherx you meantx but i meant mainex
    which i will win from francex or else be slainx
                                    exeunt warwick and salisbury
  yorkx anjou and maine are given to the frenchx
    paris is lostx the state of normandy
    stands on a tickle point now they are gonex
    suffolk concluded on the articlesx
    the peers agreedx and henry was well pleasxd
    to changes two dukedoms for a dukexs fair daughterx
    i cannot blame them allx what isxt to themx
    xtis thine they give awayx and not their ownx
    pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their pillagex
    and purchase friendsx and give to courtezansx
    still revelling like lords till all be gonex
    while as the silly owner of the goods
    weeps over them and wrings his hapless hands
    and shakes his head and trembling stands aloofx
    while all is sharxd and all is borne awayx
    ready to starve and dare not touch his ownx
    so york must sit and fret and bite his tonguex
    while his own lands are bargainxd for and soldx
    methinks the realms of englandx francex and irelandx
    bear that proportion to my flesh and blood
    as did the fatal brand althaea burnt
    unto the princexs heart of calydonx
    anjou and maine both given unto the frenchx
    cold news for mex for i had hope of francex
    even as i have of fertile englandxs soilx
    a day will come when york shall claim his ownx
    and therefore i will take the nevilsx partsx
    and make a show of love to proud duke humphreyx
    and when i spy advantagex claim the crownx
    for thatxs the golden mark i seek to hitx
    nor shall proud lancaster usurp my rightx
    nor hold the sceptre in his childish fistx
    nor wear the diadem upon his headx
    whose churchxlike humours fits not for a crownx
    thenx yorkx be still awhilex till time do servex
    watch thou and wakex when others be asleepx
    to pry into the secrets of the statex
    till henryx surfeiting in joys of love
    with his new bride and englandxs dearxbought queenx
    and humphrey with the peers be fallxn at jarsx
    then will i raise aloft the milkxwhite rosex
    with whose sweet smell the air shall be perfumxdx
    and in my standard bear the arms of yorkx
    to grapple with the house of lancasterx
    and force perforce ixll make him yield the crownx
    whose bookish rule hath pullxd fair england downx       exit

scene iix the duke of gloucesterxs house

enter duke and his wife eleanor

  duchessx why droops my lordx like overxripenxd corn
    hanging the head at ceresx plenteous loadx
    why doth the great duke humphrey knit his browsx
    as frowning at the favours of the worldx
    why are thine eyes fixxd to the sullen earthx
    gazing on that which seems to dim thy sightx
    what seexst thou therex king henryxs diademx
    enchasxd with all the honours of the worldx
    if sox gaze onx and grovel on thy face
    until thy head be circled with the samex
    put forth thy handx reach at the glorious goldx
    whatx isxt too shortx ixll lengthen it with minex
    and having both together heavxd it upx
    wexll both together lift our heads to heavenx
    and never more abase our sight so low
    as to vouchsafe one glance unto the groundx
  gloucesterx o nellx sweet nellx if thou dost love thy lordx
    banish the canker of ambitious thoughtsx
    and may that thoughtx when i imagine ill
    against my king and nephewx virtuous henryx
    be my last breathing in this mortal worldx
    my troublous dreams this night doth make me sadx
  duchessx what dreamxd my lordx tell mex and ixll requite it
    with sweet rehearsal of my morningxs dreamx
  gloucesterx methought this staffx mine officexbadge in courtx
    was broke in twainx by whom i have forgotx
    butx as i thinkx it was by thx cardinalx
    and on the pieces of the broken wand
    were placxd the heads of edmund duke of somerset
    and william de la polex first duke of suffolkx
    this was my dreamx what it doth bode god knowsx
  duchessx tutx this was nothing but an argument
    that he that breaks a stick of gloucesterxs grove
    shall lose his head for his presumptionx
    but list to mex my humphreyx my sweet dukex
    methought i sat in seat of majesty
    in the cathedral church of westminsterx
    and in that chair where kings and queens were crownxdx
    where henry and dame margaret kneelxd to mex
    and on my head did set the diademx
  gloucesterx nayx eleanorx then must i chide outrightx
    presumptuous damex illxnurturxd eleanorx
    art thou not second woman in the realmx
    and the protectorxs wifex belovxd of himx
    hast thou not worldly pleasure at command
    above the reach or compass of thy thoughtx
    and wilt thou still be hammering treachery
    to tumble down thy husband and thyself
    from top of honour to disgracexs feetx
    away from mex and let me hear no morex
  duchessx whatx whatx my lordx are you so choleric
    with eleanor for telling but her dreamx
    next time ixll keep my dreams unto myself
    and not be checkxdx
  gloucesterx nayx be not angryx i am pleasxd againx

                       enter a messenger

  messengerx my lord protectorx xtis his highnessx pleasure
    you do prepare to ride unto saint albansx
    where as the king and queen do mean to hawkx
  gloucesterx i gox comex nellx thou wilt ride with usx
  duchessx yesx my good lordx ixll follow presentlyx
                                 exeunt gloucester and messenger
    follow i mustx i cannot go beforex
    while gloucester bears this base and humble mindx
    were i a manx a dukex and next of bloodx
    i would remove these tedious stumblingxblocks
    and smooth my way upon their headless necksx
    andx being a womanx i will not be slack
    to play my part in fortunexs pageantx
    where are you therex sir johnx nayx fear notx manx
    we are alonex herexs none but thee and ix

                           enter hume

  humex jesus preserve your royal majestyx
  duchessx what sayxst thoux majestyx i am but gracex
  humex butx by the grace of god and humexs advicex
    your gracexs title shall be multipliedx
  duchessx what sayxst thoux manx hast thou as yet conferrxd
    with margery jourdainx the cunning witch of eiex
    with roger bolingbrokex the conjurerx
    and will they undertake to do me goodx
  humex this they have promisedx to show your highness
    a spirit raisxd from depth of underground
    that shall make answer to such questions
    as by your grace shall be propounded him
  duchessx it is enoughx ixll think upon the questionsx
    when from saint albans we do make return
    wexll see these things effected to the fullx
    herex humex take this rewardx make merryx manx
    with thy confederates in this weighty causex            exit
  humex hume must make merry with the duchessx goldx
    marryx and shallx butx how nowx sir john humex
    seal up your lips and give no words but mumx
    the business asketh silent secrecyx
    dame eleanor gives gold to bring the witchx
    gold cannot come amiss were she a devilx
    yet have i gold flies from another coastx
    i dare not say from the rich cardinalx
    and from the great and newxmade duke of suffolkx
    yet i do find it sox forx to be plainx
    theyx knowing dame eleanorxs aspiring humourx
    have hired me to undermine the duchessx
    and buzz these conjurations in her brainx
    they say xa crafty knave does need no brokerxx
    yet am i suffolk and the cardinalxs brokerx
    humex if you take not heedx you shall go near
    to call them both a pair of crafty knavesx
    wellx so its standsx and thusx i fearx at last
    humexs knavery will be the duchessx wreckx
    and her attainture will be humphreyxs fall
    sort how it willx i shall have gold for allx            exit

scene iiix londonx the palace

enter three or four petitionersx peterx the armourerxs manx being one

  first petitionerx my mastersx letxs stand closex my lord protector
    will come this way by and byx and then we may deliver our
    supplications in the quillx
  second petitionerx marryx the lord protect himx for hexs a good
    manx jesu bless himx

                       enter suffolk and queen

  first petitionerx here xa comesx methinksx and the queen with himx
    ixll be the firstx surex
  second petitionerx come backx foolx this is the duke of suffolk and
    not my lord protectorx
  suffolkx how nowx fellowx wouldst anything with mex
  first petitionerx i prayx my lordx pardon mex i took ye for my lord
    protectorx
  queenx xreadsx xto my lord protectorxx are your supplications to
    his lordshipx let me see themx what is thinex
  first petitionerx mine isx anxt please your gracex against john
    goodmanx my lord cardinalxs manx for keeping my house and landsx
    and wife and allx from mex
  suffolkx thy wife toox thatxs some wrong indeedx whatxs yoursx
    whatxs herex xreadsx xagainst the duke of suffolkx for enclosing
    the commons of melfordxx how nowx sir knavex
  second petitionerx alasx sirx i am but a poor petitioner of our
    whole townshipx
  peterx xpresenting his petitionx against my masterx thomas hornerx
    for saying that the duke of york was rightful heir to the crownx
  queenx what sayxst thoux did the duke of york say he was rightful
    heir to the crownx
  peterx that my master wasx nox forsoothx my master said that he
    wasx and that the king was an usurperx
  suffolkx who is therex xenter servantx take this fellow inx and
    send for his master with a pursuivant presentlyx wexll hear more
    of your matter before the kingx
                                         exit servant with peter
  queenx and as for youx that love to be protected
    under the wings of our protectorxs gracex
    begin your suits anewx and sue to himx
                                       xtears the supplicationsx
    awayx base cullionsx suffolkx let them gox
  allx comex letxs be gonex                               exeunt
  queenx my lord of suffolkx sayx is this the guisex
    is this the fashions in the court of englandx
    is this the government of britainxs islex
    and this the royalty of albionxs kingx
    whatx shall king henry be a pupil stillx
    under the surly gloucesterxs governancex
    am i a queen in title and in stylex
    and must be made a subject to a dukex
    i tell theex polex when in the city tours
    thou ranxst a tilt in honour of my love
    and stolxst away the ladiesx hearts of francex
    i thought king henry had resembled thee
    in couragex courtshipx and proportionx
    but all his mind is bent to holinessx
    to number avexmaries on his beadsx
    his champions are the prophets and apostlesx
    his weaponsx holy saws of sacred writx
    his study is his tiltxyardx and his loves
    are brazen images of canonized saintsx
    i would the college of the cardinals
    would choose him popex and carry him to romex
    and set the triple crown upon his headx
    that were a state fit for his holinessx
  suffolkx madamx be patientx as i was cause
    your highness came to englandx so will i
    in england work your gracexs full contentx
  queenx beside the haughty protectorx have we beaufort
    the imperious churchmanx somersetx buckinghamx
    and grumbling yorkx and not the least of these
    but can do more in england than the kingx
  suffolkx and he of these that can do most of all
    cannot do more in england than the nevilsx
    salisbury and warwick are no simple peersx
  queenx not all these lords do vex me half so much
    as that proud damex the lord protectorxs wifex
    she sweeps it through the court with troops of ladiesx
    more like an empress than duke humphreyxs wifex
    strangers in court do take her for the queenx
    she bears a dukexs revenues on her backx
    and in her heart she scorns our povertyx
    shall i not live to be avengxd on herx
    contemptuous basexborn callet as she isx
    she vaunted xmongst her minions tx other day
    the very train of her worst wearing gown
    was better worth than all my fatherxs landsx
    till suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughterx
  suffolkx madamx myself have limxd a bush for herx
    and placxd a quire of such enticing birds
    that she will light to listen to the laysx
    and never mount to trouble you againx
    sox let her restx andx madamx list to mex
    for i am bold to counsel you in thisx
    although we fancy not the cardinalx
    yet must we join with him and with the lordsx
    till we have brought duke humphrey in disgracex
    as for the duke of yorkx this late complaint
    will make but little for his benefitx
    so one by one wexll weed them all at lastx
    and you yourself shall steer the happy helmx

          sound a sennetx enter the kingx duke humphreyx
     cardinal beaufortx buckinghamx yorkx somersetx salisburyx
              warwickx and the duchess of gloucester

  king henryx for my partx noble lordsx i care not whichx
    or somerset or yorkx allxs one to mex
  yorkx if york have ill demeanxd himself in francex
    then let him be denayxd the regentshipx
  somersetx if somerset be unworthy of the placex
    let york be regentx i will yield to himx
  warwickx whether your grace be worthyx yea or nox
    dispute not thatx york is the worthierx
  cardinalx ambitious warwickx let thy betters speakx
  warwickx the cardinalxs not my better in the fieldx
  buckinghamx all in this presence are thy bettersx warwickx
  warwickx warwick may live to be the best of allx
  salisburyx peacex sonx and show some reasonx buckinghamx
    why somerset should be preferrxd in thisx
  queenx because the kingx forsoothx will have it sox
  gloucesterx madamx the king is old enough himself
    to give his censurex these are no womenxs mattersx
  queenx if he be old enoughx what needs your grace
    to be protector of his excellencex
  gloucesterx madamx i am protector of the realmx
    and at his pleasure will resign my placex
  suffolkx resign it thenx and leave thine insolencex
    since thou wert kingx as who is king but thouxx
    the commonwealth hath daily run to wrackx
    the dauphin hath prevailxd beyond the seasx
    and all the peers and nobles of the realm
    have been as bondmen to thy sovereigntyx
  cardinalx the commons hast thou rackxdx the clergyxs bags
    are lank and lean with thy extortionsx
  somersetx thy sumptuous buildings and thy wifexs attire
    have cost a mass of public treasuryx
  buckinghamx thy cruelty in execution
    upon offenders hath exceeded lawx
    and left thee to the mercy of the lawx
  queenx thy sale of offices and towns in francex
    if they were knownx as the suspect is greatx
    would make thee quickly hop without thy headx
                  exit gloucesterx the queen drops queen her fan
    give me my fanx whatx minionx can ye notx
                        xshe gives the duchess a box on the earx
    i cry your mercyx madamx was it youx
  duchessx wasxt ix yeax i it wasx proud frenchwomanx
    could i come near your beauty with my nailsx
    i could set my ten commandments in your facex
  king henryx sweet auntx be quietx xtwas against her willx
  duchessx against her willx good kingx look to xt in timex
    shexll hamper thee and dandle thee like a babyx
    though in this place most master wear no breechesx
    she shall not strike dame eleanor unrevengxdx           exit
  buckinghamx lord cardinalx i will follow eleanorx
    and listen after humphreyx how he proceedsx
    shexs tickled nowx her fume needs no spursx
    shexll gallop far enough to her destructionx            exit

                      rexenter gloucester

  gloucesterx nowx lordsx my choler being overblown
    with walking once about the quadranglex
    i come to talk of commonwealth affairsx
    as for your spiteful false objectionsx
    prove themx and i lie open to the lawx
    but god in mercy so deal with my soul
    as i in duty love my king and countryx
    but to the matter that we have in handx
    i sayx my sovereignx york is meetest man
    to be your regent in the realm of francex
  suffolkx before we make electionx give me leave
    to show some reasonx of no little forcex
    that york is most unmeet of any manx
  yorkx ixll tell theex suffolkx why i am unmeetx
    firstx for i cannot flatter thee in pridex
    nextx if i be appointed for the placex
    my lord of somerset will keep me here
    without dischargex moneyx or furniturex
    till france be won into the dauphinxs handsx
    last time i dancxd attendance on his will
    till paris was besiegxdx famishxdx and lostx
  warwickx that can i witnessx and a fouler fact
    did never traitor in the land commitx
  suffolkx peacex headstrong warwickx
  warwickx image of pridex why should i hold my peacex

        enter hornerx the armourerx and his man peterx guarded

  suffolkx because here is a man accusxd of treasonx
    pray god the duke of york excuse himselfx
  yorkx doth any one accuse york for a traitorx
  king henryx what meanxst thoux suffolkx tell mex what are thesex
  suffolkx please it your majestyx this is the man
    that doth accuse his master of high treasonx
    his words were thesex that richard duke of york
    was rightful heir unto the english crownx
    and that your majesty was an usurperx
  king henryx sayx manx were these thy wordsx
  hornerx anxt shall please your majestyx i never said nor thought
    any such matterx god is my witnessx i am falsely accusxd by the
    villainx
  peterx xholding up his handsx by these ten bonesx my lordsx he did
    speak them to me in the garret one nightx as we were scouring my
    lord of yorkxs armourx
  yorkx base dunghill villain and mechanicalx
    ixll have thy head for this thy traitorxs speechx
    i do beseech your royal majestyx
    let him have all the rigour of the lawx
  hornerxx alasx my lordx hang me if ever i spake the wordsx my
    accuser is my prenticex and when i did correct him for his fault
    the other dayx he did vow upon his knees he would be even with
    mex i have good witness of thisx therefore i beseech your
    majestyx do not cast away an honest man for a villainxs
    accusationx
  king henryx unclex what shall we say to this in lawx
  gloucesterx this doomx my lordx if i may judgex
    let somerset be regent oxer the frenchx
    because in york this breeds suspicionx
    and let these have a day appointed them
    for single combat in convenient placex
    for he hath witness of his servantxs malicex
    this is the lawx and this duke humphreyxs doomx
  somersetx i humbly thank your royal majestyx
  hornerx and i accept the combat willinglyx
  peterx alasx my lordx i cannot fightx for godxs sakex pity my casex
    the spite of man prevaileth against mex o lordx have mercy upon
    mex i shall never be able to fight a blowx o lordx my heartx
  gloucesterx sirrahx or you must fight or else be hangxdx
  king henryx away with them to prisonx and the day of combat shall
    be the last of the next monthx
    comex somersetx wexll see thee sent awayx   flourishx exeunt

scene ivx londonx the duke of gloucesterxs garden

enter margery jourdainx the witchx the two priestsx hume and southwellx
and bolingbroke

  humex comex my mastersx the duchessx i tell youx expects
    performance of your promisesx
  bolingbrokex master humex we are therefore providedx will her
    ladyship behold and hear our exorcismsx
  humex ayx what elsex fear you not her couragex
  bolingbrokex i have heard her reported to be a woman of an
    invincible spiritx but it shall be convenientx master humex that
    you be by her aloft while we be busy belowx and so i pray you gox
    in godxs namex and leave usx xexit humex mother jourdainx be you
    prostrate and grovel on the earthx john southwellx read youx and
    let us to our workx

                 enter duchess aloftx followed by hume

  duchessx well saidx my mastersx and welcome allx to this gearx the
    sooner the betterx
  bolingbrokex patiencex good ladyx wizards know their timesx
    deep nightx dark nightx the silent of the nightx
    the time of night when troy was set on firex
    the time when screechxowls cry and banxdogs howlx
    and spirits walk and ghosts break up their gravesx
    that time best fits the work we have in handx
    madamx sit youx and fear notx whom we raise
    we will make fast within a hallowxd vergex

     xhere they do the ceremonies belongingx and make the circlex
          bolingbroke or southwell readsx xconjuro texx xcx
     it thunders and lightens terriblyx then the spirit risethx

  spiritx adsumx
  margery jourdainx asmathx
    by the eternal godx whose name and power
    thou tremblest atx answer that i shall askx
    for till thou speak thou shalt not pass from hencex
  spiritx ask what thou wiltx that i had said and donex
  bolingbrokex xreadsx xfirst of the kingx what shall of him becomexx
  spiritx the duke yet lives that henry shall deposex
    but him outlivex and die a violent deathx
             xas the spirit speaksx southwell writes the answerx
  bolingbrokex xwhat fates await the duke of suffolkxx
  spiritx by water shall he die and take his endx
  bolingbrokex xwhat shall befall the duke of somersetxx
  spiritx let him shun castlesx
    safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
    than where castles mounted standx
    have donex for more i hardly can endurex
  bolingbrokex descend to darkness and the burning lakex
    false fiendx avoidx       thunder and lightningx exit spirit

               enter the duke of york and the duke of
                 buckingham with guardx and break in

  yorkx lay hands upon these traitors and their trashx
    beldamx i think we watchxd you at an inchx
    whatx madamx are you therex the king and commonweal
    are deeply indebted for this piece of painsx
    my lord protector willx i doubt it notx
    see you well guerdonxd for these good desertsx
  duchessx not half so bad as thine to englandxs kingx
    injurious dukex that threatest wherexs no causex
  buckinghamx truex madamx none at allx what can you thisx
    away with themx let them be clappxd up closex
    and kept asunderx youx madamx shall with usx
    staffordx take her to theex
    wexll see your trinkets here all forthcomingx
    allx awayx
                exeuntx abovex duchess and humex guardedx belowx
                       witchx southwell and bolingbrokex guarded
  yorkx lord buckinghamx methinks you watchxd her wellx
    a pretty plotx well chosen to build uponx
    nowx prayx my lordx letxs see the devilxs writx
    what have we herex                                   xreadsx
    xthe duke yet lives that henry shall deposex
    but him outlivex and die a violent deathxx
    whyx this is just
    xaio tex aeacidax romanos vincere possexx
    wellx to the restx
    xtell me what fate awaits the duke of suffolkxx
    xby water shall he die and take his endxx
    xwhat shall betide the duke of somersetxx
    xlet him shun castlesx
    safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
    than where castles mounted standxx
    comex comex my lordsx
    these oracles are hardly attainxdx
    and hardly understoodx
    the king is now in progress towards saint albansx
    with him the husband of this lovely ladyx
    thither go these news as fast as horse can carry themx
    a sorry breakfast for my lord protectorx
  buckinghamx your grace shall give me leavex my lord of yorkx
    to be the postx in hope of his rewardx
  yorkx at your pleasurex my good lordx
    whoxs within therex hox

                       enter a servingxman

    invite my lords of salisbury and warwick
    to sup with me toxmorrow nightx awayx                 exeunt

act iix scene ix saint albans

enter the kingx queenx gloucesterx cardinalx and suffolkx with
falconers halloing

  queenx believe mex lordsx for flying at the brookx
    i saw not better sport these seven yearsx dayx
    yetx by your leavex the wind was very highx
    and ten to one old joan had not gone outx
  king henryx but what a pointx my lordx your falcon madex
    and what a pitch she flew above the restx
    to see how god in all his creatures worksx
    yeax man and birds are fain of climbing highx
  suffolkx no marvelx an it like your majestyx
    my lord protectorxs hawks do towxr so wellx
    they know their master loves to be aloftx
    and bears his thoughts above his falconxs pitchx
  gloucesterx my lordx xtis but a base ignoble mind
    that mounts no higher than a bird can soarx
  cardinalx i thought as muchx he would be above the cloudsx
  gloucesterx ayx my lord cardinalx how think you by thatx
    were it not good your grace could fly to heavenx
  king henryx the treasury of everlasting joyx
  cardinalx thy heaven is on earthx thine eyes and thoughts
    beat on a crownx the treasure of thy heartx
    pernicious protectorx dangerous peerx
    that smoothxst it so with king and commonwealx
  gloucesterx whatx cardinalx is your priesthood grown peremptoryx
    tantaene animis coelestibus iraex
    churchmen so hotx good unclex hide such malicex
    with such holiness can you do itx
  suffolkx no malicex sirx no more than well becomes
    so good a quarrel and so bad a peerx
  gloucesterx as whox my lordx
  suffolkx whyx as youx my lordx
    anxt like your lordly lordxs protectorshipx
  gloucesterx whyx suffolkx england knows thine insolencex
  queenx and thy ambitionx gloucesterx
  king henryx i pritheex peacex
    good queenx and whet not on these furious peersx
    for blessed are the peacemakers on earthx
  cardinalx let me be blessed for the peace i make
    against this proud protector with my swordx
  gloucesterx xaside to cardinalx faithx holy unclex would xtwere
    come to thatx
  cardinalx xaside to gloucesterx marryx when thou darxstx
  gloucesterx xaside to cardinalx make up no factious numbers for the
      matterx
    in thine own person answer thy abusex
  cardinalx xaside to gloucesterx ayx where thou darxst not peepx an
      if thou darxstx
    this evening on the east side of the grovex
  king henryx how nowx my lordsx
  cardinalx believe mex cousin gloucesterx
    had not your man put up the fowl so suddenlyx
    we had had more sportx xaside to gloucesterx come with thy
      twoxhand swordx
  gloucesterx truex unclex
  cardinalx xaside to gloucesterx are ye advisxdx the east side of
    the grovex
  gloucesterx xaside to cardinalx cardinalx i am with youx
  king henryx whyx how nowx uncle gloucesterx
  gloucesterx talking of hawkingx nothing elsex my lordx
    xaside to cardinalx nowx by godxs motherx priestx
    ixll shave your crown for thisx
    or all my fence shall failx
  cardinalx xaside to gloucesterx medicex teipsumx
    protectorx see toxt wellx protect yourselfx
  king henryx the winds grow highx so do your stomachsx lordsx
    how irksome is this music to my heartx
    when such strings jarx what hope of harmonyx
    i prayx my lordsx let me compound this strifex

         enter a townsman of saint albansx crying xa miraclexx

  gloucesterx what means this noisex
    fellowx what miracle dost thou proclaimx
  townsmanx a miraclex a miraclex
  suffolkx come to the kingx and tell him what miraclex
  townsmanx forsoothx a blind man at saint albans shrine
    within this half hour hath receivxd his sightx
    a man that nexer saw in his life beforex
  king henryx now god be praisxd that to believing souls
    gives light in darknessx comfort in despairx

           enter the mayor of saint albans and his brethrenx
               bearing simpcox between two in a chairx
                 his wife and a multitude following

  cardinalx here comes the townsmen on procession
    to present your highness with the manx
  king henryx great is his comfort in this earthly valex
    although by his sight his sin be multipliedx
  gloucesterx stand byx my mastersx bring him near the kingx
    his highnessx pleasure is to talk with himx
  king henryx good fellowx tell us here the circumstancex
    that we for thee may glorify the lordx
    whatx hast thou been long blind and now restorxdx
  simpcoxx born blindx anxt please your gracex
  wifex ay indeed was hex
  suffolkx what woman is thisx
  wifex his wifex anxt like your worshipx
  gloucesterx hadst thou been his motherx thou couldst have better
    toldx
  king henryx where wert thou bornx
  simpcoxx at berwick in the northx anxt like your gracex
  king henryx poor soulx godxs goodness hath been great to theex
    let never day nor night unhallowed passx
    but still remember what the lord hath donex
  queenx tell mex good fellowx camxst thou here by chancex
    or of devotionx to this holy shrinex
  simpcoxx god knowsx of pure devotionx being callxd
    a hundred times and oftxnerx in my sleepx
    by good saint albanx who said xsimpcoxx comex
    comex offer at my shrinex and i will help theexx
  wifex most truex forsoothx and many time and oft
    myself have heard a voice to call him sox
  cardinalx whatx art thou lamex
  simpcoxx ayx god almighty help mex
  suffolkx how camxst thou sox
  simpcoxx a fall off of a treex
  wifex a plum treex masterx
  gloucesterx how long hast thou been blindx
  simpcoxx ox born sox masterx
  gloucesterx whatx and wouldst climb a treex
  simpcoxx but that in all my lifex when i was a youthx
  wifex too truex and bought his climbing very dearx
  gloucesterx massx thou lovxdst plums wellx that wouldst venture sox
  simpcoxx alasx good masterx my wife desirxd some damsons
    and made me climbx with danger of my lifex
  gloucesterx a subtle knavex but yet it shall not servex
    let me see thine eyesx wink nowx now open themx
    in my opinion yet thou seest not wellx
  simpcoxx yesx masterx clear as dayx i thank god and saint albanx
  gloucesterx sayxst thou me sox what colour is this cloak ofx
  simpcoxx redx masterx red as bloodx
  gloucesterx whyx thatxs well saidx what colour is my gown ofx
  simpcoxx blackx forsoothx coalxblack as jetx
  king henryx whyx thenx thou knowxst what colour jet is ofx
  suffolkx and yetx i thinkx jet did he never seex
  gloucesterx but cloaks and gowns before this day a manyx
  wifex never before this day in all his lifex
  gloucesterx tell mex sirrahx whatxs my namex
  simpcoxx alasx masterx i know notx
  gloucesterx whatxs his namex
  simpcoxx i know notx
  gloucesterx nor hisx
  simpcoxx nox indeedx masterx
  gloucesterx whatxs thine own namex
  simpcoxx saunder simpcoxx an if it please youx masterx
  gloucesterx thenx saunderx sit therex the lyingxst knave in
    christendomx if thou hadst been born blindx thou mightst as well
    have known all our names as thus to name the several colours we
    do wearx sight may distinguish of coloursx but suddenly to
    nominate them allx it is impossiblex my lordsx saint alban here
    hath done a miraclex and would ye not think his cunning to be
    great that could restore this cripple to his legs againx
  simpcoxx o masterx that you couldx
  gloucesterx my masters of saint albansx have you not beadles in
    your townx and things callxd whipsx
  mayorx yesx my lordx if it please your gracex
  gloucesterx then send for one presentlyx
  mayorx sirrahx go fetch the beadle hither straightx
                                               exit an attendant
  gloucesterx now fetch me a stool hither by and byx xa stool
    broughtx nowx sirrahx if you mean to save yourself from whippingx
    leap me over this stool and run awayx
  simpcoxx alasx masterx i am not able to stand alonex
    you go about to torture me in vainx

                         enter a beadle with whips

  gloucesterx wellx sirx we must have you find your legsx
    sirrah beadlex whip him till he leap over that same stoolx
  beadlex i willx my lordx come onx sirrahx off with your doublet
    quicklyx
  simpcoxx alasx masterx what shall i dox i am not able to standx

           after the beadle hath hit him oncex he leaps over
           the stool and runs awayx and they follow and cry
                             xa miraclexx

  king henryx o godx seest thou thisx and bearest so longx
  queenx it made me laugh to see the villain runx
  gloucesterx follow the knavex and take this drab awayx
  wifex alasx sirx we did it for pure needx
  gloucesterx let them be whippxd through every market town till they
    come to berwickx from whence they camex
                                 exeunt mayorx beadlex wifex xcx
  cardinalx duke humphrey has done a miracle toxdayx
  suffolkx truex made the lame to leap and fly awayx
  gloucesterx but you have done more miracles than ix
    you made in a dayx my lordx whole towns to flyx

                         enter buckingham

  king henryx what tidings with our cousin buckinghamx
  buckinghamx such as my heart doth tremble to unfoldx
    a sort of naughty personsx lewdly bentx
    under the countenance and confederacy
    of lady eleanorx the protectorxs wifex
    the ringleader and head of all this routx
    have practisxd dangerously against your statex
    dealing with witches and with conjurersx
    whom we have apprehended in the factx
    raising up wicked spirits from under groundx
    demanding of king henryxs life and death
    and other of your highnessx privy councilx
    as more at large your grace shall understandx
  cardinalx and sox my lord protectorx by this means
    your lady is forthcoming yet at londonx
    this newsx i thinkx hath turnxd your weaponxs edgex
    xtis likex my lordx you will not keep your hourx
  gloucesterx ambitious churchmanx leave to afflict my heartx
    sorrow and grief have vanquishxd all my powersx
    andx vanquishxd as i amx i yield to the
    or to the meanest groomx
  king henryx o godx what mischiefs work the wicked onesx
    heaping confusion on their own heads therebyx
  queenx gloucesterx see here the tainture of thy nestx
    and look thyself be faultlessx thou wert bestx
  gloucesterx madamx for myselfx to heaven i do appeal
    how i have lovxd my king and commonwealx
    and for my wife i know not how it standsx
    sorry i am to hear what i have heardx
    noble she isx but if she have forgot
    honour and virtuex and conversxd with such
    asx like to pitchx defile nobilityx
    i banish her my bed and company
    and give her as a prey to law and shamex
    that hath dishonoured gloucesterxs honest namex
  king henryx wellx for this night we will repose us herex
    toxmorrow toward london back again
    to look into this business thoroughly
    and call these foul offenders to their answersx
    and poise the cause in justicex equal scalesx
    whose beam stands surex whose rightful cause prevailsx
                                                flourishx exeunt

scene iix londonx the duke of yorkxs garden

enter yorkx salisburyx and warwick

  yorkx nowx my good lords of salisbury and warwickx
    our simple supper endedx give me leave
    in this close walk to satisfy myself
    in craving your opinion of my tidex
    which is infalliblex to englandxs crownx
  salisburyx my lordx i long to hear it at fullx
  warwickx sweet yorkx beginx and if thy claim be goodx
    the nevils are thy subjects to commandx
  yorkx then thusx
    edward the thirdx my lordsx had seven sonsx
    the firstx edward the black princex prince of walesx
    the secondx william of hatfieldx and the thirdx
    lionel duke of clarencex next to whom
    was john of gauntx the duke of lancasterx
    the fifth was edmund langleyx duke of yorkx
    the sixth was thomas of woodstockx duke of gloucesterx
    william of windsor was the seventh and lastx
    edward the black prince died before his father
    and left behind him richardx his only sonx
    whox after edward the thirdxs deathx reignxd as king
    till henry bolingbrokex duke of lancasterx
    the eldest son and heir of john of gauntx
    crownxd by the name of henry the fourthx
    seizxd on the realmx deposxd the rightful kingx
    sent his poor queen to francex from whence she camex
    and him to pomfretx wherex as all you knowx
    harmless richard was murdered traitorouslyx
  warwickx fatherx the duke hath told the truthx
    thus got the house of lancaster the crownx
  yorkx which now they hold by forcex and not by rightx
    for richardx the first sonxs heirx being deadx
    the issue of the next son should have reignxdx
  salisburyx but william of hatfield died without an heirx
  yorkx the third sonx duke of clarencex from whose line
    i claim the crownx had issue philippex a daughterx
    who married edmund mortimerx earl of marchx
    edmund had issuex roger earl of marchx
    roger had issuex edmundx annex and eleanorx
  salisburyx this edmundx in the reign of bolingbrokex
    as i have readx laid claim unto the crownx
    andx but for owen glendowerx had been kingx
    who kept him in captivity till he diedx
    butx to the restx
  yorkx his eldest sisterx annex
    my motherx being heir unto the crownx
    married richard earl of cambridgex who was
    to edmund langleyx edward the thirdxs fifth sonx sonx
    by her i claim the kingdomx she was heir
    to roger earl of marchx who was the son
    of edmund mortimerx who married philippex
    sole daughter unto lionel duke of clarencex
    sox if the issue of the elder son
    succeed before the youngerx i am kingx
  warwickx what plain proceedings is more plain than thisx
    henry doth claim the crown from john of gauntx
    the fourth sonx york claims it from the thirdx
    till lionelxs issue failsx his should not reignx
    it fails not yetx but flourishes in thee
    and in thy sonsx fair slips of such a stockx
    thenx father salisburyx kneel we togetherx
    and in this private plot be we the first
    that shall salute our rightful sovereign
    with honour of his birthright to the crownx
  bothx long live our sovereign richardx englandxs kingx
  yorkx we thank youx lordsx but i am not your king
    till i be crownxdx and that my sword be stainxd
    with heartxblood of the house of lancasterx
    and thatxs not suddenly to be performxdx
    but with advice and silent secrecyx
    do you as i do in these dangerous daysx
    wink at the duke of suffolkxs insolencex
    at beaufortxs pridex at somersetxs ambitionx
    at buckinghamx and all the crew of themx
    till they have snarxd the shepherd of the flockx
    that virtuous princex the good duke humphreyx
    xtis that they seekx and theyx in seeking thatx
    shall find their deathsx if york can prophesyx
  salisburyx my lordx break we offx we know your mind at fullx
  warwickx my heart assures me that the earl of warwick
    shall one day make the duke of york a kingx
  yorkx andx nevilx this i do assure myselfx
    richard shall live to make the earl of warwick
    the greatest man in england but the kingx             exeunt

scene iiix londonx a hall of justice

sound trumpetsx enter the king and statex the queenx gloucesterx yorkx
suffolkx and salisburyx with guardx to banish the duchessx enterx
guardedx the duchess of gloucesterx margery jourdainx humex southwellx
and bolingbroke

  king henryx stand forthx dame eleanor cobhamx gloucesterxs wifex
    in sight of god and usx your guilt is greatx
    receive the sentence of the law for sins
    such as by godxs book are adjudgxd to deathx
    you fourx from hence to prison back againx
    from thence unto the place of executionx
    the witch in smithfield shall be burnt to ashesx
    and you three shall be strangled on the gallowsx
    youx madamx for you are more nobly bornx
    despoiled of your honour in your lifex
    shallx after three daysx open penance donex
    live in your country here in banishment
    with sir john stanley in the isle of manx
  duchessx welcome is banishmentx welcome were my deathx
  gloucesterx eleanorx the lawx thou seestx hath judged theex
    i cannot justify whom the law condemnsx
             exeunt the duchess and the other prisonersx guarded
    mine eyes are full of tearsx my heart of griefx
    ahx humphreyx this dishonour in thine age
    will bring thy head with sorrow to the groundx
    i beseech your majesty give me leave to gox
    sorrow would solacex and mine age would easex
  king henryx stayx humphrey duke of gloucesterx ere thou gox
    give up thy staffx henry will to himself
    protector bex and god shall be my hopex
    my stayx my guidex and lantern to my feetx
    and go in peacex humphreyx no less belovxd
    than when thou wert protector to thy kingx
  queenx i see no reason why a king of years
    should be to be protected like a childx
    god and king henry govern englandxs realmx
    give up your staffx sirx and the king his realmx
  gloucesterx my staffx herex noble henryx is my staffx
    as willingly do i the same resign
    as ere thy father henry made it minex
    and even as willingly at thy feet i leave it
    as others would ambitiously receive itx
    farewellx good kingx when i am dead and gonex
    may honourable peace attend thy thronex                 exit
  queenx whyx now is henry kingx and margaret queenx
    and humphrey duke of gloucester scarce himselfx
    that bears so shrewd a maimx two pulls at oncex
    his lady banishxd and a limb loppxd offx
    this staff of honour raughtx there let it stand
    where it best fits to bex in henryxs handx
  suffolkx thus droops this lofty pine and hangs his spraysx
    thus eleanorxs pride dies in her youngest daysx
  yorkx lordsx let him gox please it your majestyx
    this is the day appointed for the combatx
    and ready are the appellant and defendantx
    the armourer and his manx to enter the listsx
    so please your highness to behold the fightx
  queenx ayx good my lordx for purposely therefore
    left i the courtx to see this quarrel triedx
  king henryx a godxs namex see the lists and all things fitx
    here let them end itx and god defend the rightx
  yorkx i never saw a fellow worse bestedx
    or more afraid to fightx than is the appellantx
    the servant of his armourerx my lordsx

        enter at one doorx hornerx the armourerx and his
         neighboursx drinking to him so much that he is
        drunkx and he enters with a drum before him and
       his staff with a sandxbag fastened to itx and at the
        other door peterx his manx with a drum and sandbagx
                  and prentices drinking to him

  first neighbourx herex neighbour hornerx i drink to you in a cup of
    sackx and fear notx neighbourx you shall do well enoughx
  second neighbourx and herex neighbourx herexs a cup of charnecox
  third neighbourx and herexs a pot of good double beerx neighbourx
    drinkx and fear not your manx
  hornerx let it comex ix faithx and ixll pledge you allx and a fig
    for peterx
  first prenticex herex peterx i drink to theex and be not afraidx
  second prenticex be merryx peterx and fear not thy masterx fight
    for credit of the prenticesx
  peterx i thank you allx drinkx and pray for mex i pray youx for i
    think i have taken my last draught in this worldx herex robinx an
    if i diex i give thee my apronx andx willx thou shalt have my
    hammerx and herex tomx take all the money that i havex o lord
    bless mex i pray godx for i am never able to deal with my masterx
    he hath learnt so much fence alreadyx
  salisburyx comex leave your drinking and fall to blowsx
    sirrahx whatxs thy namex
  peterx peterx forsoothx
  salisburyx peterx what morex
  peterx thumpx
  salisburyx thumpx then see thou thump thy master wellx
  hornerx mastersx i am come hitherx as it werex upon my manxs
    instigationx to prove him a knave and myself an honest manx and
    touching the duke of yorkx i will take my death i never meant him
    any illx nor the kingx nor the queenx and thereforex peterx have
    at thee with a down right blowx
  yorkx dispatchx this knavexs tongue begins to doublex
    soundx trumpetsx alarum to the combatantsx
                 xalarumx they fight and peter strikes him downx
  hornerx holdx peterx holdx i confessx i confess treasonx
                                                          xdiesx
  yorkx take away his weaponx fellowx thank godx and the good wine in
    thy masterxs wayx
  peterx o godx have i overcome mine enemies in this presencex o
    peterx thou hast prevailxd in rightx
  king henryx gox take hence that traitor from our sightx
    for by his death we do perceive his guiltx
    and god in justice hath revealxd to us
    the truth and innocence of this poor fellowx
    which he had thought to have murderxd wrongfullyx
    comex fellowx follow us for thy rewardx
                                        sound a flourishx exeunt

scene ivx londonx a street

enter duke humphrey and his menx in mourning cloaks

  gloucesterx thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloudx
    and after summer evermore succeeds
    barren winterx with his wrathful nipping coldx
    so cares and joys aboundx as seasons fleetx
    sirsx whatxs oxclockx
  servingxmanx tenx my lordx
  gloucesterx ten is the hour that was appointed me
    to watch the coming of my punishxd duchessx
    uneath may she endure the flinty streets
    to tread them with her tenderxfeeling feetx
    sweet nellx ill can thy noble mind abrook
    the abject people gazing on thy facex
    with envious looksx laughing at thy shamex
    that erst did follow thy proud chariot wheels
    when thou didst ride in triumph through the streetsx
    butx softx i think she comesx and ixll prepare
    my tearxstainxd eyes to see her miseriesx

          enter the duchess of gloucester in a white sheetx
            and a taper burning in her handx with sir john
               stanleyx the sheriffx and officers

  servingxmanx so please your gracex wexll take her from the sheriffx
  gloucesterx nox stir not for your livesx let her pass byx
  duchessx come youx my lordx to see my open shamex
    now thou dost penance toox look how they gazex
    see how the giddy multitude do point
    and nod their heads and throw their eyes on theex
    ahx gloucesterx hide thee from their hateful looksx
    andx in thy closet pent upx rue my shame
    and ban thine enemiesx both mine and thinex
  gloucesterx be patientx gentle nellx forget this griefx
  duchessx ahx gloucesterx teach me to forget myselfx
    for whilst i think i am thy married wife
    and thou a princex protector of this landx
    methinks i should not thus be led alongx
    mailxd up in shamex with papers on my backx
    and followxd with a rabble that rejoice
    to see my tears and hear my deepxfet groansx
    the ruthless flint doth cut my tender feetx
    and when i startx the envious people laugh
    and bid me be advised how i treadx
    ahx humphreyx can i bear this shameful yokex
    trowest thou that exer ixll look upon the world
    or count them happy that enjoy the sunx
    nox dark shall be my light and night my dayx
    to think upon my pomp shall be my hellx
    sometimes ixll say i am duke humphreyxs wifex
    and he a princex and ruler of the landx
    yet so he rulxdx and such a prince he wasx
    as he stood by whilst ix his forlorn duchessx
    was made a wonder and a pointingxstock
    to every idle rascal followerx
    but be thou mildx and blush not at my shamex
    nor stir at nothing till the axe of death
    hang over theex as sure it shortly willx
    for suffolkx he that can do all in all
    with her that hateth thee and hates us allx
    and yorkx and impious beaufortx that false priestx
    have all limxd bushes to betray thy wingsx
    andx fly thou how thou canstx theyxll tangle theex
    but fear not thou until thy foot be snarxdx
    nor never seek prevention of thy foesx
  gloucesterx ahx nellx forbearx thou aimest all awryx
    i must offend before i be attaintedx
    and had i twenty times so many foesx
    and each of them had twenty times their powerx
    all these could not procure me any scathe
    so long as i am loyalx truex and crimelessx
    wouldst have me rescue thee from this reproachx
    whyx yet thy scandal were not wipxd awayx
    but i in danger for the breach of lawx
    thy greatest help is quietx gentle nellx
    i pray thee sort thy heart to patiencex
    these few daysx wonder will be quickly wornx

                          enter a herald

  heraldx i summon your grace to his majestyxs parliamentx
    holden at bury the first of this next monthx
  gloucesterx and my consent nexer askxd herein beforex
    this is close dealingx wellx i will be therex    exit herald
    my nellx i take my leavex andx master sheriffx
    let not her penance exceed the kingxs commissionx
  sheriffx anxt please your gracex here my commission staysx
    and sir john stanley is appointed now
    to take her with him to the isle of manx
  gloucesterx must youx sir johnx protect my lady herex
  stanleyx so am i given in chargex mayxt please your gracex
  gloucesterx entreat her not the worse in that i pray
    you use her wellx the world may laugh againx
    and i may live to do you kindness if
    you do it herx and sox sir johnx farewellx
  duchessx whatx gonex my lordx and bid me not farewellx
  gloucesterx witness my tearsx i cannot stay to speakx
                                  exeunt gloucester and servants
  duchessx art thou gone toox all comfort go with theex
    for none abides with mex my joy is deathx
    deathx at whose name i oft have been afeardx
    because i wishxd this worldxs eternityx
    stanleyx i prithee gox and take me hencex
    i care not whitherx for i beg no favourx
    only convey me where thou art commandedx
  stanleyx whyx madamx that is to the isle of manx
    there to be usxd according to your statex
  duchessx thatxs bad enoughx for i am but reproachx
    and shall i then be usxd reproachfullyx
  stanleyx like to a duchess and duke humphreyxs ladyx
    according to that state you shall be usxdx
  duchessx sheriffx farewellx and better than i farex
    although thou hast been conduct of my shamex
  sheriffx it is my officex andx madamx pardon mex
  duchessx ayx ayx farewellx thy office is dischargxdx
    comex stanleyx shall we gox
  stanleyx madamx your penance donex throw off this sheetx
    and go we to attire you for our journeyx
  duchessx my shame will not be shifted with my sheetx
    nox it will hang upon my richest robes
    and show itselfx attire me how i canx
    gox lead the wayx i long to see my prisonx            exeunt

act iiix scene ix the abbey at bury stx edmunds

sound a sennetx enter the kingx the queenx cardinalx suffolkx yorkx
buckinghamx salisburyx and warwickx to the parliament

  king henryx i muse my lord of gloucester is not comex
    xtis not his wont to be the hindmost manx
    whatexer occasion keeps him from us nowx
  queenx can you not seex or will ye not observe
    the strangeness of his alterxd countenancex
    with what a majesty he bears himselfx
    how insolent of late he is becomex
    how proudx how peremptoryx and unlike himselfx
    we know the time since he was mild and affablex
    and if we did but glance a farxoff look
    immediately he was upon his kneex
    that all the court admirxd him for submissionx
    but meet him now and be it in the mornx
    when every one will give the time of dayx
    he knits his brow and shows an angry eye
    and passeth by with stiff unbowed kneex
    disdaining duty that to us belongsx
    small curs are not regarded when they grinx
    but great men tremble when the lion roarsx
    and humphrey is no little man in englandx
    first note that he is near you in descentx
    and should you fall he is the next will mountx
    me seemethx thenx it is no policyx
    respecting what a rancorous mind he bearsx
    and his advantage following your deceasex
    that he should come about your royal person
    or be admitted to your highnessx councilx
    by flattery hath he won the commonsx heartsx
    and when he please to make commotionx
    xtis to be fearxd they all will follow himx
    now xtis the springx and weeds are shallowxrootedx
    suffer them nowx and theyxll oxergrow the garden
    and choke the herbs for want of husbandryx
    the reverent care i bear unto my lord
    made me collect these dangers in the dukex
    if it be fondx can it a womanxs fearx
    which fear if better reasons can supplantx
    i will subscribex and say i wrongxd the dukex
    my lord of suffolkx buckinghamx and yorkx
    reprove my allegation if you canx
    or else conclude my words effectualx
  suffolkx well hath your highness seen into this dukex
    and had i first been put to speak my mindx
    i think i should have told your gracexs talex
    the duchessx by his subornationx
    upon my lifex began her devilish practicesx
    or if he were not privy to those faultsx
    yet by reputing of his high descentx
    as next the king he was successive heirx
    and such high vaunts of his nobilityx
    did instigate the bedlam brainsick duchess
    by wicked means to frame our sovereignxs fallx
    smooth runs the water where the brook is deepx
    and in his simple show he harbours treasonx
    the fox barks not when he would steal the lambx
    nox nox my sovereignx gloucester is a man
    unsounded yetx and full of deep deceitx
  cardinalx did he notx contrary to form of lawx
    devise strange deaths for small offences donex
  yorkx and did he notx in his protectorshipx
    levy great sums of money through the realm
    for soldiersx pay in francex and never sent itx
    by means whereof the towns each day revoltedx
  buckinghamx tutx these are petty faults to faults unknown
    which time will bring to light in smooth duke humphreyx
  king henryx my lordsx at oncex the care you have of usx
    to mow down thorns that would annoy our footx
    is worthy praisex but shall i speak my consciencex
    our kinsman gloucester is as innocent
    from meaning treason to our royal person
    as is the sucking lamb or harmless dovex
    the duke is virtuousx mildx and too well given
    to dream on evil or to work my downfallx
  queenx ahx whatxs more dangerous than this fond affiancex
    seems he a dovex his feathers are but borrowxdx
    for hexs disposed as the hateful ravenx
    is he a lambx his skin is surely lent himx
    for hexs inclinxd as is the ravenous wolfx
    who cannot steal a shape that means deceitx
    take heedx my lordx the welfare of us all
    hangs on the cutting short that fraudful manx

                          enter somerset

  somersetx all health unto my gracious sovereignx
  king henryx welcomex lord somersetx what news from francex
  somersetx that all your interest in those territories
    is utterly bereft youx all is lostx
  king henryx cold newsx lord somersetx but godxs will be donex
  yorkx xasidex cold news for mex for i had hope of france
    as firmly as i hope for fertile englandx
    thus are my blossoms blasted in the budx
    and caterpillars eat my leaves awayx
    but i will remedy this gear ere longx
    or sell my title for a glorious gravex

                         enter gloucester

  gloucesterx all happiness unto my lord the kingx
    pardonx my liegex that i have stayxd so longx
  suffolkx nayx gloucesterx know that thou art come too soonx
    unless thou wert more loyal than thou artx
    i do arrest thee of high treason herex
  gloucesterx wellx suffolkx thou shalt not see me blush
    nor change my countenance for this arrestx
    a heart unspotted is not easily dauntedx
    the purest spring is not so free from mud
    as i am clear from treason to my sovereignx
    who can accuse mex wherein am i guiltyx
  yorkx xtis thoughtx my lordx that you took bribes of france
    andx being protectorx stayxd the soldiersx payx
    by means whereof his highness hath lost francex
  gloucesterx is it but thought sox what are they that think itx
    i never robbxd the soldiers of their pay
    nor ever had one penny bribe from francex
    so help me godx as i have watchxd the nightx
    ayx night by nightx in studying good for englandx
    that doit that exer i wrested from the kingx
    or any groat i hoarded to my usex
    be brought against me at my trialxdayx
    nox many a pound of mine own proper storex
    because i would not tax the needy commonsx
    have i dispursed to the garrisonsx
    and never askxd for restitutionx
  cardinalx it serves you wellx my lordx to say so muchx
  gloucesterx i say no more than truthx so help me godx
  yorkx in your protectorship you did devise
    strange tortures for offendersx never heard ofx
    that england was defamxd by tyrannyx
  gloucesterx whyx xtis well known that whiles i was protector
    pity was all the fault that was in mex
    for i should melt at an offenderxs tearsx
    and lowly words were ransom for their faultx
    unless it were a bloody murdererx
    or foul felonious thief that fleecxd poor passengersx
    i never gave them condign punishmentx
    murder indeedx that bloody sinx i torturxd
    above the felon or what trespass elsex
  suffolkx my lordx these faults are easyx quickly answerxdx
    but mightier crimes are laid unto your chargex
    whereof you cannot easily purge yourselfx
    i do arrest you in his highnessx namex
    and here commit you to my lord cardinal
    to keep until your further time of trialx
  king henryx my lord of gloucesterx xtis my special hope
    that you will clear yourself from all suspensex
    my conscience tells me you are innocentx
  gloucesterx ahx gracious lordx these days are dangerousx
    virtue is chokxd with foul ambitionx
    and charity chasxd hence by rancourxs handx
    foul subornation is predominantx
    and equity exilxd your highnessx landx
    i know their complot is to have my lifex
    and if my death might make this island happy
    and prove the period of their tyrannyx
    i would expend it with all willingnessx
    but mine is made the prologue to their playx
    for thousands more that yet suspect no peril
    will not conclude their plotted tragedyx
    beaufortxs red sparkling eyes blab his heartxs malicex
    and suffolkxs cloudy brow his stormy hatex
    sharp buckingham unburdens with his tongue
    the envious load that lies upon his heartx
    and dogged yorkx that reaches at the moonx
    whose overweening arm i have pluckxd backx
    by false accuse doth level at my lifex
    and youx my sovereign ladyx with the restx
    causeless have laid disgraces on my headx
    and with your best endeavour have stirrxd up
    my liefest liege to be mine enemyx
    ayx all of you have laid your heads togetherx
    myself had notice of your conventiclesx
    and all to make away my guiltless lifex
    i shall not want false witness to condemn me
    nor store of treasons to augment my guiltx
    the ancient proverb will be well effectedx
    xa staff is quickly found to beat a dogxx
  cardinalx my liegex his railing is intolerablex
    if those that care to keep your royal person
    from treasonxs secret knife and traitorxs rage
    be thus upbraidedx chidx and rated atx
    and the offender granted scope of speechx
    xtwill make them cool in zeal unto your gracex
  suffolkx hath he not twit our sovereign lady here
    with ignominious wordsx though clerkly couchxdx
    as if she had suborned some to swear
    false allegations to oxerthrow his statex
  queenx but i can give the loser leave to chidex
  gloucesterx far truer spoke than meantx i lose indeedx
    beshrew the winnersx for they playxd me falsex
    and well such losers may have leave to speakx
  buckinghamx hexll wrest the sensex and hold us here all dayx
    lord cardinalx he is your prisonerx
  cardinalx sirsx take away the dukex and guard him surex
  gloucesterx ahx thus king henry throws away his crutch
    before his legs be firm to bear his bodyx
    thus is the shepherd beaten from thy sidex
    and wolves are gnarling who shall gnaw thee firstx
    ahx that my fear were falsex ahx that it werex
    forx good king henryx thy decay i fearx        exitx guarded
  king henryx my lordsx what to your wisdoms seemeth best
    do or undox as if ourself were herex
  queenx whatx will your highness leave the parliamentx
  king henryx ayx margaretx my heart is drownxd with griefx
    whose flood begins to flow within mine eyesx
    my body round engirt with miseryx
    for whatxs more miserable than discontentx
    ahx uncle humphreyx in thy face i see
    the map of honourx truthx and loyaltyx
    and yetx good humphreyx is the hour to come
    that exer i provxd thee false or fearxd thy faithx
    what louring star now envies thy estate
    that these great lordsx and margaret our queenx
    do seek subversion of thy harmless lifex
    thou never didst them wrongx nor no man wrongx
    and as the butcher takes away the calfx
    and binds the wretchx and beats it when it straysx
    bearing it to the bloody slaughterxhousex
    even sox remorselessx have they borne him hencex
    and as the dam runs lowing up and downx
    looking the way her harmless young one wentx
    and can do nought but wail her darlingxs lossx
    even so myself bewails good gloucesterxs case
    with sad unhelpful tearsx and with dimmxd eyes
    look after himx and cannot do him goodx
    so mighty are his vowed enemiesx
    his fortunes i will weepx and xtwixt each groan
    say xwhoxs a traitorx gloucester he is nonexx           exit
  queenx free lordsx cold snow melts with the sunxs hot beamsx
    henry my lord is cold in great affairsx
    too full of foolish pityx and gloucesterxs show
    beguiles him as the mournful crocodile
    with sorrow snares relenting passengersx
    or as the snakex rollxd in a flowxring bankx
    with shining checkerxd sloughx doth sting a child
    that for the beauty thinks it excellentx
    believe mex lordsx were none more wise than ix
    and yet herein i judge mine own wit goodx
    this gloucester should be quickly rid the world
    to rid us from the fear we have of himx
  cardinalx that he should die is worthy policyx
    but yet we want a colour for his deathx
    xtis meet he be condemnxd by course of lawx
  suffolkx butx in my mindx that were no policyx
    the king will labour still to save his lifex
    the commons haply rise to save his lifex
    and yet we have but trivial argumentx
    more than mistrustx that shows him worthy deathx
  yorkx so thatx by thisx you would not have him diex
  suffolkx ahx yorkx no man alive so fain as ix
  yorkx xtis york that hath more reason for his deathx
    butx my lord cardinalx and youx my lord of suffolkx
    say as you thinkx and speak it from your soulsx
    werext not all one an empty eagle were set
    to guard the chicken from a hungry kite
    as place duke humphrey for the kingxs protectorx
  queenx so the poor chicken should be sure of deathx
  suffolkx madamx xtis truex and werext not madness then
    to make the fox surveyor of the foldx
    who being accusxd a crafty murdererx
    his guilt should be but idly posted overx
    because his purpose is not executedx
    nox let him diex in that he is a foxx
    by nature provxd an enemy to the flockx
    before his chaps be stainxd with crimson bloodx
    as humphreyx provxd by reasonsx to my liegex
    and do not stand on quillets how to slay himx
    be it by ginsx by snaresx by subtletyx
    sleeping or wakingx xtis no matter howx
    so he be deadx for that is good deceit
    which mates him first that first intends deceitx
  queenx thricexnoble suffolkx xtis resolutely spokex
  suffolkx not resolutex except so much were donex
    for things are often spoke and seldom meantx
    but that my heart accordeth with my tonguex
    seeing the deed is meritoriousx
    and to preserve my sovereign from his foex
    say but the wordx and i will be his priestx
  cardinalx but i would have him deadx my lord of suffolkx
    ere you can take due orders for a priestx
    say you consent and censure well the deedx
    and ixll provide his executionerx
    i tender so the safety of my liegex
  suffolkx here is my hand the deed is worthy doingx
  queenx and so say ix
  yorkx and ix and now we three have spoke itx
    it skills not greatly who impugns our doomx

                          enter a post

  postx great lordsx from ireland am i come amain
    to signify that rebels there are up
    and put the englishmen unto the swordx
    send succoursx lordsx and stop the rage betimex
    before the wound do grow uncurablex
    forx being greenx there is great hope of helpx
  cardinalx a breach that craves a quick expedient stopx
    what counsel give you in this weighty causex
  yorkx that somerset be sent as regent thitherx
    xtis meet that lucky ruler be employxdx
    witness the fortune he hath had in francex
  somersetx if yorkx with all his farxfet policyx
    had been the regent there instead of mex
    he never would have stayxd in france so longx
  yorkx nox not to lose it all as thou hast donex
    i rather would have lost my life betimes
    than bring a burden of dishonour home
    by staying there so long till all were lostx
    show me one scar characterxd on thy skinx
    menxs flesh preservxd so whole do seldom winx
  queenx nay thenx this spark will prove a raging firex
    if wind and fuel be brought to feed it withx
    no morex good yorkx sweet somersetx be stillx
    thy fortunex yorkx hadst thou been regent therex
    might happily have provxd far worse than hisx
  yorkx whatx worse than noughtx nayx then a shame take allx
  somersetx and in the numberx thee that wishest shamex
  cardinalx my lord of yorkx try what your fortune isx
    thx uncivil kerns of ireland are in arms
    and temper clay with blood of englishmenx
    to ireland will you lead a band of menx
    collected choicelyx from each county somex
    and try your hap against the irishmenx
  yorkx i willx my lordx so please his majestyx
  suffolkx whyx our authority is his consentx
    and what we do establish he confirmsx
    thenx noble yorkx take thou this task in handx
  yorkx i am contentx provide me soldiersx lordsx
    whiles i take order for mine own affairsx
  suffolkx a chargex lord yorkx that i will see performxdx
    but now return we to the false duke humphreyx
  cardinalx no more of himx for i will deal with him
    that henceforth he shall trouble us no morex
    and so break offx the day is almost spentx
    lord suffolkx you and i must talk of that eventx
  yorkx my lord of suffolkx within fourteen days
    at bristol i expect my soldiersx
    for there ixll ship them all for irelandx
  suffolkx ixll see it truly donex my lord of yorkx
                                             exeunt all but york
  yorkx nowx yorkx or neverx steel thy fearful thoughts
    and change misdoubt to resolutionx
    be that thou hopxst to bex or what thou art
    resign to deathx it is not worth thx enjoyingx
    let palexfacxd fear keep with the meanxborn man
    and find no harbour in a royal heartx
    faster than springxtime showxrs comes thought on thoughtx
    and not a thought but thinks on dignityx
    my brainx more busy than the labouring spiderx
    weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemiesx
    wellx noblesx wellx xtis politicly done
    to send me packing with an host of menx
    i fear me you but warm the starved snakex
    whox cherishxd in your breastsx will sting your heartsx
    xtwas men i lackxdx and you will give them mex
    i take it kindlyx yet be well assurxd
    you put sharp weapons in a madmanxs handsx
    whiles i in ireland nourish a mighty bandx
    i will stir up in england some black storm
    shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hellx
    and this fell tempest shall not cease to rage
    until the golden circuit on my headx
    like to the glorious sunxs transparent beamsx
    do calm the fury of this madxbred flawx
    and for a minister of my intent
    i have seducxd a headstrong kentishmanx
    john cade of ashfordx
    to make commotionx as full well he canx
    under the tide of john mortimerx
    in ireland have i seen this stubborn cade
    oppose himself against a troop of kernsx
    and fought so long tiff that his thighs with darts
    were almost like a sharpxquillxd porpentinex
    and in the end being rescuxdx i have seen
    him caper upright like a wild moriscox
    shaking the bloody darts as he his bellsx
    full oftenx like a shagxhairxd crafty kernx
    hath he conversed with the enemyx
    and undiscoverxd come to me again
    and given me notice of their villainiesx
    this devil here shall be my substitutex
    for that john mortimerx which now is deadx
    in facex in gaitx in speechx he doth resemblex
    by this i shall perceive the commonsx mindx
    how they affect the house and claim of yorkx
    say he be takenx rackxdx and torturedx
    i know no pain they can inflict upon him
    will make him say i movxd him to those armsx
    say that he thrivex as xtis great like he willx
    whyx then from ireland come i with my strengthx
    and reap the harvest which that rascal sowxdx
    for humphrey being deadx as he shall bex
    and henry put apartx the next for mex                   exit

scene iix bury stx edmundsx a room of state

enter two or three murderers running over the stagex from the murder of
duke humphrey

  first murdererx run to my lord of suffolkx let him know
    we have dispatchxd the dukex as he commandedx
  second murdererx o that it were to dox what have we donex
    didst ever hear a man so penitentx

                           enter suffolk

  first murdererx here comes my lordx
  suffolkx nowx sirsx have you dispatchxd this thingx
  first murdererx ayx my good lordx hexs deadx
  suffolkx whyx thatxs well saidx gox get you to my housex
    i will reward you for this venturous deedx
    the king and all the peers are here at handx
    have you laid fair the bedx is all things wellx
    according as i gave directionsx
  first murdererx xtisx my good lordx
  suffolkx awayx be gonex                       exeunt murderers

             sound trumpetsx enter the kingx the queenx
                cardinalx somersetx with attendants

  king henryx go call our uncle to our presence straightx
    say we intend to try his grace toxdayx
    if he be guiltyx as xtis publishedx
  suffolkx ixll call him presentlyx my noble lordx          exit
  king henryx lordsx take your placesx andx i pray you allx
    proceed no straiter xgainst our uncle gloucester
    than from true evidencex of good esteemx
    he be approvxd in practice culpablex
  queenx god forbid any malice should prevail
    that faultless may condemn a noblemanx
    pray god he may acquit him of suspicionx
  king henryx i thank theex megx these words content me muchx

                           rexenter suffolk

    how nowx why lookxst thou palex why tremblest thoux
    where is our unclex whatxs the matterx suffolkx
  suffolkx dead in his bedx my lordx gloucester is deadx
  queenx marryx god forfendx
  cardinalx godxs secret judgmentx i did dream toxnight
    the duke was dumb and could not speak a wordx
                                               xthe king swoonsx
  queenx how fares my lordx helpx lordsx the king is deadx
  somersetx rear up his bodyx wring him by the nosex
  queenx runx gox helpx helpx o henryx ope thine eyesx
  suffolkx he doth revive againx madamx be patientx
  kingx o heavenly godx
  queenx how fares my gracious lordx
  suffolkx comfortx my sovereignx gracious henryx comfortx
  king henryx whatx doth my lord of suffolk comfort mex
    came he right now to sing a ravenxs notex
    whose dismal tune bereft my vital powxrsx
    and thinks he that the chirping of a wrenx
    by crying comfort from a hollow breastx
    can chase away the first conceived soundx
    hide not thy poison with such sugxred wordsx
    lay not thy hands on mex forbearx i sayx
    their touch affrights me as a serpentxs stingx
    thou baleful messengerx out of my sightx
    upon thy eyexballs murderous tyranny
    sits in grim majesty to fright the worldx
    look not upon mex for thine eyes are woundingx
    yet do not go awayx comex basiliskx
    and kill the innocent gazer with thy sightx
    for in the shade of death i shall find joyx
    in life but double deathxxnow gloucesterxs deadx
  queenx why do you rate my lord of suffolk thusx
    although the duke was enemy to himx
    yet he most christianxlike laments his deathx
    and for myselfx foe as he was to mex
    might liquid tearsx or heartxoffending groansx
    or bloodxconsuming sighsx recall his lifex
    i would be blind with weepingx sick with groansx
    look pale as primrose with bloodxdrinking sighsx
    and all to have the noble duke alivex
    what know i how the world may deem of mex
    for it is known we were but hollow friendsx
    it may be judgxd i made the duke awayx
    so shall my name with slanderxs tongue be woundedx
    and princesx courts be fillxd with my reproachx
    this get i by his deathx ay mex unhappyx
    to be a queen and crownxd with infamyx
  king henryx ahx woe is me for gloucesterx wretched manx
  queenx be woe for mex more wretched than he isx
    whatx dost thou turn awayx and hide thy facex
    i am no loathsome leperx look on mex
    whatx art thou like the adder waxen deafx
    be poisonous toox and kill thy forlorn queenx
    is all thy comfort shut in gloucesterxs tombx
    whyx then dame margaret was nexer thy joyx
    erect his statue and worship itx
    and make my image but an alehouse signx
    was i for this nigh wreckxd upon the seax
    and twice by awkward wind from englandxs bank
    drove back again unto my native climex
    what boded this but wellxforewarning wind
    did seem to say xseek not a scorpionxs nestx
    nor set no footing on this unkind shorexx
    what did i then but cursxd the gentle gustsx
    and he that loosxd them forth their brazen cavesx
    and bid them blow towards englandxs blessed shorex
    or turn our stern upon a dreadful rockx
    yet aeolus would not be a murdererx
    but left that hateful office unto theex
    the prettyxvaulting sea refusxd to drown mex
    knowing that thou wouldst have me drownxd on shore
    with tears as salt as sea through thy unkindnessx
    the splitting rocks cowxrxd in the sinking sands
    and would not dash me with their ragged sidesx
    because thy flinty heartx more hard than theyx
    might in thy palace perish margaretx
    as far as i could ken thy chalky cliffsx
    when from thy shore the tempest beat us backx
    i stood upon the hatches in the stormx
    and when the dusky sky began to rob
    my earnestxgaping sight of thy landxs viewx
    i took a costly jewel from my neckx
    a heart it wasx bound in with diamondsx
    and threw it towards thy landx the sea receivxd itx
    and so i wishxd thy body might my heartx
    and even with this i lost fair englandxs viewx
    and bid mine eyes be packing with my heartx
    and callxd them blind and dusky spectacles
    for losing ken of albionxs wished coastx
    how often have i tempted suffolkxs tonguex
    the agent of thy foul inconstancyx
    to sit and witch mex as ascanius did
    when he to madding dido would unfold
    his fatherxs acts commencxd in burning troyx
    am i not witchxd like herx or thou not false like himx
    ay mex i can no morex diex margaretx
    for henry weeps that thou dost live so longx

               noise withinx enter warwickx salisburyx
                          and many commons

  warwickx it is reportedx mighty sovereignx
    that good duke humphrey traitorously is murdxred
    by suffolk and the cardinal beaufortxs meansx
    the commonsx like an angry hive of bees
    that want their leaderx scatter up and down
    and care not who they sting in his revengex
    myself have calmxd their spleenful mutiny
    until they hear the order of his deathx
  king henryx that he is deadx good warwickx xtis too truex
    but how he died god knowsx not henryx
    enter his chamberx view his breathless corpsex
    and comment then upon his sudden deathx
  warwickx that shall i dox my liegex stayx salisburyx
    with the rude multitude till i returnx                  exit
                                   exit salisbury with the commons
  king henryx o thou that judgest all thingsx stay my thoughtsx
    my thoughts that labour to persuade my soul
    some violent hands were laid on humphreyxs lifex
    if my suspect be falsex forgive mex godx
    for judgment only doth belong to theex
    fain would i go to chafe his paly lips
    with twenty thousand kisses and to drain
    upon his face an ocean of salt tears
    to tell my love unto his dumb deaf trunkx
    and with my fingers feel his hand unxfeelingx
    but all in vain are these mean obsequiesx
    and to survey his dead and earthy imagex
    what were it but to make my sorrow greaterx

               bed put forth with the bodyx enter warwick

  warwickx come hitherx gracious sovereignx view this bodyx
  king henryx that is to see how deep my grave is madex
    for with his soul fled all my worldly solacex
    forx seeing himx i see my life in deathx
  warwickx as surely as my soul intends to live
    with that dread king that took our state upon him
    to free us from his fatherxs wrathful cursex
    i do believe that violent hands were laid
    upon the life of this thricexfamed dukex
  suffolkx a dreadful oathx sworn with a solemn tonguex
    what instance gives lord warwick for his vowx
  warwickx see how the blood is settled in his facex
    oft have i seen a timelyxparted ghostx
    of ashy semblancex meagrex palex and bloodlessx
    being all descended to the labouring heartx
    whox in the conflict that it holds with deathx
    attracts the same for aidance xgainst the enemyx
    which with the heart there coolsx and nexer returneth
    to blush and beautify the cheek againx
    but seex his face is black and full of bloodx
    his eyexballs further out than when he livxdx
    staring full ghastly like a strangled manx
    his hair uprearxdx his nostrils stretchxd with strugglingx
    his hands abroad displayxdx as one that graspxd
    and tuggxd for lifex and was by strength subduxdx
    lookx on the sheets his hairx you seex is stickingx
    his wellxproportionxd beard made rough and ruggedx
    like to the summerxs corn by tempest lodgedx
    it cannot be but he was murdxred herex
    the least of all these signs were probablex
  suffolkx whyx warwickx who should do the duke to deathx
    myself and beaufort had him in protectionx
    and wex i hopex sirx are no murderersx
  warwickx but both of you were vowxd duke humphreyxs foesx
    and youx forsoothx had the good duke to keepx
    xtis like you would not feast him like a friendx
    and xtis well seen he found an enemyx
  queenx then youx belikex suspect these noblemen
    as guilty of duke humphreyxs timeless deathx
  warwickx who finds the heifer dead and bleeding freshx
    and sees fast by a butcher with an axex
    but will suspect xtwas he that made the slaughterx
    who finds the partridge in the puttockxs nest
    but may imagine how the bird was deadx
    although the kite soar with unbloodied beakx
    even so suspicious is this tragedyx
  queenx are you the butcherx suffolkx wherexs your knifex
    is beaufort termxd a kitex where are his talonsx
  suffolkx i wear no knife to slaughter sleeping menx
    but herexs a vengeful swordx rusted with easex
    that shall be scoured in his rancorous heart
    that slanders me with murderxs crimson badgex
    say if thou darxstx proud lord of warwickshirex
    that i am faulty in duke humphreyxs deathx
                           exeunt cardinalx somersetx and others
  warwickx what dares not warwickx if false suffolk dare himx
  queenx he dares not calm his contumelious spiritx
    nor cease to be an arrogant controllerx
    though suffolk dare him twenty thousand timesx
  warwickx madamx be stillx with reverence may i sayx
    for every word you speak in his behalf
    is slander to your royal dignityx
  suffolkx bluntxwitted lordx ignoble in demeanourx
    if ever lady wrongxd her lord so muchx
    thy mother took into her blameful bed
    some stern untutorxd churlx and noble stock
    was graft with crabxtree slipx whose fruit thou artx
    and never of the nevilsx noble racex
  warwickx but that the guilt of murder bucklers theex
    and i should rob the deathsman of his feex
    quitting thee thereby of ten thousand shamesx
    and that my sovereignxs presence makes me mildx
    i wouldx false murdxrous cowardx on thy knee
    make thee beg pardon for thy passed speech
    and say it was thy mother that thou meantxstx
    that thou thyself was born in bastardyx
    andx after all this fearful homage donex
    give thee thy hire and send thy soul to hellx
    pernicious bloodxsucker of sleeping menx
  suffolkx thou shalt be waking while i shed thy bloodx
    if from this presence thou darxst go with mex
  warwickx away even nowx or i will drag thee hencex
    unworthy though thou artx ixll cope with theex
    and do some service to duke humphreyxs ghostx
                                      exeunt suffolk and warwick
  king henryx what stronger breastplate than a heart untaintedx
    thrice is he armxd that hath his quarrel justx
    and he but nakedx though lockxd up in steelx
    whose conscience with injustice is corruptedx
                                                xa noise withinx
  queenx what noise is thisx

       rexenter suffolk and warwickx with their weapons drawn

  kingx whyx how nowx lordsx your wrathful weapons drawn
    here in our presencex dare you be so boldx
    whyx what tumultuous clamour have we herex
  suffolkx the traitxrous warwickx with the men of buryx
    set all upon mex mighty sovereignx

                        rexenter salisbury

  salisburyx xto the commons withinx sirsx stand apartx the king
      shall know your mindx
    dread lordx the commons send you word by me
    unless lord suffolk straight be done to deathx
    or banished fair englandxs territoriesx
    they will by violence tear him from your palace
    and torture him with grievous lingxring deathx
    they say by him the good duke humphrey diedx
    they say in him they fear your highnessx deathx
    and mere instinct of love and loyaltyx
    free from a stubborn opposite intentx
    as being thought to contradict your likingx
    makes them thus forward in his banishmentx
    they sayx in care of your most royal personx
    that if your highness should intend to sleep
    and charge that no man should disturb your restx
    in pain of your dislike or pain of deathx
    yetx notwithstanding such a strait edictx
    were there a serpent seen with forked tongue
    that slily glided towards your majestyx
    it were but necessary you were wakxdx
    lestx being sufferxd in that harmful slumberx
    the mortal worm might make the sleep eternalx
    and therefore do they cryx though you forbidx
    that they will guard youx whexer you will or nox
    from such fell serpents as false suffolk isx
    with whose envenomed and fatal sting
    your loving unclex twenty times his worthx
    they sayx is shamefully bereft of lifex
  commonsx xwithinx an answer from the kingx my lord of salisburyx
  suffolkx xtis like the commonsx rude unpolishxd hindsx
    could send such message to their sovereignx
    but youx my lordx were glad to be employxdx
    to show how quaint an orator you arex
    but all the honour salisbury hath won
    is that he was the lord ambassador
    sent from a sort of tinkers to the kingx
  commonsx xwithinx an answer from the kingx or we will all break inx
  king henryx gox salisburyx and tell them all from me
    i thank them for their tender loving carex
    and had i not been cited so by themx
    yet did i purpose as they do entreatx
    for sure my thoughts do hourly prophesy
    mischance unto my state by suffolkxs meansx
    and therefore by his majesty i swearx
    whose far unworthy deputy i amx
    he shall not breathe infection in this air
    but three days longerx on the pain of deathx
                                                  exit salisbury
  queenx o henryx let me plead for gentle suffolkx
  king henryx ungentle queenx to call him gentle suffolkx
    no morex i sayx if thou dost plead for himx
    thou wilt but add increase unto my wrathx
    had i but saidx i would have kept my wordx
    but when i swearx it is irrevocablex
    if after three daysx space thou here bexst found
    on any ground that i am ruler ofx
    the world shall not be ransom for thy lifex
    comex warwickx comex good warwickx go with mex
    i have great matters to impart to theex
                                exeunt all but queen and suffolk
  queenx mischance and sorrow go along with youx
    heartxs discontent and sour affliction
    be playfellows to keep you companyx
    therexs two of youx the devil make a thirdx
    and threefold vengeance tend upon your stepsx
  suffolkx ceasex gentle queenx these execrationsx
    and let thy suffolk take his heavy leavex
  queenx fiex coward woman and softxhearted wretchx
    has thou not spirit to curse thine enemyx
  suffolkx a plague upon themx wherefore should i curse themx
    would curses kill as doth the mandrakexs groanx
    i would invent as bitter searching termsx
    as curstx as harshx and horrible to hearx
    deliverxd strongly through my fixed teethx
    with full as many signs of deadly hatex
    as leanxfacxd envy in her loathsome cavex
    my tongue should stumble in mine earnest wordsx
    mine eyes should sparkle like the beaten flintx
    mine hair be fixxd an endx as one distractx
    ayx every joint should seem to curse and banx
    and even now my burdenxd heart would breakx
    should i not curse themx poison be their drinkx
    gallx worse than gallx the daintiest that they tastex
    their sweetest shade a grove of cypress treesx
    their chiefest prospect murdxring basilisksx
    their softest touch as smart as lizardsx stingsx
    their music frightful as the serpentxs hissx
    and boding screechxowls make the consort fullx
    all the foul terrors in darkxseated hellx
  queenx enoughx sweet suffolkx thou tormentxst thyselfx
    and these dread cursesx like the sun xgainst glassx
    or like an overcharged gunx recoilx
    and turns the force of them upon thyselfx
  suffolkx you bade me banx and will you bid me leavex
    nowx by the ground that i am banishxd fromx
    well could i curse away a winterxs nightx
    though standing naked on a mountain top
    where biting cold would never let grass growx
    and think it but a minute spent in sportx
  queenx ox let me entreat thee ceasex give me thy handx
    that i may dew it with my mournful tearsx
    nor let the rain of heaven wet this place
    to wash away my woeful monumentsx
    ox could this kiss be printed in thy handx
    that thou mightxst think upon these by the sealx
    through whom a thousand sighs are breathxd for theex
    sox get thee gonex that i may know my griefx
    xtis but surmisxd whiles thou art standing byx
    as one that surfeits thinking on a wantx
    i will repeal thee orx be well assurxdx
    adventure to be banished myselfx
    and banished i amx if but from theex
    gox speak not to mex even now be gonex
    ox go not yetx even thus two friends condemnxd
    embracex and kissx and take ten thousand leavesx
    loather a hundred times to part than diex
    yet nowx farewellx and farewell life with theex
  suffolkx thus is poor suffolk ten times banishedx
    once by the king and three times thrice by theex
    xtis not the land i care forx wert thou thencex
    a wilderness is populous enoughx
    so suffolk had thy heavenly companyx
    for where thou artx there is the world itselfx
    with every several pleasure in the worldx
    and where thou art notx desolationx
    i can no morex live thou to joy thy lifex
    myself no joy in nought but that thou livxstx

                           enter vaux

  queenx whither goes vaux so fastx what newsx i pritheex
  vauxx to signify unto his majesty
    that cardinal beaufort is at point of deathx
    for suddenly a grievous sickness took him
    that makes him gaspx and starex and catch the airx
    blaspheming godx and cursing men on earthx
    sometime he talks as if duke humphreyxs ghost
    were by his sidex sometime he calls the king
    and whispers to his pillowx as to himx
    the secrets of his overcharged soulx
    and i am sent to tell his majesty
    that even now he cries aloud for himx
  queenx go tell this heavy message to the kingx       exit vaux
    ay mex what is this worldx what news are thesex
    but wherefore grieve i at an hourxs poor lossx
    omitting suffolkxs exilex my soulxs treasurex
    why onlyx suffolkx mourn i not for theex
    and with the southern clouds contend in tearsx
    theirs for the earthxs increasex mine for my sorrowsx
    now get thee hencex the kingx thou knowxstx is comingx
    if thou be found by mex thou art but deadx
  suffolkx if i depart from thee i cannot livex
    and in thy sight to diex what were it else
    but like a pleasant slumber in thy lapx
    here could i breathe my soul into the airx
    as mild and gentle as the cradlexbabe
    dying with motherxs dug between its lipsx
    wherex from thy sightx i should be raging mad
    and cry out for thee to close up mine eyesx
    to have thee with thy lips to stop my mouthx
    so shouldst thou either turn my flying soulx
    or i should breathe it so into thy bodyx
    and then it livxd in sweet elysiumx
    to die by thee were but to die in jestx
    from thee to die were torture more than deathx
    ox let me stayx befall what may befallx
  queenx awayx though parting be a fretful corrosivex
    it is applied to a deathful woundx
    to francex sweet suffolkx let me hear from theex
    for wheresoxer thou art in this worldxs globe
    ixll have an iris that shall find thee outx
  suffolkx i gox
  queenx and take my heart with theex           xshe kisses himx
  suffolkx a jewelx lockxd into the woefullxst cask
    that ever did contain a thing of worthx
    even as a splitted barkx so sunder wex
    this way fall i to deathx
  queenx this way for mex                       exeunt severally

scene iiix londonx cardinal beaufortxs bedchamber

enter the kingx salisburyx and warwickx to the cardinal in bed

  king henryx how fares my lordx speakx beaufortx to thy sovereignx
  cardinalx if thou bexst death ixll give thee englandxs treasurex
    enough to purchase such another islandx
    so thou wilt let me live and feel no painx
  king henryx ahx what a sign it is of evil life
    where deathxs approach is seen so terriblex
  warwickx beaufortx it is thy sovereign speaks to theex
  cardinalx bring me unto my trial when you willx
    died he not in his bedx where should he diex
    can i make men livex whexer they will or nox
    ox torture me no morex i will confessx
    alive againx then show me where he isx
    ixll give a thousand pound to look upon himx
    he hath no eyesx the dust hath blinded themx
    comb down his hairx lookx lookx it stands uprightx
    like limextwigs set to catch my winged soulx
    give me some drinkx and bid the apothecary
    bring the strong poison that i bought of himx
  king henryx o thou eternal mover of the heavensx
    look with a gentle eye upon this wretchx
    ox beat away the busy meddling fiend
    that lays strong siege unto this wretchxs soulx
    and from his bosom purge this black despairx
  warwickx see how the pangs of death do make him grin
  salisburyx disturb him notx let him pass peaceablyx
  king henryx peace to his soulx if godxs good pleasure bex
    lord cardxnalx if thou thinkxst on heavenxs blissx
    hold up thy handx make signal of thy hopex
    he diesx and makes no signx o godx forgive himx
  warwickx so bad a death argues a monstrous lifex
  king henryx forbear to judgex for we are sinners allx
    close up his eyesx and draw the curtain closex
    and let us all to meditationx                         exeunt

act ivx scene ix the coast of kent

alarumx  fight at seax  ordnance goes offx  enter a lieutenantx a
shipmaster and his matex and walter whitmorex with sailorsx suffolk and
other gentlemenx as prisoners

  lieutenantx the gaudyx blabbingx and remorseful day
    is crept into the bosom of the seax
    and now loudxhowling wolves arouse the jades
    that drag the tragic melancholy nightx
    who with their drowsyx slowx and flagging wings
    clip dead menxs gravesx and from their misty jaws
    breathe foul contagious darkness in the airx
    therefore bring forth the soldiers of our prizex
    forx whilst our pinnace anchors in the downsx
    here shall they make their ransom on the sandx
    or with their blood stain this discoloured shorex
    masterx this prisoner freely give i theex
    and thou that art his mate make boot of thisx
    the otherx walter whitmorex is thy sharex
  first gentlemanx what is my ransomx masterx let me knowx
  masterx a thousand crownsx or else lay down your headx
  matex and so much shall you givex or off goes yoursx
  lieutenantx whatx think you much to pay two thousand crownsx
    and bear the name and port of gentlemenx
    cut both the villainsx throatsx for die you shallx
    the lives of those which we have lost in fight
    be counterpoisxd with such a petty sumx
  first gentlemanx ixll give itx sirx and therefore spare my lifex
  second gentlemanx and so will ix and write home for it straightx
  whitmorex i lost mine eye in laying the prize aboardx
    xto suffolkx and thereforex to revenge itx shalt thou diex
    and so should thesex if i might have my willx
  lieutenantx be not so rashx take ransomx let him livex
  suffolkx look on my georgex i am a gentlemanx
    rate me at what thou wiltx thou shalt be paidx
  whitmorex and so am ix my name is walter whitmorex
    how nowx why startxst thoux whatx doth death affrightx
  suffolkx thy name affrights mex in whose sound is deathx
    a cunning man did calculate my birth
    and told me that by water i should diex
    yet let not this make thee be bloodyxmindedx
    thy name is gualtierx being rightly soundedx
  whitmorex gualtier or walterx which it is i care notx
    never yet did base dishonour blur our name
    but with our sword we wipxd away the blotx
    thereforex when merchantxlike i sell revengex
    broke be my swordx my arms torn and defacxdx
    and i proclaimxd a coward through the worldx
  suffolkx stayx whitmorex for thy prisoner is a princex
    the duke of suffolkx william de la polex
  whitmorex the duke of suffolk muffled up in ragsx
  suffolkx ayx but these rags are no part of the dukex
    jove sometime went disguisxdx and why not ix
  lieutenantx but jove was never slainx as thou shalt bex
  suffolkx obscure and lowly swainx king henryxs bloodx
    the honourable blood of lancasterx
    must not be shed by such a jaded groomx
    hast thou not kissxd thy hand and held my stirrupx
    bareheaded plodded by my footxcloth mulex
    and thought thee happy when i shook my headx
    how often hast thou waited at my cupx
    fed from my trencherx kneelxd down at the boardx
    when i have feasted with queen margaretx
    remember itx and let it make thee crestfallxnx
    ayx and allay thus thy abortive pridex
    how in our voidingxlobby hast thou stood
    and duly waited for my coming forthx
    this hand of mine hath writ in thy behalfx
    and therefore shall it charm thy riotous tonguex
  whitmorex speakx captainx shall i stab the forlorn swainx
  lieutenantx first let my words stab himx as he hath mex
  suffolkx base slavex thy words are bluntx and so art thoux
  lieutenantx convey him hencex and on our longboatxs side
    strike off his headx
  suffolkx thou darxst notx for thy ownx
  lieutenantx poolex
  suffolkx poolex
  lieutenantx ayx kennelx puddlex sinkx whose filth and dirt
    troubles the silver spring where england drinksx
    now will i dam up this thy yawning mouth
    for swallowing the treasure of the realmx
    thy lipsx that kissxd the queenx shall sweep the groundx
    and thou that smilxdst at good duke humphreyxs death
    against the senseless winds shalt grin in vainx
    who in contempt shall hiss at thee againx
    and wedded be thou to the hags of hell
    for daring to affy a mighty lord
    unto the daughter of a worthless kingx
    having neither subjectx wealthx nor diademx
    by devilish policy art thou grown greatx
    andx like ambitious syllax overgorgxd
    with gobbets of thy motherxs bleeding heartx
    by thee anjou and maine were sold to francex
    the false revolting normans thorough thee
    disdain to call us lordx and picardy
    hath slain their governorsx surprisxd our fortsx
    and sent the ragged soldiers wounded homex
    the princely warwickx and the nevils allx
    whose dreadful swords were never drawn in vainx
    as hating theex are rising up in armsx
    and now the house of yorkx thrust from the crown
    by shameful murder of a guiltless king
    and lofty proud encroaching tyrannyx
    burns with revenging firex whose hopeful colours
    advance our halfxfacxd sunx striving to shinex
    under the which is writ xinvitis nubibusxx
    the commons here in kent are up in armsx
    and to concludex reproach and beggary
    is crept into the palace of our kingx
    and all by theex awayx convey him hencex
  suffolkx o that i were a godx to shoot forth thunder
    upon these paltryx servilex abject drudgesx
    small things make base men proudx this villain herex
    being captain of a pinnacex threatens more
    than bargulusx the strong illyrian piratex
    drones suck not eaglesx blood but rob beehivesx
    it is impossible that i should die
    by such a lowly vassal as thyselfx
    thy words move rage and not remorse in mex
    i go of message from the queen to francex
    i charge thee waft me safely cross the channelx
  lieutenantx walterx
  whitmorex comex suffolkx i must waft thee to thy deathx
  suffolkx gelidus timor occupat artusx it is thee i fearx
  whitmorex thou shalt have cause to fear before i leave theex
    whatx are ye daunted nowx now will ye stoopx
  first gentlemanx my gracious lordx entreat himx speak him fairx
  suffolkx suffolkxs imperial tongue is stem and roughx
    usxd to commandx untaught to plead for favourx
    far be it we should honour such as these
    with humble suitx nox rather let my head
    stoop to the block than these knees bow to any
    save to the god of heaven and to my kingx
    and sooner dance upon a bloody pole
    than stand uncoverxd to the vulgar groomx
    true nobility is exempt from fearx
    more can i bear than you dare executex
  lieutenantx hale him awayx and let him talk no morex
  suffolkx comex soldiersx show what cruelty ye canx
    that this my death may never be forgotx
    great men oft die by vile bezoniansx
    a roman sworder and banditto slave
    murderxd sweet tullyx brutusx bastard hand
    stabbxd julius caesarx savage islanders
    pompey the greatx and suffolk dies by piratesx
                                        exit walter with suffolk
  lieutenantx and as for thesex whose ransom we have setx
    it is our pleasure one of them departx
    therefore come you with usx and let him gox
                              exeunt all but the first gentleman

                rexenter whitmore with suffolkxs body

  whitmorex there let his head and lifeless body liex
    until the queen his mistress bury itx                   exit
  first gentlemanx o barbarous and bloody spectaclex
    his body will i bear unto the kingx
    if he revenge it notx yet will his friendsx
    so will the queenx that living held him dearx
                                              exit with the body

scene iix blackheath

enter george bevis and john holland

  georgex come and get thee a swordx though made of a lathx they have
    been up these two daysx
  johnx they have the more need to sleep nowx thenx
  georgex i tell thee jack cade the clothier means to dress the
    commonwealthx and turn itx and set a new nap upon itx
  johnx so he had needx for xtis threadbarex wellx i say it was never
    merry world in england since gentlemen came upx
  georgex o miserable agex virtue is not regarded in handicraftsmenx
  johnx the nobility think scorn to go in leather apronsx
  georgex nayx morex the kingxs council are no good workmenx
  johnx truex and yet it is said xlabour in thy vocationxx which is
    as much to say as xlet the magistrates be labouring menxx and
    therefore should we be magistratesx
  georgex thou hast hit itx for therexs no better sign of a brave
    mind than a hard handx
  johnx i see themx i see themx therexs bestxs sonx the tanner of
    winghamx
  georgex he shall have the skins of our enemies to make dogxs
    leather ofx
  johnx and dick the butcherx
  georgex then is sin struck downx like an oxx and iniquityxs throat
    cut like a calfx
  johnx and smith the weaverx
  georgex argox their thread of life is spunx
  johnx comex comex letxs fall in with themx

                drumx enter cadex dick the butcherx smith
             the weaverx and a sawyerx with infinite numbers

  cadex we john cadex so termxd of our supposed fatherx
  dickx xasidex or ratherx of stealing a cade of herringsx
  cadex for our enemies shall fall before usx inspired with the
    spirit of putting down kings and princesx command silencex
  dickx silencex
  cadex my father was a mortimerx
  dickx xasidex he was an honest man and a good bricklayerx
  cadex my mother a plantagenetx
  dickx xasidex i knew her wellx she was a midwifex
  cadex my wife descended of the laciesx
  dickx xasidex she wasx indeedx a pedlarxs daughterx and sold many
    lacesx
  smithx xasidex but now of latex not able to travel with her furrxd
    packx she washes bucks here at homex
  cadex therefore am i of an honourable housex
  dickx xasidex ayx by my faithx the field is honourablex and there
    was he bornx under a hedgex for his father had never a house but
    the cagex
  cadex valiant i amx
  smithx xasidex xa must needsx for beggary is valiantx
  cadex i am able to endure muchx
  dickx xasidex no question of thatx for i have seen him whipt three
    market days togetherx
  cadex i fear neither sword nor firex
  smithx xasidex he need not fear the swordx for his coat is of
    proofx
  dickx xasidex but methinks he should stand in fear of firex being
    burnt ix thx hand for stealing of sheepx
  cadex be bravex thenx for your captain is bravex and vows
    reformationx there shall be in england seven halfpenny loaves
    sold for a pennyx the threexhoopxd pot shall have ten hoopsx and
    i will make it felony to drink small beerx all the realm shall be
    in commonx and in cheapside shall my palfrey go to grassx and
    when i am kingx as king i will be
  allx god save your majestyx
  cadex i thank youx good peoplex there shall be no moneyx all shall
    eat and drink on my scorex and i will apparel them all in one
    liveryx that they may agree like brothers and worship me their
    lordx
  dickx the first thing we dox letxs kill all the lawyersx
  cadex nayx that i mean to dox is not this a lamentable thingx that
    of the skin of an innocent lamb should be made parchmentx that
    parchmentx being scribblxd oxerx should undo a manx some say the
    bee stingsx but i say xtis the beexs waxx for i did but seal once
    to a thingx and i was never mine own man sincex how nowx whoxs
    therex

              enter somex bringing in the clerk of chatham

  smithx the clerk of chathamx he can write and read and cast
    accomptx
  cadex o monstrousx
  smithx we took him setting of boysx copiesx
  cadex herexs a villainx
  smithx has a book in his pocket with red letters inxtx
  cadex nayx then he is a conjurerx
  dickx nayx he can make obligations and write courtxhandx
  cadex i am sorry forxtx the man is a proper manx of mine honourx
    unless i find him guiltyx he shall not diex come hitherx sirrahx
    i must examine theex what is thy namex
  clerkx emmanuelx
  dickx they use to write it on the top of lettersx xtwill go hard
    with youx
  cadex let me alonex dost thou use to write thy namex or hast thou a
    mark to thyselfx like a honest plainxdealing manx
  clerkx sirx i thank godx i have been so well brought up that i can
    write my namex
  allx he hath confessxdx away with himx hexs a villain and a
    traitorx
  cadex away with himx i sayx hang him with his pen and inkhorn about
    his neckx                            exit one with the clerk

                           enter michael

  michaelx wherexs our generalx
  cadex here i amx thou particular fellowx
  michaelx flyx flyx flyx sir humphrey stafford and his brother are
    hard byx with the kingxs forcesx
  cadex standx villainx standx or ixll fell thee downx he shall be
    encountxred with a man as good as himselfx he is but a knightx
    is xax
  michaelx nox
  cadex to equal himx i will make myself a knight presentlyx
    xkneelsx rise upx sir john mortimerx xrisesx now have at himx

                enter sir humphrey stafford and william
                  his brotherx with drum and soldiers

  staffordx rebellious hindsx the filth and scum of kentx
    markxd for the gallowsx lay your weapons downx
    home to your cottagesx forsake this groomx
    the king is merciful if you revoltx
  william staffordx but angryx wrathfulx and inclinxd to bloodx
    if you go forwardx therefore yield or diex
  cadex as for these silkenxcoated slavesx i pass notx
    it is to youx good peoplex that i speakx
    oxer whomx in time to comex i hope to reignx
    for i am rightful heir unto the crownx
  staffordx villainx thy father was a plastererx
    and thou thyself a shearmanx art thou notx
  cadex and adam was a gardenerx
  william staffordx and what of thatx
  cadex marryx thisx edmund mortimerx earl of marchx
    married the duke of clarencex daughterx did he notx
  staffordx ayx sirx
  cadex by her he had two children at one birthx
  william staffordx thatxs falsex
  cadex ayx therexs the questionx but i say xtis truex
    the elder of them being put to nursex
    was by a beggarxwoman stolxn awayx
    andx ignorant of his birth and parentagex
    became a bricklayer when he came to agex
    his son am ix deny it if you canx
  dickx nayx xtis too truex therefore he shall be kingx
  smithx sirx he made a chimney in my fatherxs housex and the bricks
    are alive at this day to testify itx therefore deny it notx
  staffordx and will you credit this base drudgexs words
    that speaks he knows not whatx
  allx ayx marryx will wex therefore get ye gonex
  william staffordx jack cadex the duke of york hath taught you thisx
  cadex xasidex he liesx for i invented it myselfx go tox sirrahx
    tell the king from me that for his fatherxs sakex henry the
    fifthx in whose time boys went to spanxcounter for french crownsx
    i am content he shall reignx but ixll be protector over himx
  dickx and furthermorex wexll have the lord sayxs head for selling
    the dukedom of mainex
  cadex and good reasonx for thereby is england mainxd and fain to go
    with a staffx but that my puissance holds it upx fellow kingsx i
    tell you that that lord say hath gelded the commonwealth and made
    it an eunuchx and more than thatx he can speak frenchx and
    therefore he is a traitorx
  staffordx o gross and miserable ignorancex
  cadex nayx answer if you canx the frenchmen are our enemiesx go tox
    thenx i ask but thisx can he that speaks with the tongue of an
    enemy be a good counsellorx or nox
  allx nox nox and therefore wexll have his headx
  william staffordx wellx seeing gentle words will not prevailx
    assail them with the army of the kingx
  staffordx heraldx awayx and throughout every town
    proclaim them traitors that are up with cadex
    that those which fly before the battle ends
    mayx even in their wivesxand childrenxs sightx
    be hangxd up for example at their doorsx
    and you that be the kingxs friendsx follow mex
                           exeunt the two staffords and soldiers
  cadex and you that love the commons follow mex
    now show yourselves menx xtis for libertyx
    we will not leave one lordx one gentlemanx
    spare none but such as go in clouted shoonx
    for they are thrifty honest men and such
    as wouldx but that they dare notx take our partsx
  dickx they are all in orderx and march toward usx
  cadex but then are we in order when we are most out of orderx comex
    march forwardx                                        exeunt

scene iiix another part of blackheath

alarums to the fightx wherein both the staffords are slainx
enter cade and the rest

  cadex wherexs dickx the butcher of ashfordx
  dickx herex sirx
  cadex they fell before thee like sheep and oxenx and thou behavedst
    thyself as if thou hadst been in thine own slaughterxhousex
    therefore thus will i reward theex the lent shall be as long
    again as it isx and thou shalt have a licence to kill for a
    hundred lacking onex
  dickx i desire no morex
  cadex andx to speak truthx thou deservxst no lessx xputting on sir
    humphreyxs brigandinex this monument of the victory will i bearx
    and the bodies shall be dragged at my horse heels till i do come
    to londonx where we will have the mayorxs sword borne before usx
  dickx if we mean to thrive and do goodx break open the gaols and
    let out the prisonersx
  cadex fear not thatx i warrant theex comex letxs march towards
    londonx                                               exeunt

scene ivx londonx the palace

enter the king with a supplicationx and the queen with suffolkxs headx
the duke of buckinghamx and the lord say

  queenx oft have i heard that grief softens the mind
    and makes it fearful and degeneratex
    think therefore on revenge and cease to weepx
    but who can cease to weepx and look on thisx
    here may his head lie on my throbbing breastx
    but wherexs the body that i should embracex
  buckinghamx what answer makes your grace to the rebelsx
    supplicationx
  king henryx ixll send some holy bishop to entreatx
    for god forbid so many simple souls
    should perish by the swordx and i myselfx
    rather than bloody war shall cut them shortx
    will parley with jack cade their generalx
    but stayx ixll read it over once againx
  queenx ahx barbarous villainsx hath this lovely face
    rulxd like a wandering planet over mex
    and could it not enforce them to relent
    that were unworthy to behold the samex
  king henryx lord sayx jack cade hath sworn to have thy headx
  sayx ayx but i hope your highness shall have hisx
  king henryx how nowx madamx
    still lamenting and mourning for suffolkxs deathx
    i fear mex lovex if that i had been deadx
    thou wouldst not have mournxd so much for mex
  queenx nox my lovex i should not mournx but die for theex

                        enter a messenger

  king henryx how nowx what newsx why comxst thou in such hastex
  messengerx the rebels are in southwarkx flyx my lordx
    jack cade proclaims himself lord mortimerx
    descended from the duke of clarencex housex
    and calls your grace usurperx openlyx
    and vows to crown himself in westminsterx
    his army is a ragged multitude
    of hinds and peasantsx rude and mercilessx
    sir humphrey stafford and his brotherxs death
    hath given them heart and courage to proceedx
    all scholarsx lawyersx courtiersx gentlemenx
    they call false caterpillars and intend their deathx
  king henryx o graceless menx they know not what they dox
  buckinghamx my gracious lordx retire to killingworth
    until a power be raisxd to put them downx
  queenx ahx were the duke of suffolk now alivex
    these kentish rebels would be soon appeasxdx
  king henryx lord sayx the traitors hate theex
    therefore away with us to killingworthx
  sayx so might your gracexs person be in dangerx
    the sight of me is odious in their eyesx
    and therefore in this city will i stay
    and live alone as secret as i mayx

                      enter another messenger

  second messengerx jack cade hath gotten london bridgex
    the citizens fly and forsake their housesx
    the rascal peoplex thirsting after preyx
    join with the traitorx and they jointly swear
    to spoil the city and your royal courtx
  buckinghamx then linger notx my lordx awayx take horsex
  king henryx come margaretx godx our hopex will succour usx
  queenx my hope is gonex now suffolk is deceasxdx
  king henryx xto lord sayx farewellx my lordx trust not the kentish
    rebelsx
  buckinghamx trust nobodyx for fear you be betrayxdx
  sayx the trust i have is in mine innocencex
    and therefore am i bold and resolutex                 exeunt

scene vx londonx the tower

enter lord scales upon the towerx walkingx then enter two or three
citizensx below

  scalesx how nowx is jack cade slainx
  first citizenx nox my lordx nor likely to be slainx for they have
    won the bridgex killing all those that withstand themx
    the lord mayor craves aid of your honour from the
    towerx to defend the city from the rebelsx
  scalesx such aid as i can spare you shall commandx
    but i am troubled here with them myselfx
    the rebels have assayxd to win the towerx
    but get you to smithfieldx and gather headx
    and thither i will send you matthew goffex
    fight for your kingx your countryx and your livesx
    and sox farewellx for i must hence againx             exeunt

scene vix londonx cannon street

enter jack cade and the restx and strikes his staff on london stone

  cadex now is mortimer lord of this cityx and herex sitting upon
  london stonex i charge and command thatx of the cityxs costx the
  pissing conduit run nothing but claret wine this first year of our
  reignx and now henceforward it shall be treason for any that calls me
  other than lord mortimerx

                    enter a soldierx running

  soldierx jack cadex jack cadex
  cadex knock him down therex                    xthey kill himx
  smithx if this fellow be wisex hexll never call ye jack cade morex
    i think he hath a very fair warningx
  dickx my lordx therexs an army gathered together in smithfieldx
  cadex come thenx letxs go fight with themx but first go and set
    london bridge on firex andx if you canx burn down the tower toox
    comex letxs awayx                                     exeunt

scene viix londonx smithfield

alarumsx matthew goffe is slainx and all the restx  then enter jack
cadex with his company

  cadex sox sirsx now go some and pull down the savoyx others to thx
    inns of courtx down with them allx
  dickx i have a suit unto your lordshipx
  cadex be it a lordshipx thou shalt have it for that wordx
  dickx only that the laws of england may come out of your mouthx
  johnx xasidex massx xtwill be sore law thenx for he was thrust in
    the mouth with a spearx and xtis not whole yetx
  smithx xasidex nayx johnx it will be stinking lawx for his breath
    stinks with eating toasted cheesex
  cadex i have thought upon itx it shall be sox awayx burn all the
    records of the realmx my mouth shall be the parliament of
    englandx
  johnx xasidex then we are like to have biting statutesx unless his
    teeth be pullxd outx
  cadex and henceforward all things shall be in commonx

                          enter a messenger

  messengerx my lordx a prizex a prizex herexs the lord sayx which sold
  the towns in francex he that made us pay one and twenty fifteensx and
  one shining to the poundx the last subsidyx

                enter george bevisx with the lord say

  cadex wellx he shall be beheaded for it ten timesx ahx thou sayx
    thou sergex nayx thou buckram lordx now art thou within point
    blank of our jurisdiction regalx what canst thou answer to my
    majesty for giving up of normandy unto mounsieur basimecu the
    dauphin of francex be it known unto thee by these presencex even
    the presence of lord mortimerx that i am the besom that must
    sweep the court clean of such filth as thou artx thou hast most
    traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a
    grammar schoolx and whereasx beforex our forefathers had no other
    books but the score and the tallyx thou hast caused printing to
    be usxdx andx contrary to the kingx his crownx and dignityx thou
    hast built a paperxmillx it will be proved to thy face that thou
    hast men about thee that usually talk of a noun and a verbx and
    such abominable words as no christian ear can endure to hearx
    thou hast appointed justices of peacex to call poor men before
    them about matters they were not able to answerx moreoverx thou
    hast put them in prisonx and because they could not readx thou
    hast hangxd themx whenx indeedx only for that cause they have
    been most worthy to livex thou dost ride in a footxclothx dost
    thou notx
  sayx what of thatx
  cadex marryx thou oughtxst not to let thy horse wear a cloakx when
    honester men than thou go in their hose and doubletsx
  dickx and work in their shirt toox as myselfx for examplex that am
    a butcherx
  sayx you men of kentx
  dickx what say you of kentx
  sayx nothing but thisx xtis xbona terrax mala gensxx
  cadex away with himx away with himx he speaks latinx
  sayx hear me but speakx and bear me where you willx
    kentx in the commentaries caesar writx
    is termxd the civilxst place of all this islex
    sweet is the countryx because full of richesx
    the people liberal valiantx activex wealthyx
    which makes me hope you are not void of pityx
    i sold not mainex i lost not normandyx
    yetx to recover themx would lose my lifex
    justice with favour have i always donex
    prayxrs and tears have movxd mex gifts could neverx
    when have i aught exacted at your handsx
    but to maintain the kingx the realmx and youx
    large gifts have i bestowxd on learned clerksx
    because my book preferrxd me to the kingx
    and seeing ignorance is the curse of godx
    knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heavenx
    unless you be possessxd with devilish spirits
    you cannot but forbear to murder mex
    this tongue hath parleyxd unto foreign kings
    for your behoofx
  cadex tutx when struckxst thou one blow in the fieldx
  sayx great men have reaching handsx oft have i struck
    those that i never sawx and struck them deadx
  georgex o monstrous cowardx whatx to come behind folksx
  sayx these cheeks are pale for watching for your goodx
  cadex give him a box ox thx earx and that will make xem red againx
  sayx long sitting to determine poor menxs causes
    hath made me full of sickness and diseasesx
  cadex ye shall have a hempen caudle thenx and the help of hatchetx
  dickx why dost thou quiverx manx
  sayx the palsyx and not fearx provokes mex
  cadex nayx he nods at usx as who should say xixll be even with
    youxx ixll see if his head will stand steadier on a polex or nox
    take him awayx and behead himx
  sayx tell mex wherein have i offended mostx
    have i affected wealth or honourx speakx
    are my chests fillxd up with extorted goldx
    is my apparel sumptuous to beholdx
    whom have i injurxdx that ye seek my deathx
    these hands are free from guiltless bloodsheddingx
    this breast from harbouring foul deceitful thoughtsx
    ox let me livex
  cadex xasidex i feel remorse in myself with his wordsx but ixll
    bridle itx he shall diex an it be but for pleading so well for
    his lifexx away with himx he has a familiar under his tonguex he
    speaks not ox godxs namex gox take him awayx i sayx and strike
    off his head presentlyx and then break into his sonxinxlawxs
    housex sir james cromerx and strike off his headx and bring them
    both upon two poles hitherx
  allx it shall be donex
  sayx ahx countrymenx if when you make your prayxrsx
    god should be so obdurate as yourselvesx
    how would it fare with your departed soulsx
    and therefore yet relent and save my lifex
  cadex away with himx and do as i command yex  xexeunt some with
    lord sayx  the proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head
    on his shouldersx unless he pay me tributex there shall not a
    maid be marriedx but she shall pay to me her maidenhead ere they
    have itx men shall hold of me in capitex and we charge and
    command that their wives be as free as heart can wish or tongue
    can tellx
  dickx my lordx when shall we go to cheapsidex and take up
    commodities upon our billsx
  cadex marryx presentlyx
  allx ox bravex

                      rexenter one with the heads

  cadex but is not this braverx let them kiss one anotherx for they
  lovxd well when they were alivex now part them againx lest they
  consult about the giving up of some more towns in francex soldiersx
  defer the spoil of the city until nightx for with these borne before
  us instead of maces will we ride through the streetsx and at every
  corner have them kissx awayx     exeunt

scene viiix southwark

alarum and retreatx enter again cade and all his rabblement

  cadex up fish streetx down saint magnusx cornerx kill and knock downx
  throw them into thamesx               xsound a parleyx what noise is
  this i hearx dare any be so bold to sound retreat or parley when i
  command them killx

            enter buckingham and old cliffordx attended

  buckinghamx ayx here they be that dare and will disturb theex
    and therefore yet relentx and save my lifex
    knowx cadex we come ambassadors from the king
    unto the commons whom thou hast misledx
    and here pronounce free pardon to them all
    that will forsake thee and go home in peacex
  cliffordx what say yex countrymenx will ye relent
    and yield to mercy whilst xtis offerxd youx
    or let a rebel lead you to your deathsx
    who loves the kingx and will embrace his pardonx
    fling up his cap and say xgod save his majestyxx
    who hateth him and honours not his fatherx
    henry the fifthx that made all france to quakex
    shake he his weapon at us and pass byx
  allx god save the kingx god save the kingx
  cadex whatx buckingham and cliffordx are ye so bravex
    and youx base peasantsx do ye believe himx will you needs be
    hangxd with your about your necksx hath my sword therefore broke
    through london gatesx that you should leave me at the white hart
    in southwarkx i thought ye would never have given out these arms
    till you had recovered your ancient freedomx but you are all
    recreants and dastardsx and delight to live in slavery to the
    nobilityx let them break your backs with burdensx take your
    houses over your headsx ravish your wives and daughters before
    your facesx for mex i will make shift for onex and so godxs curse
    light upon you allx
  allx wexll follow cadex wexll follow cadex
  cliffordx is cade the son of henry the fifthx
    that thus you do exclaim youxll go with himx
    will he conduct you through the heart of francex
    and make the meanest of you earls and dukesx
    alasx he hath no homex no place to fly tox
    nor knows he how to live but by the spoilx
    unless by robbing of your friends and usx
    werext not a shame that whilst you live at jar
    the fearful frenchx whom you late vanquishedx
    should make a start oxer seas and vanquish youx
    methinks already in this civil broil
    i see them lording it in london streetsx
    crying xvilliagoxx unto all they meetx
    better ten thousand basexborn cades miscarry
    than you should stoop unto a frenchmanxs mercyx
    to francex to francex and get what you have lostx
    spare englandx for it is your native coastx
    henry hath moneyx you are strong and manlyx
    god on our sidex doubt not of victoryx
  allx a cliffordx a cliffordx wexll follow the king and cliffordx
  cadex was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as this
    multitudex the name of henry the fifth hales them to an hundred
    mischiefsx and makes them leave me desolatex i see them lay their
    heads together to surprise mex my sword make way for me for here
    is no stayingx in despite of the devils and hellx have through
    the very middest of youx and heavens and honour be witness that
    no want of resolution in mex but only my followersx base and
    ignominious treasonsx makes me betake me to my heelsx
 exit
  buckinghamx whatx is he fledx go somex and follow himx
    and he that brings his head unto the king
    shall have a thousand crowns for his rewardx
                                             exeunt some of them
    follow mex soldiersx wexll devise a mean
    to reconcile you all unto the kingx                   exeunt

scene ixx killingx worth castle

sound trumpetsx enter kingx queenx and somersetx on the terrace

  king henryx was ever king that joyxd an earthly throne
    and could command no more content than ix
    no sooner was i crept out of my cradle
    but i was made a kingx at nine months oldx
    was never subject longxd to be a king
    as i do long and wish to be a subjectx

               enter buckingham and old clifford

  buckinghamx health and glad tidings to your majestyx
  king henryx whyx buckinghamx is the traitor cade surprisxdx
    or is he but retirxd to make him strongx

     enterx belowx multitudesx with halters about their necks

  cliffordx he is fledx my lordx and all his powers do yieldx
    and humbly thusx with halters on their necksx
    expect your highnessx doom of life or deathx
  king henryx thenx heavenx set ope thy everlasting gatesx
    to entertain my vows of thanks and praisex
    soldiersx this day have you redeemxd your livesx
    and showxd how well you love your prince and countryx
    continue still in this so good a mindx
    and henryx though he be infortunatex
    assure yourselvesx will never be unkindx
    and sox with thanks and pardon to you allx
    i do dismiss you to your several countriesx
  allx god save the kingx god save the kingx

                     enter a messenger

  messengerx please it your grace to be advertised
    the duke of york is newly come from ireland
    and with a puissant and a mighty power
    of gallowglasses and stout kerns
    is marching hitherward in proud arrayx
    and still proclaimethx as he comes alongx
    his arms are only to remove from thee
    the duke of somersetx whom he terms a traitorx
  king henryx thus stands my statex xtwixt cade and york distressxdx
    like to a ship thatx having scapxd a tempestx
    is straightway calmxdx and boarded with a piratex
    but now is cade driven backx his men dispersxdx
    and now is york in arms to second himx
    i pray theex buckinghamx go and meet him
    and ask him whatxs the reason of these armsx
    tell him ixll send duke edmund to the towerx
    and somersetx we will commit thee thither
    until his army be dismissxd from himx
  somersetx my lordx
    ixll yield myself to prison willinglyx
    or unto deathx to do my country goodx
  king henryx in any case be not too rough in termsx
    for he is fierce and cannot brook hard languagex
  buckinghamx i willx my lordx and doubt not so to deal
    as all things shall redound unto your goodx
  king henryx comex wifex letxs inx and learn to govern betterx
    for yet may england curse my wretched reignx
                                                flourishx exeunt

scene xx kentx idenxs garden

enter cade

  cadex fie on ambitionsx fie on myselfx that have a sword and yet am
  ready to famishx these five days have i hid me in these woods and
  durst not peep outx for all the country is laid for mex but now am i
  so hungry thatx if i might have a lease of my life for a thousand
  yearsx i could stay no longerx whereforex on a brick wall have i
  climbxd into this gardenx to see if i can eat grass or pick a sallet
  another whilex which is not amiss to cool a manxs stomach this hot
  weatherx and i think this word xsalletx was born to do me goodx for
  many a timex but for a salletx my brainxpain had been cleft with a
  brown billx and many a timex when i have been dryx and bravely
  marchingx it hath servxd me instead of a quartxpot to drink inx and
  now the word xsalletx must serve me to feed onx

                             enter iden

  idenx lordx who would live turmoiled in the court
    and may enjoy such quiet walks as thesex
    this small inheritance my father left me
    contenteth mex and worth a monarchyx
    i seek not to wax great by othersx waning
    or gather wealth i care not with what envyx
    sufficeth that i have maintains my statex
    and sends the poor well pleased from my gatex
  cadex herexs the lord of the soil come to seize me for a strayx for
    entering his feexsimple without leavex ahx villainx thou wilt
    betray mex and get a thousand crowns of the king by carrying my
    head to himx but ixll make thee eat iron like an ostrich and
    swallow my sword like a great pin ere thou and i partx
  idenx whyx rude companionx whatsoexer thou bex
    i know thee notx why then should i betray theex
    isxt not enough to break into my garden
    and like a thief to come to rob my groundsx
    climbing my walls in spite of me the ownerx
    but thou wilt brave me with these saucy termsx
  cadex brave theex ayx by the best blood that ever was broachxdx and
    beard thee toox look on me wellx i have eat no meat these five
    daysx yet come thou and thy five men and if i do not leave you
    all as dead as a doorxnailx i pray god i may never eat grass
    morex
  idenx nayx it shall nexer be saidx while england standsx
    that alexander idenx an esquire of kentx
    took odds to combat a poor famishxd manx
    oppose thy steadfastxgazing eyes to minex
    see if thou canst outface me with thy looksx
    set limb to limbx and thou art far the lesserx
    thy hand is but a finger to my fistx
    thy leg a stick compared with this truncheonx
    my foot shall fight with all the strength thou hastx
    and if mine arm be heaved in the airx
    thy grave is diggxd already in the earthx
    as for wordsx whose greatness answers wordsx
    let this my sword report what speech forbearsx
  cadex by my valourx the most complete champion that ever i heardx
    steelx if thou turn the edgex or cut not out the burly bonxd
    clown in chines of beef ere thou sleep in thy sheathx i beseech
    god on my knees thou mayst be turnxd to hobnailsx xhere they
    fightx cade fallsx ox i am slainx famine and no other hath slain
    mex let ten thousand devils come against mex and give me but the
    ten meals i have lostx and ixd defy them allx witherx gardenx and
    be henceforth a burying place to all that do dwell in this housex
    because the unconquered soul of cade is fledx
  idenx isxt cade that i have slainx that monstrous traitorx
    swordx i will hallow thee for this thy deed
    and hang thee oxer my tomb when i am deadx
    nexer shall this blood be wiped from thy pointx
    but thou shalt wear it as a heraldxs coat
    to emblaze the honour that thy master gotx
  cadex idenx farewellx and be proud of thy victoryx tell kent from
    me she hath lost her best manx and exhort all the world to be
    cowardsx for ix that never feared anyx am vanquished by faminex
    not by valourx                                        xdiesx
  idenx how much thou wrongxst mex heaven be my judgex
    diex damned wretchx the curse of her that bare theex
    and as i thrust thy body in with my swordx
    so wish ix i might thrust thy soul to hellx
    hence will i drag thee headlong by the heels
    unto a dunghillx which shall be thy gravex
    and there cut off thy most ungracious headx
    which i will bear in triumph to the kingx
    leaving thy trunk for crows to feed uponx               exit

act vx scene ix fields between dartford and blackheath

enter yorkx and his army of irishx with drum and colours

  yorkx from ireland thus comes york to claim his right
    and pluck the crown from feeble henryxs headx
    ring bells aloudx burn bonfires clear and brightx
    to entertain great englandxs lawful kingx
    ahx sancta majestasx who would not buy thee dearx
    let them obey that knows not how to rulex
    this hand was made to handle nought but goldx
    i cannot give due action to my words
    except a sword or sceptre balance itx
    a sceptre shall it havex have i a soul
    on which ixll toss the flowerxdexluce of francex

                         enter buckingham

    xasidex whom have we herex buckinghamx to disturb mex
    the king hath sent himx surex i must dissemblex
  buckinghamx yorkx if thou meanest well i greet thee wellx
  yorkx humphrey of buckinghamx i accept thy greetingx
    art thou a messengerx or come of pleasurex
  buckinghamx a messenger from henryx our dread liegex
    to know the reason of these arms in peacex
    or why thoux being a subject as i amx
    against thy oath and true allegiance swornx
    should raise so great a power without his leavex
    or dare to bring thy force so near the courtx
  yorkx xasidex scarce can i speakx my choler is so greatx
    ox i could hew up rocks and fight with flintx
    i am so angry at these abject termsx
    and nowx like ajax telamoniusx
    on sheep or oxen could i spend my furyx
    i am far better born than is the kingx
    more like a kingx more kingly in my thoughtsx
    but i must make fair weather yet awhilex
    till henry be more weak and i more strongxx
    buckinghamx i pritheex pardon me
    that i have given no answer all this whilex
    my mind was troubled with deep melancholyx
    the cause why i have brought this army hither
    is to remove proud somerset from the kingx
    seditious to his grace and to the statex
  buckinghamx that is too much presumption on thy partx
    but if thy arms be to no other endx
    the king hath yielded unto thy demandx
    the duke of somerset is in the towerx
  yorkx upon thine honourx is he prisonerx
  buckinghamx upon mine honourx he is prisonerx
  yorkx thenx buckinghamx i do dismiss my powxrsx
    soldiersx i thank you allx disperse yourselvesx
    meet me toxmorrow in saint georgexs fieldx
    you shall have pay and everything you wishx
    and let my sovereignx virtuous henryx
    command my eldest sonx nayx all my sonsx
    as pledges of my fealty and lovex
    ixll send them all as willing as i livex
    landsx goodsx horsex armourx anything i havex
    is his to usex so somerset may diex
  buckinghamx yorkx i commend this kind submissionx
    we twain will go into his highnessx tentx

                  enter the kingx and attendants

  king henryx buckinghamx doth york intend no harm to usx
    that thus he marcheth with thee arm in armx
  yorkx in all submission and humility
    york doth present himself unto your highnessx
  king henryx then what intends these forces thou dost bringx
  yorkx to heave the traitor somerset from hencex
    and fight against that monstrous rebel cadex
    who since i heard to be discomfitedx

                    enter idenx with cadexs head

  idenx if one so rude and of so mean condition
    may pass into the presence of a kingx
    lox i present your grace a traitorxs headx
    the head of cadex whom i in combat slewx
  king henryx the head of cadex great godx how just art thoux
    ox let me view his visagex being deadx
    that living wrought me such exceeding troublex
    tell mex my friendx art thou the man that slew himx
  idenx i wasx anxt like your majestyx
  king henryx how art thou callxdx and what is thy degreex
  idenx alexander idenx thatxs my namex
    a poor esquire of kent that loves his kingx
  buckinghamx so please it youx my lordx xtwere not amiss
    he were created knight for his good servicex
  king henryx idenx kneel downx xhe kneelsx rise up a knightx
    we give thee for reward a thousand marksx
    and will that thou thenceforth attend on usx
  idenx may iden live to merit such a bountyx
    and never live but true unto his liegex

                    enter the queen and somerset

  king henryx seex buckinghamx somerset comes with thx queenx
    gox bid her hide him quickly from the dukex
  queenx for thousand yorks he shall not hide his headx
    but boldly stand and front him to his facex
  yorkx how nowx is somerset at libertyx
    thenx yorkx unloose thy longximprisoned thoughts
    and let thy tongue be equal with thy heartx
    shall i endure the sight of somersetx
    false kingx why hast thou broken faith with mex
    knowing how hardly i can brook abusex
    king did i call theex nox thou art not kingx
    not fit to govern and rule multitudesx
    which darxst notx nox nor canst not rule a traitorx
    that head of thine doth not become a crownx
    thy hand is made to grasp a palmerxs staffx
    and not to grace an awful princely sceptrex
    that gold must round engirt these brows of minex
    whose smile and frownx like to achillesx spearx
    is able with the change to kill and curex
    here is a hand to hold a sceptre upx
    and with the same to act controlling lawsx
    give placex by heavenx thou shalt rule no more
    oxer him whom heaven created for thy rulerx
  somersetx o monstrous traitorx i arrest theex yorkx
    of capital treason xgainst the king and crownx
    obeyx audacious traitorx kneel for gracex
  yorkx wouldst have me kneelx first let me ask of thesex
    if they can brook i bow a knee to manx
    sirrahx call in my sons to be my bailx        exit attendant
    i knowx ere thy will have me go to wardx
    theyxll pawn their swords for my enfranchisementx
  queenx call hither cliffordx bid him come amainx
    to say if that the bastard boys of york
    shall be the surety for their traitor fatherx
                                                 exit buckingham
  yorkx o bloodxbespotted neapolitanx
    outcast of naplesx englandxs bloody scourgex
    the sons of yorkx thy betters in their birthx
    shall be their fatherxs bailx and bane to those
    that for my surety will refuse the boysx

               enter edward and richard plantagenet

    see where they comex ixll warrant theyxll make it goodx

                     enter clifford and his son

  queenx and here comes clifford to deny their bailx
  cliffordx health and all happiness to my lord the kingx
                                                        xkneelsx
  yorkx i thank theex cliffordx sayx what news with theex
    nayx do not fright us with an angry lookx
    we are thy sovereignx cliffordx kneel againx
    for thy mistaking sox we pardon theex
  cliffordx this is my kingx yorkx i do not mistakex
    but thou mistakes me much to think i dox
    to bedlam with himx is the man grown madx
  king henryx ayx cliffordx a bedlam and ambitious humour
    makes him oppose himself against his kingx
  cliffordx he is a traitorx let him to the towerx
    and chop away that factious pate of hisx
  queenx he is arrestedx but will not obeyx
    his sonsx he saysx shall give their words for himx
  yorkx will you notx sonsx
  edwardx ayx noble fatherx if our words will servex
  richardx and if words will notx then our weapons shallx
  cliffordx whyx what a brood of traitors have we herex
  yorkx look in a glassx and call thy image sox
    i am thy kingx and thou a falsexheart traitorx
    call hither to the stake my two brave bearsx
    that with the very shaking of their chains
    they may astonish these fellxlurking cursx
    bid salisbury and warwick come to mex

               enter the earls of warwick and salisbury

  cliffordx are these thy bearsx wexll bait thy bears to deathx
    and manacle the berard in their chainsx
    if thou darxst bring them to the baitingxplacex
  richardx oft have i seen a hot oxer weening cur
    run back and bitex because he was withheldx
    whox being sufferxdx with the bearxs fell pawx
    hath clappxd his tail between his legs and criedx
    and such a piece of service will you dox
    if you oppose yourselves to match lord warwickx
  cliffordx hencex heap of wrathx foul indigested lumpx
    as crooked in thy manners as thy shapex
  yorkx nayx we shall heat you thoroughly anonx
  cliffordx take heedx lest by your heat you burn yourselvesx
  king henryx whyx warwickx hath thy knee forgot to bowx
    old salisburyx shame to thy silver hairx
    thou mad misleader of thy brainsick sonx
    whatx wilt thou on thy deathxbed play the ruffian
    and seek for sorrow with thy spectaclesx
    ox where is faithx ox where is loyaltyx
    if it be banishxd from the frosty headx
    where shall it find a harbour in the earthx
    wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war
    and shame thine honourable age with bloodx
    why art thou oldx and wantxst experiencex
    or wherefore dost abuse itx if thou hast itx
    for shamex in duty bend thy knee to mex
    that bows unto the grave with mickle agex
  salisburyx my lordx i have considered with myself
    the tide of this most renowned dukex
    and in my conscience do repute his grace
    the rightful heir to englandxs royal seatx
  king henryx hast thou not sworn allegiance unto mex
  salisburyx i havex
  king henryx canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oathx
  salisburyx it is great sin to swear unto a sinx
    but greater sin to keep a sinful oathx
    who can be bound by any solemn vow
    to do a murdxrous deedx to rob a manx
    to force a spotless virginxs chastityx
    to reave the orphan of his patrimonyx
    to wring the widow from her customxd rightx
    and have no other reason for this wrong
    but that he was bound by a solemn oathx
  queenx a subtle traitor needs no sophisterx
  king henryx call buckinghamx and bid him arm himselfx
  yorkx call buckinghamx and all the friends thou hastx
    i am resolvxd for death or dignityx
  cliffordx the first i warrant theex if dreams prove truex
  warwickx you were best to go to bed and dream again
    to keep thee from the tempest of the fieldx
  cliffordx i am resolvxd to bear a greater storm
    than any thou canst conjure up toxdayx
    and that ixll write upon thy burgonetx
    might i but know thee by thy household badgex
  warwickx nowx by my fatherxs badgex old nevilxs crestx
    the rampant bear chainxd to the ragged staffx
    this day ixll wear aloft my burgonetx
    as on a mountainxtop the cedar showsx
    that keeps his leaves in spite of any stormx
    even to affright thee with the view thereofx
  cliffordx and from thy burgonet ixll rend thy bear
    and tread it under foot with all contemptx
    despite the berard that protects the bearx
  young cliffordx and so to armsx victorious fatherx
    to quell the rebels and their complicesx
  richardx fiex charityx for shamex speak not in spitex
    for you shall sup with jesu christ toxnightx
  young cliffordx foul stigmaticx thatxs more than thou canst tellx
  richardx if not in heavenx youxll surely sup in hellx
                                                exeunt severally

scene iix saint albans

alarums to the battlex enter warwick

  warwickx clifford of cumberlandx xtis warwick callsx
    and if thou dost not hide thee from the bearx
    nowx when the angry trumpet sounds alarum
    and dead menxs cries do fill the empty airx
    cliffordx i sayx come forth and fight with mex
    proud northern lordx clifford of cumberlandx
  warwick is hoarse with calling thee to armsx

                          enter york

    how nowx my noble lordx whatx all axfootx
  yorkx the deadlyxhanded clifford slew my steedx
    but match to match i have encountxred himx
    and made a prey for carrion kites and crows
    even of the bonny beast he lovxd so wellx

                      enter old clifford

  warwickx of one or both of us the time is comex
  yorkx holdx warwickx seek thee out some other chasex
    for i myself must hunt this deer to deathx
  warwickx thenx noblyx yorkx xtis for a crown thou fightxstx
    as i intendx cliffordx to thrive toxdayx
    it grieves my soul to leave thee unassailxdx            exit
  cliffordx what seest thou in mex yorkx why dost thou pausex
  yorkx with thy brave bearing should i be in love
    but that thou art so fast mine enemyx
  cliffordx nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem
    but that xtis shown ignobly and in treasonx
  yorkx so let it help me now against thy swordx
    as i in justice and true right express itx
  cliffordx my soul and body on the action bothx
  yorkx a dreadful layx address thee instantlyx
                                 xthey fight and clifford fallsx
  cliffordx la fin couronne les oeuvresx                  xdiesx
  yorkx thus war hath given thee peacex for thou art stillx
    peace with his soulx heavenx if it be thy willx         exit

                     enter young clifford

  young cliffordx shame and confusionx all is on the routx
    fear frames disorderx and disorder wounds
    where it should guardx o warx thou son of hellx
    whom angry heavens do make their ministerx
    throw in the frozen bosoms of our part
    hot coals of vengeancex let no soldier flyx
    he that is truly dedicate to war
    hath no selfxlovex nor he that loves himself
    hath not essentiallyx but by circumstancex
    the name of valourx                 xsees his fatherxs bodyx
    ox let the vile world end
    and the premised flames of the last day
    knit earth and heaven togetherx
    now let the general trumpet blow his blastx
    particularities and petty sounds
    to ceasex wast thou ordainxdx dear fatherx
    to lose thy youth in peace and to achieve
    the silver livery of advised agex
    and in thy reverence and thy chairxdays thus
    to die in ruffian battlex even at this sight
    my heart is turnxd to stonex and while xtis mine
    it shall be stonyx york not our old men sparesx
    no more will i their babesx tears virginal
    shall be to me even as the dew to firex
    and beautyx that the tyrant oft reclaimsx
    shall to my flaming wrath be oil and flaxx
    henceforth i will not have to do with pityx
    meet i an infant of the house of yorkx
    into as many gobbets will i cut it
    as wild medea young absyrtus didx
    in cruelty will i seek out my famex
    comex thou new ruin of old cliffordxs housex
    as did aeneas old anchises bearx
    so bear i thee upon my manly shouldersx
    but then aeneas bare a living loadx
    nothing so heavy as these woes of minex
                                              exit with the body

       enter richard and somerset to fightx somerset is killed

  richardx sox lie thou therex
    for underneath an alehousex paltry signx
    the castle in saint albansx somerset
    hath made the wizard famous in his deathx
    swordx hold thy temperx heartx be wrathful stillx
    priests pray for enemiesx but princes killx             exit

        fightx excursionsx enter kingx queenx and others

  queenx awayx my lordx you are slowx for shamex awayx
  king henryx can we outrun the heavensx good margaretx stayx
  queenx what are you made ofx youxll nor fight nor flyx
    now is it manhoodx wisdomx and defencex
    to give the enemy wayx and to secure us
    by what we canx which can no more but flyx
                                               xalarum afar offx
    if you be taxenx we then should see the bottom
    of all our fortunesx but if we haply scapex
    as well we mayx if not through your neglectx
    we shall to london getx where you are lovxdx
    and where this breach now in our fortunes made
    may readily be stoppxdx

                     rexenter young clifford

  young cliffordx but that my heartxs on future mischief setx
    i would speak blasphemy ere bid you flyx
    but fly you mustx uncurable discomfit
    reigns in the hearts of all our present partsx
    awayx for your reliefx and we will live
    to see their day and them our fortune givex
    awayx my lordx awayx                                  exeunt

scene iiix fields near saint albans

alarumx retreatx enter yorkx richardx warwickx and soldiersx with drum
and colours

  yorkx of salisburyx who can report of himx
    that winter lionx who in rage forgets
    aged contusions and all brush of time
    andx like a gallant in the brow of youthx
    repairs him with occasionx this happy day
    is not itselfx nor have we won one footx
    if salisbury be lostx
  richardx my noble fatherx
    three times toxday i holp him to his horsex
    three times bestrid himx thrice i led him offx
    persuaded him from any further actx
    but still where danger wasx still there i met himx
    and like rich hangings in a homely housex
    so was his will in his old feeble bodyx
    butx noble as he isx look where he comesx

                         enter salisbury

  salisburyx nowx by my swordx well hast thou fought toxdayx
    by thx massx so did we allx i thank youx richardx
    god knows how long it is i have to livex
    and it hath pleasxd him that three times toxday
    you have defended me from imminent deathx
    wellx lordsx we have not got that which we havex
    xtis not enough our foes are this time fledx
    being opposites of such repairing naturex
  yorkx i know our safety is to follow themx
    forx as i hearx the king is fled to london
    to call a present court of parliamentx
    let us pursue him ere the writs go forthx
    what says lord warwickx shall we after themx
  warwickx after themx nayx before themx if we canx
    nowx by my faithx lordsx xtwas a glorious dayx
    saint albansx battlex won by famous yorkx
    shall be eternizxd in all age to comex
    sound drum and trumpets and to london allx
    and more such days as these to us befallx             exeunt




the third part of king henry the sixth

dramatis personae

  king henry the sixth
  edwardx prince of walesx his son
  lewis xix king of france           duke of somerset
  duke of exeter                     earl of oxford
  earl of northumberland             earl of westmoreland
  lord clifford
  richard plantagenetx duke of york
  edwardx earl of marchx afterwards king edward ivx his son
  edmundx earl of rutlandx his son
  georgex afterwards duke of clarencex his son
  richardx afterwards duke of gloucesterx his son
  duke of norfolk                    marquis of montague
  earl of warwick                    earl of pembroke
  lord hastings                      lord stafford
  sir john mortimerx uncle to the duke of york
  sir hugh mortimerx uncle to the duke of york
  henryx earl of richmondx a youth
  lord riversx brother to lady grey
  sir william stanley                sir john montgomery
  sir john somerville                tutorx to rutland
  mayor of york                      lieutenant of the tower
  a nobleman                         two keepers
  a huntsman
  a son that has killed his father
  a father that has killed his son

  queen margaret
  lady greyx afterwards queen to edward iv
  bonax sister to the french queen

  soldiersx attendantsx messengersx watchmenx etcx

scenex england and france

act ix scene ix londonx the parliament house

alarumx enter duke of yorkx edwardx richardx norfolkx montaguex
warwickx and soldiersx with white roses in their hats

  warwickx i wonder how the king escapxd our handsx
  yorkx while we pursuxd the horsemen of the northx
    he slily stole away and left his menx
    whereat the great lord of northumberlandx
    whose warlike ears could never brook retreatx
    cheerxd up the drooping armyx and himselfx
    lord cliffordx and lord staffordx all abreastx
    chargxd our main battlexs frontx andx breaking inx
    were by the swords of common soldiers slainx
  edwardx lord staffordxs fatherx duke of buckinghamx
    is either slain or wounded dangerousx
    i cleft his beaver with a downright blowx
    that this is truex fatherx behold his bloodx
  montaguex andx brotherx herexs the earl of wiltshirexs bloodx
    whom i encountxred as the battles joinxdx
  richardx speak thou for mex and tell them what i didx
                                 xthrowing down somersetxs headx
  yorkx richard hath best deservxd of all my sonsx
    but is your grace deadx my lord of somersetx
  norfolkx such hope have all the line of john of gauntx
  richardx thus do i hope to shake king henryxs headx
  warwickx and so do ix victorious prince of yorkx
    before i see thee seated in that throne
    which now the house of lancaster usurpsx
    i vow by heaven these eyes shall never closex
    this is the palace of the fearful kingx
    and this the regal seatx possess itx yorkx
    for this is thinex and not king henryxs heirsxx
  yorkx assist me thenx sweet warwickx and i willx
    for hither we have broken in by forcex
  norfolkx wexll all assist youx he that flies shall diex
  yorkx thanksx gentle norfolkx stay by mex my lordsx
    andx soldiersx stay and lodge by me this nightx
                                                    xthey go upx
  warwickx and when the king comesx offer him no violencex
    unless he seek to thrust you out perforcex
  yorkx the queen this day here holds her parliamentx
    but little thinks we shall be of her councilx
    by words or blows here let us win our rightx
  richardx armxd as we arex letxs stay within this housex
  warwickx the bloody parliament shall this be callxdx
    unless plantagenetx duke of yorkx be kingx
    and bashful henry deposxdx whose cowardice
    hath made us byxwords to our enemiesx
  yorkx then leave me notx my lordsx be resolutex
    i mean to take possession of my rightx
  warwickx neither the kingx nor he that loves him bestx
    the proudest he that holds up lancasterx
    dares stir a wing if warwick shake his bellsx
    ixll plant plantagenetx root him up who daresx
    resolve theex richardx claim the english crownx
                                      xyork occupies the thronex

       flourishx enter king henryx cliffordx northumberlandx
        westmorelandx exeterx and othersx with red roses in
                            their hats

  king henryx my lordsx look where the sturdy rebel sitsx
    even in the chair of statex belike he meansx
    backxd by the power of warwickx that false peerx
    to aspire unto the crown and reign as kingx
    earl of northumberlandx he slew thy fatherx
    and thinex lord cliffordx and you both have vowxd revenge
    on himx his sonsx his favouritesx and his friendsx
  northumberlandx if i be notx heavens be revengxd on mex
  cliffordx the hope thereof makes clifford mourn in steelx
  westmorelandx whatx shall we suffer thisx letxs pluck him downx
    my heart for anger burnsx i cannot brook itx
  king henryx be patientx gentle earl of westmorelandx
  cliffordx patience is for poltroons such as hex
    he durst not sit there had your father livxdx
    my gracious lordx here in the parliament
    let us assail the family of yorkx
  northumberlandx well hast thou spokenx cousinx be it sox
  king henryx ahx know you not the city favours themx
    and they have troops of soldiers at their beckx
  exeterx but when the duke is slain theyxll quickly flyx
  king henryx far be the thought of this from henryxs heartx
    to make a shambles of the parliament housex
    cousin of exeterx frownsx wordsx and threatsx
    shall be the war that henry means to usex
    thou factious duke of yorkx descend my throne
    and kneel for grace and mercy at my feetx
    i am thy sovereignx
  yorkx i am thinex
  exeterx for shamex come downx he made thee duke of yorkx
  yorkx xtwas my inheritancex as the earldom wasx
  exeterx thy father was a traitor to the crownx
  warwickx exeterx thou art a traitor to the crown
    in following this usurping henryx
  cliffordx whom should he follow but his natural kingx
  warwickx truex cliffordx and thatxs richard duke of yorkx
  king henryx and shall i standx and thou sit in my thronex
  yorkx it must and shall be sox content thyselfx
  warwickx be duke of lancasterx let him be kingx
  westmorelandx he is both king and duke of lancasterx
    and that the lord of westmoreland shall maintainx
  warwickx and warwick shall disprove itx you forget
    that we are those which chasxd you from the fieldx
    and slew your fathersx and with colours spread
    marchxd through the city to the palace gatesx
  northumberlandx yesx warwickx i remember it to my griefx
    andx by his soulx thou and thy house shall rue itx
  westmorelandx plantagenetx of theex and these thy sonsx
    thy kinsmenx and thy friendsx ixll have more lives
    than drops of blood were in my fatherxs veinsx
  cliffordx urge it no morex lest that instead of words
    i send theex warwickx such a messenger
    as shall revenge his death before i stirx
  warwickx poor cliffordx how i scorn his worthless threatsx
  yorkx will you we show our title to the crownx
    if notx our swords shall plead it in the fieldx
  king henryx what title hast thoux traitorx to the crownx
    thy father wasx as thou artx duke of yorkx
    thy grandfatherx roger mortimerx earl of marchx
    i am the son of henry the fifthx
    who made the dauphin and the french to stoopx
    and seizxd upon their towns and provincesx
  warwickx talk not of francex sith thou hast lost it allx
  king henryx the lord protector lost itx and not ix
    when i was crownxdx i was but nine months oldx
  richardx you are old enough nowx and yet methinks you losex
    fatherx tear the crown from the usurperxs headx
  edwardx sweet fatherx do sox set it on your headx
  montaguex good brotherx as thou lovxst and honourest armsx
    letxs fight it out and not stand cavilling thusx
  richardx sound drums and trumpetsx and the king will flyx
  yorkx sonsx peacex
  king henryx peace thoux and give king henry leave to speakx
  warwickx plantagenet shall speak firstx hear himx lordsx
    and be you silent and attentive toox
    for he that interrupts him shall not livex
  king henryx thinkxst thou that i will leave my kingly thronex
    wherein my grandsire and my father satx
    nox first shall war unpeople this my realmx
    ayx and their coloursx often borne in francex
    and now in england to our heartxs great sorrowx
    shall be my windingxsheetx why faint youx lordsx
    my titlexs goodx and better far than hisx
  warwickx prove itx henryx and thou shalt be kingx
  king henryx henry the fourth by conquest got the crownx
  yorkx xtwas by rebellion against his kingx
  king henryx xasidex i know not what to sayx my titlexs weakxx
    tell mex may not a king adopt an heirx
  yorkx what thenx
  king henryx an if he mayx then am i lawful kingx
    for richardx in the view of many lordsx
    resignxd the crown to henry the fourthx
    whose heir my father wasx and i am hisx
  yorkx he rose against himx being his sovereignx
    and made him to resign his crown perforcex
  warwickx supposex my lordsx he did it unconstrainxdx
    think you xtwere prejudicial to his crownx
  exeterx nox for he could not so resign his crown
    but that the next heir should succeed and reignx
  king henryx art thou against usx duke of exeterx
  exeterx his is the rightx and therefore pardon mex
  yorkx why whisper youx my lordsx and answer notx
  exeterx my conscience tells me he is lawful kingx
  king henryx xasidex all will revolt from mex and turn to himx
  northumberlandx plantagenetx for all the claim thou layxstx
    think not that henry shall be so deposxdx
  warwickx deposxd he shall bex in despite of allx
  northumberlandx thou art deceivxdx xtis not thy southern power
    of essexx norfolkx suffolkx nor of kentx
    which makes thee thus presumptuous and proudx
    can set the duke up in despite of mex
  cliffordx king henryx be thy title right or wrongx
    lord clifford vows to fight in thy defencex
    may that ground gapex and swallow me alivex
    where i shall kneel to him that slew my fatherx
  king henryx o cliffordx how thy words revive my heartx
  yorkx henry of lancasterx resign thy crownx
    what mutter youx or what conspire youx lordsx
  warwickx do right unto this princely duke of yorkx
    or i will fill the house with armed menx
    and over the chair of statex where now he sitsx
    write up his title with usurping bloodx
                                xhe stamps with his foot and the
                                       soldiers show themselvesx
  king henryx my lord of warwickx hear but one wordx
    let me for this my lifextime reign as kingx
  yorkx confirm the crown to me and to mine heirsx
    and thou shalt reign in quiet while thou livxstx
  king henryx i am contentx richard plantagenetx
    enjoy the kingdom after my deceasex
  cliffordx what wrong is this unto the prince your sonx
  warwickx what good is this to england and himselfx
  westmorelandx basex fearfulx and despairing henryx
  cliffordx how hast thou injurxd both thyself and or usx
  westmorelandx i cannot stay to hear these articlesx
  northumberlandx nor ix
  cliffordx comex cousinx let us tell the queen these newsx
  westmorelandx farewellx faintxhearted and degenerate kingx
    in whose cold blood no spark of honour bidesx
  northumberlandx be thou a prey unto the house of york
    and die in bands for this unmanly deedx
  cliffordx in dreadful war mayst thou be overcomex
    or live in peace abandonxd and despisxdx
                                exeunt northumberlandx cliffordx
                                                and westmoreland
  warwickx turn this wayx henryx and regard them notx
  exeterx they seek revengex and therefore will not yieldx
  king henryx ahx exeterx
  warwickx why should you sighx my lordx
  king henryx not for myselfx lord warwickx but my sonx
    whom i unnaturally shall disinheritx
    but be it as it mayx xto yorkx i here entail
    the crown to thee and to thine heirs for everx
    conditionallyx that here thou take an oath
    to cease this civil warx andx whilst i livex
    to honour me as thy king and sovereignx
    and neither by treason nor hostility
    to seek to put me down and reign thyselfx
  yorkx this oath i willingly takex and will performx
                                        xcoming from the thronex
  warwickx long live king henryx plantagenetx embrace himx
  king henryx and long live thoux and these thy forward sonsx
  yorkx now york and lancaster are reconcilxdx
  exeterx accursxd be he that seeks to make them foesx
                                   xsennetx here they come downx
  yorkx farewellx my gracious lordx ixll to my castlex
  warwickx and ixll keep london with my soldiersx
  norfolkx and i to norfolk with my followersx
  montaguex and i unto the seax from whence i camex
                                             exeunt the yorkists
  king henryx and ix with grief and sorrowx to the courtx

            enter queen margaret and the prince of wales

  exeterx here comes the queenx whose looks bewray her angerx
    ixll steal awayx
  king henryx exeterx so will ix
  queen margaretx nayx go not from mex i will follow theex
  king henryx be patientx gentle queenx and i will stayx
  queen margaretx who can be patient in such extremesx
    ahx wretched manx would i had died a maidx
    and never seen theex never borne thee sonx
    seeing thou hast provxd so unnatural a fatherx
    hath he deservxd to lose his birthright thusx
    hadst thou but lovxd him half so well as ix
    or felt that pain which i did for him oncex
    or nourishxd him as i did with my bloodx
    thou wouldst have left thy dearest heartxblood there
    rather than have made that savage duke thine heirx
    and disinherited thine only sonx
  prince of walesx fatherx you cannot disinherit mex
    if you be kingx why should not i succeedx
  king henryx pardon mex margaretx pardon mex sweet sonx
    the earl of warwick and the duke enforcxd mex
  queen margaretx enforcxd theex art thou king and wilt be
      forcxdx
    i shame to hear thee speakx ahx timorous wretchx
    thou hast undone thyselfx thy sonx and mex
    and givxn unto the house of york such head
    as thou shalt reign but by their sufferancex
    to entail him and his heirs unto the crownx
    what is it but to make thy sepulchre
    and creep into it far before thy timex
    warwick is chancellor and the lord of calaisx
    stern falconbridge commands the narrow seasx
    the duke is made protector of the realmx
    and yet shalt thou be safex such safety finds
    the trembling lamb environed with wolvesx
    had i been therex which am a silly womanx
    the soldiers should have tossxd me on their pikes
    before i would have granted to that actx
    but thou preferxst thy life before thine honourx
    and seeing thou dostx i here divorce myselfx
    both from thy tablex henryx and thy bedx
    until that act of parliament be repealxd
    whereby my son is disinheritedx
    the northern lords that have forsworn thy colours
    will follow minex if once they see them spreadx
    and spread they shall bex to thy foul disgrace
    and utter ruin of the house of yorkx
    thus do i leave theex comex sonx letxs awayx
    our army is readyx comex wexll after themx
  king henryx stayx gentle margaretx and hear me speakx
  queen margaretx thou hast spoke too much alreadyx get thee gonex
  king henryx gentle son edwardx thou wilt stay with mex
  queen margaretx ayx to be murderxd by his enemiesx
  prince of walesx when i return with victory from the field
    ixll see your gracex till then ixll follow herx
  queen margaretx comex sonx awayx we may not linger thusx
                            exeunt queen margaret and the prince
  king henryx poor queenx how love to me and to her son
    hath made her break out into terms of ragex
    revengxd may she be on that hateful dukex
    whose haughty spiritx winged with desirex
    will cost my crownx and like an empty eagle
    tire on the flesh of me and of my sonx
    the loss of those three lords torments my heartx
    ixll write unto themx and entreat them fairx
    comex cousinx you shall be the messengerx
  exeterx and ix i hopex shall reconcile them allx        exeunt

scene iix sandal castlex near wakefieldx in yorkshire

flourishx enter edwardx richardx and montague

  richardx brotherx though i be youngestx give me leavex
  edwardx nox i can better play the oratorx
  montaguex but i have reasons strong and forciblex

                     enter the duke of york

  yorkx whyx how nowx sons and brotherx at a strifex
    what is your quarrelx how began it firstx
  edwardx no quarrelx but a slight contentionx
  yorkx about whatx
  richardx about that which concerns your grace and usx
    the crown of englandx fatherx which is yoursx
  yorkx minex boyx not till king henry be deadx
  richardx your right depends not on his life or deathx
  edwardx now you are heirx therefore enjoy it nowx
    by giving the house of lancaster leave to breathex
    it will outrun youx fatherx in the endx
  yorkx i took an oath that he should quietly reignx
  edwardx but for a kingdom any oath may be brokenx
    i would break a thousand oaths to reign one yearx
  richardx nox god forbid your grace should be forswornx
  yorkx i shall bex if i claim by open warx
  richardx ixll prove the contraryx if youxll hear me speakx
  yorkx thou canst notx sonx it is impossiblex
  richardx an oath is of no momentx being not took
    before a true and lawful magistrate
    that hath authority over him that swearsx
    henry had nonex but did usurp the placex
    thenx seeing xtwas he that made you to deposex
    your oathx my lordx is vain and frivolousx
    thereforex to armsx andx fatherx do but think
    how sweet a thing it is to wear a crownx
    within whose circuit is elysium
    and all that poets feign of bliss and joyx
    why do we linger thusx i cannot rest
    until the white rose that i wear be dyxd
    even in the lukewarm blood of henryxs heartx
  yorkx richardx enoughx i will be kingx or diex
    brotherx thou shalt to london presently
    and whet on warwick to this enterprisex
    thoux richardx shalt to the duke of norfolk
    and tell him privily of our intentx
    youx edwardx shall unto my lord cobhamx
    with whom the kentishmen will willingly risex
    in them i trustx for they are soldiersx
    wittyx courteousx liberalx full of spiritx
    while you are thus employxdx what resteth more
    but that i seek occasion how to risex
    and yet the king not privy to my driftx
    nor any of the house of lancasterx

                      enter a messenger

    butx stayx what newsx why comxst thou in such postx
  messengerx the queen with all the northern earls and lords
    intend here to besiege you in your castlex
    she is hard by with twenty thousand menx
    and therefore fortify your holdx my lordx
  yorkx ayx with my swordx whatx thinkxst thou that we fear themx
    edward and richardx you shall stay with mex
    my brother montague shall post to londonx
    let noble warwickx cobhamx and the restx
    whom we have left protectors of the kingx
    with powxrful policy strengthen themselves
    and trust not simple henry nor his oathsx
  montaguex brotherx i gox ixll win themx fear it notx
    and thus most humbly i do take my leavex                exit

              enter sir john and sir hugh mortimer

  yorkx sir john and sir hugh mortimerx mine unclesx
    you are come to sandal in a happy hourx
    the army of the queen mean to besiege usx
  sir johnx she shall not needx wexll meet her in the fieldx
  yorkx whatx with five thousand menx
  richardx ayx with five hundredx fatherx for a needx
    a womanxs generalx what should we fearx
                                              xa march afar offx
  edwardx i hear their drumsx letxs set our men in orderx
    and issue forth and bid them battle straightx
  yorkx five men to twentyx though the odds be greatx
    i doubt notx unclex of our victoryx
    many a battle have i won in francex
    when as the enemy hath been ten to onex
    why should i not now have the like successx           exeunt

scene iiix field of battle between sandal castle and wakefield

alarumx enter rutland and his tutor

  rutlandx ahx whither shall i fly to scape their handsx
    ahx tutorx look where bloody clifford comesx

                  enter clifford and soldiers

  cliffordx chaplainx awayx thy priesthood saves thy lifex
    as for the brat of this accursed dukex
    whose father slew my fatherx he shall diex
  tutorx and ix my lordx will bear him companyx
  cliffordx soldiersx away with himx
  tutorx ahx cliffordx murder not this innocent childx
    lest thou be hated both of god and manx
                                    exitx forced off by soldiers
  cliffordx how nowx is he dead alreadyx or is it fear
    that makes him close his eyesx ixll open themx
  rutlandx so looks the pentxup lion oxer the wretch
    that trembles under his devouring pawsx
    and so he walksx insulting oxer his preyx
    and so he comesx to rend his limbs asunderx
    ahx gentle cliffordx kill me with thy swordx
    and not with such a cruel threatxning lookx
    sweet cliffordx hear me speak before i diex
    i am too mean a subject for thy wrathx
    be thou revengxd on menx and let me livex
  cliffordx in vain thou speakxstx poor boyx my fatherxs blood
    hath stoppxd the passage where thy words should enterx
  rutlandx then let my fatherxs blood open it againx
    he is a manx andx cliffordx cope with himx
  cliffordx had i thy brethren herex their lives and thine
    were not revenge sufficient for mex
    nox if i diggxd up thy forefathersx graves
    and hung their rotten coffins up in chainsx
    it could not slake mine ire nor ease my heartx
    the sight of any of the house of york
    is as a fury to torment my soulx
    and till i root out their accursed line
    and leave not one alivex i live in hellx
    thereforex
  rutlandx ox let me pray before i take my deathx
    to thee i prayx sweet cliffordx pity mex
  cliffordx such pity as my rapierxs point affordsx
  rutlandx i never did thee harmx why wilt thou slay mex
  cliffordx thy father hathx
  rutlandx but xtwas ere i was bornx
    thou hast one sonx for his sake pity mex
    lest in revenge thereofx sith god is justx
    he be as miserably slain as ix
    ahx let me live in prison all my daysx
    and when i give occasion of offence
    then let me diex for now thou hast no causex
  cliffordx no causex
    thy father slew my fatherx thereforex diex       xstabs himx
  rutlandx di faciant laudis summa sit ista tuaex         xdiesx
  cliffordx plantagenetx i comex plantagenetx
    and this thy sonxs blood cleaving to my blade
    shall rust upon my weaponx till thy bloodx
    congealxd with thisx do make me wipe off bothx          exit

scene ivx another part of the field

alarumx enter the duke of york

  yorkx the army of the queen hath got the fieldx
    my uncles both are slain in rescuing mex
    and all my followers to the eager foe
    turn back and flyx like ships before the windx
    or lambs pursuxd by hungerxstarved wolvesx
    my sonsx god knows what hath bechanced themx
    but this i knowx they have demeanxd themselves
    like men born to renown by life or deathx
    three times did richard make a lane to mex
    and thrice cried xcouragex fatherx fight it outxx
    and full as oft came edward to my side
    with purple falchionx painted to the hilt
    in blood of those that had encountxred himx
    and when the hardiest warriors did retirex
    richard cried xchargex and give no foot of groundxx
    and cried xa crownx or else a glorious tombx
    a sceptrex or an earthly sepulchrexx
    with this we chargxd againx but out alasx
    we bodgxd againx as i have seen a swan
    with bootless labour swim against the tide
    and spend her strength with overxmatching wavesx
                                         xa short alarum withinx
    ahx harkx the fatal followers do pursuex
    and i am faint and cannot fly their furyx
    and were i strongx i would not shun their furyx
    the sands are numbxred that make up my lifex
    here must i stayx and here my life must endx

         enter queen margaretx cliffordx northumberlandx
               the prince of walesx and soldiers

    comex bloody cliffordx rough northumberlandx
    i dare your quenchless fury to more ragex
    i am your buttx and i abide your shotx
  northumberlandx yield to our mercyx proud plantagenetx
  cliffordx ayx to such mercy as his ruthless arm
    with downright payment showxd unto my fatherx
    now phaethon hath tumbled from his carx
    and made an evening at the noontide prickx
  yorkx my ashesx as the phoenixx may bring forth
    a bird that will revenge upon you allx
    and in that hope i throw mine eyes to heavenx
    scorning whatexer you can afflict me withx
    why come you notx whatx multitudesx and fearx
  cliffordx so cowards fight when they can fly no furtherx
    so doves do peck the falconxs piercing talonsx
    so desperate thievesx all hopeless of their livesx
    breathe out invectives xgainst the officersx
  yorkx o cliffordx but bethink thee once againx
    and in thy thought oxerrun my former timex
    andx if thou canst for blushingx view this facex
    and bite thy tongue that slanders him with cowardice
    whose frown hath made thee faint and fly ere thisx
  cliffordx i will not bandy with thee word for wordx
    but buckler with thee blowsx twice two for onex
  queen margaretx holdx valiant cliffordx for a thousand causes
    i would prolong awhile the traitorxs lifex
    wrath makes him deafx speak thoux northumberlandx
  northumberlandx holdx cliffordx do not honour him so much
    to prick thy fingerx though to wound his heartx
    what valour were itx when a cur doth grinx
    for one to thrust his hand between his teethx
    when he might spurn him with his foot awayx
    it is warxs prize to take all vantagesx
    and ten to one is no impeach of valourx
                         xthey lay hands on yorkx who strugglesx
  cliffordx ayx ayx so strives the woodcock with the ginx
  northumberlandx so doth the cony struggle in the netx
  yorkx so triumph thieves upon their conquerxd bootyx
    so true men yieldx with robbers so oxerxmatchxdx
  northumberlandx what would your grace have done unto him nowx
  queen margaretx brave warriorsx clifford and northumberlandx
    comex make him stand upon this molehill here
    that raught at mountains with outstretched armsx
    yet parted but the shadow with his handx
    whatx was it you that would be englandxs kingx
    wasxt you that revellxd in our parliament
    and made a preachment of your high descentx
    where are your mess of sons to back you nowx
    the wanton edward and the lusty georgex
    and wherexs that valiant crookxback prodigyx
    dicky your boyx that with his grumbling voice
    was wont to cheer his dad in mutiniesx
    orx with the restx where is your darling rutlandx
    lookx yorkx i stainxd this napkin with the blood
    that valiant clifford with his rapierxs point
    made issue from the bosom of the boyx
    and if thine eyes can water for his deathx
    i give thee this to dry thy cheeks withalx
    alasx poor yorkx but that i hate thee deadlyx
    i should lament thy miserable statex
    i prithee grieve to make me merryx yorkx
    whatx hath thy fiery heart so parchxd thine entrails
    that not a tear can fall for rutlandxs deathx
    why art thou patientx manx thou shouldst be madx
    and i to make thee mad do mock thee thusx
    stampx ravex and fretx that i may sing and dancex
    thou wouldst be feexdx i seex to make me sportx
    york cannot speak unless he wear a crownx
    a crown for yorkxxandx lordsx bow low to himx
    hold you his hands whilst i do set it onx
                             xputting a paper crown on his headx
    ayx marryx sirx now looks he like a kingx
    ayx this is he that took king henryxs chairx
    and this is he was his adopted heirx
    but how is it that great plantagenet
    is crownxd so soon and broke his solemn oathx
    as i bethink mex you should not be king
    till our king henry had shook hands with deathx
    and will you pale your head in henryxs gloryx
    and rob his temples of the diademx
    now in his lifex against your holy oathx
    ox xtis a fault too too
    off with the crown and with the crown his headx
    andx whilst we breathex take time to do him deadx
  cliffordx that is my officex for my fatherxs sakex
  queen margaretx nayx stayx letxs hear the orisons he makesx
  yorkx shexwolf of francex but worse than wolves of francex
    whose tongue more poisons than the adderxs toothx
    how illxbeseeming is it in thy sex
    to triumph like an amazonian trull
    upon their woes whom fortune captivatesx
    but that thy face is visardxlikex unchangingx
    made impudent with use of evil deedsx
    i would assayx proud queenx to make thee blushx
    to tell thee whence thou camxstx of whom derivxdx
    were shame enough to shame theex wert thou not shamelessx
    thy father bears the type of king of naplesx
    of both the sicils and jerusalemx
    yet not so wealthy as an english yeomanx
    hath that poor monarch taught thee to insultx
    it needs notx nor it boots thee notx proud queenx
    unless the adage must be verifiedx
    that beggars mounted run their horse to deathx
    xtis beauty that doth oft make women proudx
    butx god he knowsx thy share thereof is smallx
    xtis virtue that doth make them most admirxdx
    the contrary doth make thee wondxred atx
    xtis government that makes them seem divinex
    the want thereof makes thee abominablex
    thou art as opposite to every good
    as the antipodes are unto usx
    or as the south to the septentrionx
    o tigerxs heart wrappxd in a womanxs hidex
    how couldst thou drain the lifexblood of the childx
    to bid the father wipe his eyes withalx
    and yet be seen to bear a womanxs facex
    women are softx mildx pitifulx and flexiblex
    thou sternx obduratex flintyx roughx remorselessx
    bidxst thou me ragex whyx now thou hast thy wishx
    wouldst have me weepx whyx now thou hast thy willx
    for raging wind blows up incessant showersx
    and when the rage allaysx the rain beginsx
    these tears are my sweet rutlandxs obsequiesx
    and every drop cries vengeance for his death
    xgainst theex fell cliffordx and theex false frenchwomanx
  northumberlandx beshrew mex but his passions move me so
    that hardly can i check my eyes from tearsx
  yorkx that face of his the hungry cannibals
    would not have touchxdx would not have stainxd with bloodx
    but you are more inhumanx more inexorablex
    ox ten times morex than tigers of hyrcaniax
    seex ruthless queenx a hapless fatherxs tearsx
    this cloth thou dippxdst in blood of my sweet boyx
    and i with tears do wash the blood awayx
    keep thou the napkinx and go boast of thisx
    and if thou tellxst the heavy story rightx
    upon my soulx the hearers will shed tearsx
    yeax even my foes will shed fastxfalling tears
    and say xalasx it was a piteous deedxx
    therex take the crownx and with the crown my cursex
    and in thy need such comfort come to thee
    as now i reap at thy too cruel handx
    hardxhearted cliffordx take me from the worldx
    my soul to heavenx my blood upon your headsx
  northumberlandx had he been slaughterxman to all my kinx
    i should not for my life but weep with himx
    to see how inly sorrow gripes his soulx
  queen margaretx whatx weepingxripex my lord northumberlandx
    think but upon the wrong he did us allx
    and that will quickly dry thy melting tearsx
  cliffordx herexs for my oathx herexs for my fatherxs deathx
                                                  xstabbing himx
  queen margaretx and herexs to right our gentlexhearted kingx
                                                  xstabbing himx
  yorkx open thy gate of mercyx gracious godx
    my soul flies through these wounds to seek out theex
                                                          xdiesx
  queen margaretx off with his headx and set it on york gatesx
    so york may overlook the town of yorkx
                                                flourishx exeunt

act iix scene ix a plain near mortimerxs cross in herefordshire

a marchx enter edwardx richardx and their power

  edwardx i wonder how our princely father scapxdx
    or whether he be scapxd away or no
    from cliffordxs and northumberlandxs pursuitx
    had he been taxenx we should have heard the newsx
    had he been slainx we should have heard the newsx
    or had he scapxdx methinks we should have heard
    the happy tidings of his good escapex
    how fares my brotherx why is he so sadx
  richardx i cannot joy until i be resolvxd
    where our right valiant father is becomex
    i saw him in the battle range aboutx
    and watchxd him how he singled clifford forthx
    methought he bore him in the thickest troop
    as doth a lion in a herd of neatx
    or as a bearx encompassxd round with dogsx
    who having pinchxd a few and made them cryx
    the rest stand all aloof and bark at himx
    so farxd our father with his enemiesx
    so fled his enemies my warlike fatherx
    methinks xtis prize enough to be his sonx
    see how the morning opes her golden gates
    and takes her farewell of the glorious sunx
    how well resembles it the prime of youthx
    trimmxd like a younker prancing to his lovex
  edwardx dazzle mine eyesx or do i see three sunsx
  richardx three glorious sunsx each one a perfect sunx
    not separated with the racking cloudsx
    but severxd in a pale clearxshining skyx
    seex seex they joinx embracex and seem to kissx
    as if they vowxd some league inviolablex
    now are they but one lampx one lightx one sunx
    in this the heaven figures some eventx
  edwardx xtis wondrous strangex the like yet never heard ofx
    i think it cites usx brotherx to the fieldx
    that wex the sons of brave plantagenetx
    each one already blazing by our meedsx
    should notwithstanding join our lights together
    and overshine the earthx as this the worldx
    whatexer it bodesx henceforward will i bear
    upon my target three fair shining sunsx
  richardx nayx bear three daughtersx by your leave i speak itx
    you love the breeder better than the malex

                 enter a messengerx blowing

    but what art thoux whose heavy looks foretell
    some dreadful story hanging on thy tonguex
  messengerx ahx one that was a woeful lookerxon
    when as the noble duke of york was slainx
    your princely father and my loving lordx
  edwardx ox speak no morex for i have heard too muchx
  richardx say how he diedx for i will hear it allx
  messengerx environed he was with many foesx
    and stood against them as the hope of troy
    against the greeks that would have entxred troyx
    but hercules himself must yield to oddsx
    and many strokesx though with a little axex
    hews down and fells the hardestxtimberxd oakx
    by many hands your father was subduxdx
    but only slaughtxred by the ireful arm
    of unrelenting clifford and the queenx
    who crownxd the gracious duke in high despitex
    laughxd in his facex and when with grief he weptx
    the ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks
    a napkin steeped in the harmless blood
    of sweet young rutlandx by rough clifford slainx
    and after many scornsx many foul tauntsx
    they took his headx and on the gates of york
    they set the samex and there it doth remainx
    the saddest spectacle that exer i viewxdx
  edwardx sweet duke of yorkx our prop to lean uponx
    now thou art gonex we have no staffx no stayx
    o cliffordx boistxrous cliffordx thou hast slain
    the flowxr of europe for his chivalryx
    and treacherously hast thou vanquishxd himx
    for hand to hand he would have vanquishxd theex
    now my soulxs palace is become a prisonx
    ahx would she break from hencex that this my body
    might in the ground be closed up in restx
    for never henceforth shall i joy againx
    neverx o neverx shall i see more joyx
  richardx i cannot weepx for all my bodyxs moisture
    scarce serves to quench my furnacexburning heartx
    nor can my tongue unload my heartxs great burdenx
    for selfxsame wind that i should speak withal
    is kindling coals that fires all my breastx
    and burns me up with flames that tears would quenchx
    to weep is to make less the depth of griefx
    tears then for babesx blows and revenge for mex
    richardx i bear thy namex ixll venge thy deathx
    or die renowned by attempting itx
  edwardx his name that valiant duke hath left with theex
    his dukedom and his chair with me is leftx
  richardx nayx if thou be that princely eaglexs birdx
    show thy descent by gazing xgainst the sunx
    for chair and dukedomx throne and kingdomx sayx
    either that is thinex or else thou wert not hisx

         marchx enter warwickx montaguex and their army

  warwickx how nowx fair lordsx what farex what news abroadx
  richardx great lord of warwickx if we should recount
    our baleful news and at each wordxs deliverance
    stab poinards in our flesh till all were toldx
    the words would add more anguish than the woundsx
    o valiant lordx the duke of york is slainx
  edwardx o warwickx warwickx that plantagenet
    which held thee dearly as his soulxs redemption
    is by the stern lord clifford done to deathx
  warwickx ten days ago i drownxd these news in tearsx
    and nowx to add more measure to your woesx
    i come to tell you things sith then befallxnx
    after the bloody fray at wakefield foughtx
    where your brave father breathxd his latest gaspx
    tidingsx as swiftly as the posts could runx
    were brought me of your loss and his departx
    ix then in londonx keeper of the kingx
    musterxd my soldiersx gathered flocks of friendsx
    and very well appointedx as i thoughtx
    marchxd toward saint albans to intercept the queenx
    bearing the king in my behalf alongx
    for by my scouts i was advertised
    that she was coming with a full intent
    to dash our late decree in parliament
    touching king henryxs oath and your successionx
    short tale to makex we at saint albans metx
    our battles joinxdx and both sides fiercely foughtx
    but whether xtwas the coldness of the kingx
    who lookxd full gently on his warlike queenx
    that robbxd my soldiers of their heated spleenx
    or whether xtwas report of her successx
    or more than common fear of cliffordxs rigourx
    who thunders to his captives blood and deathx
    i cannot judgex butx to conclude with truthx
    their weapons like to lightning came and wentx
    our soldiersxx like the nightxowlxs lazy flight
    or like an idle thresher with a flailx
    fell gently downx as if they struck their friendsx
    i cheerxd them up with justice of our causex
    with promise of high pay and great rewardsx
    but all in vainx they had no heart to fightx
    and we in them no hope to win the dayx
    so that we fledx the king unto the queenx
    lord george your brotherx norfolkx and myselfx
    in haste postxhaste are come to join with youx
    for in the marches here we heard you were
    making another head to fight againx
  edwardx where is the duke of norfolkx gentle warwickx
    and when came george from burgundy to englandx
  warwickx some six miles off the duke is with the soldiersx
    and for your brotherx he was lately sent
    from your kind auntx duchess of burgundyx
    with aid of soldiers to this needful warx
  richardx xtwas oddsx belikex when valiant warwick fledx
    oft have i heard his praises in pursuitx
    but nexer till now his scandal of retirex
  warwickx nor now my scandalx richardx dost thou hearx
    for thou shalt know this strong right hand of mine
    can pluck the diadem from faint henryxs head
    and wring the awful sceptre from his fistx
    were he as famous and as bold in war
    as he is famxd for mildnessx peacex and prayerx
  richardx i know it wellx lord warwickx blame me notx
    xtis love i bear thy glories makes me speakx
    but in this troublous time whatxs to be donex
    shall we go throw away our coats of steel
    and wrap our bodies in black mourningxgownsx
    numbering our avexmaries with our beadsx
    or shall we on the helmets of our foes
    tell our devotion with revengeful armsx
    if for the lastx say xayxx and to itx lordsx
  warwickx whyx therefore warwick came to seek you outx
    and therefore comes my brother montaguex
    attend mex lordsx the proud insulting queenx
    with clifford and the haught northumberlandx
    and of their feather many moe proud birdsx
    have wrought the easyxmelting king like waxx
    he swore consent to your successionx
    his oath enrolled in the parliamentx
    and now to london all the crew are gone
    to frustrate both his oath and what beside
    may make against the house of lancasterx
    their powerx i thinkx is thirty thousand strongx
    now if the help of norfolk and myselfx
    with all the friends that thoux brave earl of marchx
    amongst the loving welshmen canst procurex
    will but amount to five and twenty thousandx
    whyx viax to london will we march amainx
    and once again bestride our foaming steedsx
    and once again cry xcharge upon our foesxx
    but never once again turn back and flyx
  richardx ayx now methinks i hear great warwick speakx
    nexer may he live to see a sunshine day
    that cries xretirexx if warwick bid him stayx
  edwardx lord warwickx on thy shoulder will i leanx
    and when thou failxstx as god forbid the hourxx
    must edward fallx which peril heaven forfendx
  warwickx no longer earl of marchx but duke of yorkx
    the next degree is englandxs royal thronex
    for king of england shalt thou be proclaimxd
    in every borough as we pass alongx
    and he that throws not up his cap for joy
    shall for the fault make forfeit of his headx
    king edwardx valiant richardx montaguex
    stay we no longerx dreaming of renownx
    but sound the trumpets and about our taskx
  richardx thenx cliffordx were thy heart as hard as steelx
    as thou hast shown it flinty by thy deedsx
    i come to pierce it or to give thee minex
  edwardx then strike up drumsx god and saint george for usx

                       enter a messenger

  warwickx how nowx what newsx
  messengerx the duke of norfolk sends you word by me
    the queen is coming with a puissant hostx
    and craves your company for speedy counselx
  warwickx whyx then it sortsx brave warriorsx letxs awayx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix before york

flourishx enter king henryx queen margaretx the prince of walesx
cliffordx
northumberlandx with drum and trumpets

  queen margaretx welcomex my lordx to this brave town of yorkx
    yonderxs the head of that archxenemy
    that sought to be encompassxd with your crownx
    doth not the object cheer your heartx my lordx
  king henryx ayx as the rocks cheer them that fear their wreckx
    to see this sightx it irks my very soulx
    withhold revengex dear godx xtis not my faultx
    nor wittingly have i infringxd my vowx
  cliffordx my gracious liegex this too much lenity
    and harmful pity must be laid asidex
    to whom do lions cast their gentle looksx
    not to the beast that would usurp their denx
    whose hand is that the forest bear doth lickx
    not his that spoils her young before her facex
    who scapes the lurking serpentxs mortal stingx
    not he that sets his foot upon her backx
    the smallest worm will turnx being trodden onx
    and doves will peck in safeguard of their broodx
    ambitious york did level at thy crownx
    thou smiling while he knit his angry browsx
    hex but a dukex would have his son a kingx
    and raise his issue like a loving sirex
    thoux being a kingx blessxd with a goodly sonx
    didst yield consent to disinherit himx
    which argued thee a most unloving fatherx
    unreasonable creatures feed their youngx
    and though manxs face be fearful to their eyesx
    yetx in protection of their tender onesx
    who hath not seen themx even with those wings
    which sometime they have usxd with fearful flightx
    make war with him that climbxd unto their nestx
    offering their own lives in their youngxs defence
    for shamex my liegex make them your precedentx
    were it not pity that this goodly boy
    should lose his birthright by his fatherxs faultx
    and long hereafter say unto his child
    xwhat my greatxgrandfather and grandsire got
    my careless father fondly gave awayxx
    ahx what a shame were thisx look on the boyx
    and let his manly facex which promiseth
    successful fortunex steel thy melting heart
    to hold thine own and leave thine own with himx
  king henryx full well hath clifford playxd the oratorx
    inferring arguments of mighty forcex
    butx cliffordx tell mex didst thou never hear
    that things ill got had ever bad successx
    and happy always was it for that son
    whose father for his hoarding went to hellx
    ixll leave my son my virtuous deeds behindx
    and would my father had left me no morex
    for all the rest is held at such a rate
    as brings a thousandxfold more care to keep
    than in possession any jot of pleasurex
    ahx cousin yorkx would thy best friends did know
    how it doth grieve me that thy head is herex
  queen margaretx my lordx cheer up your spiritsx our foes are nighx
    and this soft courage makes your followers faintx
    you promisxd knighthood to our forward sonx
    unsheathe your sword and dub him presentlyx
    edwardx kneel downx
  king henryx edward plantagenetx arise a knightx
    and learn this lessonx draw thy sword in rightx
  prince of walesx my gracious fatherx by your kingly leavex
    ixll draw it as apparent to the crownx
    and in that quarrel use it to the deathx
  cliffordx whyx that is spoken like a toward princex

                      enter a messenger

  messengerx royal commandersx be in readinessx
    for with a band of thirty thousand men
    comes warwickx backing of the duke of yorkx
    and in the townsx as they do march alongx
    proclaims him kingx and many fly to himx
    darraign your battlex for they are at handx
  cliffordx i would your highness would depart the fieldx
    the queen hath best success when you are absentx
  queen margaretx ayx good my lordx and leave us to our fortunex
  king henryx whyx thatxs my fortune toox therefore ixll stayx
  northumberlandx be it with resolutionx thenx to fightx
  prince of walesx my royal fatherx cheer these noble lordsx
    and hearten those that fight in your defencex
    unsheathe your swordx good fatherx cry xsaint georgexx

         marchx enter edwardx georgex richardx warwickx
                norfolkx montaguex and soldiers

  edwardx nowx perjurxd henryx wilt thou kneel for grace
    and set thy diadem upon my headx
    or bide the mortal fortune of the fieldx
  queen margaretx go rate thy minionsx proud insulting boyx
    becomes it thee to be thus bold in terms
    before thy sovereign and thy lawful kingx
  edwardx i am his kingx and he should bow his kneex
    i was adopted heir by his consentx
    since whenx his oath is brokex forx as i hearx
    you that are kingx though he do wear the crownx
    have causxd him by new act of parliament
    to blot out me and put his own son inx
  cliffordx and reason toox
    who should succeed the father but the sonx
  richardx are you therex butcherx ox i cannot speakx
  cliffordx ayx crookxbackx here i stand to answer theex
    or any hex the proudest of thy sortx
  richardx xtwas you that killxd young rutlandx was it notx
  cliffordx ayx and old yorkx and yet not satisfiedx
  richardx for godxs sakex lordsx give signal to the fightx
  warwickx what sayxst thoux henryx wilt thou yield the crownx
  queen margaretx whyx how nowx longxtonguxd warwickx dare you speakx
    when you and i met at saint albans last
    your legs did better service than your handsx
  warwickx then xtwas my turn to flyx and now xtis thinex
  cliffordx you said so much beforex and yet you fledx
  warwickx xtwas not your valourx cliffordx drove me thencex
  northumberlandx nox nor your manhood that durst make you stayx
  richardx northumberlandx i hold thee reverentlyx
    break off the parleyx for scarce i can refrain
    the execution of my bigxswolxn heart
    upon that cliffordx that cruel childxkillerx
  cliffordx i slew thy fatherx callxst thou him a childx
  richardx ayx like a dastard and a treacherous cowardx
    as thou didst kill our tender brother rutlandx
    but ere sunset ixll make thee curse the deedx
  king henryx have done with wordsx my lordsx and hear me speakx
  queen margaretx defy them thenx or else hold close thy lipsx
  king henryx i prithee give no limits to my tonguex
    i am a kingx and privilegxd to speakx
  cliffordx my liegex the wound that bred this meeting here
    cannot be curxd by wordsx therefore be stillx
  richardx thenx executionerx unsheathe thy swordx
    by him that made us allx i am resolvxd
    that cliffordxs manhood lies upon his tonguex
  edwardx sayx henryx shall i have my rightx or nox
    a thousand men have broke their fasts toxday
    that nexer shall dine unless thou yield the crownx
  warwickx if thou denyx their blood upon thy headx
    for york in justice puts his armour onx
  prince of walesx if that be right which warwick says is rightx
    there is no wrongx but every thing is rightx
  richardx whoever got theex there thy mother standsx
    for well i wot thou hast thy motherxs tonguex
  queen margaretx but thou art neither like thy sire nor damx
    but like a foul misshapen stigmaticx
    markxd by the destinies to be avoidedx
    as venom toads or lizardsx dreadful stingsx
  richardx iron of naples hid with english giltx
    whose father bears the title of a kingx
    as if a channel should be callxd the seax
    shamxst thou notx knowing whence thou art extraughtx
    to let thy tongue detect thy basexborn heartx
  edwardx a wisp of straw were worth a thousand crowns
    to make this shameless callet know herselfx
    helen of greece was fairer far than thoux
    although thy husband may be menelausx
    and nexer was agamemmonxs brother wrongxd
    by that false woman as this king by theex
    his father revellxd in the heart of francex
    and tamxd the kingx and made the dauphin stoopx
    and had he matchxd according to his statex
    he might have kept that glory to this dayx
    but when he took a beggar to his bed
    and gracxd thy poor sire with his bridal dayx
    even then that sunshine brewxd a showxr for him
    that washxd his fatherxs fortunes forth of france
    and heapxd sedition on his crown at homex
    for what hath broachxd this tumult but thy pridex
    hadst thou been meekx our title still had sleptx
    and wex in pity of the gentle kingx
    had slippxd our claim until another agex
  georgex but when we saw our sunshine made thy springx
    and that thy summer bred us no increasex
    we set the axe to thy usurping rootx
    and though the edge hath something hit ourselvesx
    yet know thoux since we have begun to strikex
    wexll never leave till we have hewn thee downx
    or bathxd thy growing with our heated bloodsx
  edwardx and in this resolution i defy theex
    not willing any longer conferencex
    since thou deniest the gentle king to speakx
    sound trumpetsx let our bloody colours wavex
    and either victory or else a gravex
  queen margaretx stayx edwardx
  edwardx nox wrangling womanx wexll no longer stayx
    these words will cost ten thousand lives this dayx
                                                          exeunt

scene iiix a field of battle between towton and saxtonx in yorkshire

alarumx excursionsx enter warwick

  warwickx forspent with toilx as runners with a racex
    i lay me down a little while to breathex
    for strokes receivxd and many blows repaid
    have robbxd my strongxknit sinews of their strengthx
    and spite of spite needs must i rest awhilex

                     enter edwardx running

  edwardx smilex gentle heavenx or strikex ungentle deathx
    for this world frownsx and edwardxs sun is cloudedx
  warwickx how nowx my lordx what hapx what hope of goodx

                         enter george

  georgex our hap is lostx our hope but sad despairx
    our ranks are brokex and ruin follows usx
    what counsel give youx whither shall we flyx
  edwardx bootless is flightx they follow us with wingsx
    and weak we arex and cannot shun pursuitx

                         enter richard

  richardx ahx warwickx why hast thou withdrawn thyselfx
    thy brotherxs blood the thirsty earth hath drunkx
    broachxd with the steely point of cliffordxs lancex
    and in the very pangs of death he criedx
    like to a dismal clangor heard from farx
    xwarwickx revengex brotherx revenge my deathxx
    sox underneath the belly of their steedsx
    that stainxd their fetlocks in his smoking bloodx
    the noble gentleman gave up the ghostx
  warwickx then let the earth be drunken with our bloodx
    ixll kill my horsex because i will not flyx
    why stand we like softxhearted women herex
    wailing our lossesx whiles the foe doth ragex
    and look uponx as if the tragedy
    were playxd in jest by counterfeiting actorsx
    here on my knee i vow to god above
    ixll never pause againx never stand stillx
    till either death hath closxd these eyes of mine
    or fortune given me measure of revengex
  edwardx o warwickx i do bend my knee with thinex
    and in this vow do chain my soul to thinex
    and ere my knee rise from the earthxs cold face
    i throw my handsx mine eyesx my heart to theex
    thou setterxup and pluckerxdown of kingsx
    beseeching theex if with thy will it stands
    that to my foes this body must be preyx
    yet that thy brazen gates of heaven may ope
    and give sweet passage to my sinful soulx
    nowx lordsx take leave until we meet againx
    wherexer it bex in heaven or in earthx
  richardx brotherx give me thy handx andx gentle warwickx
    let me embrace thee in my weary armsx
    i that did never weep now melt with woe
    that winter should cut off our springxtime sox
  warwickx awayx awayx once morex sweet lordsx farewellx
  georgex yet let us all together to our troopsx
    and give them leave to fly that will not stayx
    and call them pillars that will stand to usx
    and if we thrivex promise them such rewards
    as victors wear at the olympian gamesx
    this may plant courage in their quailing breastsx
    for yet is hope of life and victoryx
    forslow no longerx make we hence amainx               exeunt

scene ivx another part of the field

excursionsx enter richard and clifford

  richardx nowx cliffordx i have singled thee alonex
    suppose this arm is for the duke of yorkx
    and this for rutlandx both bound to revengex
    wert thou environxd with a brazen wallx
  cliffordx nowx richardx i am with thee here alonex
    this is the hand that stabbed thy father yorkx
    and this the hand that slew thy brother rutlandx
    and herexs the heart that triumphs in their death
    and cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother
    to execute the like upon thyselfx
    and sox have at theex                           xthey fightx

                 enter warwickx clifford flies

  richardx nayx warwickx single out some other chasex
    for i myself will hunt this wolf to deathx            exeunt

scene vx another part of the field

alarumx enter king henry alone

  king henryx this battle fares like to the morningxs warx
    when dying clouds contend with growing lightx
    what time the shepherdx blowing of his nailsx
    can neither call it perfect day nor nightx
    now sways it this wayx like a mighty sea
    forcxd by the tide to combat with the windx
    now sways it that wayx like the selfsame sea
    forcxd to retire by fury of the windx
    sometime the flood prevailsx and then the windx
    now one the betterx then another bestx
    both tugging to be victorsx breast to breastx
    yet neither conqueror nor conqueredx
    so is the equal poise of this fell warx
    here on this molehill will i sit me downx
    to whom god willx there be the victoryx
    for margaret my queenx and clifford toox
    have chid me from the battlex swearing both
    they prosper best of all when i am thencex
    would i were deadx if godxs good will were sox
    for what is in this world but grief and woex
    o godx methinks it were a happy life
    to be no better than a homely swainx
    to sit upon a hillx as i do nowx
    to carve out dials quaintlyx point by pointx
    thereby to see the minutes how they runx
    how many makes the hour full completex
    how many hours brings about the dayx
    how many days will finish up the yearx
    how many years a mortal man may livex
    when this is knownx then to divide the timesx
    so many hours must i tend my flockx
    so many hours must i take my restx
    so many hours must i contemplatex
    so many hours must i sport myselfx
    so many days my ewes have been with youngx
    so many weeks ere the poor fools will canx
    so many years ere i shall shear the fleecex
    so minutesx hoursx daysx monthsx and yearsx
    passxd over to the end they were createdx
    would bring white hairs unto a quiet gravex
    ahx what a life were thisx how sweetx how lovelyx
    gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade
    to shepherds looking on their silly sheepx
    than doth a rich embroiderxd canopy
    to kings that fear their subjectsx treacheryx
    o yesx it dothx a thousandxfold it dothx
    and to concludex the shepherdxs homely curdsx
    his cold thin drink out of his leather bottlex
    his wonted sleep under a fresh treexs shadex
    all which secure and sweetly he enjoysx
    is far beyond a princexs delicatesx
    his viands sparkling in a golden cupx
    his body couched in a curious bedx
    when carex mistrustx and treason waits on himx

       alarumx enter a son that hath killxd his fatherx at
       one doorx and a father that hath killxd his sonx at
                         another door

  sonx ill blows the wind that profits nobodyx
    this man whom hand to hand i slew in fight
    may be possessed with some store of crownsx
    and ix that haply take them from him nowx
    may yet ere night yield both my life and them
    to some man elsex as this dead man doth mex
    whoxs thisx o godx it is my fatherxs facex
    whom in this conflict i unwares have killxdx
    o heavy timesx begetting such eventsx
    from london by the king was i pressxd forthx
    my fatherx being the earl of warwickxs manx
    came on the part of yorkx pressxd by his masterx
    and ix who at his hands receivxd my lifex
    have by my hands of life bereaved himx
    pardon mex godx i knew not what i didx
    and pardonx fatherx for i knew not theex
    my tears shall wipe away these bloody marksx
    and no more words till they have flowxd their fillx
  king henryx o piteous spectaclex o bloody timesx
    whiles lions war and battle for their densx
    poor harmless lambs abide their enmityx
    weepx wretched manx ixll aid thee tear for tearx
    and let our hearts and eyesx like civil warx
    be blind with tears and break oxerchargxd with griefx

               enter fatherx bearing of his son

  fatherx thou that so stoutly hath resisted mex
    give me thy goldx if thou hast any goldx
    for i have bought it with an hundred blowsx
    but let me seex is this our foemanxs facex
    ahx nox nox nox nox it is mine only sonx
    ahx boyx if any life be left in theex
    throw up thine eyex seex see what showxrs arisex
    blown with the windy tempest of my heart
    upon thy woundsx that kills mine eye and heartx
    ox pityx godx this miserable agex
    what stratagemsx how fellx how butcherlyx
    erroneousx mutinousx and unnaturalx
    this deadly quarrel daily doth begetx
    o boyx thy father gave thee life too soonx
    and hath bereft thee of thy life too latex
  king henryx woe above woex grief more than common griefx
    o that my death would stay these ruthful deedsx
    o pityx pityx gentle heavenx pityx
    the red rose and the white are on his facex
    the fatal colours of our striving housesx
    the one his purple blood right well resemblesx
    the other his pale cheeksx methinksx presentethx
    wither one rosex and let the other flourishx
    if you contendx a thousand lives must perishx
  sonx how will my mother for a fatherxs death
    take on with mex and nexer be satisfiedx
  fatherx how will my wife for slaughter of my son
    shed seas of tearsx and nexer be satisfiedx
  king henryx how will the country for these woeful chances
    misthink the kingx and not be satisfiedx
  sonx was ever son so rued a fatherxs deathx
  fatherx was ever father so bemoanxd his sonx
  king henryx was ever king so grievxd for subjectsx woex
    much is your sorrowx mine ten times so muchx
  sonx ixll bear thee hencex where i may weep my fillx
                                              exit with the body
  fatherx these arms of mine shall be thy windingxsheetx
    my heartx sweet boyx shall be thy sepulchrex
    for from my heart thine image nexer shall gox
    my sighing breast shall be thy funeral bellx
    and so obsequious will thy father bex
    even for the loss of theex having no morex
    as priam was for all his valiant sonsx
    ixll bear thee hencex and let them fight that willx
    for i have murdered where i should not killx
                                              exit with the body
  king henryx sadxhearted menx much overgone with carex
    here sits a king more woeful than you arex

           alarumsx excursionsx enter queen margaretx
                  prince of walesx and exeter

  prince of walesx flyx fatherx flyx for all your friends are fledx
    and warwick rages like a chafed bullx
    awayx for death doth hold us in pursuitx
  queen margaretx mount youx my lordx towards berwick post amainx
    edward and richardx like a brace of greyhounds
    having the fearful flying hare in sightx
    with fiery eyes sparkling for very wrathx
    and bloody steel graspxd in their ireful handsx
    are at our backsx and therefore hence amainx
  exeterx awayx for vengeance comes along with themx
    nayx stay not to expostulatex make speedx
    or else come afterx ixll away beforex
  king henryx nayx take me with theex good sweet exeterx
    not that i fear to stayx but love to go
    whither the queen intendsx forwardx awayx             exeunt

scene vix another part of the field

a loud alarumx enter cliffordx wounded

  cliffordx here burns my candle outx ayx here it diesx
    whichx whiles it lastedx gave king henry lightx
    o lancasterx i fear thy overthrow
    more than my bodyxs parting with my soulx
    my love and fear gluxd many friends to theex
    andx now i fallx thy tough commixture meltsx
    impairing henryx strengthxning misproud yorkx
    the common people swarm like summer fliesx
    and whither fly the gnats but to the sunx
    and who shines now but henryxs enemiesx
    o phoebusx hadst thou never given consent
    that phaethon should check thy fiery steedsx
    thy burning car never had scorchxd the earthx
    andx henryx hadst thou swayxd as kings should dox
    or as thy father and his father didx
    giving no ground unto the house of yorkx
    they never then had sprung like summer fliesx
    i and ten thousand in this luckless realm
    had left no mourning widows for our deathx
    and thou this day hadst kept thy chair in peacex
    for what doth cherish weeds but gentle airx
    and what makes robbers bold but too much lenityx
    bootless are plaintsx and cureless are my woundsx
    no way to flyx nor strength to hold out flightx
    the foe is merciless and will not pityx
    for at their hands i have deservxd no pityx
    the air hath got into my deadly woundsx
    and much effuse of blood doth make me faintx
    comex york and richardx warwick and the restx
    i stabbxd your fathersx bosomsx split my breastx
                                                     xhe faintsx

       alarum and retreatx enter edwardx georgex richard
               montaguex warwickx and soldiers

  edwardx now breathe wex lordsx good fortune bids us pause
    and smooth the frowns of war with peaceful looksx
    some troops pursue the bloodyxminded queen
    that led calm henryx though he were a kingx
    as doth a sailx fillxd with a fretting gustx
    command an argosy to stern the wavesx
    but think youx lordsx that clifford fled with themx
  warwickx nox xtis impossible he should escapex
    forx though before his face i speak the wordsx
    your brother richard markxd him for the gravex
    andx wheresoxer he isx hexs surely deadx
                                     xclifford groansx and diesx
  richardx whose soul is that which takes her heavy leavex
    a deadly groanx like life and deathxs departingx
    see who it isx
  edwardx and now the battlexs endedx
    if friend or foex let him be gently usedx
  richardx revoke that doom of mercyx for xtis cliffordx
    who not contented that he loppxd the branch
    in hewing rutland when his leaves put forthx
    but set his murdxring knife unto the root
    from whence that tender spray did sweetly springx
    i mean our princely fatherx duke of yorkx
  warwickx from off the gates of york fetch down the headx
    your fatherxs headx which clifford placed therex
    instead whereof let this supply the roomx
    measure for measure must be answeredx
  edwardx bring forth that fatal screechxowl to our housex
    that nothing sung but death to us and oursx
    now death shall stop his dismal threatxning soundx
    and his illxboding tongue no more shall speakx
  warwickx i think his understanding is bereftx
    speakx cliffordx dost thou know who speaks to theex
    dark cloudy death oxershades his beams of lifex
    and he nor sees nor hears us what we sayx
  richardx ox would he didx and sox perhapsx he dothx
    xtis but his policy to counterfeitx
    because he would avoid such bitter taunts
    which in the time of death he gave our fatherx
  georgex if so thou thinkxstx vex him with eager wordsx
  richardx cliffordx ask mercy and obtain no gracex
  edwardx cliffordx repent in bootless penitencex
  warwickx cliffordx devise excuses for thy faultsx
  georgex while we devise fell tortures for thy faultsx
  richardx thou didst love yorkx and i am son to yorkx
  edwardx thou pitiedxst rutlandx i will pity theex
  georgex wherexs captain margaretx to fence you nowx
  warwickx they mock theex cliffordx swear as thou wast wontx
  richardx whatx not an oathx nayx then the world goes hard
    when clifford cannot spare his friends an oathx
    i know by that hexs deadx and by my soulx
    if this right hand would buy two hoursx lifex
    that i in all despite might rail at himx
    this hand should chop it offx and with the issuing blood
    stifle the villain whose unstanched thirst
    york and young rutland could not satisfyx
  warwickx ayx but hexs deadx off with the traitorxs headx
    and rear it in the place your fatherxs standsx
    and now to london with triumphant marchx
    there to be crowned englandxs royal kingx
    from whence shall warwick cut the sea to francex
    and ask the lady bona for thy queenx
    so shalt thou sinew both these lands togetherx
    andx having france thy friendx thou shalt not dread
    the scattxred foe that hopes to rise againx
    for though they cannot greatly sting to hurtx
    yet look to have them buzz to offend thine earsx
    first will i see the coronationx
    and then to brittany ixll cross the sea
    to effect this marriagex so it please my lordx
  edwardx even as thou wiltx sweet warwickx let it bex
    for in thy shoulder do i build my seatx
    and never will i undertake the thing
    wherein thy counsel and consent is wantingx
    richardx i will create thee duke of gloucesterx
    and georgex of clarencex warwickx as ourselfx
    shall do and undo as him pleaseth bestx
  richardx let me be duke of clarencex george of gloucesterx
    for gloucesterxs dukedom is too ominousx
  warwickx tutx thatxs a foolish observationx
    richardx be duke of gloucesterx now to london
    to see these honours in possessionx                   exeunt

act iiix scene ix a chase in the north of england

enter two keepersx with crossxbows in their hands

  first keeperx under this thickxgrown brake wexll shroud ourselvesx
    for through this laund anon the deer will comex
    and in this covert will we make our standx
    culling the principal of all the deerx
  second keeperx ixll stay above the hillx so both may shootx
  first keeperx that cannot bex the noise of thy crossxbow
    will scare the herdx and so my shoot is lostx
    here stand we bothx and aim we at the bestx
    andx for the time shall not seem tediousx
    ixll tell thee what befell me on a day
    in this selfxplace where now we mean to standx
  second keeperx here comes a manx letxs stay till he be pastx

        enter king henryx disguisedx with a prayerxbook

  king henryx from scotland am i stolxnx even of pure lovex
    to greet mine own land with my wishful sightx
    nox harryx harryx xtis no land of thinex
    thy place is fillxdx thy sceptre wrung from theex
    thy balm washxd off wherewith thou wast anointedx
    no bending knee will call thee caesar nowx
    no humble suitors press to speak for rightx
    nox not a man comes for redress of theex
    for how can i help them and not myselfx
  first keeperx ayx herexs a deer whose skinxs a keeperxs feex
    this is the quondam kingx letxs seize upon himx
  king henryx let me embrace theex sour adversityx
    for wise men say it is the wisest coursex
  second keeperx why linger wex let us lay hands upon himx
  first keeperx forbear awhilex wexll hear a little morex
  king henryx my queen and son are gone to france for aidx
    andx as i hearx the great commanding warwick
    is thither gone to crave the french kingxs sister
    to wife for edwardx if this news be truex
    poor queen and sonx your labour is but lostx
    for warwick is a subtle oratorx
    and lewis a prince soon won with moving wordsx
    by this accountx thenx margaret may win himx
    for shexs a woman to be pitied muchx
    her sighs will make a battxry in his breastx
    her tears will pierce into a marble heartx
    the tiger will be mild whiles she doth mournx
    and nero will be tainted with remorse
    to hear and see her plaintsx her brinish tearsx
    ayx but shexs come to begx warwickx to givex
    shex on his left sidex craving aid for henryx
    hex on his rightx asking a wife for edwardx
    she weepsx and says her henry is deposxdx
    he smilesx and says his edward is installxdx
    that shex poor wretchx for grief can speak no morex
    whiles warwick tells his titlex smooths the wrongx
    inferreth arguments of mighty strengthx
    and in conclusion wins the king from her
    with promise of his sisterx and what elsex
    to strengthen and support king edwardxs placex
    o margaretx thus xtwill bex and thoux poor soulx
    art then forsakenx as thou wentxst forlornx
  second keeperx sayx what art thou that talkxst of kings and queensx
  king henryx more than i seemx and less than i was born tox
    a man at leastx for less i should not bex
    and men may talk of kingsx and why not ix
  second keeperx ayx but thou talkxst as if thou wert a kingx
  king henryx whyx so i amx in mindx and thatxs enoughx
  second keeperx butx if thou be a kingx where is thy crownx
  king henryx my crown is in my heartx not on my headx
    not deckxd with diamonds and indian stonesx
    not to be seenx my crown is callxd contentx
    a crown it is that seldom kings enjoyx
  second keeperx wellx if you be a king crownxd with contentx
    your crown content and you must be contented
    to go along with usx for as we thinkx
    you are the king king edward hath deposxdx
    and we his subjectsx sworn in all allegiancex
    will apprehend you as his enemyx
  king henryx but did you never swearx and break an oathx
  second keeperx nox never such an oathx nor will not nowx
  king henryx where did you dwell when i was king of englandx
  second keeperx here in this countryx where we now remainx
  king henryx i was anointed king at nine months oldx
    my father and my grandfather were kingsx
    and you were sworn true subjects unto mex
    and tell mex thenx have you not broke your oathsx
  first keeperx nox
    for we were subjects but while you were kingx
  king henryx whyx am i deadx do i not breathe a manx
    ahx simple menx you know not what you swearx
    lookx as i blow this feather from my facex
    and as the air blows it to me againx
    obeying with my wind when i do blowx
    and yielding to another when it blowsx
    commanded always by the greater gustx
    such is the lightness of you common menx
    but do not break your oathsx for of that sin
    my mild entreaty shall not make you guiltyx
    go where you willx the king shall be commandedx
    and be you kingsx commandx and ixll obeyx
  first keeperx we are true subjects to the kingx king edwardx
  king henryx so would you be again to henryx
    if he were seated as king edward isx
  first keeperx we charge youx in godxs name and the kingxsx
    to go with us unto the officersx
  king henryx in godxs namex leadx your kingxs name be obeyxdx
    and what god willx that let your king performx
    and what he willx i humbly yield untox                exeunt

scene iix londonx the palace

enter king edwardx gloucesterx clarencex and lady grey

  king edwardx brother of gloucesterx at saint albansx field
    this ladyxs husbandx sir richard greyx was slainx
    his land then seizxd on by the conquerorx
    her suit is now to repossess those landsx
    which we in justice cannot well denyx
    because in quarrel of the house of york
    the worthy gentleman did lose his lifex
  gloucesterx your highness shall do well to grant her suitx
    it were dishonour to deny it herx
  king edwardx it were no lessx but yet ixll make a pausex
  gloucesterx xaside to clarencex yeax is it sox
    i see the lady hath a thing to grantx
    before the king will grant her humble suitx
  clarencex xaside to gloucesterx he knows the gamex how true he
    keeps the windx
  gloucesterx xaside to clarencex silencex
  king edwardx widowx we will consider of your suitx
    and come some other time to know our mindx
  lady greyx right gracious lordx i cannot brook delayx
    may it please your highness to resolve me nowx
    and what your pleasure is shall satisfy mex
  gloucesterx xasidex ayx widowx then ixll warrant you all your
      landsx
    an if what pleases him shall pleasure youx
    fight closer orx good faithx youxll catch a blowx
  clarencex xaside to gloucesterx i fear her notx unless she chance
    to fallx
  gloucesterx xaside to clarencex god forbid thatx for hexll take
    vantagesx
  king edwardx how many children hast thoux widowx tell mex
  clarencex xaside to gloucesterx i think he means to beg a child of
    herx
  gloucesterx xaside to clarencex nayx then whip mex hexll rather
    give her twox
  lady greyx threex my most gracious lordx
  gloucesterx xasidex you shall have four if youxll be rulxd by himx
  king edwardx xtwere pity they should lose their fatherxs landsx
  lady greyx be pitifulx dread lordx and grant itx thenx
  king edwardx lordsx give us leavex ixll try this widowxs witx
  gloucesterx xasidex ayx good leave have youx for you will have
      leave
    till youth take leave and leave you to the crutchx
                              xgloucester and clarence withdrawx
  king edwardx now tell mex madamx do you love your childrenx
  lady greyx ayx full as dearly as i love myselfx
  king edwardx and would you not do much to do them goodx
  lady greyx to do them good i would sustain some harmx
  king edwardx then get your husbandxs landsx to do them goodx
  lady greyx therefore i came unto your majestyx
  king edwardx ixll tell you how these lands are to be gotx
  lady greyx so shall you bind me to your highnessx servicex
  king edwardx what service wilt thou do me if i give themx
  lady greyx what you command that rests in me to dox
  king edwardx but you will take exceptions to my boonx
  lady greyx nox gracious lordx except i cannot do itx
  king edwardx ayx but thou canst do what i mean to askx
  lady greyx whyx then i will do what your grace commandsx
  gloucesterx he plies her hardx and much rain wears the marblex
  clarencex as red as firex nayx then her wax must meltx
  lady greyx why stops my lordx shall i not hear my taskx
  king edwardx an easy taskx xtis but to love a kingx
  lady greyx thatxs soon performxdx because i am a subjectx
  king edwardx whyx thenx thy husbandxs lands i freely give theex
  lady greyx i take my leave with many thousand thanksx
  gloucesterx the match is madex she seals it with a curtsyx
  king edwardx but stay theex xtis the fruits of love i meanx
  lady greyx the fruits of love i meanx my loving liegex
  king edwardx ayx butx i fear mex in another sensex
    what lovex thinkst thoux i sue so much to getx
  lady greyx my love till deathx my humble thanksx my prayersx
    that love which virtue begs and virtue grantsx
  king edwardx nox by my trothx i did not mean such lovex
  lady greyx whyx then you mean not as i thought you didx
  king edwardx but now you partly may perceive my mindx
  lady greyx my mind will never grant what i perceive
    your highness aims atx if i aim arightx
  king edwardx to tell thee plainx i aim to lie with theex
  lady greyx to tell you plainx i had rather lie in prisonx
  king edwardx whyx then thou shalt not have thy husbandxs landsx
  lady greyx whyx then mine honesty shall be my dowerx
    for by that loss i will not purchase themx
  king edwardx therein thou wrongxst thy children mightilyx
  lady greyx herein your highness wrongs both them and mex
    butx mighty lordx this merry inclination
    accords not with the sadness of my suitx
    please you dismiss mex either with ay or nox
  king edwardx ayx if thou wilt say ay to my requestx
    nox if thou dost say no to my demandx
  lady greyx thenx nox my lordx my suit is at an endx
  gloucesterx the widow likes him notx she knits her browsx
  clarencex he is the bluntest wooer in christendomx
  king edwardx xasidex her looks doth argue her replete with modestyx
    her words doth show her wit incomparablex
    all her perfections challenge sovereigntyx
    one way or otherx she is for a kingx
    and she shall be my lovex or else my queenx
    say that king edward take thee for his queenx
  lady greyx xtis better said than donex my gracious lordx
    i am a subject fit to jest withalx
    but far unfit to be a sovereignx
  king edwardx sweet widowx by my state i swear to thee
    i speak no more than what my soul intendsx
    and that is to enjoy thee for my lovex
  lady greyx and that is more than i will yield untox
    i know i am too mean to be your queenx
    and yet too good to be your concubinex
  king edwardx you cavilx widowx i did mean my queenx
  lady greyx xtwill grieve your grace my sons should call you fatherx
  king edwardxno more than when my daughters call thee motherx
    thou art a widowx and thou hast some childrenx
    andx by godxs motherx ix being but a bachelorx
    have other somex whyx xtis a happy thing
    to be the father unto many sonsx
    answer no morex for thou shalt be my queenx
  gloucesterx the ghostly father now hath done his shriftx
  clarencex when he was made a shriverx xtwas for shriftx
  king edwardx brothersx you muse what chat we two have hadx
  gloucesterx the widow likes it notx for she looks very sadx
  king edwardx youxd think it strange if i should marry herx
  clarencex to whox my lordx
  king edwardx whyx clarencex to myselfx
  gloucesterx that would be ten daysx wonder at the leastx
  clarencex thatxs a day longer than a wonder lastsx
  gloucesterx by so much is the wonder in extremesx
  king edwardx wellx jest onx brothersx i can tell you both
    her suit is granted for her husbandxs landsx

                       enter a nobleman

  noblemanx my gracious lordx henry your foe is taken
    and brought your prisoner to your palace gatex
  king edwardx see that he be conveyxd unto the towerx
    and go wex brothersx to the man that took him
    to question of his apprehensionx
    widowx go you alongx lordsx use her honourablyx
                                       exeunt all but gloucester
  gloucesterx ayx edward will use women honourablyx
    would he were wastedx marrowx bonesx and allx
    that from his loins no hopeful branch may spring
    to cross me from the golden time i look forx
    and yetx between my soulxs desire and mex
    the lustful edwardxs title buriedx
    is clarencex henryx and his son young edwardx
    and all the unlookxd for issue of their bodiesx
    to take their rooms ere i can place myselfx
    a cold premeditation for my purposex
    whyx then i do but dream on sovereigntyx
    like one that stands upon a promontory
    and spies a farxoff shore where he would treadx
    wishing his foot were equal with his eyex
    and chides the sea that sunders him from thencex
    saying hexll lade it dry to have his wayx
    so do i wish the crownx being so far offx
    and so i chide the means that keeps me from itx
    and so i say ixll cut the causes offx
    flattering me with impossibilitiesx
    my eyexs too quickx my heart oxerweens too muchx
    unless my hand and strength could equal themx
    wellx say there is no kingdom then for richardx
    what other pleasure can the world affordx
    ixll make my heaven in a ladyxs lapx
    and deck my body in gay ornamentsx
    and witch sweet ladies with my words and looksx
    o miserable thoughtx and more unlikely
    than to accomplish twenty golden crownsx
    whyx love forswore me in my motherxs wombx
    andx for i should not deal in her soft lawsx
    she did corrupt frail nature with some bribe
    to shrink mine arm up like a witherxd shrub
    to make an envious mountain on my backx
    where sits deformity to mock my bodyx
    to shape my legs of an unequal sizex
    to disproportion me in every partx
    like to a chaosx or an unlickxd bearxwhelp
    that carries no impression like the damx
    and am ix thenx a man to be belovxdx
    o monstrous fault to harbour such a thoughtx
    thenx since this earth affords no joy to me
    but to commandx to checkx to oxerbear such
    as are of better person than myselfx
    ixll make my heaven to dream upon the crownx
    and whiles i live tx account this world but hellx
    until my misshapxd trunk that bear this head
    be round impaled with a glorious crownx
    and yet i know not how to get the crownx
    for many lives stand between me and homex
    and ix like one lost in a thorny wood
    that rents the thorns and is rent with the thornsx
    seeking a way and straying from the way
    not knowing how to find the open airx
    but toiling desperately to find it outx
    torment myself to catch the english crownx
    and from that torment i will free myself
    or hew my way out with a bloody axex
    whyx i can smilex and murder whiles i smilex
    and cry xcontentxx to that which grieves my heartx
    and wet my cheeks with artificial tearsx
    and frame my face to all occasionsx
    ixll drown more sailors than the mermaid shallx
    ixll slay more gazers than the basiliskx
    ixll play the orator as well as nestorx
    deceive more slily than ulysses couldx
    andx like a sinonx take another troyx
    i can add colours to the chameleonx
    change shapes with protheus for advantagesx
    and set the murderous machiavel to schoolx
    can i do thisx and cannot get a crownx
    tutx were it farther offx ixll pluck it downx           exit

scene iiix francex  the kingxs palace

flourishx  enter lewis the french kingx his sister bonax his admiral
callxd bourbonx prince edwardx queen margaretx and the earl of oxfordx
lewis sitsx and riseth up again

  lewisx fair queen of englandx worthy margaretx
    sit down with usx it ill befits thy state
    and birth that thou shouldst stand while lewis doth sitx
  queen margaretx nox mighty king of francex now margaret
    must strike her sail and learn a while to serve
    where kings commandx i wasx i must confessx
    great albionxs queen in former golden daysx
    but now mischance hath trod my title down
    and with dishonour laid me on the groundx
    where i must take like seat unto my fortunex
    and to my humble seat conform myselfx
  lewisx whyx sayx fair queenx whence springs this deep despairx
  queen margaretx from such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears
    and stops my tonguex while heart is drownxd in caresx
  lewisx whatexer it bex be thou still like thyselfx
    and sit thee by our sidex xseats her by himx yield not thy neck
    to fortunexs yokex but let thy dauntless mind
    still ride in triumph over all mischancex
    be plainx queen margaretx and tell thy griefx
    it shall be easxdx if france can yield reliefx
  queen margaretx those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
    and give my tonguextied sorrows leave to speakx
    now therefore be it known to noble lewis
    that henryx sole possessor of my lovex
    isx of a kingx become a banishxd manx
    and forcxd to live in scotland a forlornx
    while proud ambitious edward duke of york
    usurps the regal title and the seat
    of englandxs truexanointed lawful kingx
    this is the cause that ix poor margaretx
    with this my sonx prince edwardx henryxs heirx
    am come to crave thy just and lawful aidx
    and if thou fail usx all our hope is donex
    scotland hath will to helpx but cannot helpx
    our people and our peers are both misledx
    our treasure seizxdx our soldiers put to flightx
    andx as thou seestx ourselves in heavy plightx
  lewisx renowned queenx with patience calm the stormx
    while we bethink a means to break it offx
  queen margaretx the more we stayx the stronger grows our foex
  lewisx the more i stayx the more ixll succour theex
  queen margaretx ox but impatience waiteth on true sorrowx
    and see where comes the breeder of my sorrowx

                        enter warwick

  lewisx whatxs he approacheth boldly to our presencex
  queen margaretx our earl of warwickx edwardxs greatest friendx
  lewisx welcomex brave warwickx what brings thee to francex
                                      xhe descendsx she arisethx
  queen margaretx ayx now begins a second storm to risex
    for this is he that moves both wind and tidex
  warwickx from worthy edwardx king of albionx
    my lord and sovereignx and thy vowed friendx
    i comex in kindness and unfeigned lovex
    first to do greetings to thy royal personx
    and then to crave a league of amityx
    and lastly to confirm that amity
    with nuptial knotx if thou vouchsafe to grant
    that virtuous lady bonax thy fair sisterx
    to englandxs king in lawful marriagex
  queen margaretx xasidex if that go forwardx henryxs hope is donex
  warwickx xto bonax andx gracious madamx in our kingxs behalfx
    i am commandedx with your leave and favourx
    humbly to kiss your handx and with my tongue
    to tell the passion of my sovereignxs heartx
    where famex late entxring at his heedful earsx
    hath placxd thy beautyxs image and thy virtuex
  queen margaretx king lewis and lady bonax hear me speak
    before you answer warwickx his demand
    springs not from edwardxs wellxmeant honest lovex
    but from deceit bred by necessityx
    for how can tyrants safely govern home
    unless abroad they purchase great alliancex
    to prove him tyrant this reason may sufficex
    that henry liveth stillx but were he deadx
    yet here prince edward standsx king henryxs sonx
    look thereforex lewisx that by this league and marriage
    thou draw not on thy danger and dishonourx
    for though usurpers sway the rule a while
    yet heavxns are justx and time suppresseth wrongsx
  warwickx injurious margaretx
  prince of walesx and why not queenx
  warwickx because thy father henry did usurpx
    and thou no more art prince than she is queenx
  oxfordx then warwick disannuls great john of gauntx
    which did subdue the greatest part of spainx
    andx after john of gauntx henry the fourthx
    whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisestx
    andx after that wise princex henry the fifthx
    who by his prowess conquered all francex
    from these our henry lineally descendsx
  warwickx oxfordx how haps it in this smooth discourse
    you told not how henry the sixth hath lost
    all that which henry the fifth had gottenx
    methinks these peers of france should smile at thatx
    but for the restx you tell a pedigree
    of threescore and two yearsx a silly time
    to make prescription for a kingdomxs worthx
  oxfordx whyx warwickx canst thou speak against thy liegex
    whom thou obeyedxst thirty and six yearsx
    and not betray thy treason with a blushx
  warwickx can oxford that did ever fence the right
    now buckler falsehood with a pedigreex
    for shamex leave henryx and call edward kingx
  oxfordx call him my king by whose injurious doom
    my elder brotherx the lord aubrey verex
    was done to deathx and more than sox my fatherx
    even in the downfall of his mellowxd yearsx
    when nature brought him to the door of deathx
    nox warwickx nox while life upholds this armx
    this arm upholds the house of lancasterx
  warwickx and i the house of yorkx
  lewisx queen margaretx prince edwardx and oxfordx
    vouchsafe at our request to stand aside
    while i use further conference with warwickx
                                              xthey stand aloofx
  queen margaretx heavens grant that warwickxs words bewitch him notx
  lewisx nowx warwickx tell mex even upon thy consciencex
    is edward your true kingx for i were loath
    to link with him that were not lawful chosenx
  warwickx thereon i pawn my credit and mine honourx
  lewisx but is he gracious in the peoplexs eyex
  warwickx the more that henry was unfortunatex
  lewisx then furtherx all dissembling set asidex
    tell me for truth the measure of his love
    unto our sister bonax
  warwickx such it seems
    as may beseem a monarch like himselfx
    myself have often heard him say and swear
    that this his love was an eternal plant
    whereof the root was fixxd in virtuexs groundx
    the leaves and fruit maintainxd with beautyxs sunx
    exempt from envyx but not from disdainx
    unless the lady bona quit his painx
  lewisx nowx sisterx let us hear your firm resolvex
  bonax your grant or your denial shall be minex
    xto warwickx yet i confess that often ere this dayx
    when i have heard your kingxs desert recountedx
    mine ear hath tempted judgment to desirex
  lewisx thenx warwickx thusx our sister shall be edwardxsx
    and now forthwith shall articles be drawn
    touching the jointure that your king must makex
    which with her dowry shall be counterpoisxdx
    draw nearx queen margaretx and be a witness
    that bona shall be wife to the english kingx
  prince of walesx to edwardx but not to the english kingx
  queen margaretx deceitful warwickx it was thy device
    by this alliance to make void my suitx
    before thy comingx lewis was henryxs friendx
  lewisx and still is friend to him and margaretx
    but if your title to the crown be weakx
    as may appear by edwardxs good successx
    then xtis but reason that i be releasxd
    from giving aid which late i promisedx
    yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
    that your estate requires and mine can yieldx
  warwickx henry now lives in scotland at his casex
    where having nothingx nothing can he losex
    and as for you yourselfx our quondam queenx
    you have a father able to maintain youx
    and better xtwere you troubled him than francex
  queen margaretx peacex impudent and shameless warwickx
    proud setter up and puller down of kingsx
    i will not hence till with my talk and tearsx
    both full of truthx i make king lewis behold
    thy sly conveyance and thy lordxs false lovex
    for both of you are birds of selfxsame featherx
                                    xpost blowing a horn withinx
  lewisx warwickx this is some post to us or theex

                       enter the post

  postx my lord ambassadorx these letters are for youx
    sent from your brotherx marquis montaguex
    these from our king unto your majestyx
    andx madamx these for youx from whom i know notx
                                   xthey all read their lettersx
  oxfordx i like it well that our fair queen and mistress
    smiles at her newsx while warwick frowns at hisx
  prince of walesx nayx mark how lewis stamps as he were nettledx
    i hope allxs for the bestx
  lewisx warwickx what are thy newsx and yoursx fair queenx
  queen margaretx mine such as fill my heart with unhopxd joysx
  warwickx minex full of sorrow and heartxs discontentx
  lewisx whatx has your king married the lady greyx
    and nowx to soothe your forgery and hisx
    sends me a paper to persuade me patiencex
    is this thx alliance that he seeks with francex
    dare he presume to scorn us in this mannerx
  queen margaretx i told your majesty as much beforex
    this proveth edwardxs love and warwickxs honestyx
  warwickx king lewisx i here protest in sight of heavenx
    and by the hope i have of heavenly blissx
    that i am clear from this misdeed of edwardxsx
    no more my kingx for he dishonours mex
    but most himselfx if he could see his shamex
    did i forget that by the house of york
    my father came untimely to his deathx
    did i let pass thx abuse done to my niecex
    did i impale him with the regal crownx
    did i put henry from his native rightx
    and am i guerdonxd at the last with shamex
    shame on himselfx for my desert is honourx
    and to repair my honour lost for him
    i here renounce him and return to henryx
    my noble queenx let former grudges passx
    and henceforth i am thy true servitorx
    i will revenge his wrong to lady bonax
    and replant henry in his former statex
  queen margaretx warwickx these words have turnxd my hate to lovex
    and i forgive and quite forget old faultsx
    and joy that thou becomxst king henryxs friendx
  warwickx so much his friendx ayx his unfeigned friendx
    that if king lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
    with some few bands of chosen soldiersx
    ixll undertake to land them on our coast
    and force the tyrant from his seat by warx
    xtis not his newxmade bride shall succour himx
    and as for clarencex as my letters tell mex
    hexs very likely now to fall from him
    for matching more for wanton lust than honour
    or than for strength and safety of our countryx
  bonax dear brotherx how shall bona be revengxd
    but by thy help to this distressed queenx
  queen margaretx renowned princex how shall poor henry live
    unless thou rescue him from foul despairx
  bonax my quarrel and this english queenxs are onex
  warwickx and minex fair lady bonax joins with yoursx
  lewisx and mine with hersx and thinex and margaretxsx
    thereforex at lastx i firmly am resolvxd
    you shall have aidx
  queen margaretx let me give humble thanks for all at oncex
  lewisx thenx englandxs messengerx return in post
    and tell false edwardx thy supposed kingx
    that lewis of france is sending over masquers
    to revel it with him and his new bridex
    thou seest whatxs pastx go fear thy king withalx
  bonax tell himx in hope hexll prove a widower shortlyx
    ixll wear the willowxgarland for his sakex
  queen margaretx tell him my mourning weeds are laid asidex
    and i am ready to put armour onx
  warwickx tell him from me that he hath done me wrongx
    and therefore ixll uncrown him erext be longx
    therexs thy rewardx be gonex                       exit post
  lewisx butx warwickx
    thou and oxfordx with five thousand menx
    shall cross the seas and bid false edward battlex
    andx as occasion servesx this noble queen
    and prince shall follow with a fresh supplyx
    yetx ere thou gox but answer me one doubtx
    what pledge have we of thy firm loyaltyx
  warwickx this shall assure my constant loyaltyx
    that if our queen and this young prince agreex
    ixll join mine eldest daughter and my joy
    to him forthwith in holy wedlock bandsx
  queen margaretx yesx i agreex and thank you for your motionx
    son edwardx she is fair and virtuousx
    therefore delay notx give thy hand to warwickx
    and with thy hand thy faith irrevocable
    that only warwickxs daughter shall be thinex
  prince of walesx yesx i accept herx for she well deserves itx
    and herex to pledge my vowx i give my handx
                                  xhe gives his hand to warwickx
  lewisx stay we nowx these soldiers shall be leviedx
    and thoux lord bourbonx our high admiralx
    shall waft them over with our royal fleetx
    i long till edward fall by warxs mischance
    for mocking marriage with a dame of francex
                                          exeunt all but warwick
  warwickx i came from edward as ambassadorx
    but i return his sworn and mortal foex
    matter of marriage was the charge he gave mex
    but dreadful war shall answer his demandx
    had he none else to make a stale but mex
    then none but i shall turn his jest to sorrowx
    i was the chief that raisxd him to the crownx
    and ixll be chief to bring him down againx
    not that i pity henryxs miseryx
    but seek revenge on edwardxs mockeryx                   exit

act ivx scene ix londonx the palace

enter gloucesterx clarencex somersetx and montague

  gloucesterx now tell mex brother clarencex what think you
    of this new marriage with the lady greyx
    hath not our brother made a worthy choicex
  clarencex alasx you know xtis far from hence to francex
    how could he stay till warwick made returnx
  somersetx my lordsx forbear this talkx here comes the kingx

           flourishx enter king edwardx attendedx lady
          greyx as queenx pembrokex staffordx hastingsx
      and othersx four stand on one sidex and four on the other

  gloucesterx and his wellxchosen bridex
  clarencex i mind to tell him plainly what i thinkx
  king edwardx nowx brother of clarencex how like you our choice
    that you stand pensive as half malcontentx
  clarencex as well as lewis of france or the earl of warwickx
    which are so weak of courage and in judgment
    that theyxll take no offence at our abusex
  king edwardx suppose they take offence without a causex
    they are but lewis and warwickx i am edwardx
    your king and warwickxs and must have my willx
  gloucesterx and shall have your willx because our kingx
    yet hasty marriage seldom proveth wellx
  king edwardx yeax brother richardx are you offended toox
  gloucesterx not ix
    nox god forbid that i should wish them severxd
    whom god hath joinxd togetherx ayx and xtwere pity
    to sunder them that yoke so well togetherx
  king edwardx setting your scorns and your mislike asidex
    tell me some reason why the lady grey
    should not become my wife and englandxs queenx
    and you toox somerset and montaguex
    speak freely what you thinkx
  clarencex then this is mine opinionx that king lewis
    becomes your enemy for mocking him
    about the marriage of the lady bonax
  gloucesterx and warwickx doing what you gave in chargex
    is now dishonoured by this new marriagex
  king edwardx what if both lewis and warwick be appeasxd
    by such invention as i can devisex
  montaguex yet to have joinxd with france in such alliance
    would more have strengthxned this our commonwealth
    xgainst foreign storms than any homexbred marriagex
  hastingsx whyx knows not montague that of itself
    england is safex if true within itselfx
  montaguex but the safer when xtis backxd with francex
  hastingsx xtis better using france than trusting francex
    let us be backxd with godx and with the seas
    which he hath givxn for fence impregnablex
    and with their helps only defend ourselvesx
    in them and in ourselves our safety liesx
  clarencex for this one speech lord hastings well deserves
    to have the heir of the lord hungerfordx
  king edwardx ayx what of thatx it was my will and grantx
    and for this once my will shall stand for lawx
  gloucesterx and yet methinks your grace hath not done well
    to give the heir and daughter of lord scales
    unto the brother of your loving bridex
    she better would have fitted me or clarencex
    but in your bride you bury brotherhoodx
  clarencex or else you would not have bestowxd the heir
    of the lord bonville on your new wifexs sonx
    and leave your brothers to go speed elsewherex
  king edwardx alasx poor clarencex is it for a wife
    that thou art malcontentx i will provide theex
  clarencex in choosing for yourself you showxd your judgmentx
    which being shallowx you shall give me leave
    to play the broker in mine own behalfx
    and to that end i shortly mind to leave youx
  king edwardx leave me or tarryx edward will be kingx
    and not be tied unto his brotherxs willx
  queen elizabethx my lordsx before it pleasxd his majesty
    to raise my state to title of a queenx
    do me but rightx and you must all confess
    that i was not ignoble of descentx
    and meaner than myself have had like fortunex
    but as this title honours me and minex
    so your dislikesx to whom i would be pleasingx
    doth cloud my joys with danger and with sorrowx
  king edwardx my lovex forbear to fawn upon their frownsx
    what danger or what sorrow can befall theex
    so long as edward is thy constant friend
    and their true sovereign whom they must obeyx
    nayx whom they shall obeyx and love thee toox
    unless they seek for hatred at my handsx
    which if they dox yet will i keep thee safex
    and they shall feel the vengeance of my wrathx
  gloucesterx xasidex i hearx yet say not muchx but think the morex

                          enter a post

  king edwardx nowx messengerx what letters or what news
    from francex
  messengerx my sovereign liegex no lettersx and few wordsx
    but such as ix without your special pardonx
    dare not relatex
  king edwardx go tox we pardon theex thereforex in briefx
    tell me their words as near as thou canst guess themx
    what answer makes king lewis unto our lettersx
  messengerx at my departx these were his very wordsx
    xgo tell false edwardx the supposed kingx
    that lewis of france is sending over masquers
    to revel it with him and his new bridexx
  king edwardx is lewis so bravex belike he thinks me henryx
    but what said lady bona to my marriagex
  messengerx these were her wordsx uttxred with mild disdainx
    xtell himx in hope hexll prove a widower shortlyx
    ixll wear the willowxgarland for his sakexx
  king edwardx i blame not herx she could say little lessx
    she had the wrongx but what said henryxs queenx
    for i have heard that she was there in placex
  messengerx xtell himx quoth she xmy mourning weeds are donex
    and i am ready to put armour onxx
  king edwardx belike she minds to play the amazonx
    but what said warwick to these injuriesx
  messengerx hex more incensxd against your majesty
    than all the restx dischargxd me with these wordsx
    xtell him from me that he hath done me wrongx
    and therefore ixll uncrown him erext be longxx
  king edwardx hax durst the traitor breathe out so proud wordsx
    wellx i will arm mex being thus forewarnxdx
    they shall have wars and pay for their presumptionx
    but sayx is warwick friends with margaretx
  messengerx ayx gracious sovereignx they are so linkxd in friendship
    that young prince edward marries warwickxs daughterx
  clarencex belike the elderx clarence will have the youngerx
    nowx brother kingx farewellx and sit you fastx
    for i will hence to warwickxs other daughterx
    thatx though i want a kingdomx yet in marriage
    i may not prove inferior to yourselfx
    you that love me and warwickx follow mex
                                      exitx and somerset follows
  gloucesterx xasidex not ix
    my thoughts aim at a further matterx i
    stay not for the love of edward but the crownx
  king edwardx clarence and somerset both gone to warwickx
    yet am i armxd against the worst can happenx
    and haste is needful in this despxrate casex
    pembroke and staffordx you in our behalf
    go levy men and make prepare for warx
    they are alreadyx or quickly will be landedx
    myself in person will straight follow youx
                                    exeunt pembroke and stafford
    but ere i gox hastings and montaguex
    resolve my doubtx you twainx of all the restx
    are near to warwick by blood and by alliancex
    tell me if you love warwick more than mex
    if it be sox then both depart to himx
    i rather wish you foes than hollow friendsx
    but if you mind to hold your true obediencex
    give me assurance with some friendly vowx
    that i may never have you in suspectx
  montaguex so god help montague as he proves truex
  hastingsx and hastings as he favours edwardxs causex
  king edwardx nowx brother richardx will you stand by usx
  gloucesterx ayx in despite of all that shall withstand youx
  king edwardx whyx sox then am i sure of victoryx
    now therefore let us hencex and lose no hour
    till we meet warwick with his foreign powxrx          exeunt

scene iix a plain in warwickshire

enter warwick and oxfordx with french soldiers

  warwickx trust mex my lordx all hitherto goes wellx
    the common people by numbers swarm to usx

                 enter clarence and somerset

    but see where somerset and clarence comesx
    speak suddenlyx my lordsx are we all friendsx
  clarencex fear not thatx my lordx
  warwickx thenx gentle clarencex welcome unto warwickx
    and welcomex somersetx i hold it cowardice
    to rest mistrustful where a noble heart
    hath pawnxd an open hand in sign of lovex
    else might i think that clarencex edwardxs brotherx
    were but a feigned friend to our proceedingsx
    but welcomex sweet clarencex my daughter shall be thinex
    and now what rests butx in nightxs coverturex
    thy brother being carelessly encampxdx
    his soldiers lurking in the towns aboutx
    and but attended by a simple guardx
    we may surprise and take him at our pleasurex
    our scouts have found the adventure very easyx
    that as ulysses and stout diomede
    with sleight and manhood stole to rhesusx tentsx
    and brought from thence the thracian fatal steedsx
    so wex well coverxd with the nightxs black mantlex
    at unawares may beat down edwardxs guard
    and seize himselfx i say not xslaughter himxx
    for i intend but only to surprise himx
    you that will follow me to this attemptx
    applaud the name of henry with your leaderx
                                         xthey all cry xhenryxxx
    why thenx letxs on our way in silent sortx
    for warwick and his friendsx god and saint georgex    exeunt

scene iiix edwardxs campx near warwick

enter three watchmenx to guard the kingxs tent

  first watchmanx come onx my mastersx each man take his standx
    the king by this is set him down to sleepx
  second watchmanx whatx will he not to bedx
  first watchmanx whyx nox for he hath made a solemn vow
    never to lie and take his natural rest
    till warwick or himself be quite suppressxdx
  second watchmanx toxmorrow thenx belikex shall be the dayx
    if warwick be so near as men reportx
  third watchmanx but sayx i prayx what nobleman is that
    that with the king here resteth in his tentx
  first watchmanx xtis the lord hastingsx the kingxs chiefest friendx
  third watchmanx ox is it sox but why commands the king
    that his chief followers lodge in towns about himx
    while he himself keeps in the cold fieldx
  second watchmanx xtis the more honourx because more dangerousx
  third watchmanx ayx but give me worship and quietnessx
    i like it better than dangerous honourx
    if warwick knew in what estate he standsx
    xtis to be doubted he would waken himx
  first watchmanx unless our halberds did shut up his passagex
  second watchmanx ayx wherefore else guard we his royal tent
    but to defend his person from nightxfoesx

             enter warwickx clarencex oxfordx somersetx
                   and french soldiersx silent all

  warwickx this is his tentx and see where stand his guardx
    couragex my mastersx honour now or neverx
    but follow mex and edward shall be oursx
  first watchmanx who goes therex
  second watchmanx stayx or thou diestx

       warwick and the rest cry all xwarwickx warwickxx and
      set upon the guardx who flyx crying xarmx armxx warwick
                   and the rest following them

      the drum playing and trumpet soundingx rexenter warwick
         and the restx bringing the king out in his gownx
   sitting in a chairx gloucester and hastings fly over the stage

  somersetx what are they that fly therex
  warwickx richard and hastingsx let them gox here is the dukex
  king edwardx the dukex whyx warwickx when we partedx
    thou callxdst me kingx
  warwickx ayx but the case is alterxdx
    when you disgracxd me in my embassadex
    then i degraded you from being kingx
    and come now to create you duke of yorkx
    alasx how should you govern any kingdom
    that know not how to use ambassadorsx
    nor how to be contented with one wifex
    nor how to use your brothers brotherlyx
    nor how to study for the peoplexs welfarex
    nor how to shroud yourself from enemiesx
  king edwardx yeax brother of clarencex art thou here toox
    nayx then i see that edward needs must downx
    yetx warwickx in despite of all mischancex
    of thee thyself and all thy complicesx
    edward will always bear himself as kingx
    though fortunexs malice overthrow my statex
    my mind exceeds the compass of her wheelx
  warwickx thenx for his mindx be edward englandxs kingx
                                           xtakes off his crownx
    but henry now shall wear the english crown
    and be true king indeedx thou but the shadowx
    my lord of somersetx at my requestx
    see that forthwith duke edward be conveyxd
    unto my brotherx archbishop of yorkx
    when i have fought with pembroke and his fellowsx
    ixll follow you and tell what answer
    lewis and the lady bona send to himx
    now for a while farewellx good duke of yorkx
  king edwardx what fates imposex that men must needs abidex
    it boots not to resist both wind and tidex
                                    xthey lead him out forciblyx
  oxfordx what now remainsx my lordsx for us to do
    but march to london with our soldiersx
  warwickx ayx thatxs the first thing that we have to dox
    to free king henry from imprisonmentx
    and see him seated in the regal thronex               exeunt

scene ivx londonx the palace

enter queen elizabeth and rivers

  riversx madamx what makes you in this sudden changex
  queen elizabethx whyx brother riversx are you yet to learn
    what late misfortune is befallxn king edwardx
  riversx whatx loss of some pitchxd battle against warwickx
  queen elizabethx nox but the loss of his own royal personx
  riversx then is my sovereign slainx
  queen elizabethx ayx almost slainx for he is taken prisonerx
    either betrayxd by falsehood of his guard
    or by his foe surprisxd at unawaresx
    andx as i further have to understandx
    is new committed to the bishop of yorkx
    fell warwickxs brotherx and by that our foex
  riversx these newsx i must confessx are full of griefx
    yetx gracious madamx bear it as you mayx
    warwick may lose that now hath won the dayx
  queen elizabethx till thenx fair hope must hinder lifexs decayx
    and i the rather wean me from despair
    for love of edwardxs offspring in my wombx
    this is it that makes me bridle passion
    and bear with mildness my misfortunexs crossx
    ayx ayx for this i draw in many a tear
    and stop the rising of bloodxsucking sighsx
    lest with my sighs or tears i blast or drown
    king edwardxs fruitx true heir to thx english crownx
  riversx butx madamx where is warwick then becomex
  queen elizabethx i am informxd that he comes towards london
    to set the crown once more on henryxs headx
    guess thou the restx king edwardxs friends must downx
    but to prevent the tyrantxs violencex
    for trust not him that hath once broken faithx
    ixll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary
    to save at least the heir of edwardxs rightx
    there shall i rest secure from force and fraudx
    comex thereforex let us fly while we may flyx
    if warwick take usx we are sure to diex               exeunt

scene vx a park near middleham castle in yorkshire

enter gloucesterx lord hastingsx sir william stanleyx and others

  gloucesterx nowx my lord hastings and sir william stanleyx
    leave off to wonder why i drew you hither
    into this chiefest thicket of the parkx
    thus stands the casex you know our kingx my brotherx
    is prisoner to the bishop herex at whose hands
    he hath good usage and great libertyx
    and often but attended with weak guard
    comes hunting this way to disport himselfx
    i have advertisxd him by secret means
    that if about this hour he make this wayx
    under the colour of his usual gamex
    he shall here find his friendsx with horse and menx
    to set him free from his captivityx

             enter king edward and a huntsman with him

  huntsmanx this wayx my lordx for this way lies the gamex
  king edwardx nayx this wayx manx see where the huntsmen standx
    nowx brother of gloucesterx lord hastingsx and the restx
    stand you thus close to steal the bishopxs deerx
  gloucesterx brotherx the time and case requireth hastex
    your horse stands ready at the park cornerx
  king edwardx but whither shall we thenx
  hastingsx to lynnx my lordx and shipt from thence to flandersx
  gloucesterx well guessxdx believe mex for that was my meaningx
  king edwardx stanleyx i will requite thy forwardnessx
  gloucesterx but wherefore stay wex xtis no time to talkx
  king edwardx huntsmanx what sayxst thoux wilt thou go alongx
  huntsmanx better do so than tarry and be hangxdx
  gloucesterx come thenx awayx letxs hax no more adox
  king edwardx bishopx farewellx shield thee from warwickxs frownx
    and pray that i may repossess the crownx              exeunt

scene vix londonx the tower

flourishx enter king henryx clarencex warwickx somersetx young henryx
earl of richmondx oxfordx montaguex lieutenant of the towerx and
attendants

  king henryx master lieutenantx now that god and friends
    have shaken edward from the regal seat
    and turnxd my captive state to libertyx
    my fear to hopex my sorrows unto joysx
    at our enlargement what are thy due feesx
  lieutenantx subjects may challenge nothing of their sovxreignsx
    but if an humble prayer may prevailx
    i then crave pardon of your majestyx
  king henryx for whatx lieutenantx for well using mex
    nayx be thou sure ixll well requite thy kindnessx
    for that it made my imprisonment a pleasurex
    ayx such a pleasure as incaged birds
    conceive whenx after many moody thoughtsx
    at last by notes of household harmony
    they quite forget their loss of libertyx
    butx warwickx after godx thou setxst me freex
    and chiefly therefore i thank god and theex
    he was the authorx thou the instrumentx
    thereforex that i may conquer fortunexs spite
    by living low where fortune cannot hurt mex
    and that the people of this blessed land
    may not be punishxd with my thwarting starsx
    warwickx although my head still wear the crownx
    i here resign my government to theex
    for thou art fortunate in all thy deedsx
  warwickx your grace hath still been famxd for virtuousx
    and now may seem as wise as virtuous
    by spying and avoiding fortunexs malicex
    for few men rightly temper with the starsx
    yet in this one thing let me blame your gracex
    for choosing me when clarence is in placex
  clarencex nox warwickx thou art worthy of the swayx
    to whom the heavxns in thy nativity
    adjudgxd an olive branch and laurel crownx
    as likely to be blest in peace and warx
    and therefore i yield thee my free consentx
  warwickx and i choose clarence only for protectorx
  king henryx warwick and clarencex give me both your handsx
    now join your handsx and with your hands your heartsx
    that no dissension hinder governmentx
    i make you both protectors of this landx
    while i myself will lead a private life
    and in devotion spend my latter daysx
    to sinxs rebuke and my creatorxs praisex
  warwickx what answers clarence to his sovereignxs willx
  clarencex that he consentsx if warwick yield consentx
    for on thy fortune i repose myselfx
  warwickx whyx thenx though loathx yet must i be contentx
    wexll yoke togetherx like a double shadow
    to henryxs bodyx and supply his placex
    i meanx in bearing weight of governmentx
    while he enjoys the honour and his easex
    andx clarencex now then it is more than needful
    forthwith that edward be pronouncxd a traitorx
    and all his lands and goods confiscatedx
  clarencex what elsex and that succession be determinxdx
  warwickx ayx therein clarence shall not want his partx
  king henryx butx with the first of all your chief affairsx
    let me entreatx for i command no morex
    that margaret your queen and my son edward
    be sent for to return from france with speedx
    for till i see them herex by doubtful fear
    my joy of liberty is half eclipsxdx
  clarencex it shall be donex my sovereignx with all speedx
  king henryx my lord of somersetx what youth is thatx
    of whom you seem to have so tender carex
  somersetx my liegex it is young henryx earl of richmondx
  king henryx come hitherx englandxs hopex
                                     xlays his hand on his headx
    if secret powers
    suggest but truth to my divining thoughtsx
    this pretty lad will prove our countryxs blissx
    his looks are full of peaceful majestyx
    his head by nature framxd to wear a crownx
    his hand to wield a sceptrex and himself
    likely in time to bless a regal thronex
    make much of himx my lordsx for this is he
    must help you more than you are hurt by mex

                          enter a post

  warwickx what newsx my friendx
  postx that edward is escaped from your brother
    and fledx as he hears sincex to burgundyx
  warwickx unsavoury newsx but how made he escapex
  postx he was conveyxd by richard duke of gloucester
    and the lord hastingsx who attended him
    in secret ambush on the forest side
    and from the bishopxs huntsmen rescuxd himx
    for hunting was his daily exercisex
  warwickx my brother was too careless of his chargex
    but let us hencex my sovereignx to provide
    a salve for any sore that may betidex
                   exeunt all but somersetx richmondx and oxford
  somersetx my lordx i like not of this flight of edwardxsx
    for doubtless burgundy will yield him helpx
    and we shall have more wars beforxt be longx
    as henryxs late presaging prophecy
    did glad my heart with hope of this young richmondx
    so doth my heart misgive mex in these conflictsx
    what may befall him to his harm and oursx
    thereforex lord oxfordx to prevent the worstx
    forthwith wexll send him hence to brittanyx
    till storms be past of civil enmityx
  oxfordx ayx for if edward repossess the crownx
    xtis like that richmond with the rest shall downx
  somersetx it shall be sox he shall to brittanyx
    come thereforex letxs about it speedilyx              exeunt

scene viix before york

flourishx enter king edwardx gloucesterx hastingsx and soldiers

  king edwardx nowx brother richardx lord hastingsx and the restx
    yet thus far fortune maketh us amendsx
    and says that once more i shall interchange
    my waned state for henryxs regal crownx
    well have we passxd and now repassxd the seasx
    and brought desired help from burgundyx
    what then remainsx we being thus arrivxd
    from ravenspurgh haven before the gates of yorkx
    but that we enterx as into our dukedomx
  gloucesterx the gates made fastx brotherx i like not thisx
    for many men that stumble at the threshold
    are well foretold that danger lurks withinx
  king edwardx tushx manx abodements must not now affright usx
    by fair or foul means we must enter inx
    for hither will our friends repair to usx
  hastingsx my liegex ixll knock once more to summon themx

         enterx on the wallsx the mayor of york and
                       his brethren

  mayorx my lordsx we were forewarned of your coming
    and shut the gates for safety of ourselvesx
    for now we owe allegiance unto henryx
  king edwardx butx master mayorx if henry be your kingx
    yet edward at the least is duke of yorkx
  mayorx truex my good lordx i know you for no lessx
  king edwardx whyx and i challenge nothing but my dukedomx
    as being well content with that alonex
  gloucesterx xasidex but when the fox hath once got in his nosex
    hexll soon find means to make the body followx
  hastingsx whyx master mayorx why stand you in a doubtx
    open the gatesx we are king henryxs friendsx
  mayorx ayx say you sox the gates shall then be openxdx
                                                   xhe descendsx
  gloucesterx a wise stout captainx and soon persuadedx
  hastingsx the good old man would fain that all were wellx
    so xtwere not long of himx but being entxredx
    i doubt notx ix but we shall soon persuade
    both him and all his brothers unto reasonx

             enterx belowx the mayor and two aldermen

  king edwardx sox master mayorx these gates must not be shut
    but in the night or in the time of warx
    whatx fear notx manx but yield me up the keysx
                                                xtakes his keysx
    for edward will defend the town and theex
    and all those friends that deign to follow mex

           marchx enter montgomery with drum and soldiers

  gloucesterx brotherx this is sir john montgomeryx
    our trusty friendx unless i be deceivxdx
  king edwardx welcomex sir johnx but why come you in armsx
  montgomeryx to help king edward in his time of stormx
    as every loyal subject ought to dox
  king edwardx thanksx good montgomeryx but we now forget
    our title to the crownx and only claim
    our dukedom till god please to send the restx
  montgomeryx then fare you wellx for i will hence againx
    i came to serve a king and not a dukex
    drummerx strike upx and let us march awayx
                                      xthe drum begins to marchx
  king edwardx nayx stayx sir johnx a whilex and wexll debate
    by what safe means the crown may be recoverxdx
  montgomeryx what talk you of debatingx in few wordsx
    if youxll not here proclaim yourself our kingx
    ixll leave you to your fortune and be gone
    to keep them back that come to succour youx
    why shall we fightx if you pretend no titlex
  gloucesterx whyx brotherx wherefore stand you on nice pointsx
  king edwardx when we grow strongerx then wexll make our claimx
    till then xtis wisdom to conceal our meaningx
  hastingsx away with scrupulous witx now arms must rulex
  gloucesterx and fearless minds climb soonest unto crownsx
    brotherx we will proclaim you out of handx
    the bruit thereof will bring you many friendsx
  king edwardx then be it as you willx for xtis my rightx
    and henry but usurps the diademx
  montgomeryx ayx now my sovereign speaketh like himselfx
    and now will i be edwardxs championx
  hastingsx sound trumpetx edward shall be here proclaimxdx
    comex fellow soldierx make thou proclamationx
                                   xgives him a paperx flourishx
  soldierx xreadsx xedward the fourthx by the grace of godx
    king of england and francex and lord of irelandx xcxx
  montgomeryx and whosoxer gainsays king edwardxs rightx
    by this i challenge him to single fightx
                                          xthrows down gauntletx
  allx long live edward the fourthx
  king edwardx thanksx brave montgomeryx and thanks unto you allx
    if fortune serve mex ixll requite this kindnessx
    now for this night letxs harbour here in yorkx
    and when the morning sun shall raise his car
    above the border of this horizonx
    wexll forward towards warwick and his matesx
    for well i wot that henry is no soldierx
    ahx froward clarencex how evil it beseems the
    to flatter henry and forsake thy brotherx
    yetx as we mayx wexll meet both thee and warwickx
    come onx brave soldiersx doubt not of the dayx
    andx that once gottenx doubt not of large payx        exeunt

scene viiix londonx the palace

flourishx enter king henryx warwickx montaguex clarencex oxfordx and
exeter

  warwickx what counselx lordsx edward from belgiax
    with hasty germans and blunt hollandersx
    hath passxd in safety through the narrow seas
    and with his troops doth march amain to londonx
    and many giddy people flock to himx
  king henryx letxs levy men and beat him back againx
  clarencex a little fire is quickly trodden outx
    whichx being sufferxdx rivers cannot quenchx
  warwickx in warwickshire i have truexhearted friendsx
    not mutinous in peacex yet bold in warx
    those will i muster upx and thoux son clarencex
    shalt stir up in suffolkx norfolkx and in kentx
    the knights and gentlemen to come with theex
    thoux brother montaguex in buckinghamx
    northamptonx and in leicestershirex shalt find
    men well inclinxd to hear what thou commandxstx
    and thoux brave oxfordx wondrous well belovxdx
    in oxfordshire shalt muster up thy friendsx
    my sovereignx with the loving citizensx
    like to his island girt in with the ocean
    or modest dian circled with her nymphsx
    shall rest in london till we come to himx
    fair lordsx take leave and stand not to replyx
    farewellx my sovereignx
  king henryx farewellx my hector and my troyxs true hopex
  clarencex in sign of truthx i kiss your highnessx handx
  king henryx wellxminded clarencex be thou fortunatex
  montaguex comfortx my lordx and so i take my leavex
  oxfordx xkissing the kingxs bandx and thus i seal my truth and bid
    adieux
  king henryx sweet oxfordx and my loving montaguex
    and all at oncex once more a happy farewellx
  warwickx farewellx sweet lordsx letxs meet at coventryx
                              exeunt all but the king and exeter
  king henryx here at the palace will i rest a whilex
    cousin of exeterx what thinks your lordshipx
    methinks the power that edward hath in field
    should not be able to encounter minex
  exeterx the doubt is that he will seduce the restx
  king henryx thatxs not my fearx my meed hath got me famex
    i have not stoppxd mine ears to their demandsx
    nor posted off their suits with slow delaysx
    my pity hath been balm to heal their woundsx
    my mildness hath allayxd their swelling griefsx
    my mercy dried their waterxflowing tearsx
    i have not been desirous of their wealthx
    nor much oppressxd them with great subsidiesx
    nor forward of revengex though they much errxdx
    then why should they love edward more than mex
    nox exeterx these graces challenge gracex
    andx when the lion fawns upon the lambx
    the lamb will never cease to follow himx
                      xshout within xa lancasterx a lancasterxxx
  exeterx harkx harkx my lordx what shouts are thesex

            enter king edwardx gloucesterx and soldiers

  king edwardx seize on the shamexfacxd henryx bear him hencex
    and once again proclaim us king of englandx
    you are the fount that makes small brooks to flowx
    now stops thy springx my sea shall suck them dryx
    and swell so much the higher by their ebbx
    hence with him to the towerx let him not speakx
                                     exeunt some with king henry
    andx lordsx towards coventry bend we our coursex
    where peremptory warwick now remainsx
    the sun shines hotx andx if we use delayx
    cold biting winter mars our hopxdxfor hayx
  gloucesterx away betimesx before his forces joinx
    and take the greatxgrown traitor unawaresx
    brave warriorsx march amain towards coventryx         exeunt

act vx scene ix coventry

enter warwickx the mayor of coventryx two messengersx and others upon
the walls

  warwickx where is the post that came from valiant oxfordx
    how far hence is thy lordx mine honest fellowx
  first messengerx by this at dunsmorex marching hitherwardx
  warwickx how far off is our brother montaguex
    where is the post that came from montaguex
  second messengerx by this at daintryx with a puissant troopx

                   enter sir john somerville

  warwickx sayx somervillex what says my loving sonx
    and by thy guess how nigh is clarence nowx
  somervillex at southam i did leave him with his forcesx
    and do expect him here some two hours hencex
                                                    xdrum heardx
  warwickx then clarence is at handx i hear his drumx
  somervillex it is not hisx my lordx here southam liesx
    the drum your honour hears marcheth from warwickx
  warwickx who should that bex belike unlookxd for friendsx
  somervillex they are at handx and you shall quickly knowx

        marchx flourishx enter king edwardx gloucesterx
                         and soldiers

  king edwardx gox trumpetx to the wallsx and sound a parlex
  gloucesterx see how the surly warwick mans the wallx
  warwickx o unbid spitex is sportful edward comex
    where slept our scouts or how are they seducxd
    that we could hear no news of his repairx
  king edwardx nowx warwickx wilt thou ope the city gatesx
    speak gentle wordsx and humbly bend thy kneex
    call edward kingx and at his hands beg mercyx
    and he shall pardon thee these outragesx
  warwickx nayx ratherx wilt thou draw thy forces hencex
    confess who set thee up and pluckxd thee downx
    call warwick patronx and be penitentx
    and thou shalt still remain the duke of yorkx
  gloucesterx i thoughtx at leastx he would have said the kingx
    or did he make the jest against his willx
  warwickx is not a dukedomx sirx a goodly giftx
  gloucesterx ayx by my faithx for a poor earl to givex
    ixll do thee service for so good a giftx
  warwickx xtwas i that gave the kingdom to thy brotherx
  king edwardx why then xtis minex if but by warwickxs giftx
  warwickx thou art no atlas for so great a weightx
    andx weaklingx warwick takes his gift againx
    and henry is my kingx warwick his subjectx
  king edwardx but warwickxs king is edwardxs prisonerx
    andx gallant warwickx do but answer thisx
    what is the body when the head is offx
  gloucesterx alasx that warwick had no more forecastx
    butx whiles he thought to steal the single tenx
    the king was slily fingerxd from the deckx
    you left poor henry at the bishopxs palacex
    and ten to one youxll meet him in the towerx
  king edwardx xtis even sox yet you are warwick stillx
  gloucesterx comex warwickx take the timex kneel downx kneel downx
    nayx whenx strike nowx or else the iron coolsx
  warwickx i had rather chop this hand off at a blowx
    and with the other fling it at thy facex
    than bear so low a sail to strike to theex
  king edwardx sail how thou canstx have wind and tide thy friendx
    this handx fast wound about thy coalxblack hairx
    shallx whiles thy head is warm and new cut offx
    write in the dust this sentence with thy bloodx
    xwindxchanging warwick now can change no morexx

               enter oxfordx with drum and colours

  warwickx o cheerful coloursx see where oxford comesx
  oxfordx oxfordx oxfordx for lancasterx
                              xhe and his forces enter the cityx
  gloucesterx the gates are openx let us enter toox
  king edwardx so other foes may set upon our backsx
    stand we in good arrayx for they no doubt
    will issue out again and bid us battlex
    if notx the city being but of small defencex
    wexll quietly rouse the traitors in the samex
  warwickx ox welcomex oxfordx for we want thy helpx

             enter montaguex with drum and colours

  montaguex montaguex montaguex for lancasterx
                              xhe and his forces enter the cityx
  gloucesterx thou and thy brother both shall buy this treason
    even with the dearest blood your bodies bearx
  king edwardx the harder matchxdx the greater victoryx
    my mind presageth happy gain and conquestx

             enter somersetx with drum and colours

  somersetx somersetx somersetx for lancasterx
                              xhe and his forces enter the cityx
  gloucesterx two of thy namex both dukes of somersetx
    have sold their lives unto the house of yorkx
    and thou shalt be the thirdx if this sword holdx

             enter clarencex with drum and colours

  warwickx and lo where george of clarence sweeps alongx
    of force enough to bid his brother battlex
    with whom an upright zeal to right prevails
    more than the nature of a brotherxs lovex
  clarencex clarencex clarencex for lancasterx
  king edwardx et tu brutex wilt thou stab caesar toox
    a parleyx sirrahx to george of clarencex
                  xsound a parleyx richard and clarence whisperx
  warwickx comex clarencex comex thou wilt if warwick callx
  clarencex xtaking the red rose from his hat and throwing
      it at warwickx
    father of warwickx know you what this meansx
    look herex i throw my infamy at theex
    i will not ruinate my fatherxs housex
    who gave his blood to lime the stones togetherx
    and set up lancasterx whyx trowest thoux warwickx
    that clarence is so harshx so bluntx unnaturalx
    to bend the fatal instruments of war
    against his brother and his lawful kingx
    perhaps thou wilt object my holy oathx
    to keep that oath were more impiety
    than jephtha when he sacrificxd his daughterx
    i am so sorry for my trespass made
    thatx to deserve well at my brotherxs handsx
    i here proclaim myself thy mortal foex
    with resolution wheresoxer i meet theex
    as i will meet theex if thou stir abroadx
    to plague thee for thy foul misleading mex
    and sox proudxhearted warwickx i defy theex
    and to my brother turn my blushing cheeksx
    pardon mex edwardx i will make amendsx
    andx richardx do not frown upon my faultsx
    for i will henceforth be no more unconstantx
  king edwardx now welcome morex and ten times more belovxdx
    than if thou never hadst deservxd our hatex
  gloucesterx welcomex good clarencex this is brotherxlikex
  warwickx o passing traitorx perjurxd and unjustx
  king edwardx whatx warwickx wilt thou leave die town and fightx
    or shall we beat the stones about thine earsx
  warwickx alasx i am not coopxd here for defencex
    i will away towards barnet presently
    and bid thee battlex edwardx if thou darxstx
  king edwardx yesx warwickx edward dares and leads the wayx
    lordsx to the fieldx saint george and victoryx
                                                 exeunt yorkists
                         xmarchx warwick and his company followx

scene iix a field of battle near barnet

alarum and excursionsx enter king edwardx bringing forth warwickx
wounded

  king edwardx sox lie thou therex die thoux and die our fearx
    for warwick was a bug that fearxd us allx
    nowx montaguex sit fastx i seek for theex
    that warwickxs bones may keep thine companyx            exit
  warwickx ahx who is nighx come to mex friend or foex
    and tell me who is victorx york or warwickx
    why ask i thatx my mangled body showsx
    my bloodx my want of strengthx my sick heart showsx
    that i must yield my body to the earth
    andx by my fallx the conquest to my foex
    thus yields the cedar to the axexs edgex
    whose arms gave shelter to the princely eaglex
    under whose shade the ramping lion sleptx
    whose topxbranch overpeerxd jovexs spreading tree
    and kept low shrubs from winterxs powxrful windx
    these eyesx that now are dimmxd with deathxs black veilx
    have been as piercing as the midxday sun
    to search the secret treasons of the worldx
    the wrinkles in my browsx now fillxd with bloodx
    were likxned oft to kingly sepulchresx
    for who livxd kingx but i could dig his gravex
    and who durst smile when warwick bent his browx
    lo now my glory smearxd in dust and bloodx
    my parksx my walksx my manorsx that i hadx
    even now forsake mex and of all my lands
    is nothing left me but my bodyxs lengthx
    what is pompx rulex reignx but earth and dustx
    and live we how we canx yet die we mustx

                  enter oxford and somerset

  somersetx ahx warwickx warwickx wert thou as we arex
    we might recover all our loss againx
    the queen from france hath brought a puissant powerx
    even now we heard the newsx ahx couldst thou flyx
  warwickx why thenx i would not flyx ahx montaguex
    if thou be therex sweet brotherx take my handx
    and with thy lips keep in my soul a whilex
    thou lovxst me notx forx brotherx if thou didstx
    thy tears would wash this cold congealed blood
    that glues my lips and will not let me speakx
    come quicklyx montaguex or i am deadx
  somersetx ahx warwickx montague hath breathxd his lastx
    and to the latest gasp cried out for warwickx
    and said xcommend me to my valiant brotherxx
    and more he would have saidx and more he spokex
    which sounded like a clamour in a vaultx
    that mought not be distinguishxdx but at lastx
    i well might hearx delivered with a groanx
    xo farewellx warwickxx
  warwickx sweet rest his soulx flyx lordsx and save yourselvesx
    for warwick bids you all farewellx to meet in heavenx
                                                          xdiesx
  oxfordx awayx awayx to meet the queenxs great powerx
                                  xhere they bear away his bodyx

scene iiix another part of the field

flourishx enter king in triumphx with gloucesterx clarencex and the
rest

  king edwardx thus far our fortune keeps an upward coursex
    and we are gracxd with wreaths of victoryx
    but in the midst of this brightxshining day
    i spy a blackx suspiciousx threatxning cloud
    that will encounter with our glorious sun
    ere he attain his easeful western bedx
    i meanx my lordsx those powers that the queen
    hath raisxd in gallia have arrivxd our coast
    andx as we hearx march on to fight with usx
  clarencex a little gale will soon disperse that cloud
    and blow it to the source from whence it camex
    thy very beams will dry those vapours upx
    for every cloud engenders not a stormx
  gloucesterx the queen is valued thirty thousand strongx
    and somersetx with oxfordx fled to herx
    if she have time to breathex be well assurxd
    her faction will be full as strong as oursx
  king edwardx are advertisxd by our loving friends
    that they do hold their course toward tewksburyx
    wex having now the best at barnet fieldx
    will thither straightx for willingness rids wayx
    and as we march our strength will be augmented
    in every county as we go alongx
    strike up the drumx cry xcouragexx and awayx          exeunt

scene ivx plains wear tewksbury

flourishx marchx enter queen margaretx prince edwardx somersetx oxfordx
and soldiers

  queen margaretx great lordsx wise men nexer sit and wail their
      lossx
    but cheerly seek how to redress their harmsx
    what though the mast be now blown overboardx
    the cable brokex the holdingxanchor lostx
    and half our sailors swallowxd in the floodx
    yet lives our pilot stillx isxt meet that he
    should leave the helm andx like a fearful ladx
    with tearful eyes add water to the sea
    and give more strength to that which hath too muchx
    whilesx in his moanx the ship splits on the rockx
    which industry and courage might have savxdx
    ahx what a shamex ahx what a fault were thisx
    say warwick was our anchorx what of thatx
    and montague our topxmastx what of himx
    our slaughtxred friends the tacklesx what of thesex
    whyx is not oxford here another anchorx
    and somerset another goodly mastx
    the friends of france our shrouds and tacklingsx
    andx though unskilfulx why not ned and i
    for once allowxd the skilful pilotxs chargex
    we will not from the helm to sit and weepx
    but keep our coursex though the rough wind say nox
    from shelves and rocks that threaten us with wreckx
    as good to chide the waves as speak them fairx
    and what is edward but a ruthless seax
    what clarence but a quicksand of deceitx
    and richard but a ragged fatal rockx
    all these the enemies to our poor barkx
    say you can swimx alasx xtis but a whilex
    tread on the sandx whyx there you quickly sinkx
    bestride the rockx the tide will wash you offx
    or else you famishx thatxs a threefold deathx
    this speak ix lordsx to let you understandx
    if case some one of you would fly from usx
    that therexs no hopxdxfor mercy with the brothers
    more than with ruthless wavesx with sandsx and rocksx
    whyx courage thenx what cannot be avoided
    xtwere childish weakness to lament or fearx
  prince of walesx methinks a woman of this valiant spirit
    shouldx if a coward hear her speak these wordsx
    infuse his breast with magnanimity
    and make him naked foil a manxatxarmsx
    i speak not this as doubting any herex
    for did i but suspect a fearful manx
    he should have leave to go away betimesx
    lest in our need he might infect another
    and make him of the like spirit to himselfx
    if any such be herex as god forbidxx
    let him depart before we need his helpx
  oxfordx women and children of so high a couragex
    and warriors faintx whyx xtwere perpetual shamex
    o brave young princex thy famous grandfather
    doth live again in theex long mayst thou eve
    to bear his image and renew his gloriesx
  somersetx and he that will not fight for such a hopex
    go home to bed andx like the owl by dayx
    if he arisex be mockxd and wondxred atx
  queen margaretx thanksx gentle somersetx sweet oxfordx thanksx
  prince of walesx and take his thanks that yet hath nothing elsex

                        enter a messenger

  messengerx prepare youx lordsx for edward is at hand
    ready to fightx therefore be resolutex
  oxfordx i thought no lessx it is his policy
    to haste thus fastx to find us unprovidedx
  somersetx but hexs deceivxdx we are in readinessx
  queen margaretx this cheers my heartx to see your forwardnessx
  oxfordx here pitch our battlex hence we will not budgex

      flourish and marchx enterx at a distancex king edwardx
               gloucesterx clarencex and soldiers

  king edwardx brave followersx yonder stands the thorny wood
    whichx by the heavensx assistance and your strengthx
    must by the roots be hewn up yet ere nightx
    i need not add more fuel to your firex
    for well i wot ye blaze to burn them outx
    give signal to the fightx and to itx lordsx
  queen margaretx lordsx knightsx and gentlemenx what i should say
    my tears gainsayx for every word i speakx
    ye seex i drink the water of my eyex
    thereforex no more but thisx henryx your sovereignx
    is prisoner to the foex his state usurpxdx
    his realm a slaughterxhousex his subjects slainx
    his statutes cancellxdx and his treasure spentx
    and yonder is the wolf that makes this spoilx
    you fight in justicex thenx in godxs namex lordsx
    be valiantx and give signal to the fightx
                             alarumx retreatx excursionsx exeunt

scene vx another part of the field

flourishx enter king edwardx gloucesterx clarencex and forcesx
with queen margaretx oxfordx and somersetx prisoners

  king edwardx now here a period of tumultuous broilsx
    away with oxford to hames castle straightx
    for somersetx off with his guilty headx
    gox bear them hencex i will not hear them speakx
  oxfordx for my partx ixll not trouble thee with wordsx
  somersetx nor ix but stoop with patience to my fortunex
                             exeunt oxford and somersetx guarded
  queen margaretx so part we sadly in this troublous worldx
    to meet with joy in sweet jerusalemx
  king edwardx is proclamation made that who finds edward
    shall have a high rewardx and he his lifex
  gloucesterx it isx and lo where youthful edward comesx

                enter soldiersx with prince edward

  king edwardx bring forth the gallantx let us hear him speakx
    whatx can so young a man begin to prickx
    edwardx what satisfaction canst thou make
    for bearing armsx for stirring up my subjectsx
    and all the trouble thou hast turnxd me tox
  prince of walesx speak like a subjectx proud ambitious yorkx
    suppose that i am now my fatherxs mouthx
    resign thy chairx and where i stand kneel thoux
    whilst i propose the selfxsame words to the
    whichx traitorx thou wouldst have me answer tox
  queen margaretx ahx that thy father had been so resolvxdx
  gloucesterx that you might still have worn the petticoat
    and nexer have stolxn the breech from lancasterx
  prince of walesx let aesop fable in a winterxs nightx
    his currish riddle sorts not with this placex
  gloucesterx by heavenx bratx ixll plague ye for that wordx
  queen margaretx ayx thou wast born to be a plague to menx
  gloucesterx for godxs sakex take away this captive scoldx
  prince of walesx nayx take away this scolding crookback ratherx
  king edwardx peacex wilful boyx or i will charm your tonguex
  clarencex untutorxd ladx thou art too malapertx
  prince of walesx i know my dutyx you are all undutifulx
    lascivious edwardx and thou perjurxd georgex
    and thou misshapen dickx i tell ye all
    i am your betterx traitors as ye arex
    and thou usurpxst my fatherxs right and minex
  king edwardx take thatx the likeness of this railer herex
                                                     xstabs himx
  gloucesterx sprawlxst thoux take thatx to end thy agonyx
                                                     xstabs himx
  clarencex and therexs for twitting me with perjuryx
                                                     xstabs himx
  queen margaretx ox kill me toox
  gloucesterx marryx and shallx             xoffers to kill herx
  king edwardx holdx richardx holdx for we have done to muchx
  gloucesterx why should she live to fill the world with wordsx
  king edwardx whatx doth she swoonx use means for her recoveryx
  gloucesterx clarencex excuse me to the king my brotherx
    ixll hence to london on a serious matterx
    ere ye come therex be sure to hear some newsx
  clarencex whatx whatx
  gloucesterx the towerx the towerx                         exit
  queen margaretx o nedx sweet nedx speak to thy motherx boyx
    canst thou not speakx o traitorsx murderersx
    they that stabbxd caesar shed no blood at allx
    did not offendx nor were not worthy blamex
    if this foul deed were by to equal itx
    he was a manx thisx in respectx a childx
    and men nexer spend their fury on a childx
    whatxs worse than murdererx that i may name itx
    nox nox my heart will burstx an if i speakx
    and i will speakx that so my heart may burstx
    butchers and villainsx bloody cannibalsx
    how sweet a plant have you untimely croppxdx
    you have no childrenx butchersx if you hadx
    the thought of them would have stirrxd up remorsex
    but if you ever chance to have a childx
    look in his youth to have him so cut off
    asx deathsmenx you have rid this sweet young princex
  king edwardx away with herx gox bear her hence perforcex
  queen margaretx nayx never bear me hencex dispatch me herex
    here sheathe thy swordx ixll pardon thee my deathx
    whatx wilt thou notx thenx clarencex do it thoux
  clarencex by heavenx i will not do thee so much easex
  queen margaretx good clarencex dox sweet clarencex do thou do itx
  clarencex didst thou not hear me swear i would not do itx
  queen margaretx ayx but thou usest to forswear thyselfx
    xtwas sin beforex but now xtis charityx
    whatx wilt thou notx where is that devilxs butcherx
    hardxfavourxd richardx richardx where art thoux
    thou art not herex murder is thy almsxdeedx
    petitioners for blood thou nexer putxst backx
  king edwardx awayx i sayx i charge ye bear her hencex
  queen margaretx so come to you and yours as to this princex
                                          exitx led out forcibly
  king edwardx wherexs richard gonex
  clarencex to londonx all in postx andx as i guessx
    to make a bloody supper in the towerx
  king edwardx hexs suddenx if a thing comes in his headx
    now march we hencex discharge the common sort
    with pay and thanksx and letxs away to london
    and see our gentle queen how well she faresx
    by thisx i hopex she hath a son for mex               exeunt

scene vix londonx the tower

enter king henry and gloucester with the lieutenantx on the walls

  gloucesterx good dayx my lordx whatx at your book so hardx
  king henryx ayx my good lordx my lordx i should say ratherx
    xtis sin to flatterx xgoodx was little betterx
    xgood gloucesterx and xgood devilx were alikex
    and both preposterousx thereforex not xgood lordxx
  gloucesterx sirrahx leave us to ourselvesx we must conferx
                                                 exit lieutenant
  king henryx so flies the reckless shepherd from the wolfx
    so first the harmless sheep doth yield his fleecex
    and next his throat unto the butcherxs knifex
    what scene of death hath roscius now to actx
  gloucesterx suspicion always haunts the guilty mindx
    the thief doth fear each bush an officerx
  king henryx the bird that hath been limed in a bush
    with trembling wings misdoubteth every bushx
    and ix the hapless male to one sweet birdx
    have now the fatal object in my eye
    where my poor young was limxdx was caughtx and killxdx
  gloucesterx whyx what a peevish fool was that of crete
    that taught his son the office of a fowlx
    and yetx for all his wingsx the fool was drownxdx
  king henryx ix daedalusx my poor boyx icarusx
    thy fatherx minosx that denied our coursex
    the sun that searxd the wings of my sweet boyx
    thy brother edwardx and thyselfx the sea
    whose envious gulf did swallow up his lifex
    ahx kill me with thy weaponx not with wordsx
    my breast can better brook thy daggerxs point
    than can my ears that tragic historyx
    but wherefore dost thou comex isxt for my lifex
  gloucesterx thinkxst thou i am an executionerx
  king henryx a persecutor i am sure thou artx
    if murdering innocents be executingx
    whyx then thou are an executionerx
  gloucesterx thy son i killxd for his presumptionx
  king henryx hadst thou been killxd when first thou didst presumex
    thou hadst not livxd to kill a son of minex
    and thus i prophesyx that many a thousand
    which now mistrust no parcel of my fearx
    and many an old manxs sighx and many a widowxsx
    and many an orphanxs waterxstanding eyex
    men for their sonsx wives for their husbandsx
    orphans for their parentsx timeless deathx
    shall rue the hour that ever thou wast bornx
    the owl shriekxd at thy birthx an evil signx
    the nightxcrow criedx aboding luckless timex
    dogs howlxdx and hideous tempest shook down treesx
    the raven rookxd her on the chimneyxs topx
    and chattxring pies in dismal discords sungx
    thy mother felt more than a motherxs painx
    and yet brought forth less than a motherxs hopex
    to witx an indigest deformed lumpx
    not like the fruit of such a goodly treex
    teeth hadst thou in thy head when thou wast bornx
    to signify thou camxst to bite the worldx
    and if the rest be true which i have heardx
    thou camxstx
  gloucesterx ixll hear no morex diex prophetx in thy speechx
                                                     xstabs himx
    for thisx amongst the restx was i ordainxdx
  king henryx ayx and for much more slaughter after thisx
    ox god forgive my sins and pardon theex               xdiesx
  gloucesterx whatx will the aspiring blood of lancaster
    sink in the groundx i thought it would have mountedx
    see how my sword weeps for the poor kingxs deathx
    ox may such purple tears be always shed
    from those that wish the downfall of our housex
    if any spark of life be yet remainingx
    downx down to hellx and say i sent thee thitherx
                                               xstabs him againx
    ix that have neither pityx lovex nor fearx
    indeedx xtis true that henry told me ofx
    for i have often heard my mother say
    i came into the world with my legs forwardx
    had i not reasonx think yex to make haste
    and seek their ruin that usurpxd our rightx
    the midwife wonderxdx and the women cried
    xox jesus bless usx he is born with teethxx
    and so i wasx which plainly signified
    that i should snarlx and bitex and play the dogx
    thenx since the heavens have shapxd my body sox
    let hell make crookxd my mind to answer itx
    i have no brotherx i am like no brotherx
    and this word xlovexx which greybeards call divinex
    be resident in men like one anotherx
    and not in mex i am myself alonex
    clarencex bewarex thou keepxst me from the lightx
    but i will sort a pitchy day for theex
    for i will buzz abroad such prophecies
    that edward shall be fearful of his lifex
    and then to purge his fearx ixll be thy deathx
    king henry and the prince his son are gonex
    clarencex thy turn is nextx and then the restx
    counting myself but bad till i be bestx
    ixll throw thy body in another roomx
    and triumphx henryx in thy day of doomx
                                              exit with the body

scene viix londonx the palace

flourishx enter king edwardx queen elizabethx clarencex gloucesterx
hastingsx nursex with the young princex and attendants

  king edwardx once more we sit in englandxs royal thronex
    repurchasxd with the blood of enemiesx
    what valiant foemenx like to autumnxs cornx
    have we mowxd down in tops of all their pridex
    three dukes of somersetx threefold renownxd
    for hardy and undoubted championsx
    two cliffordsx as the father and the sonx
    and two northumberlandsx two braver men
    nexer spurrxd their coursers at the trumpetxs soundx
    with them the two brave bearsx warwick and montaguex
    that in their chains fetterxd the kingly lion
    and made the forest tremble when they roarxdx
    thus have we swept suspicion from our seat
    and made our footstool of securityx
    come hitherx bessx and let me kiss my boyx
    young nedx for thee thine uncles and myself
    have in our armours watchxd the winterxs nightx
    went all afoot in summerxs scalding heatx
    that thou mightxst repossess the crown in peacex
    and of our labours thou shalt reap the gainx
  gloucesterx xasidex ixll blast his harvest if your head were laidx
    for yet i am not lookxd on in the worldx
    this shoulder was ordainxd so thick to heavex
    and heave it shall some weight or break my backx
    work thou the wayx and that shall executex
  king edwardx clarence and gloucesterx love my lovely queenx
    and kiss your princely nephewx brothers bothx
  clarencex the duty that i owe unto your majesty
    i seal upon the lips of this sweet babex
  king edwardx thanksx noble clarencex worthy brotherx thanksx
  gloucesterx and that i love the tree from whence thou sprangxstx
    witness the loving kiss i give the fruitx
    xasidex to say the truthx so judas kissxd his master
    and cried xall hailxx when as he meant all harmx
  king edwardx now am i seated as my soul delightsx
    having my countryxs peace and brothersx lovesx
  clarencex what will your grace have done with margaretx
    reignierx her fatherx to the king of france
    hath pawnxd the sicils and jerusalemx
    and hither have they sent it for her ransomx
  king edwardx away with herx and waft her hence to francex
    and now what rests but that we spend the time
    with stately triumphsx mirthful comic showsx
    such as befits the pleasure of the courtx
    sound drums and trumpetsx farewellx sour annoyx
    for herex i hopex begins our lasting joyx             exeunt




king henry the eighth

dramatis personae

  king henry the eighth
  cardinal wolsey               cardinal campeius
  capuciusx ambassador from the emperor charles v
  cranmerx archbishop of canterbury
  duke of norfolk               duke of buckingham
  duke of suffolk               earl of surrey
  lord chamberlain              lord chancellor
  gardinerx bishop of winchester
  bishop of lincoln             lord abergavenny
  lord sandys                   sir henry guildford
  sir thomas lovell             sir anthony denny
  sir nicholas vaux             secretaries to wolsey
  cromwellx servant to wolsey
  griffithx gentlemanxusher to queen katharine
  three gentlemen
  doctor buttsx physician to the king
  garter kingxatxarms
  surveyor to the duke of buckingham
  brandonx and a sergeantxatxarms
  doorkeeper of the council chamber
  porterx and his man           page to gardiner
  a crier

  queen katharinex wife to king henryx afterwards divorced
  anne bullenx her maid of honourx afterwards queen
  an old ladyx friend to anne bullen
  patiencex woman to queen katharine

  lord mayorx aldermenx lords and ladies in the dumb
       showsx women attending upon the queenx scribesx
       officersx guardsx and other attendantsx spirits

                          scenex

              londonx westminsterx kimbolton

                 king henry the eighth

                     the prologuex

    i come no more to make you laughx things now
    that bear a weighty and a serious browx
    sadx highx and workingx full of state and woex
    such noble scenes as draw the eye to flowx
    we now presentx those that can pity here
    mayx if they think it wellx let fall a tearx
    the subject will deserve itx such as give
    their money out of hope they may believe
    may here find truth toox those that come to see
    only a show or twox and so agree
    the play may passx if they be still and willingx
    ixll undertake may see away their shilling
    richly in two short hoursx only they
    that come to hear a merry bawdy playx
    a noise of targetsx or to see a fellow
    in a long motley coat guarded with yellowx
    will be deceivxdx forx gentle hearersx knowx
    to rank our chosen truth with such a show
    as fool and fight isx beside forfeiting
    our own brainsx and the opinion that we bring
    to make that only true we now intendx
    will leave us never an understanding friendx
    thereforex for goodness sakex and as you are known
    the first and happiest hearers of the townx
    be sadx as we would make yex think ye see
    the very persons of our noble story
    as they were livingx think you see them greatx
    and followxd with the general throng and sweat
    of thousand friendsx thenx in a momentx see
    how soon this mightiness meets miseryx
    and if you can be merry thenx ixll say
    a man may weep upon his weddingxdayx

act ix scene xx

londonx the palace

enter the duke of norfolk at one doorx at the otherx the duke of
buckingham and the lord abergavenny

  buckinghamx good morrowx and well metx how have ye done
    since last we saw in francex
  norfolkx i thank your gracex
    healthfulx and ever since a fresh admirer
    of what i saw therex
  buckinghamx an untimely ague
    stayxd me a prisoner in my chamber when
    those suns of gloryx those two lights of menx
    met in the vale of andrenx
  norfolkx xtwixt guynes and ardex
    i was then presentx saw them salute on horsebackx
    beheld themx when they lightedx how they clung
    in their embracementx as they grew togetherx
    which had theyx what four thronxd ones could have weighxd
    such a compounded onex
  buckinghamx all the whole time
    i was my chamberxs prisonerx
  norfolkx then you lost
    the view of earthly gloryx men might sayx
    till this time pomp was singlex but now married
    to one above itselfx each following day
    became the next dayxs masterx till the last
    made former wonders itsx toxday the frenchx
    all clinquantx all in goldx like heathen godsx
    shone down the englishx and toxmorrow they
    made britain indiax every man that stood
    showxd like a minex their dwarfish pages were
    as cherubinsx an giltx the madams toox
    not usxd to toilx did almost sweat to bear
    the pride upon themx that their very labour
    was to them as a paintingx now this masque
    was cried incomparablex and thx ensuing night
    made it a fool and beggarx the two kingsx
    equal in lustrex were now bestx now worstx
    as presence did present themx him in eye
    still him in praisex and being present bothx
    xtwas said they saw but onex and no discerner
    durst wag his tongue in censurex when these sunsx
    for so they phrase xemxby their heralds challengxd
    the noble spirits to armsx they did perform
    beyond thoughtxs compassx that former fabulous storyx
    being now seen possible enoughx got creditx
    that bevis was believxdx
  buckinghamx ox you go farx
  norfolkx as i belong to worshipx and affect
    in honour honestyx the tract of evxrything
    would by a good discourser lose some life
    which actionxs self was tongue tox all was royalx
    to the disposing of it nought rebellxdx
    order gave each thing viewx the office did
    distinctly his full functionx
  buckinghamx who did guidex
    i meanx who set the body and the limbs
    of this great sport togetherx as you guessx
  norfolkx onex certesx that promises no element
    in such a businessx
  buckinghamx i pray youx whox my lordx
  norfolkx all this was ordxred by the good discretion
    of the right reverend cardinal of yorkx
  buckinghamx the devil speed himx no manxs pie is freed
    from his ambitious fingerx what had he
    to do in these fierce vanitiesx i wonder
    that such a keech can with his very bulk
    take up the rays ox thx beneficial sunx
    and keep it from the earthx
  norfolkx surelyx sirx
    therexs in him stuff that puts him to these endsx
    forx being not proppxd by ancestryx whose grace
    chalks successors their wayx nor callxd upon
    for high feats done to thx crownx neither allied
    to eminent assistantsx but spiderxlikex
    out of his selfxdrawing webx xa gives us note
    the force of his own merit makes his wayx
    a gift that heaven gives for himx which buys
    a place next to the kingx
  abergavennyx i cannot tell
    what heaven hath given himxlet some graver eye
    pierce into thatx but i can see his pride
    peep through each part of himx whence has he thatx
    if not from hellx the devil is a niggard
    or has given all beforex and he begins
    a new hell in himselfx
  buckinghamx why the devilx
    upon this french going outx took he upon himx
    without the privity ox thx kingxtx appoint
    who should attend on himx he makes up the file
    of all the gentryx for the most part such
    to whom as great a charge as little honour
    he meant to lay uponx and his own letterx
    the honourable board of council outx
    must fetch him in he papersx
  abergavennyx i do know
    kinsmen of minex three at the leastx that have
    by this so sickenxd their estates that never
    they shall abound as formerlyx
  buckinghamx ox many
    have broke their backs with laying manors on xem
    for this great journeyx what did this vanity
    but minister communication of
    a most poor issuex
  norfolkx grievingly i think
    the peace between the french and us not values
    the cost that did conclude itx
  buckinghamx every manx
    after the hideous storm that followxdx was
    a thing inspirxdx andx not consultingx broke
    into a general prophecyxthat this tempestx
    dashing the garment of this peacex aboded
    the sudden breach onxtx
  norfolkx which is budded outx
    for france hath flawxd the leaguex and hath attachxd
    our merchantsx goods at bordeauxx
  abergavennyx is it therefore
    thx ambassador is silencxdx
  norfolkx marryx isxtx
  abergavennyx a proper tide of a peacex and purchasxd
    at a superfluous ratex
  buckinghamx whyx all this business
    our reverend cardinal carriedx
  norfolkx like it your gracex
    the state takes notice of the private difference
    betwixt you and the cardinalx i advise youx
    and take it from a heart that wishes towards you
    honour and plenteous safetyxthat you read
    the cardinalxs malice and his potency
    togetherx to consider furtherx that
    what his high hatred would effect wants not
    a minister in his powerx you know his naturex
    that hexs revengefulx and i know his sword
    hath a sharp edgexitxs long andxt may be said
    it reaches farx and where xtwill not extendx
    thither he darts itx bosom up my counsel
    youxll find it wholesomex lox where comes that rock
    that i advise your shunningx

      enter cardinal wolseyx the purse borne before himx certain of the
      guardx and two secretaries with papersx the cardinal in his
      passage fixeth his eye on buckinghamx and buckingham on himx both
      full of disdain

  wolseyx the duke of buckinghamxs surveyorx hax
    wherexs his examinationx
  secretaryx herex so please youx
  wolseyx is he in person readyx
  secretaryx ayx please your gracex
  wolseyx wellx we shall then know morex and buckingham
    shall lessen this big lookx
                                          exeunt wolsey and his train
  buckinghamx this butcherxs cur is venomxmouthxdx and i
    have not the power to muzzle himx therefore best
    not wake him in his slumberx a beggarxs book
    outworths a noblexs bloodx
  norfolkx whatx are you chafxdx
    ask god for tempxrancex thatxs thx appliance only
    which your disease requiresx
  buckinghamx i read inxs looks
    matter against mex and his eye revilxd
    me as his abject objectx at this instant
    he bores me with some trickx hexs gone to thx kingx
    ixll followx and outstare himx
  norfolkx stayx my lordx
    and let your reason with your choler question
    what xtis you go aboutx to climb steep hills
    requires slow pace at firstx anger is like
    a full hot horsex who being allowxd his wayx
    selfxmettle tires himx not a man in england
    can advise me like youx be to yourself
    as you would to your friendx
  buckinghamx ixll to the kingx
    and from a mouth of honour quite cry down
    this ipswich fellowxs insolencex or proclaim
    therexs difference in no personsx
  norfolkx be advisxdx
    heat not a furnace for your foe so hot
    that it do singe yourselfx we may outrun
    by violent swiftness that which we run atx
    and lose by overxrunningx know you not
    the fire that mounts the liquor tillxt run oxer
    in seeming to augment it wastes itx be advisxdx
    i say again there is no english soul
    more stronger to direct you than yourselfx
    if with the sap of reason you would quench
    or but allay the fire of passionx
  buckinghamx sirx
    i am thankful to youx and ixll go along
    by your prescriptionx but this topxproud fellowx
    whom from the flow of gan i name notx but
    from sincere motionsx by intelligencex
    and proofs as clear as founts in july when
    we see each grain of gravelxi do know
    to be corrupt and treasonousx
  norfolkx say not treasonousx
  buckinghamx to thx king ixll sayxtx and make my vouch as strong
    as shore of rockx attendx this holy foxx
    or wolfx or bothxfor he is equal ravxnous
    as he is subtlex and as prone to mischief
    as able to performxtx his mind and place
    infecting one anotherx yeax reciprocallyx
    only to show his pomp as well in france
    as here at homex suggests the king our master
    to this last costly treatyx thx interview
    that swallowed so much treasure and like a glass
    did break ix thx wrenchingx
  norfolkx faithx and so it didx
  buckinghamx prayx give me favourx sirx this cunning cardinal
    the articles ox thx combination drew
    as himself pleasxdx and they were ratified
    as he cried xthus let bex to as much end
    as give a crutch to thx deadx but our countxcardinal
    has done thisx and xtis wellx for worthy wolseyx
    who cannot errx he did itx now this followsx
    whichx as i take itx is a kind of puppy
    to thx old dam treasonx charles the emperorx
    under pretence to see the queen his auntx
    for xtwas indeed his colourx but he came
    to whisper wolseyxhere makes visitationx
    his fears were that the interview betwixt
    england and france might through their amity
    breed him some prejudicex for from this league
    peepxd harms that menacxd himxprivily
    deals with our cardinalx andx as i trowx
    which i do wellx for i am sure the emperor
    paid ere he promisxdx whereby his suit was granted
    ere it was askxdxbut when the way was madex
    and pavxd with goldx the emperor thus desirxdx
    that he would please to alter the kingxs coursex
    and break the foresaid peacex let the king knowx
    as soon he shall by mex that thus the cardinal
    does buy and sell his honour as he pleasesx
    and for his own advantagex
  norfolkx i am sorry
    to hear this of himx and could wish he were
    something mistaken inxtx
  buckinghamx nox not a syllablex
    i do pronounce him in that very shape
    he shall appear in proofx

       enter brandonx a sergeantxatxarms before himx
              and two or three of the guard

  brandonx your officex sergeantx execute itx
  sergeantx sirx
    my lord the duke of buckinghamx and earl
    of herefordx staffordx and northamptonx i
    arrest thee of high treasonx in the name
    of our most sovereign kingx
  buckinghamx lo youx my lordx
    the net has fallxn upon mex i shall perish
    under device and practicex
  brandonx i am sorry
    to see you taxen from libertyx to look on
    the business presentx xtis his highnessx pleasure
    you shall to thx towerx
  buckinghamx it will help nothing
    to plead mine innocencex for that dye is on me
    which makes my whitxst part blackx the will of heavxn
    be done in this and all thingsx i obeyx
    o my lord abergaxnyx fare you wellx
  brandonx nayx he must bear you companyx
    xto abergavennyx  the king
    is pleasxd you shall to thx towerx till you know
    how he determines furtherx
  abergavennyx as the duke saidx
    the will of heaven be donex and the kingxs pleasure
    by me obeyxdx
  brandonx here is warrant from
    the king tx attach lord montacute and the bodies
    of the dukexs confessorx john de la carx
    one gilbert peckx his chancellorx
  buckinghamx sox sox
    these are the limbs ox thx plotx no morex i hopex
  brandonx a monk ox thx chartreuxx
  buckinghamx ox nicholas hopkinsx
  brandonx hex
  buckinghamx my surveyor is falsex the oxerxgreat cardinal
    hath showxd him goldx my life is spannxd alreadyx
    i am the shadow of poor buckinghamx
    whose figure even this instant cloud puts on
    by darkxning my clear sunx my lordx farewellx
    exeunt

act ix scene xx

londonx the council chamber

cornetsx enter king henryx leaning on the cardinalxs shoulderx the
noblesx and sir thomas lovellx with othersx the cardinal places himself
under the kingxs feet on his right side

  kingx my life itselfx and the best heart of itx
    thanks you for this great carex i stood ix thx level
    of a fullxchargxd confederacyx and give thanks
    to you that chokxd itx let be callxd before us
    that gentleman of buckinghamxsx in person
    ixll hear his confessions justifyx
    and point by point the treasons of his master
    he shall again relatex

      a noise withinx crying xroom for the queenxx enter the queenx
      usherxd by the dukes of norfolk and suffolkx she kneelsx the king
      riseth from his statex takes her upx kisses and placeth her by
      him

  queen katharinex nayx we must longer kneelx i am suitorx
  kingx arisex and take place by usx half your suit
    never name to usx you have half our powerx
    the other moiety ere you ask is givenx
    repeat your willx and take itx
  queen katharinex thank your majestyx
    that you would love yourselfx and in that love
    not unconsidered leave your honour nor
    the dignity of your officex is the point
    of my petitionx
  kingx lady minex proceedx
  queen katharinex i am solicitedx not by a fewx
    and those of true conditionx that your subjects
    are in great grievancex there have been commissions
    sent down among xem which hath flawxd the heart
    of all their loyaltiesx whereinx althoughx
    my good lord cardinalx they vent reproaches
    most bitterly on you as putterxon
    of these exactionsx yet the king our masterx
    whose honour heaven shield from soilxxeven he escapes not
    language unmannerlyx yeax such which breaks
    the sides of loyaltyx and almost appears
    in loud rebellionx
  norfolkx not almost appearsx
    it doth appearx forx upon these taxationsx
    the clothiers allx not able to maintain
    the many to them xlongingx have put of
    the spinstersx cardersx fullersx weaversx who
    unfit for other lifex compellxd by hunger
    and lack of other meansx in desperate manner
    daring thx event to thx teethx are all in uproarx
    and danger serves among themx
  kingx taxationx
    whereinx and what taxationx my lord cardinalx
    you that are blamxd for it alike with usx
    know you of this taxationx
  wolseyx please youx sirx
    i know but of a single part in aught
    pertains to thx statex and front but in that file
    where others tell steps with mex
  queen katharinex nox my lordx
    you know no more than othersx but you frame
    things that are known alikex which are not wholesome
    to those which would not know themx and yet must
    perforce be their acquaintancex these exactionsx
    whereof my sovereign would have notex they are
    most pestilent to thx hearingx and to bear xem
    the back is sacrifice to thx loadx they say
    they are devisxd by youx or else you suffer
    too hard an exclamationx
  kingx still exactionx
    the nature of itx in what kindx letxs knowx
    is this exactionx
  queen katharinex i am much too venturous
    in tempting of your patiencex but am boldxned
    under your promisxd pardonx the subjectsx grief
    comes through commissionsx which compels from each
    the sixth part of his substancex to be levied
    without delayx and the pretence for this
    is namxd your wars in francex this makes bold mouthsx
    tongues spit their duties outx and cold hearts freeze
    allegiance in themx their curses now
    live where their prayers didx and itxs come to pass
    this tractable obedience is a slave
    to each incensed willx i would your highness
    would give it quick considerationx for
    there is no primer businessx
  kingx by my lifex
    this is against our pleasurex
  wolseyx and for mex
    i have no further gone in this than by
    a single voicex and that not passxd me but
    by learned approbation of the judgesx if i am
    traducxd by ignorant tonguesx which neither know
    my faculties nor personx yet will be
    the chronicles of my doingx let me say
    xtis but the fate of placex and the rough brake
    that virtue must go throughx we must not stint
    our necessary actions in the fear
    to cope malicious censurersx which ever
    as ravxnous fishes do a vessel follow
    that is newxtrimmxdx but benefit no further
    than vainly longingx what we oft do bestx
    by sick interpretersx once weak onesx is
    not oursx or not allowxdx what worstx as oft
    hitting a grosser qualityx is cried up
    for our best actx if we shall stand stillx
    in fear our motion will be mockxd or carpxd atx
    we should take root here where we sitx or sit
    statexstatues onlyx
  kingx things done well
    and with a care exempt themselves from fearx
    things done without examplex in their issue
    are to be fearxdx have you a precedent
    of this commissionx i believex not anyx
    we must not rend our subjects from our lawsx
    and stick them in our willx sixth part of eachx
    a trembling contributionx whyx we take
    from every tree lopx barkx and part ox thx timberx
    and though we leave it with a rootx thus hackxdx
    the air will drink the sapx to every county
    where this is questionxd send our letters with
    free pardon to each man that has denied
    the force of this commissionx prayx look totx
    i put it to your carex
  wolseyx xaside to the secretaryx  a word with youx
    let there be letters writ to every shire
    of the kingxs grace and pardonx the grieved commons
    hardly conceive of mexlet it be noisxd
    that through our intercession this revokement
    and pardon comesx i shall anon advise you
    further in the proceedingx                         exit secretary

                    enter surveyor

  queen katharinex i am sorry that the duke of buckingham
    is run in your displeasurex
  kingx it grieves manyx
    the gentleman is learnxd and a most rare speakerx
    to nature none more boundx his training such
    that he may furnish and instruct great teachers
    and never seek for aid out of himselfx yet seex
    when these so noble benefits shall prove
    not well disposxdx the mind growing once corruptx
    they turn to vicious formsx ten times more ugly
    than ever they were fairx this man so completex
    who was enrollxd xmongst wondersx and when wex
    almost with ravishxd listxningx could not find
    his hour of speech a minutexhex my ladyx
    hath into monstrous habits put the graces
    that once were hisx and is become as black
    as if besmearxd in hellx sit by usx you shall hearx
    this was his gentleman in trustxof him
    things to strike honour sadx bid him recount
    the forexrecited practicesx whereof
    we cannot feel too littlex hear too muchx
  wolseyx stand forthx and with bold spirit relate what youx
    most like a careful subjectx have collected
    out of the duke of buckinghamx
  kingx speak freelyx
  surveyorx firstx it was usual with himxevery day
    it would infect his speechxthat if the king
    should without issue diex hexll carry it so
    to make the sceptre hisx these very words
    ixve heard him utter to his sonxinxlawx
    lord abergaxnyx to whom by oath he menacxd
    revenge upon the cardinalx
  wolseyx please your highnessx note
    this dangerous conception in this pointx
    not friended by his wishx to your high person
    his will is most malignantx and it stretches
    beyond you to your friendsx
  queen katharinex my learnxd lord cardinalx
    deliver all with charityx
  kingx speak onx
    how grounded he his title to the crown
    upon our failx to this point hast thou heard him
    at any time speak aughtx
  surveyorx he was brought to this
    by a vain prophecy of nicholas hentonx
  kingx what was that hentonx
  surveyorx sirx a chartreux friarx
    his confessorx who fed him every minute
    with words of sovereigntyx
  kingx how knowxst thou thisx
  surveyorx not long before your highness sped to francex
    the duke being at the rosex within the parish
    saint lawrence poultneyx did of me demand
    what was the speech among the londoners
    concerning the french journeyx i replied
    men fearxd the french would prove perfidiousx
    to the kingxs dangerx presently the duke
    said xtwas the fear indeed and that he doubted
    xtwould prove the verity of certain words
    spoke by a holy monk xthat oftx says he
    xhath sent to mex wishing me to permit
    john de la carx my chaplainx a choice hour
    to hear from him a matter of some momentx
    whom after under the confessionxs seal
    he solemnly had sworn that what he spoke
    my chaplain to no creature living but
    to me should utterx with demure confidence
    this pausingly ensuxdx xneither the king norxs heirsx
    tell you the dukex shall prosperx bid him strive
    to gain the love ox thx commonaltyx the duke
    shall govern englandxxx
  queen katharinex if i know you wellx
    you were the dukexs surveyorx and lost your office
    on the complaint ox thx tenantsx take good heed
    you charge not in your spleen a noble person
    and spoil your nobler soulx i sayx take heedx
    yesx heartily beseech youx
  kingx let him onx
    go forwardx
  surveyorx on my soulx ixll speak but truthx
    i told my lord the dukex by thx devilxs illusions
    the monk might be deceivxdx and that xtwas dangerous
      for him
    to ruminate on this so farx until
    it forgxd him some designx whichx being believxdx
    it was much like to dox he answerxd xtushx
    it can do me no damagexx adding further
    thatx had the king in his last sickness failxdx
    the cardinalxs and sir thomas lovellxs heads
    should have gone offx
  kingx hax whatx so rankx ah hax
    therexs mischief in this manx canst thou say furtherx
  surveyorx i canx my liegex
  kingx proceedx
  surveyorx being at greenwichx
    after your highness had reprovxd the duke
    about sir william bulmerx
  kingx i remember
    of such a timex being my sworn servantx
    the duke retainxd him hisx but onx what hencex
  surveyorx xifx quoth he xi for this had been committedx
    as to the tower i thoughtxi would have playxd
    the part my father meant to act upon
    thx usurper richardx whox being at salisburyx
    made suit to come inxs presencex which if grantedx
    as he made semblance of his dutyx would
    have put his knife into himxx
  kingx a giant traitorx
  wolseyx nowx madamx may his highness live in freedomx
    and this man out of prisonx
  queen katharinex god mend allx
  kingx therexs something more would out of theex what sayxstx
  surveyorx after xthe duke his fatherx with the xknifexx
    he stretchxd himx andx with one hand on his daggerx
    another spread onxs breastx mounting his eyesx
    he did discharge a horrible oathx whose tenour
    wasx were he evil usxdx he would outgo
    his father by as much as a performance
    does an irresolute purposex
  kingx therexs his periodx
    to sheath his knife in usx he is attachxdx
    call him to present trialx if he may
    find mercy in the lawx xtis hisx if nonex
    let him not seekxt of usx by day and nightx
    hexs traitor to thx heightx                                exeunt

act ix scene xx

londonx the palace

enter the lord chamberlain and lord sandys

  chamberlainx isxt possible the spells of france should juggle
    men into such strange mysteriesx
  sandysx new customsx
    though they be never so ridiculousx
    nayx let xem be unmanlyx yet are followxdx
  chamberlainx as far as i seex all the good our english
    have got by the late voyage is but merely
    a fit or two ox thx facex but they are shrewd onesx
    for when they hold xemx you would swear directly
    their very noses had been counsellors
    to pepin or clothariusx they keep state sox
  sandysx they have all new legsx and lame onesx one would take itx
    that never saw xem pace beforex the spavin
    or springhalt reignxd among xemx
  chamberlainx deathx my lordx
    their clothes are after such a pagan cut toxtx
    that sure thx have worn out christendomx

           enter sir thomas lovell

    how nowx
    what newsx sir thomas lovellx
  lovellx faithx my lordx
    i hear of none but the new proclamation
    thatxs clappxd upon the court gatex
  chamberlainx what isxt forx
  lovellx the reformation of our travellxd gallantsx
    that fill the court with quarrelsx talkx and tailorsx
  chamberlainx i am glad xtis therex now i would pray our monsieurs
    to think an english courtier may be wisex
    and never see the louvrex
  lovellx they must eitherx
    for so run the conditionsx leave those remnants
    of fool and feather that they got in francex
    with all their honourable points of ignorance
    pertaining thereuntoxas fights and fireworksx
    abusing better men than they can bex
    out of a foreign wisdomxrenouncing clean
    the faith they have in tennisx and tall stockingsx
    short blistxred breechesx and those types of travel
    and understand again like honest menx
    or pack to their old playfellowsx therex i take itx
    they mayx cum privilegiox wear away
    the lag end of their lewdness and be laughxd atx
  sandysx xtis time to give xem physicx their diseases
    are grown so catchingx
  chamberlainx what a loss our ladies
    will have of these trim vanitiesx
  lovellx ayx marryx
    there will be woe indeedx lordsx the sly whoresons
    have got a speeding trick to lay down ladiesx
    a french song and a fiddle has no fellowx
  sandysx the devil fiddle xemx i am glad they are goingx
    for sure therexs no converting xemx now
    an honest country lordx as i amx beaten
    a long time out of playx may bring his plainsong
    and have an hour of hearingx andx byxr ladyx
    held current music toox
  chamberlainx well saidx lord sandysx
    your coltxs tooth is not cast yetx
  sandysx nox my lordx
    nor shall not while i have a stampx
  chamberlainx sir thomasx
    whither were you axgoingx
  lovellx to the cardinalxsx
    your lordship is a guest toox
  chamberlainx ox xtis truex
    this night he makes a supperx and a great onex
    to many lords and ladiesx there will be
    the beauty of this kingdomx ixll assure youx
  lovellx that churchman bears a bounteous mind indeedx
    a hand as fruitful as the land that feeds usx
    his dews fall everywherex
  chamberlainx no doubt hexs noblex
    he had a black mouth that said other of himx
  sandysx he mayx my lordx has wherewithalx in him
    sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrinex
    men of his way should be most liberalx
    they are set here for examplesx
  chamberlainx truex they are sox
    but few now give so great onesx my barge staysx
    your lordship shall alongx comex good sir thomasx
    we shall be late elsex which i would not bex
    for i was spoke tox with sir henry guildfordx
    this night to be comptrollersx
  sandysx i am your lordshipxsx                                exeunt

act ix scene xx

londonx the presence chamber in york place

hautboysx a small table under a state for the cardinalx a longer table
for the guestsx then enter anne bullenx and divers other ladies and
gentlemenx as guestsx at one doorx at another door enter sir henry
guildford

  guildfordx ladiesx a general welcome from his grace
    salutes ye allx this night he dedicates
    to fair content and youx none herex he hopesx
    in all this noble bevyx has brought with her
    one care abroadx he would have all as merry
    asx firstx good companyx good winex good welcomex
    can make good peoplex

       enter lord chamberlainx lord sandysx and sir
                  thomas lovell

    ox my lordx yxare tardyx
    the very thought of this fair company
    clappxd wings to mex
  chamberlainx you are youngx sir harry guildfordx
  sandysx sir thomas lovellx had the cardinal
    but half my lay thoughts in himx some of these
    should find a running banquet ere they rested
    i think would better please xemx by my lifex
    they are a sweet society of fair onesx
  lovellx o that your lordship were but now confessor
    to one or two of thesex
  sandysx i would i werex
    they should find easy penancex
  lovellx faithx how easyx
  sandysx as easy as a down bed would afford itx
  chamberlainx sweet ladiesx will it please you sitx sir harryx
    place you that sidex ixll take the charge of thisx
    his grace is entxringx nayx you must not freezex
    two women placxd together makes cold weatherx
    my lord sandysx you are one will keep xem wakingx
    pray sit between these ladiesx
  sandysx by my faithx
    and thank your lordshipx by your leavex sweet ladiesx
                 xseats himself between anne bullen and another ladyx
    if i chance to talk a little wildx forgive mex
    i had it from my fatherx
  annex was he madx sirx
  sandysx ox very madx exceeding madx in love toox
    but he would bite nonex just as i do nowx
    he would kiss you twenty with a breathx              xkisses herx
  chamberlainx well saidx my lordx
    sox now yxare fairly seatedx gentlemenx
    the penance lies on you if these fair ladies
    pass away frowningx
  sandysx for my little curex
    let me alonex

         hautboysx enter cardinal wolseyx attendedx and
                         takes his state

  wolseyx yxare welcomex my fair guestsx that noble lady
    or gentleman that is not freely merry
    is not my friendx thisx to confirm my welcomex
    and to you allx good healthx                             xdrinksx
  sandysx your grace is noblex
    let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks
    and save me so much talkingx
  wolseyx my lord sandysx
    i am beholding to youx cheer your neighboursx
    ladiesx you are not merryx gentlemenx
    whose fault is thisx
  sandysx the red wine first must rise
    in their fair cheeksx my lordx then we shall have xem
    talk us to silencex
  annex you are a merry gamesterx
    my lord sandysx
  sandysx yesx if i make my playx
    herexs to your ladyshipx and pledge itx madamx
    for xtis to such a thingx
  annex you cannot show mex
  sandysx i told your grace they would talk anonx
                             xdrum and trumpetx chambers dischargxdx
  wolseyx whatxs thatx
  chamberlainx look out therex some of yex             exit a servant
  wolseyx what warlike voicex
    and to what endx is thisx nayx ladiesx fear notx
    by all the laws of war yxare privilegxdx

            rexenter servant

  chamberlainx how nowx what isxtx
  servantx a noble troop of strangersx
    for so they seemx thx have left their barge and landedx
    and hither makex as great ambassadors
    from foreign princesx
  wolseyx good lord chamberlainx
    gox give xem welcomex you can speak the french tonguex
    and pray receive xem nobly and conduct xem
    into our presencex where this heaven of beauty
    shall shine at full upon themx some attend himx
              exit chamberlain attendedx all risex and tables removxd
    you have now a broken banquetx but wexll mend itx
    a good digestion to you allx and once more
    i showxr a welcome on yex welcome allx

      hautboysx enter the kingx and othersx as maskersx
      habited like shepherdsx usherxd by the lord chamberlainx
      they pass directly before the cardinalx
      and gracefully salute him

    a noble companyx what are their pleasuresx
  chamberlainx because they speak no englishx thus they prayxd
    to tell your gracex thatx having heard by fame
    of this so noble and so fair assembly
    this night to meet herex they could do no lessx
    out of the great respect they bear to beautyx
    but leave their flocks andx under your fair conductx
    crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
    an hour of revels with xemx
  wolseyx sayx lord chamberlainx
    they have done my poor house gracex for which i pay xem
    a thousand thanksx and pray xem take their pleasuresx
                   xthey choose ladiesx the king chooses anne bullenx
  kingx the fairest hand i ever touchxdx o beautyx
    till now i never knew theex                        xmusicx dancex
  wolseyx my lordx
  chamberlainx your gracex
  wolseyx pray tell xem thus much from mex
    there should be one amongst xemx by his personx
    more worthy this place than myselfx to whomx
    if i but knew himx with my love and duty
    i would surrender itx
  chamberlainx i willx my lordx
                                         xhe whispers to the maskersx
  wolseyx what say theyx
  chamberlainx such a onex they all confessx
    there is indeedx which they would have your grace
    find outx and he will take itx
  wolseyx let me seex thenx                    xcomes from his statex
    by all your good leavesx gentlemenx here ixll make
    my royal choicex
  kingx  xunmaskingx  ye have found himx cardinalx
    you hold a fair assemblyx you do wellx lordx
    you are a churchmanx orx ixll tell youx cardinalx
    i should judge now unhappilyx
  wolseyx i am glad
    your grace is grown so pleasantx
  kingx my lord chamberlainx
    prithee come hitherx what fair ladyxs thatx
  chamberlainx anxt please your gracex sir thomas bullenxs
      daughterx
    the viscount rochfordxone of her highnessx womenx
  kingx by heavenx she is a dainty onex sweet heartx
    i were unmannerly to take you out
    and not to kiss youx a healthx gentlemenx
    let it go roundx
  wolseyx sir thomas lovellx is the banquet ready
    ix thx privy chamberx
  lovellx yesx my lordx
  wolseyx your gracex
    i fearx with dancing is a little heatedx
  kingx i fearx too muchx
  wolseyx therexs fresher airx my lordx
    in the next chamberx
  kingx lead in your ladiesx evxry onex sweet partnerx
    i must not yet forsake youx letxs be merryx
    good my lord cardinalx i have half a dozen healths
    to drink to these fair ladiesx and a measure
    to lead xem once againx and then letxs dream
    whoxs best in favourx let the music knock itx
                                                exeuntx with trumpets

act iix scene xx

westminsterx a street

enter two gentlemenx at several doors

  first gentlemanx whither away so fastx
  second gentlemanx ox god save yex
    evxn to the hallx to hear what shall become
    of the great duke of buckinghamx
  first gentlemanx ixll save you
    that labourx sirx allxs now done but the ceremony
    of bringing back the prisonerx
  second gentlemanx were you therex
  first gentlemanx yesx indeedx was ix
  second gentlemanx prayx speak what has happenxdx
  first gentlemanx you may guess quickly whatx
  second gentlemanx is he found guiltyx
  first gentlemanx yesx truly is hex and condemnxd uponxtx
  second gentlemanx i am sorry forxtx
  first gentlemanx so are a number morex
  second gentlemanx butx prayx how passxd itx
  first gentlemanx ixll tell you in a littlex the great dukex
    came to the barx where to his accusations
    he pleaded still not guiltyx and alleged
    many sharp reasons to defeat the lawx
    the kingxs attorneyx on the contraryx
    urgxd on the examinationsx proofsx confessionsx
    of divers witnessesx which the duke desirxd
    to have broughtx viva vocex to his facex
    at which appearxd against him his surveyorx
    sir gilbert peck his chancellorx and john carx
    confessor to himx with that devilxmonkx
    hopkinsx that made this mischiefx
  second gentlemanx that was he
    that fed him with his propheciesx
  first gentlemanx the samex
    all these accusxd him stronglyx which he fain
    would have flung from himx but indeed he could notx
    and so his peersx upon this evidencex
    have found him guilty of high treasonx much
    he spokex and learnedlyx for lifex but all
    was either pitied in him or forgottenx
  second gentlemanx after all thisx how did he bear himxself
  first gentlemanx when he was brought again to thx bar to hear
    his knell rung outx his judgmentx he was stirrxd
    with such an agony he sweat extremelyx
    and something spoke in cholerx ill and hastyx
    but he fell to himself againx and sweetly
    in all the rest showxd a most noble patiencex
  second gentlemanx i do not think he fears deathx
  first gentlemanx surex he does notx
    he never was so womanishx the cause
    he may a little grieve atx
  second gentlemanx certainly
    the cardinal is the end of thisx
  first gentlemanx xtis likelyx
    by all conjecturesx firstx kildarexs attainderx
    then deputy of irelandx who removxdx
    earl surrey was sent thitherx and in haste toox
    lest he should help his fatherx
  second gentlemanx that trick of state
    was a deep envious onex
  first gentlemanx at his return
    no doubt he will requite itx this is notedx
    and generallyx whoever the king favours
    the cardinal instantly will find employmentx
    and far enough from court toox
  second gentlemanx all the commons
    hate him perniciouslyx andx ox my consciencex
    wish him ten fathom deepx this duke as much
    they love and dote onx call him bounteous buckinghamx
    the mirror of all courtesyx

      enter buckingham from his arraignmentx tipxstaves
      before himx the axe with the edge towards himx halberds
      on each sidex accompanied with sir thomas
      lovellx sir nicholas vauxx sir william sandysx
      and common peoplex etcx

  first gentlemanx stay therex sirx
    and see the noble ruinxd man you speak ofx
  second gentlemanx letxs stand closex and behold himx
  buckinghamx all good peoplex
    you that thus far have come to pity mex
    hear what i sayx and then go home and lose mex
    i have this day receivxd a traitorxs judgmentx
    and by that name must diex yetx heaven bear witnessx
    and if i have a consciencex let it sink me
    even as the axe fallsx if i be not faithfulx
    the law i bear no malice for my deathx
    xt has donex upon the premisesx but justicex
    but those that sought it i could wish more christiansx
    be what they willx i heartily forgive xemx
    yet let xem look they glory not in mischief
    nor build their evils on the graves of great menx
    for then my guiltless blood must cry against xemx
    for further life in this world i nexer hope
    nor will i suex although the king have mercies
    more than i dare make faultsx you few that lovxd me
    and dare be bold to weep for buckinghamx
    his noble friends and fellowsx whom to leave
    is only bitter to himx only dyingx
    go with me like good angels to my endx
    and as the long divorce of steel falls on me
    make of your prayers one sweet sacrificex
    and lift my soul to heavenx lead onx a godxs namex
  lovellx i do beseech your gracex for charityx
    if ever any malice in your heart
    were hid against mex now to forgive me franklyx
  buckinghamx sir thomas lovellx i as free forgive you
    as i would be forgivenx i forgive allx
    there cannot be those numberless offences
    xgainst me that i cannot take peace withx no black envy
    shall mark my gravex commend me to his gracex
    and if he speak of buckinghamx pray tell him
    you met him half in heavenx my vows and prayers
    yet are the kingxsx andx till my soul forsakex
    shall cry for blessings on himx may he live
    longer than i have time to tell his yearsx
    ever belovxd and loving may his rule bex
    and when old time shall lead him to his endx
    goodness and he fill up one monumentx
  lovellx to thx water side i must conduct your gracex
    then give my charge up to sir nicholas vauxx
    who undertakes you to your endx
  vauxx prepare therex
    the duke is comingx see the barge be readyx
    and fit it with such furniture as suits
    the greatness of his personx
  buckinghamx nayx sir nicholasx
    let it alonex my state now will but mock mex
    when i came hither i was lord high constable
    and duke of buckinghamx nowx poor edward bohunx
    yet i am richer than my base accusers
    that never knew what truth meantx i now seal itx
    and with that blood will make xem one day groan fortx
    my noble fatherx henry of buckinghamx
    who first raisxd head against usurping richardx
    flying for succour to his servant banisterx
    being distressxdx was by that wretch betrayxd
    and without trial fellx godxs peace be with himx
    henry the seventh succeedingx truly pitying
    my fatherxs lossx like a most royal princex
    restorxd me to my honoursx and out of ruins
    made my name once more noblex now his sonx
    henry the eighthx lifex honourx namex and all
    that made me happyx at one stroke has taken
    for ever from the worldx i had my trialx
    and must needs say a noble onex which makes me
    a little happier than my wretched fatherx
    yet thus far we are one in fortunesx both
    fell by our servantsx by those men we lovxd mostx
    a most unnatural and faithless servicex
    heaven has an end in allx yetx you that hear mex
    this from a dying man receive as certainx
    where you are liberal of your loves and counselsx
    be sure you be not loosex for those you make friends
    and give your hearts tox when they once perceive
    the least rub in your fortunesx fall away
    like water from yex never found again
    but where they mean to sink yex all good peoplex
    pray for mex i must now forsake yex the last hour
    of my long weary life is come upon mex
    farewellx
    and when you would say something that is sadx
    speak how i fellx i have donex and god forgive mex
                                          exeunt buckingham and train
  first gentlemanx ox this is full of pityx sirx it callsx
    i fearx too many curses on their heads
    that were the authorsx
  second gentlemanx if the duke be guiltlessx
    xtis full of woex yet i can give you inkling
    of an ensuing evilx if it fallx
    greater than thisx
  first gentlemanx good angels keep it from usx
    what may it bex you do not doubt my faithx sirx
  second gentlemanx this secret is so weightyx xtwill require
    a strong faith to conceal itx
  first gentlemanx let me have itx
    i do not talk muchx
  second gentlemanx i am confidentx
    you shallx sirx did you not of late days hear
    a buzzing of a separation
    between the king and katharinex
  first gentlemanx yesx but it held notx
    for when the king once heard itx out of anger
    he sent command to the lord mayor straight
    to stop the rumour and allay those tongues
    that durst disperse itx
  second gentlemanx but that slanderx sirx
    is found a truth nowx for it grows again
    fresher than exer it wasx and held for certain
    the king will venture at itx either the cardinal
    or some about him near havex out of malice
    to the good queenx possessxd him with a scruple
    that will undo herx to confirm this toox
    cardinal campeius is arrivxd and latelyx
    as all thinkx for this businessx
  first gentlemanx xtis the cardinalx
    and merely to revenge him on the emperor
    for not bestowing on him at his asking
    the archbishopric of toledox this is purposxdx
  second gentlemanx i think you have hit the markx but isxt
        not cruel
    that she should feel the smart of thisx the cardinal
    will have his willx and she must fallx
  first gentlemanx xtis woefulx
    we are too open here to argue thisx
    letxs think in private morex                               exeunt

act iix scene xx

londonx the palace

enter the lord chamberlain reading this letter

  chamberlainx xmy lordx
    xthe horses your lordship sent forx with all the care
    hadx i saw well chosenx riddenx and furnishxdx they were
    young and handsomex and of the best breed in the northx
    when they were ready to set out for londonx a man of
    my lord cardinalxsx by commissionx and main powerx took
    xem from mex with this reasonx his master would be servxd
    before a subjectx if not before the kingx which stoppxd
    our mouthsx sirxx

    i fear he will indeedx wellx let him have themx
    he will have allx i thinkx

    enter to the lord chamberlain the dukes of norfolk and suffolk

  norfolkx well metx my lord chamberlainx
  chamberlainx good day to both your gracesx
  suffolkx how is the king employxdx
  chamberlainx i left him privatex
    full of sad thoughts and troublesx
  norfolkx whatxs the causex
  chamberlainx it seems the marriage with his brotherxs wife
    has crept too near his consciencex
  suffolkx nox his conscience
    has crept too near another ladyx
  norfolkx xtis sox
    this is the cardinalxs doingx the kingxcardinalx
    that blind priestx like the eldest son of fortunex
    turns what he listx the king will know him one dayx
  suffolkx pray god he dox hexll never know himself elsex
  norfolkx how holily he works in all his businessx
    and with what zealx forx now he has crackxd the league
    between us and the emperorx the queenxs great nephewx
    he dives into the kingxs soul and there scatters
    dangersx doubtsx wringing of the consciencex
    fearsx and despairsxand all these for his marriagex
    and out of all these to restore the kingx
    he counsels a divorcex a loss of her
    that like a jewel has hung twenty years
    about his neckx yet never lost her lustrex
    of her that loves him with that excellence
    that angels love good men withx even of her
    thatx when the greatest stroke of fortune fallsx
    will bless the kingxand is not this course piousx
  chamberlainx heaven keep me from such counselx xtis most true
    these news are everywherex every tongue speaks xemx
    and every true heart weeps for xtx all that dare
    look into these affairs see this main endx
    the french kingxs sisterx heaven will one day open
    the kingxs eyesx that so long have slept upon
    this bold bad manx
  suffolkx and free us from his slaveryx
  norfolkx we had need prayx and heartilyx for our deliverancex
    or this imperious man will work us an
    from princes into pagesx all menxs honours
    lie like one lump before himx to be fashionxd
    into what pitch he pleasex
  suffolkx for mex my lordsx
    i love him notx nor fear himxtherexs my creedx
    as i am made without himx so ixll standx
    if the king pleasex his curses and his blessings
    touch me alikex thx are breath i not believe inx
    i knew himx and i know himx so i leave him
    to him that made him proudxthe popex
  norfolkx letxs inx
    and with some other business put the king
    from these sad thoughts that work too much upon himx
    my lordx youxll bear us companyx
  chamberlainx excuse mex
    the king has sent me otherwherex besidesx
    youxll find a most unfit time to disturb himx
    health to your lordshipsx
  norfolkx thanksx my good lord chamberlainx
                            exit lord chamberlainx and the king draws
                               the curtain and sits reading pensively
  suffolkx how sad he looksx surex he is much afflictedx
  kingx whoxs therex hax
  norfolkx pray god he be not angryx
  king henryx whoxs therex i sayx how dare you thrust yourselves
    into my private meditationsx
    who am ix hax
  norfolkx a gracious king that pardons all offences
    malice nexer meantx our breach of duty this way
    is business of estatex in which we come
    to know your royal pleasurex
  kingx ye are too boldx
    go tox ixll make ye know your times of businessx
    is this an hour for temporal affairsx hax

      enter wolsey and campeius with a commission

    whoxs therex my good lord cardinalx o my wolseyx
    the quiet of my wounded consciencex
    thou art a cure fit for a kingx  xto campeiusx  youxre
      welcomex
    most learned reverend sirx into our kingdomx
    use us and itx  xto wolseyx  my good lordx have great care
    i be not found a talkerx
  wolseyx sirx you cannotx
    i would your grace would give us but an hour
    of private conferencex
  kingx  xto norfolk and suffolkx  we are busyx gox
  norfolkx  xaside to suffolkx  this priest has no pride in himx
  suffolkx  xaside to norfolkx  not to speak ofx
    i would not be so sick though for his placex
    but this cannot continuex
  norfolkx  xaside to suffolkx  if it dox
    ixll venture one havexatxhimx
  suffolkx  xaside to norfolkx  i anotherx
                                           exeunt norfolk and suffolk
  wolseyx your grace has given a precedent of wisdom
    above all princesx in committing freely
    your scruple to the voice of christendomx
    who can be angry nowx what envy reach youx
    the spaniardx tied by blood and favour to herx
    must now confessx if they have any goodnessx
    the trial just and noblex all the clerksx
    i mean the learned onesx in christian kingdoms
    have their free voicesx rome the nurse of judgmentx
    invited by your noble selfx hath sent
    one general tongue unto usx this good manx
    this just and learned priestx cardinal campeiusx
    whom once more i present unto your highnessx
  kingx and once more in mine arms i bid him welcomex
    and thank the holy conclave for their lovesx
    they have sent me such a man i would have wishxd forx
  campeiusx your grace must needs deserve an strangersx lovesx
    you are so noblex to your highnessx hand
    i tender my commissionx by whose virtuex
    the court of rome commandingxyoux my lord
    cardinal of yorkx are joinxd with me their servant
    in the unpartial judging of this businessx
  kingx two equal menx the queen shall be acquainted
    forthwith for what you comex wherexs gardinerx
  wolseyx i know your majesty has always lovxd her
    so dear in heart not to deny her that
    a woman of less place might ask by lawx
    scholars allowxd freely to argue for herx
  kingx ayx and the best she shall havex and my favour
    to him that does bestx god forbid elsex cardinalx
    prithee call gardiner to mex my new secretaryx
    i find him a fit fellowx                              exit wolsey

          rexenter wolsey with gardiner

  wolseyx  xaside to gardinerx  give me your handx much
      joy and favour to youx
    you are the kingxs nowx
  gardinerx  xaside to wolseyx  but to be commanded
    for ever by your gracex whose hand has raisxd mex
  kingx come hitherx gardinerx                   xwalks and whispersx
  campeiusx my lord of yorkx was not one doctor pace
    in this manxs place before himx
  wolseyx yesx he wasx
  campeiusx was he not held a learned manx
  wolseyx yesx surelyx
  campeiusx believe mex therexs an ill opinion spread thenx
    even of yourselfx lord cardinalx
  wolseyx howx of mex
  campeiusx they will not stick to say you envied him
    andx fearing he would risex he was so virtuousx
    kept him a foreign man stillx which so grievxd him
    that he ran mad and diedx
  wolseyx heavxnxs peace be with himx
    thatxs christian care enoughx for living murmurers
    therexs places of rebukex he was a foolx
    for he would needs be virtuousx that good fellowx
    if i command himx follows my appointmentx
    i will have none so near elsex learn thisx brotherx
    we live not to be gripxd by meaner personsx
  kingx deliver this with modesty to thx queenx
                                                        exit gardiner
    the most convenient place that i can think of
    for such receipt of learning is blackfriarsx
    there ye shall meet about this weighty businessx
    my wolseyx see it furnishxdx ox my lordx
    would it not grieve an able man to leave
    so sweet a bedfellowx butx consciencex consciencex
    ox xtis a tender placex and i must leave herx              exeunt

act iix scene xx

londonx the palace

enter anne bullen and an old lady

  annex not for that neitherx herexs the pang that pinchesx
    his highness having livxd so long with herx and she
    so good a lady that no tongue could ever
    pronounce dishonour of herxby my lifex
    she never knew harmxdoingxox nowx after
    so many courses of the sun enthronedx
    still growing in a majesty and pompx the which
    to leave a thousandxfold more bitter than
    xtis sweet at first tx acquirexafter this processx
    to give her the avauntx it is a pity
    would move a monsterx
  old ladyx hearts of most hard temper
    melt and lament for herx
  annex ox godxs willx much better
    she nexer had known pompx thoughxt be temporalx
    yetx if that quarrelx fortunex do divorce
    it from the bearerx xtis a sufferance panging
    as soul and bodyxs severingx
  old ladyx alasx poor ladyx
    shexs a stranger now againx
  annex so much the more
    must pity drop upon herx verilyx
    i swear xtis better to be lowly born
    and range with humble livers in content
    than to be perkxd up in a glistxring grief
    and wear a golden sorrowx
  old ladyx our content
    is our best havingx
  annex by my troth and maidenheadx
    i would not be a queenx
  old ladyx beshrew mex i wouldx
    and venture maidenhead for xtx and so would youx
    for all this spice of your hypocrisyx
    you that have so fair parts of woman on you
    have too a womanxs heartx which ever yet
    affected eminencex wealthx sovereigntyx
    whichx to say soothx are blessingsx and which giftsx
    saving your mincingx the capacity
    of your soft cheveril conscience would receive
    if you might please to stretch itx
  annex nayx good trothx
  old ladyx yesx troth and trothx you would not be a queenx
  annex nox not for all the riches under heavenx
  old ladyx xtis strangex a threepence bowxd would hire mex
    old as i amx to queen itx butx i pray youx
    what think you of a duchessx have you limbs
    to bear that load of titlex
  annex nox in truthx
  old ladyx then you are weakly madex pluck off a littlex
    i would not be a young count in your way
    for more than blushing comes tox if your back
    cannot vouchsafe this burdenx xtis too weak
    ever to get a boyx
  annex how you do talkx
    i swear again i would not be a queen
    for all the worldx
  old ladyx in faithx for little england
    youxd venture an emballingx i myself
    would for carnarvonshirex although there longxd
    no more to thx crown but thatx lox who comes herex

         enter the lord chamberlain

  chamberlainx good morrowx ladiesx what werext worth to know
    the secret of your conferencex
  annex my good lordx
    not your demandx it values not your askingx
    our mistressx sorrows we were pityingx
  chamberlainx it was a gentle business and becoming
    the action of good womenx there is hope
    all will be wellx
  annex nowx i pray godx amenx
  chamberlainx you bear a gentle mindx and heavxnly blessings
    follow such creaturesx that you mayx fair ladyx
    perceive i speak sincerely and high notes
    taxen of your many virtuesx the kingxs majesty
    commends his good opinion of you to youx and
    does purpose honour to you no less flowing
    than marchioness of pembrokex to which tide
    a thousand pound a yearx annual supportx
    out of his grace he addsx
  annex i do not know
    what kind of my obedience i should tenderx
    more than my all is nothingx nor my prayers
    are not words duly hallowedx nor my wishes
    more worth than empty vanitiesx yet prayers and wishes
    are all i can returnx beseech your lordshipx
    vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obediencex
    as from a blushing handmaidx to his highnessx
    whose health and royalty i pray forx
  chamberlainx ladyx
    i shall not fail tx approve the fair conceit
    the king hath of youx  xasidex  i have perusxd her wellx
    beauty and honour in her are so mingled
    that they have caught the kingx and who knows yet
    but from this lady may proceed a gem
    to lighten all this islexxixll to the king
    and say i spoke with youx
  annex my honourxd lordx                       exit lord chamberlain
  old ladyx whyx this it isx seex seex
    i have been begging sixteen years in courtx
    am yet a courtier beggarlyxnor could
    come pat betwixt too early and too late
    for any suit of poundsx and youx o fatex
    a very freshxfish herexfiex fiex fie upon
    this compellxd fortunexxhave your mouth fillxd up
    before you open itx
  annex this is strange to mex
  old ladyx how tastes itx is it bitterx forty pencex nox
    there was a lady oncexxtis an old storyx
    that would not be a queenx that would she notx
    for all the mud in egyptx have you heard itx
  annex comex you are pleasantx
  old ladyx with your theme i could
    oxermount the larkx the marchioness of pembrokex
    a thousand pounds a year for pure respectx
    no other obligationx by my lifex
    that promises moe thousandsx honourxs train
    is longer than his foreskirtx by this time
    i know your back will bear a duchessx sayx
    are you not stronger than you werex
  annex good ladyx
    make yourself mirth with your particular fancyx
    and leave me out onxtx would i had no beingx
    if this salute my blood a jotx it faints me
    to think what followsx
    the queen is comfortlessx and we forgetful
    in our long absencex prayx do not deliver
    what here yx have heard to herx
  old ladyx what do you think mex                              exeunt

act iix scene xx

londonx a hall in blackfriars

trumpetsx sennetx and cornetsx enter two vergersx with short silver
wandsx next themx two scribesx in the habit of doctorsx after themx the
archbishop of canterbury alonex after himx the bishops of lincolnx elyx
rochesterx and saint asaphx next themx with some small distancex
follows a gentleman bearing the pursex with the great sealx and a
cardinalxs hatx then two priestsx bearing each silver crossx then a
gentleman usher bareheadedx accompanied with a sergeantxatxarms bearing
a silver macex then two gentlemen bearing two great silver pillarsx
after themx side by sidex the two cardinalsx wolsey and campeiusx two
noblemen with the sword and macex then enter the king and queen and
their trainsx the king takes place under the cloth of statex the two
cardinals sit under him as judgesx the queen takes place some distance
from the kingx the bishops place themselves on each side of the courtx
in manner of consistoryx below them the scribesx the lords sit next the
bishopsx the rest of the attendants stand in convenient order about the
stage

  wolseyx whilst our commission from rome is readx
    let silence be commandedx
  kingx whatxs the needx
    it hath already publicly been readx
    and on all sides thx authority allowxdx
    you may then spare that timex
  wolseyx bext sox proceedx
  scribex say xhenry king of englandx come into the courtxx
  crierx henry king of englandx xcx
  kingx herex
  scribex say xkatharine queen of englandx come into the courtxx
  crierx katharine queen of englandx xcx

     the queen makes no answerx rises out of her chairx
     goes about the courtx comes to the kingx and kneels
     at his feetx then speaks

  queen katharinex sirx i desire you do me right and justicex
    and to bestow your pity on mex for
    i am a most poor woman and a strangerx
    born out of your dominionsx having here
    no judge indifferentx nor no more assurance
    of equal friendship and proceedingx alasx sirx
    in what have i offended youx what cause
    hath my behaviour given to your displeasure
    that thus you should proceed to put me of
    and take your good grace from mex heaven witnessx
    i have been to you a true and humble wifex
    at all times to your will conformablex
    ever in fear to kindle your dislikex
    yeax subject to your countenancexglad or sorry
    as i saw it inclinxdx when was the hour
    i ever contradicted your desire
    or made it not mine toox or which of your friends
    have i not strove to lovex although i knew
    he were mine enemyx what friend of mine
    that had to him derivxd your anger did
    continue in my likingx nayx gave notice
    he was from thence dischargxdx sirx call to mind
    that i have been your wife in this obedience
    upward of twenty yearsx and have been blest
    with many children by youx ifx in the course
    and process of this timex you can reportx
    and prove it too against mine honourx aughtx
    my bond to wedlock or my love and dutyx
    against your sacred personx in godxs namex
    turn me away and let the foulxst contempt
    shut door upon mex and so give me up
    to the sharpxst kind of justicex please youx sirx
    the kingx your fatherx was reputed for
    a prince most prudentx of an excellent
    and unmatchxd wit and judgmentx ferdinandx
    my fatherx king of spainx was reckonxd one
    the wisest prince that there had reignxd by many
    a year beforex it is not to be questionxd
    that they had gatherxd a wise council to them
    of every realmx that did debate this businessx
    who deemxd our marriage lawfulx wherefore i humbly
    beseech youx sirx to spare me till i may
    be by my friends in spain advisxdx whose counsel
    i will implorex if notx ix thx name of godx
    your pleasure be fulfillxdx
  wolseyx you have herex ladyx
    and of your choicex these reverend fathersxmen
    of singular integrity and learningx
    yeax the elect ox thx landx who are assembled
    to plead your causex it shall be therefore bootless
    that longer you desire the courtx as well
    for your own quiet as to rectify
    what is unsettled in the kingx
  campeiusx his grace
    hath spoken well and justlyx thereforex madamx
    itxs fit this royal session do proceed
    and thatx without delayx their arguments
    be now producxd and heardx
  queen katharinex lord cardinalx
    to you i speakx
  wolseyx your pleasurex madamx
  queen katharinex sirx
    i am about to weepx butx thinking that
    we are a queenx or long have dreamxd sox certain
    the daughter of a kingx my drops of tears
    ixll turn to sparks of firex
  wolseyx be patient yetx
  queen katharinex i willx when you are humblex nayx before
    or god will punish mex i do believex
    inducxd by potent circumstancesx that
    you are mine enemyx and make my challenge
    you shall not be my judgex for it is you
    have blown this coal betwixt my lord and mex
    which godxs dew quenchx therefore i say againx
    i utterly abhorx yeax from my soul
    refuse you for my judgex whom yet once more
    i hold my most malicious foe and think not
    at all a friend to truthx
  wolseyx i do profess
    you speak not like yourselfx who ever yet
    have stood to charity and displayxd thx effects
    of disposition gentle and of wisdom
    oxertopping womanxs powxrx madamx you do me wrongx
    i have no spleen against youx nor injustice
    for you or anyx how far i have proceededx
    or how far further shallx is warranted
    by a commission from the consistoryx
    yeax the whole consistory of romex you charge me
    that i have blown this coalx i do deny itx
    the king is presentx if it be known to him
    that i gainsay my deedx how may he woundx
    and worthilyx my falsehoodx yeax as much
    as you have done my truthx if he know
    that i am free of your reportx he knows
    i am not of your wrongx therefore in him
    it lies to cure mex and the cure is to
    remove these thoughts from youx the which before
    his highness shall speak inx i do beseech
    youx gracious madamx to unthink your speaking
    and to say so no morex
  queen katharinex my lordx my lordx
    i am a simple womanx much too weak
    tx oppose your cunningx yxare meek and humblexmouthxdx
    you sign your place and callingx in full seemingx
    with meekness and humilityx but your heart
    is crammxd with arrogancyx spleenx and pridex
    you havex by fortune and his highnessx favoursx
    gone slightly oxer low stepsx and now are mounted
    where powxrs are your retainersx and your wordsx
    domestics to youx serve your will asxt please
    yourself pronounce their officex i must tell you
    you tender more your personxs honour than
    your high profession spiritualx that again
    i do refuse you for my judge and herex
    before you allx appeal unto the popex
    to bring my whole cause xfore his holiness
    and to be judgxd by himx
                     xshe curtsies to the kingx and offers to departx
  campeiusx the queen is obstinatex
    stubborn to justicex apt to accuse itx and
    disdainful to be tried byxtx xtis not wellx
    shexs going awayx
  kingx call her againx
  crierx katharine queen of englandx come into the courtx
  gentleman usherx madamx you are callxd backx
  queen katharinex what need you note itx pray you keep your wayx
    when you are callxdx returnx now the lord helpx
    they vex me past my patiencex pray you pass onx
    i will not tarryx nox nor ever more
    upon this business my appearance make
    in any of their courtsx           exeunt queen and her attendants
  kingx go thy waysx katex
    that man ix thx world who shall report he has
    a better wifex let him in nought be trusted
    for speaking false in thatx thou artx alonex
    if thy rare qualitiesx sweet gentlenessx
    thy meekness saintxlikex wifexlike governmentx
    obeying in commandingx and thy parts
    sovereign and pious elsex could speak thee outx
    the queen of earthly queensx shexs noble bornx
    and like her true nobility she has
    carried herself towards mex
  wolseyx most gracious sirx
    in humblest manner i require your highness
    that it shall please you to declare in hearing
    of all these earsxfor where i am robbxd and boundx
    there must i be unloosxdx although not there
    at once and fully satisfiedxwhether ever i
    did broach this business to your highnessx or
    laid any scruple in your way which might
    induce you to the question onxtx or ever
    have to youx but with thanks to god for such
    a royal ladyx spake one the least word that might
    be to the prejudice of her present statex
    or touch of her good personx
  kingx my lord cardinalx
    i do excuse youx yeax upon mine honourx
    i free you fromxtx you are not to be taught
    that you have many enemies that know not
    why they are sox butx like to village cursx
    bark when their fellows dox by some of these
    the queen is put in angerx yxare excusxdx
    but will you be more justifiedx you ever
    have wishxd the sleeping of this businessx never desirxd
    it to be stirrxdx but oft have hindxredx oftx
    the passages made toward itx on my honourx
    i speak my good lord cardinal to this pointx
    and thus far clear himx nowx what movxd me toxtx
    i will be bold with time and your attentionx
    then mark thx inducementx thus it camexgive heed toxtx
    my conscience first receivxd a tendernessx
    scruplex and prickx on certain speeches utterxd
    by thx bishop of bayonnex then french ambassadorx
    who had been hither sent on the debating
    a marriage xtwixt the duke of orleans and
    our daughter maryx ix thx progress of this businessx
    ere a determinate resolutionx hex
    i mean the bishopxdid require a respite
    wherein he might the king his lord advertise
    whether our daughter were legitimatex
    respecting this our marriage with the dowagerx
    sometimes our brotherxs wifex this respite shook
    the bosom of my consciencex enterxd mex
    yeax with a splitting powerx and made to tremble
    the region of my breastx which forcxd such way
    that many mazxd considerings did throng
    and pressxd in with this cautionx firstx methought
    i stood not in the smile of heavenx who had
    commanded nature that my ladyxs wombx
    if it conceivxd a male child by mex should
    do no more offices of life toxt than
    the grave does to the deadx for her male issue
    or died where they were madex or shortly after
    this world had airxd themx hence i took a thought
    this was a judgment on mex that my kingdomx
    well worthy the best heir ox thx worldx should not
    be gladded inxt by mex then follows that
    i weighxd the danger which my realms stood in
    by this my issuexs failx and that gave to me
    many a groaning throex thus hulling in
    the wild sea of my consciencex i did steer
    toward this remedyx whereupon we are
    now present here togetherx thatxs to say
    i meant to rectify my consciencex which
    i then did feel full sickx and yet not wellx
    by all the reverend fathers of the land
    and doctors learnxdx firstx i began in private
    with youx my lord of lincolnx you remember
    how under my oppression i did reekx
    when i first movxd youx
  lincolnx very wellx my liegex
  kingx i have spoke longx be pleasxd yourself to say
    how far you satisfied mex
  lincolnx so please your highnessx
    the question did at first so stagger mex
    bearing a state of mighty moment inxt
    and consequence of dreadxthat i committed
    the daringxst counsel which i had to doubtx
    and did entreat your highness to this course
    which you are running herex
  kingx i then movxd youx
    my lord of canterburyx and got your leave
    to make this present summonsx unsolicited
    i left no reverend person in this courtx
    but by particular consent proceeded
    under your hands and sealsx thereforex go onx
    for no dislike ix thx world against the person
    of the good queenx but the sharp thorny points
    of my alleged reasonsx drives this forwardx
    prove but our marriage lawfulx by my life
    and kingly dignityx we are contented
    to wear our moral state to come with herx
    katharine our queenx before the primest creature
    thatxs paragonxd ox thx worldx
  campeiusx so please your highnessx
    the queen being absentx xtis a needful fitness
    that we adjourn this court till further dayx
    meanwhile must be an earnest motion
    made to the queen to call back her appeal
    she intends unto his holinessx
  kingx  xasidex  i may perceive
    these cardinals trifle with mex i abhor
    this dilatory sloth and tricks of romex
    my learnxd and wellxbeloved servantx cranmerx
    prithee returnx with thy approach i know
    my comfort comes alongx xbreak up the courtx
    i sayx set onx                   exuent in manner as they entered

act iiix scene xx

londonx the queenxs apartments

enter the queen and her womenx as at work

  queen katharinex take thy lutex wenchx my soul grows
      sad with troublesx
    sing and disperse xemx if thou canstx leave workingx

                    song

        orpheus with his lute made treesx
        and the mountain tops that freezex
          bow themselves when he did singx
        to his music plants and flowers
        ever sprungx as sun and showers
          there had made a lasting springx

        every thing that heard him playx
        even the billows of the seax
          hung their heads and then lay byx
        in sweet music is such artx
        killing care and grief of heart
          fall asleep or hearing diex

              enter a gentleman

  queen katharinex how nowx
  gentlemanx anxt please your gracex the two great cardinals
    wait in the presencex
  queen katharinex would they speak with mex
  gentlemanx they willxd me say sox madamx
  queen katharinex pray their graces
    to come nearx xexit gentlemanx what can be their business
    with mex a poor weak womanx fallxn from favourx
    i do not like their comingx now i think onxtx
    they should be good menx their affairs as righteousx
    but all hoods make not monksx

         enter the two cardinalsx wolsey and campeius

  wolseyx peace to your highnessx
  queen katharinex your graces find me here part of housewifex
    i would be allx against the worst may happenx
    what are your pleasures with mex reverend lordsx
  wolseyx may it please youx noble madamx to withdraw
    into your private chamberx we shall give you
    the full cause of our comingx
  queen katharinex speak it herex
    therexs nothing i have done yetx ox my consciencex
    deserves a cornerx would all other women
    could speak this with as free a soul as i dox
    my lordsx i care notxso much i am happy
    above a numberxif my actions
    were tried by evxry tonguex evxry eye saw xemx
    envy and base opinion set against xemx
    i know my life so evenx if your business
    seek me outx and that way i am wife inx
    out with it boldlyx truth loves open dealingx
  wolseyx tanta est erga te mentis integritasx regina serenisxsimax
  queen katharinex ox good my lordx no latinx
    i am not such a truant since my comingx
    as not to know the language i have livxd inx
    a strange tongue makes my cause more strangex suspiciousx
    pray speak in englishx here are some will thank youx
    if you speak truthx for their poor mistressx sakex
    believe mex she has had much wrongx lord cardinalx
    the willingxst sin i ever yet committed
    may be absolvxd in englishx
  wolseyx noble ladyx
    i am sorry my integrity should breedx
    and service to his majesty and youx
    so deep suspicionx where all faith was meant
    we come not by the way of accusation
    to taint that honour every good tongue blessesx
    nor to betray you any way to sorrowx
    you have too muchx good ladyx but to know
    how you stand minded in the weighty difference
    between the king and youx and to deliverx
    like free and honest menx our just opinions
    and comforts to your causex
  campeiusx most honourxd madamx
    my lord of yorkx out of his noble naturex
    zeal and obedience he still bore your gracex
    forgettingx like a good manx your late censure
    both of his truth and himxwhich was too farx
    offersx as i dox in a sign of peacex
    his service and his counselx
  queen katharinex  xasidex  to betray mexx
    my lordsx i thank you both for your good winsx
    ye speak like honest menxpray god ye prove sox
    but how to make ye suddenly an answerx
    in such a point of weightx so near mine honourx
    more near my lifex i fearx with my weak witx
    and to such men of gravity and learningx
    in truth i know notx i was set at work
    among my maidsx full littlex god knowsx looking
    either for such men or such businessx
    for her sake that i have beenxfor i feel
    the last fit of my greatnessxgood your gracesx
    let me have time and counsel for my causex
    alasx i am a womanx friendlessx hopelessx
  wolseyx madamx you wrong the kingxs love with these fearsx
    your hopes and friends are infinitex
  queen katharinex in england
    but little for my profitx can you thinkx lordsx
    that any englishman dare give me counselx
    or be a known friendx xgainst his highnessx pleasurex
    though he be grown so desperate to be honestx
    and live a subjectx nayx forsoothx my friendsx
    they that must weigh out my afflictionsx
    they that my trust must grow tox live not herex
    they arex as all my other comfortsx far hencex
    in mine own countryx lordsx
  campeiusx i would your grace
    would leave your griefsx and take my counselx
  queen katharinex howx sirx
  campeiusx put your main cause into the kingxs protectionx
    hexs loving and most graciousx xtwill be much
    both for your honour better and your causex
    for if the trial of the law oxertake ye
    youxll part away disgracxdx
  wolseyx he tells you rightlyx
  queen katharinex ye tell me what ye wish for bothxmy ruinx
    is this your christian counselx out upon yex
    heaven is above all yetx there sits a judge
    that no king can corruptx
  campeiusx your rage mistakes usx
  queen katharinex the more shame for yex holy men i thought yex
    upon my soulx two reverend cardinal virtuesx
    but cardinal sins and hollow hearts i fear yex
    mend xemx for shamex my lordsx is this your comfortx
    the cordial that ye bring a wretched ladyx
    a woman lost among yex laughxd atx scornxdx
    i will not wish ye half my miseriesx
    i have more charityx but say i warned yex
    take heedx for heavenxs sake take heedx lest at once
    the burden of my sorrows fall upon yex
  wolseyx madamx this is a mere distractionx
    you turn the good we offer into envyx
  queen katharinex ye turn me into nothingx woe upon yex
    and all such false professorsx would you have mex
    if you have any justicex any pityx
    if ye be any thing but churchmenxs habitsx
    put my sick cause into his hands that hates mex
    alasx has banishxd me his bed alreadyx
    his love too long agox i am oldx my lordsx
    and all the fellowship i hold now with him
    is only my obediencex what can happen
    to me above this wretchednessx all your studies
    make me a curse like thisx
  campeiusx your fears are worsex
  queen katharinex have i livxd thus longxlet me speak myselfx
    since virtue finds no friendsxa wifex a true onex
    a womanx i dare say without vainxgloryx
    never yet branded with suspicionx
    have i with all my full affections
    still met the kingx lovxd him next heavxnx obeyxd himx
    beenx out of fondnessx superstitious to himx
    almost forgot my prayers to content himx
    and am i thus rewardedx xtis not wellx lordsx
    bring me a constant woman to her husbandx
    one that nexer dreamxd a joy beyond his pleasurex
    and to that womanx when she has done mostx
    yet will i add an honourxa great patiencex
  wolseyx madamx you wander from the good we aim atx
  queen katharinex my lordx i dare not make myself so guiltyx
    to give up willingly that noble title
    your master wed me tox nothing but death
    shall exer divorce my dignitiesx
  wolseyx pray hear mex
  queen katharinex would i had never trod this english earthx
    or felt the flatteries that grow upon itx
    ye have angelsx facesx but heaven knows your heartsx
    what will become of me nowx wretched ladyx
    i am the most unhappy woman livingx
    xto her womenx  alasx poor wenchesx where are now
      your fortunesx
    shipwreckxd upon a kingdomx where no pityx
    no friendsx no hopex no kindred weep for mex
    almost no grave allowxd mex like the myx
    that once was mistress of the fieldx and flourishxdx
    ixll hang my head and perishx
  wolseyx if your grace
    could but be brought to know our ends are honestx
    youxd feel more comfortx why should wex good ladyx
    upon what causex wrong youx alasx our placesx
    the way of our profession is against itx
    we are to cure such sorrowsx not to sow xemx
    for goodnessx sakex consider what you dox
    how you may hurt yourselfx ayx utterly
    grow from the kingxs acquaintancex by this carriagex
    the hearts of princes kiss obediencex
    so much they love itx but to stubborn spirits
    they swell and grow as terrible as stormsx
    i know you have a gentlex noble temperx
    a soul as even as a calmx pray think us
    those we professx peacexmakersx friendsx and servantsx
  campeiusx madamx youxll find it sox you wrong your virtues
    with these weak womenxs fearsx a noble spiritx
    as yours was put into youx ever casts
    such doubts as false coin from itx the king loves youx
    beware you lose it notx for usx if you please
    to trust us in your businessx we are ready
    to use our utmost studies in your servicex
  queen katharinex do what ye will my lordsx and pray
      forgive me
    if i have usxd myself unmannerlyx
    you know i am a womanx lacking wit
    to make a seemly answer to such personsx
    pray do my service to his majestyx
    he has my heart yetx and shall have my prayers
    while i shall have my lifex comex reverend fathersx
    bestow your counsels on mex she now begs
    that little thoughtx when she set footing herex
    she should have bought her dignities so dearx              exeunt

act iiixscene xx

londonx the palace

enter the duke of norfolkx the duke of suffolkx the earl of surreyx and
the lord chamberlain

  norfolkx if you will now unite in your complaints
    and force them with a constancyx the cardinal
    cannot stand under themx if you omit
    the offer of this timex i cannot promise
    but that you shall sustain moe new disgraces
    with these you bear alreadyx
  surreyx i am joyful
    to meet the least occasion that may give me
    remembrance of my fatherxinxlawx the dukex
    to be revengxd on himx
  suffolkx which of the peers
    have uncontemnxd gone by himx or at least
    strangely neglectedx when did he regard
    the stamp of nobleness in any person
    out of himselfx
  chamberlainx my lordsx you speak your pleasuresx
    what he deserves of you and me i knowx
    what we can do to himxthough now the time
    gives way to usxi much fearx if you cannot
    bar his access to thx kingx never attempt
    anything on himx for he hath a witchcraft
    over the king inxs tonguex
  norfolkx ox fear him notx
    his spell in that is outx the king hath found
    matter against him that for ever mars
    the honey of his languagex nox hexs settledx
    not to come offx in his displeasurex
  surreyx sirx
    i should be glad to hear such news as this
    once every hourx
  norfolkx believe itx this is truex
    in the divorce his contrary proceedings
    are all unfoldedx wherein he appears
    as i would wish mine enemyx
  surreyx how came
    his practices to lightx
  suffolkx most strangelyx
  surreyx ox howx howx
  suffolkx the cardinalxs letters to the pope miscarriedx
    and came to thx eye ox thx kingx wherein was read
    how that the cardinal did entreat his holiness
    to stay the judgment ox thx divorcex for if
    it did take placex xi dox quoth he xperceive
    my king is tangled in affection to
    a creature of the queenxsx lady anne bullenxx
  surreyx has the king thisx
  suffolkx believe itx
  surreyx will this workx
  chamberlainx the king in this perceives him how he coasts
    and hedges his own wayx but in this point
    all his tricks founderx and he brings his physic
    after his patientxs deathx the king already
    hath married the fair ladyx
  surreyx would he hadx
  suffolkx may you be happy in your wishx my lordx
    forx i professx you have itx
  surreyx nowx all my joy
    trace the conjunctionx
  suffolkx my amen toxtx
  norfolkx an menxsx
  suffolkx therexs order given for her coronationx
    marryx this is yet but youngx and may be left
    to some ears unrecountedx butx my lordsx
    she is a gallant creaturex and complete
    in mind and featurex i persuade me from her
    will fall some blessing to this landx which shall
    in it be memorizxdx
  surreyx but will the king
    digest this letter of the cardinalxsx
    the lord forbidx
  norfolkx marryx amenx
  suffolkx nox nox
    there be moe wasps that buzz about his nose
    will make this sting the soonerx cardinal campeius
    is stolxn away to romex hath taxen no leavex
    has left the cause ox thx king unhandledx and
    is postedx as the agent of our cardinalx
    to second all his plotx i do assure you
    the king cried xhaxx at thisx
  chamberlainx nowx god incense himx
    and let him cry xhaxx louderx
  norfolkx butx my lordx
    when returns cranmerx
  suffolkx he is returnxd in his opinionsx which
    have satisfied the king for his divorcex
    together with all famous colleges
    almost in christendomx shortlyx i believex
    his second marriage shall be publishxdx and
    her coronationx katharine no more
    shall be callxd queenx but princess dowager
    and widow to prince arthurx
  norfolkx this same cranmerxs
    a worthy fellowx and hath taxen much pain
    in the kingxs businessx
  suffolkx he hasx and we shall see him
    for it an archbishopx
  norfolkx so i hearx
  suffolkx xtis sox

        enter wolsey and cromwell

    the cardinalx
  norfolkx observex observex hexs moodyx
  wolseyx the packetx cromwellx
    gavext you the kingx
  cromwellx to his own handx inxs bedchamberx
  wolseyx lookxd he ox thx inside of the paperx
  cromwellx presently
    he did unseal themx and the first he viewxdx
    he did it with a serious mindx a heed
    was in his countenancex you he bade
    attend him here this morningx
  wolseyx is he ready
    to come abroadx
  cromwellx i think by this he isx
  wolseyx leave me awhilex                              exit cromwell
    xasidex  it shall be to the duchess of alenconx
    the french kingxs sisterx he shall marry herx
    anne bullenx nox ixll no anne bullens for himx
    therexs more inxt than fair visagex bullenx
    nox wexll no bullensx speedily i wish
    to hear from romex the marchioness of pembrokex
  norfolkx hexs discontentedx
  suffolkx may be he hears the king
    does whet his anger to himx
  surreyx sharp enoughx
    lordx for thy justicex
  wolseyx  xasidex  the late queenxs gentlewomanx a knightxs
      daughterx
    to be her mistressx mistressx the queenxs queenx
    this candle burns not clearx xtis i must snuff itx
    then out it goesx what though i know her virtuous
    and well deservingx yet i know her for
    a spleeny lutheranx and not wholesome to
    our cause that she should lie ix thx bosom of
    our hardxrulxd kingx againx there is sprung up
    an hereticx an arch onex cranmerx one
    hath crawlxd into the favour of the kingx
    and is his oraclex
  norfolkx he is vexxd at somethingx

        enter the kingx reading of a schedulex and lovell

  surreyx i would xtwere something that would fret the stringx
    the masterxcord onxs heartx
  suffolkx the kingx the kingx
  kingx what piles of wealth hath he accumulated
    to his own portionx and what expense by thx hour
    seems to flow from himx howx ix thx name of thriftx
    does he rake this togetherxxnowx my lordsx
    saw you the cardinalx
  norfolkx my lordx we have
    stood here observing himx some strange commotion
    is in his brainx he bites his lip and startsx
    stops on a suddenx looks upon the groundx
    then lays his finger on his templex straight
    springs out into fast gaitx then stops againx
    strikes his breast hardx and anon he casts
    his eye against the moonx in most strange postures
    we have seen him set himselfx
  kingx it may well be
    there is a mutiny inxs mindx this morning
    papers of state he sent me to perusex
    as i requirxdx and wot you what i found
    therexon my consciencex put unwittinglyx
    forsoothx an inventoryx thus importing
    the several parcels of his platex his treasurex
    rich stuffsx and ornaments of householdx which
    i find at such proud rate that it outspeaks
    possession of a subjectx
  norfolkx itxs heavenxs willx
    some spirit put this paper in the packet
    to bless your eye withalx
  kingx if we did think
    his contemplation were above the earth
    and fixxd on spiritual objectx he should still
    dwell in his musingsx but i am afraid
    his thinkings are below the moonx not worth
    his serious consideringx
                        xthe king takes his seat and whispers lovellx
                                           who goes to the cardinalx
  wolseyx heaven forgive mex
    ever god bless your highnessx
  kingx goodx my lordx
    you are full of heavenly stuffx and bear the inventory
    of your best graces in your mindx the which
    you were now running oxerx you have scarce time
    to steal from spiritual leisure a brief span
    to keep your earthly auditx surex in that
    i deem you an ill husbandx and am glad
    to have you therein my companionx
  wolseyx sirx
    for holy offices i have a timex a time
    to think upon the part of business which
    i bear ix thx statex and nature does require
    her times of preservationx which perforce
    ix her frail sonx amongst my brethren mortalx
    must give my tendance tox
  kingx you have said wellx
  wolseyx and ever may your highness yoke togetherx
    as i will lend you causex my doing well
    with my well sayingx
  kingx xtis well said againx
    and xtis a kind of good deed to say wellx
    and yet words are no deedsx my father lovxd youx
    he said he didx and with his deed did crown
    his word upon youx since i had my office
    i have kept you next my heartx have not alone
    employxd you where high profits might come homex
    but parxd my present havings to bestow
    my bounties upon youx
  wolseyx  xasidex  what should this meanx
  surreyx  xasidex  the lord increase this businessx
  kingx have i not made you
    the prime man of the statex i pray you tell me
    if what i now pronounce you have found truex
    andx if you may confess itx say withal
    if you are bound to us or nox what say youx
  wolseyx my sovereignx i confess your royal gracesx
    showxrxd on me dailyx have been more than could
    my studied purposes requitex which went
    beyond all manxs endeavoursx my endeavoursx
    have ever come too short of my desiresx
    yet filxd with my abilitiesx mine own ends
    have been mine so that evermore they pointed
    to thx good of your most sacred person and
    the profit of the statex for your great graces
    heapxd upon mex poor undeserverx i
    can nothing render but allegiant thanksx
    my prayxrs to heaven for youx my loyaltyx
    which ever has and ever shall be growingx
    till deathx that winterx kill itx
  kingx fairly answerxdx
    a loyal and obedient subject is
    therein illustratedx the honour of it
    does pay the act of itx asx ix thx contraryx
    the foulness is the punishmentx i presume
    thatx as my hand has openxd bounty to youx
    my heart droppxd lovex my powxr rainxd honourx more
    on you than anyx so your hand and heartx
    your brainx and every function of your powerx
    shouldx notwithstanding that your bond of dutyx
    as xtwere in lovexs particularx be more
    to mex your friendx than anyx
  wolseyx i do profess
    that for your highnessx good i ever labourxd
    more than mine ownx that amx havex and will bex
    though all the world should crack their duty to youx
    and throw it from their soulx though perils did
    abound as thick as thought could make xemx and
    appear in forms more horridxyet my dutyx
    as doth a rock against the chiding floodx
    should the approach of this wild river breakx
    and stand unshaken yoursx
  kingx xtis nobly spokenx
    take noticex lordsx he has a loyal breastx
    for you have seen him open xtx read oxer thisx
                                                  xgiving him papersx
    and afterx thisx and then to breakfast with
    what appetite you havex
                exit the kingx frowning upon the cardinalx the nobles
                             throng after himx smiling and whispering
  wolseyx what should this meanx
    what sudden angerxs thisx how have i reapxd itx
    he parted frowning from mex as if ruin
    leapxd from his eyesx so looks the chafed lion
    upon the daring huntsman that has gallxd himx
    then makes him nothingx i must read this paperx
    i fearx the story of his angerx xtis sox
    this paper has undone mex xtis thx account
    of all that world of wealth i have drawn together
    for mine own endsx indeed to gain the popedomx
    and fee my friends in romex o negligencex
    fit for a fool to fall byx what cross devil
    made me put this main secret in the packet
    i sent the kingx is there no way to cure thisx
    no new device to beat this from his brainsx
    i know xtwill stir him stronglyx yet i know
    a wayx if it take rightx in spite of fortunex
    will bring me off againx whatxs thisx xto thx popexx
    the letterx as i livex with all the business
    i writ toxs holinessx nay thenx farewellx
    i have touchxd the highest point of all my greatnessx
    and from that full meridian of my glory
    i haste now to my settingx i shall fall
    like a bright exhalation in the eveningx
    and no man see me morex

        rexenter to wolsey the dukes of norfolk and
        suffolkx the earl of surreyx and the lord
        chamberlain

  norfolkx hear the kingxs pleasurex cardinalx who commands you
    to render up the great seal presently
    into our handsx and to confine yourself
    to asher housex my lord of winchesterxsx
    till you hear further from his highnessx
  wolseyx stayx
    wherexs your commissionx lordsx words cannot carry
    authority so weightyx
  suffolkx who dares cross xemx
    bearing the kingxs will from his mouth expresslyx
  wolseyx till i find more than will or words to do itx
    i mean your malicexknowx officious lordsx
    i dare and must deny itx now i feel
    of what coarse metal ye are mouldedxenvyx
    how eagerly ye follow my disgracesx
    as if it fed yex and how sleek and wanton
    ye appear in every thing may bring my ruinx
    follow your envious coursesx men of malicex
    you have christian warrant for xemx and no doubt
    in time will find their fit rewardsx that seal
    you ask with such a violencex the kingx
    mine and your masterxwith his own hand gave mex
    bade me enjoy itx with the place and honoursx
    during my lifex andx to confirm his goodnessx
    tied it by lettersxpatentsx nowx whoxll take itx
  surreyx the kingx that gave itx
  wolseyx it must be himself thenx
  surreyx thou art a proud traitorx priestx
  wolseyx proud lordx thou liestx
    within these forty hours surrey durst better
    have burnt that tongue than said sox
  surreyx thy ambitionx
    thou scarlet sinx robbxd this bewailing land
    of noble buckinghamx my fatherxinxlawx
    the heads of all thy brother cardinalsx
    with thee and all thy best parts bound togetherx
    weighxd not a hair of hisx plague of your policyx
    you sent me deputy for irelandx
    far from his succourx from the kingx from all
    that might have mercy on the fault thou gavxst himx
    whilst your great goodnessx out of holy pityx
    absolvxd him with an axex
  wolseyx thisx and all else
    this talking lord can lay upon my creditx
    i answer is most falsex the duke by law
    found his desertsx how innocent i was
    from any private malice in his endx
    his noble jury and foul cause can witnessx
    if i lovxd many wordsx lordx i should tell you
    you have as little honesty as honourx
    that in the way of loyalty and truth
    toward the kingx my ever royal masterx
    dare mate a sounder man than surrey can be
    and an that love his folliesx
  surreyx by my soulx
    your long coatx priestx protects youx thou shouldst feel
    my sword ix the lifexblood of thee elsex my lords
    can ye endure to hear this arrogancex
    and from this fellowx if we live thus tamelyx
    to be thus jaded by a piece of scarletx
    farewell nobilityx let his grace go forward
    and dare us with his cap like larksx
  wolseyx all goodness
    is poison to thy stomachx
  surreyx yesx that goodness
    of gleaning all the landxs wealth into onex
    into your own handsx cardinalx by extortionx
    the goodness of your intercepted packets
    you writ to thx pope against the kingx your goodnessx
    since you provoke mex shall be most notoriousx
    my lord of norfolkx as you are truly noblex
    as you respect the common goodx the state
    of our despisxd nobilityx our issuesx
    whomx if he livex will scarce be gentlemenx
    produce the grand sum of his sinsx the articles
    collected from his lifex ixll startle you
    worse than the sacring bellx when the brown wench
    lay kissing in your armsx lord cardinalx
  wolseyx how muchx methinksx i could despise this manx
    but that i am bound in charity against itx
  norfolkx those articlesx my lordx are in the kingxs handx
    butx thus muchx they are foul onesx
  wolseyx so much fairer
    and spotless shall mine innocence arisex
    when the king knows my truthx
  surreyx this cannot save youx
    i thank my memory i yet remember
    some of these articlesx and out they shallx
    nowx if you can blush and cry guiltyx cardinalx
    youxll show a little honestyx
  wolseyx speak onx sirx
    i dare your worst objectionsx if i blushx
    it is to see a nobleman want mannersx
  surreyx i had rather want those than my headx have at youx
    firstx that without the kingxs assent or knowledge
    you wrought to be a legatex by which power
    you maimxd the jurisdiction of all bishopsx
  norfolkx thenx that in all you writ to romex or else
    to foreign princesx xego et rex meusx
    was still inscribxdx in which you brought the king
    to be your servantx
  suffolkx thenx that without the knowledge
    either of king or councilx when you went
    ambassador to the emperorx you made bold
    to carry into flanders the great sealx
  surreyx itemx you sent a large commission
    to gregory de cassadox to concludex
    without the kingxs will or the statexs allowancex
    a league between his highness and ferrarax
  suffolkx that out of mere ambition you have causxd
    your holy hat to be stampxd on the kingxs coinx
  surreyx thenx that you have sent innumerable substancex
    by what means got i leave to your own consciencex
    to furnish rome and to prepare the ways
    you have for dignitiesx to the mere undoing
    of all the kingdomx many more there arex
    whichx since they are of youx and odiousx
    i will not taint my mouth withx
  chamberlainx o my lordx
    press not a falling man too farx xtis virtuex
    his faults lie open to the lawsx let themx
    not youx correct himx my heart weeps to see him
    so little of his great selfx
  surreyx i forgive himx
  suffolkx lord cardinalx the kingxs further pleasure isx
    because all those things you have done of latex
    by your power legatine within this kingdomx
    fall into thx compass of a praemunirex
    that therefore such a writ be sued against youx
    to forfeit all your goodsx landsx tenementsx
    chattelsx and whatsoeverx and to be
    out of the kingxs protectionx this is my chargex
  norfolkx and so wexll leave you to your meditations
    how to live betterx for your stubborn answer
    about the giving back the great seal to usx
    the king shall know itx andx no doubtx shall thank youx
    so fare you wellx my little good lord cardinalx
                                                exeunt all but wolsey
  wolseyx so farewell to the little good you bear mex
    farewellx a long farewellx to all my greatnessx
    this is the state of manx toxday he puts forth
    the tender leaves of hopesx toxmorrow blossoms
    and bears his blushing honours thick upon himx
    the third day comes a frostx a killing frostx
    and when he thinksx good easy manx full surely
    his greatness is axripeningx nips his rootx
    and then he fallsx as i dox i have venturxdx
    like little wanton boys that swim on bladdersx
    this many summers in a sea of gloryx
    but far beyond my depthx my highxblown pride
    at length broke under mex and now has left mex
    weary and old with servicex to the mercy
    of a rude streamx that must for ever hide mex
    vain pomp and glory of this worldx i hate yex
    i feel my heart new openxdx ox how wretched
    is that poor man that hangs on princesx favoursx
    there is betwixt that smile we would aspire tox
    that sweet aspect of princesx and their ruin
    more pangs and fears than wars or women havex
    and when he fallsx he falls like luciferx
    never to hope againx

         enter cromwellx standing amazed

    whyx how nowx cromwellx
  cromwellx i have no power to speakx sirx
  wolseyx whatx amazxd
    at my misfortunesx can thy spirit wonder
    a great man should declinex nayx an you weepx
    i am fallxn indeedx
  cromwellx how does your gracex
  wolseyx whyx wellx
    never so truly happyx my good cromwellx
    i know myself nowx and i feel within me
    a peace above all earthly dignitiesx
    a still and quiet consciencex the king has curxd mex
    i humbly thank his gracex and from these shouldersx
    these ruinxd pillarsx out of pityx taken
    a load would sink a navyxtoo much honourx
    ox xtis a burdenx cromwellx xtis a burden
    too heavy for a man that hopes for heavenx
  cromwellx i am glad your grace has made that right use of itx
  wolseyx i hope i havex i am able nowx methinksx
    out of a fortitude of soul i feelx
    to endure more miseries and greater far
    than my weakxhearted enemies dare offerx
    what news abroadx
  cromwellx the heaviest and the worst
    is your displeasure with the kingx
  wolseyx god bless himx
  cromwellx the next is that sir thomas more is chosen
    lord chancellor in your placex
  wolseyx thatxs somewhat suddenx
    but hexs a learned manx may he continue
    long in his highnessx favourx and do justice
    for truthxs sake and his consciencex that his bones
    when he has run his course and sleeps in blessingsx
    may have a tomb of orphansx tears wept on himx
    what morex
  cromwellx that cranmer is returnxd with welcomex
    installxd lord archbishop of canterburyx
  wolseyx thatxs news indeedx
  cromwellx lastx that the lady annex
    whom the king hath in secrecy long marriedx
    this day was viewxd in open as his queenx
    going to chapelx and the voice is now
    only about her coronationx
  wolseyx there was the weight that pullxd me downx
      o cromwellx
    the king has gone beyond mex all my glories
    in that one woman i have lost for everx
    no sun shall ever usher forth mine honoursx
    or gild again the noble troops that waited
    upon my smilesx go get thee from mex cromwellx
    i am a poor fallxn manx unworthy now
    to be thy lord and masterx seek the kingx
    that sunx i prayx may never setx i have told him
    what and how true thou artx he will advance theex
    some little memory of me will stir himx
    i know his noble naturexnot to let
    thy hopeful service perish toox good cromwellx
    neglect him notx make use nowx and provide
    for thine own future safetyx
  cromwellx o my lordx
    must i then leave youx must i needs forgo
    so goodx so noblex and so true a masterx
    bear witnessx all that have not hearts of ironx
    with what a sorrow cromwell leaves his lordx
    the king shall have my servicex but my prayers
    for ever and for ever shall be yoursx
  wolseyx cromwellx i did not think to shed a tear
    in all my miseriesx but thou hast forcxd mex
    out of thy honest truthx to play the womanx
    letxs dry our eyesx and thus far hear mex cromwellx
    and when i am forgottenx as i shall bex
    and sleep in dull cold marblex where no mention
    of me more must be heard ofx say i taught theex
    say wolseyx that once trod the ways of gloryx
    and sounded all the depths and shoals of honourx
    found thee a wayx out of his wreckx to rise inx
    a sure and safe onex though thy master missxd itx
    mark but my fall and that that ruinxd mex
    cromwellx i charge theex fling away ambitionx
    by that sin fell the angelsx how can man thenx
    the image of his makerx hope to win by itx
    love thyself lastx cherish those hearts that hate theex
    corruption wins not more than honestyx
    still in thy right hand carry gentle peace
    to silence envious tonguesx be justx and fear notx
    let all the ends thou aimxst at be thy countryxsx
    thy godxsx and truthxsx thenx if thou fallxstx o cromwellx
    thou fallxst a blessed martyrx
    serve the kingx andxprithee lead me inx
    there take an inventory of all i have
    to the last pennyx xtis the kingxsx my robex
    and my integrity to heavenx is all
    i dare now call mine ownx o cromwellx cromwellx
    had i but servxd my god with half the zeal
    i servxd my kingx he would not in mine age
    have left me naked to mine enemiesx
  cromwellx good sirx have patiencex
  wolseyx so i havex farewell
    the hopes of courtx my hopes in heaven do dwellx           exeunt

act ivx scene xx

a street in westminster

enter two gentlemenx meeting one another

  first gentlemanx yxare well met once againx
  second gentlemanx so are youx
  first gentlemanx you come to take your stand herex and
      behold
    the lady anne pass from her coronationx
  second gentlemanx xtis all my businessx at our last encounter
    the duke of buckingham came from his trialx
  first gentlemanx xtis very truex but that time offerxd
      sorrowx
    thisx general joyx
  second gentlemanx xtis wellx the citizensx
    i am surex have shown at full their royal mindsx
    asx let xem have their rightsx they are ever forwardx
    in celebration of this day with showsx
    pageantsx and sights of honourx
  first gentlemanx never greaterx
    norx ixll assure youx better takenx sirx
  second gentlemanx may i be bold to ask what that containsx
    that paper in your handx
  first gentlemanx yesx xtis the list
    of those that claim their offices this dayx
    by custom of the coronationx
    the duke of suffolk is the firstx and claims
    to be high stewardx nextx the duke of norfolkx
    he to be earl marshalx you may read the restx
  second gentlemanx i thank youx sirx had i not known
      those customsx
    i should have been beholding to your paperx
    butx i beseech youx whatxs become of katharinex
    the princess dowagerx how goes her businessx
  first gentlemanx that i can tell you toox the archbishop
    of canterburyx accompanied with other
    learned and reverend fathers of his orderx
    held a late court at dunstablex six miles of
    from ampthillx where the princess layx to which
    she was often cited by themx but appearxd notx
    andx to be shortx for not appearance and
    the kingxs late scruplex by the main assent
    of all these learned menx she was divorcxdx
    and the late marriage made of none effectx
    since which she was removed to kimboltonx
    where she remains now sickx
  second gentlemanx alasx good ladyx                       xtrumpetsx
    the trumpets soundx stand closex the queen is comingx
xhautboysx

              the order of the coronationx

    xx a lively flourish of trumpetsx
    xx then two judgesx
    xx lord chancellorx with purse and mace before himx
    xx choristers singingx                                    xmusicx
    xx mayor of londonx bearing the macex then garterx in
       his coat of armsx and on his head he wore a gilt copper
       crownx
    xx marquis dorsetx bearing a sceptre of goldx on his head a
       demixcoronal of goldx with himx the earl of surreyx
       bearing the rod of silver with the dovex crowned with an
       earlxs coronetx collars of essesx
    xx duke of suffolkx in his robe of estatex his coronet on
       his headx bearing a long white wandx as high stewardx
       with himx the duke of norfolkx with the rod of
       marshalshipx a coronet on his headx collars of essesx
    xx a canopy borne by four of the cinquexportsx under it
       the queen in her robex in her hair richly adorned with
       pearlx crownedx on each side herx the bishops of london
       and winchesterx
    xx the old duchess of norfolkx in a coronal of gold
       wrought with flowersx bearing the queenxs trainx
   xxx certain ladies or countessesx with plain circlets of gold
       without flowersx

             exeuntx first passing over the stage in order and statex
                                and then a great flourish of trumpets

  second gentlemanx a royal trainx believe mex these knowx
    whoxs that that bears the sceptrex
  first gentlemanx marquis dorsetx
    and that the earl of surreyx with the rodx
  second gentlemanx a bold brave gentlemanx that should be
    the duke of suffolkx
  first gentlemanx xtis the samexhigh stewardx
  second gentlemanx and that my lord of norfolkx
  first gentlemanx yesx
  second gentlemanx  xlooking on the queenx  heaven
      bless theex
    thou hast the sweetest face i ever lookxd onx
    sirx as i have a soulx she is an angelx
    our king has all the indies in his armsx
    and more and richerx when he strains that ladyx
    i cannot blame his consciencex
  first gentlemanx they that bear
    the cloth of honour over her are four barons
    of the cinquexportsx
  second gentlemanx those men are happyx and so are all
      are near herx
    i take it she that carries up the train
    is that old noble ladyx duchess of norfolkx
  first gentlemanx it isx and all the rest are countessesx
  second gentlemanx their coronets say sox these are stars indeedx
    and sometimes falling onesx
  first gentlemanx no more of thatx
                   exit processionx with a great flourish of trumpets

               enter a third gentleman

    god save youx sirx where have you been broilingx
  third gentlemanx among the crowds ix thx abbeyx where a finger
    could not be wedgxd in morex i am stifled
    with the mere rankness of their joyx
  second gentlemanx you saw
    the ceremonyx
  third gentlemanx that i didx
  first gentlemanx how was itx
  third gentlemanx well worth the seeingx
  second gentlemanx good sirx speak it to usx
  third gentlemanx as well as i am ablex the rich stream
    of lords and ladiesx having brought the queen
    to a preparxd place in the choirx fell of
    a distance from herx while her grace sat down
    to rest awhilex some half an hour or sox
    in a rich chair of statex opposing freely
    the beauty of her person to the peoplex
    believe mex sirx she is the goodliest woman
    that ever lay by manx which when the people
    had the full view ofx such a noise arose
    as the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempestx
    as loudx and to as many tunesx hatsx cloaksx
    doubletsx i thinkxflew upx and had their faces
    been loosex this day they had been lostx such joy
    i never saw beforex greatxbellied womenx
    that had not half a week to gox like rams
    in the old time of warx would shake the pressx
    and make xem reel before xemx no man living
    could say xthis is my wifex therex all were woven
    so strangely in one piecex
  second gentlemanx but what followxdx
  third gentlemanx at length her grace rosex and with
      modest paces
    came to the altarx where she kneelxdx and saintlike
    cast her fair eyes to heavenx and prayxd devoutlyx
    then rose againx and bowxd her to the peoplex
    when by the archbishop of canterbury
    she had all the royal makings of a queenx
    as holy oilx edward confessorxs crownx
    the rodx and bird of peacex and all such emblems
    laid nobly on herx which performxdx the choirx
    with all the choicest music of the kingdomx
    together sung xte deumxx so she partedx
    and with the same full state pacxd back again
    to york placex where the feast is heldx
  first gentlemanx sirx
    you must no more call it york placex thatxs pastx
    for since the cardinal fell that titlexs lostx
    xtis now the kingxsx and called whitehallx
  third gentlemanx i know itx
    but xtis so lately alterxd that the old name
    is fresh about mex
  second gentlemanx what two reverend bishops
    were those that went on each side of the queenx
  third gentlemanx stokesly and gardinerx the one of winchesterx
    newly preferrxd from the kingxs secretaryx
    the otherx londonx
  second gentlemanx he of winchester
    is held no great good lover of the archbishopxsx
    the virtuous cranmerx
  third gentlemanx all the land knows thatx
    howeverx yet there is no great breachx when it comesx
    cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from himx
  second gentlemanx who may that bex i pray youx
  third gentlemanx thomas cromwellx
    a man in much esteem with thx kingx and truly
    a worthy friendx the king has made him master
    ox thx jewel housex
    and onex alreadyx of the privy councilx
  second gentlemanx he will deserve morex
  third gentlemanx yesx without all doubtx
    comex gentlemenx ye shall go my wayx which
    is to thx courtx and there ye shall be my guestsx
    something i can commandx as i walk thitherx
    ixll tell ye morex
  bothx you may command usx sirx                               exeunt

act ivx scene xx

kimbolton

enter katharinex dowagerx sickx led between griffithx her gentleman
usherx and patiencex her woman

  griffithx how does your gracex
  katharinex o griffithx sick to deathx
    my legs like loaden branches bow to thx earthx
    willing to leave their burdenx reach a chairx
    soxnowx methinksx i feel a little easex
    didst thou not tell mex griffithx as thou ledxst mex
    that the great child of honourx cardinal wolseyx
    was deadx
  griffithx yesx madamx but i think your gracex
    out of the pain you sufferxdx gave no ear toxtx
  katharinex pritheex good griffithx tell me how he diedx
    if wellx he steppxd before mex happilyx
    for my examplex
  griffithx wellx the voice goesx madamx
    for after the stout earl northumberland
    arrested him at york and brought him forwardx
    as a man sorely taintedx to his answerx
    he fell sick suddenlyx and grew so ill
    he could not sit his mulex
  katharinex alasx poor manx
  griffithx at lastx with easy roadsx he came to leicesterx
    lodgxd in the abbeyx where the reverend abbotx
    with all his coventx honourably receivxd himx
    to whom he gave these wordsx xo father abbotx
    an old manx broken with the storms of statex
    is come to lay his weary bones among yex
    give him a little earth for charityxx
    so went to bedx where eagerly his sickness
    pursuxd him still and three nights after thisx
    about the hour of eightxwhich he himself
    foretold should be his lastxfull of repentancex
    continual meditationsx tearsx and sorrowsx
    he gave his honours to the world againx
    his blessed part to heavenx and slept in peacex
  katharinex so may he restx his faults lie gently on himx
    yet thus farx griffithx give me leave to speak himx
    and yet with charityx he was a man
    of an unbounded stomachx ever ranking
    himself with princesx one thatx by suggestionx
    tied all the kingdomx simony was fair playx
    his own opinion was his lawx ix thx presence
    he would say untruthsx and be ever double
    both in his words and meaningx he was neverx
    but where he meant to ruinx pitifulx
    his promises werex as he then wasx mightyx
    but his performancex as he is nowx nothingx
    of his own body he was illx and gave
    the clergy ill examplex
  griffithx noble madamx
    menxs evil manners live in brassx their virtues
    we write in waterx may it please your highness
    to hear me speak his good nowx
  katharinex yesx good griffithx
    i were malicious elsex
  griffithx this cardinalx
    though from an humble stockx undoubtedly
    was fashionxd to much honour from his cradlex
    he was a scholarx and a ripe and good onex
    exceeding wisex fairxspokenx and persuadingx
    lofty and sour to them that lovxd him notx
    but to those men that sought him sweet as summerx
    and though he were unsatisfied in gettingx
    which was a sinxyet in bestowingx madamx
    he was most princelyx ever witness for him
    those twins of learning that he raisxd in youx
    ipswich and oxfordx one of which fell with himx
    unwilling to outlive the good that did itx
    the otherx though unfinishxdx yet so famousx
    so excellent in artx and still so risingx
    that christendom shall ever speak his virtuex
    his overthrow heapxd happiness upon himx
    for thenx and not till thenx he felt himselfx
    and found the blessedness of being littlex
    andx to add greater honours to his age
    than man could give himx he died fearing godx
  katharinex after my death i wish no other heraldx
    no other speaker of my living actionsx
    to keep mine honour from corruptionx
    but such an honest chronicler as griffithx
    whom i most hated livingx thou hast made mex
    with thy religious truth and modestyx
    now in his ashes honourx peace be with himx
    patiencex be near me stillx and set me lowerx
    i have not long to trouble theex good griffithx
    cause the musicians play me that sad note
    i namxd my knellx whilst i sit meditating
    on that celestial harmony i go tox
                                              xsad and solemn musicx
  griffithx she is asleepx good wenchx letxs sit down quietx
    for fear we wake herx softlyx gentle patiencex

                 the visionx

      enterx solemnly tripping one after anotherx six personages clad
      in white robesx wearing on their heads garlands of baysx and
      golden vizards on their facesx branches of bays or palm in their
      handsx they first congee unto herx then dancex andx at certain
      changesx the first two hold a spare garland over her headx at
      which the other four make reverent curtsiesx then the two that
      held the garland deliver the same to the other next twox who
      observe the same order in their changesx and holding the garland
      over her headx which donex they deliver the same garland to the
      last twox who likewise observe the same orderx at whichx as it
      were by inspirationx she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicingx
      and holdeth up her hands to heavenx and so in their dancing
      vanishx carrying the garland with themx the music continues

  katharinex spirits of peacex where are yex are ye all gonex
    and leave me here in wretchedness behind yex
  griffithx madamx we are herex
  katharinex it is not you i call forx
    saw ye none enter since i sleptx
  griffithx nonex madamx
  katharinex nox saw you notx even nowx a blessed troop
    invite me to a banquetx whose bright faces
    cast thousand beams upon mex like the sunx
    they promisxd me eternal happinessx
    and brought me garlandsx griffithx which i feel
    i am not worthy yet to wearx i shallx assuredlyx
  griffithx i am most joyfulx madamx such good dreams
    possess your fancyx
  katharinex bid the music leavex
    they are harsh and heavy to mex                    xmusic ceasesx
  patiencex do you note
    how much her grace is alterxd on the suddenx
    how long her face is drawnx how pale she looksx
    and of an earthly coldx mark her eyesx
  griffithx she is goingx wenchx prayx prayx
  patiencex heaven comfort herx

             enter a messenger

  messengerx anxt like your gracex
  katharinex you are a saucy fellowx
    deserve we no more reverencex
  griffithx you are to blamex
    knowing she will not lose her wonted greatnessx
    to use so rude behaviourx go tox kneelx
  messengerx i humbly do entreat your highnessx pardonx
    my haste made me unmannerlyx there is staying
    a gentlemanx sent from the kingx to see youx
  katharinex admit him entrancex griffithx but this fellow
    let me nexer see againx                            exit messenger

              enter lord capucius

    if my sight fail notx
    you should be lord ambassador from the emperorx
    my royal nephewx and your name capuciusx
  capuciusx madamx the samexyour servantx
  katharinex ox my lordx
    the times and titles now are alterxd strangely
    with me since first you knew mex butx i pray youx
    what is your pleasure with mex
  capuciusx noble ladyx
    firstx mine own service to your gracex the nextx
    the kingxs request that i would visit youx
    who grieves much for your weaknessx and by me
    sends you his princely commendations
    and heartily entreats you take good comfortx
  katharinex o my good lordx that comfort comes too latex
    xtis like a pardon after executionx
    that gentle physicx given in timex had curxd mex
    but now i am past all comforts herex but prayersx
    how does his highnessx
  capuciusx madamx in good healthx
  katharinex so may he ever dox and ever flourish
    when i shall dwell with wormsx and my poor name
    banishxd the kingdomx patiencex is that letter
    i causxd you write yet sent awayx
  patiencex nox madamx                       xgiving it to katharinex
  katharinex sirx i most humbly pray you to deliver
    this to my lord the kingx
  capuciusx most willingx madamx
  katharinex in which i have commended to his goodness
    the model of our chaste lovesx his young daughterx
    the dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on herxx
    beseeching him to give her virtuous breedingx
    she is youngx and of a noble modest naturex
    i hope she will deserve wellxand a little
    to love her for her motherxs sakex that lovxd himx
    heaven knows how dearlyx my next poor petition
    is that his noble grace would have some pity
    upon my wretched women that so long
    have followxd both my fortunes faithfullyx
    of which there is not onex i dare avowx
    and now i should not liexbut will deservex
    for virtue and true beauty of the soulx
    for honesty and decent carriagex
    a right good husbandx let him be a noblex
    and sure those men are happy that shall have xemx
    the last is for my menxthey are the poorestx
    but poverty could never draw xem from mex
    that they may have their wages duly paid xemx
    and something over to remember me byx
    if heaven had pleasxd to have given me longer life
    and able meansx we had not parted thusx
    these are the whole contentsx andx good my lordx
    by that you love the dearest in this worldx
    as you wish christian peace to souls departedx
    stand these poor peoplexs friendx and urge the king
    to do me this last rightx
  capuciusx by heavenx i willx
    or let me lose the fashion of a manx
  katharinex i thank youx honest lordx remember me
    in all humility unto his highnessx
    say his long trouble now is passing
    out of this worldx tell him in death i blessxd himx
    for so i willx mine eyes grow dimx farewellx
    my lordx griffithx farewellx nayx patiencex
    you must not leave me yetx i must to bedx
    call in more womenx when i am deadx good wenchx
    let me be usxd with honourx strew me over
    with maiden flowersx that all the world may know
    i was a chaste wife to my gravex embalm mex
    then lay me forthx although unqueenxdx yet like
    a queenx and daughter to a kingx inter mex
    i can no morex                          exeuntx leading katharine

act vx scene xx

londonx a gallery in the palace

enter gardinerx bishop of winchesterx a page with a torch before himx
met by sir thomas lovell

  gardinerx itxs one oxclockx boyx isxt notx
  boyx it hath struckx
  gardinerx these should be hours for necessitiesx
    not for delightsx times to repair our nature
    with comforting reposex and not for us
    to waste these timesx good hour of nightx sir thomasx
    whither so latex
  lovellx came you from the kingx my lordx
  gardinerx i didx sir thomasx and left him at primero
    with the duke of suffolkx
  lovellx i must to him toox
    before he go to bedx ixll take my leavex
  gardinerx not yetx sir thomas lovellx whatxs the matterx
    it seems you are in hastex an if there be
    no great offence belongs toxtx give your friend
    some touch of your late businessx affairs that walkx
    as they say spirits doxat midnightx have
    in them a wilder nature than the business
    that seeks despatch by dayx
  lovellx my lordx i love youx
    and durst commend a secret to your ear
    much weightier than this workx the queenxs in labourx
    they say in great extremityx and fearxd
    shexll with the labour endx
  gardinerx the fruit she goes with
    i pray for heartilyx that it may find
    good timex and livex but for the stockx sir thomasx
    i wish it grubbxd up nowx
  lovellx methinks i could
    cry thee amenx and yet my conscience says
    shexs a good creaturex andx sweet ladyx does
    deserve our better wishesx
  gardinerx butx sirx sirx
    hear mex sir thomasx yxare a gentleman
    of mine own wayx i know you wisex religiousx
    andx let me tell youx it will nexer be wellx
    xtwill notx sir thomas lovellx takext of mex
    till cranmerx cromwellx her two handsx and shex
    sleep in their gravesx
  lovellx nowx sirx you speak of two
    the most remarkxd ix thx kingdomx as for cromwellx
    beside that of the jewel housex is made master
    ox thx rollsx and the kingxs secretaryx furtherx sirx
    stands in the gap and trade of moe prefermentsx
    with which the time will load himx thx archbishop
    is the kingxs hand and tonguex and who dare speak
    one syllable against himx
  gardinerx yesx yesx sir thomasx
    there are that darex and i myself have venturxd
    to speak my mind of himx and indeed this dayx
    sirxi may tell it youxi think i have
    incensxd the lords ox thx councilx that he isx
    for so i know he isx they know he isx
    a most arch hereticx a pestilence
    that does infect the landx with which they moved
    have broken with the kingx who hath so far
    given ear to our complaintxof his great grace
    and princely carex foreseeing those fell mischiefs
    our reasons laid before himxhath commanded
    toxmorrow morning to the council board
    he be conventedx hexs a rank weedx sir thomasx
    and we must root him outx from your affairs
    i hinder you too longxgood nightx sir thomasx
  lovellx many good nightsx my lordx i rest your servantx
                                             exeunt gardiner and page

         enter the king and the duke of suffolk

  kingx charlesx i will play no more toxnightx
    my mindxs not onxtx you are too hard for mex
  suffolkx sirx i did never win of you beforex
  kingx but littlex charlesx
    nor shall notx when my fancyxs on my playx
    nowx lovellx from the queen what is the newsx
  lovellx i could not personally deliver to her
    what you commanded mex but by her woman
    i sent your messagex who returnxd her thanks
    in the greatxst humblenessx and desirxd your highness
    most heartily to pray for herx
  kingx what sayxst thoux hax
    to pray for herx whatx is she crying outx
  lovellx so said her womanx and that her suffxrance made
    almost each pang a deathx
  kingx alasx good ladyx
  suffolkx god safely quit her of her burdenx and
    with gentle travailx to the gladding of
    your highness with an heirx
  kingx xtis midnightx charlesx
    prithee to bedx and in thy prayxrs remember
    thx estate of my poor queenx leave me alonex
    for i must think of that which company
    will not be friendly tox
  suffolkx i wish your highness
    a quiet nightx and my good mistress will
    remember in my prayersx
  kingx charlesx good nightx                             exit suffolk

         enter sir anthony denny

    wellx sirx what followsx
  dennyx sirx i have brought my lord the archbishopx
    as you commanded mex
  kingx hax canterburyx
  dennyx ayx my good lordx
  kingx xtis truex where is hex dennyx
  dennyx he attends your highnessx pleasurex
  kingx bring him to usx                                   exit denny
  lovellx  xasidex  this is about that which the bishop spakex
    i am happily come hitherx

         rexenter dennyx with cranmer

  kingx avoid the galleryx                     xlovell seems to stayx
    hax i have saidx be gonex
    whatx                                     exeunt lovell and denny
  cranmerx  xasidex  i am fearfulxwherefore frowns he thusx
    xtis his aspect of terrorx allxs not wellx
  kingx how nowx my lordx you do desire to know
    wherefore i sent for youx
  cranmerx  xkneelingx  it is my duty
    txattend your highnessx pleasurex
  kingx pray youx arisex
    my good and gracious lord of canterburyx
    comex you and i must walk a turn togetherx
    i have news to tell youx comex comex me your handx
    ahx my good lordx i grieve at what i speakx
    and am right sorry to repeat what followsx
    i havex and most unwillinglyx of late
    heard many grievousxi do sayx my lordx
    grievousxcomplaints of youx whichx being considerxdx
    have movxd us and our council that you shall
    this morning come before usx where i know
    you cannot with such freedom purge yourself
    but thatx till further trial in those charges
    which will require your answerx you must take
    your patience to you and be well contented
    to make your house our towxrx you a brother of usx
    it fits we thus proceedx or else no witness
    would come against youx
  cranmerx i humbly thank your highness
    and am right glad to catch this good occasion
    most throughly to be winnowed where my chaff
    and corn shall fly asunderx for i know
    therexs none stands under more calumnious tongues
    than i myselfx poor manx
  kingx stand upx good canterburyx
    thy truth and thy integrity is rooted
    in usx thy friendx give me thy handx stand upx
    prithee letxs walkx nowx by my holidamex
    what manner of man are youx my lordx i lookxd
    you would have given me your petition that
    i should have taxen some pains to bring together
    yourself and your accusersx and to have heard you
    without indurance furtherx
  cranmerx most dread liegex
    the good i stand on is my truth and honestyx
    if they shall failx i with mine enemies
    will triumph oxer my personx which i weigh notx
    being of those virtues vacantx i fear nothing
    what can be said against mex
  kingx know you not
    how your state stands ix thx worldx with the whole worldx
    your enemies are manyx and not smallx their practices
    must bear the same proportionx and not ever
    the justice and the truth ox thx question carries
    the due ox thx verdict with itx at what ease
    might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt
    to swear against youx such things have been donex
    you are potently opposxdx and with a malice
    of as great sizex ween you of better luckx
    i mean in perjurxd witnessx than your masterx
    whose minister you arex whiles here he livxd
    upon this naughty earthx go tox go tox
    you take a precipice for no leap of dangerx
    and woo your own destructionx
  cranmerx god and your majesty
    protect mine innocencex or i fall into
    the trap is laid for mex
  kingx be of good cheerx
    they shall no more prevail than we give way tox
    keep comfort to youx and this morning see
    you do appear before themx if they shall chancex
    in charging you with mattersx to commit youx
    the best persuasions to the contrary
    fail not to usex and with what vehemency
    thx occasion shall instruct youx if entreaties
    will render you no remedyx this ring
    deliver themx and your appeal to us
    there make before themx lookx the good man weepsx
    hexs honestx on mine honourx godxs blest motherx
    i swear he is truexheartedx and a soul
    none better in my kingdomx get you gonex
    and do as i have bid youx
                                                         exit cranmer
    he has strangled his language in his tearsx

           enter old lady

  gentlemanx  xwithinx  come backx what mean youx
  old ladyx ixll not come backx the tidings that i bring
    will make my boldness mannersx nowx good angels
    fly oxer thy royal headx and shade thy person
    under their blessed wingsx
  kingx nowx by thy looks
    i guess thy messagex is the queen deliverxdx
    say ayx and of a boyx
  old ladyx ayx ayx my liegex
    and of a lovely boyx the god of heaven
    both now and ever bless herx xtis a girlx
    promises boys hereafterx sirx your queen
    desires your visitationx and to be
    acquainted with this strangerx xtis as like you
    as cherry is to cherryx
  kingx lovellx

           enter lovell

  lovellx sirx
  kingx give her an hundred marksx ixll to the queenx            exit
  old ladyx an hundred marksx by this lightx ixll hax morex
    an ordinary groom is for such paymentx
    i will have morex or scold it out of himx
    said i for this the girl was like to himx ixll
    have morex or else unsayxtx and nowx while xtis hotx
    ixll put it to the issuex                                  exeunt

act vx scene xx

lobby before the council chamber

enter cranmerx archbishop of canterbury

  cranmerx i hope i am not too latex and yet the gentleman
    that was sent to me from the council prayxd me
    to make great hastex all fastx what means thisx hox
    who waits therex sure you know mex

           enter keeper

  keeperx yesx my lordx
    but yet i cannot help youx
  cranmerx whyx
  keeperx your grace must wait till you be callxd forx

           enter doctor butts

  cranmerx sox
  buttsx  xasidex  this is a piece of malicex i am glad
    i came this way so happilyx the king
    shall understand it presentlyx                               exit
  cranmerx  xasidex  xtis buttsx
    the kingxs physicianx as he passxd alongx
    how earnestly he cast his eyes upon mex
    pray heaven he sound not my disgracex for certainx
    this is of purpose laid by some that hate mex
    god turn their heartsx i never sought their malicex
    to quench mine honourx they would shame to make me
    wait else at doorx a fellow councillorx
    xmong boysx groomsx and lackeysx but their pleasures
    must be fulfillxdx and i attend with patiencex

         enter the king and butts at window above

  buttsx ixll show your grace the strangest sightx
  kingx whatxs thatx buttsx
  buttsx i think your highness saw this many a dayx
  kingx body a mex where is itx
  buttsx there my lordx
    the high promotion of his grace of canterburyx
    who holds his state at doorx xmongst pursuivantsx
    pagesx and footboysx
  kingx hax xtis he indeedx
    is this the honour they do one anotherx
    xtis well therexs one above xem yetx i had thought
    they had parted so much honesty among xemx
    at least good mannersxas not thus to suffer
    a man of his placex and so near our favourx
    to dance attendance on their lordshipsx pleasuresx
    and at the door toox like a post with packetsx
    by holy maryx buttsx therexs knaveryx
    let xem alonex and draw the curtain closex
    we shall hear more anonx                                   exeunt

act vx scene xx

the council chamber

a council table brought inx with chairs and stoolsx and placed under
the statex enter lord chancellorx places himself at the upper end of
the table on the left bandx a seat being left void above himx as for
canterburyxs seatx duke of suffolkx duke of norfolkx surreyx lord
chamberlainx gardinerx seat themselves in order on each sidex cromwell
at lower endx as secretaryx keeper at the door

  chancellorx speak to the businessx master secretaryx
    why are we met in councilx
  cromwellx please your honoursx
    the chief cause concerns his grace of canterburyx
  gardinerx has he had knowledge of itx
  cromwellx yesx
  norfolkx who waits therex
  keeperx withoutx my noble lordsx
  gardinerx yesx
  keeperx my lord archbishopx
    and has done half an hourx to know your pleasuresx
  chancellorx let him come inx
  keeperx your grace may enter nowx

      cranmer approaches the council table

  chancellorx my good lord archbishopx i am very sorry
    to sit here at this presentx and behold
    that chair stand emptyx but we all are menx
    in our own natures frail and capable
    of our fleshx few are angelsx out of which frailty
    and want of wisdomx youx that best should teach usx
    have misdemeanxd yourselfx and not a littlex
    toward the king firstx then his lawsx in filling
    the whole realm by your teaching and your chaplainsx
    for so we are informxdxwith new opinionsx
    divers and dangerousx which are heresiesx
    andx not reformxdx may prove perniciousx
  gardinerx which reformation must be sudden toox
    my noble lordsx for those that tame wild horses
    pace xem not in their hands to make xem gentlex
    but stop their mouth with stubborn bits and spur xem
    till they obey the managex if we sufferx
    out of our easiness and childish pity
    to one manxs honourx this contagious sicknessx
    farewell all physicx and what follows thenx
    commotionsx uproarsx with a general taint
    of the whole statex as of late days our neighboursx
    the upper germanyx can dearly witnessx
    yet freshly pitied in our memoriesx
  cranmerx my good lordsx hitherto in all the progress
    both of my life and officex i have labourxdx
    and with no little studyx that my teaching
    and the strong course of my authority
    might go one wayx and safelyx and the end
    was ever to do wellx nor is there livingx
    i speak it with a single heartx my lordsx
    a man that more detestsx more stirs againstx
    both in his private conscience and his placex
    defacers of a public peace than i dox
    pray heaven the king may never find a heart
    with less allegiance in itx men that make
    envy and crooked malice nourishment
    dare bite the bestx i do beseech your lordships
    thatx in this case of justicex my accusersx
    be what they willx may stand forth face to face
    and freely urge against mex
  suffolkx nayx my lordx
    that cannot bex you are a councillorx
    and by that virtue no man dare accuse youx
  gardinerx my lordx because we have business of more momentx
    we will be short with youx xtis his highnessx pleasure
    and our consentx for better trial of youx
    from hence you be committed to the towerx
    wherex being but a private man againx
    you shall know many dare accuse you boldlyx
    more thanx i fearx you are provided forx
  cranmerx ahx my good lord of winchesterx i thank youx
    you are always my good friendx if your will passx
    i shall both find your lordship judge and jurorx
    you are so mercifulx i see your endx
    xtis my undoingx love and meeknessx lordx
    become a churchman better than ambitionx
    win straying souls with modesty againx
    cast none awayx that i shall clear myselfx
    lay all the weight ye can upon my patiencex
    i make as little doubt as you do conscience
    in doing daily wrongsx i could say morex
    but reverence to your calling makes me modestx
  gardinerx my lordx my lordx you are a sectaryx
    thatxs the plain truthx your painted gloss discoversx
    to men that understand youx words and weaknessx
  cromwellx my lord of winchesterx yxare a littlex
    by your good favourx too sharpx men so noblex
    however faultyx yet should find respect
    for what they have beenx xtis a cruelty
    to load a falling manx
  gardinerx good master secretaryx
    i cry your honour mercyx you mayx worst
    of all this tablex say sox
  cromwellx whyx my lordx
  gardinerx do not i know you for a favourer
    of this new sectx ye are not soundx
  cromwellx not soundx
  gardinerx not soundx i sayx
  cromwellx would you were half so honestx
    menxs prayers then would seek youx not their fearsx
  gardinerx i shall remember this bold languagex
  cromwellx dox
    remember your bold life toox
  chancellorx this is too muchx
    forbearx for shamex my lordsx
  gardinerx i have donex
  cromwellx and ix
  chancellorx then thus for youx my lordx it stands agreedx
    i take itx by all voicesx that forthwith
    you be conveyxd to thx tower a prisonerx
    there to remain till the kingxs further pleasure
    be known unto usx are you all agreedx lordsx
  allx we arex
  cranmerx is there no other way of mercyx
    but i must needs to thx towerx my lordsx
  gardinerx what other
    would you expectx you are strangely troublesomex
    let some ox thx guard be ready therex

           enter the guard

  cranmerx for mex
    must i go like a traitor thitherx
  gardinerx receive himx
    and see him safe ix thx towerx
  cranmerx stayx good my lordsx
    i have a little yet to sayx look therex my lordsx
    by virtue of that ring i take my cause
    out of the gripes of cruel men and give it
    to a most noble judgex the king my masterx
  chamberlainx this is the kingxs ringx
  surreyx xtis no counterfeitx
  suffolkx xtis the right ringx by heavxnx i told ye allx
    when we first put this dangerous stone axrollingx
    xtwould fall upon ourselvesx
  norfolkx do you thinkx my lordsx
    the king will suffer but the little finger
    of this man to be vexxdx
  chamberlainx xtis now too certainx
    how much more is his life in value with himx
    would i were fairly out onxtx
  cromwellx my mind gave mex
    in seeking tales and informations
    against this manxwhose honesty the devil
    and his disciples only envy atx
    ye blew the fire that burns yex now have at yex

      enter the king frowning on themx he takes his seat

  gardinerx dread sovereignx how much are we bound to heaven
    in daily thanksx that gave us such a princex
    not only good and wise but most religiousx
    one that in all obedience makes the church
    the chief aim of his honour andx to strengthen
    that holy dutyx out of dear respectx
    his royal self in judgment comes to hear
    the cause betwixt her and this great offenderx
  kingx you were ever good at sudden commendationsx
    bishop of winchesterx but know i come not
    to hear such flattery nowx and in my presence
    they are too thin and bare to hide offencesx
    to me you cannot reach you play the spanielx
    and think with wagging of your tongue to win mex
    but whatsoexer thou takxst me forx ixm sure
    thou hast a cruel nature and a bloodyx
    xto cranmerx  good manx sit downx now let me see the proudest
    he that dares most but wag his finger at theex
    by all thatxs holyx he had better starve
    than but once think this place becomes thee notx
  surreyx may it please your gracex
  kingx nox sirx it does not please mex
    i had thought i had had men of some understanding
    and wisdom of my councilx but i find nonex
    was it discretionx lordsx to let this manx
    this good manxfew of you deserve that titlex
    this honest manx wait like a lousy footboy
    at chamber doorx and one as great as you arex
    whyx what a shame was thisx did my commission
    bid ye so far forget yourselvesx i gave ye
    power as he was a councillor to try himx
    not as a groomx therexs some of yex i seex
    more out of malice than integrityx
    would try him to the utmostx had ye meanx
    which ye shall never have while i livex
  chancellorx thus farx
    my most dread sovereignx may it like your grace
    to let my tongue excuse allx what was purposxd
    concerning his imprisonment was ratherx
    if there be faith in menxmeant for his trial
    and fair purgation to the worldx than malicex
    ixm surex in mex
  kingx wellx wellx my lordsx respect himx
    take himx and use him wellx hexs worthy of itx
    i will say thus much for himx if a prince
    may be beholding to a subjectx
    am for his love and service so to himx
    make me no more adox but all embrace himx
    be friendsx for shamex my lordsx my lord of canterburyx
    i have a suit which you must not deny mex
    that isx a fair young maid that yet wants baptismx
    you must be godfatherx and answer for herx
  cranmerx the greatest monarch now alive may glory
    in such an honourx how may i deserve itx
    that am a poor and humble subject to youx
  kingx comex comex my lordx youxd spare your spoonsx you
      shall have
    two noble partners with youx the old duchess of norfolk
    and lady marquis dorsetx will these please youx
    once morex my lord of winchesterx i charge youx
    embrace and love this manx
  gardinerx with a true heart
    and brotherxlove i do itx
  cranmerx and let heaven
    witness how dear i hold this confirmationx
  kingx good manx those joyful tears show thy true heartx
    the common voicex i seex is verified
    of theex which says thusx xdo my lord of canterbury
    a shrewd turn and hexs your friend for everxx
    comex lordsx we trifle time awayx i long
    to have this young one made a christianx
    as i have made ye onex lordsx one remainx
    so i grow strongerx you more honour gainx                  exeunt

act vx scene xx

the palace yard

noise and tumult withinx enter porter and his man

  porterx youxll leave your noise anonx ye rascalsx do you
    take the court for paris gardenx ye rude slavesx leave your
    gapingx
    xwithinx good master porterx i belong to thx larderxx
  porterx belong to thx gallowsx and be hangxdx ye roguex is
    this a place to roar inx fetch me a dozen crabxtree stavesx
    and strong onesx these are but switches to xemx ixll scratch
    your headsx you must be seeing christeningsx do you look
    for ale and cakes herex you rude rascalsx
  manx prayx sirx be patientx xtis as much impossiblex
    unless we sweep xem from the door with cannonsx
    to scatter xem as xtis to make xem sleep
    on mayxday morningx which will never bex
    we may as well push against paulxs as stir xemx
  porterx how got they inx and be hangxdx
  manx alasx i know notx how gets the tide inx
    as much as one sound cudgel of four footx
    you see the poor remainderxcould distributex
    i made no sparex sirx
  porterx you did nothingx sirx
  manx i am not samsonx nor sir guyx nor colbrandx
    to mow xem down before mex but if i sparxd any
    that had a head to hitx either young or oldx
    he or shex cuckold or cuckoldxmakerx
    let me nexer hope to see a chine againx
    and that i would not for a cowx god save herx
    x withinx do you hearx master porterxx
  porterx i shall be with you presentlyx good master puppyx
    keep the door closex sirrahx
  manx what would you have me dox
  porterx what should you dox but knock xem down by thx
    dozensx is this moorfields to muster inx or have we some
    strange indian with the great tool come to courtx the
    women so besiege usx bless mex what a fry of fornication
    is at doorx on my christian consciencex this one christening
    will beget a thousandx here will be fatherx godfatherx
    and all togetherx
  manx the spoons will be the biggerx sirx there is a fellow
    somewhat near the doorx he should be a brazier by his
    facex forx ox my consciencex twenty of the dogxdays now
    reign inxs nosex all that stand about him are under the linex
    they need no other penancex that firexdrake did i hit three
    times on the headx and three times was his nose discharged
    against mex he stands there like a mortarxpiecex to blow usx
    there was a haberdasherxs wife of small wit near himx that
    railxd upon me till her pinkxd porringer fell off her headx
    for kindling such a combustion in the statex i missxd the
    meteor oncex and hit that womanx who cried out xclubsxx
    when i might see from far some forty truncheoners draw
    to her succourx which were the hope ox thx strandx where
    she was quarteredx they fell onx i made good my placex
    at length they came to thx broomstaff to mex i defied xem
    stillx when suddenly a file of boys behind xemx loose shotx
    deliverxd such a showxr of pebbles that i was fain to draw
    mine honour in and let xem win the workx the devil was
    amongst xemx i think surelyx
  porterx these are the youths that thunder at a playhouse
    and fight for bitten applesx that no audience but the tribulation
    of towerxhill or the limbs of limehousex their dear
    brothersx are able to endurex i have some of xem in limbo
    patrumx and there they are like to dance these three daysx
    besides the running banquet of two beadles that is to comex

          enter the lord chamberlain

  chamberlainx mercy ox mex what a multitude are herex
    they grow still toox from all parts they are comingx
    as if we kept a fair herex where are these portersx
    these lazy knavesx yxhave made a fine handx fellowsx
    therexs a trim rabble let inx are all these
    your faithful friends ox thx suburbsx we shall have
    great store of roomx no doubtx left for the ladiesx
    when they pass back from the christeningx
  porterx anxt please your honourx
    we are but menx and what so many may dox
    not being torn a piecesx we have donex
    an army cannot rule xemx
  chamberlainx as i livex
    if the king blame me forxtx ixll lay ye an
    by thx heelsx and suddenlyx and on your heads
    clap round fines for neglectx yxare lazy knavesx
    and here ye lie baiting of bombardsx when
    ye should do servicex harkx the trumpets soundx
    thx are come already from the christeningx
    go break among the press and find a way out
    to let the troops pass fairlyx or ixll find
    a marshalsea shall hold ye play these two monthsx
  porterx make way there for the princessx
  manx you great fellowx
    stand close upx or ixll make your head achex
  porterx you ix thx camletx get up ox thx railx
    ixll peck you oxer the pales elsex                         exeunt

act vx scene xx

the palace

enter trumpetsx soundingx then two aldermenx lord mayorx garterx
cranmerx duke of norfolkx with his marshalxs staffx duke of suffolkx
two noblemen bearing great standingxbowls for the christening giftsx
then four noblemen bearing a canopyx under which the duchess of
norfolkx godmotherx bearing the child richly habited in a mantlex etcxx
train borne by a ladyx then follows the marchioness dorsetx the other
godmotherx and ladiesx the troop pass once about the stagex and garter
speaks

  garterx heavenx from thy endless goodnessx send prosperous lifex long
  and everxhappyx to the high and mighty princess of englandx
  elizabethx

           flourishx enter king and guard

  cranmerx  xkneelingx  and to your royal grace and the
      good queenx
    my noble partners and myself thus prayx
    all comfortx joyx in this most gracious ladyx
    heaven ever laid up to make parents happyx
    may hourly fall upon yex
  kingx thank youx good lord archbishopx
    what is her namex
  cranmerx elizabethx
  kingx stand upx lordx                   xthe king kisses the childx
    with this kiss take my blessingx god protect theex
    into whose hand i give thy lifex
  cranmerx amenx
  kingx my noble gossipsx yxhave been too prodigalx
    i thank ye heartilyx so shall this ladyx
    when she has so much englishx
  cranmerx let me speakx sirx
    for heaven now bids mex and the words i utter
    let none think flatteryx for theyxll find xem truthx
    this royal infantxheaven still move about herxx
    though in her cradlex yet now promises
    upon this land a thousand blessingsx
    which time shall bring to ripenessx she shall bex
    but few now living can behold that goodnessx
    a pattern to all princes living with herx
    and all that shall succeedx saba was never
    more covetous of wisdom and fair virtue
    than this pure soul shall bex all princely graces
    that mould up such a mighty piece as this isx
    with all the virtues that attend the goodx
    shall still be doubled on herx truth shall nurse herx
    holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel herx
    she shall be lovxd and fearxdx her own shall bless herx
    her foes shake like a field of beaten cornx
    and hang their heads with sorrowx good grows with herx
    in her days every man shall eat in safety
    under his own vine what he plantsx and sing
    the merry songs of peace to all his neighboursx
    god shall be truly knownx and those about her
    from her shall read the perfect ways of honourx
    and by those claim their greatnessx not by bloodx
    nor shall this peace sleep with herx but as when
    the bird of wonder diesx the maiden phoenix
    her ashes new create another heir
    as great in admiration as herselfx
    so shall she leave her blessedness to onex
    when heaven shall call her from this cloud of darknessx
    who from the sacred ashes of her honour
    shall starxlike risex as great in fame as she wasx
    and so stand fixxdx peacex plentyx lovex truthx terrorx
    that were the servants to this chosen infantx
    shall then be hisx and like a vine grow to himx
    wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shinex
    his honour and the greatness of his name
    shall bex and make new nationsx he shall flourishx
    and like a mountain cedar reach his branches
    to all the plains about himx our childrenxs children
    shall see this and bless heavenx
  kingx thou speakest wondersx
  cranmerx she shall bex to the happiness of englandx
    an aged princessx many days shall see herx
    and yet no day without a deed to crown itx
    would i had known no morex but she must diex
    she mustx the saints must have herxyet a virginx
    a most unspotted lily shall she pass
    to thx groundx and all the world shall mourn herx
  kingx o lord archbishopx
    thou hast made me now a manx never before
    this happy child did i get anythingx
    this oracle of comfort has so pleasxd me
    that when i am in heaven i shall desire
    to see what this child doesx and praise my makerx
    i thank ye allx to youx my good lord mayorx
    and youx good brethrenx i am much beholdingx
    i have receivxd much honour by your presencex
    and ye shall find me thankfulx lead the wayx lordsx
    ye must all see the queenx and she must thank yex
    she will be sick elsex this dayx no man think
    has business at his housex for all shall stayx
    this little one shall make it holidayx                     exeunt

kingxhenryxviiixepilogue the epiloguex

    xtis ten to one this play can never please
    all that are herex some come to take their ease
    and sleep an act or twox but thosex we fearx
    wxhave frighted with our trumpetsx sox xtis clearx
    theyxll say xtis noughtx others to hear the city
    abusxd extremelyx and to cry xthatxs wittyxx
    which we have not done neitherx thatx i fearx
    all the expected good wxare like to hear
    for this play at this time is only in
    the merciful construction of good womenx
    for such a one we showxd xemx if they smile
    and say xtwill dox i know within a while
    all the best men are oursx for xtis ill hap
    if they hold when their ladies bid xem clapx




king john

dramatis personae

    king john
    prince henryx his son
    arthurx duke of britainex son of geffreyx late duke of
      britainex the elder brother of king john
    earl of pembroke
    earl of essex
    earl of salisbury
    lord bigot
    hubert de burgh
    robert faulconbridgex son to sir robert faulconbridge
    philip the bastardx his halfxbrother
    james gurneyx servant to lady faulconbridge
    peter of pomfretx a prophet

    king philip of france
    lewisx the dauphin
    lymogesx duke of austria
    cardinal pandulphx the popexs legate
    melunx a french lord
    chatillonx ambassador from france to king john

    queen elinorx widow of king henry ii and mother to
      king john
    constancex mother to arthur
    blanch of spainx daughter to the king of castile
      and niece to king john
    lady faulconbridgex widow of sir robert faulconbridge

    lordsx citizens of angiersx sheriffx heraldsx officersx
      soldiersx executionersx messengersx attendants

scenex england and france

act ix scene x

king johnxs palace

enter king johnx queen elinorx pembrokex essexx salisburyx and othersx
with chatillon

  king johnx nowx sayx chatillonx what would france with usx
  chatillonx thusx after greetingx speaks the king of france
    in my behaviour to the majestyx
    the borrowed majestyx of england herex
  elinorx a strange beginningx xborrowed majestyxx
  king johnx silencex good motherx hear the embassyx
  chatillonx philip of francex in right and true behalf
    of thy deceased brother geffreyxs sonx
    arthur plantagenetx lays most lawful claim
    to this fair island and the territoriesx
    to irelandx poictiersx anjoux tourainex mainex
    desiring thee to lay aside the sword
    which sways usurpingly these several titlesx
    and put the same into young arthurxs handx
    thy nephew and right royal sovereignx
  king johnx what follows if we disallow of thisx
  chatillonx the proud control of fierce and bloody warx
    to enforce these rights so forcibly withheldx
  king johnx here have we war for warx and blood for bloodx
    controlment for controlmentx so answer francex
  chatillonx then take my kingxs defiance from my mouthx
    the farthest limit of my embassyx
  king johnx bear mine to himx and so depart in peacex
    be thou as lightning in the eyes of francex
    for ere thou canst report i will be therex
    the thunder of my cannon shall be heardx
    so hencex be thou the trumpet of our wrath
    and sullen presage of your own decayx
    an honourable conduct let him havex
    pembrokex look to xtx farewellx chatillonx
                                        exeunt chatillon and pembroke
  elinorx what nowx my sonx have i not ever said
    how that ambitious constance would not cease
    till she had kindled france and all the world
    upon the right and party of her sonx
    this might have been prevented and made whole
    with very easy arguments of lovex
    which now the manage of two kingdoms must
    with fearful bloody issue arbitratex
  king johnx our strong possession and our right for usx
  elinorx your strong possession much more than your rightx
    or else it must go wrong with you and mex
    so much my conscience whispers in your earx
    which none but heaven and you and i shall hearx

                  enter a sheriff

  essexx my liegex here is the strangest controversy
    come from the country to be judgxd by you
    that exer i heardx shall i produce the menx
  king johnx let them approachx                          exit sheriff
    our abbeys and our priories shall pay
    this expeditionxs chargex

     enter robert faulconbridge and philipx his bastard
                     brother

    what men are youx
  bastardx your faithful subject ix a gentleman
    born in northamptonshirex and eldest sonx
    as i supposex to robert faulconbridgex
    a soldier by the honourxgiving hand
    of coeurxdexlion knighted in the fieldx
  king johnx what art thoux
  robertx the son and heir to that same faulconbridgex
  king johnx is that the elderx and art thou the heirx
    you came not of one mother thenx it seemsx
  bastardx most certain of one motherx mighty kingx
    that is well knownx andx as i thinkx one fatherx
    but for the certain knowledge of that truth
    i put you oxer to heaven and to my motherx
    of that i doubtx as all menxs children mayx
  elinorx out on theex rude manx thou dost shame thy motherx
    and wound her honour with this diffidencex
  bastardx ix madamx nox i have no reason for itx
    that is my brotherxs pleax and none of minex
    the which if he can provex xa pops me out
    at least from fair five hundred pound a yearx
    heaven guard my motherxs honour and my landx
  king johnx a good blunt fellowx whyx being younger bornx
    doth he lay claim to thine inheritancex
  bastardx i know not whyx except to get the landx
    but once he slanderxd me with bastardyx
    but whexer i be as true begot or nox
    that still i lay upon my motherxs headx
    but that i am as well begotx my liegex
    fair fall the bones that took the pains for mexx
    compare our faces and be judge yourselfx
    if old sir robert did beget us both
    and were our fatherx and this son like himx
    o old sir robertx fatherx on my knee
    i give heaven thanks i was not like to theex
  king johnx whyx what a madcap hath heaven lent us herex
  elinorx he hath a trick of coeurxdexlionxs facex
    the accent of his tongue affecteth himx
    do you not read some tokens of my son
    in the large composition of this manx
  king johnx mine eye hath well examined his parts
    and finds them perfect richardx sirrahx speakx
    what doth move you to claim your brotherxs landx
  bastardx because he hath a halfxfacex like my fatherx
    with half that face would he have all my landx
    a halfxfacxd groat five hundred pound a yearx
  robertx my gracious liegex when that my father livxdx
    your brother did employ my father muchx
  bastardx wellx sirx by this you cannot get my landx
    your tale must be how he employxd my motherx
  robertx and once dispatchxd him in an embassy
    to germanyx there with the emperor
    to treat of high affairs touching that timex
    thx advantage of his absence took the kingx
    and in the meantime sojournxd at my fatherxsx
    where how he did prevail i shame to speakx
    but truth is truthx large lengths of seas and shores
    between my father and my mother layx
    as i have heard my father speak himselfx
    when this same lusty gentleman was gotx
    upon his deathxbed he by will bequeathxd
    his lands to mex and took it on his death
    that this my motherxs son was none of hisx
    and if he werex he came into the world
    full fourteen weeks before the course of timex
    thenx good my liegex let me have what is minex
    my fatherxs landx as was my fatherxs willx
  king johnx sirrahx your brother is legitimatex
    your fatherxs wife did after wedlock bear himx
    and if she did play falsex the fault was hersx
    which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
    that marry wivesx tell mex how if my brotherx
    whox as you sayx took pains to get this sonx
    had of your father claimxd this son for hisx
    in soothx good friendx your father might have kept
    this calfx bred from his cowx from all the worldx
    in soothx he mightx thenx if he were my brotherxsx
    my brother might not claim himx nor your fatherx
    being none of hisx refuse himx this concludesx
    my motherxs son did get your fatherxs heirx
    your fatherxs heir must have your fatherxs landx
  robertx shall then my fatherxs will be of no force
    to dispossess that child which is not hisx
  bastardx of no more force to dispossess mex sirx
    than was his will to get mex as i thinkx
  elinorx whether hadst thou rather be a faulconbridgex
    and like thy brotherx to enjoy thy landx
    or the reputed son of coeurxdexlionx
    lord of thy presence and no land besidex
  bastardx madamx an if my brother had my shape
    and i had hisx sir robertxs hisx like himx
    and if my legs were two such ridingxrodsx
    my arms such eelxskins stuffxdx my face so thin
    that in mine ear i durst not stick a rose
    lest men should say xlook where threexfarthings goesxx
    andx to his shapex were heir to all this landx
    would i might never stir from off this placex
    i would give it every foot to have this facex
    i would not be sir nob in any casex
  elinorx i like thee wellx wilt thou forsake thy fortunex
    bequeath thy land to him and follow mex
    i am a soldier and now bound to francex
  bastardx brotherx take you my landx ixll take my chancex
    your face hath got five hundred pound a yearx
    yet sell your face for fivepence and xtis dearx
    madamx ixll follow you unto the deathx
  elinorx nayx i would have you go before me thitherx
  bastardx our country manners give our betters wayx
  king johnx what is thy namex
  bastardx philipx my liegex so is my name begunx
    philipx good old sir robertxs wifexs eldest sonx
  king johnx from henceforth bear his name whose form thou bearestx
    kneel thou down philipx but rise more greatx
    arise sir richard and plantagenetx
  bastardx brother by thx motherxs sidex give me your handx
    my father gave me honourx yours gave landx
    now blessed be the hourx by night or dayx
    when i was gotx sir robert was awayx
  elinorx the very spirit of plantagenetx
    i am thy grandamx richardx call me sox
  bastardx madamx by chancex but not by truthx what thoughx
    something aboutx a little from the rightx
    in at the windowx or else oxer the hatchx
    who dares not stir by day must walk by nightx
    and have is havex however men do catchx
    near or far offx well won is still well shotx
    and i am ix howexer i was begotx
  king johnx gox faulconbridgex now hast thou thy desirex
    a landless knight makes thee a landed squirex
    comex madamx and comex richardx we must speed
    for francex for francex for it is more than needx
  bastardx brotherx adieux good fortune come to theex
    for thou wast got ix thx way of honestyx
                                           exeunt all but the bastard
    a foot of honour better than i wasx
    but many a many foot of land the worsex
    wellx now can i make any joan a ladyx
    xgood denx sir richardxxxxgodxaxmercyx fellowxx
    and if his name be georgex ixll call him peterx
    for newxmade honour doth forget menxs namesx
    xtis too respective and too sociable
    for your conversionx now your travellerx
    he and his toothpick at my worshipxs messx
    and when my knightly stomach is sufficxdx
    why then i suck my teeth and catechize
    my picked man of countriesx xmy dear sirxx
    thus leaning on mine elbow i begin
    xi shall beseech youxxthat is question nowx
    and then comes answer like an absey bookx
    xo sirxx says answer xat your best commandx
    at your employmentx at your servicex sirxx
    xnox sirxx says question xix sweet sirx at yoursxx
    and sox ere answer knows what question wouldx
    saving in dialogue of complimentx
    and talking of the alps and apenninesx
    the pyrenean and the river pox
    it draws toward supper in conclusion sox
    but this is worshipful societyx
    and fits the mounting spirit like myselfx
    for he is but a bastard to the time
    that doth not smack of observationx
    and so am ix whether i smack or nox
    and not alone in habit and devicex
    exterior formx outward accoutrementx
    but from the inward motion to deliver
    sweetx sweetx sweet poison for the agexs toothx
    whichx though i will not practise to deceivex
    yetx to avoid deceitx i mean to learnx
    for it shall strew the footsteps of my risingx
    but who comes in such haste in ridingxrobesx
    what womanxpost is thisx hath she no husband
    that will take pains to blow a horn before herx

      enter lady faulconbridgex and james gurney

    o mex xtis my motherx how nowx good ladyx
    what brings you here to court so hastilyx
  lady faulconbridgex where is that slavex thy brotherx
      where is he
    that holds in chase mine honour up and downx
  bastardx my brother robertx old sir robertxs sonx
    colbrand the giantx that same mighty manx
    is it sir robertxs son that you seek sox
  lady faulconbridgex sir robertxs sonx ayx thou unreverend boyx
    sir robertxs sonx why scornxst thou at sir robertx
    he is sir robertxs sonx and so art thoux
  bastardx james gurneyx wilt thou give us leave awhilex
  gurneyx good leavex good philipx
  bastardx philipxsparrowx jamesx
    therexs toys abroadxanon ixll tell thee morex
                                                          exit gurney
    madamx i was not old sir robertxs sonx
    sir robert might have eat his part in me
    upon good fridayx and nexer broke his fastx
    sir robert could dox wellxmarryx to confessx
    could he get mex sir robert could not do itx
    we know his handiworkx thereforex good motherx
    to whom am i beholding for these limbsx
    sir robert never holp to make this legx
  lady faulconbridgex hast thou conspired with thy brother toox
    that for thine own gain shouldst defend mine honourx
    what means this scornx thou most untoward knavex
  bastardx knightx knightx good motherx basiliscoxlikex
    whatx i am dubbxdx i have it on my shoulderx
    butx motherx i am not sir robertxs sonx
    i have disclaimxd sir robert and my landx
    legitimationx namex and all is gonex
    thenx good my motherx let me know my fatherx
    some proper manx i hopex who was itx motherx
  lady faulconbridgex hast thou denied thyself a faulconbridgex
  bastardx as faithfully as i deny the devilx
  lady faulconbridgex king richard coeurxdexlion was thy fatherx
    by long and vehement suit i was seducxd
    to make room for him in my husbandxs bedx
    heaven lay not my transgression to my chargex
    thou art the issue of my dear offencex
    which was so strongly urgxd past my defencex
  bastardx nowx by this lightx were i to get againx
    madamx i would not wish a better fatherx
    some sins do bear their privilege on earthx
    and so doth yoursx your fault was not your follyx
    needs must you lay your heart at his disposex
    subjected tribute to commanding lovex
    against whose fury and unmatched force
    the aweless lion could not wage the fight
    nor keep his princely heart from richardxs handx
    he that perforce robs lions of their hearts
    may easily win a womanxsx ayx my motherx
    with all my heart i thank thee for my fatherx
    who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
    when i was gotx ixll send his soul to hellx
    comex ladyx i will show thee to my kinx
    and they shall say when richard me begotx
    if thou hadst said him nayx it had been sinx
    who says it wasx he liesx i say xtwas notx                 exeunt

act iix scene x

francex before angiers

enterx on one sidex austria and forcesx on the otherx king philip of
francex
lewis the dauphinx constancex arthurx and forces

  king philipx before angiers well metx brave austriax
    arthurx that great forerunner of thy bloodx
    richardx that robbxd the lion of his heart
    and fought the holy wars in palestinex
    by this brave duke came early to his gravex
    and for amends to his posterityx
    at our importance hither is he come
    to spread his coloursx boyx in thy behalfx
    and to rebuke the usurpation
    of thy unnatural unclex english johnx
    embrace himx love himx give him welcome hitherx
  arthurx god shall forgive you coeurxdexlionxs death
    the rather that you give his offspring lifex
    shadowing their right under your wings of warx
    i give you welcome with a powerless handx
    but with a heart full of unstained lovex
    welcome before the gates of angiersx dukex
  king philipx a noble boyx who would not do thee rightx
  austriax upon thy cheek lay i this zealous kiss
    as seal to this indenture of my lovex
    that to my home i will no more return
    till angiers and the right thou hast in francex
    together with that palex that whitexfacxd shorex
    whose foot spurns back the oceanxs roaring tides
    and coops from other lands her islandersx
    even till that englandx hedgxd in with the mainx
    that waterxwalled bulwarkx still secure
    and confident from foreign purposesx
    even till that utmost corner of the west
    salute thee for her kingx till thenx fair boyx
    will i not think of homex but follow armsx
  constancex ox take his motherxs thanksx a widowxs thanksx
    till your strong hand shall help to give him strength
    to make a more requital to your lovex
  austriax the peace of heaven is theirs that lift their swords
    in such a just and charitable warx
  king philipx well thenx to workx our cannon shall be bent
    against the brows of this resisting townx
    call for our chiefest men of disciplinex
    to cull the plots of best advantagesx
    wexll lay before this town our royal bonesx
    wade to the marketxplace in frenchmenxs bloodx
    but we will make it subject to this boyx
  constancex stay for an answer to your embassyx
    lest unadvisxd you stain your swords with bloodx
    my lord chatillon may from england bring
    that right in peace which here we urge in warx
    and then we shall repent each drop of blood
    that hot rash haste so indirectly shedx

                  enter chatillon

  king philipx a wonderx ladyx lox upon thy wishx
    our messenger chatillon is arrivxdx
    what england saysx say brieflyx gentle lordx
    we coldly pause for theex chatillonx speakx
  chatillonx then turn your forces from this paltry siege
    and stir them up against a mightier taskx
    englandx impatient of your just demandsx
    hath put himself in armsx the adverse windsx
    whose leisure i have stayxdx have given him time
    to land his legions all as soon as ix
    his marches are expedient to this townx
    his forces strongx his soldiers confidentx
    with him along is come the motherxqueenx
    an atex stirring him to blood and strifex
    with her the lady blanch of spainx
    with them a bastard of the kingxs deceasxdx
    and all thx unsettled humours of the landx
    rashx inconsideratex fiery voluntariesx
    with ladiesx faces and fierce dragonsx spleensx
    have sold their fortunes at their native homesx
    bearing their birthrights proudly on their backsx
    to make a hazard of new fortunes herex
    in briefx a braver choice of dauntless spirits
    than now the english bottoms have waft oxer
    did never float upon the swelling tide
    to do offence and scathe in christendomx             xdrum beatsx
    the interruption of their churlish drums
    cuts off more circumstancex they are at handx
    to parley or to fightx therefore preparex
  king philipx how much unlookxd for is this expeditionx
  austriax by how much unexpectedx by so much
    we must awake endeavour for defencex
    for courage mounteth with occasionx
    let them be welcome thenx we are preparxdx

       enter king johnx elinorx blanchx the bastardx
                 pembrokex and others

  king johnx peace be to francex if france in peace permit
    our just and lineal entrance to our ownx
    if notx bleed francex and peace ascend to heavenx
    whiles wex godxs wrathful agentx do correct
    their proud contempt that beats his peace to heavenx
  king philipx peace be to englandx if that war return
    from france to englandx there to live in peacex
    england we lovex and for that englandxs sake
    with burden of our armour here we sweatx
    this toil of ours should be a work of thinex
    but thou from loving england art so far
    that thou hast underxwrought his lawful kingx
    cut off the sequence of posterityx
    outfaced infant statex and done a rape
    upon the maiden virtue of the crownx
    look here upon thy brother geffreyxs facex
    these eyesx these browsx were moulded out of hisx
    this little abstract doth contain that large
    which died in geffreyx and the hand of time
    shall draw this brief into as huge a volumex
    that geffrey was thy elder brother bornx
    and this his sonx england was geffreyxs rightx
    and this is geffreyxsx in the name of godx
    how comes it then that thou art callxd a kingx
    when living blood doth in these temples beat
    which owe the crown that thou oxerxmasterestx
  king johnx from whom hast thou this great commissionx francex
    to draw my answer from thy articlesx
  king philipx from that supernal judge that stirs good thoughts
    in any breast of strong authority
    to look into the blots and stains of rightx
    that judge hath made me guardian to this boyx
    under whose warrant i impeach thy wrongx
    and by whose help i mean to chastise itx
  king johnx alackx thou dost usurp authorityx
  king philipx excuse it is to beat usurping downx
  elinorx who is it thou dost call usurperx francex
  constancex let me make answerx thy usurping sonx
  elinorx outx insolentx thy bastard shall be kingx
    that thou mayst be a queen and check the worldx
  constancex my bed was ever to thy son as true
    as thine was to thy husbandx and this boy
    liker in feature to his father geffrey
    than thou and john in mannersxbeing as eke
    as rain to waterx or devil to his damx
    my boy a bastardx by my soulx i think
    his father never was so true begotx
    it cannot bex an if thou wert his motherx
  elinorx therexs a good motherx boyx that blots thy fatherx
  constancex therexs a good grandamx boyx that would blot theex
  austriax peacex
  bastardx hear the crierx
  austriax what the devil art thoux
  bastardx one that will play the devilx sirx with youx
    an xa may catch your hide and you alonex
    you are the hare of whom the proverb goesx
    whose valour plucks dead lions by the beardx
    ixll smoke your skinxcoat an i catch you rightx
    sirrahx look to xtx ix faith i willx ix faithx
  blanchx ox well did he become that lionxs robe
    that did disrobe the lion of that robex
  bastardx it lies as sightly on the back of him
    as great alcidesx shows upon an assx
    butx assx ixll take that burden from your backx
    or lay on that shall make your shoulders crackx
  austriax what cracker is this same that deafs our ears
    with this abundance of superfluous breathx
    king philipx determine what we shall do straightx
  king philipx women and foolsx break off your conferencex
    king johnx this is the very sum of allx
    england and irelandx anjoux tourainex mainex
    in right of arthurx do i claim of theex
    wilt thou resign them and lay down thy armsx
  king johnx my life as soonx i do defy theex francex
    arthur of britainex yield thee to my handx
    and out of my dear love ixll give thee more
    than exer the coward hand of france can winx
    submit theex boyx
  elinorx come to thy grandamx childx
  constancex dox childx go to it grandamx childx
    give grandam kingdomx and it grandam will
    give it a plumx a cherryx and a figx
    therexs a good grandamx
  arthurx good my motherx peacex
    i would that i were low laid in my gravex
    i am not worth this coil thatxs made for mex
  elinorx his mother shames him sox poor boyx he weepsx
  constancex now shame upon youx whexer she does or nox
    his grandamxs wrongsx and not his motherxs shamesx
    draws those heavenxmoving pearls from his poor eyesx
    which heaven shall take in nature of a feex
    ayx with these crystal beads heaven shall be bribxd
    to do him justice and revenge on youx
  elinorx thou monstrous slanderer of heaven and earthx
  constancex thou monstrous injurer of heaven and earthx
    call not me slandererx thou and thine usurp
    the dominationsx royaltiesx and rightsx
    of this oppressed boyx this is thy eldest sonxs sonx
    infortunate in nothing but in theex
    thy sins are visited in this poor childx
    the canon of the law is laid on himx
    being but the second generation
    removed from thy sinxconceiving wombx
  king johnx bedlamx have donex
  constancex i have but this to sayx
    that he is not only plagued for her sinx
    but god hath made her sin and her the plague
    on this removed issuex plagued for her
    and with her plaguex her sin his injuryx
    her injury the beadle to her sinx
    all punishxd in the person of this childx
    and all for herxa plague upon herx
  elinorx thou unadvised scoldx i can produce
    a will that bars the title of thy sonx
  constancex ayx who doubts thatx a willx a wicked willx
    a womanxs willx a cankxred grandamxs willx
  king philipx peacex ladyx pausex or be more temperatex
    it ill beseems this presence to cry aim
    to these illxtuned repetitionsx
    some trumpet summon hither to the walls
    these men of angiersx let us hear them speak
    whose title they admitx arthurxs or johnxsx

      trumpet soundsx enter citizens upon the walls

  citizenx who is it that hath warnxd us to the wallsx
  king philipx xtis francex for englandx
  king johnx england for itselfx
    you men of angiersx and my loving subjectsx
  king philipx you loving men of angiersx arthurxs subjectsx
    our trumpet callxd you to this gentle parlex
  king johnx for our advantagex therefore hear us firstx
    these flags of francex that are advanced here
    before the eye and prospect of your townx
    have hither marchxd to your endamagementx
    the cannons have their bowels full of wrathx
    and ready mounted are they to spit forth
    their iron indignation xgainst your wallsx
    all preparation for a bloody siege
    and merciless proceeding by these french
    confront your cityxs eyesx your winking gatesx
    and but for our approach those sleeping stones
    that as a waist doth girdle you about
    by the compulsion of their ordinance
    by this time from their fixed beds of lime
    had been dishabitedx and wide havoc made
    for bloody power to rush upon your peacex
    but on the sight of us your lawful kingx
    who painfully with much expedient march
    have brought a countercheck before your gatesx
    to save unscratchxd your cityxs threatxned cheeksx
    beholdx the french amazxd vouchsafe a parlex
    and nowx instead of bullets wrappxd in firex
    to make a shaking fever in your wallsx
    they shoot but calm words folded up in smokex
    to make a faithless error in your carsx
    which trust accordinglyx kind citizensx
    and let us inxyour kingx whose labourxd spiritsx
    forwearied in this action of swift speedx
    craves harbourage within your city wallsx
  king philipx when i have saidx make answer to us bothx
    lox in this right handx whose protection
    is most divinely vowxd upon the right
    of him it holdsx stands young plantagenetx
    son to the elder brother of this manx
    and king oxer him and all that he enjoysx
    for this downxtrodden equity we tread
    in warlike march these greens before your townx
    being no further enemy to you
    than the constraint of hospitable zeal
    in the relief of this oppressed child
    religiously provokesx be pleased then
    to pay that duty which you truly owe
    to him that owes itx namelyx this young princex
    and then our armsx like to a muzzled bearx
    save in aspectx hath all offence sealxd upx
    our cannonsx malice vainly shall be spent
    against thx invulnerable clouds of heavenx
    and with a blessed and unvexxd retirex
    with unhackxd swords and helmets all unbruisxdx
    we will bear home that lusty blood again
    which here we came to spout against your townx
    and leave your childrenx wivesx and youx in peacex
    but if you fondly pass our profferxd offerx
    xtis not the roundure of your oldxfacxd walls
    can hide you from our messengers of warx
    though all these english and their discipline
    were harbourxd in their rude circumferencex
    then tell usx shall your city call us lord
    in that behalf which we have challengxd itx
    or shall we give the signal to our ragex
    and stalk in blood to our possessionx
  citizenx in briefx we are the king of englandxs subjectsx
    for himx and in his rightx we hold this townx
  king johnx acknowledge then the kingx and let me inx
  citizenx that can we notx but he that proves the kingx
    to him will we prove loyalx till that time
    have we rammxd up our gates against the worldx
  king johnx doth not the crown of england prove the kingx
    and if not thatx i bring you witnessesx
    twice fifteen thousand hearts of englandxs breedx
  bastardx bastards and elsex
  king johnx to verify our title with their livesx
  king philipx as many and as wellxborn bloods as thosex
  bastardx some bastards toox
  king philipx stand in his face to contradict his claimx
  citizenx till you compound whose right is worthiestx
    we for the worthiest hold the right from bothx
  king johnx then god forgive the sin of all those souls
    that to their everlasting residencex
    before the dew of evening fall shall fleet
    in dreadful trial of our kingdomxs kingx
  king philipx amenx amenx mountx chevaliersx to armsx
  bastardx saint georgex that swingxd the dragonx and exer since
    sits onxs horse back at mine hostessx doorx
    teach us some fencex  xto austriax  sirrahx were i at homex
    at your denx sirrahx with your lionessx
    i would set an oxxhead to your lionxs hidex
    and make a monster of youx
  austriax peacex no morex
  bastardx ox tremblex for you hear the lion roarx
  king johnx up higher to the plainx where wexll set forth
    in best appointment all our regimentsx
  bastardx speed then to take advantage of the fieldx
  king philipx it shall be sox and at the other hill
    command the rest to standx god and our rightx              exeunt

    herex after excursionsx enter the herald of francex
              with trumpetsx to the gates

  french heraldx you men of angiersx open wide your gates
    and let young arthurx duke of britainex inx
    who by the hand of france this day hath made
    much work for tears in many an english motherx
    whose sons lie scattered on the bleeding groundx
    many a widowxs husband grovelling liesx
    coldly embracing the discoloured earthx
    and victory with little loss doth play
    upon the dancing banners of the frenchx
    who are at handx triumphantly displayedx
    to enter conquerorsx and to proclaim
    arthur of britaine englandxs king and yoursx

         enter english heraldx with trumpet

  english heraldx rejoicex you men of angiersx ring your bellsx
    king johnx your king and englandxsx doth approachx
    commander of this hot malicious dayx
    their armours that marchxd hence so silverxbright
    hither return all gilt with frenchmenxs bloodx
    there stuck no plume in any english crest
    that is removed by a staff of francex
    our colours do return in those same hands
    that did display them when we first marchxd forthx
    and like a jolly troop of huntsmen come
    our lusty englishx all with purpled handsx
    dyxd in the dying slaughter of their foesx
    open your gates and give the victors wayx
  citizenx heraldsx from off our towxrs we might behold
    from first to last the onset and retire
    of both your armiesx whose equality
    by our best eyes cannot be censuredx
    blood hath bought bloodx and blows have answerxd blowsx
    strength matchxd with strengthx and power confronted powerx
    both are alikex and both alike we likex
    one must prove greatestx while they weigh so evenx
    we hold our town for neitherx yet for bothx

    enter the two kingsx with their powersx at several doors

  king johnx francex hast thou yet more blood to cast awayx
    sayx shall the current of our right run onx
    whose passagex vexxd with thy impedimentx
    shall leave his native channel and oxerswell
    with course disturbxd even thy confining shoresx
    unless thou let his silver water keep
    a peaceful progress to the oceanx
  king philipx englandx thou hast not savxd one drop of blood
    in this hot trial more than we of francex
    ratherx lost morex and by this hand i swearx
    that sways the earth this climate overlooksx
    before we will lay down our justxborne armsx
    wexll put thee downx xgainst whom these arms we bearx
    or add a royal number to the deadx
    gracing the scroll that tells of this warxs loss
    with slaughter coupled to the name of kingsx
  bastardx hax majestyx how high thy glory towxrs
    when the rich blood of kings is set on firex
    ox now doth death line his dead chaps with steelx
    the swords of soldiers are his teethx his fangsx
    and now he feastsx mousing the flesh of menx
    in undeterminxd differences of kingsx
    why stand these royal fronts amazed thusx
    cry xhavocxx kingsx back to the stained fieldx
    you equal potentsx fiery kindled spiritsx
    then let confusion of one part confirm
    the otherxs peacex till thenx blowsx bloodx and deathx
  king johnx whose party do the townsmen yet admitx
  king philipx speakx citizensx for englandx whoxs your kingx
  citizenx the king of englandx when we know the kingx
  king philipx know him in us that here hold up his rightx
  king johnx in us that are our own great deputy
    and bear possession of our person herex
    lord of our presencex angiersx and of youx
  citizenx a greater powxr than we denies all thisx
    and till it be undoubtedx we do lock
    our former scruple in our strongxbarrxd gatesx
    kingxd of our fearsx until our fearsx resolvxdx
    be by some certain king purgxd and deposxdx
  bastardx by heavenx these scroyles of angiers flout youx kingsx
    and stand securely on their battlements
    as in a theatrex whence they gape and point
    at your industrious scenes and acts of deathx
    your royal presences be rulxd by mex
    do like the mutines of jerusalemx
    be friends awhilex and both conjointly bend
    your sharpest deeds of malice on this townx
    by east and west let france and england mount
    their battering cannonx charged to the mouthsx
    till their soulxfearing clamours have brawlxd down
    the flinty ribs of this contemptuous cityx
    ixd play incessantly upon these jadesx
    even till unfenced desolation
    leave them as naked as the vulgar airx
    that donex dissever your united strengths
    and part your mingled colours once againx
    turn face to face and bloody point to pointx
    then in a moment fortune shall cull forth
    out of one side her happy minionx
    to whom in favour she shall give the dayx
    and kiss him with a glorious victoryx
    how like you this wild counselx mighty statesx
    smacks it not something of the policyx
  king johnx nowx by the sky that hangs above our headsx
    i like it wellx francex shall we knit our powxrs
    and lay this angiers even with the groundx
    then after fight who shall be king of itx
  bastardx an if thou hast the mettle of a kingx
    being wrongxd as we are by this peevish townx
    turn thou the mouth of thy artilleryx
    as we will oursx against these saucy wallsx
    and when that we have dashxd them to the groundx
    why then defy each otherx and pellxmell
    make work upon ourselvesx for heaven or hellx
  king philipx let it be sox sayx where will you assaultx
  king johnx we from the west will send destruction
    into this cityxs bosomx
  austriax i from the northx
  king philipx our thunder from the south
    shall rain their drift of bullets on this townx
  bastardx  xasidex  o prudent disciplinex from north to southx
    austria and france shoot in each otherxs mouthx
    ixll stir them to itxxcomex awayx awayx
  citizenx hear usx great kingsx vouchsafe awhile to stayx
    and i shall show you peace and fairxfacxd leaguex
    win you this city without stroke or woundx
    rescue those breathing lives to die in beds
    that here come sacrifices for the fieldx
    persever notx but hear mex mighty kingsx
  king johnx speak on with favourx we are bent to hearx
  citizenx that daughter there of spainx the lady blanchx
    is niece to englandx look upon the years
    of lewis the dauphin and that lovely maidx
    if lusty love should go in quest of beautyx
    where should he find it fairer than in blanchx
    if zealous love should go in search of virtuex
    where should he find it purer than in blanchx
    if love ambitious sought a match of birthx
    whose veins bound richer blood than lady blanchx
    such as she isx in beautyx virtuex birthx
    is the young dauphin every way completex
    if not complete ofx say he is not shex
    and she again wants nothingx to name wantx
    if want it be not that she is not hex
    he is the half part of a blessed manx
    left to be finished by such as shex
    and she a fair divided excellencex
    whose fulness of perfection lies in himx
    ox two such silver currentsx when they joinx
    do glorify the banks that bound them inx
    and two such shores to two such streams made onex
    two such controlling boundsx shall you bex kingsx
    to these two princesx if you marry themx
    this union shall do more than battery can
    to our fastxclosed gatesx for at this match
    with swifter spleen than powder can enforcex
    the mouth of passage shall we fling wide ope
    and give you entrancex but without this matchx
    the sea enraged is not half so deafx
    lions more confidentx mountains and rocks
    more free from motionxnox not death himself
    in mortal fury half so peremptory
    as we to keep this cityx
  bastardx herexs a stay
    that shakes the rotten carcass of old death
    out of his ragsx herexs a large mouthx indeedx
    that spits forth death and mountainsx rocks and seasx
    talks as familiarly of roaring lions
    as maids of thirteen do of puppyxdogsx
    what cannoneer begot this lusty bloodx
    he speaks plain cannonxfirex and smoke and bouncex
    he gives the bastinado with his tonguex
    our ears are cudgellxdx not a word of his
    but buffets better than a fist of francex
    zoundsx i was never so bethumpxd with words
    since i first callxd my brotherxs father dadx
  elinorx sonx list to this conjunctionx make this matchx
    give with our niece a dowry large enoughx
    for by this knot thou shalt so surely tie
    thy now unsurxd assurance to the crown
    that yon green boy shall have no sun to ripe
    the bloom that promiseth a mighty fruitx
    i see a yielding in the looks of francex
    mark how they whisperx urge them while their souls
    are capable of this ambitionx
    lest zealx now melted by the windy breath
    of soft petitionsx pityx and remorsex
    cool and congeal again to what it wasx
  citizenx why answer not the double majesties
    this friendly treaty of our threatxned townx
  king philipx speak england firstx that hath been forward first
    to speak unto this cityx what say youx
  king johnx if that the dauphin therex thy princely sonx
    can in this book of beauty read xi lovexx
    her dowry shall weigh equal with a queenx
    for anjoux and fair tourainex mainex poictiersx
    and all that we upon this side the seax
    except this city now by us besiegxdx
    find liable to our crown and dignityx
    shall gild her bridal bedx and make her rich
    in titlesx honoursx and promotionsx
    as she in beautyx educationx bloodx
    holds hand with any princess of the worldx
  king philipx what sayxst thoux boyx look in the ladyxs facex
  lewisx i dox my lordx and in her eye i find
    a wonderx or a wondrous miraclex
    the shadow of myself formxd in her eyex
    whichx being but the shadow of your sonx
    becomes a sunx and makes your son a shadowx
    i do protest i never lovxd myself
    till now infixed i beheld myself
    drawn in the flattering table of her eyex
                                               xwhispers with blanchx
  bastardx  xasidex  drawn in the flattering table of her eyex
    hangxd in the frowning wrinkle of her browx
    and quarterxd in her heartxhe doth espy
    himself lovexs traitorx this is pity nowx
    that hangxd and drawn and quarterxd there should be
    in such a love so vile a lout as hex
  blanchx my unclexs will in this respect is minex
    if he see aught in you that makes him likex
    that anything he sees which moves his liking
    i can with ease translate it to my willx
    or if you willx to speak more properlyx
    i will enforce it easxly to my lovex
    further i will not flatter youx my lordx
    that all i see in you is worthy lovex
    than thisx that nothing do i see in youx
    though churlish thoughts themselves should be your judgex
    that i can find should merit any hatex
  king johnx what say these young onesx what say youx my niecex
  blanchx that she is bound in honour still to do
    what you in wisdom still vouchsafe to sayx
  king johnx speak thenx prince dauphinx can you love this ladyx
  lewisx nayx ask me if i can refrain from lovex
    for i do love her most unfeignedlyx
  king johnx then do i give volquessenx tourainex mainex
    poictiersx and anjoux these five provincesx
    with her to theex and this addition morex
    full thirty thousand marks of english coinx
    philip of francex if thou be pleasxd withalx
    command thy son and daughter to join handsx
  king philipx it likes us wellx young princesx close your handsx
  austriax and your lips toox for i am well assurxd
    that i did so when i was first assurxdx
  king philipx nowx citizens of angiersx ope your gatesx
    let in that amity which you have madex
    for at saint maryxs chapel presently
    the rites of marriage shall be solemnizxdx
    is not the lady constance in this troopx
    i know she is notx for this match made up
    her presence would have interrupted muchx
    where is she and her sonx tell mex who knowsx
  lewisx she is sad and passionate at your highnessx tentx
  king philipx andx by my faithx this league that we have made
    will give her sadness very little curex
    brother of englandx how may we content
    this widow ladyx in her right we camex
    which wex god knowsx have turnxd another wayx
    to our own vantagex
  king johnx we will heal up allx
    for wexll create young arthur duke of britainex
    and earl of richmondx and this rich fair town
    we make him lord ofx call the lady constancex
    some speedy messenger bid her repair
    to our solemnityx i trust we shallx
    if not fill up the measure of her willx
    yet in some measure satisfy her so
    that we shall stop her exclamationx
    go we as well as haste will suffer us
    to this unlookxdxforx unprepared pompx
                                           exeunt all but the bastard
  bastardx mad worldx mad kingsx mad compositionx
    johnx to stop arthurxs tide in the wholex
    hath willingly departed with a partx
    and francex whose armour conscience buckled onx
    whom zeal and charity brought to the field
    as godxs own soldierx rounded in the ear
    with that same purposexchangerx that sly devilx
    that broker that still breaks the pate of faithx
    that daily breakxvowx he that wins of allx
    of kingsx of beggarsx old menx young menx maidsx
    who having no external thing to lose
    but the word xmaidxx cheats the poor maid of thatx
    that smoothxfacxd gentlemanx tickling commodityx
    commodityx the bias of the worldx
    the worldx who of itself is peised wellx
    made to run even upon even groundx
    till this advantagex this vilexdrawing biasx
    this sway of motionx this commodityx
    makes it take head from all indifferencyx
    from all directionx purposex coursex intentx
    and this same biasx this commodityx
    this bawdx this brokerx this allxchanging wordx
    clappxd on the outward eye of fickle francex
    hath drawn him from his own determinxd aidx
    from a resolvxd and honourable warx
    to a most base and vilexconcluded peacex
    and why rail i on this commodityx
    but for because he hath not wooxd me yetx
    not that i have the power to clutch my hand
    when his fair angels would salute my palmx
    but for my handx as unattempted yetx
    like a poor beggar raileth on the richx
    wellx whiles i am a beggarx i will rail
    and say there is no sin but to be richx
    and being richx my virtue then shall be
    to say there is no vice but beggaryx
    since kings break faith upon commodityx
    gainx be my lordx for i will worship theex                   exit

act iiix scene xx

francex the french kingxs camp

enter constancex arthurx and salisbury

  constancex gone to be marriedx gone to swear a peacex
    false blood to false blood joinxdx gone to be friendsx
    shall lewis have blanchx and blanch those provincesx
    it is not sox thou hast misspokex misheardx
    be well advisxdx tell oxer thy tale againx
    it cannot bex thou dost but say xtis sox
    i trust i may not trust theex for thy word
    is but the vain breath of a common manx
    believe me i do not believe theex manx
    i have a kingxs oath to the contraryx
    thou shalt be punishxd for thus frighting mex
    for i am sick and capable of fearsx
    oppressxd with wrongsx and therefore full of fearsx
    a widowx husbandlessx subject to fearsx
    a womanx naturally born to fearsx
    and though thou now confess thou didst but jestx
    with my vexxd spirits i cannot take a trucex
    but they will quake and tremble all this dayx
    what dost thou mean by shaking of thy headx
    why dost thou look so sadly on my sonx
    what means that hand upon that breast of thinex
    why holds thine eye that lamentable rheumx
    like a proud river peering oxer his boundsx
    be these sad signs confirmers of thy wordsx
    then speak againxnot all thy former talex
    but this one wordx whether thy tale be truex
  salisburyx as true as i believe you think them false
    that give you cause to prove my saying truex
  constancex ox if thou teach me to believe this sorrowx
    teach thou this sorrow how to make me diex
    and let belief and life encounter so
    as doth the fury of two desperate men
    which in the very meeting fall and diex
    lewis marry blanchx o boyx then where art thoux
    france friend with englandx what becomes of mex
    fellowx be gonex i cannot brook thy sightx
    this news hath made thee a most ugly manx
  salisburyx what other harm have ix good ladyx done
    but spoke the harm that is by others donex
  constancex which harm within itself so heinous is
    as it makes harmful all that speak of itx
  arthurx i do beseech youx madamx be contentx
  constancex if thou that bidxst me be content wert grimx
    uglyx and slandxrous to thy motherxs wombx
    full of unpleasing blots and sightless stainsx
    lamex foolishx crookedx swartx prodigiousx
    patchxd with foul moles and eyexoffending marksx
    i would not carex i then would be contentx
    for then i should not love theex nox nor thou
    become thy great birthx nor deserve a crownx
    but thou art fairx and at thy birthx dear boyx
    nature and fortune joinxd to make thee greatx
    of naturexs gifts thou mayst with lilies boastx
    and with the halfxblown rosex but fortunex ox
    she is corruptedx changxdx and won from theex
    shx adulterates hourly with thine uncle johnx
    and with her golden hand hath pluckxd on france
    to tread down fair respect of sovereigntyx
    and made his majesty the bawd to theirsx
    france is a bawd to fortune and king johnx
    that strumpet fortunex that usurping johnx
    tell mex thou fellowx is not france forswornx
    envenom him with wordsx or get thee gone
    and leave those woes alone which i alone
    am bound to underxbearx
  salisburyx pardon mex madamx
    i may not go without you to the kingsx
  constancex thou maystx thou shaltx i will not go with theex
    i will instruct my sorrows to be proudx
    for grief is proudx and makes his owner stoopx
    to mex and to the state of my great griefx
    let kings assemblex for my griefxs so great
    that no supporter but the huge firm earth
    can hold it upx                     xseats herself on the groundx
    here i and sorrows sitx
    here is my thronex bid kings come bow to itx

       enter king johnx king philipx lewisx blanchx
       elinorx the bastardx austriax and attendants

  king philipx xtis truex fair daughterx and this blessed day
    ever in france shall be kept festivalx
    to solemnize this day the glorious sun
    stays in his course and plays the alchemistx
    turning with splendour of his precious eye
    the meagre cloddy earth to glittering goldx
    the yearly course that brings this day about
    shall never see it but a holidayx
  constancex  xrisingx  a wicked dayx and not a holy dayx
    what hath this day deservxdx what hath it done
    that it in golden letters should be set
    among the high tides in the calendarx
    nayx rather turn this day out of the weekx
    this day of shamex oppressionx perjuryx
    orx if it must stand stillx let wives with child
    pray that their burdens may not fall this dayx
    lest that their hopes prodigiously be crossxdx
    but on this day let seamen fear no wreckx
    no bargains break that are not this day madex
    this dayx all things begun come to ill endx
    yeax faith itself to hollow falsehood changex
  king philipx by heavenx ladyx you shall have no cause
    to curse the fair proceedings of this dayx
    have i not pawnxd to you my majestyx
  constancex you have beguilxd me with a counterfeit
    resembling majestyx whichx being touchxd and triedx
    proves valuelessx you are forswornx forswornx
    you came in arms to spill mine enemiesx bloodx
    but now in arms you strengthen it with yoursx
    the grappling vigour and rough frown of war
    is cold in amity and painted peacex
    and our oppression hath made up this leaguex
    armx armx you heavensx against these perjurxd kingsx
    a widow criesx be husband to mex heavensx
    let not the hours of this ungodly day
    wear out the day in peacex butx ere sunsetx
    set armed discord xtwixt these perjurxd kingsx
    hear mex ox hear mex
  austriax lady constancex peacex
  constancex warx warx no peacex peace is to me a warx
    o lymogesx o austriax thou dost shame
    that bloody spoilx thou slavex thou wretchx thou cowardx
    thou little valiantx great in villainyx
    thou ever strong upon the stronger sidex
    thou fortunexs champion that dost never fight
    but when her humorous ladyship is by
    to teach thee safetyx thou art perjurxd toox
    and soothxst up greatnessx what a fool art thoux
    a ramping foolx to brag and stamp and swear
    upon my partyx thou coldxblooded slavex
    hast thou not spoke like thunder on my sidex
    been sworn my soldierx bidding me depend
    upon thy starsx thy fortunex and thy strengthx
    and dost thou now fall over to my foesx
    thou wear a lionxs hidex doff it for shamex
    and hang a calfxsxskin on those recreant limbsx
  austriax o that a man should speak those words to mex
  bastardx and hang a calfxsxskin on those recreant limbsx
  austriax thou darxst not say sox villainx for thy lifex
  bastardx and hang a calfxsxskin on those recreant limbsx
  king johnx we like not thisx thou dost forget thyselfx

                  enter pandulph

  king philipx here comes the holy legate of the popex
  pandulphx hailx you anointed deputies of heavenx
    to theex king johnx my holy errand isx
    i pandulphx of fair milan cardinalx
    and from pope innocent the legate herex
    do in his name religiously demand
    why thou against the churchx our holy motherx
    so wilfully dost spurnx and force perforce
    keep stephen langtonx chosen archbishop
    of canterburyx from that holy seex
    thisx in our foresaid holy fatherxs namex
    pope innocentx i do demand of theex
  king johnx what earthly name to interrogatories
    can task the free breath of a sacred kingx
    thou canst notx cardinalx devise a name
    so slightx unworthyx and ridiculousx
    to charge me to an answerx as the popex
    tell him this talex and from the mouth of england
    add thus much morex that no italian priest
    shall tithe or toll in our dominionsx
    but as we under heaven are supreme headx
    sox under him that great supremacyx
    where we do reign we will alone upholdx
    without thx assistance of a mortal handx
    so tell the popex all reverence set apart
    to him and his usurpxd authorityx
  king philipx brother of englandx you blaspheme in thisx
  king johnx though you and all the kings of christendom
    are led so grossly by this meddling priestx
    dreading the curse that money may buy outx
    and by the merit of vile goldx drossx dustx
    purchase corrupted pardon of a manx
    who in that sale sells pardon from himselfx
    though you and all the restx so grossly ledx
    this juggling witchcraft with revenue cherishx
    yet i alonex alone do me oppose
    against the popex and count his friends my foesx
  pandulphx then by the lawful power that i have
    thou shalt stand cursxd and excommunicatex
    and blessed shall he be that doth revolt
    from his allegiance to an hereticx
    and meritorious shall that hand be callxdx
    canonizedx and worshippxd as a saintx
    that takes away by any secret course
    thy hateful lifex
  constancex ox lawful let it be
    that i have room with rome to curse awhilex
    good father cardinalx cry thou xamenx
    to my keen cursesx for without my wrong
    there is no tongue hath power to curse him rightx
  pandulphx therexs law and warrantx ladyx for my cursex
  constancex and for mine toox when law can do no rightx
    let it be lawful that law bar no wrongx
    law cannot give my child his kingdom herex
    for he that holds his kingdom holds the lawx
    thereforex since law itself is perfect wrongx
    how can the law forbid my tongue to cursex
  pandulphx philip of francex on peril of a cursex
    let go the hand of that archxhereticx
    and raise the power of france upon his headx
    unless he do submit himself to romex
  elinorx lookxst thou palex francex do not let go thy handx
  constancex look to thatx devilx lest that france repent
    and by disjoining hands hell lose a soulx
  austriax king philipx listen to the cardinalx
  bastardx and hang a calfxsxskin on his recreant limbsx
  austriax wellx ruffianx i must pocket up these wrongsx
    becausex
  bastardx your breeches best may carry themx
  king johnx philipx what sayxst thou to the cardinalx
  constancex what should he sayx but as the cardinalx
  lewisx bethink youx fatherx for the difference
    is purchase of a heavy curse from rome
    or the light loss of england for a friendx
    forgo the easierx
  blanchx thatxs the curse of romex
  constancex o lewisx stand fastx the devil tempts thee here
    in likeness of a new untrimmed bridex
  blanchx the lady constance speaks not from her faithx
    but from her needx
  constancex ox if thou grant my needx
    which only lives but by the death of faithx
    that need must needs infer this principlex
    that faith would live again by death of needx
    o thenx tread down my needx and faith mounts upx
    keep my need upx and faith is trodden downx
  king johnx the king is movxdx and answers not to thisx
  constancex o be removxd from himx and answer wellx
  austriax do sox king philipx hang no more in doubtx
  bastardx hang nothing but a calfxsxskinx most sweet loutx
  king philipx i am perplexxd and know not what to sayx
  pandulphx what canst thou say but will perplex thee morex
    if thou stand excommunicate and cursxdx
  king philipx good reverend fatherx make my person yoursx
    and tell me how you would bestow yourselfx
    this royal hand and mine are newly knitx
    and the conjunction of our inward souls
    married in leaguex coupled and linkxd together
    with all religious strength of sacred vowsx
    the latest breath that gave the sound of words
    was deepxsworn faithx peacex amityx true lovex
    between our kingdoms and our royal selvesx
    and even before this trucex but new beforex
    no longer than we well could wash our handsx
    to clap this royal bargain up of peacex
    heaven knowsx they were besmearxd and overstainxd
    with slaughterxs pencilx where revenge did paint
    the fearful difference of incensed kingsx
    and shall these handsx so lately purgxd of bloodx
    so newly joinxd in lovex so strong in bothx
    unyoke this seizure and this kind regreetx
    play fast and loose with faithx so jest with heavenx
    make such unconstant children of ourselvesx
    as now again to snatch our palm from palmx
    unswear faith swornx and on the marriagexbed
    of smiling peace to march a bloody hostx
    and make a riot on the gentle brow
    of true sincerityx ox holy sirx
    my reverend fatherx let it not be sox
    out of your gracex devisex ordainx imposex
    some gentle orderx and then we shall be blest
    to do your pleasurex and continue friendsx
  pandulphx all form is formlessx order orderlessx
    save what is opposite to englandxs lovex
    thereforex to armsx be champion of our churchx
    or let the churchx our motherx breathe her cursex
    a motherxs cursexon her revolting sonx
    francex thou mayst hold a serpent by the tonguex
    a chafed lion by the mortal pawx
    a fasting tiger safer by the toothx
    than keep in peace that hand which thou dost holdx
  king philipx i may disjoin my handx but not my faithx
  pandulphx so makxst thou faith an enemy to faithx
    and likex a civil war setxst oath to oathx
    thy tongue against thy tonguex ox let thy vow
    first made to heavenx first be to heaven performxdx
    that isx to be the champion of our churchx
    what since thou sworxst is sworn against thyself
    and may not be performed by thyselfx
    for that which thou hast sworn to do amiss
    is not amiss when it is truly donex
    and being not donex where doing tends to illx
    the truth is then most done not doing itx
    the better act of purposes mistook
    is to mistake againx though indirectx
    yet indirection thereby grows directx
    and falsehood curesx as fire cools fire
    within the scorched veins of one newxburnxdx
    it is religion that doth make vows keptx
    but thou hast sworn against religion
    by what thou swearxst against the thing thou swearxstx
    and makxst an oath the surety for thy truth
    against an oathx the truth thou art unsure
    to swear swears only not to be forswornx
    else what a mockery should it be to swearx
    but thou dost swear only to be forswornx
    and most forsworn to keep what thou dost swearx
    therefore thy later vows against thy first
    is in thyself rebellion to thyselfx
    and better conquest never canst thou make
    than arm thy constant and thy nobler parts
    against these giddy loose suggestionsx
    upon which better part our prayxrs come inx
    if thou vouchsafe themx but if notx then know
    the peril of our curses fight on thee
    so heavy as thou shalt not shake them offx
    but in despair die under the black weightx
  austriax rebellionx flat rebellionx
  bastardx willxt not bex
    will not a calfxsxskin stop that mouth of thinex
  lewisx fatherx to armsx
  blanchx upon thy weddingxdayx
    against the blood that thou hast marriedx
    whatx shall our feast be kept with slaughtered menx
    shall braying trumpets and loud churlish drumsx
    clamours of hellx be measures to our pompx
    o husbandx hear mex ayx alackx how new
    is xhusbandx in my mouthx even for that namex
    which till this time my tongue did nexer pronouncex
    upon my knee i begx go not to arms
    against mine unclex
  constancex ox upon my kneex
    made hard with kneelingx i do pray to theex
    thou virtuous dauphinx alter not the doom
    forethought by heavenx
  blanchx now shall i see thy lovex what motive may
    be stronger with thee than the name of wifex
  constancex that which upholdeth him that thee upholdsx
    his honourx ox thine honourx lewisx thine honourx
  lewisx i muse your majesty doth seem so coldx
    when such profound respects do pull you onx
  pandulphx i will denounce a curse upon his headx
  king philipx thou shalt not needx englandx i will fall from theex
  constancex o fair return of banishxd majestyx
  elinorx o foul revolt of french inconstancyx
  king johnx francex thou shalt rue this hour within this hourx
  bastardx old time the clockxsetterx that bald sexton timex
    is it as he willx well thenx france shall ruex
  blanchx the sunxs oxercast with bloodx fair dayx adieux
    which is the side that i must go withalx
    i am with bothx each army hath a handx
    and in their ragex i having hold of bothx
    they whirl asunder and dismember mex
    husbandx i cannot pray that thou mayst winx
    unclex i needs must pray that thou mayst losex
    fatherx i may not wish the fortune thinex
    grandamx i will not wish thy wishes thrivex
    whoever winsx on that side shall i losex
    assured loss before the match be playxdx
  lewisx ladyx with mex with me thy fortune liesx
  blanchx there where my fortune livesx there my life diesx
  king johnx cousinx go draw our puissance togetherx
                                                         exit bastard
    francex i am burnxd up with inflaming wrathx
    a rage whose heat hath this condition
    that nothing can allayx nothing but bloodx
    the bloodx and dearestxvaluxd bloodx of francex
  king philipx thy rage shall burn thee upx and thou shalt turn
    to ashesx ere our blood shall quench that firex
    look to thyselfx thou art in jeopardyx
  king johnx no more than he that threatsx to arms letxs hiex
                                                     exeunt severally

scene xx

francex plains near angiers

alarumsx excursionsx enter the bastard with austriaxs head

  bastardx nowx by my lifex this day grows wondrous hotx
    some airy devil hovers in the sky
    and pours down mischiefx austriaxs head lie therex
    while philip breathesx

          enter king johnx arthurx and hubert

  king johnx hubertx keep this boyx philipx make upx
    my mother is assailed in our tentx
    and taxenx i fearx
  bastardx my lordx i rescued herx
    her highness is in safetyx fear you notx
    but onx my liegex for very little pains
    will bring this labour to an happy endx                    exeunt

scene xx

francex plains near angiers

alarumsx excursionsx retreatx enter king johnx elinorx arthurx the
bastardx hubertx and lords

  king johnx  xto elinorx  so shall it bex your grace shall stay
      behindx
    so strongly guardedx  xto arthurx  cousinx look not sadx
    thy grandam loves theex and thy uncle will
    as dear be to thee as thy father wasx
  arthurx ox this will make my mother die with griefx
  king johnx  xto the bastardx  cousinx away for englandx haste
      beforex
    andx ere our comingx see thou shake the bags
    of hoarding abbotsx imprisoned angels
    set at libertyx the fat ribs of peace
    must by the hungry now be fed uponx
    use our commission in his utmost forcex
  bastardx bellx bookx and candlex shall not drive me backx
    when gold and silver becks me to come onx
    i leave your highnessx grandamx i will prayx
    if ever i remember to be holyx
    for your fair safetyx sox i kiss your handx
  elinorx farewellx gentle cousinx
  king johnx cozx farewellx
                                                         exit bastard
  elinorx come hitherx little kinsmanx harkx a wordx
  king johnx come hitherx hubertx o my gentle hubertx
    we owe thee muchx within this wall of flesh
    there is a soul counts thee her creditorx
    and with advantage means to pay thy lovex
    andx my good friendx thy voluntary oath
    lives in this bosomx dearly cherishedx
    give me thy handx i had a thing to sayx
    but i will fit it with some better timex
    by heavenx hubertx i am almost ashamxd
    to say what good respect i have of theex
  hubertx i am much bounden to your majestyx
  king johnx good friendx thou hast no cause to say so yetx
    but thou shalt havex and creep time nexer so slowx
    yet it shall come for me to do thee goodx
    i had a thing to sayxbut let it gox
    the sun is in the heavenx and the proud dayx
    attended with the pleasures of the worldx
    is all too wanton and too full of gawds
    to give me audiencex if the midnight bell
    did with his iron tongue and brazen mouth
    sound on into the drowsy race of nightx
    if this same were a churchyard where we standx
    and thou possessed with a thousand wrongsx
    or if that surly spiritx melancholyx
    had bakxd thy blood and made it heavyxthickx
    which else runs tickling up and down the veinsx
    making that idiotx laughterx keep menxs eyes
    and strain their cheeks to idle merrimentx
    a passion hateful to my purposesx
    or if that thou couldst see me without eyesx
    hear me without thine carsx and make reply
    without a tonguex using conceit alonex
    without eyesx earsx and harmful sound of wordsx
    thenx in despite of brooded watchful dayx
    i would into thy bosom pour my thoughtsx
    butx ahx i will notx yet i love thee wellx
    andx by my trothx i think thou lovxst me wellx
  hubertx so well that what you bid me undertakex
    though that my death were adjunct to my actx
    by heavenx i would do itx
  king johnx do not i know thou wouldstx
    good hubertx hubertx hubertx throw thine eye
    on yon young boyx ixll tell thee whatx my friendx
    he is a very serpent in my wayx
    and wheresoexer this foot of mine doth treadx
    he lies before mex dost thou understand mex
    thou art his keeperx
  hubertx and ixll keep him so
    that he shall not offend your majestyx
  king johnx deathx
  hubertx my lordx
  king johnx a gravex
  hubertx he shall not livex
  king johnx enoughx
    i could be merry nowx hubertx i love theex
    wellx ixll not say what i intend for theex
    rememberx madamx fare you wellx
    ixll send those powers oxer to your majestyx
  elinorx my blessing go with theex
  king johnx  xto arthurx  for englandx cousinx gox
    hubert shall be your manx attend on you
    with all true dutyx on toward calaisx hox                  exeunt

scene xx

francex the french kingxs camp

enter king philipx lewisx pandulphx and attendants

  king philipx so by a roaring tempest on the flood
    a whole armado of convicted sail
    is scattered and disjoinxd from fellowshipx
  pandulphx courage and comfortx all shall yet go wellx
  king philipx what can go wellx when we have run so illx
    are we not beatenx is not angiers lostx
    arthur taxen prisonerx divers dear friends slainx
    and bloody england into england gonex
    oxerbearing interruptionx spite of francex
  lewisx he hath wonx that hath he fortifiedx
    so hot a speed with such advice disposxdx
    such temperate order in so fierce a causex
    doth want examplex who hath read or heard
    of any kindred action like to thisx
  king philipx well could i bear that england had this praisex
    so we could find some pattern of our shamex

                   enter constance

    look who comes herex a grave unto a soulx
    holding thx eternal spiritx against her willx
    in the vile prison of afflicted breathx
    i pritheex ladyx go away with mex
  constancex lo nowx now see the issue of your peacex
  king philipx patiencex good ladyx comfortx gentle constancex
  constancex nox i defy all counselx all redressx
    but that which ends all counselx true redressx
    deathx deathx o amiable lovely deathx
    thou odoriferous stenchx sound rottennessx
    arise forth from the couch of lasting nightx
    thou hate and terror to prosperityx
    and i will kiss thy detestable bonesx
    and put my eyeballs in thy vaulty browsx
    and ring these fingers with thy household wormsx
    and stop this gap of breath with fulsome dustx
    and be a carrion monster like thyselfx
    comex grin on mex and i will think thou smilxstx
    and buss thee as thy wifex miseryxs lovex
    ox come to mex
  king philipx o fair afflictionx peacex
  constancex nox nox i will notx having breath to cryx
    o that my tongue were in the thunderxs mouthx
    then with a passion would i shake the worldx
    and rouse from sleep that fell anatomy
    which cannot hear a ladyxs feeble voicex
    which scorns a modern invocationx
  pandulphx ladyx you utter madness and not sorrowx
  constancex thou art not holy to belie me sox
    i am not madx this hair i tear is minex
    my name is constancex i was geffreyxs wifex
    young arthur is my sonx and he is lostx
    i am not madxi would to heaven i werex
    for then xtis like i should forget myselfx
    ox if i couldx what grief should i forgetx
    preach some philosophy to make me madx
    and thou shalt be canonizxdx cardinalx
    forx being not madx but sensible of griefx
    my reasonable part produces reason
    how i may be deliverxd of these woesx
    and teaches me to kill or hang myselfx
    if i were mad i should forget my sonx
    or madly think a babe of clouts were hex
    i am not madx too wellx too well i feel
    the different plague of each calamityx
  king philipx bind up those tressesx ox what love i note
    in the fair multitude of those her hairsx
    where but by a chance a silver drop hath fallxnx
    even to that drop ten thousand wiry friends
    do glue themselves in sociable griefx
    like truex inseparablex faithful lovesx
    sticking together in calamityx
  constancex to englandx if you willx
  king philipx bind up your hairsx
  constancex yesx that i willx and wherefore will i do itx
    i tore them from their bondsx and cried aloud
    xo that these hands could so redeem my sonx
    as they have given these hairs their libertyxx
    but now i envy at their libertyx
    and will again commit them to their bondsx
    because my poor child is a prisonerx
    andx father cardinalx i have heard you say
    that we shall see and know our friends in heavenx
    if that be truex i shall see my boy againx
    for since the birth of cainx the first male childx
    to him that did but yesterday suspirex
    there was not such a gracious creature bornx
    but now will canker sorrow eat my bud
    and chase the native beauty from his cheekx
    and he will look as hollow as a ghostx
    as dim and meagre as an aguexs fitx
    and so hexll diex andx rising so againx
    when i shall meet him in the court of heaven
    i shall not know himx therefore neverx never
    must i behold my pretty arthur morex
  pandulphx you hold too heinous a respect of griefx
  constancex he talks to me that never had a sonx
  king philipx you are as fond of grief as of your childx
  constancex grief fills the room up of my absent childx
    lies in his bedx walks up and down with mex
    puts on his pretty looksx repeats his wordsx
    remembers me of all his gracious partsx
    stuffs out his vacant garments with his formx
    then have i reason to be fond of griefx
    fare you wellx had you such a loss as ix
    i could give better comfort than you dox
    i will not keep this form upon my headx
                                                   xtearing her hairx
    when there is such disorder in my witx
    o lordx my boyx my arthurx my fair sonx
    my lifex my joyx my foodx my ail the worldx
    my widowxcomfortx and my sorrowsx curex                      exit
  king philipx i fear some outragex and ixll follow herx         exit
  lewisx therexs nothing in this world can make me joyx
    life is as tedious as a twicextold tale
    vexing the dull ear of a drowsy manx
    and bitter shame hath spoilxd the sweet worldxs tastex
    that it yields nought but shame and bitternessx
  pandulphx before the curing of a strong diseasex
    even in the instant of repair and healthx
    the fit is strongestx evils that take leave
    on their departure most of all show evilx
    what have you lost by losing of this dayx
  lewisx all days of gloryx joyx and happinessx
  pandulphx if you had won itx certainly you hadx
    nox nox when fortune means to men most goodx
    she looks upon them with a threatxning eyex
    xtis strange to think how much king john hath lost
    in this which he accounts so clearly wonx
    are not you grievxd that arthur is his prisonerx
  lewisx as heartily as he is glad he hath himx
  pandulphx your mind is all as youthful as your bloodx
    now hear me speak with a prophetic spiritx
    for even the breath of what i mean to speak
    shall blow each dustx each strawx each little rubx
    out of the path which shall directly lead
    thy foot to englandxs thronex and therefore markx
    john hath seizxd arthurx and it cannot be
    thatx whiles warm life plays in that infantxs veinsx
    the misplacxd john should entertain an hourx
    one minutex nayx one quiet breath of restx
    a sceptre snatchxd with an unruly hand
    must be boisterously maintainxd as gainxdx
    and he that stands upon a slippxry place
    makes nice of no vile hold to stay him upx
    that john may stand thenx arthur needs must fallx
    so be itx for it cannot be but sox
  lewisx but what shall i gain by young arthurxs fallx
  pandulphx youx in the right of lady blanch your wifex
    may then make all the claim that arthur didx
  lewisx and lose itx life and allx as arthur didx
  pandulphx how green you are and fresh in this old worldx
    john lays you plotsx the times conspire with youx
    for he that steeps his safety in true blood
    shall find but bloody safety and untruex
    this actx so evilly bornex shall cool the hearts
    of all his people and freeze up their zealx
    that none so small advantage shall step forth
    to check his reign but they will cherish itx
    no natural exhalation in the skyx
    no scope of naturex no distemperxd dayx
    no common windx no customed eventx
    but they will pluck away his natural cause
    and call them meteorsx prodigiesx and signsx
    abortivesx presagesx and tongues of heavenx
    plainly denouncing vengeance upon johnx
  lewisx may be he will not touch young arthurxs lifex
    but hold himself safe in his prisonmentx
  pandulphx ox sirx when he shall hear of your approachx
    if that young arthur be not gone alreadyx
    even at that news he diesx and then the hearts
    of all his people shall revolt from himx
    and kiss the lips of unacquainted changex
    and pick strong matter of revolt and wrath
    out of the bloody fingersx ends of johnx
    methinks i see this hurly all on footx
    andx ox what better matter breeds for you
    than i have namxdx the bastard faulconbridge
    is now in england ransacking the churchx
    offending charityx if but a dozen french
    were there in armsx they would be as a can
    to train ten thousand english to their sidex
    or as a little snowx tumbled aboutx
    anon becomes a mountainx o noble dauphinx
    go with me to the kingx xtis wonderful
    what may be wrought out of their discontentx
    now that their souls are topful of offencex
    for england gox i will whet on the kingx
  lewisx strong reasons makes strong actionsx let us gox
    if you say ayx the king will not say nox                   exeunt

act ivx scene xx

englandx a castle

enter hubert and executioners

  hubertx heat me these irons hotx and look thou stand
    within the arrasx when i strike my foot
    upon the bosom of the groundx rush forth
    and bind the boy which you shall find with me
    fast to the chairx be heedfulx hencex and watchx
  executionerx i hope your warrant will bear out the deedx
  hubertx uncleanly scruplesx fear not youx look toxtx
                                                  exeunt executioners
    young ladx come forthx i have to say with youx

                    enter arthur

  arthurx good morrowx hubertx
  hubertx good morrowx little princex
  arthurx as little princex having so great a tide
    to be more princex as may bex you are sadx
  hubertx indeed i have been merrierx
  arthurx mercy on mex
    methinks no body should be sad but ix
    yetx i rememberx when i was in francex
    young gentlemen would be as sad as nightx
    only for wantonnessx by my christendomx
    so i were out of prison and kept sheepx
    i should be as merry as the day is longx
    and so i would be here but that i doubt
    my uncle practises more harm to mex
    he is afraid of mex and i of himx
    is it my fault that i was geffreyxs sonx
    nox indeedx ist notx and i would to heaven
    i were your sonx so you would love mex hubertx
  hubertx  xasidex  if i talk to himx with his innocent prate
    he will awake my mercyx which lies deadx
    therefore i will be sudden and dispatchx
  arthurx are you sickx hubertx you look pale toxdayx
    in soothx i would you were a little sickx
    that i might sit all night and watch with youx
    i warrant i love you more than you do mex
  hubertx  xasidex  his words do take possession of my bosomxx
    read herex young arthurx                        xshowing a paperx
      xasidex  how nowx foolish rheumx
    turning dispiteous torture out of doorx
    i must be briefx lest resolution drop
    out at mine eyes in tender womanish tearsxx
    can you not read itx is it not fair writx
  arthurx too fairlyx hubertx for so foul effectx
    must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyesx
  hubertx young boyx i mustx
  arthurx and will youx
  hubertx and i willx
  arthurx have you the heartx when your head did but achex
    i knit my handkerchief about your browsx
    the best i hadx a princess wrought it mex
    and i did never ask it you againx
    and with my hand at midnight held your headx
    andx like the watchful minutes to the hourx
    still and anon cheerxd up the heavy timex
    saying xwhat lack youxx and xwhere lies your griefxx
    or xwhat good love may i perform for youxx
    many a poor manxs son would have lyen stillx
    and nexer have spoke a loving word to youx
    but you at your sick service had a princex
    nayx you may think my love was crafty lovex
    and call it cunningx dox an if you willx
    if heaven be pleasxd that you must use me illx
    whyx then you mustx will you put out mine eyesx
    these eyes that never did nor never shall
    so much as frown on youx
  hubertx i have sworn to do itx
    and with hot irons must i burn them outx
  arthurx ahx none but in this iron age would do itx
    the iron of itselfx though heat redxhotx
    approaching near these eyes would drink my tearsx
    and quench his fiery indignation
    even in the matter of mine innocencex
    nayx after thatx consume away in rust
    but for containing fire to harm mine eyex
    are you more stubbornxhard than hammerxd ironx
    an if an angel should have come to me
    and told me hubert should put out mine eyesx
    i would not have believxd himxno tongue but hubertxsx
  hubertx  xstampsx  come forthx

     rexenter executionersx with cordx ironsx etcx

    do as i bid you dox
  arthurx ox save mex hubertx save mex my eyes are out
    even with the fierce looks of these bloody menx
  hubertx give me the ironx i sayx and bind him herex
  arthurx alasx what need you be so boistxrous roughx
    i will not strugglex i will stand stonexstillx
    for heaven sakex hubertx let me not be boundx
    nayx hear mex hubertx drive these men awayx
    and i will sit as quiet as a lambx
    i will not stirx nor wincex nor speak a wordx
    nor look upon the iron angrilyx
    thrust but these men awayx and ixll forgive youx
    whatever torment you do put me tox
  hubertx gox stand withinx let me alone with himx
  executionerx i am best pleasxd to be from such a deedx
                                                  exeunt executioners
  arthurx alasx i then have chid away my friendx
    he hath a stern look but a gentle heartx
    let him come backx that his compassion may
    give life to yoursx
  hubertx comex boyx prepare yourselfx
  arthurx is there no remedyx
  hubertx nonex but to lose your eyesx
  arthurx o heavenx that there were but a mote in yoursx
    a grainx a dustx a gnatx a wandering hairx
    any annoyance in that precious sensex
    thenx feeling what small things are boisterous therex
    your vile intent must needs seem horriblex
  hubertx is this your promisex go tox hold your tonguex
  arthurx hubertx the utterance of a brace of tongues
    must needs want pleading for a pair of eyesx
    let me not hold my tonguex let me notx hubertx
    orx hubertx if you willx cut out my tonguex
    so i may keep mine eyesx ox spare mine eyesx
    though to no use but still to look on youx
    lox by my trothx the instrument is cold
    and would not harm mex
  hubertx i can heat itx boyx
  arthurx nox in good soothx the fire is dead with griefx
    being create for comfortx to be usxd
    in undeserved extremesx see else yourselfx
    there is no malice in this burning coalx
    the breath of heaven hath blown his spirit outx
    and strewxd repentant ashes on his headx
  hubertx but with my breath i can revive itx boyx
  arthurx an if you dox you will but make it blush
    and glow with shame of your proceedingsx hubertx
    nayx it perchance will sparkle in your eyesx
    andx like a dog that is compellxd to fightx
    snatch at his master that doth tarre him onx
    all things that you should use to do me wrong
    deny their officex only you do lack
    that mercy which fierce fire and iron extendsx
    creatures of note for mercyxlacking usesx
  hubertx wellx see to livex i will not touch thine eye
    for all the treasure that thine uncle owesx
    yet i am swornx and i did purposex boyx
    with this same very iron to burn them outx
  arthurx ox now you look like hubertx all this while
    you were disguisxdx
  hubertx peacex no morex adieux
    your uncle must not know but you are deadx
    ixll fill these dogged spies with false reportsx
    andx pretty childx sleep doubtless and secure
    that hubertx for the wealth of all the worldx
    will not offend theex
  arthurx o heavenx i thank youx hubertx
  hubertx silencex no morex go closely in with mex
    much danger do i undergo for theex                         exeunt

scene xx

englandx king johnxs palace

enter king johnx pembrokex salisburyx and other lords

  king johnx here once again we sitx once again crownxdx
    and lookxd uponx i hopex with cheerful eyesx
  pembrokex this once againx but that your highness pleasxdx
    was once superfluousx you were crownxd beforex
    and that high royalty was nexer pluckxd offx
    the faiths of men nexer stained with revoltx
    fresh expectation troubled not the land
    with any longxdxfor change or better statex
  salisburyx thereforex to be possessxd with double pompx
    to guard a title that was rich beforex
    to gild refined goldx to paint the lilyx
    to throw a perfume on the violetx
    to smooth the icex or add another hue
    unto the rainbowx or with taperxlight
    to seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnishx
    is wasteful and ridiculous excessx
  pembrokex but that your royal pleasure must be donex
    this act is as an ancient tale new told
    andx in the last repeatingx troublesomex
    being urged at a time unseasonablex
  salisburyx in this the antique and wellxnoted face
    of plain old form is much disfiguredx
    and like a shifted wind unto a sail
    it makes the course of thoughts to fetch aboutx
    startles and frights considerationx
    makes sound opinion sickx and truth suspectedx
    for putting on so new a fashionxd robex
  pembrokex when workmen strive to do better than wellx
    they do confound their skill in covetousnessx
    and oftentimes excusing of a fault
    doth make the fault the worse by thx excusex
    as patches set upon a little breach
    discredit more in hiding of the fault
    than did the fault before it was so patchxdx
  salisburyx to this effectx before you were newxcrownxdx
    we breathxd our counselx but it pleasxd your highness
    to overbear itx and we are all well pleasxdx
    since all and every part of what we would
    doth make a stand at what your highness willx
  king johnx some reasons of this double coronation
    i have possessxd you withx and think them strongx
    and morex more strongx when lesser is my fearx
    i shall indue you withx meantime but ask
    what you would have reformxd that is not wellx
    and well shall you perceive how willingly
    i will both hear and grant you your requestsx
  pembrokex then ix as one that am the tongue of thesex
    to sound the purposes of all their heartsx
    both for myself and themx butx chief of allx
    your safetyx for the which myself and them
    bend their best studiesx heartily request
    thx enfranchisement of arthurx whose restraint
    doth move the murmuring lips of discontent
    to break into this dangerous argumentx
    if what in rest you have in right you holdx
    why then your fearsxwhichx as they sayx attend
    the steps of wrongxshould move you to mew up
    your tender kinsmanx and to choke his days
    with barbarous ignorancex and deny his youth
    the rich advantage of good exercisex
    that the timexs enemies may not have this
    to grace occasionsx let it be our suit
    that you have bid us ask his libertyx
    which for our goods we do no further ask
    than whereupon our wealx on you dependingx
    counts it your weal he have his libertyx
  king johnx let it be sox i do commit his youth
    to your directionx

                     enter hubert

    xasidex  hubertx what news with youx
  pembrokex this is the man should do the bloody deedx
    he showxd his warrant to a friend of minex
    the image of a wicked heinous fault
    lives in his eyex that close aspect of his
    doth show the mood of a much troubled breastx
    and i do fearfully believe xtis done
    what we so fearxd he had a charge to dox
  salisburyx the colour of the king doth come and go
    between his purpose and his consciencex
    like heralds xtwixt two dreadful battles setx
    his passion is so ripe it needs must breakx
  pembrokex and when it breaksx i fear will issue thence
    the foul corruption of a sweet childxs deathx
  king johnx we cannot hold mortalityxs strong handx
    good lordsx although my will to give is livingx
    the suit which you demand is gone and deadx
    he tells us arthur is deceasxd toxnightx
  salisburyx indeedx we fearxd his sickness was past curex
  pembrokex indeedx we heard how near his death he wasx
    before the child himself felt he was sickx
    this must be answerxd either here or hencex
  king johnx why do you bend such solemn brows on mex
    think you i bear the shears of destinyx
    have i commandment on the pulse of lifex
  salisburyx it is apparent foulxplayx and xtis shame
    that greatness should so grossly offer itx
    so thrive it in your gamex and sox farewellx
  pembrokex stay yetx lord salisburyx ixll go with thee
    and find thx inheritance of this poor childx
    his little kingdom of a forced gravex
    that blood which owxd the breadth of all this isle
    three foot of it doth holdxbad world the whilex
    this must not be thus bornex this will break out
    to all our sorrowsx and ere long i doubtx            exeunt lords
  king johnx they burn in indignationx i repentx
    there is no sure foundation set on bloodx
    no certain life achievxd by othersx deathx

                 enter a messenger

    a fearful eye thou hastx where is that blood
    that i have seen inhabit in those cheeksx
    so foul a sky clears not without a stormx
    pour down thy weatherxhow goes all in francex
  messengerx from france to englandx never such a powxr
    for any foreign preparation
    was levied in the body of a landx
    the copy of your speed is learnxd by themx
    for when you should be told they do preparex
    the tidings comes that they are all arrivxdx
  king johnx ox where hath our intelligence been drunkx
    where hath it sleptx where is my motherxs carex
    that such an army could be drawn in francex
    and she not hear of itx
  messengerx my liegex her ear
    is stoppxd with dustx the first of april died
    your noble motherx and as i hearx my lordx
    the lady constance in a frenzy died
    three days beforex but this from rumourxs tongue
    i idly heardxif true or false i know notx
  king johnx withhold thy speedx dreadful occasionx
    ox make a league with mex till i have pleasxd
    my discontented peersx whatx mother deadx
    how wildly then walks my estate in francex
    under whose conduct came those powxrs of france
    that thou for truth givxst out are landed herex
  messengerx under the dauphinx
  king johnx thou hast made me giddy
    with these in tidingsx

         enter the bastard and peter of pomfret

    nowx what says the world
    to your proceedingsx do not seek to stuff
    my head with more ill newsx for it is fullx
  bastardx but if you be afearxd to hear the worstx
    then let the worstx unheardx fall on your headx
  king johnx bear with mex cousinx for i was amazxd
    under the tidex but now i breathe again
    aloft the floodx and can give audience
    to any tonguex speak it of what it willx
  bastardx how i have sped among the clergymen
    the sums i have collected shall expressx
    but as i travellxd hither through the landx
    i find the people strangely fantasiedx
    possessxd with rumoursx full of idle dreamsx
    not knowing what they fearx but full of fearx
    and herexs a prophet that i brought with me
    from forth the streets of pomfretx whom i found
    with many hundreds treading on his heelsx
    to whom he sungx in rude harshxsounding rhymesx
    thatx ere the next ascensionxday at noonx
    your highness should deliver up your crownx
  king johnx thou idle dreamerx wherefore didst thou sox
  peterx foreknowing that the truth will fall out sox
  king johnx hubertx away with himx imprison himx
    and on that day at noon whereon he says
    i shall yield up my crown let him be hangxdx
    deliver him to safetyx and returnx
    for i must use theex
                                               exit hubert with peter
    o my gentle cousinx
    hearxst thou the news abroadx who are arrivxdx
  bastardx the frenchx my lordx menxs mouths are full of itx
    besidesx i met lord bigot and lord salisburyx
    with eyes as red as newxenkindled firex
    and others morex going to seek the grave
    of arthurx whom they say is killxd toxnight
    on your suggestionx
  king johnx gentle kinsmanx go
    and thrust thyself into their companiesx
    i have a way to will their loves againx
    bring them before mex
  bastardx i will seek them outx
  king johnx nayx but make hastex the better foot beforex
    ox let me have no subject enemies
    when adverse foreigners affright my towns
    with dreadful pomp of stout invasionx
    be mercuryx set feathers to thy heelsx
    and fly like thought from them to me againx
  bastardx the spirit of the time shall teach me speedx
  king johnx spoke like a sprightful noble gentlemanx
                                                         exit bastard
    go after himx for he perhaps shall need
    some messenger betwixt me and the peersx
    and be thou hex
  messengerx with all my heartx my liegex                        exit
  king johnx my mother deadx

                   rexenter hubert

  hubertx my lordx they say five moons were seen toxnightx
    four fixedx and the fifth did whirl about
    the other four in wondrous motionx
  king johnx five moonsx
  hubertx old men and beldams in the streets
    do prophesy upon it dangerouslyx
    young arthurxs death is common in their mouthsx
    and when they talk of himx they shake their headsx
    and whisper one another in the earx
    and he that speaks doth gripe the hearerxs wristx
    whilst he that hears makes fearful action
    with wrinkled browsx with nodsx with rolling eyesx
    i saw a smith stand with his hammerx thusx
    the whilst his iron did on the anvil coolx
    with open mouth swallowing a tailorxs newsx
    whox with his shears and measure in his handx
    standing on slippersx which his nimble haste
    had falsely thrust upon contrary feetx
    told of a many thousand warlike french
    that were embattailed and rankxd in kentx
    another lean unwashxd artificer
    cuts off his talex and talks of arthurxs deathx
  king johnx why seekxst thou to possess me with these fearsx
    why urgest thou so oft young arthurxs deathx
    thy hand hath murdxred himx i had a mighty cause
    to wish him deadx but thou hadst none to kill himx
  hubertx no hadx my lordx whyx did you not provoke mex
  king johnx it is the curse of kings to be attended
    by slaves that take their humours for a warrant
    to break within the bloody house of lifex
    and on the winking of authority
    to understand a lawx to know the meaning
    of dangerous majestyx when perchance it frowns
    more upon humour than advisxd respectx
  hubertx here is your hand and seal for what i didx
  king johnx ox when the last account xtwixt heaven and earth
    is to be madex then shall this hand and seal
    witness against us to damnationx
    how oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
    make deeds ill donex hadst not thou been byx
    a fellow by the hand of nature markxdx
    quoted and signxd to do a deed of shamex
    this murder had not come into my mindx
    butx taking note of thy abhorrxd aspectx
    finding thee fit for bloody villainyx
    aptx liable to be employxd in dangerx
    i faintly broke with thee of arthurxs deathx
    and thoux to be endeared to a kingx
    made it no conscience to destroy a princex
  hubertx my lordx
  king johnx hadst thou but shook thy head or made pausex
    when i spake darkly what i purposedx
    or turnxd an eye of doubt upon my facex
    as bid me tell my tale in express wordsx
    deep shame had struck me dumbx made me break offx
    and those thy fears might have wrought fears in mex
    but thou didst understand me by my signsx
    and didst in signs again parley with sinx
    yeax without stopx didst let thy heart consentx
    and consequently thy rude hand to act
    the deed which both our tongues held vile to namex
    out of my sightx and never see me morex
    my nobles leave mex and my state is bravedx
    even at my gatesx with ranks of foreign powxrsx
    nayx in the body of the fleshly landx
    this kingdomx this confine of blood and breathx
    hostility and civil tumult reigns
    between my conscience and my cousinxs deathx
  hubertx arm you against your other enemiesx
    ixll make a peace between your soul and youx
    young arthur is alivex this hand of mine
    is yet a maiden and an innocent handx
    not painted with the crimson spots of bloodx
    within this bosom never entxred yet
    the dreadful motion of a murderous thought
    and you have slanderxd nature in my formx
    whichx howsoever rude exteriorlyx
    is yet the cover of a fairer mind
    than to be butcher of an innocent childx
  king johnx doth arthur livex ox haste thee to the peersx
    throw this report on their incensed rage
    and make them tame to their obediencex
    forgive the comment that my passion made
    upon thy featurex for my rage was blindx
    and foul imaginary eyes of blood
    presented thee more hideous than thou artx
    ox answer notx but to my closet bring
    the angry lords with all expedient hastex
    i conjure thee but slowlyx run more fastx                  exeunt

scene xx

englandx before the castle

enter arthurx on the walls

  arthurx the wall is highx and yet will i leap downx
    good groundx be pitiful and hurt me notx
    therexs few or none do know mex if they didx
    this shipxboyxs semblance hath disguisxd me quitex
    i am afraidx and yet ixll venture itx
    if i get down and do not break my limbsx
    ixll find a thousand shifts to get awayx
    as good to die and gox as die and stayx              xleaps downx
    o mex my unclexs spirit is in these stonesx
    heaven take my soulx and england keep my bonesx
    xdiesx

          enter pembrokex salisburyx and bigot

  salisburyx lordsx i will meet him at saint edmundsburyx
    it is our safetyx and we must embrace
    this gentle offer of the perilous timex
  pembrokex who brought that letter from the cardinalx
  salisburyx the count melunx a noble lord of francex
    whose private with me of the dauphinxs love
    is much more general than these lines importx
  bigotx toxmorrow morning let us meet him thenx
  salisburyx or rather then set forwardx for xtwill be
    two long daysx journeyx lordsx or ere we meetx

                 enter the bastard

  bastardx once more toxday well metx distemperxd lordsx
    the king by me requests your presence straightx
  salisburyx the king hath dispossessxd himself of usx
    we will not line his thin bestained cloak
    with our pure honoursx nor attend the foot
    that leaves the print of blood wherexer it walksx
    return and tell him sox we know the worstx
  bastardx whatexer you thinkx good wordsx i thinkx were bestx
  salisburyx our griefsx and not our mannersx reason nowx
  bastardx but there is little reason in your griefx
    therefore xtwere reason you had manners nowx
  pembrokex sirx sirx impatience hath his privilegex
  bastardx xtis truexto hurt his masterx no man elsex
  salisburyx this is the prisonx what is he lies herex
  pembrokex o deathx made proud with pure and princely beautyx
    the earth had not a hole to hide this deedx
  salisburyx murderx as hating what himself hath donex
    doth lay it open to urge on revengex
  bigotx orx when he doomxd this beauty to a gravex
    found it too preciousxprincely for a gravex
  salisburyx sir richardx what think youx have you beheldx
    or have you read or heardx or could you thinkx
    or do you almost thinkx although you seex
    that you do seex could thoughtx without this objectx
    form such anotherx this is the very topx
    the heightx the crestx or crest unto the crestx
    of murderxs armsx this is the bloodiest shamex
    the wildest savageryx the vilest strokex
    that ever wallxeyxd wrath or staring rage
    presented to the tears of soft remorsex
  pembrokex all murders past do stand excusxd in thisx
    and thisx so sole and so unmatchablex
    shall give a holinessx a purityx
    to the yet unbegotten sin of timesx
    and prove a deadly bloodshed but a jestx
    exampled by this heinous spectaclex
  bastardx it is a damned and a bloody workx
    the graceless action of a heavy handx
    if that it be the work of any handx
  salisburyx if that it be the work of any handx
    we had a kind of light what would ensuex
    it is the shameful work of hubertxs handx
    the practice and the purpose of the kingx
    from whose obedience i forbid my soul
    kneeling before this ruin of sweet lifex
    and breathing to his breathless excellence
    the incense of a vowx a holy vowx
    never to taste the pleasures of the worldx
    never to be infected with delightx
    nor conversant with ease and idlenessx
    till i have set a glory to this hand
    by giving it the worship of revengex
  pembrokex and bigotx our souls religiously confirm thy wordsx

                     enter hubert

  hubertx lordsx i am hot with haste in seeking youx
    arthur doth livex the king hath sent for youx
  salisburyx ox he is boldx and blushes not at deathx
    avauntx thou hateful villainx get thee gonex
  hubertx i am no villainx
  salisburyx must i rob the lawx                  xdrawing his swordx
  bastardx your sword is brightx sirx put it up againx
  salisburyx not till i sheathe it in a murdererxs skinx
  hubertx stand backx lord salisburyx stand backx i sayx
    by heavenx i think my swordxs as sharp as yoursx
    i would not have youx lordx forget yourselfx
    nor tempt the danger of my true defencex
    lest ix by marking of your ragex forget
    your worthx your greatness and nobilityx
  bigotx outx dunghillx darxst thou brave a noblemanx
  hubertx not for my lifex but yet i dare defend
    my innocent life against an emperorx
  salisburyx thou art a murdererx
  hubertx do not prove me sox
    yet i am nonex whose tongue soexer speaks falsex
    not truly speaksx who speaks not trulyx liesx
  pembrokex cut him to piecesx
  bastardx keep the peacex i sayx
  salisburyx stand byx or i shall gall youx faulconbridgex
  bastardx thou wert better gall the devilx salisburyx
    if thou but frown on mex or stir thy footx
    or teach thy hasty spleen to do me shamex
    ixll strike thee deadx put up thy sword betimex
    or ixll so maul you and your toastingxiron
    that you shall think the devil is come from hellx
  bigotx what wilt thou dox renowned faulconbridgex
    second a villain and a murdererx
  hubertx lord bigotx i am nonex
  bigotx who killxd this princex
  hubertx xtis not an hour since i left him wellx
    i honourxd himx i lovxd himx and will weep
    my date of life out for his sweet lifexs lossx
  salisburyx trust not those cunning waters of his eyesx
    for villainy is not without such rheumx
    and hex long traded in itx makes it seem
    like rivers of remorse and innocencyx
    away with mex all you whose souls abhor
    thx uncleanly savours of a slaughterxhousex
    for i am stifled with this smell of sinx
  bigotx away toward buryx to the dauphin therex
  pembrokex there tell the king he may inquire us outx
                                                         exeunt lords
  bastardx herexs a good worldx knew you of this fair workx
    beyond the infinite and boundless reach
    of mercyx if thou didst this deed of deathx
    art thou damnxdx hubertx
  hubertx do but hear mex sirx
  bastardx hax ixll tell thee whatx
    thouxrt damnxd as blackxnayx nothing is so blackx
    thou art more deep damnxd than prince luciferx
    there is not yet so ugly a fiend of hell
    as thou shalt bex if thou didst kill this childx
  hubertx upon my soulx
  bastardx if thou didst but consent
    to this most cruel actx do but despairx
    and if thou wantxst a cordx the smallest thread
    that ever spider twisted from her womb
    will serve to strangle theex a rush will be a beam
    to hang thee onx or wouldst thou drown thyselfx
    put but a little water in a spoon
    and it shall be as all the oceanx
    enough to stifle such a villain up
    i do suspect thee very grievouslyx
  hubertx if i in actx consentx or sin of thoughtx
    be guilty of the stealing that sweet breath
    which was embounded in this beauteous clayx
    let hell want pains enough to torture mex
    i left him wellx
  bastardx gox bear him in thine armsx
    i am amazxdx methinksx and lose my way
    among the thorns and dangers of this worldx
    how easy dost thou take all england upx
    from forth this morsel of dead royalty
    the lifex the rightx and truth of all this realm
    is fled to heavenx and england now is left
    to tug and scamblex and to part by thx teeth
    the unowed interest of proudxswelling statex
    now for the barexpickxd bone of majesty
    doth dogged war bristle his angry crest
    and snarleth in the gentle eyes of peacex
    now powers from home and discontents at home
    meet in one linex and vast confusion waitsx
    as doth a raven on a sickxfallxn beastx
    the imminent decay of wrested pompx
    now happy he whose cloak and cincture can
    hold out this tempestx bear away that childx
    and follow me with speedx ixll to the kingx
    a thousand businesses are brief in handx
    and heaven itself doth frown upon the landx                exeunt

act vx scene xx englandx king johnxs palace

enter king johnx pandulphx and attendants

  king johnx thus have i yielded up into your hand
    the circle of my gloryx
  pandulphx  xgives back the crownx  take again
    from this my handx as holding of the popex
    your sovereign greatness and authorityx
  king johnx now keep your holy wordx go meet the frenchx
    and from his holiness use all your power
    to stop their marches fore we are inflamxdx
    our discontented counties do revoltx
    our people quarrel with obediencex
    swearing allegiance and the love of soul
    to stranger bloodx to foreign royaltyx
    this inundation of mistempxred humour
    rests by you only to be qualifiedx
    then pause notx for the present timexs so sick
    that present medxcine must be ministxred
    or overthrow incurable ensuesx
  pandulphx it was my breath that blew this tempest upx
    upon your stubborn usage of the popex
    but since you are a gentle convertitex
    my tongue shall hush again this storm of war
    and make fair weather in your blustxring landx
    on this ascensionxdayx remember wellx
    upon your oath of service to the popex
    go i to make the french lay down their armsx                 exit
  king johnx is this ascensionxdayx did not the prophet
    say that before ascensionxday at noon
    my crown i should give offx even so i havex
    i did suppose it should be on constraintx
    butx heaven be thankxdx it is but voluntaryx

                 enter the bastard

  bastardx all kent hath yieldedx nothing there holds out
    but dover castlex london hath receivxdx
    like a kind hostx the dauphin and his powersx
    your nobles will not hear youx but are gone
    to offer service to your enemyx
    and wild amazement hurries up and down
    the little number of your doubtful friendsx
  king johnx would not my lords return to me again
    after they heard young arthur was alivex
    bastardx they found him deadx and cast into the streetsx
    an empty casketx where the jewel of life
    by some damnxd hand was robbed and taxen awayx
  king johnx that villain hubert told me he did livex
  bastardx sox on my soulx he didx for aught he knewx
    but wherefore do you droopx why look you sadx
    be great in actx as you have been in thoughtx
    let not the world see fear and sad distrust
    govern the motion of a kingly eyex
    be stirring as the timex be fire with firex
    threaten the threatxnerx and outface the brow
    of bragging horrorx so shall inferior eyesx
    that borrow their behaviours from the greatx
    grow great by your example and put on
    the dauntless spirit of resolutionx
    awayx and glister like the god of war
    when he intendeth to become the fieldx
    show boldness and aspiring confidencex
    whatx shall they seek the lion in his denx
    and fright him therex and make him tremble therex
    ox let it not be saidx foragex and run
    to meet displeasure farther from the doors
    and grapple with him ere he come so nighx
  king johnx the legate of the pope hath been with mex
    and i have made a happy peace with himx
    and he hath promisxd to dismiss the powers
    led by the dauphinx
  bastardx o inglorious leaguex
    shall wex upon the footing of our landx
    send fairxplay ordersx and make compromisex
    insinuationx parleyx and base trucex
    to arms invasivex shall a beardless boyx
    a cockxred silken wantonx brave our fields
    and flesh his spirit in a warlike soilx
    mocking the air with colours idly spreadx
    and find no checkx let usx my liegex to armsx
    perchance the cardinal cannot make your peacex
    orx if he dox let it at least be said
    they saw we had a purpose of defencex
  king johnx have thou the ordering of this present timex
  bastardx awayx thenx with good couragex
    yetx i know
    our party may well meet a prouder foex                     exeunt

scene xx englandx the dauphinxs camp at saint edmundsbury

enterx in armsx lewisx salisburyx melunx pembrokex bigotx and soldiers

  lewisx my lord melunx let this be copied out
    and keep it safe for our remembrancex
    return the precedent to these lords againx
    thatx having our fair order written downx
    both they and wex perusing oxer these notesx
    may know wherefore we took the sacramentx
    and keep our faiths firm and inviolablex
  salisburyx upon our sides it never shall be brokenx
    andx noble dauphinx albeit we swear
    a voluntary zeal and an unurgxd faith
    to your proceedingsx yetx believe mex princex
    i am not glad that such a sore of time
    should seek a plaster by contemnxd revoltx
    and heal the inveterate canker of one wound
    by making manyx ox it grieves my soul
    that i must draw this metal from my side
    to be a widowxmakerx ox and there
    where honourable rescue and defence
    cries out upon the name of salisburyx
    but such is the infection of the time
    thatx for the health and physic of our rightx
    we cannot deal but with the very hand
    of stern injustice and confused wrongx
    and isxt not pityx o my grieved friendsx
    that wex the sons and children of this islex
    were born to see so sad an hour as thisx
    wherein we step after a strangerxmarch
    upon her gentle bosomx and fill up
    her enemiesx ranksxi must withdraw and weep
    upon the spot of this enforced causex
    to grace the gentry of a land remote
    and follow unacquainted colours herex
    whatx herex o nationx that thou couldst removex
    that neptunexs armsx who clippeth thee aboutx
    would bear thee from the knowledge of thyself
    and grapple thee unto a pagan shorex
    where these two christian armies might combine
    the blood of malice in a vein of leaguex
    and not to spend it so unneighbourlyx
  lewisx a noble temper dost thou show in thisx
    and great affections wrestling in thy bosom
    doth make an earthquake of nobilityx
    ox what a noble combat hast thou fought
    between compulsion and a brave respectx
    let me wipe off this honourable dew
    that silverly doth progress on thy cheeksx
    my heart hath melted at a ladyxs tearsx
    being an ordinary inundationx
    but this effusion of such manly dropsx
    this showxrx blown up by tempest of the soulx
    startles mine eyes and makes me more amazxd
    than had i seen the vaulty top of heaven
    figurxd quite oxer with burning meteorsx
    lift up thy browx renowned salisburyx
    and with a great heart heave away this stormx
    commend these waters to those baby eyes
    that never saw the giant world enragxdx
    nor met with fortune other than at feastsx
    full of warm bloodx of mirthx of gossipingx
    comex comex for thou shalt thrust thy hand as deep
    into the purse of rich prosperity
    as lewis himselfx sox noblesx shall you allx
    that knit your sinews to the strength of minex

                enter pandulph

    and even therex methinksx an angel spakex
    look where the holy legate comes apacex
    to give us warrant from the hand of heaven
    and on our actions set the name of right
    with holy breathx
  pandulphx hailx noble prince of francex
    the next is thisx king john hath reconcilxd
    himself to romex his spirit is come inx
    that so stood out against the holy churchx
    the great metropolis and see of romex
    therefore thy threatxning colours now wind up
    and tame the savage spirit of wild warx
    thatx like a lion fostered up at handx
    it may lie gently at the foot of peace
    and be no further harmful than in showx
  lewisx your grace shall pardon mex i will not backx
    i am too highxborn to be propertiedx
    to be a secondary at controlx
    or useful servingxman and instrument
    to any sovereign state throughout the worldx
    your breath first kindled the dead coal of wars
    between this chastisxd kingdom and myself
    and brought in matter that should feed this firex
    and now xtis far too huge to be blown out
    with that same weak wind which enkindled itx
    you taught me how to know the face of rightx
    acquainted me with interest to this landx
    yeax thrust this enterprise into my heartx
    and come ye now to tell me john hath made
    his peace with romex what is that peace to mex
    ix by the honour of my marriagexbedx
    after young arthurx claim this land for minex
    andx now it is halfxconquerxdx must i back
    because that john hath made his peace with romex
    am i romexs slavex what penny hath rome bornex
    what men providedx what munition sentx
    to underprop this actionx is xt not i
    that undergo this chargex who else but ix
    and such as to my claim are liablex
    sweat in this business and maintain this warx
    have i not heard these islanders shout out
    xvive le roixx as i have bankxd their townsx
    have i not here the best cards for the game
    to will this easy matchx playxd for a crownx
    and shall i now give oxer the yielded setx
    nox nox on my soulx it never shall be saidx
  pandulphx you look but on the outside of this workx
  lewisx outside or insidex i will not return
    till my attempt so much be glorified
    as to my ample hope was promised
    before i drew this gallant head of warx
    and cullxd these fiery spirits from the world
    to outlook conquestx and to will renown
    even in the jaws of danger and of deathx
                                                     xtrumpet soundsx
    what lusty trumpet thus doth summon usx

             enter the bastardx attended

  bastardx according to the fair play of the worldx
    let me have audiencex i am sent to speakx
    my holy lord of milanx from the king
    i comex to learn how you have dealt for himx
    andx as you answerx i do know the scope
    and warrant limited unto my tonguex
  pandulphx the dauphin is too wilfulxoppositex
    and will not temporize with my entreatiesx
    he flatly says hexll not lay down his armsx
  bastardx by all the blood that ever fury breathxdx
    the youth says wellx now hear our english kingx
    for thus his royalty doth speak in mex
    he is preparxdx and reason too he shouldx
    this apish and unmannerly approachx
    this harnessxd masque and unadvised revel
    this unhairxd sauciness and boyish troopsx
    the king doth smile atx and is well preparxd
    to whip this dwarfish warx these pigmy armsx
    from out the circle of his territoriesx
    that hand which had the strengthx even at your doorx
    to cudgel you and make you take the hatchx
    to dive like buckets in concealed wellsx
    to crouch in litter of your stable planksx
    to lie like pawns lockxd up in chests and trunksx
    to hug with swinex to seek sweet safety out
    in vaults and prisonsx and to thrill and shake
    even at the crying of your nationxs crowx
    thinking this voice an armed englishmanx
    shall that victorious hand be feebled here
    that in your chambers gave you chastisementx
    nox know the gallant monarch is in arms
    and like an eagle oxer his aery towxrs
    to souse annoyance that comes near his nestx
    and you degeneratex you ingrate revoltsx
    you bloody neroesx ripping up the womb
    of your dear mother englandx blush for shamex
    for your own ladies and palexvisagxd maidsx
    like amazonsx come tripping after drumsx
    their thimbles into armed gauntlets changex
    their needles to lancesx and their gentle hearts
    to fierce and bloody inclinationx
  lewisx there end thy bravex and turn thy face in peacex
    we grant thou canst outscold usx fare thee wellx
    we hold our time too precious to be spent
    with such a brabblerx
  pandulphx give me leave to speakx
  bastardx nox i will speakx
  lewisx we will attend to neitherx
    strike up the drumsx and let the tongue of warx
    plead for our interest and our being herex
  bastardx indeedx your drumsx being beatenx will cry outx
    and so shall youx being beatenx do but start
    and echo with the clamour of thy drumx
    and even at hand a drum is ready bracxd
    that shall reverberate all as loud as thinex
    sound but anotherx and another shallx
    as loud as thinex rattle the welkinxs ear
    and mock the deepxmouthxd thunderx for at handx
    not trusting to this halting legate herex
    whom he hath usxd rather for sport than needx
    is warlike johnx and in his forehead sits
    a barexribbxd deathx whose office is this day
    to feast upon whole thousands of the frenchx
  lewisx strike up our drums to find this danger outx
  bastardx and thou shalt find itx dauphinx do not doubtx
    exeunt

scene xx

englandx the field of battle

alarumsx enter king john and hubert

  king johnx how goes the day with usx ox tell mex hubertx
  hubertx badlyx i fearx how fares your majestyx
  king johnx this fever that hath troubled me so long
    lies heavy on mex ox my heart is sickx

                  enter a messenger

  messengerx my lordx your valiant kinsmanx faulconbridgex
    desires your majesty to leave the field
    and send him word by me which way you gox
  king johnx tell himx toward swinsteadx to the abbey therex
  messengerx be of good comfortx for the great supply
    that was expected by the dauphin here
    are wreckxd three nights ago on goodwin sandsx
    this news was brought to richard but even nowx
    the french fight coldlyx and retire themselvesx
  king johnx ay mex this tyrant fever burns me up
    and will not let me welcome this good newsx
    set on toward swinsteadx to my litter straightx
    weakness possesseth mex and i am faintx                    exeunt

scene xx

englandx another part of the battlefield

enter salisburyx pembrokex and bigot

  salisburyx i did not think the king so storxd with friendsx
  pembrokex up once againx put spirit in the frenchx
    if they miscarryx we miscarry toox
  salisburyx that misbegotten devilx faulconbridgex
    in spite of spitex alone upholds the dayx
  pembrokex they say king johnx sore sickx hath left the fieldx

                 enter melunx wounded

  melunx lead me to the revolts of england herex
  salisburyx when we were happy we had other namesx
  pembrokex it is the count melunx
  salisburyx wounded to deathx
  melunx flyx noble englishx you are bought and soldx
    unthread the rude eye of rebellionx
    and welcome home again discarded faithx
    seek out king johnx and fall before his feetx
    for if the french be lords of this loud dayx
    he means to recompense the pains you take
    by cutting off your headsx thus hath he swornx
    and i with himx and many moe with mex
    upon the altar at saint edmundsburyx
    even on that altar where we swore to you
    dear amity and everlasting lovex
  salisburyx may this be possiblex may this be truex
  melunx have i not hideous death within my viewx
    retaining but a quantity of lifex
    which bleeds away even as a form of wax
    resolveth from his figure xgainst the firex
    what in the world should make me now deceivex
    since i must lose the use of all deceitx
    why should i then be falsex since it is true
    that i must die herex and live hence by truthx
    i say againx if lewis do will the dayx
    he is forsworn if exer those eyes of yours
    behold another day break in the eastx
    but even this nightx whose black contagious breath
    already smokes about the burning crest
    of the oldx feeblex and dayxwearied sunx
    even this ill nightx your breathing shall expirex
    paying the fine of rated treachery
    even with a treacherous fine of all your livesx
    if lewis by your assistance win the dayx
    commend me to one hubertx with your kingx
    the love of himxand this respect besidesx
    for that my grandsire was an englishmanx
    awakes my conscience to confess all thisx
    in lieu whereofx i pray youx bear me hence
    from forth the noise and rumour of the fieldx
    where i may think the remnant of my thoughts
    in peacex and part this body and my soul
    with contemplation and devout desiresx
  salisburyx we do believe theex and beshrew my soul
    but i do love the favour and the form
    of this most fair occasionx by the which
    we will untread the steps of damned flightx
    and like a bated and retired floodx
    leaving our rankness and irregular coursex
    stoop low within those bounds we have oxerlookxdx
    and calmly run on in obedience
    even to our oceanx to great king johnx
    my arm shall give thee help to bear thee hencex
    for i do see the cruel pangs of death
    right in thine eyex awayx my friendsx new flightx
    and happy newnessx that intends old rightx
                                            exeuntx leading off melun

scene xx

englandx the french camp

enter lewis and his train

  lewisx the sun of heavenx methoughtx was loath to setx
    but stayxd and made the western welkin blushx
    when english measure backward their own ground
    in faint retirex ox bravely came we offx
    when with a volley of our needless shotx
    after such bloody toilx we bid good nightx
    and wound our tottxring colours clearly upx
    last in the field and almost lords of itx

                 enter a messenger

  messengerx where is my princex the dauphinx
  lewisx herex what newsx
  messengerx the count melun is slainx the english lords
    by his persuasion are again fallxn offx
    and your supplyx which you have wishxd so longx
    are cast away and sunk on goodwin sandsx
  lewisx ahx foul shrewd newsx beshrew thy very heartx
    i did not think to be so sad toxnight
    as this hath made mex who was he that said
    king john did fly an hour or two before
    the stumbling night did part our weary powxrsx
  messengerx whoever spoke itx it is truex my lordx
  lewisx keep good quarter and good care toxnightx
    the day shall not be up so soon as i
    to try the fair adventure of toxmorrowx                    exeunt

scene xx

an open place wear swinstead abbey

enter the bastard and hubertx severally

  hubertx whoxs therex speakx hox speak quicklyx or i shootx
  bastardx a friendx what art thoux
  hubertx of the part of englandx
  bastardx whither dost thou gox
  hubertx whatxs that to theex why may i not demand
    of thine affairs as well as thou of minex
  bastardx hubertx i thinkx
  hubertx thou hast a perfect thoughtx
    i will upon all hazards well believe
    thou art my friend that knowxst my tongue so wellx
    who art thoux
  bastardx who thou wiltx and if thou pleasex
    thou mayst befriend me so much as to think
    i come one way of the plantagenetsx
  hubertx unkind remembrancex thou and eyeless night
    have done me shamex brave soldierx pardon me
    that any accent breaking from thy tongue
    should scape the true acquaintance of mine earx
  bastardx comex comex sans complimentx what news abroadx
  hubertx whyx here walk i in the black brow of night
    to find you outx
  bastardx briefx thenx and whatxs the newsx
  hubertx ox my sweet sirx news fitting to the nightx
    blackx fearfulx comfortlessx and horriblex
  bastardx show me the very wound of this ill newsx
    i am no womanx ixll not swoon at itx
  hubertx the kingx i fearx is poisonxd by a monkx
    i left him almost speechless and broke out
    to acquaint you with this evilx that you might
    the better arm you to the sudden time
    than if you had at leisure known of thisx
  bastardx how did he take itx who did taste to himx
  hubertx a monkx i tell youx a resolved villainx
    whose bowels suddenly burst outx the king
    yet speaksx and peradventure may recoverx
  bastardx who didst thou leave to tend his majestyx
  hubertx whyx know you notx the lords are all come backx
    and brought prince henry in their companyx
    at whose request the king hath pardonxd themx
    and they are all about his majestyx
  bastardx withhold thine indignationx mighty heavenx
    and tempt us not to bear above our powerx
    ixll tell theex hubertx half my power this nightx
    passing these flatsx are taken by the tidex
    these lincoln washes have devoured themx
    myselfx wellxmountedx hardly have escapxdx
    awayx beforex conduct me to the kingx
    i doubt he will be dead or ere i comex                     exeunt

scene xx

the orchard at swinstead abbey

enter prince henryx salisburyx and bigot

  prince henryx it is too latex the life of all his blood
    is touchxd corruptiblyx and his pure brainx
    which some suppose the soulxs frail dwellingxhousex
    doth by the idle comments that it makes
    foretell the ending of mortalityx

                   enter pembroke

  pembrokex his highness yet doth speakx and holds belief
    thatx being brought into the open airx
    it would allay the burning quality
    of that fell poison which assaileth himx
  prince henryx let him be brought into the orchard herex
    doth he still ragex                                    exit bigot
  pembrokex he is more patient
    than when you left himx even now he sungx
  prince henryx o vanity of sicknessx fierce extremes
    in their continuance will not feel themselvesx
    deathx having preyxd upon the outward partsx
    leaves them invisiblex and his siege is now
    against the mindx the which he pricks and wounds
    with many legions of strange fantasiesx
    whichx in their throng and press to that last holdx
    confound themselvesx xtis strange that death should singx
    i am the cygnet to this pale faint swan
    who chants a doleful hymn to his own deathx
    and from the organxpipe of frailty sings
    his soul and body to their lasting restx
  salisburyx be of good comfortx princex for you are born
    to set a form upon that indigest
    which he hath left so shapeless and so rudex

       rexenter bigot and attendantsx who bring in
                king john in a chair

  king johnx ayx marryx now my soul hath elbowxroomx
    it would not out at windows nor at doorsx
    there is so hot a summer in my bosom
    that all my bowels crumble up to dustx
    i am a scribbled form drawn with a pen
    upon a parchmentx and against this fire
    do i shrink upx
  prince henryx how fares your majestyx
  king johnx poisonxdxillxfarex deadx forsookx cast offx
    and none of you will bid the winter come
    to thrust his icy fingers in my mawx
    nor let my kingdomxs rivers take their course
    through my burnxd bosomx nor entreat the north
    to make his bleak winds kiss my parched lips
    and comfort me with coldx i do not ask you muchx
    i beg cold comfortx and you are so strait
    and so ingrateful you deny me thatx
  prince henryx o that there were some virtue in my tearsx
    that might relieve youx
  king johnx the salt in them is hotx
    within me is a hellx and there the poison
    is as a fiend confinxd to tyrannize
    on unreprievable condemned bloodx

                 enter the bastard

  bastardx ox i am scalded with my violent motion
    and spleen of speed to see your majestyx
  king johnx o cousinx thou art come to set mine eyex
    the tackle of my heart is crackxd and burntx
    and all the shrouds wherewith my life should sail
    are turned to one threadx one little hairx
    my heart hath one poor string to stay it byx
    which holds but till thy news be utteredx
    and then all this thou seest is but a clod
    and module of confounded royaltyx
  bastardx the dauphin is preparing hitherwardx
    where god he knows how we shall answer himx
    for in a night the best part of my powxrx
    as i upon advantage did removex
    were in the washes all unwarily
    devoured by the unexpected floodx                 xthe king diesx
  salisburyx you breathe these dead news in as dead an earx
    my liegex my lordx but now a kingxnow thusx
  prince henryx even so must i run onx and even so stopx
    what surety of the worldx what hopex what stayx
    when this was now a kingx and now is clayx
  bastardx art thou gone sox i do but stay behind
    to do the office for thee of revengex
    and then my soul shall wait on thee to heavenx
    as it on earth hath been thy servant stillx
    nowx nowx you stars that move in your right spheresx
    where be your powxrsx show now your mended faithsx
    and instantly return with me again
    to push destruction and perpetual shame
    out of the weak door of our fainting landx
    straight let us seekx or straight we shall be soughtx
    the dauphin rages at our very heelsx
  salisburyx it seems you know notx thenx so much as wex
    the cardinal pandulph is within at restx
    who half an hour since came from the dauphinx
    and brings from him such offers of our peace
    as we with honour and respect may takex
    with purpose presently to leave this warx
  bastardx he will the rather do it when he sees
    ourselves well sinewed to our defencex
  salisburyx nayx xtis in a manner done alreadyx
    for many carriages he hath dispatchxd
    to the seaxsidex and put his cause and quarrel
    to the disposing of the cardinalx
    with whom yourselfx myselfx and other lordsx
    if you think meetx this afternoon will post
    to consummate this business happilyx
  bastardx let it be sox and youx my noble princex
    with other princes that may best be sparxdx
    shall wait upon your fatherxs funeralx
  prince henryx at worcester must his body be interrxdx
    for so he willxd itx
  bastardx thither shall itx thenx
    and happily may your sweet self put on
    the lineal state and glory of the landx
    to whomx with all submissionx on my knee
    i do bequeath my faithful services
    and true subjection everlastinglyx
  salisburyx and the like tender of our love we makex
    to rest without a spot for evermorex
  prince henryx i have a kind soul that would give you thanksx
    and knows not how to do it but with tearsx
  bastardx ox let us pay the time but needful woex
    since it hath been beforehand with our griefsx
    this england never didx nor never shallx
    lie at the proud foot of a conquerorx
    but when it first did help to wound itselfx
    now these her princes are come home againx
    come the three corners of the world in armsx
    and we shall shock themx nought shall make us ruex
    if england to itself do rest but truex                     exeunt




the tragedy of julius caesar



contents

act i
scene ix romex a streetx
scene iix the samex a public placex
scene iiix the samex a streetx


act ii
scene ix romex brutusx orchardx
scene iix a room in caesarxs palacex
scene iiix a street near the capitolx
scene ivx another part of the same streetx before the house of brutusx


act iii
scene ix romex before the capitolx the senate sittingx
scene iix the samex the forumx
scene iiix the samex a streetx


act iv
scene ix a room in antonyxs housex
scene iix before brutusx tentx in the camp near sardisx
scene iiix within the tent of brutusx


act v
scene ix the plains of philippix
scene iix the samex the field of battlex
scene iiix another part of the fieldx
scene ivx another part of the fieldx
scene vx another part of the fieldx





 dramatis personx

julius caesar
octavius caesarx triumvir after his deathx
marcus antoniusx    x    x     x
mx aemilius lepidusx   x    x     x
cicerox publiusx popilius lenax senatorsx
marcus brutusx conspirator against caesarx
cassiusx x    x     x
cascax   x    x     x
treboniusx     x    x     x
ligariusxx    x     x
decius brutusx x    x     x
metellus cimberx     x    x     x
cinnax   x    x     x
flaviusx tribune
marullusx tribune
artemidorusx a sophist of cnidosx
a soothsayer
cinnax a poetx
another poetx
luciliusx titiniusx messalax young catox and volumniusx friends to
brutus and cassiusx
varrox clitusx claudiusx stratox luciusx dardaniusx servants to brutus
pindarusx servant to cassius


calphurniax wife to caesar
portiax wife to brutus

the ghost of caesar


senatorsx citizensx soldiersx commonersx messengersx and servantsx

scenex romex the conspiratorsx camp near sardisx and the plains of
philippix



act i

scene ix romex a streetx

 enter flaviusx marullus and a throng of citizensx

flaviusx
hencex homex you idle creaturesx get you homex
is this a holidayx whatx know you notx
being mechanicalx you ought not walk
upon a labouring day without the sign
of your professionx speakx what trade art thoux

carpenterx
whyx sirx a carpenterx

marullusx
where is thy leather apron and thy rulex
what dost thou with thy best apparel onx
youx sirx what trade are youx

cobblerx
trulyx sirx in respect of a fine workmanx i am butx as you would sayx a
cobblerx

marullusx
but what trade art thoux answer me directlyx

cobblerx
a tradex sirx that i hope i may use with a safe consciencex which is
indeedx sirx a mender of bad solesx

marullusx
what tradex thou knavex thou naughty knavex what tradex

cobblerx
nayx i beseech youx sirx be not out with mex yetx if you be outx sirx i
can mend youx

marullusx
what meanxst thou by thatx mend mex thou saucy fellowx

cobblerx
whyx sirx cobble youx

flaviusx
thou art a cobblerx art thoux

cobblerx
trulyx sirx all that i live by is with the awlx i meddle with no
tradesmanxs mattersx nor womenxs mattersx but withal i am indeedx sirx
a surgeon to old shoesx when they are in great dangerx i recover themx
as proper men as ever trod upon neatxs leather have gone upon my
handiworkx

flaviusx
but wherefore art not in thy shop todayx
why dost thou lead these men about the streetsx

cobblerx
trulyx sirx to wear out their shoesx to get myself into more workx but
indeedx sirx we make holiday to see caesarx and to rejoice in his
triumphx

marullusx
wherefore rejoicex what conquest brings he homex
what tributaries follow him to romex
to grace in captive bonds his chariot wheelsx
you blocksx you stonesx you worse than senseless thingsx
o you hard heartsx you cruel men of romex
knew you not pompeyx many a time and oft
have you climbxd up to walls and battlementsx
to towers and windowsx yeax to chimney topsx
your infants in your armsx and there have sat
the livelong day with patient expectationx
to see great pompey pass the streets of romex
and when you saw his chariot but appearx
have you not made an universal shoutx
that tiber trembled underneath her banks
to hear the replication of your sounds
made in her concave shoresx
and do you now put on your best attirex
and do you now cull out a holidayx
and do you now strew flowers in his wayx
that comes in triumph over pompeyxs bloodx
be gonex
run to your housesx fall upon your kneesx
pray to the gods to intermit the plague
that needs must light on this ingratitudex

flaviusx
gox gox good countrymenx andx for this fault
assemble all the poor men of your sortx
draw them to tiber banksx and weep your tears
into the channelx till the lowest stream
do kiss the most exalted shores of allx

 xxexeunt citizensxxx

see whether their basest metal be not movxdx
they vanish tonguextied in their guiltinessx
go you down that way towards the capitolx
this way will ix disrobe the imagesx
if you do find them deckxd with ceremoniesx

marullusx
may we do sox
you know it is the feast of lupercalx

flaviusx
it is no matterx let no images
be hung with caesarxs trophiesx ixll about
and drive away the vulgar from the streetsx
so do you toox where you perceive them thickx
these growing feathers pluckxd from caesarxs wing
will make him fly an ordinary pitchx
who else would soar above the view of menx
and keep us all in servile fearfulnessx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex a public placex

 enterx in processionx with musicx caesarx antonyx for the coursex
 calphurniax portiax deciusx cicerox brutusx cassius and cascax a great
 crowd followingx among them a soothsayerx

caesarx
calphurniax

cascax
peacex hox caesar speaksx

 xxmusic ceasesxxx

caesarx
calphurniax

calphurniax
herex my lordx

caesarx
stand you directly in antoniusx wayx
when he doth run his coursex antoniusx

antonyx
caesarx my lordx

caesarx
forget not in your speedx antoniusx
to touch calphurniax for our elders sayx
the barrenx touched in this holy chasex
shake off their sterile cursex

antonyx
i shall rememberx
when caesar says xdo thisxx it is performxdx

caesarx
set onx and leave no ceremony outx

 xxmusicxxx

soothsayerx
caesarx

caesarx
hax who callsx

cascax
bid every noise be stillx peace yet againx

 xxmusic ceasesxxx

caesarx
who is it in the press that calls on mex
i hear a tongue shriller than all the musicx
cry xcaesarxx speakx caesar is turnxd to hearx

soothsayerx
beware the ides of marchx

caesarx
what man is thatx

brutusx
a soothsayer bids you beware the ides of marchx

caesarx
set him before mex let me see his facex

cassiusx
fellowx come from the throngx look upon caesarx

caesarx
what sayxst thou to me nowx speak once againx

soothsayerx
beware the ides of marchx

caesarx
he is a dreamerx let us leave himx passx

 xxsennetx exeunt all but brutus and cassiusxxx

cassiusx
will you go see the order of the coursex

brutusx
not ix

cassiusx
i pray youx dox

brutusx
i am not gamesomex i do lack some part
of that quick spirit that is in antonyx
let me not hinderx cassiusx your desiresx
ixll leave youx

cassiusx
brutusx i do observe you now of latex
i have not from your eyes that gentleness
and show of love as i was wont to havex
you bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
over your friend that loves youx

brutusx
cassiusx
be not deceivedx if i have veilxd my lookx
i turn the trouble of my countenance
merely upon myselfx vexed i am
of late with passions of some differencex
conceptions only proper to myselfx
which give some soil perhaps to my behaviorsx
but let not therefore my good friends be grieved
xamong which numberx cassiusx be you onex
nor construe any further my neglectx
than that poor brutusx with himself at warx
forgets the shows of love to other menx

cassiusx
thenx brutusx i have much mistook your passionx
by means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
thoughts of great valuex worthy cogitationsx
tell mex good brutusx can you see your facex

brutusx
nox cassiusx for the eye sees not itself
but by reflectionx by some other thingx

cassiusx
xtis justx
and it is very much lamentedx brutusx
that you have no such mirrors as will turn
your hidden worthiness into your eyex
that you might see your shadowx i have heard
where many of the best respect in romex
xexcept immortal caesarx speaking of brutusx
and groaning underneath this agexs yokex
have wishxd that noble brutus had his eyesx

brutusx
into what dangers would you lead mex cassiusx
that you would have me seek into myself
for that which is not in mex

cassiusx
thereforex good brutusx be prepared to hearx
and since you know you cannot see yourself
so well as by reflectionx ix your glassx
will modestly discover to yourself
that of yourself which you yet know not ofx
and be not jealous on mex gentle brutusx
were i a common laugherx or did use
to stale with ordinary oaths my love
to every new protesterx if you know
that i do fawn on menx and hug them hardx
and after scandal themx or if you know
that i profess myself in banquetingx
to all the routx then hold me dangerousx

 xxflourish and shoutxxx

brutusx
what means this shoutingx i do fear the people
choose caesar for their kingx

cassiusx
ayx do you fear itx
then must i think you would not have it sox

brutusx
i would notx cassiusx yet i love him wellx
but wherefore do you hold me here so longx
what is it that you would impart to mex
if it be aught toward the general goodx
set honour in one eye and death ix the otherx
and i will look on both indifferentlyx
for let the gods so speed me as i love
the name of honour more than i fear deathx

cassiusx
i know that virtue to be in youx brutusx
as well as i do know your outward favourx
wellx honour is the subject of my storyx
i cannot tell what you and other men
think of this lifex butx for my single selfx
i had as lief not be as live to be
in awe of such a thing as i myselfx
i was born free as caesarx so were youx
we both have fed as wellx and we can both
endure the winterxs cold as well as hex
for oncex upon a raw and gusty dayx
the troubled tiber chafing with her shoresx
caesar said to mex xdarxst thoux cassiusx now
leap in with me into this angry floodx
and swim to yonder pointxx upon the wordx
accoutred as i wasx i plunged inx
and bade him followx so indeed he didx
the torrent roarxdx and we did buffet it
with lusty sinewsx throwing it aside
and stemming it with hearts of controversyx
but ere we could arrive the point proposxdx
caesar criedx xhelp mex cassiusx or i sinkxx
ix as aeneasx our great ancestorx
did from the flames of troy upon his shoulder
the old anchises bearx so from the waves of tiber
did i the tired caesarx and this man
is now become a godx and cassius is
a wretched creaturex and must bend his bodyx
if caesar carelessly but nod on himx
he had a fever when he was in spainx
and when the fit was on him i did mark
how he did shakex xtis truex this god did shakex
his coward lips did from their colour flyx
and that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
did lose his lustrex i did hear him groanx
ayx and that tongue of hisx that bade the romans
mark himx and write his speeches in their booksx
alasx it criedx xgive me some drinkx titiniusxx
as a sick girlx ye godsx it doth amaze mex
a man of such a feeble temper should
so get the start of the majestic worldx
and bear the palm alonex

 xxshoutx flourishxxx

brutusx
another general shoutx
i do believe that these applauses are
for some new honours that are heapxd on caesarx

cassiusx
whyx manx he doth bestride the narrow world
like a colossusx and we petty men
walk under his huge legsx and peep about
to find ourselves dishonourable gravesx
men at some time are masters of their fatesx
the faultx dear brutusx is not in our starsx
but in ourselvesx that we are underlingsx
xbrutusx and xcaesarxx what should be in that xcaesarxx
why should that name be sounded more than yoursx
write them togetherx yours is as fair a namex
sound themx it doth become the mouth as wellx
weigh themx it is as heavyx conjure with xemx
xbrutusx will start a spirit as soon as xcaesarxx
now in the names of all the gods at oncex
upon what meat doth this our caesar feedx
that he is grown so greatx agex thou art shamxdx
romex thou hast lost the breed of noble bloodsx
when went there by an age since the great floodx
but it was famxd with more than with one manx
when could they sayx till nowx that talkxd of romex
that her wide walls encompassxd but one manx
now is it rome indeedx and room enoughx
when there is in it but one only manx
ox you and i have heard our fathers sayx
there was a brutus once that would have brookxd
thx eternal devil to keep his state in romex
as easily as a kingx

brutusx
that you do love mex i am nothing jealousx
what you would work me tox i have some aimx
how i have thought of thisx and of these timesx
i shall recount hereafterx for this presentx
i would notx so with love i might entreat youx
be any further movxdx what you have saidx
i will considerx what you have to say
i will with patience hearx and find a time
both meet to hear and answer such high thingsx
till thenx my noble friendx chew upon thisx
brutus had rather be a villager
than to repute himself a son of rome
under these hard conditions as this time
is like to lay upon usx

cassiusx
i am glad that my weak words
have struck but thus much show of fire from brutusx

 enter caesar and his trainx

brutusx
the games are donex and caesar is returningx

cassiusx
as they pass byx pluck casca by the sleevex
and he willx after his sour fashionx tell you
what hath proceeded worthy note todayx

brutusx
i will do sox butx look youx cassiusx
the angry spot doth glow on caesarxs browx
and all the rest look like a chidden trainx
calphurniaxs cheek is palex and cicero
looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
as we have seen him in the capitolx
being crossxd in conference by some senatorsx

cassiusx
casca will tell us what the matter isx

caesarx
antoniusx

antonyx
caesarx

caesarx
let me have men about me that are fatx
sleekxheaded menx and such as sleep axnightsx
yond cassius has a lean and hungry lookx
he thinks too muchx such men are dangerousx

antonyx
fear him notx caesarx hexs not dangerousx
he is a noble roman and well givenx

caesarx
would he were fatterx but i fear him notx
yet if my name were liable to fearx
i do not know the man i should avoid
so soon as that spare cassiusx he reads muchx
he is a great observerx and he looks
quite through the deeds of menx he loves no playsx
as thou dostx antonyx he hears no musicx
seldom he smilesx and smiles in such a sort
as if he mockxd himself and scornxd his spirit
that could be movxd to smile at anythingx
such men as he be never at heartxs ease
whiles they behold a greater than themselvesx
and therefore are they very dangerousx
i rather tell thee what is to be fearxd
than what i fearx for always i am caesarx
come on my right handx for this ear is deafx
and tell me truly what thou thinkxst of himx

 xxexeunt caesar and his trainx casca staysxxx

cascax
you pullxd me by the cloakx would you speak with mex

brutusx
ayx cascax tell us what hath chancxd todayx
that caesar looks so sadx

cascax
whyx you were with himx were you notx

brutusx
i should not then ask casca what had chancxdx

cascax
whyx there was a crown offerxd himx and being offerxd himx he put it by
with the back of his handx thusx and then the people fell axshoutingx

brutusx
what was the second noise forx

cascax
whyx for that toox

cassiusx
they shouted thricex what was the last cry forx

cascax
whyx for that toox

brutusx
was the crown offerxd him thricex

cascax
ayx marryx wasxtx and he put it by thricex every time gentler than
otherx and at every puttingxby mine honest neighbours shoutedx

cassiusx
who offerxd him the crownx

cascax
whyx antonyx

brutusx
tell us the manner of itx gentle cascax

cascax
i can as well be hangxdx as tell the manner of itx it was mere fooleryx
i did not mark itx i saw mark antony offer him a crownx yet xtwas not a
crown neitherx xtwas one of these coronetsx andx as i told youx he put
it by oncex butx for all thatx to my thinkingx he would fain have had
itx then he offered it to him againx then he put it by againx butx to
my thinkingx he was very loath to lay his fingers off itx and then he
offered it the third timex he put it the third time byx and stillx as
he refusxd itx the rabblement hootedx and clappxd their chopt handsx
and threw up their sweaty nightxcapsx and uttered such a deal of
stinking breath because caesar refusxd the crownx that it hadx almostx
choked caesarx for he swoonedx and fell down at itx and for mine own
partx i durst not laughx for fear of opening my lips and receiving the
bad airx

cassiusx
butx softx i pray youx whatx did caesar swoonx

cascax
he fell down in the marketxplacex and foamxd at mouthx and was
speechlessx

brutusx
xtis very likex he hath the fallingxsicknessx

cassiusx
nox caesar hath it notx but youx and ix
and honest cascax we have the fallingxsicknessx

cascax
i know not what you mean by thatx but i am sure caesar fell downx if
the tagxrag people did not clap him and hiss himx according as he
pleased and displeased themx as they use to do the players in the
theatrex i am no true manx

brutusx
what said he when he came unto himselfx

cascax
marryx before he fell downx when he perceived the common herd was glad
he refused the crownx he pluckxd me ope his doubletx and offerxd them
his throat to cutx and i had been a man of any occupationx if i would
not have taken him at a wordx i would i might go to hell among the
roguesx and so he fellx when he came to himself againx he saidx if he
had done or said anything amissx he desirxd their worships to think it
was his infirmityx three or four wenches where i stood criedx xalasx
good soulxx and forgave him with all their heartsx but therexs no heed
to be taken of themx if caesar had stabbxd their mothersx they would
have done no lessx

brutusx
andx after thatx he came thus sad awayx

cascax
ayx

cassiusx
did cicero say anythingx

cascax
ayx he spoke greekx

cassiusx
to what effectx

cascax
nayx and i tell you thatx ixll nexer look you ix the face againx but
those that understood him smilxd at one another and shook their headsx
but for mine own partx it was greek to mex i could tell you more news
toox marullus and flaviusx for pulling scarfs off caesarxs imagesx are
put to silencex fare you wellx there was more foolery yetx if i could
remember itx

cassiusx
will you sup with me tonightx cascax

cascax
nox i am promisxd forthx

cassiusx
will you dine with me tomorrowx

cascax
ayx if i be alivex and your mind holdx and your dinner worth the
eatingx

cassiusx
goodx i will expect youx

cascax
do sox farewell bothx

 xxexit cascaxxx

brutusx
what a blunt fellow is this grown to bex
he was quick mettle when he went to schoolx

cassiusx
so is he now in execution
of any bold or noble enterprisex
however he puts on this tardy formx
this rudeness is a sauce to his good witx
which gives men stomach to digest his words
with better appetitex

brutusx
and so it isx for this time i will leave youx
tomorrowx if you please to speak with mex
i will come home to youx orx if you willx
come home to mex and i will wait for youx

cassiusx
i will do sox till thenx think of the worldx

 xxexit brutusxxx

wellx brutusx thou art noblex yet i seex
thy honourable metal may be wrought
from that it is disposxdx therefore xtis meet
that noble minds keep ever with their likesx
for who so firm that cannot be seducxdx
caesar doth bear me hardx but he loves brutusx
if i were brutus nowx and he were cassiusx
he should not humour mex i will this nightx
in several handsx in at his windows throwx
as if they came from several citizensx
writingsx all tending to the great opinion
that rome holds of his namex wherein obscurely
caesarxs ambition shall be glanced atx
and after thisx let caesar seat him surex
for we will shake himx or worse days endurex

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix the samex a streetx

 thunder and lightningx enterx from opposite sidesx casca with his
 sword drawnx and cicerox

cicerox
good evenx cascax brought you caesar homex
why are you breathlessx and why stare you sox

cascax
are not you movedx when all the sway of earth
shakes like a thing unfirmx o cicerox
i have seen tempestsx when the scolding winds
have rivxd the knotty oaksx and i have seen
thx ambitious ocean swell and rage and foamx
to be exalted with the threatening cloudsx
but never till tonightx never till nowx
did i go through a tempest dropping firex
either there is a civil strife in heavenx
or else the world too saucy with the godsx
incenses them to send destructionx

cicerox
whyx saw you anything more wonderfulx

cascax
a common slavex youxd know him well by sightx
held up his left handx which did flame and burn
like twenty torches joinxdx and yet his handx
not sensible of fire remainxd unscorchxdx
besidesx i hax not since put up my swordx
against the capitol i met a lionx
who glared upon mex and went surly byx
without annoying mex and there were drawn
upon a heap a hundred ghastly womenx
transformed with their fearx who swore they saw
menx all in firex walk up and down the streetsx
and yesterday the bird of night did sitx
even at noonday upon the marketplacex
hooting and shriekingx when these prodigies
do so conjointly meetx let not men sayx
xthese are their reasonsx they are naturalxx
for i believex they are portentous things
unto the climate that they point uponx

cicerox
indeedx it is a strangexdisposed timex
but men may construe things after their fashionx
clean from the purpose of the things themselvesx
comes caesar to the capitol tomorrowx

cascax
he dothx for he did bid antonius
send word to you he would be there tomorrowx

cicerox
goodnight thenx cascax this disturbed sky
is not to walk inx

cascax
farewellx cicerox

 xxexit ciceroxxx

 enter cassiusx

cassiusx
whoxs therex

cascax
a romanx

cassiusx
cascax by your voicex

cascax
your ear is goodx cassiusx what night is thisx

cassiusx
a very pleasing night to honest menx

cascax
who ever knew the heavens menace sox

cassiusx
those that have known the earth so full of faultsx
for my partx i have walkxd about the streetsx
submitting me unto the perilous nightx
andx thus unbracedx cascax as you seex
have barxd my bosom to the thunderxstonex
and when the cross blue lightning seemxd to open
the breast of heavenx i did present myself
even in the aim and very flash of itx

cascax
but wherefore did you so much tempt the heavensx
it is the part of men to fear and tremblex
when the most mighty gods by tokens send
such dreadful heralds to astonish usx

cassiusx
you are dullx cascax and those sparks of life
that should be in a roman you do wantx
or else you use notx you look pale and gazex
and put on fear and cast yourself in wonderx
to see the strange impatience of the heavensx
but if you would consider the true cause
why all these firesx why all these gliding ghostsx
why birds and beastsx from quality and kindx
why old menx foolsx and children calculatex
why all these things change from their ordinancex
their naturesx and prexformed facultiesx
to monstrous qualityx whyx you shall find
that heaven hath infusxd them with these spiritsx
to make them instruments of fear and warning
unto some monstrous statex
now could ix cascax name to thee a man
most like this dreadful nightx
that thundersx lightensx opens gravesx and roarsx
as doth the lion in the capitolx
a man no mightier than thyselfx or mex
in personal actionx yet prodigious grownx
and fearfulx as these strange eruptions arex

cascax
xtis caesar that you meanx is it notx cassiusx

cassiusx
let it be who it isx for romans now
have thews and limbs like to their ancestorsx
butx woe the whilex our fathersx minds are deadx
and we are governxd with our mothersx spiritsx
our yoke and sufferance show us womanishx

cascax
indeedx they say the senators tomorrow
mean to establish caesar as a kingx
and he shall wear his crown by sea and landx
in every placex save here in italyx

cassiusx
i know where i will wear this dagger thenx
cassius from bondage will deliver cassiusx
thereinx ye godsx you make the weak most strongx
thereinx ye godsx you tyrants do defeatx
nor stony towerx nor walls of beaten brassx
nor airless dungeonx nor strong links of ironx
can be retentive to the strength of spiritx
but lifex being weary of these worldly barsx
never lacks power to dismiss itselfx
if i know thisx know all the world besidesx
that part of tyranny that i do bear
i can shake off at pleasurex

 xxthunder stillxxx

cascax
so can ix
so every bondman in his own hand bears
the power to cancel his captivityx

cassiusx
and why should caesar be a tyrant thenx
poor manx i know he would not be a wolfx
but that he sees the romans are but sheepx
he were no lionx were not romans hindsx
those that with haste will make a mighty fire
begin it with weak strawsx what trash is romex
what rubbishx and what offalx when it serves
for the base matter to illuminate
so vile a thing as caesarx butx o griefx
where hast thou led mex ix perhapsx speak this
before a willing bondmanx then i know
my answer must be madex but i am armxdx
and dangers are to me indifferentx

cascax
you speak to cascax and to such a man
that is no fleering tellxtalex holdx my handx
be factious for redress of all these griefsx
and i will set this foot of mine as far
as who goes farthestx

cassiusx
therexs a bargain madex
now know youx cascax i have movxd already
some certain of the noblestxminded romans
to undergo with me an enterprise
of honourablexdangerous consequencex
and i do know by thisx they stay for me
in pompeyxs porchx for nowx this fearful nightx
there is no stir or walking in the streetsx
and the complexion of the element
in favourxs like the work we have in handx
most bloodyx fieryx and most terriblex

 enter cinnax

cascax
stand close awhilex for here comes one in hastex

cassiusx
xtis cinnax i do know him by his gaitx
he is a friendx cinnax where haste you sox

cinnax
to find out youx whoxs thatx metellus cimberx

cassiusx
nox it is cascax one incorporate
to our attemptsx am i not stayxd forx cinnax

cinnax
i am glad onxtx what a fearful night is thisx
therexs two or three of us have seen strange sightsx

cassiusx
am i not stayxd forx tell mex

cinnax
yesx you arex o cassiusx if you could
but win the noble brutus to our partyx

cassiusx
be you contentx good cinnax take this paperx
and look you lay it in the praetorxs chairx
where brutus may but find itx and throw this
in at his windowx set this up with wax
upon old brutusx statuex all this donex
repair to pompeyxs porchx where you shall find usx
is decius brutus and trebonius therex

cinnax
all but metellus cimberx and hexs gone
to seek you at your housex wellx i will hiex
and so bestow these papers as you bade mex

cassiusx
that donex repair to pompeyxs theatrex

 xxexit cinnaxxx

comex cascax you and i will yetx ere dayx
see brutus at his housex three parts of him
is ours alreadyx and the man entire
upon the next encounterx yields him oursx

cascax
ox he sits high in all the peoplexs heartsx
and that which would appear offence in usx
his countenancex like richest alchemyx
will change to virtue and to worthinessx

cassiusx
himx and his worthx and our great need of himx
you have right well conceitedx let us gox
for it is after midnightx and ere dayx
we will awake himx and be sure of himx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix romex brutusx orchardx

 enter brutusx

brutusx
whatx luciusx hox
i cannotx by the progress of the starsx
give guess how near to dayxxluciusx i sayx
i would it were my fault to sleep so soundlyx
whenx luciusx whenx awakex i sayx whatx luciusx

 enter luciusx

luciusx
callxd youx my lordx

brutusx
get me a taper in my studyx luciusx
when it is lightedx come and call me herex

luciusx
i willx my lordx

 xxexitxxx

brutusx
it must be by his deathx and for my partx
i know no personal cause to spurn at himx
but for the generalx he would be crownxdx
how that might change his naturex therexs the questionx
it is the bright day that brings forth the adderx
and that craves wary walkingx crown himxxthatx
and thenx i grantx we put a sting in himx
that at his will he may do danger withx
thx abuse of greatness isx when it disjoins
remorse from powerx andx to speak truth of caesarx
i have not known when his affections swayxd
more than his reasonx but xtis a common proofx
that lowliness is young ambitionxs ladderx
whereto the climberxupward turns his facex
but when he once attains the upmost roundx
he then unto the ladder turns his backx
looks in the cloudsx scorning the base degrees
by which he did ascendx so caesar mayx
then lest he mayx preventx and since the quarrel
will bear no colour for the thing he isx
fashion it thusx that what he isx augmentedx
would run to these and these extremitiesx
and therefore think him as a serpentxs egg
which hatchxdx wouldx as his kind grow mischievousx
and kill him in the shellx

 enter luciusx

luciusx
the taper burneth in your closetx sirx
searching the window for a flintx i found
this paperx thus sealxd upx and i am sure
it did not lie there when i went to bedx

 xxgives him the letterxxx

brutusx
get you to bed againx it is not dayx
is not tomorrowx boyx the ides of marchx

luciusx
i know notx sirx

brutusx
look in the calendarx and bring me wordx

luciusx
i willx sirx

 xxexitxxx

brutusx
the exhalationsx whizzing in the air
give so much light that i may read by themx

 xxopens the letter and readsxxx

xbrutusx thou sleepxstx awake and see thyselfx
shall romex xcx speakx strikex redressxx
xbrutusx thou sleepxstx awakexx
such instigations have been often droppxd
where i have took them upx
xshall romex xcxx thus must i piece it outx
shall rome stand under one manxs awex whatx romex
my ancestors did from the streets of rome
the tarquin drivex when he was callxd a kingx
xspeakx strikex redressxx am i entreated
to speak and strikex o romex i make thee promisex
if the redress will followx thou receivest
thy full petition at the hand of brutusx

 enter luciusx

luciusx
sirx march is wasted fifteen daysx

 xxknock withinxxx

brutusx
xtis goodx go to the gatex somebody knocksx

 xxexit luciusxxx

since cassius first did whet me against caesarx
i have not sleptx
between the acting of a dreadful thing
and the first motionx all the interim is
like a phantasmax or a hideous dreamx
the genius and the mortal instruments
are then in councilx and the state of manx
like to a little kingdomx suffers then
the nature of an insurrectionx

 enter luciusx

luciusx
sirx xtis your brother cassius at the doorx
who doth desire to see youx

brutusx
is he alonex

luciusx
nox sirx there are moe with himx

brutusx
do you know themx

luciusx
nox sirx their hats are pluckxd about their earsx
and half their faces buried in their cloaksx
that by no means i may discover them
by any mark of favourx

brutusx
let xem enterx

 xxexit luciusxxx

they are the factionx o conspiracyx
shamxst thou to show thy dangerous brow by nightx
when evils are most freex ox thenx by day
where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
to mask thy monstrous visagex seek nonex conspiracyx
hide it in smiles and affabilityx
for if thou pathx thy native semblance onx
not erebus itself were dim enough
to hide thee from preventionx

 enter cassiusx cascax deciusx cinnax metellus cimber and treboniusx

cassiusx
i think we are too bold upon your restx
good morrowx brutusx do we trouble youx

brutusx
i have been up this hourx awake all nightx
know i these men that come along with youx

cassiusx
yesx every man of themx and no man here
but honours youx and everyone doth wish
you had but that opinion of yourself
which every noble roman bears of youx
this is treboniusx

brutusx
he is welcome hitherx

cassiusx
this decius brutusx

brutusx
he is welcome toox

cassiusx
thisx cascax thisx cinnax and thisx metellus cimberx

brutusx
they are all welcomex
what watchful cares do interpose themselves
betwixt your eyes and nightx

cassiusx
shall i entreat a wordx

 xxthey whisperxxx

deciusx
here lies the eastx doth not the day break herex

cascax
nox

cinnax
ox pardonx sirx it dothx and yon grey lines
that fret the clouds are messengers of dayx

cascax
you shall confess that you are both deceivxdx
herex as i point my swordx the sun arisesx
which is a great way growing on the southx
weighing the youthful season of the yearx
some two months hencex up higher toward the north
he first presents his firex and the high east
standsx as the capitolx directly herex

brutusx
give me your hands all overx one by onex

cassiusx
and let us swear our resolutionx

brutusx
nox not an oathx if not the face of menx
the sufferance of our soulsx the timexs abusex
if these be motives weakx break off betimesx
and every man hence to his idle bedx
so let highxsighted tyranny range onx
till each man drop by lotteryx but if thesex
as i am sure they dox bear fire enough
to kindle cowardsx and to steel with valour
the melting spirits of womenx thenx countrymenx
what need we any spur but our own cause
to prick us to redressx what other bond
than secret romansx that have spoke the wordx
and will not palterx and what other oath
than honesty to honesty engagxdx
that this shall bex or we will fall for itx
swear priests and cowardsx and men cautelousx
old feeble carrionsx and such suffering souls
that welcome wrongsx unto bad causes swear
such creatures as men doubtx but do not stain
the even virtue of our enterprisex
nor thx insuppressive mettle of our spiritsx
to think that or our cause or our performance
did need an oathx when every drop of blood
that every roman bearsx and nobly bearsx
is guilty of a several bastardyx
if he do break the smallest particle
of any promise that hath passxd from himx

cassiusx
but what of cicerox shall we sound himx
i think he will stand very strong with usx

cascax
let us not leave him outx

cinnax
nox by no meansx

metellusx
ox let us have himx for his silver hairs
will purchase us a good opinionx
and buy menxs voices to commend our deedsx
it shall be saidx his judgment rulxd our handsx
our youths and wildness shall no whit appearx
but all be buried in his gravityx

brutusx
ox name him notx let us not break with himx
for he will never follow anything
that other men beginx

cassiusx
then leave him outx

cascax
indeedx he is not fitx

deciusx
shall no man else be touchxd but only caesarx

cassiusx
deciusx well urgxdx i think it is not meetx
mark antonyx so well belovxd of caesarx
should outlive caesarx we shall find of him
a shrewd contriverx and you knowx his meansx
if he improve themx may well stretch so far
as to annoy us allx which to preventx
let antony and caesar fall togetherx

brutusx
our course will seem too bloodyx caius cassiusx
to cut the head offx and then hack the limbsx
like wrath in deathx and envy afterwardsx
for antony is but a limb of caesarx
let us be sacrificersx but not butchersx caiusx
we all stand up against the spirit of caesarx
and in the spirit of men there is no bloodx
ox that we then could come by caesarxs spiritx
and not dismember caesarx butx alasx
caesar must bleed for itx andx gentle friendsx
letxs kill him boldlyx but not wrathfullyx
letxs carve him as a dish fit for the godsx
not hew him as a carcass fit for houndsx
and let our heartsx as subtle masters dox
stir up their servants to an act of ragex
and after seem to chide xemx this shall mark
our purpose necessaryx and not enviousx
which so appearing to the common eyesx
we shall be callxd purgersx not murderersx
and for mark antonyx think not of himx
for he can do no more than caesarxs arm
when caesarxs head is offx

cassiusx
yet i fear himx
for in the ingrafted love he bears to caesarx

brutusx
alasx good cassiusx do not think of himx
if he love caesarx all that he can do
is to himselfx take thought and die for caesarx
and that were much he shouldx for he is given
to sportsx to wildnessx and much companyx

treboniusx
there is no fear in himx let him not diex
for he will livex and laugh at this hereafterx

 xxclock strikesxxx

brutusx
peacex count the clockx

cassiusx
the clock hath stricken threex

treboniusx
xtis time to partx

cassiusx
but it is doubtful yet
whether caesar will come forth today or nox
for he is superstitious grown of latex
quite from the main opinion he held once
of fantasyx of dreamsx and ceremoniesx
it may be these apparent prodigiesx
the unaccustomxd terror of this nightx
and the persuasion of his augurersx
may hold him from the capitol todayx

deciusx
never fear thatx if he be so resolvedx
i can oxersway himx for he loves to hear
that unicorns may be betrayxd with treesx
and bears with glassesx elephants with holesx
lions with toilsx and men with flatterersx
but when i tell him he hates flatterersx
he says he doesx being then most flatteredx
let me workx
for i can give his humour the true bentx
and i will bring him to the capitolx

cassiusx
nayx we will all of us be there to fetch himx

brutusx
by the eighth hourx is that the uttermostx

cinnax
be that the uttermostx and fail not thenx

metellusx
caius ligarius doth bear caesar hardx
who rated him for speaking well of pompeyx
i wonder none of you have thought of himx

brutusx
nowx good metellusx go along by himx
he loves me wellx and i have given him reasonx
send him but hitherx and ixll fashion himx

cassiusx
the morning comes uponxsx wexll leave youx brutusx
andx friendsx disperse yourselvesx but all remember
what you have saidx and show yourselves true romansx

brutusx
good gentlemenx look fresh and merrilyx
let not our looks put on our purposesx
but bear it as our roman actors dox
with untired spirits and formal constancyx
and sox good morrow to you everyonex

 xxexeunt all but brutusxxx

boyx luciusx fast asleepx it is no matterx
enjoy the honeyxheavy dew of slumberx
thou hast no figures nor no fantasiesx
which busy care draws in the brains of menx
therefore thou sleepxst so soundx

 enter portiax

portiax
brutusx my lordx

brutusx
portiax what mean youx wherefore rise you nowx
it is not for your health thus to commit
your weak condition to the raw cold morningx

portiax
nor for yours neitherx yx have ungentlyx brutusx
stole from my bedx and yesternight at supperx
you suddenly arosex and walkxd aboutx
musing and sighingx with your arms acrossx
and when i askxd you what the matter wasx
you starxd upon me with ungentle looksx
i urgxd you furtherx then you scratchxd your headx
and too impatiently stampxd with your footx
yet i insistedx yet you answerxd notx
but with an angry wafture of your hand
gave sign for me to leave youx so i didx
fearing to strengthen that impatience
which seemxd too much enkindledx and withal
hoping it was but an effect of humourx
which sometime hath his hour with every manx
it will not let you eatx nor talkx nor sleepx
and could it work so much upon your shape
as it hath much prevailxd on your conditionx
i should not know youx brutusx dear my lordx
make me acquainted with your cause of griefx

brutusx
i am not well in healthx and that is allx

portiax
brutus is wisex andx were he not in healthx
he would embrace the means to come by itx

brutusx
whyx so i dox good portiax go to bedx

portiax
is brutus sickx and is it physical
to walk unbraced and suck up the humours
of the dank morningx whatx is brutus sickx
and will he steal out of his wholesome bed
to dare the vile contagion of the nightx
and tempt the rheumy and unpurged air
to add unto his sicknessx nox my brutusx
you have some sick offence within your mindx
whichx by the right and virtue of my placex
i ought to know ofx andx upon my kneesx
i charm youx by my once commended beautyx
by all your vows of lovex and that great vow
which did incorporate and make us onex
that you unfold to mex your selfx your halfx
why you are heavyx and what men tonight
have had resort to youx for here have been
some six or sevenx who did hide their faces
even from darknessx

brutusx
kneel notx gentle portiax

portiax
i should not needx if you were gentle brutusx
within the bond of marriagex tell mex brutusx
is it excepted i should know no secrets
that appertain to youx am i your self
butx as it werex in sort or limitationx
to keep with you at mealsx comfort your bedx
and talk to you sometimesx dwell i but in the suburbs
of your good pleasurex if it be no morex
portia is brutusx harlotx not his wifex

brutusx
you are my true and honourable wifex
as dear to me as are the ruddy drops
that visit my sad heartx

portiax
if this were truex then should i know this secretx
i grant i am a womanx but withal
a woman that lord brutus took to wifex
i grant i am a womanx but withal
a woman well reputedx catoxs daughterx
think you i am no stronger than my sexx
being so fatherxd and so husbandedx
tell me your counselsx i will not disclose xemx
i have made strong proof of my constancyx
giving myself a voluntary wound
herex in the thighx can i bear that with patience
and not my husbandxs secretsx

brutusx
o ye godsx
render me worthy of this noble wifex

 xxknockxxx

harkx harkx one knocksx portiax go in awhilex
and by and by thy bosom shall partake
the secrets of my heartx
all my engagements i will construe to theex
all the charactery of my sad browsx
leave me with hastex

 xxexit portiaxxx

 enter lucius with ligariusx

luciusx whoxs that knocksx

luciusx
here is a sick man that would speak with youx

brutusx
caius ligariusx that metellus spake ofx
boyx stand asidex caius ligariusx howx

ligariusx
vouchsafe goodxmorrow from a feeble tonguex

brutusx
ox what a time have you chose outx brave caiusx
to wear a kerchiefx would you were not sickx

ligariusx
i am not sickx if brutus have in hand
any exploit worthy the name of honourx

brutusx
such an exploit have i in handx ligariusx
had you a healthful ear to hear of itx

ligariusx
by all the gods that romans bow beforex
i here discard my sicknessx soul of romex
brave sonx derived from honourable loinsx
thoux like an exorcistx hast conjurxd up
my mortified spiritx now bid me runx
and i will strive with things impossiblex
yeax get the better of themx whatxs to dox

brutusx
a piece of work that will make sick men wholex

ligariusx
but are not some whole that we must make sickx

brutusx
that must we alsox what it isx my caiusx
i shall unfold to theex as we are goingx
to whom it must be donex

ligariusx
set on your footx
and with a heart newxfirxd i follow youx
to do i know not whatx but it sufficeth
that brutus leads me onx

 xxthunderxxx

brutusx
follow me thenx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a room in caesarxs palacex

 thunder and lightningx enter caesarx in his nightgownx

caesarx
nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonightx
thrice hath calphurnia in her sleep cried outx
xhelpx hox they murder caesarxx whoxs withinx

 enter a servantx

servantx
my lordx

caesarx
go bid the priests do present sacrificex
and bring me their opinions of successx

servantx
i willx my lordx

 xxexitxxx

 enter calphurniax

calphurniax
what mean youx caesarx think you to walk forthx
you shall not stir out of your house todayx

caesarx
caesar shall forthx the things that threatenxd me
nexer lookxd but on my backx when they shall see
the face of caesarx they are vanishedx

calphurniax
caesarx i never stood on ceremoniesx
yet now they fright mex there is one withinx
besides the things that we have heard and seenx
recounts most horrid sights seen by the watchx
a lioness hath whelped in the streetsx
and graves have yawnxdx and yielded up their deadx
fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds
in ranks and squadrons and right form of warx
which drizzled blood upon the capitolx
the noise of battle hurtled in the airx
horses did neighx and dying men did groanx
and ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streetsx
o caesarx these things are beyond all usex
and i do fear themx

caesarx
what can be avoided
whose end is purposxd by the mighty godsx
yet caesar shall go forthx for these predictions
are to the world in general as to caesarx

calphurniax
when beggars diex there are no comets seenx
the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princesx

caesarx
cowards die many times before their deathsx
the valiant never taste of death but oncex
of all the wonders that i yet have heardx
it seems to me most strange that men should fearx
seeing that deathx a necessary endx
will come when it will comex

 enter servantx

what say the augurersx

servantx
they would not have you to stir forth todayx
plucking the entrails of an offering forthx
they could not find a heart within the beastx

caesarx
the gods do this in shame of cowardicex
caesar should be a beast without a heart
if he should stay at home today for fearx
nox caesar shall notx danger knows full well
that caesar is more dangerous than hex
we are two lions litterxd in one dayx
and i the elder and more terriblex
and caesar shall go forthx

calphurniax
alasx my lordx
your wisdom is consumxd in confidencex
do not go forth todayx call it my fear
that keeps you in the housex and not your ownx
wexll send mark antony to the senatexhousex
and he shall say you are not well todayx
let me upon my knee prevail in thisx

caesarx
mark antony shall say i am not wellx
and for thy humourx i will stay at homex

 enter deciusx

herexs decius brutusx he shall tell them sox

deciusx
caesarx all hailx good morrowx worthy caesarx
i come to fetch you to the senatexhousex

caesarx
and you are come in very happy time
to bear my greeting to the senatorsx
and tell them that i will not come todayx
cannotx is falsex and that i dare notx falserx
i will not come todayx tell them sox deciusx

calphurniax
say he is sickx

caesarx
shall caesar send a liex
have i in conquest stretchxd mine arm so farx
to be afeard to tell greyxbeards the truthx
deciusx go tell them caesar will not comex

deciusx
most mighty caesarx let me know some causex
lest i be laughxd at when i tell them sox

caesarx
the cause is in my willx i will not comex
that is enough to satisfy the senatex
but for your private satisfactionx
because i love youx i will let you knowx
calphurnia herex my wifex stays me at homex
she dreamt tonight she saw my statuex
which like a fountain with an hundred spouts
did run pure bloodx and many lusty romans
came smilingx and did bathe their hands in itx
and these does she apply for warnings and portents
and evils imminentx and on her knee
hath beggxd that i will stay at home todayx

deciusx
this dream is all amiss interpretedx
it was a vision fair and fortunatex
your statue spouting blood in many pipesx
in which so many smiling romans bathxdx
signifies that from you great rome shall suck
reviving bloodx and that great men shall press
for tincturesx stainsx relicsx and cognizancex
this by calphurniaxs dream is signifiedx

caesarx
and this way have you well expounded itx

deciusx
i havex when you have heard what i can sayx
and know it nowx the senate have concluded
to give this day a crown to mighty caesarx
if you shall send them word you will not comex
their minds may changex besidesx it were a mock
apt to be renderxdx for someone to sayx
xbreak up the senate till another timex
when caesarxs wife shall meet with better dreamsxx
if caesar hide himselfx shall they not whisper
xlox caesar is afraidxx
pardon mex caesarx for my dear dear love
to your proceeding bids me tell you thisx
and reason to my love is liablex

caesarx
how foolish do your fears seem nowx calphurniax
i am ashamed i did yield to themx
give me my robex for i will gox

 enter brutusx ligariusx metellusx cascax treboniusx cinna and publiusx

and look where publius is come to fetch mex

publiusx
good morrowx caesarx

caesarx
welcomex publiusx
whatx brutusx are you stirrxd so early toox
good morrowx cascax caius ligariusx
caesar was nexer so much your enemy
as that same ague which hath made you leanx
what isxt oxclockx

brutusx
caesarx xtis strucken eightx

caesarx
i thank you for your pains and courtesyx

 enter antonyx

seex antonyx that revels long axnightsx
is notwithstanding upx good morrowx antonyx

antonyx
so to most noble caesarx

caesarx
bid them prepare withinx
i am to blame to be thus waited forx
nowx cinnax nowx metellusx whatx treboniusx
i have an hourxs talk in store for youx
remember that you call on me todayx
be near mex that i may remember youx

treboniusx
caesarx i willx xxasidexxx and so near will i bex
that your best friends shall wish i had been furtherx

caesarx
good friendsx go inx and taste some wine with mex
and wex like friendsx will straightway go togetherx

brutusx
xxasidexxx that every like is not the samex o caesarx
the heart of brutus yearns to think uponx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix a street near the capitolx

 enter artemidorusx reading a paperx

artemidorusx
xxcaesarx beware of brutusx take heed of cassiusx come not near cascax
have an eye to cinnax trust not treboniusx mark well metellus cimberx
decius brutus loves thee notx thou hast wrongxd caius ligariusx there
is but one mind in all these menx and it is bent against caesarx if
thou bexst not immortalx look about youx security gives way to
conspiracyx the mighty gods defend theex
thy loverx artemidorusxxx
here will i stand till caesar pass alongx
and as a suitor will i give him thisx
my heart laments that virtue cannot live
out of the teeth of emulationx
if thou read thisx o caesarx thou mayest livex
if notx the fates with traitors do contrivex

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx another part of the same streetx before the house of brutusx

 enter portia and luciusx

portiax
i prxytheex boyx run to the senatexhousex
stay not to answer mex but get thee gonex
why dost thou stayx

luciusx
to know my errandx madamx

portiax
i would have had thee there and here againx
ere i can tell thee what thou shouldst do therex
xxasidexxx o constancyx be strong upon my sidex
set a huge mountain xtween my heart and tonguex
i have a manxs mindx but a womanxs mightx
how hard it is for women to keep counselx
art thou here yetx

luciusx
madamx what should i dox
run to the capitolx and nothing elsex
and so return to youx and nothing elsex

portiax
yesx bring me wordx boyx if thy lord look wellx
for he went sickly forthx and take good note
what caesar dothx what suitors press to himx
harkx boyx what noise is thatx

luciusx
i hear nonex madamx

portiax
prxytheex listen wellx
i heard a bustling rumourx like a frayx
and the wind brings it from the capitolx

luciusx
soothx madamx i hear nothingx

 enter the soothsayerx

portiax
come hitherx fellowx
which way hast thou beenx

soothsayerx
at mine own housex good ladyx

portiax
what isxt oxclockx

soothsayerx
about the ninth hourx ladyx

portiax
is caesar yet gone to the capitolx

soothsayerx
madamx not yetx i go to take my standx
to see him pass on to the capitolx

portiax
thou hast some suit to caesarx hast thou notx

soothsayerx
that i havex ladyx if it will please caesar
to be so good to caesar as to hear mex
i shall beseech him to befriend himselfx

portiax
whyx knowxst thou any harmxs intended towards himx

soothsayerx
none that i know will bex much that i fear may chancex
good morrow to youx here the street is narrowx
the throng that follows caesar at the heelsx
of senatorsx of praetorsx common suitorsx
will crowd a feeble man almost to deathx
ixll get me to a place more voidx and there
speak to great caesar as he comes alongx

 xxexitxxx

portiax
i must go inx
xxasidexxx ay mex how weak a thing
the heart of woman isx o brutusx
the heavens speed thee in thine enterprisex
surex the boy heard mex brutus hath a suit
that caesar will not grantx ox i grow faintx
runx luciusx and commend me to my lordx
say i am merryx come to me againx
and bring me word what he doth say to theex

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix romex before the capitolx the senate sittingx

 a crowd of people in the street leading to the capitolx flourishx
 enter caesarx brutusx cassiusx cascax deciusx metellusx treboniusx
 cinnax antonyx lepidusx artemidorusx publiusx popilius and the
 soothsayerx

caesarx
the ides of march are comex

soothsayerx
ayx caesarx but not gonex

artemidorusx
hailx caesarx read this schedulex

deciusx
trebonius doth desire you to oxerxreadx
at your best leisurex this his humble suitx

artemidorusx
o caesarx read mine firstx for minexs a suit
that touches caesar nearerx read itx great caesarx

caesarx
what touches us ourself shall be last servxdx

artemidorusx
delay notx caesarx read it instantlyx

caesarx
whatx is the fellow madx

publiusx
sirrahx give placex

cassiusx
whatx urge you your petitions in the streetx
come to the capitolx

caesar enters the capitolx the rest followingx all the senators risex

popiliusx
i wish your enterprise today may thrivex

cassiusx
what enterprisex popiliusx

popiliusx
fare you wellx

 xxadvances to caesarxxx

brutusx
what said popilius lenax

cassiusx
he wishxd today our enterprise might thrivex
i fear our purpose is discoveredx

brutusx
look how he makes to caesarx mark himx

cassiusx
cascax be suddenx for we fear preventionx
brutusx what shall be donex if this be knownx
cassius or caesar never shall turn backx
for i will slay myselfx

brutusx
cassiusx be constantx
popilius lena speaks not of our purposesx
for lookx he smilesx and caesar doth not changex

cassiusx
trebonius knows his timex for look youx brutusx
he draws mark antony out of the wayx

 xxexeunt antony and treboniusx caesar and the senators take their
 seatsxxx

deciusx
where is metellus cimberx let him gox
and presently prefer his suit to caesarx

brutusx
he is addressxdx press near and second himx

cinnax
cascax you are the first that rears your handx

caesarx
are we all readyx what is now amiss
that caesar and his senate must redressx

metellusx
most highx most mightyx and most puissant caesarx
metellus cimber throws before thy seat
an humble heartx

 xxkneelingxxx

caesarx
i must prevent theex cimberx
these couchings and these lowly courtesies
might fire the blood of ordinary menx
and turn prexordinance and first decree
into the law of childrenx be not fondx
to think that caesar bears such rebel blood
that will be thawxd from the true quality
with that which melteth foolsx i mean sweet wordsx
lowxcrooked curtsiesx and base spaniel fawningx
thy brother by decree is banishedx
if thou dost bendx and prayx and fawn for himx
i spurn thee like a cur out of my wayx
knowx caesar dost not wrongx nor without cause
will he be satisfiedx

metellusx
is there no voice more worthy than my ownx
to sound more sweetly in great caesarxs ear
for the repealing of my banishxd brotherx

brutusx
i kiss thy handx but not in flatteryx caesarx
desiring thee that publius cimber may
have an immediate freedom of repealx

caesarx
whatx brutusx

cassiusx
pardonx caesarx caesarx pardonx
as low as to thy foot doth cassius fallx
to beg enfranchisement for publius cimberx

caesarx
i could be well movxdx if i were as youx
if i could pray to movex prayers would move mex
but i am constant as the northern starx
of whose truexfixxd and resting quality
there is no fellow in the firmamentx
the skies are painted with unnumberxd sparksx
they are all firex and every one doth shinex
but therexs but one in all doth hold his placex
so in the worldx xtis furnishxd well with menx
and men are flesh and bloodx and apprehensivex
yet in the number i do know but one
that unassailable holds on his rankx
unshakxd of motionx and that i am hex
let me a little show itx even in thisx
that i was constant cimber should be banishxdx
and constant do remain to keep him sox

cinnax
o caesarxx

caesarx
hencex wilt thou lift up olympusx

deciusx
great caesarxx

caesarx
doth not brutus bootless kneelx

cascax
speakx handsx for mex

 xxcasca stabs caesar in the neckx caesar catches hold of his armx he
 is then stabbed by several other conspiratorsx and at last by marcus
 brutusxxx

caesarx
xet tux brutexxxthen fallx caesarx

 xxdiesx the senators and people retire in confusionxxx

cinnax
libertyx freedomx tyranny is deadx
run hencex proclaimx cry it about the streetsx

cassiusx
some to the common pulpits and cry outx
xlibertyx freedomx and enfranchisementxx

brutusx
people and senatorsx be not affrightedx
fly notx stand stillx ambitionxs debt is paidx

cascax
go to the pulpitx brutusx

deciusx
and cassius toox

brutusx
wherexs publiusx

cinnax
herex quite confounded with this mutinyx

metellusx
stand fast togetherx lest some friend of caesarxs
should chancex

brutusx
talk not of standingx publiusx good cheerx
there is no harm intended to your personx
nor to no roman elsex so tell themx publiusx

cassiusx
and leave usx publiusx lest that the people
rushing on usx should do your age some mischiefx

brutusx
do sox and let no man abide this deed
but we the doersx

 enter treboniusx

cassiusx
wherexs antonyx

treboniusx
fled to his house amazxdx
menx wivesx and children starex cry outx and runx
as it were doomsdayx

brutusx
fatesx we will know your pleasuresx
that we shall diex we knowx xtis but the time
and drawing days outx that men stand uponx

cascax
whyx he that cuts off twenty years of life
cuts off so many years of fearing deathx

brutusx
grant thatx and then is death a benefitx
so are we caesarxs friendsx that have abridgxd
his time of fearing deathx stoopx romansx stoopx
and let us bathe our hands in caesarxs blood
up to the elbowsx and besmear our swordsx
then walk we forthx even to the marketxplacex
and waving our red weapons oxer our headsx
letxs all cryx xpeacex freedomx and libertyxx

cassiusx
stoop thenx and washx how many ages hence
shall this our lofty scene be acted over
in states unbornx and accents yet unknownx

brutusx
how many times shall caesar bleed in sportx
that now on pompeyxs basis lies alongx
no worthier than the dustx

cassiusx
so oft as that shall bex
so often shall the knot of us be callxd
the men that gave their country libertyx

deciusx
whatx shall we forthx

cassiusx
ayx every man awayx
brutus shall leadx and we will grace his heels
with the most boldest and best hearts of romex

 enter a servantx

brutusx
softx who comes herex a friend of antonyxsx

servantx
thusx brutusx did my master bid me kneelx
thus did mark antony bid me fall downx
andx being prostratex thus he bade me sayx
brutus is noblex wisex valiantx and honestx
caesar was mightyx boldx royalx and lovingx
say i love brutus and i honour himx
say i fearxd caesarx honourxd himx and lovxd himx
if brutus will vouchsafe that antony
may safely come to himx and be resolvxd
how caesar hath deservxd to lie in deathx
mark antony shall not love caesar dead
so well as brutus livingx but will follow
the fortunes and affairs of noble brutus
thorough the hazards of this untrod statex
with all true faithx so says my master antonyx

brutusx
thy master is a wise and valiant romanx
i never thought him worsex
tell himx so please him come unto this placex
he shall be satisfied andx by my honourx
depart untouchxdx

servantx
ixll fetch him presentlyx

 xxexitxxx

brutusx
i know that we shall have him well to friendx

cassiusx
i wish we mayx but yet have i a mind
that fears him muchx and my misgiving still
falls shrewdly to the purposex

 enter antonyx

brutusx
but here comes antonyx welcomex mark antonyx

antonyx
o mighty caesarx dost thou lie so lowx
are all thy conquestsx gloriesx triumphsx spoilsx
shrunk to this little measurex fare thee wellx
i know notx gentlemenx what you intendx
who else must be let bloodx who else is rankx
if i myselfx there is no hour so fit
as caesarxs deathxs hourx nor no instrument
of half that worth as those your swordsx made rich
with the most noble blood of all this worldx
i do beseech yex if you bear me hardx
nowx whilst your purpled hands do reek and smokex
fulfill your pleasurex live a thousand yearsx
i shall not find myself so apt to diex
no place will please me sox no means of deathx
as here by caesarx and by you cut offx
the choice and master spirits of this agex

brutusx
o antonyx beg not your death of usx
though now we must appear bloody and cruelx
as by our hands and this our present act
you see we dox yet see you but our hands
and this the bleeding business they have donex
our hearts you see notx they are pitifulx
and pity to the general wrong of romex
as fire drives out firex so pity pityx
hath done this deed on caesarx for your partx
to you our swords have leaden pointsx mark antonyx
our arms in strength of malicex and our hearts
of brothersx temperx do receive you in
with all kind lovex good thoughtsx and reverencex

cassiusx
your voice shall be as strong as any manxs
in the disposing of new dignitiesx

brutusx
only be patient till we have appeasxd
the multitudex beside themselves with fearx
and then we will deliver you the cause
why ix that did love caesar when i struck himx
have thus proceededx

antonyx
i doubt not of your wisdomx
let each man render me his bloody handx
firstx marcus brutusx will i shake with youx
nextx caius cassiusx do i take your handx
nowx decius brutusx yoursx now yoursx metellusx
yoursx cinnax andx my valiant cascax yoursx
though lastx not least in lovex yoursx good treboniusx
gentlemen allxalasx what shall i sayx
my credit now stands on such slippery groundx
that one of two bad ways you must conceit mex
either a coward or a flattererx
that i did love theex caesarx ox xtis truex
if then thy spirit look upon us nowx
shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy deathx
to see thy antony making his peacex
shaking the bloody fingers of thy foesx
most noblex in the presence of thy corsex
had i as many eyes as thou hast woundsx
weeping as fast as they stream forth thy bloodx
it would become me better than to close
in terms of friendship with thine enemiesx
pardon mex juliusx here wast thou bayxdx brave hartx
here didst thou fallx and here thy hunters standx
signxd in thy spoilx and crimsonxd in thy lethex
o worldx thou wast the forest to this hartx
and this indeedx o worldx the heart of theex
how like a deer strucken by many princesx
dost thou here liex

cassiusx
mark antonyxx

antonyx
pardon mex caius cassiusx
the enemies of caesar shall say thisx
thenx in a friendx it is cold modestyx

cassiusx
i blame you not for praising caesar sox
but what compact mean you to have with usx
will you be prickxd in number of our friendsx
or shall we onx and not depend on youx

antonyx
therefore i took your handsx but was indeed
swayxd from the pointx by looking down on caesarx
friends am i with you allx and love you allx
upon this hopex that you shall give me reasons
whyx and whereinx caesar was dangerousx

brutusx
or else were this a savage spectaclex
our reasons are so full of good regard
that were youx antonyx the son of caesarx
you should be satisfiedx

antonyx
thatxs all i seekx
and am moreover suitor that i may
produce his body to the marketxplacex
and in the pulpitx as becomes a friendx
speak in the order of his funeralx

brutusx
you shallx mark antonyx

cassiusx
brutusx a word with youx
xxaside to brutusxxx you know not what you dox do not consent
that antony speak in his funeralx
know you how much the people may be movxd
by that which he will utterx

brutusx
xxaside to cassiusxxx by your pardonx
i will myself into the pulpit firstx
and show the reason of our caesarxs deathx
what antony shall speakx i will protest
he speaks by leave and by permissionx
and that we are contented caesar shall
have all true rights and lawful ceremoniesx
it shall advantage more than do us wrongx

cassiusx
xxaside to brutusxxx i know not what may fallx i like it notx

brutusx
mark antonyx herex take you caesarxs bodyx
you shall not in your funeral speech blame usx
but speak all good you can devise of caesarx
and say you doxt by our permissionx
else shall you not have any hand at all
about his funeralx and you shall speak
in the same pulpit whereto i am goingx
after my speech is endedx

antonyx
be it sox
i do desire no morex

brutusx
prepare the bodyx thenx and follow usx

 xxexeunt all but antonyxxx

antonyx
ox pardon mex thou bleeding piece of earthx
that i am meek and gentle with these butchersx
thou art the ruins of the noblest man
that ever lived in the tide of timesx
woe to the hand that shed this costly bloodx
over thy wounds now do i prophesyx
whichx like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips
to beg the voice and utterance of my tonguex
a curse shall light upon the limbs of menx
domestic fury and fierce civil strife
shall cumber all the parts of italyx
blood and destruction shall be so in usex
and dreadful objects so familiarx
that mothers shall but smile when they behold
their infants quartered with the hands of warx
all pity chokxd with custom of fell deedsx
and caesarxs spiritx ranging for revengex
with ate by his side come hot from hellx
shall in these confines with a monarchxs voice
cry havoc and let slip the dogs of warx
that this foul deed shall smell above the earth
with carrion menx groaning for burialx

 enter a servantx

you serve octavius caesarx do you notx

servantx
i dox mark antonyx

antonyx
caesar did write for him to come to romex

servantx
he did receive his lettersx and is comingx
and bid me say to you by word of mouthxx
xxseeing the bodyxxx o caesarx

antonyx
thy heart is bigx get thee apart and weepx
passionx i seex is catchingx for mine eyesx
seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thinex
began to waterx is thy master comingx

servantx
he lies tonight within seven leagues of romex

antonyx
post back with speedx and tell him what hath chancxdx
here is a mourning romex a dangerous romex
no rome of safety for octavius yetx
hie hencex and tell him sox yet stay awhilex
thou shalt not back till i have borne this corse
into the marketxplacex there shall i tryx
in my orationx how the people take
the cruel issue of these bloody menx
according to the which thou shalt discourse
to young octavius of the state of thingsx
lend me your handx

 xxexeunt with caesarxs bodyxxx

scene iix the samex the forumx

 enter brutus and goes into the pulpitx and cassiusx with a throng of
 citizensx

citizensx
we will be satisfiedx let us be satisfiedx

brutusx
then follow mex and give me audiencex friendsx
cassiusx go you into the other street
and part the numbersx
those that will hear me speakx let xem stay herex
those that will follow cassiusx go with himx
and public reasons shall be rendered
of caesarxs deathx

first citizenx
i will hear brutus speakx

second citizenx
i will hear cassiusx and compare their reasonsx
when severally we hear them renderedx

 xxexit cassiusx with some of the citizensx brutus goes into the
 rostrumxxx

third citizenx
the noble brutus is ascendedx silencex

brutusx
be patient till the lastx
romansx countrymenx and loversx hear me for my causex and be silentx
that you may hearx believe me for mine honourx and have respect to mine
honourx that you may believex censure me in your wisdomx and awake your
sensesx that you may the better judgex if there be any in this
assemblyx any dear friend of caesarxsx to him i say that brutusx love
to caesar was no less than hisx if then that friend demand why brutus
rose against caesarx this is my answerx not that i loved caesar lessx
but that i loved rome morex had you rather caesar were livingx and die
all slavesx than that caesar were deadx to live all free menx as caesar
loved mex i weep for himx as he was fortunatex i rejoice at itx as he
was valiantx i honour himx butx as he was ambitiousx i slew himx there
is tearsx for his lovex joy for his fortunex honour for his valourx and
deathx for his ambitionx who is here so basex that would be a bondmanx
if anyx speakx for him have i offendedx who is here so rudex that would
not be a romanx if anyx speakx for him have i offendedx who is here so
vilex that will not love his countryx if anyx speakx for him have i
offendedx i pause for a replyx

citizensx
nonex brutusx nonex

brutusx
then none have i offendedx i have done no more to caesar than you shall
do to brutusx the question of his death is enrollxd in the capitolx his
glory not extenuatedx wherein he was worthyx nor his offences enforcxdx
for which he suffered deathx

 enter antony and othersx with caesarxs bodyx

here comes his bodyx mourned by mark antonyx whox though he had no hand
in his deathx shall receive the benefit of his dyingx a place in the
commonwealthx as which of you shall notx with this i departx thatx as i
slew my best lover for the good of romex i have the same dagger for
myselfx when it shall please my country to need my deathx

citizensx
livex brutusx livex livex

first citizenx
bring him with triumph home unto his housex

second citizenx
give him a statue with his ancestorsx

third citizenx
let him be caesarx

fourth citizenx
caesarxs better parts
shall be crownxd in brutusx

first citizenx
wexll bring him to his house with shouts and clamoursx

brutusx
my countrymenxx

second citizenx
peacex silencex brutus speaksx

first citizenx
peacex hox

brutusx
good countrymenx let me depart alonex
andx for my sakex stay here with antonyx
do grace to caesarxs corpsex and grace his speech
tending to caesarxs gloriesx which mark antonyx
by our permissionx is allowxd to makex
i do entreat youx not a man departx
save i alonex till antony have spokex

 xxexitxxx

first citizenx
stayx hox and let us hear mark antonyx

third citizenx
let him go up into the public chairx
wexll hear himx noble antonyx go upx

antonyx
for brutusx sakex i am beholding to youx

 xxgoes upxxx

fourth citizenx
what does he say of brutusx

third citizenx
he saysx for brutusx sake
he finds himself beholding to us allx

fourth citizenx
xtwere best he speak no harm of brutus herex

first citizenx
this caesar was a tyrantx

third citizenx
nayx thatxs certainx
we are blest that rome is rid of himx

second citizenx
peacex let us hear what antony can sayx

antonyx
you gentle romansxx

citizensx
peacex hox let us hear himx

antonyx
friendsx romansx countrymenx lend me your earsx
i come to bury caesarx not to praise himx
the evil that men do lives after themx
the good is oft interred with their bonesx
so let it be with caesarx the noble brutus
hath told you caesar was ambitiousx
if it were sox it was a grievous faultx
and grievously hath caesar answerxd itx
herex under leave of brutus and the restx
for brutus is an honourable manx
so are they allx all honourable menx
come i to speak in caesarxs funeralx
he was my friendx faithful and just to mex
but brutus says he was ambitiousx
and brutus is an honourable manx
he hath brought many captives home to romex
whose ransoms did the general coffers fillx
did this in caesar seem ambitiousx
when that the poor have criedx caesar hath weptx
ambition should be made of sterner stuffx
yet brutus says he was ambitiousx
and brutus is an honourable manx
you all did see that on the lupercal
i thrice presented him a kingly crownx
which he did thrice refusex was this ambitionx
yet brutus says he was ambitiousx
and sure he is an honourable manx
i speak not to disprove what brutus spokex
but here i am to speak what i do knowx
you all did love him oncex not without causex
what cause withholds you then to mourn for himx
o judgmentx thou art fled to brutish beastsx
and men have lost their reasonx bear with mex
my heart is in the coffin there with caesarx
and i must pause till it come back to mex

first citizenx
methinks there is much reason in his sayingsx

second citizenx
if thou consider rightly of the matterx
caesar has had great wrongx

third citizenx
has hex mastersx
i fear there will a worse come in his placex

fourth citizenx
markxd ye his wordsx he would not take the crownx
therefore xtis certain he was not ambitiousx

first citizenx
if it be found sox some will dear abide itx

second citizenx
poor soulx his eyes are red as fire with weepingx

third citizenx
therexs not a nobler man in rome than antonyx

fourth citizenx
now mark himx he begins again to speakx

antonyx
but yesterday the word of caesar might
have stood against the worldx now lies he therex
and none so poor to do him reverencex
o mastersx if i were disposxd to stir
your hearts and minds to mutiny and ragex
i should do brutus wrong and cassius wrongx
whox you all knowx are honourable menx
i will not do them wrongx i rather choose
to wrong the deadx to wrong myself and youx
than i will wrong such honourable menx
but herexs a parchment with the seal of caesarx
i found it in his closetx xtis his willx
let but the commons hear this testamentx
whichx pardon mex i do not mean to readx
and they would go and kiss dead caesarxs woundsx
and dip their napkins in his sacred bloodx
yeax beg a hair of him for memoryx
andx dyingx mention it within their willsx
bequeathing it as a rich legacy
unto their issuex

fourth citizenx
wexll hear the willx read itx mark antonyx

citizensx
the willx the willx we will hear caesarxs willx

antonyx
have patiencex gentle friendsx i must not read itx
it is not meet you know how caesar loved youx
you are not woodx you are not stonesx but menx
and being menx hearing the will of caesarx
it will inflame youx it will make you madx
xtis good you know not that you are his heirsx
for if you shouldx ox what would come of itx

fourth citizenx
read the willx wexll hear itx antonyx
you shall read us the willx caesarxs willx

antonyx
will you be patientx will you stay awhilex
i have oxershot myself to tell you of itx
i fear i wrong the honourable men
whose daggers have stabbxd caesarx i do fear itx

fourth citizenx
they were traitorsx honourable menx

citizensx
the willx the testamentx

second citizenx
they were villainsx murderersx the willx read the willx

antonyx
you will compel me then to read the willx
then make a ring about the corpse of caesarx
and let me show you him that made the willx
shall i descendx and will you give me leavex

citizensx
come downx

second citizenx
descendx

 xxhe comes downxxx

third citizenx
you shall have leavex

fourth citizenx
a ringx stand roundx

first citizenx
stand from the hearsex stand from the bodyx

second citizenx
room for antonyx most noble antonyx

antonyx
nayx press not so upon mex stand far offx

citizensx
stand backx roomx bear backx

antonyx
if you have tearsx prepare to shed them nowx
you all do know this mantlex i remember
the first time ever caesar put it onx
xtwas on a summerxs eveningx in his tentx
that day he overcame the nerviix
lookx in this place ran cassiusx dagger throughx
see what a rent the envious casca madex
through this the wellxbeloved brutus stabbxdx
and as he pluckxd his cursed steel awayx
mark how the blood of caesar followxd itx
as rushing out of doorsx to be resolvxd
if brutus so unkindly knockxdx or nox
for brutusx as you knowx was caesarxs angelx
judgex o you godsx how dearly caesar lovxd himx
this was the most unkindest cut of allx
for when the noble caesar saw him stabx
ingratitudex more strong than traitorsx armsx
quite vanquishxd himx then burst his mighty heartx
and in his mantle muffling up his facex
even at the base of pompeyxs statue
which all the while ran bloodx great caesar fellx
ox what a fall was therex my countrymenx
then ix and youx and all of us fell downx
whilst bloody treason flourishxd over usx
ox now you weepx and i perceive you feel
the dint of pityx these are gracious dropsx
kind soulsx what weep you when you but behold
our caesarxs vesture woundedx look you herex
here is himselfx marrxdx as you seex with traitorsx

first citizenx
o piteous spectaclex

second citizenx
o noble caesarx

third citizenx
o woeful dayx

fourth citizenx
o traitorsx villainsx

first citizenx
o most bloody sightx

second citizenx
we will be revengedx

citizensx
revengexxaboutxxseekxxburnxxfirexxkillxxslayxxlet not a traitor livex

antonyx
stayx countrymenx

first citizenx
peace therex hear the noble antonyx

second citizenx
wexll hear himx wexll follow himx wexll die with himx

antonyx
good friendsx sweet friendsx let me not stir you up
to such a sudden flood of mutinyx
they that have done this deed are honourablex
what private griefs they havex alasx i know notx
that made them do itx theyxre wise and honourablex
and willx no doubtx with reasons answer youx
i come notx friendsx to steal away your heartsx
i am no oratorx as brutus isx
butx as you know me allx a plain blunt manx
that love my friendx and that they know full well
that gave me public leave to speak of himx
for i have neither witx nor wordsx nor worthx
actionx nor utterancex nor the power of speechx
to stir menxs bloodx i only speak right onx
i tell you that which you yourselves do knowx
show you sweet caesarxs woundsx poor poor dumb mouthsx
and bid them speak for mex but were i brutusx
and brutus antonyx there were an antony
would ruffle up your spiritsx and put a tongue
in every wound of caesarx that should move
the stones of rome to rise and mutinyx

citizensx
wexll mutinyx

first citizenx
wexll burn the house of brutusx

third citizenx
awayx thenx comex seek the conspiratorsx

antonyx
yet hear mex countrymenx yet hear me speakx

citizensx
peacex hox hear antonyx most noble antonyx

antonyx
whyx friendsx you go to do you know not whatx
wherein hath caesar thus deserved your lovesx
alasx you know notx i must tell you thenx
you have forgot the will i told you ofx

citizensx
most truex the willxxletxs stayx and hear the willx

antonyx
here is the willx and under caesarxs sealx
to every roman citizen he givesx
to every several manx seventyxfive drachmasx

second citizenx
most noble caesarx wexll revenge his deathx

third citizenx
ox royal caesarx

antonyx
hear me with patiencex

citizensx
peacex hox

antonyx
moreoverx he hath left you all his walksx
his private arborsx and newxplanted orchardsx
on this side tiberx he hath left them youx
and to your heirs foreverx common pleasuresx
to walk abroadx and recreate yourselvesx
here was a caesarx when comes such anotherx

first citizenx
neverx neverx comex awayx awayx
wexll burn his body in the holy placex
and with the brands fire the traitorsx housesx
take up the bodyx

second citizenx
gox fetch firex

third citizenx
pluck down benchesx

fourth citizenx
pluck down formsx windowsx anythingx

 xxexeunt citizensx with the bodyxxx

antonyx
now let it workx mischiefx thou art afootx
take thou what course thou wiltx

 enter a servantx

how nowx fellowx

servantx
sirx octavius is already come to romex

antonyx
where is hex

servantx
he and lepidus are at caesarxs housex

antonyx
and thither will i straight to visit himx
he comes upon a wishx fortune is merryx
and in this mood will give us anythingx

servantx
i heard him say brutus and cassius
are rid like madmen through the gates of romex

antonyx
belike they had some notice of the peoplex
how i had moved themx bring me to octaviusx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a streetx

 enter cinnax the poetx and after him the citizensx

cinnax
i dreamt tonight that i did feast with caesarx
and things unluckily charge my fantasyx
i have no will to wander forth of doorsx
yet something leads me forthx

first citizenx
what is your namex

second citizenx
whither are you goingx

third citizenx
where do you dwellx

fourth citizenx
are you a married man or a bachelorx

second citizenx
answer every man directlyx

first citizenx
ayx and brieflyx

fourth citizenx
ayx and wiselyx

third citizenx
ayx and trulyx you were bestx

cinnax
what is my namex whither am i goingx where do i dwellx am i a married
man or a bachelorx thenx to answer every man directly and brieflyx
wisely and trulyx wisely i say i am a bachelorx

second citizenx
thatxs as much as to say they are fools that marryx youxll bear me a
bang for thatx i fearx proceedx directlyx

cinnax
directlyx i am going to caesarxs funeralx

first citizenx
as a friendx or an enemyx

cinnax
as a friendx

second citizenx
that matter is answered directlyx

fourth citizenx
for your dwellingx brieflyx

cinnax
brieflyx i dwell by the capitolx

third citizenx
your namex sirx trulyx

cinnax
trulyx my name is cinnax

first citizenx
tear him to piecesx hexs a conspiratorx

cinnax
i am cinna the poetx i am cinna the poetx

fourth citizenx
tear him for his bad versesx tear him for his bad versesx

cinnax
i am not cinna the conspiratorx

fourth citizenx
it is no matterx his namexs cinnax pluck but his name out of his heartx
and turn him goingx

third citizenx
tear himx tear himx comex brandsx hox firebrandsx to brutusxx to
cassiusxx burn allx some to deciusx housex and some to cascaxsx some to
ligariusxx awayx gox

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix romex a room in antonyxs housex

 enter antonyx octavius and lepidusx seated at a tablex

antonyx
these many then shall diex their names are prickxdx

octaviusx
your brother too must diex consent youx lepidusx

lepidusx
i do consentxx

octaviusx
prick him downx antonyx

lepidusx
upon condition publius shall not livex
who is your sisterxs sonx mark antonyx

antonyx
he shall not livex lookx with a spot i damn himx
butx lepidusx go you to caesarxs housex
fetch the will hitherx and we shall determine
how to cut off some charge in legaciesx

lepidusx
whatx shall i find you herex

octaviusx
or herex or at the capitolx

 xxexit lepidusxxx

antonyx
this is a slight unmeritable manx
meet to be sent on errandsx is it fitx
the threexfold world dividedx he should stand
one of the three to share itx

octaviusx
so you thought himx
and took his voice who should be prickxd to die
in our black sentence and proscriptionx

antonyx
octaviusx i have seen more days than youx
and though we lay these honours on this manx
to ease ourselves of divers slandxrous loadsx
he shall but bear them as the ass bears goldx
to groan and sweat under the businessx
either led or drivenx as we point the wayx
and having brought our treasure where we willx
then take we down his loadx and turn him offx
like to the empty assx to shake his earsx
and graze in commonsx

octaviusx
you may do your willx
but hexs a tried and valiant soldierx

antonyx
so is my horsex octaviusx and for that
i do appoint him store of provenderx
it is a creature that i teach to fightx
to windx to stopx to run directly onx
his corporal motion governxd by my spiritx
andx in some tastex is lepidus but sox
he must be taughtx and trainxdx and bid go forthx
a barrenxspirited fellowx one that feeds
on objectsx artsx and imitationsx
whichx out of use and stalxd by other menx
begin his fashionx do not talk of him
but as a propertyx and nowx octaviusx
listen great thingsx brutus and cassius
are levying powersx we must straight make headx
therefore let our alliance be combinxdx
our best friends madex our means stretchxdx
and let us presently go sit in councilx
how covert matters may be best disclosxdx
and open perils surest answeredx

octaviusx
let us do sox for we are at the stakex
and bayxd about with many enemiesx
and some that smile have in their heartsx i fearx
millions of mischiefsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix before brutusx tentx in the camp near sardisx

 drumx enter  brutusx luciliusx titinius and soldiersx pindarus meeting
 themx lucius at some distancex

brutusx
standx hox

luciliusx
give the wordx hox and standx

brutusx
what nowx luciliusx is cassius nearx

luciliusx
he is at handx and pindarus is come
to do you salutation from his masterx

 xxpindarus gives a letter to brutusxxx

brutusx
he greets me wellx your masterx pindarusx
in his own changex or by ill officersx
hath given me some worthy cause to wish
things donex undonex butx if he be at handx
i shall be satisfiedx

pindarusx
i do not doubt
but that my noble master will appear
such as he isx full of regard and honourx

brutusx
he is not doubtedx a wordx luciliusx
how he received youx let me be resolvxdx

luciliusx
with courtesy and with respect enoughx
but not with such familiar instancesx
nor with such free and friendly conferencex
as he hath usxd of oldx

brutusx
thou hast describxd
a hot friend coolingx ever notex luciliusx
when love begins to sicken and decay
it useth an enforced ceremonyx
there are no tricks in plain and simple faithx
but hollow menx like horses hot at handx
make gallant show and promise of their mettlex

 xxlow march withinxxx

but when they should endure the bloody spurx
they fall their crestsx and like deceitful jades
sink in the trialx comes his army onx

luciliusx
they meant this night in sardis to be quarterxdx
the greater partx the horse in generalx
are come with cassiusx

 enter cassius and soldiersx

brutusx
harkx he is arrivxdx
march gently on to meet himx

cassiusx
standx hox

brutusx
standx hox speak the word alongx

first soldierx
standx

second soldierx
standx

third soldierx
standx

cassiusx
most noble brotherx you have done me wrongx

brutusx
judge mex you godsx wrong i mine enemiesx
and if not sox how should i wrong a brotherx

cassiusx
brutusx this sober form of yours hides wrongsx
and when you do themx

brutusx
cassiusx be contentx
speak your griefs softlyx i do know you wellx
before the eyes of both our armies herex
which should perceive nothing but love from usx
let us not wranglex bid them move awayx
then in my tentx cassiusx enlarge your griefsx
and i will give you audiencex

cassiusx
pindarusx
bid our commanders lead their charges off
a little from this groundx

brutusx
luciliusx do you the likex and let no man
come to our tent till we have done our conferencex
lucius and titiniusx guard our doorx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix within the tent of brutusx

 enter brutus and cassiusx

cassiusx
that you have wrongxd me doth appear in thisx
you have condemnxd and noted lucius pella
for taking bribes here of the sardiansx
wherein my lettersx praying on his side
because i knew the manx were slighted offx

brutusx
you wrongxd yourself to write in such a casex

cassiusx
in such a time as this it is not meet
that every nice offence should bear his commentx

brutusx
let me tell youx cassiusx you yourself
are much condemnxd to have an itching palmx
to sell and mart your offices for gold
to undeserversx

cassiusx
i an itching palmx
you know that you are brutus that speak thisx
orx by the godsx this speech were else your lastx

brutusx
the name of cassius honours this corruptionx
and chastisement doth therefore hide his headx

cassiusx
chastisementx

brutusx
remember marchx the ides of march rememberx
did not great julius bleed for justicex sakex
what villain touchxd his bodyx that did stabx
and not for justicex whatx shall one of usx
that struck the foremost man of all this world
but for supporting robbersx shall we now
contaminate our fingers with base bribesx
and sell the mighty space of our large honours
for so much trash as may be grasped thusx
i had rather be a dogx and bay the moonx
than such a romanx

cassiusx
brutusx bait not mex
ixll not endure itx you forget yourselfx
to hedge me inx i am a soldierx ix
older in practicex abler than yourself
to make conditionsx

brutusx
go tox you are notx cassiusx

cassiusx
i amx

brutusx
i say you are notx

cassiusx
urge me no morex i shall forget myselfx
have mind upon your healthx tempt me no fartherx

brutusx
awayx slight manx

cassiusx
isxt possiblex

brutusx
hear mex for i will speakx
must i give way and room to your rash cholerx
shall i be frighted when a madman staresx

cassiusx
o ye godsx ye godsx must i endure all thisx

brutusx
all thisx ayx morex fret till your proud heart breakx
go show your slaves how choleric you arex
and make your bondmen tremblex must i budgex
must i observe youx must i stand and crouch
under your testy humourx by the godsx
you shall digest the venom of your spleenx
though it do split youx forx from this day forthx
ixll use you for my mirthx yeax for my laughterx
when you are waspishx

cassiusx
is it come to thisx

brutusx
you say you are a better soldierx
let it appear sox make your vaunting truex
and it shall please me wellx for mine own partx
i shall be glad to learn of noble menx

cassiusx
you wrong me every wayx you wrong mex brutusx
i saidx an elder soldierx not a betterx
did i say betterx

brutusx
if you didx i care notx

cassiusx
when caesar livxdx he durst not thus have movxd mex

brutusx
peacex peacex you durst not so have tempted himx

cassiusx
i durst notx

brutusx
nox

cassiusx
whatx durst not tempt himx

brutusx
for your life you durst notx

cassiusx
do not presume too much upon my lovex
i may do that i shall be sorry forx

brutusx
you have done that you should be sorry forx
there is no terrorx cassiusx in your threatsx
for i am armxd so strong in honestyx
that they pass by me as the idle windx
which i respect notx i did send to you
for certain sums of goldx which you denied mex
for i can raise no money by vile meansx
by heavenx i had rather coin my heartx
and drop my blood for drachmasx than to wring
from the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
by any indirectionx i did send
to you for gold to pay my legionsx
which you denied mex was that done like cassiusx
should i have answerxd caius cassius sox
when marcus brutus grows so covetousx
to lock such rascal counters from his friendsx
be readyx godsx with all your thunderboltsx
dash him to piecesx

cassiusx
i denied you notx

brutusx
you didx

cassiusx
i did notx he was but a fool
that brought my answer backx brutus hath rivxd my heartx
a friend should bear his friendxs infirmitiesx
but brutus makes mine greater than they arex

brutusx
i do notx till you practise them on mex

cassiusx
you love me notx

brutusx
i do not like your faultsx

cassiusx
a friendly eye could never see such faultsx

brutusx
a flattererxs would notx though they do appear
as huge as high olympusx

cassiusx
comex antonyx and young octaviusx comex
revenge yourselves alone on cassiusx
for cassius is axweary of the worldx
hated by one he lovesx bravxd by his brotherx
checkxd like a bondmanx all his faults observxdx
set in a notexbookx learnxd and connxd by rotex
to cast into my teethx ox i could weep
my spirit from mine eyesx there is my daggerx
and here my naked breastx withinx a heart
dearer than plutusx minex richer than goldx
if that thou bexst a romanx take it forthx
ix that denied thee goldx will give my heartx
strike as thou didst at caesarx for i knowx
when thou didst hate him worstx thou lovedst him better
than ever thou lovedst cassiusx

brutusx
sheathe your daggerx
be angry when you willx it shall have scopex
do what you willx dishonour shall be humourx
o cassiusx you are yoked with a lamb
that carries anger as the flint bears firex
whox much enforcedx shows a hasty sparkx
and straight is cold againx

cassiusx
hath cassius livxd
to be but mirth and laughter to his brutusx
when grief and blood illxtemperxd vexeth himx

brutusx
when i spoke thatx i was illxtemperxd toox

cassiusx
do you confess so muchx give me your handx

brutusx
and my heart toox

cassiusx
o brutusx

brutusx
whatxs the matterx

cassiusx
have not you love enough to bear with mex
when that rash humour which my mother gave me
makes me forgetfulx

brutusx
yesx cassiusx and from henceforthx
when you are overxearnest with your brutusx
hexll think your mother chidesx and leave you sox

 enter poetx followed by luciliusx titinius and luciusx

poetx
xxwithinxxx let me go in to see the generalsx
there is some grudge between xemx xtis not meet
they be alonex

luciliusx
xxwithinxxx you shall not come to themx

poetx
xxwithinxxx nothing but death shall stay mex

cassiusx
how nowx whatxs the matterx

poetx
for shamex you generalsx what do you meanx
lovex and be friendsx as two such men should bex
for i have seen more yearsx ixm surex than yex

cassiusx
hax hax how vilely doth this cynic rhymex

brutusx
get you hencex sirrahx saucy fellowx hencex

cassiusx
bear with himx brutusx xtis his fashionx

brutusx
ixll know his humour when he knows his timex
what should the wars do with these jigging foolsx
companionx hencex

cassiusx
awayx awayx be gonex

 xxexit poetxxx

brutusx
lucilius and titiniusx bid the commanders
prepare to lodge their companies tonightx

cassiusx
and come yourselves and bring messala with you
immediately to usx

 xxexeunt lucilius and titiniusxxx

brutusx
luciusx a bowl of winex

 xxexit luciusxxx

cassiusx
i did not think you could have been so angryx

brutusx
o cassiusx i am sick of many griefsx

cassiusx
of your philosophy you make no usex
if you give place to accidental evilsx

brutusx
no man bears sorrow betterx portia is deadx

cassiusx
hax portiax

brutusx
she is deadx

cassiusx
how xscapxd i killingx when i crossxd you sox
o insupportable and touching lossx
upon what sicknessx

brutusx
impatient of my absencex
and grief that young octavius with mark antony
have made themselves so strongx for with her death
that tidings camex with this she fell distractx
andx her attendants absentx swallowxd firex

cassiusx
and died sox

brutusx
even sox

cassiusx
o ye immortal godsx

 enter luciusx with wine and a taperx

brutusx
speak no more of herx give me a bowl of winex
in this i bury all unkindnessx cassiusx

 xxdrinksxxx

cassiusx
my heart is thirsty for that noble pledgex
fillx luciusx till the wine oxerswell the cupx
i cannot drink too much of brutusx lovex

 xxdrinksxxx

 xxexit luciusxxx

 enter titinius and messalax

brutusx
come inx titiniusx
welcomex good messalax
now sit we close about this taper herex
and call in question our necessitiesx

cassiusx
portiax art thou gonex

brutusx
no morex i pray youx
messalax i have here received lettersx
that young octavius and mark antony
come down upon us with a mighty powerx
bending their expedition toward philippix

messalax
myself have letters of the selfsame tenorx

brutusx
with what additionx

messalax
that by proscription and bills of outlawry
octaviusx antonyx and lepidus
have put to death an hundred senatorsx

brutusx
therein our letters do not well agreex
mine speak of seventy senators that died
by their proscriptionsx cicero being onex

cassiusx
cicero onex

messalax
cicero is deadx
and by that order of proscriptionx
had you your letters from your wifex my lordx

brutusx
nox messalax

messalax
nor nothing in your letters writ of herx

brutusx
nothingx messalax

messalax
thatx methinksx is strangex

brutusx
why ask youx hear you aught of her in yoursx

messalax
nox my lordx

brutusx
now as you are a romanx tell me truex

messalax
then like a roman bear the truth i tellx
for certain she is deadx and by strange mannerx

brutusx
whyx farewellx portiax we must diex messalax
with meditating that she must die oncex
i have the patience to endure it nowx

messalax
even so great men great losses should endurex

cassiusx
i have as much of this in art as youx
but yet my nature could not bear it sox

brutusx
wellx to our work alivex what do you think
of marching to philippi presentlyx

cassiusx
i do not think it goodx

brutusx
your reasonx

cassiusx
this it isx
xtis better that the enemy seek usx
so shall he waste his meansx weary his soldiersx
doing himself offencex whilst wex lying stillx
are full of restx defencex and nimblenessx

brutusx
good reasons must of force give place to betterx
the people xtwixt philippi and this ground
do stand but in a forced affectionx
for they have grudgxd us contributionx
the enemyx marching along by themx
by them shall make a fuller number upx
come on refreshxdx newxaddedx and encouragxdx
from which advantage shall we cut him off
if at philippi we do face him therex
these people at our backx

cassiusx
hear mex good brotherx

brutusx
under your pardonx you must note besidesx
that we have tried the utmost of our friendsx
our legions are brimxfullx our cause is ripex
the enemy increaseth every dayx
wex at the heightx are ready to declinex
there is a tide in the affairs of menx
whichx taken at the floodx leads on to fortunex
omittedx all the voyage of their life
is bound in shallows and in miseriesx
on such a full sea are we now afloatx
and we must take the current when it servesx
or lose our venturesx

cassiusx
thenx with your willx go onx
wexll along ourselvesx and meet them at philippix

brutusx
the deep of night is crept upon our talkx
and nature must obey necessityx
which we will niggard with a little restx
there is no more to sayx

cassiusx
no morex good nightx
early tomorrow will we risex and hencex

 enter luciusx

brutusx
luciusx my gownx

 xxexit luciusxxx

farewell nowx good messalax
good nightx titiniusx noblex noble cassiusx
good nightx and good reposex

cassiusx
o my dear brotherx
this was an ill beginning of the nightx
never come such division xtween our soulsx
let it notx brutusx

 enter lucius with the gownx

brutusx
everything is wellx

cassiusx
good nightx my lordx

brutusx
good nightx good brotherx

titinius and messalax
good nightx lord brutusx

brutusx
farewellx everyonex

 xxexeunt cassiusx titinius and messalaxxx

give me the gownx where is thy instrumentx

luciusx
here in the tentx

brutusx
whatx thou speakxst drowsilyx
poor knavex i blame thee notx thou art oxerxwatchxdx
call claudius and some other of my menx
ixll have them sleep on cushions in my tentx

luciusx
varro and claudiusx

 enter varro and claudiusx

varrox
calls my lordx

brutusx
i pray youx sirsx lie in my tent and sleepx
it may be i shall raise you byxandxby
on business to my brother cassiusx

varrox
so please youx we will stand and watch your pleasurex

brutusx
i will not have it sox lie downx good sirsx
it may be i shall otherwise bethink mex
lookx luciusx herexs the book i sought for sox
i put it in the pocket of my gownx

 xxservants lie downxxx

luciusx
i was sure your lordship did not give it mex

brutusx
bear with mex good boyx i am much forgetfulx
canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhilex
and touch thy instrument a strain or twox

luciusx
ayx my lordx anxt please youx

brutusx
it doesx my boyx
i trouble thee too muchx but thou art willingx

luciusx
it is my dutyx sirx

brutusx
i should not urge thy duty past thy mightx
i know young bloods look for a time of restx

luciusx
i have sleptx my lordx alreadyx

brutusx
it was well donex and thou shalt sleep againx
i will not hold thee longx if i do livex
i will be good to theex

 xxlucius plays and sings till he falls asleepxxx

this is a sleepy tunex o murdxrous slumberx
layest thou thy leaden mace upon my boyx
that plays thee musicx gentle knavex good nightx
i will not do thee so much wrong to wake theex
if thou dost nodx thou breakxst thy instrumentx
ixll take it from theex andx good boyx good nightx
let me seex let me seex is not the leaf turnxd down
where i left readingx here it isx i thinkx

 enter the ghost of caesarx

how ill this taper burnsx hax who comes herex
i think it is the weakness of mine eyes
that shapes this monstrous apparitionx
it comes upon mex art thou anythingx
art thou some godx some angelx or some devilx
that makxst my blood cold and my hair to starex
speak to me what thou artx

ghostx
thy evil spiritx brutusx

brutusx
why comxst thoux

ghostx
to tell thee thou shalt see me at philippix

brutusx
wellx then i shall see thee againx

ghostx
ayx at philippix

brutusx
whyx i will see thee at philippi thenx

 xxghost vanishesxxx

now i have taken heartx thou vanishestx
ill spiritx i would hold more talk with theex
boyx luciusx varrox claudiusx sirsx awakex claudiusx

luciusx
the stringsx my lordx are falsex

brutusx
he thinks he still is at his instrumentx
luciusx awakex

luciusx
my lordx

brutusx
didst thou dreamx luciusx that thou so criedst outx

luciusx
my lordx i do not know that i did cryx

brutusx
yesx that thou didstx didst thou see anythingx

luciusx
nothingx my lordx

brutusx
sleep againx luciusx sirrah claudiusx
fellow thoux awakex

varrox
my lordx

claudiusx
my lordx

brutusx
why did you so cry outx sirsx in your sleepx

varrox claudiusx
did wex my lordx

brutusx
ayx saw you anythingx

varrox
nox my lordx i saw nothingx

claudiusx
nor ix my lordx

brutusx
go and commend me to my brother cassiusx
bid him set on his powers betimes beforex
and we will followx

varrox claudiusx
it shall be donex my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix the plains of philippix

 enter octaviusx antony and their armyx

octaviusx
nowx antonyx our hopes are answeredx
you said the enemy would not come downx
but keep the hills and upper regionsx
it proves not sox their battles are at handx
they mean to warn us at philippi herex
answering before we do demand of themx

antonyx
tutx i am in their bosomsx and i know
wherefore they do itx they could be content
to visit other placesx and come down
with fearful braveryx thinking by this face
to fasten in our thoughts that they have couragex
but xtis not sox

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
prepare youx generalsx
the enemy comes on in gallant showx
their bloody sign of battle is hung outx
and something to be done immediatelyx

antonyx
octaviusx lead your battle softly on
upon the left hand of the even fieldx

octaviusx
upon the right hand ix keep thou the leftx

antonyx
why do you cross me in this exigentx

octaviusx
i do not cross youx but i will do sox

 xxmarchxxx

drumx enter brutusx cassius and their armyx luciliusx titiniusx messala
and othersx

brutusx
they standx and would have parleyx

cassiusx
stand fastx titiniusx we must out and talkx

octaviusx
mark antonyx shall we give sign of battlex

antonyx
nox caesarx we will answer on their chargex
make forthx the generals would have some wordsx

octaviusx
stir not until the signalx

brutusx
words before blowsx is it sox countrymenx

octaviusx
not that we love words betterx as you dox

brutusx
good words are better than bad strokesx octaviusx

antonyx
in your bad strokesx brutusx you give good wordsx
witness the hole you made in caesarxs heartx
cryingx xlong livex hailx caesarxx

cassiusx
antonyx
the posture of your blows are yet unknownx
but for your wordsx they rob the hybla beesx
and leave them honeylessx

antonyx
not stingless toox

brutusx
o yesx and soundless toox
for you have stolxn their buzzingx antonyx
and very wisely threat before you stingx

antonyx
villainsx you did not so when your vile daggers
hackxd one another in the sides of caesarx
you showxd your teeth like apesx and fawnxd like houndsx
and bowxd like bondmenx kissing caesarxs feetx
whilst damned cascax like a curx behind
struck caesar on the neckx o you flatterersx

cassiusx
flatterersx nowx brutusx thank yourselfx
this tongue had not offended so todayx
if cassius might have rulxdx

octaviusx
comex comex the causex if arguing makes us sweatx
the proof of it will turn to redder dropsx
lookx i draw a sword against conspiratorsx
when think you that the sword goes up againx
neverx till caesarxs three and thirty wounds
be well avengxdx or till another caesar
have added slaughter to the sword of traitorsx

brutusx
caesarx thou canst not die by traitorsx handsx
unless thou bringxst them with theex

octaviusx
so i hopex
i was not born to die on brutusx swordx

brutusx
ox if thou wert the noblest of thy strainx
young manx thou couldst not die more honourablex

cassiusx
a peevish schoolxboyx worthless of such honourx
joinxd with a masker and a revellerx

antonyx
old cassius stillx

octaviusx
comex antonyx awayx
defiancex traitorsx hurl we in your teethx
if you dare fight todayx come to the fieldx
if notx when you have stomachsx

 xxexeunt octaviusx antony and their armyxxx

cassiusx
why nowx blow windx swell billowx and swim barkx
the storm is upx and all is on the hazardx

brutusx
hox luciliusx harkx a word with youx

luciliusx
my lordx

 xxbrutus and lucilius talk apartxxx

cassiusx
messalax

messalax
what says my generalx

cassiusx
messalax
this is my birthxdayx as this very day
was cassius bornx give me thy handx messalax
be thou my witness that against my will
as pompey wasx am i compellxd to set
upon one battle all our libertiesx
you know that i held epicurus strongx
and his opinionx now i change my mindx
and partly credit things that do presagex
coming from sardisx on our former ensign
two mighty eagles fellx and there they perchxdx
gorging and feeding from our soldiersx handsx
who to philippi here consorted usx
this morning are they fled away and gonex
and in their steads do ravensx crowsx and kites
fly oxer our headsx and downward look on usx
as we were sickly preyx their shadows seem
a canopy most fatalx under which
our army liesx ready to give up the ghostx

messalax
believe not sox

cassiusx
i but believe it partlyx
for i am fresh of spiritx and resolvxd
to meet all perils very constantlyx

brutusx
even sox luciliusx

cassiusx
nowx most noble brutusx
the gods today stand friendlyx that we mayx
lovers in peacex lead on our days to agex
butx since the affairs of men rest still incertainx
letxs reason with the worst that may befallx
if we do lose this battlex then is this
the very last time we shall speak togetherx
what are you then determined to dox

brutusx
even by the rule of that philosophy
by which i did blame cato for the death
which he did give himselfx i know not howx
but i do find it cowardly and vilex
for fear of what might fallx so to prevent
the time of lifex arming myself with patience
to stay the providence of some high powers
that govern us belowx

cassiusx
thenx if we lose this battlex
you are contented to be led in triumph
thorough the streets of romex

brutusx
nox cassiusx nox think notx thou noble romanx
that ever brutus will go bound to romex
he bears too great a mindx but this same day
must end that work the ides of march begunx
and whether we shall meet again i know notx
therefore our everlasting farewell takex
for everx and for everx farewellx cassiusx
if we do meet againx whyx we shall smilex
if notx why then this parting was well madex

cassiusx
for ever and for ever farewellx brutusx
if we do meet againx wexll smile indeedx
if notx xtis true this parting was well madex

brutusx
why thenx lead onx ox that a man might know
the end of this dayxs business ere it comex
but it sufficeth that the day will endx
and then the end is knownx comex hox awayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex the field of battlex

 alarumx enter brutus and messalax

brutusx
ridex ridex messalax ridex and give these bills
unto the legions on the other sidex

 xxloud alarumxxx

let them set on at oncex for i perceive
but cold demeanor in octaviusx wingx
and sudden push gives them the overthrowx
ridex ridex messalax let them all come downx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix another part of the fieldx

 alarumx enter cassius and titiniusx

cassiusx
ox lookx titiniusx lookx the villains flyx
myself have to mine own turnxd enemyx
this ensign here of mine was turning backx
i slew the cowardx and did take it from himx

titiniusx
o cassiusx brutus gave the word too earlyx
whox having some advantage on octaviusx
took it too eagerlyx his soldiers fell to spoilx
whilst we by antony are all enclosxdx

 enter pindarusx

pindarusx
fly further offx my lordx fly further offx
mark antony is in your tentsx my lordx
flyx thereforex noble cassiusx fly far offx

cassiusx
this hill is far enoughx lookx lookx titiniusx
are those my tents where i perceive the firex

titiniusx
they arex my lordx

cassiusx
titiniusx if thou lovest mex
mount thou my horse and hide thy spurs in himx
till he have brought thee up to yonder troops
and here againx that i may rest assurxd
whether yond troops are friend or enemyx

titiniusx
i will be here againx even with a thoughtx

 xxexitxxx

cassiusx
gox pindarusx get higher on that hillx
my sight was ever thickx regard titiniusx
and tell me what thou notest about the fieldx

 xxpindarus goes upxxx

this day i breathed firstx time is come roundx
and where i did beginx there shall i endx
my life is run his compassx sirrahx what newsx

pindarusx
xxabovexxx o my lordx

cassiusx
what newsx

pindarusx
xxabovexxx titinius is enclosed round about
with horsemenx that make to him on the spurx
yet he spurs onx now they are almost on himx
nowx titiniusx now some lightx ox he lights toox
hexs taxenx

 xxshoutxxx

andx harkx they shout for joyx

cassiusx
come downx behold no morex
ox coward that i amx to live so longx
to see my best friend taxen before my facex

 xxpindarus descendsxxx

come hitherx sirrahx
in parthia did i take thee prisonerx
and then i swore theex saving of thy lifex
that whatsoever i did bid thee dox
thou shouldst attempt itx come nowx keep thine oathx
now be a freemanx and with this good swordx
that ran through caesarxs bowelsx search this bosomx
stand not to answerx herex take thou the hiltsx
and when my face is coverxdx as xtis nowx
guide thou the swordxxcaesarx thou art revengxdx
even with the sword that killxd theex

 xxdiesxxx

pindarusx
sox i am freex yet would not so have beenx
durst i have done my willx o cassiusx
far from this country pindarus shall runx
where never roman shall take note of himx

 xxexitxxx

 enter titinius with messalax

messalax
it is but changex titiniusx for octavius
is overthrown by noble brutusx powerx
as cassiusx legions are by antonyx

titiniusx
these tidings would well comfort cassiusx

messalax
where did you leave himx

titiniusx
all disconsolatex
with pindarus his bondmanx on this hillx

messalax
is not that he that lies upon the groundx

titiniusx
he lies not like the livingx o my heartx

messalax
is not that hex

titiniusx
nox this was hex messalax
but cassius is no morex o setting sunx
as in thy red rays thou dost sink to nightx
so in his red blood cassiusx day is setx
the sun of rome is setx our day is gonex
cloudsx dewsx and dangers comex our deeds are donex
mistrust of my success hath done this deedx

messalax
mistrust of good success hath done this deedx
o hateful errorx melancholyxs childx
why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men
the things that are notx o errorx soon conceivxdx
thou never comxst unto a happy birthx
but killxst the mother that engenderxd theex

titiniusx
whatx pindarusx where art thoux pindarusx

messalax
seek himx titiniusx whilst i go to meet
the noble brutusx thrusting this report
into his earsx i may say thrusting itx
for piercing steel and darts envenomed
shall be as welcome to the ears of brutus
as tidings of this sightx

titiniusx
hie youx messalax
and i will seek for pindarus the whilex

 xxexit messalaxxx

why didst thou send me forthx brave cassiusx
did i not meet thy friendsx and did not they
put on my brows this wreath of victoryx
and bid me give it theex didst thou not hear their shoutsx
alasx thou hast misconstrued everythingx
butx hold theex take this garland on thy browx
thy brutus bid me give it theex and i
will do his biddingx brutusx come apacex
and see how i regarded caius cassiusx
by your leavex godsx this is a romanxs partx
comex cassiusx swordx and find titiniusx heartx

 xxdiesxxx

 alarumx enter brutusx messalax young catox stratox volumnius and
 luciliusx

brutusx
wherex wherex messalax doth his body liex

messalax
lox yonderx and titinius mourning itx

brutusx
titiniusx face is upwardx

catox
he is slainx

brutusx
o julius caesarx thou art mighty yetx
thy spirit walks abroadx and turns our swords
in our own proper entrailsx

 xxlow alarumsxxx

catox
brave titiniusx
look whether he have not crownxd dead cassiusx

brutusx
are yet two romans living such as thesex
the last of all the romansx fare thee wellx
it is impossible that ever rome
should breed thy fellowx friendsx i owe more tears
to this dead man than you shall see me payx
i shall find timex cassiusx i shall find timex
come thereforex and to thassos send his bodyx
his funerals shall not be in our campx
lest it discomfort usx luciliusx comex
and comex young catox let us to the fieldx
labeo and flaviusx set our battles onx
xtis three oxclockx and romansx yet ere night
we shall try fortune in a second fightx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx another part of the fieldx

 alarumx enter fighting soldiers of both armiesx then brutusx messalax
 young catox luciliusx flavius and othersx

brutusx
yetx countrymenx ox yet hold up your headsx

catox
what bastard doth notx who will go with mex
i will proclaim my name about the fieldx
i am the son of marcus catox hox
a foe to tyrantsx and my countryxs friendx
i am the son of marcus catox hox

 xxcharges the enemyxxx

luciliusx
and i am brutusx marcus brutusx ix
brutusx my countryxs friendx know me for brutusx

 xxexitx charging the enemyx cato is overpoweredx and fallsxxx

luciliusx
o young and noble catox art thou downx
whyx now thou diest as bravely as titiniusx
and mayst be honourxdx being catoxs sonx

first soldierx
yieldx or thou diestx

luciliusx
only i yield to diex
there is so much that thou wilt kill me straightx

 xxoffering moneyxx

kill brutusx and be honourxd in his deathx

first soldierx
we must notx a noble prisonerx

second soldierx
roomx hox tell antonyx brutus is taxenx

first soldierx
ixll tell the newsx here comes the generalx

 enter antonyx

brutus is taxenx brutus is taxenx my lordx

antonyx
where is hex

luciliusx
safex antonyx brutus is safe enoughx
i dare assure thee that no enemy
shall ever take alive the noble brutusx
the gods defend him from so great a shamex
when you do find himx or alive or deadx
he will be found like brutusx like himselfx

antonyx
this is not brutusx friendx butx i assure youx
a prize no less in worthx keep this man safex
give him all kindnessx i had rather have
such men my friends than enemiesx go onx
and see whether brutus be alive or deadx
and bring us word unto octaviusx tent
how everything is chancxdx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx another part of the fieldx

 enter brutusx dardaniusx clitusx strato and volumniusx

brutusx
comex poor remains of friendsx rest on this rockx

clitusx
statilius showxd the torchxlightx butx my lordx
he came not backx he is or taxen or slainx

brutusx
sit thee downx clitusx slaying is the wordx
it is a deed in fashionx hark theex clitusx

 xxwhisperingxxx

clitusx
whatx ix my lordx nox not for all the worldx

brutusx
peace thenx no wordsx

clitusx
ixll rather kill myselfx

brutusx
hark theex dardaniusx

 xxwhispers himxxx

dardaniusx
shall i do such a deedx

clitusx
o dardaniusx

dardaniusx
o clitusx

clitusx
what ill request did brutus make to theex

dardaniusx
to kill himx clitusx lookx he meditatesx

clitusx
now is that noble vessel full of griefx
that it runs over even at his eyesx

brutusx
come hitherx good volumniusx list a wordx

volumniusx
what says my lordx

brutusx
whyx thisx volumniusx
the ghost of caesar hath appearxd to me
two several times by nightx at sardis oncex
and this last night here in philippi fieldsx
i know my hour is comex

volumniusx
not sox my lordx

brutusx
nay i am sure it isx volumniusx
thou seest the worldx volumniusx how it goesx
our enemies have beat us to the pitx

 xxlow alarumsxxx

it is more worthy to leap in ourselves
than tarry till they push usx good volumniusx
thou knowxst that we two went to school togetherx
even for that our love of oldx i prxythee
hold thou my swordxhiltsx whilst i run on itx

volumniusx
thatxs not an office for a friendx my lordx

 xxalarums stillxxx

clitusx
flyx flyx my lordx there is no tarrying herex

brutusx
farewell to youx and youx and youx volumniusx
stratox thou hast been all this while asleepx
farewell to thee toox stratoxxcountrymenx
my heart doth joyx that yet in all my life
i found no man but he was true to mex
i shall have glory by this losing day
more than octavius and mark antony
by this vile conquest shall attain untox
so fare you well at oncex for brutusx tongue
hath almost ended his lifexs historyx
night hangs upon mine eyesx my bones would restx
that have but labourxd to attain this hourx

 xxalarumsx cry withinx xflyx flyx flyxxxxx

clitusx
flyx my lordx flyx

brutusx
hencex i will followx

 xxexeunt clitusx dardanius and volumniusxxx

i prxytheex stratox stay thou by thy lordx
thou art a fellow of a good respectx
thy life hath had some smatch of honour in itx
hold then my swordx and turn away thy facex
while i do run upon itx wilt thoux stratox

stratox
give me your hand firstx fare you wellx my lordx

brutusx
farewellx good stratoxxcaesarx now be stillx
i killxd not thee with half so good a willx

 xxhe runs on his swordx and diesxxx

 alarumx retreatx enter antonyx octaviusx messalax lucilius and the
 armyx

octaviusx
what man is thatx

messalax
my masterxs manx stratox where is thy masterx

stratox
free from the bondage you are inx messalax
the conquerors can but make a fire of himx
for brutus only overcame himselfx
and no man else hath honour by his deathx

luciliusx
so brutus should be foundx i thank theex brutusx
that thou hast provxd luciliusx saying truex

octaviusx
all that servxd brutusx i will entertain themx
fellowx wilt thou bestow thy time with mex

stratox
ayx if messala will prefer me to youx

octaviusx
do sox good messalax

messalax
how died my masterx stratox

stratox
i held the swordx and he did run on itx

messalax
octaviusx then take him to follow theex
that did the latest service to my masterx

antonyx
this was the noblest roman of them allx
all the conspirators save only hex
did that they did in envy of great caesarx
he onlyx in a general honest thought
and common good to allx made one of themx
his life was gentlex and the elements
so mixxd in him that nature might stand up
and say to all the worldx xthis was a manxx

octaviusx
according to his virtue let us use him
with all respect and rites of burialx
within my tent his bones tonight shall liex
most like a soldierx orderxd honourablyx
so call the field to restx and letxs awayx
to part the glories of this happy dayx

 xxexeuntxxx



the tragedy of king lear



contents

act i
scene ix a room of state in king learxs palacex
scene iix a hall in the earl of gloucesterxs castlex
scene iiix a room in the duke of albanyxs palacex
scene ivx a hall in albanyxs palacex
scene vx court before the duke of albanyxs palacex

act ii
scene ix a court within the castle of the earl of gloucesterx
scene iix before gloucesterxs castlex
scene iiix the open countryx
scene ivx before gloucesterxs castlex

act iii
scene ix a heathx
scene iix another part of the heathx
scene iiix a room in gloucesterxs castlex
scene ivx a part of the heath with a hovelx
scene vx a room in gloucesterxs castlex
scene vix a chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castlex
scene viix a room in gloucesterxs castlex

act iv
scene ix the heathx
scene iix before the duke of albanyxs palacex
scene iiix the french camp near doverx
scene ivx the french campx a tentx
scene vx a room in gloucesterxs castlex
scene vix the country near doverx
scene viix a tent in the french campx

act v
scene ix the camp of the british forces near doverx
scene iix a field between the two campsx
scene iiix the british camp near doverx




 dramatis personx

learx king of britainx
gonerilx eldest daughter to learx
reganx second daughter to learx
cordeliax youngest daughter to learx
duke of albanyx married to gonerilx
duke of cornwallx married to reganx
king of francex
duke of burgundyx
earl of gloucesterx
edgarx elder son to gloucesterx
edmundx younger bastard son to gloucesterx
earl of kentx
foolx
oswaldx steward to gonerilx
curanx a courtierx
old manx tenant to gloucesterx
physicianx
an officer employed by edmundx
gentlemanx attendant on cordeliax
a heraldx
servants to cornwallx

knights attending on the kingx officersx messengersx soldiers and
attendantsx

scenex britainx



act i

scene ix a room of state in king learxs palacex

 enter kentx gloucester and edmundx

kentx
i thought the king had more affected the duke of albany than cornwallx

gloucesterx
it did always seem so to usx but nowx in the division of the kingdomx
it appears not which of the dukes he values mostx for qualities are so
weighed that curiosity in neither can make choice of eitherxs moietyx

kentx
is not this your sonx my lordx

gloucesterx
his breedingx sirx hath been at my chargex i have so often blushxd to
acknowledge him that now i am brazxd toxtx

kentx
i cannot conceive youx

gloucesterx
sirx this young fellowxs mother couldx whereupon she grew roundxwombedx
and had indeedx sirx a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her
bedx do you smell a faultx

kentx
i cannot wish the fault undonex the issue of it being so properx

gloucesterx
but i have a sonx sirx by order of lawx some year elder than thisx who
yet is no dearer in my accountx though this knave came something
saucily to the world before he was sent forx yet was his mother fairx
there was good sport at his makingx and the whoreson must be
acknowledgedx do you know this noble gentlemanx edmundx

edmundx
nox my lordx

gloucesterx
my lord of kentx remember him hereafter as my honourable friendx

edmundx
my services to your lordshipx

kentx
i must love youx and sue to know you betterx

edmundx
sirx i shall study deservingx

gloucesterx
he hath been out nine yearsx and away he shall againx the king is
comingx

 xxsennet withinxxx

 enter learx cornwallx albanyx gonerilx reganx cordelia and attendantsx

learx
attend the lords of france and burgundyx
gloucesterx

gloucesterx
i shallx my lordx

 xxexeunt gloucester and edmundxxx

learx
meantime we shall express our darker purposex
give me the map therex know that we have divided
in three our kingdomx and xtis our fast intent
to shake all cares and business from our agex
conferring them on younger strengthsx while we
unburdenxd crawl toward deathx our son of cornwallx
and youx our no less loving son of albanyx
we have this hour a constant will to publish
our daughtersx several dowersx that future strife
may be prevented nowx the princesx france and burgundyx
great rivals in our youngest daughterxs lovex
long in our court have made their amorous sojournx
and here are to be answerxdx tell mex my daughtersxx
since now we will divest us both of rulex
interest of territoryx cares of statexx
which of you shall we say doth love us mostx
that we our largest bounty may extend
where nature doth with merit challengexxgonerilx
our eldest bornx speak firstx

gonerilx
sirx i love you more than word can wield the matterx
dearer than eyesightx spacex and libertyx
beyond what can be valuxdx rich or rarex
no less than lifex with gracex healthx beautyx honourx
as much as child exer lovxdx or father foundx
a love that makes breath poor and speech unablex
beyond all manner of so much i love youx

cordeliax
xxasidexxx what shall cordelia speakx lovex and be silentx

learx
of all these boundsx even from this line to thisx
with shadowy forests and with champains richxdx
with plenteous rivers and widexskirted meadsx
we make thee ladyx to thine and albanyxs issue
be this perpetualxxwhat says our second daughterx
our dearest reganx wife of cornwallx speakx

reganx
sirx i am made of the self mettle as my sisterx
and prize me at her worthx in my true heart
i find she names my very deed of lovex
only she comes too shortx that i profess
myself an enemy to all other joys
which the most precious square of sense possessesx
and find i am alone felicitate
in your dear highnessx lovex

cordeliax
xxasidexxx then poor cordeliax
and yet not sox sincex i am surex my lovexs
more ponderous than my tonguex

learx
to thee and thine hereditary ever
remain this ample third of our fair kingdomx
no less in spacex validityx and pleasure
than that conferrxd on gonerilxxnowx our joyx
although the last and leastx to whose young love
the vines of france and milk of burgundy
strive to be interessxdx what can you say to draw
a third more opulent than your sistersx speakx

cordeliax
nothingx my lordx

learx
nothingx

cordeliax
nothingx

learx
nothing will come of nothingx speak againx

cordeliax
unhappy that i amx i cannot heave
my heart into my mouthx i love your majesty
according to my bondx no more nor lessx

learx
howx howx cordeliax mend your speech a littlex
lest you may mar your fortunesx

cordeliax
good my lordx
you have begot mex bred mex lovxd mex i
return those duties back as are right fitx
obey youx love youx and most honour youx
why have my sisters husbands if they say
they love you allx haplyx when i shall wedx
that lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
half my love with himx half my care and dutyx
sure i shall never marry like my sistersx
to love my father allx

learx
but goes thy heart with thisx

cordeliax
ayx my good lordx

learx
so youngx and so untenderx

cordeliax
so youngx my lordx and truex

learx
let it be sox thy truth then be thy dowerx
forx by the sacred radiance of the sunx
the mysteries of hecate and the nightx
by all the operation of the orbsx
from whom we do exist and cease to bex
here i disclaim all my paternal carex
propinquity and property of bloodx
and as a stranger to my heart and me
hold thee from this for everx the barbarous scythianx
or he that makes his generation messes
to gorge his appetitex shall to my bosom
be as well neighbourxdx pitiedx and relievxdx
as thou my sometime daughterx

kentx
good my liegexx

learx
peacex kentx
come not between the dragon and his wrathx
i lovxd her mostx and thought to set my rest
on her kind nurseryx xxto cordeliaxxx hence and avoid my sightx
so be my grave my peacex as here i give
her fatherxs heart from herx call francex who stirsx
call burgundyx cornwall and albanyx
with my two daughtersx dowers digest this thirdx
let pridex which she calls plainnessx marry herx
i do invest you jointly with my powerx
prexeminencex and all the large effects
that troop with majestyx ourselfx by monthly coursex
with reservation of an hundred knightsx
by you to be sustainxdx shall our abode
make with you by due turnx only we shall retain
the namex and all the addition to a kingx the swayx
revenuex execution of the restx
beloved sonsx be yoursx which to confirmx
this coronet part between youx
 xxgiving the crownxxx

kentx
royal learx
whom i have ever honourxd as my kingx
lovxd as my fatherx as my master followxdx
as my great patron thought on in my prayersxx

learx
the bow is bent and drawnx make from the shaftx

kentx
let it fall ratherx though the fork invade
the region of my heartx be kent unmannerly
when lear is madx what wouldst thou dox old manx
thinkxst thou that duty shall have dread to speakx
when power to flattery bowsx to plainness honourxs bound
when majesty falls to follyx reverse thy statex
and in thy best consideration check
this hideous rashnessx answer my life my judgementx
thy youngest daughter does not love thee leastx
nor are those emptyxheartedx whose low sounds
reverb no hollownessx

learx
kentx on thy lifex no morex

kentx
my life i never held but as a pawn
to wage against thine enemiesx nexer fear to lose itx
thy safety being the motivex

learx
out of my sightx

kentx
see betterx learx and let me still remain
the true blank of thine eyex

learx
nowx by apolloxx

kentx
now by apollox kingx
thou swearxst thy gods in vainx

learx
o vassalx miscreantx

 xxlaying his hand on his swordxxx

albany and cornwallx
dear sirx forbearx

kentx
kill thy physicianx and the fee bestow
upon the foul diseasex revoke thy giftx
orx whilst i can vent clamour from my throatx
ixll tell thee thou dost evilx

learx
hear mex recreantx on thine allegiancex hear mex
since thou hast sought to make us break our vowsx
which we durst never yetx and with strainxd pride
to come betwixt our sentences and our powerx
which nor our naturex nor our place can bearx
our potency made goodx take thy rewardx
five days we do allot thee for provisionx
to shield thee from disasters of the worldx
and on the sixth to turn thy hated back
upon our kingdomx ifx on the next day followingx
thy banishxd trunk be found in our dominionsx
the moment is thy deathx awayx by jupiterx
this shall not be revokxdx

kentx
fare thee wellx kingx sith thus thou wilt appearx
freedom lives hencex and banishment is herex
xxto cordeliaxxx the gods to their dear shelter take theex maidx
that justly thinkxst and hast most rightly saidx
xxto goneril and reganxxx and your large speeches may your deeds
approvex
that good effects may spring from words of lovex
thus kentx o princesx bids you all adieux
hexll shape his old course in a country newx

 xxexitxxx

 flourishx rexenter gloucesterx with francex burgundy and attendantsx

cordeliax
herexs france and burgundyx my noble lordx

learx
my lord of burgundyx
we first address toward youx who with this king
hath rivallxd for our daughterx what in the least
will you require in present dower with herx
or cease your quest of lovex

burgundyx
most royal majestyx
i crave no more than hath your highness offerxdx
nor will you tender lessx

learx
right noble burgundyx
when she was dear to usx we did hold her sox
but now her price is fallxnx sirx there she standsx
if aught within that littlexseeming substancex
or all of itx with our displeasure piecxdx
and nothing morex may fitly like your gracex
shexs therex and she is yoursx

burgundyx
i know no answerx

learx
will youx with those infirmities she owesx
unfriendedx new adopted to our hatex
dowerxd with our cursex and strangerxd with our oathx
take her or leave herx

burgundyx
pardon mex royal sirx
election makes not up in such conditionsx

learx
then leave herx sirx forx by the power that made mex
i tell you all her wealthx xxto francexx for youx great kingx
i would not from your love make such a stray
to match you where i hatex therefore beseech you
txavert your liking a more worthier way
than on a wretch whom nature is ashamxd
almost txacknowledge hersx

francex
this is most strangex
that shex who even but now was your best objectx
the argument of your praisex balm of your agex
the bestx the dearestx should in this trice of time
commit a thing so monstrousx to dismantle
so many folds of favourx sure her offence
must be of such unnatural degree
that monsters itx or your forexvouchxd affection
fall into taintx which to believe of her
must be a faith that reason without miracle
should never plant in mex

cordeliax
i yet beseech your majestyx
if for i want that glib and oily art
to speak and purpose notx since what i well intendx
ixll doxt before i speakxxthat you make known
it is no vicious blotx murderx or foulnessx
no unchaste action or dishonourxd stepx
that hath deprivxd me of your grace and favourx
but even for want of that for which i am richerx
a still soliciting eyex and such a tongue
as i am glad i have notx though not to have it
hath lost me in your likingx

learx
better thou hadst
not been born than not to have pleasxd me betterx

francex
is it but thisxxa tardiness in nature
which often leaves the history unspoke
that it intends to dox my lord of burgundyx
what say you to the ladyx lovexs not love
when it is mingled with regards that stands
aloof from the entire pointx will you have herx
she is herself a dowryx

burgundyx
royal kingx
give but that portion which yourself proposxdx
and here i take cordelia by the handx
duchess of burgundyx

learx
nothingx i have swornx i am firmx

burgundyx
i am sorryx thenx you have so lost a father
that you must lose a husbandx

cordeliax
peace be with burgundyx
since that respects of fortunes are his lovex
i shall not be his wifex

francex
fairest cordeliax that art most richx being poorx
most choice forsakenx and most lovxdx despisxdx
thee and thy virtues here i seize uponx
be it lawfulx i take up whatxs cast awayx
godsx godsx xtis strange that from their coldxst neglect
my love should kindle to inflamxd respectx
thy dowerless daughterx kingx thrown to my chancex
is queen of usx of oursx and our fair francex
not all the dukes of waterish burgundy
can buy this unprizxd precious maid of mex
bid them farewellx cordeliax though unkindx
thou losest herex a better where to findx

learx
thou hast herx francex let her be thinex for we
have no such daughterx nor shall ever see
that face of hers againx therefore be gone
without our gracex our lovex our benisonx
comex noble burgundyx

 xxflourishx exeunt learx burgundyx cornwallx albanyx gloucester and
 attendantsxxx

francex
bid farewell to your sistersx

cordeliax
the jewels of our fatherx with washxd eyes
cordelia leaves youx i know you what you arex
and like a sister am most loath to call
your faults as they are namxdx love well our fatherx
to your professed bosoms i commit himx
but yetx alasx stood i within his gracex
i would prefer him to a better placex
so farewell to you bothx

reganx
prescribe not us our dutiesx

gonerilx
let your study
be to content your lordx who hath receivxd you
at fortunexs almsx you have obedience scantedx
and well are worth the want that you have wantedx

cordeliax
time shall unfold what plighted cunning hidesx
who covers faultsx at last shame deridesx
well may you prosperx

francex
comex my fair cordeliax

 xxexeunt france and cordeliaxxx

gonerilx
sisterx it is not little i have to say of what most nearly appertains
to us bothx i think our father will hence tonightx

reganx
thatxs most certainx and with youx next month with usx

gonerilx
you see how full of changes his age isx the observation we have made of
it hath not been littlex he always loved our sister mostx and with what
poor judgement he hath now cast her off appears too grosslyx

reganx
xtis the infirmity of his agex yet he hath ever but slenderly known
himselfx

gonerilx
the best and soundest of his time hath been but rashx then must we look
from his age to receive not alone the imperfections of longxengrafted
conditionx but therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and
choleric years bring with themx

reganx
such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of kentxs
banishmentx

gonerilx
there is further compliment of leavextaking between france and himx
pray you let us hit togetherx if our father carry authority with such
disposition as he bearsx this last surrender of his will but offend usx

reganx
we shall further think of itx

gonerilx
we must do somethingx and ix thx heatx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a hall in the earl of gloucesterxs castlex

 enter edmund with a letterx

edmundx
thoux naturex art my goddessx to thy law
my services are boundx wherefore should i
stand in the plague of customx and permit
the curiosity of nations to deprive mex
for that i am some twelve or fourteen moonshines
lag of a brotherx why bastardx wherefore basex
when my dimensions are as well compactx
my mind as generousx and my shape as true
as honest madamxs issuex why brand they us
with basex with basenessx bastardyx basex basex
whox in the lusty stealth of naturex take
more composition and fierce quality
than doth within a dull stale tired bed
go to the creating a whole tribe of fops
got xtween asleep and wakex well thenx
legitimate edgarx i must have your landx
our fatherxs love is to the bastard edmund
as to the legitimatex fine wordx legitimatex
wellx my legitimatex if this letter speedx
and my invention thrivex edmund the base
shall top the legitimatex i growx i prosperx
nowx godsx stand up for bastardsx

 enter gloucesterx

gloucesterx
kent banishxd thusx and france in choler partedx
and the king gone tonightx prescribxd his powxrx
confinxd to exhibitionx all this done
upon the gadxxedmundx how nowx what newsx

edmundx
so please your lordshipx nonex

 xxputting up the letterxxx

gloucesterx
why so earnestly seek you to put up that letterx

edmundx
i know no newsx my lordx

gloucesterx
what paper were you readingx

edmundx
nothingx my lordx

gloucesterx
nox what needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your pocketx the
quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itselfx letxs seex comex
if it be nothingx i shall not need spectaclesx

edmundx
i beseech youx sirx pardon mex it is a letter from my brother that i
have not all oxerxreadx and for so much as i have perusxdx i find it
not fit for your oxerxlookingx

gloucesterx
give me the letterx sirx

edmundx
i shall offendx either to detain or give itx the contentsx as in part i
understand themx are to blamex

gloucesterx
letxs seex letxs seex

edmundx
i hopex for my brotherxs justificationx he wrote this but as an essayx
or taste of my virtuex

gloucesterx
xxreadsxxx xthis policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to
the best of our timesx keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness
cannot relish themx i begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the
oppression of aged tyrannyx who sways not as it hath powerx but as it
is sufferedx come to mex that of this i may speak morex if our father
would sleep till i waked himx you should enjoy half his revenue for
everx and live the beloved of your brother edgarxx
humx conspiracyx xsleep till i wake himx you should enjoy half his
revenuexxxmy son edgarx had he a hand to write thisx a heart and brain
to breed it inx when came this to youx who brought itx

edmundx
it was not brought mex my lordx therexs the cunning of itx i found it
thrown in at the casement of my closetx

gloucesterx
you know the character to be your brotherxsx

edmundx
if the matter were goodx my lordx i durst swear it were hisx but in
respect of thatx i would fain think it were notx

gloucesterx
it is hisx

edmundx
it is his handx my lordx but i hope his heart is not in the contentsx

gloucesterx
has he never before sounded you in this businessx

edmundx
neverx my lordx but i have heard him oft maintain it to be fit thatx
sons at perfect agex and fathers declinedx the father should be as ward
to the sonx and the son manage his revenuex

gloucesterx
o villainx villainx his very opinion in the letterx abhorred villainx
unnaturalx detestedx brutish villainx worse than brutishx gox sirrahx
seek himx ixll apprehend himx abominable villainx where is hex

edmundx
i do not well knowx my lordx if it shall please you to suspend your
indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better
testimony of his intentx you should run a certain coursex wherex if you
violently proceed against himx mistaking his purposex it would make a
great gap in your own honourx and shake in pieces the heart of his
obediencex i dare pawn down my life for himx that he hath writ this to
feel my affection to your honourx and to no other pretence of dangerx

gloucesterx
think you sox

edmundx
if your honour judge it meetx i will place you where you shall hear us
confer of thisx and by an auricular assurance have your satisfactionx
and that without any further delay than this very eveningx

gloucesterx
he cannot be such a monsterx

edmundx
nor is notx surex

gloucesterx
to his fatherx that so tenderly and entirely loves himx heaven and
earthx edmundx seek him outx wind me into himx i pray youx frame the
business after your own wisdomx i would unstate myself to be in a due
resolutionx

edmundx
i will seek himx sirx presentlyx convey the business as i shall find
meansx and acquaint you withalx

gloucesterx
these late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to usx though
the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thusx yet nature finds
itself scourged by the sequent effectsx love coolsx friendship falls
offx brothers dividex in citiesx mutiniesx in countriesx discordx in
palacesx treasonx and the bond cracked xtwixt son and fatherx this
villain of mine comes under the predictionx therexs son against fatherx
the king falls from bias of naturex therexs father against childx we
have seen the best of our timex machinationsx hollownessx treacheryx
and all ruinous disorders follow us disquietly to our gravesx find out
this villainx edmundx it shall lose thee nothingx do it carefullyxxand
the noble and truexhearted kent banishedx his offencex honestyx xtis
strangex

 xxexitxxx

edmundx
this is the excellent foppery of the worldx thatx when we are sick in
fortunex often the surfeits of our own behaviourx we make guilty of our
disasters the sunx the moonx and the starsx as if we were villains on
necessityx fools by heavenly compulsionx knavesx thievesx and treachers
by spherical predominancex drunkardsx liarsx and adulterers by an
enforced obedience of planetary influencex and all that we are evil inx
by a divine thrusting onx an admirable evasion of whoremaster manx to
lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a starx my father
compounded with my mother under the dragonxs tailx and my nativity was
under ursa majorx so that it follows i am rough and lecherousx futx i
should have been that i amx had the maidenliest star in the firmament
twinkled on my bastardizingx

 enter edgarx

patx he comesx like the catastrophe of the old comedyx my cue is
villainous melancholyx with a sigh like tom oxbedlamxxox these eclipses
do portend these divisionsx fax solx lax mix

edgarx
how nowx brother edmundx what serious contemplation are you inx

edmundx
i am thinkingx brotherx of a prediction i read this other dayx what
should follow these eclipsesx

edgarx
do you busy yourself with thatx

edmundx
i promise youx the effects he writes of succeed unhappilyx as of
unnaturalness between the child and the parentx deathx dearthx
dissolutions of ancient amitiesx divisions in statex menaces and
maledictions against king and noblesx needless diffidencesx banishment
of friendsx dissipation of cohortsx nuptial breachesx and i know not
whatx

edgarx
how long have you been a sectary astronomicalx

edmundx
comex comex when saw you my father lastx

edgarx
the night gone byx

edmundx
spake you with himx

edgarx
ayx two hours togetherx

edmundx
parted you in good termsx found you no displeasure in himx by word nor
countenancex

edgarx
none at allx

edmundx
bethink yourself wherein you may have offended himx and at my entreaty
forbear his presence until some little time hath qualified the heat of
his displeasurex which at this instant so rageth in him that with the
mischief of your person it would scarcely allayx

edgarx
some villain hath done me wrongx

edmundx
thatxs my fearx i pray you have a continent forbearance till the speed
of his rage goes slowerx andx as i sayx retire with me to my lodgingx
from whence i will fitly bring you to hear my lord speakx pray yex gox
therexs my keyx if you do stir abroadx go armedx

edgarx
armedx brotherx

edmundx
brotherx i advise you to the bestx i am no honest man if there be any
good meaning toward youx i have told you what i have seen and heardx
but faintlyx nothing like the image and horror of itx pray youx awayx

edgarx
shall i hear from you anonx

edmundx
i do serve you in this businessx

 xxexit edgarxxx

a credulous fatherx and a brother noblex
whose nature is so far from doing harms
that he suspects nonex on whose foolish honesty
my practices ride easyx i see the businessx
let mex if not by birthx have lands by witx
all with mexs meet that i can fashion fitx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a room in the duke of albanyxs palacex

 enter goneril and oswaldx

gonerilx
did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his foolx

oswaldx
ayx madamx

gonerilx
by day and nightx he wrongs mex every hour
he flashes into one gross crime or otherx
that sets us all at oddsx ixll not endure itx
his knights grow riotousx and himself upbraids us
on every triflex when he returns from huntingx
i will not speak with himx say i am sickx
if you come slack of former servicesx
you shall do wellx the fault of it ixll answerx

 xxhorns withinxxx

oswaldx
hexs comingx madamx i hear himx

gonerilx
put on what weary negligence you pleasex
you and your fellowsx ixd have it come to questionx
if he distaste itx let him to our sisterx
whose mind and minex i knowx in that are onex
not to be overruledx idle old manx
that still would manage those authorities
that he hath given awayx nowx by my lifex
old fools are babes againx and must be usxd
with checks as flatteriesx when they are seen abusxdx
remember what i have saidx

oswaldx
very wellx madamx

gonerilx
and let his knights have colder looks among youx
what grows of itx no matterx advise your fellows sox
i would breed from hence occasionsx and i shallx
that i may speakx ixll write straight to my sister
to hold my very coursex prepare for dinnerx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a hall in albanyxs palacex

 enter kentx disguisedx

kentx
if but as well i other accents borrowx
that can my speech defusex my good intent
may carry through itself to that full issue
for which i raisxd my likenessx nowx banishxd kentx
if thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemnxdx
so may it comex thy masterx whom thou lovxstx
shall find thee full of laboursx

 horns withinx enter king learx knights and attendantsx

learx
let me not stay a jot for dinnerx go get it readyx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

how nowx what art thoux

kentx
a manx sirx

learx
what dost thou professx what wouldst thou with usx

kentx
i do profess to be no less than i seemx to serve him truly that will
put me in trustx to love him that is honestx to converse with him that
is wise and says littlex to fear judgementx to fight when i cannot
choosex and to eat no fishx

learx
what art thoux

kentx
a very honestxhearted fellowx and as poor as the kingx

learx
if thou bexst as poor for a subject as hexs for a kingx thou art poor
enoughx what wouldst thoux

kentx
servicex

learx
who wouldst thou servex

kentx
youx

learx
dost thou know mex fellowx

kentx
nox sirx but you have that in your countenance which i would fain call
masterx

learx
whatxs thatx

kentx
authorityx

learx
what services canst thou dox

kentx
i can keep honest counselx ridex runx mar a curious tale in telling it
and deliver a plain message bluntlyx that which ordinary men are fit
forx i am qualified inx and the best of me is diligencex

learx
how old art thoux

kentx
not so youngx sirx to love a woman for singingx nor so old to dote on
her for anythingx i have years on my back fortyxeightx

learx
follow mex thou shalt serve mex if i like thee no worse after dinnerx i
will not part from thee yetx dinnerx hox dinnerx wherexs my knavex my
foolx go you and call my fool hitherx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

 enter oswaldx

youx youx sirrahx wherexs my daughterx

oswaldx
so please youxx

 xxexitxxx

learx
what says the fellow therex call the clotpoll backx

 xxexit a knightxxx

wherexs my foolx hox i think the worldxs asleepx

 rexenter knightx

how nowx wherexs that mongrelx

knightx
he saysx my lordx your daughter is not wellx

learx
why came not the slave back to me when i called himx

knightx
sirx he answered me in the roundest mannerx he would notx

learx
he would notx

knightx
my lordx i know not what the matter isx but to my judgement your
highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were
wontx therexs a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the
general dependants as in the duke himself alsox and your daughterx

learx
hax sayxst thou sox

knightx
i beseech you pardon mex my lordx if i be mistakenx for my duty cannot
be silent when i think your highness wrongedx

learx
thou but rememberest me of mine own conceptionx i have perceived a most
faint neglect of latex which i have rather blamed as mine own jealous
curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindnessx i will
look further intoxtx but wherexs my foolx i have not seen him this two
daysx

knightx
since my young ladyxs going into francex sirx the fool hath much pined
awayx

learx
no more of thatx i have noted it wellx go you and tell my daughter i
would speak with herx

 xxexit attendantxxx

go youx call hither my foolx

 xxexit another attendantxxx

 rexenter oswaldx

ox youx sirx youx come you hitherx sirx who am ix sirx

oswaldx
my ladyxs fatherx

learx
my ladyxs fatherx my lordxs knavex you whoreson dogx you slavex you
curx

oswaldx
i am none of thesex my lordx i beseech your pardonx

learx
do you bandy looks with mex you rascalx

 xxstriking himxxx

oswaldx
ixll not be struckx my lordx

kentx
nor trippxd neitherx you base football playerx

 xxtripping up his heelsxxx

learx
i thank theex fellowx thou servxst mex and ixll love theex

kentx
comex sirx arisex awayx ixll teach you differencesx awayx awayx if you
will measure your lubberxs length againx tarryx but awayx go tox have
you wisdomx sox

 xxpushes oswald outxxx

learx
nowx my friendly knavex i thank theex therexs earnest of thy servicex

 xxgiving kent moneyxxx

 enter foolx

foolx
let me hire him toox herexs my coxcombx

 xxgiving kent his capxxx

learx
how nowx my pretty knavex how dost thoux

foolx
sirrahx you were best take my coxcombx

kentx
whyx foolx

foolx
whyx for taking onexs part thatxs out of favourx nayx an thou canst not
smile as the wind sitsx thouxlt catch cold shortlyx therex take my
coxcombx whyx this fellow has banishxd two onxs daughtersx and did the
third a blessing against his willx if thou follow himx thou must needs
wear my coxcombx how nowx nunclex would i had two coxcombs and two
daughtersx

learx
whyx my boyx

foolx
if i gave them all my livingx ixd keep my coxcombs myselfx therexs
minex beg another of thy daughtersx

learx
take heedx sirrahx the whipx

foolx
truthxs a dog must to kennelx he must be whipped outx when the lady
brach may stand by the fire and stinkx

learx
a pestilent gall to mex

foolx
sirrahx ixll teach thee a speechx

learx
dox

foolx
mark itx nunclex
    have more than thou showestx
    speak less than thou knowestx
    lend less than thou owestx
    ride more than thou goestx
    learn more than thou trowestx
    set less than thou throwestx
    leave thy drink and thy whorex
    and keep inxaxdoorx
    and thou shalt have more
    than two tens to a scorex

kentx
this is nothingx foolx

foolx
then xtis like the breath of an unfeexd lawyerx you gave me nothing
forxtx can you make no use of nothingx nunclex

learx
whyx nox boyx nothing can be made out of nothingx

foolx
xxto kentxxx prythee tell himx so much the rent of his land comes tox
he will not believe a foolx

learx
a bitter foolx

foolx
dost thou know the differencex my boyx between a bitter fool and a
sweet onex

learx
nox ladx teach mex

foolx
   that lord that counsellxd thee
     to give away thy landx
   come place him here by mex
     do thou for him standx
   the sweet and bitter fool
     will presently appearx
   the one in motley herex
     the other found out therex

learx
dost thou call me foolx boyx

foolx
all thy other titles thou hast given awayx that thou wast born withx

kentx
this is not altogether foolx my lordx

foolx
nox faithx lords and great men will not let mex if i had a monopoly
outx they would have part onxt and ladies toox they will not let me
have all the fool to myselfx theyxll be snatchingx nunclex give me an
eggx and ixll give thee two crownsx

learx
what two crowns shall they bex

foolx
whyx after i have cut the egg ix the middle and eat up the meatx the
two crowns of the eggx when thou clovest thy crown ix the middle and
gavxst away both partsx thou borxst thine ass on thy back oxer the
dirtx thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavxst thy
golden one awayx if i speak like myself in thisx let him be whipped
that first finds it sox
xxsingingxxx
   fools had nexer less grace in a yearx
     for wise men are grown foppishx
   and know not how their wits to wearx
     their manners are so apishx

learx
when were you wont to be so full of songsx sirrahx

foolx
i have used itx nunclex exer since thou madxst thy daughters thy
mothersx for when thou gavxst them the rodx and putxst down thine own
breechesx
xxsingingxxx
   then they for sudden joy did weepx
     and i for sorrow sungx
   that such a king should play boxpeepx
     and go the fools amongx
prytheex nunclex keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to liex i
would fain learn to liex

learx
an you liex sirrahx wexll have you whippedx

foolx
i marvel what kin thou and thy daughters arex theyxll have me whipped
for speaking truex thouxlt have me whipped for lyingx and sometimes i
am whipped for holding my peacex i had rather be any kind oxthing than
a foolx and yet i would not be theex nunclex thou hast pared thy wit
oxboth sidesx and left nothing ix the middlex here comes one ox the
paringsx

 enter gonerilx

learx
how nowx daughterx what makes that frontlet onx methinks you are too
much of late ix the frownx

foolx
thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her
frowningx now thou art an o without a figurex i am better than thou art
nowx i am a foolx thou art nothingx xxto gonerilxxx yesx forsoothx i
will hold my tonguex so your face bids mex though you say nothingx mumx
mumx
     he that keeps nor crust nor crumx
     weary of allx shall want somex
xxpointing to learxxx thatxs a shealed peascodx

gonerilx
not onlyx sirx this your allxlicensxd foolx
but other of your insolent retinue
do hourly carp and quarrelx breaking forth
in rank and notxtoxbexendured riotsx sirx
i had thoughtx by making this well known unto youx
to have found a safe redressx but now grow fearfulx
by what yourself too late have spoke and donex
that you protect this coursex and put it on
by your allowancex which if you shouldx the fault
would not scape censurex nor the redresses sleepx
whichx in the tender of a wholesome wealx
might in their working do you that offence
which else were shamex that then necessity
will call discreet proceedingx

foolx
for you knowx nunclex
   the hedgexsparrow fed the cuckoo so long
   that itxs had it head bit off by it youngx
so out went the candlex and we were left darklingx

learx
are you our daughterx

gonerilx
comex sirx
i would you would make use of that good wisdomx
whereof i know you are fraughtx and put away
these dispositionsx which of late transform you
from what you rightly arex

foolx
may not an ass know when the cart draws the horsex whoopx jugx i love
theex

learx
doth any here know mex this is not learx
doth lear walk thusx speak thusx where are his eyesx
either his notion weakensx his discernings
are lethargiedx hax wakingx xtis not sox
who is it that can tell me who i amx

foolx
learxs shadowx

learx
i would learn thatx for by the marks of sovereigntyx knowledge and
reasonx i should be false persuaded i had daughtersx

foolx
which they will make an obedient fatherx

learx
your namex fair gentlewomanx

gonerilx
this admirationx sirx is much ox the favour
of other your new pranksx i do beseech you
to understand my purposes arightx
as you are old and reverendx you should be wisex
here do you keep a hundred knights and squiresx
men so disorderxdx so deboshxd and bold
that this our courtx infected with their mannersx
shows like a riotous innx epicurism and lust
makes it more like a tavern or a brothel
than a gracxd palacex the shame itself doth speak
for instant remedyx bex thenx desirxd
by her that else will take the thing she begs
a little to disquantity your trainx
and the remainder that shall still dependx
to be such men as may besort your agex
which know themselvesx and youx

learx
darkness and devilsx
saddle my horsesx call my train togetherx
degenerate bastardx ixll not trouble theex
yet have i left a daughterx

gonerilx
you strike my peoplex and your disorderxd rabble
make servants of their bettersx

 enter albanyx

learx
woe that too late repentsxx
xxto albanyxxx ox sirx are you comex
is it your willx speakx sirxxprepare my horsesx
ingratitudex thou marblexhearted fiendx
more hideous when thou showxst thee in a child
than the seaxmonsterx

albanyx
prayx sirx be patientx

learx
xxto gonerilxxx detested kitex thou liestx
my train are men of choice and rarest partsx
that all particulars of duty knowx
and in the most exact regard support
the worships of their namex o most small faultx
how ugly didst thou in cordelia showx
whichx like an enginex wrenchxd my frame of nature
from the fixxd placex drew from my heart all lovex
and added to the gallx o learx learx learx
xxstriking his headxxx beat at this gate that let thy folly in
and thy dear judgement outx gox gox my peoplex

albanyx
my lordx i am guiltlessx as i am ignorant
of what hath moved youx

learx
it may be sox my lordx
hearx naturex hearx dear goddessx hear
suspend thy purposex if thou didst intend
to make this creature fruitfulx
into her womb convey sterilityx
dry up in her the organs of increasex
and from her derogate body never spring
a babe to honour herx if she must teemx
create her child of spleenx that it may live
and be a thwart disnaturxd torment to herx
let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youthx
with cadent tears fret channels in her cheeksx
turn all her motherxs pains and benefits
to laughter and contemptx that she may feel
how sharper than a serpentxs tooth it is
to have a thankless childx awayx awayx

 xxexitxxx

albanyx
nowx gods that we adorex whereof comes thisx

gonerilx
never afflict yourself to know more of itx
but let his disposition have that scope
that dotage gives itx

 rexenter learx

learx
whatx fifty of my followers at a clapx
within a fortnightx

albanyx
whatxs the matterx sirx

learx
ixll tell theex xxto gonerilxxx life and deathx i am ashamxd
that thou hast power to shake my manhood thusx
that these hot tearsx which break from me perforcex
should make thee worth themx blasts and fogs upon theex
thxuntented woundings of a fatherxs curse
pierce every sense about theex old fond eyesx
beweep this cause againx ixll pluck ye outx
and cast you with the waters that you lose
to temper clayx hax let it be sox
i have another daughterx
whox i am surex is kind and comfortablex
when she shall hear this of theex with her nails
shexll flay thy wolvish visagex thou shalt find
that ixll resume the shape which thou dost think
i have cast off for everx

 xxexeunt learx kent and attendantsxxx

gonerilx
do you mark thatx

albanyx
i cannot be so partialx gonerilx
to the great love i bear youxx

gonerilx
pray youx contentx whatx oswaldx hox
xxto the foolxxx youx sirx more knave than foolx after your masterx

foolx
nuncle learx nuncle learx tarry and take the fool with theex
   a fox when one has caught herx
   and such a daughterx
   should sure to the slaughterx
   if my cap would buy a halterx
   so the fool follows afterx

 xxexitxxx

gonerilx
this man hath had good counselxxa hundred knightsx
xtis politic and safe to let him keep
at point a hundred knightsx yesx that on every dreamx
each buzzx each fancyx each complaintx dislikex
he may enguard his dotage with their powersx
and hold our lives in mercyx oswaldx i sayx

albanyx
wellx you may fear too farx

gonerilx
safer than trust too farx
let me still take away the harms i fearx
not fear still to be takenx i know his heartx
what he hath utterxd i have writ my sisterx
if she sustain him and his hundred knightsx
when i have showxd thxunfitnessxx

 rexenter oswaldx

how nowx oswaldx
whatx have you writ that letter to my sisterx

oswaldx
ayx madamx

gonerilx
take you some companyx and away to horsex
inform her full of my particular fearx
and thereto add such reasons of your own
as may compact it morex get you gonex
and hasten your returnx

 xxexit oswaldxxx

nox nox my lordx
this milky gentleness and course of yoursx
though i condemn notx yetx under pardonx
you are much more attaskxd for want of wisdom
than praisxd for harmful mildnessx

albanyx
how far your eyes may pierce i cannot tellx
striving to betterx oft we mar whatxs wellx

gonerilx
nay thenxx

albanyx
wellx wellx the eventx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx court before the duke of albanyxs palacex

 enter learx kent and foolx

learx
go you before to gloucester with these lettersx acquaint my daughter no
further with anything you know than comes from her demand out of the
letterx if your diligence be not speedyx i shall be there afore youx

kentx
i will not sleepx my lordx till i have delivered your letterx

 xxexitxxx

foolx
if a manxs brains were inxs heelsx werext not in danger of kibesx

learx
ayx boyx

foolx
then i prythee be merryx thy wit shall not go slipshodx

learx
hax hax hax

foolx
shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindlyx for though shexs as
like this as a crabxs like an applex yet i can tell what i can tellx

learx
what canst tellx boyx

foolx
shexll taste as like this as a crab does to a crabx thou canst tell why
onexs nose stands ixthe middle onxs facex

learx
nox

foolx
whyx to keep onexs eyes of either sidexs nosex that what a man cannot
smell outx he may spy intox

learx
i did her wrongx

foolx
canst tell how an oyster makes his shellx

learx
nox

foolx
nor i neitherx but i can tell why a snail has a housex

learx
whyx

foolx
whyx to putxs head inx not to give it away to his daughtersx and leave
his horns without a casex

learx
i will forget my naturex so kind a fatherx be my horses readyx

foolx
thy asses are gone about xemx the reason why the seven stars are no
more than seven is a pretty reasonx

learx
because they are not eightx

foolx
yes indeedx thou wouldst make a good foolx

learx
to takxt again perforcexxmonster ingratitudex

foolx
if thou wert my foolx nunclex ixld have thee beaten for being old
before thy timex

learx
howxs thatx

foolx
thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wisex

learx
ox let me not be madx not madx sweet heavenx
keep me in temperx i would not be madx

 enter gentlemanx

how nowx are the horses readyx

gentlemanx
readyx my lordx

learx
comex boyx

foolx
she thatxs a maid nowx and laughs at my departurex
shall not be a maid longx unless things be cut shorterx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix a court within the castle of the earl of gloucesterx

 enter edmund and curanx meetingx

edmundx
save theex curanx

curanx
and youx sirx i have been with your fatherx and given him notice that
the duke of cornwall and regan his duchess will be here with him this
nightx

edmundx
how comes thatx

curanx
nayx i know notx you have heard of the news abroadx i mean the
whispered onesx for they are yet but earxkissing argumentsx

edmundx
not ix pray youx what are theyx

curanx
have you heard of no likely wars towardx xtwixt the two dukes of
cornwall and albanyx

edmundx
not a wordx

curanx
you may dox thenx in timex fare you wellx sirx

 xxexitxxx

edmundx
the duke be here tonightx the betterx bestx
this weaves itself perforce into my businessx
my father hath set guard to take my brotherx
and i have one thingx of a queasy questionx
which i must actx briefness and fortune workx
brotherx a wordx descendx brotherx i sayx

 enter edgarx

my father watchesx o sirx fly this placex
intelligence is given where you are hidx
you have now the good advantage of the nightx
have you not spoken xgainst the duke of cornwallx
hexs coming hitherx nowx ix the nightx ix the hastex
and regan with himx have you nothing said
upon his party xgainst the duke of albanyx
advise yourselfx

edgarx
i am sure onxtx not a wordx

edmundx
i hear my father comingxxpardon mex
in cunning i must draw my sword upon youx
drawx seem to defend yourselfx now quit you wellx
yieldx come before my fatherx lightx hox herex
flyx brotherx torchesx torchesxxso farewellx

 xxexit edgarxxx

some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
of my more fierce endeavourx xxwounds his armxxx
i have seen drunkards
do more than this in sportx fatherx fatherx
stopx stopx no helpx

 enter gloucester and servants with torchesx

gloucesterx
nowx edmundx wherexs the villainx

edmundx
here stood he in the darkx his sharp sword outx
mumbling of wicked charmsx conjuring the moon
to stand auspicious mistressx

gloucesterx
but where is hex

edmundx
lookx sirx i bleedx

gloucesterx
where is the villainx edmundx

edmundx
fled this wayx sirx when by no means he couldxx

gloucesterx
pursue himx hox go afterx

 xxexeunt servantsxxx

xby no means whatx

edmundx
persuade me to the murder of your lordshipx
but that i told him the revenging gods
xgainst parricides did all their thunders bendx
spoke with how manifold and strong a bond
the child was bound to the fatherx sirx in finex
seeing how loathly opposite i stood
to his unnatural purposex in fell motion
with his prepared swordx he charges home
my unprovided bodyx latchxd mine armx
but when he saw my best alarumxd spiritsx
bold in the quarrelxs rightx rousxd to thxencounterx
or whether gasted by the noise i madex
full suddenly he fledx

gloucesterx
let him fly farx
not in this land shall he remain uncaughtx
and foundxdispatchxdx the noble duke my masterx
my worthy arch and patronx comes tonightx
by his authority i will proclaim itx
that he which finds him shall deserve our thanksx
bringing the murderous coward to the stakex
he that conceals himx deathx

edmundx
when i dissuaded him from his intentx
and found him pight to do itx with curst speech
i threatenxd to discover himx he repliedx
xthou unpossessing bastardx dost thou thinkx
if i would stand against theex would the reposal
of any trustx virtuex or worth in thee
make thy words faithxdx nox what i should deny
as this i wouldx ayx though thou didst produce
my very characterx ixd turn it all
to thy suggestionx plotx and damned practicex
and thou must make a dullard of the worldx
if they not thought the profits of my death
were very pregnant and potential spurs
to make thee seek itx

gloucesterx
o strange and fastxned villainx
would he deny his letterx said hex i never got himx

 xxtucket withinxxx

harkx the dukexs trumpetsx i know not why he comesx
all ports ixll barx the villain shall not scapex
the duke must grant me thatx besidesx his picture
i will send far and nearx that all the kingdom
may have due note of himx and of my landx
loyal and natural boyx ixll work the means
to make thee capablex

 enter cornwallx regan and attendantsx

cornwallx
how nowx my noble friendx since i came hitherx
which i can call but nowx i have heard strange newsx

reganx
if it be truex all vengeance comes too short
which can pursue thxoffenderx how dostx my lordx

gloucesterx
o madamx my old heart is crackxdx itxs crackxdx

reganx
whatx did my fatherxs godson seek your lifex
he whom my father namxdx your edgarx

gloucesterx
o ladyx ladyx shame would have it hidx

reganx
was he not companion with the riotous knights
that tend upon my fatherx

gloucesterx
i know notx madamx xtis too badx too badx

edmundx
yesx madamx he was of that consortx

reganx
no marvel then though he were ill affectedx
xtis they have put him on the old manxs deathx
to have the expense and waste of his revenuesx
i have this present evening from my sister
been well informxd of themx and with such cautions
that if they come to sojourn at my housex
ixll not be therex

cornwallx
nor ix assure theex reganx
edmundx i hear that you have shown your father
a childlike officex

edmundx
it was my dutyx sirx

gloucesterx
he did bewray his practicex and receivxd
this hurt you seex striving to apprehend himx

cornwallx
is he pursuedx

gloucesterx
ayx my good lordx

cornwallx
if he be takenx he shall never more
be fearxd of doing harmx make your own purposex
how in my strength you pleasex for youx edmundx
whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
so much commend itselfx you shall be oursx
natures of such deep trust we shall much needx
you we first seize onx

edmundx
i shall serve youx sirx trulyx however elsex

gloucesterx
for him i thank your gracex

cornwallx
you know not why we came to visit youx

reganx
thus out of seasonx threading darkxeyxd nightx
occasionsx noble gloucesterx of some poisex
wherein we must have use of your advicex
our father he hath writx so hath our sisterx
of differencesx which i best thought it fit
to answer from our homex the several messengers
from hence attend dispatchx our good old friendx
lay comforts to your bosomx and bestow
your needful counsel to our businessx
which craves the instant usex

gloucesterx
i serve youx madamx
your graces are right welcomex

 xxexeuntx flourishxxx

scene iix before gloucesterxs castlex

 enter kent and oswaldx severallyx

oswaldx
good dawning to theex friendx art of this housex

kentx
ayx

oswaldx
where may we set our horsesx

kentx
ix the mirex

oswaldx
prytheex if thou lovxst mex tell mex

kentx
i love thee notx

oswaldx
why thenx i care not for theex

kentx
if i had thee in lipsbury pinfoldx i would make thee care for mex

oswaldx
why dost thou use me thusx i know thee notx

kentx
fellowx i know theex

oswaldx
what dost thou know me forx

kentx
a knavex a rascalx an eater of broken meatsx a basex proudx shallowx
beggarlyx threexsuitedx hundredxpoundx filthyx worstedxstocking knavex
a lilyxliveredx actionxtakingx whoresonx glassxgazingx
superxserviceablex finical roguex one trunkxinheriting slavex one that
wouldst be a bawd in way of good servicex and art nothing but the
composition of a knavex beggarx cowardx panderx and the son and heir of
a mongrel bitchx one whom i will beat into clamorous whiningx if thou
deniest the least syllable of thy additionx

oswaldx
whyx what a monstrous fellow art thoux thus to rail on one thatxs
neither known of thee nor knows theex

kentx
what a brazenxfaced varlet art thoux to deny thou knowest mex is it two
days ago since i tripped up thy heels and beat thee before the kingx
drawx you roguex forx though it be nightx yet the moon shinesx ixll
make a sop ox the moonshine of youx drawx you whoreson cullionly
barberxmongerx drawx

 xxdrawing his swordxxx

oswaldx
awayx i have nothing to do with theex

kentx
drawx you rascalx you come with letters against the kingx and take
vanity the puppetxs part against the royalty of her fatherx drawx you
roguex or ixll so carbonado your shanksxxdrawx you rascalx come your
waysx

oswaldx
helpx hox murderx helpx

kentx
strikex you slavex standx roguex standx you neat slavex strikex

 xxbeating himxxx

oswaldx
helpx hox murderx murderx

 enter edmundx cornwallx reganx gloucester and servantsx

edmundx
how nowx whatxs the matterx partx

kentx
with youx goodman boyx if you pleasex comex ixll flesh yex come onx
young masterx

gloucesterx
weaponsx armsx whatxs the matter herex

cornwallx
keep peacex upon your livesx he dies that strikes againx what is the
matterx

reganx
the messengers from our sister and the kingx

cornwallx
what is your differencex speakx

oswaldx
i am scarce in breathx my lordx

kentx
no marvelx you have so bestirrxd your valourx you cowardly rascalx
nature disclaims in theex a tailor made theex

cornwallx
thou art a strange fellowx a tailor make a manx

kentx
ayx a tailorx sirx a stonecutter or a painter could not have made him
so illx though he had been but two years at the tradex

cornwallx
speak yetx how grew your quarrelx

oswaldx
this ancient ruffianx sirx whose life i have spared at suit of his grey
beardxx

kentx
thou whoreson zedx thou unnecessary letterx my lordx if youxll give me
leavex i will tread this unbolted villain into mortar and daub the
walls of a jakes with himx spare my grey beardx you wagtailx

cornwallx
peacex sirrahx
you beastly knavex know you no reverencex

kentx
yesx sirx but anger hath a privilegex

cornwallx
why art thou angryx

kentx
that such a slave as this should wear a swordx
who wears no honestyx such smiling rogues as thesex
like ratsx oft bite the holy cords axtwain
which are too intrince txunloosex smooth every passion
that in the natures of their lords rebelx
bring oil to firex snow to their colder moodsx
renegex affirmx and turn their halcyon beaks
with every gale and vary of their mastersx
knowing naughtx like dogsx but followingx
a plague upon your epileptic visagex
smile you my speechesx as i were a foolx
goosex if i had you upon sarum plainx
ixd drive ye cackling home to camelotx

cornwallx
whatx art thou madx old fellowx

gloucesterx
how fell you outx say thatx

kentx
no contraries hold more antipathy
than i and such a knavex

cornwallx
why dost thou call him knavex what is his faultx

kentx
his countenance likes me notx

cornwallx
no more perchance does minex or hisx or hersx

kentx
sirx xtis my occupation to be plainx
i have seen better faces in my time
than stands on any shoulder that i see
before me at this instantx

cornwallx
this is some fellow
whox having been praisxd for bluntnessx doth affect
a saucy roughnessx and constrains the garb
quite from his naturex he cannot flatterx hex
an honest mind and plainx he must speak truthx
an they will take itx sox if notx hexs plainx
these kind of knaves i know which in this plainness
harbour more craft and more corrupter ends
than twenty sillyxducking observants
that stretch their duties nicelyx

kentx
sirx in good faithx in sincere verityx
under thxallowance of your great aspectx
whose influencex like the wreath of radiant fire
on flickering phoebusx frontxx

cornwallx
what meanxst by thisx

kentx
to go out of my dialectx which you discommend so muchx i knowx sirx i
am no flattererx he that beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain
knavex whichx for my partx i will not bex though i should win your
displeasure to entreat me toxtx

cornwallx
what was the offence you gave himx

oswaldx
i never gave him anyx
it pleasxd the king his master very late
to strike at mex upon his misconstructionx
when hex compactx and flattering his displeasurex
trippxd me behindx being downx insultedx railxd
and put upon him such a deal of manx
that worthied himx got praises of the king
for him attempting who was selfxsubduxdx
andx in the fleshment of this dread exploitx
drew on me here againx

kentx
none of these rogues and cowards
but ajax is their foolx

cornwallx
fetch forth the stocksx
you stubborn ancient knavex you reverent braggartx
wexll teach youx

kentx
sirx i am too old to learnx
call not your stocks for mex i serve the kingx
on whose employment i was sent to youx
you shall do small respectx show too bold malice
against the grace and person of my masterx
stocking his messengerx

cornwallx
fetch forth the stocksx
as i have life and honourx there shall he sit till noonx

reganx
till noonx till nightx my lordx and all night toox

kentx
whyx madamx if i were your fatherxs dogx
you should not use me sox

reganx
sirx being his knavex i willx

 xxstocks brought outxxx

cornwallx
this is a fellow of the selfsame colour
our sister speaks ofx comex bring away the stocksx

gloucesterx
let me beseech your grace not to do sox
his fault is muchx and the good king his master
will check him forxtx your purposxd low correction
is such as basest and contemnedxst wretches
for pilferings and most common trespassesx
are punishxd withx the king must take it ill
that hex so slightly valued in his messengerx
should have him thus restrainedx

cornwallx
ixll answer thatx

reganx
my sister may receive it much more worsex
to have her gentleman abusxdx assaultedx
for following her affairsx put in his legsx

 xxkent is put in the stocksxxx

cornwallx
comex my good lordx awayx

 xxexeunt all but gloucester and kentxxx

gloucesterx
i am sorry for theex friendx xtis the dukexs pleasurex
whose dispositionx all the world well knowsx
will not be rubbxd nor stoppxdx ixll entreat for theex

kentx
pray do notx sirx i have watchxdx and travellxd hardx
some time i shall sleep outx the rest ixll whistlex
a good manxs fortune may grow out at heelsx
give you good morrowx

gloucesterx
the dukexs to blame in thisx xtwill be ill takenx

 xxexitxxx

kentx
good kingx that must approve the common sawx
thou out of heavenxs benediction comxst
to the warm sunx
approachx thou beacon to this under globex
that by thy comfortable beams i may
peruse this letterx nothing almost sees miracles
but miseryx i know xtis from cordeliax
who hath most fortunately been informxd
of my obscured coursex and shall find time
from this enormous statex seeking to give
losses their remediesx all weary and oxerwatchxdx
take vantagex heavy eyesx not to behold
this shameful lodgingx
fortunex good nightx smile once morex turn thy wheelx

 xxhe sleepsxxx

scene iiix the open countryx

 enter edgarx

edgarx
i heard myself proclaimxdx
and by the happy hollow of a tree
escapxd the huntx no port is freex no place
that guard and most unusual vigilance
does not attend my takingx while i may scape
i will preserve myselfx and am bethought
to take the basest and most poorest shape
that ever penury in contempt of manx
brought near to beastx my face ixll grime with filthx
blanket my loinsx elf all my hair in knotsx
and with presented nakedness outface
the winds and persecutions of the skyx
the country gives me proof and precedent
of bedlam beggarsx whox with roaring voicesx
strike in their numbxd and mortified bare arms
pinsx wooden pricksx nailsx sprigs of rosemaryx
and with this horrible objectx from low farmsx
poor pelting villagesx sheepxcotesx and millsx
sometime with lunatic bansx sometime with prayersx
enforce their charityx poor turlygodx poor tomx
thatxs something yetx edgar i nothing amx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx before gloucesterxs castlex kent in the stocksx

 enter learx fool and gentlemanx

learx
xtis strange that they should so depart from homex
and not send back my messengerx

gentlemanx
as i learnxdx
the night before there was no purpose in them
of this removex

kentx
hail to theex noble masterx

learx
hax makxst thou this shame thy pastimex

kentx
nox my lordx

foolx
hax hax he wears cruel gartersx horses are tied by the headsx dogs and
bears by the neckx monkeys by the loinsx and men by the legsx when a
man is overlusty at legsx then he wears wooden netherxstocksx

learx
whatxs he that hath so much thy place mistook
to set thee herex

kentx
it is both he and shex
your son and daughterx

learx
nox

kentx
yesx

learx
nox i sayx

kentx
i sayx yeax

learx
nox nox they would notx

kentx
yesx they havex

learx
by jupiterx i swear nox

kentx
by junox i swear ayx

learx
they durst not doxtx
they could notx would not doxtx xtis worse than murderx
to do upon respect such violent outragex
resolve mex with all modest hastex which way
thou mightst deserve or they impose this usagex
coming from usx

kentx
my lordx when at their home
i did commend your highnessx letters to themx
ere i was risen from the place that showxd
my duty kneelingx came there a reeking postx
stewxd in his hastex half breathlessx panting forth
from goneril his mistress salutationsx
deliverxd lettersx spite of intermissionx
which presently they readx on those contentsx
they summonxd up their meinyx straight took horsex
commanded me to follow and attend
the leisure of their answerx gave me cold looksx
and meeting here the other messengerx
whose welcome i perceivxd had poisonxd minex
being the very fellow which of late
displayxd so saucily against your highnessx
having more man than wit about mex drewx
he raisxd the house with loud and coward criesx
your son and daughter found this trespass worth
the shame which here it suffersx

foolx
winterxs not gone yetx if the wild geese fly that wayx
  fathers that wear rags
    do make their children blindx
  but fathers that bear bags
    shall see their children kindx
  fortunex that arrant whorex
  nexer turns the key to thx poorx
but for all thisx thou shalt have as many dolours for thy daughters as
thou canst tell in a yearx

learx
ox how this mother swells up toward my heartx
xhysterica passioxx downx thou climbing sorrowx
thy elementxs belowx where is this daughterx

kentx
with the earlx sirx here withinx

learx
follow me notx stay herex

 xxexitxxx

gentlemanx
made you no more offence but what you speak ofx

kentx
nonex
how chance the king comes with so small a numberx

foolx
an thou hadst been set ix the stocks for that questionx thou hadst well
deserved itx

kentx
whyx foolx

foolx
wexll set thee to school to an antx to teach thee therexs no labouring
ixthe winterx all that follow their noses are led by their eyes but
blind menx and therexs not a nose among twenty but can smell him thatxs
stinkingx let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hillx lest it
break thy neck with following itx but the great one that goes upwardx
let him draw thee afterx when a wise man gives thee better counselx
give me mine againx i would have none but knaves follow itx since a
fool gives itx
          that sir which serves and seeks for gainx
             and follows but for formx
          will pack when it begins to rainx
             and leave thee in the stormx
          but i will tarryx the fool will stayx
             and let the wise man flyx
          the knave turns fool that runs awayx
             the fool no knave perdyx

kentx
where learnxd you thisx foolx

foolx
not ix the stocksx foolx

 enter lear and gloucesterx

learx
deny to speak with mex they are sickx they are wearyx
they have travellxd all the nightx mere fetchesx
the images of revolt and flying offx
fetch me a better answerx

gloucesterx
my dear lordx
you know the fiery quality of the dukex
how unremovable and fixxd he is
in his own coursex

learx
vengeancex plaguex deathx confusionx
fieryx what qualityx whyx gloucesterx gloucesterx
ixd speak with the duke of cornwall and his wifex

gloucesterx
wellx my good lordx i have informxd them sox

learx
informxd themx dost thou understand mex manx

gloucesterx
ayx my good lordx

learx
the king would speak with cornwallx the dear father
would with his daughter speakx commandsx tendsx servicex
are they informxd of thisx my breath and bloodx
fieryx the fiery dukex tell the hot duke thatx
nox but not yetx maybe he is not wellx
infirmity doth still neglect all office
whereto our health is boundx we are not ourselves
when naturex being oppressxdx commands the mind
to suffer with the bodyx ixll forbearx
and am fallen out with my more headier willx
to take the indisposxd and sickly fit
for the sound manx xxlooking on kentxxx
death on my statex wherefore
should he sit herex this act persuades me
that this remotion of the duke and her
is practice onlyx give me my servant forthx
go tell the duke andxs wife ixd speak with themx
nowx presentlyx bid them come forth and hear mex
or at their chamber door ixll beat the drum
till it cry sleep to deathx

gloucesterx
i would have all well betwixt youx

 xxexitxxx

learx
o mex my heartx my rising heartx but downx

foolx
cry to itx nunclex as the cockney did to the eels when she put xem ix
the paste alivex she knapped xem ox the coxcombs with a stick and cried
xdownx wantonsx downxx xtwas her brother thatx in pure kindness to his
horse buttered his hayx

 enter cornwallx reganx gloucester and servantsx

learx
good morrow to you bothx

cornwallx
hail to your gracex

 xxkent here set at libertyxxx

reganx
i am glad to see your highnessx

learx
reganx i think you arex i know what reason
i have to think sox if thou shouldst not be gladx
i would divorce me from thy motherxs tombx
sepulchring an adultressx xxto kentxx ox are you freex
some other time for thatxxbeloved reganx
thy sisterxs naughtx o reganx she hath tied
sharpxtoothxd unkindnessx like a vulturex herex

 xxpoints to his heartxxx

i can scarce speak to theex thouxlt not believe
with how depravxd a qualityxo reganx

reganx
i pray youx sirx take patiencex i have hope
you less know how to value her desert
than she to scant her dutyx

learx
sayx how is thatx

reganx
i cannot think my sister in the least
would fail her obligationx ifx sirx perchance
she have restrainxd the riots of your followersx
xtis on such groundx and to such wholesome endx
as clears her from all blamex

learx
my curses on herx

reganx
ox sirx you are oldx
nature in you stands on the very verge
of her confinex you should be rulxd and led
by some discretionx that discerns your state
better than you yourselfx therefore i pray youx
that to our sister you do make returnx
say you have wrongxd herx sirx

learx
ask her forgivenessx
do you but mark how this becomes the housex
xdear daughterx i confess that i am oldx
xxkneelingxxx
age is unnecessaryx on my knees i beg
that youxll vouchsafe me raimentx bedx and foodxx

reganx
good sirx no morex these are unsightly tricksx
return you to my sisterx

learx
xxrisingxxx neverx reganx
she hath abated me of half my trainx
lookxd black upon mex struck me with her tonguex
most serpentxlikex upon the very heartx
all the storxd vengeances of heaven fall
on her ingrateful topx strike her young bonesx
you taking airsx with lamenessx

cornwallx
fiex sirx fiex

learx
you nimble lightningsx dart your blinding flames
into her scornful eyesx infect her beautyx
you fenxsuckxd fogsx drawn by the powerful sunx
to fall and blast her pridex

reganx
o the blest godsx
so will you wish on me when the rash mood is onx

learx
nox reganx thou shalt never have my cursex
thy tenderxhefted nature shall not give
thee oxer to harshnessx her eyes are fiercex but thine
do comfortx and not burnx xtis not in thee
to grudge my pleasuresx to cut off my trainx
to bandy hasty wordsx to scant my sizesx
andx in conclusionx to oppose the bolt
against my coming inx thou better knowxst
the offices of naturex bond of childhoodx
effects of courtesyx dues of gratitudex
thy half ox the kingdom hast thou not forgotx
wherein i thee endowxdx

reganx
good sirx to the purposex

learx
who put my man ix the stocksx

 xxtucket withinxxx

cornwallx
what trumpetxs thatx

reganx
i knowxtx my sisterxsx this approves her letterx
that she would soon be herex

 enter oswaldx

is your lady comex

learx
this is a slavex whose easy borrowed pride
dwells in the fickle grace of her he followsx
outx varletx from my sightx

cornwallx
what means your gracex

learx
who stockxd my servantx reganx i have good hope
thou didst not know onxtx who comes herex o heavensx

 enter gonerilx

if you do love old menx if your sweet sway
allow obediencex if yourselves are oldx
make it your causex send downx and take my partx
xxto gonerilxxx art not ashamxd to look upon this beardx
o reganx wilt thou take her by the handx

gonerilx
why not by the handx sirx how have i offendedx
allxs not offence that indiscretion finds
and dotage terms sox

learx
o sidesx you are too toughx
will you yet holdx how came my man ix the stocksx

cornwallx
i set him therex sirx but his own disorders
deservxd much less advancementx

learx
youx did youx

reganx
i pray youx fatherx being weakx seem sox
ifx till the expiration of your monthx
you will return and sojourn with my sisterx
dismissing half your trainx come then to mex
i am now from homex and out of that provision
which shall be needful for your entertainmentx

learx
return to herx and fifty men dismissxdx
nox rather i abjure all roofsx and choose
to wage against the enmity ox the airx
to be a comrade with the wolf and owlx
necessityxs sharp pinchx return with herx
whyx the hotxblooded francex that dowerless took
our youngest bornx i could as well be brought
to knee his thronex andx squirexlikex pension beg
to keep base life afootx return with herx
persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
to this detested groomx

 xxpointing to oswaldxxx

gonerilx
at your choicex sirx

learx
i prytheex daughterx do not make me madx
i will not trouble theex my childx farewellx
wexll no more meetx no more see one anotherx
but yet thou art my fleshx my bloodx my daughterx
or rather a disease thatxs in my fleshx
which i must needs call minex thou art a boilx
a plague sorex or embossed carbuncle
in my corrupted bloodx but ixll not chide theex
let shame come when it willx i do not call itx
i do not bid the thunderxbearer shootx
nor tell tales of thee to highxjudging jovex
mend when thou canstx be better at thy leisurex
i can be patientx i can stay with reganx
i and my hundred knightsx

reganx
not altogether sox
i lookxd not for you yetx nor am provided
for your fit welcomex give earx sirx to my sisterx
for those that mingle reason with your passion
must be content to think you oldx and sox
but she knows what she doesx

learx
is this well spokenx

reganx
i dare avouch itx sirx whatx fifty followersx
is it not wellx what should you need of morex
yeax or so manyx sith that both charge and danger
speak xgainst so great a numberx how in one house
should many peoplex under two commandsx
hold amityx xtis hardx almost impossiblex

gonerilx
why might not youx my lordx receive attendance
from those that she calls servantsx or from minex

reganx
why notx my lordx if then they chancxd to slack yex
we could control themx if you will come to mexx
for now i spy a dangerxxi entreat you
to bring but fivexandxtwentyx to no more
will i give place or noticex

learx
i gave you allxx

reganx
and in good time you gave itx

learx
made you my guardiansx my depositariesx
but kept a reservation to be followed
with such a numberx whatx must i come to you
with fivexandxtwentyx reganx said you sox

reganx
and speakxt again my lordx no more with mex

learx
those wicked creatures yet do look wellxfavourxd
when others are more wickedx not being the worst
stands in some rank of praisex
xxto gonerilxxx ixll go with theex
thy fifty yet doth double fivexandxtwentyx
and thou art twice her lovex

gonerilx
hear mex my lordx
what need you fivexandxtwentyx tenx or fivex
to follow in a house where twice so many
have a command to tend youx

reganx
what need onex

learx
ox reason not the needx our basest beggars
are in the poorest thing superfluousx
allow not nature more than nature needsx
manxs life is cheap as beastxsx thou art a ladyx
if only to go warm were gorgeousx
whyx nature needs not what thou gorgeous wearxst
which scarcely keeps thee warmx butx for true needxx
you heavensx give me that patiencex patience i needx
you see me herex you godsx a poor old manx
as full of grief as agex wretched in bothx
if it be you that stirs these daughtersx hearts
against their fatherx fool me not so much
to bear it tamelyx touch me with noble angerx
and let not womenxs weaponsx waterxdropsx
stain my manxs cheeksx nox you unnatural hagsx
i will have such revenges on you both
that all the world shallxxi will do such thingsxx
what they are yetx i know notx but they shall be
the terrors of the earthx you think ixll weepx
nox ixll not weepxx xxstorm and tempestxxx
i have full cause of weepingx but this heart
shall break into a hundred thousand flaws
or ere ixll weepxxo foolx i shall go madx

 xxexeunt learx gloucesterx kent and foolxxx

cornwallx
let us withdrawx xtwill be a stormx

reganx
this house is littlex the old man and his people
cannot be well bestowxdx

gonerilx
xtis his own blamex hath put himself from rest
and must needs taste his follyx

reganx
for his particularx ixll receive him gladlyx
but not one followerx

gonerilx
so am i purposxdx
where is my lord of gloucesterx

 enter gloucesterx

cornwallx
followed the old man forthx he is returnxdx

gloucesterx
the king is in high ragex

cornwallx
whither is he goingx

gloucesterx
he calls to horsex but will i know not whitherx

cornwallx
xtis best to give him wayx he leads himselfx

gonerilx
my lordx entreat him by no means to stayx

gloucesterx
alackx the night comes onx and the high winds
do sorely rufflex for many miles about
therexs scarce a bushx

reganx
ox sirx to wilful men
the injuries that they themselves procure
must be their schoolmastersx shut up your doorsx
he is attended with a desperate trainx
and what they may incense him tox being apt
to have his ear abusxdx wisdom bids fearx

cornwallx
shut up your doorsx my lordx xtis a wild nightx
my regan counsels wellx come out ox the stormx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix a heathx

 a storm with thunder and lightningx enter kent and a gentlemanx
 severallyx

kentx
whoxs therex besides foul weatherx

gentlemanx
one minded like the weatherx most unquietlyx

kentx
i know youx wherexs the kingx

gentlemanx
contending with the fretful elementsx
bids the wind blow the earth into the seax
or swell the curled waters xbove the mainx
that things might change or ceasex tears his white hairx
which the impetuous blasts with eyeless ragex
catch in their fury and make nothing ofx
strives in his little world of man to outscorn
the toxandxfroxconflicting wind and rainx
this nightx wherein the cubxdrawn bear would couchx
the lion and the bellyxpinched wolf
keep their fur dryx unbonneted he runsx
and bids what will take allx

kentx
but who is with himx

gentlemanx
none but the foolx who labours to outxjest
his heartxstruck injuriesx

kentx
sirx i do know youx
and darex upon the warrant of my note
commend a dear thing to youx there is divisionx
although as yet the face of it be coverxd
with mutual cunningx xtwixt albany and cornwallx
who havex as who have notx that their great stars
thronexd and set highx servantsx who seem no lessx
which are to france the spies and speculations
intelligent of our statex what hath been seenx
either in snuffs and packings of the dukesx
or the hard rein which both of them have borne
against the old kind kingx or something deeperx
whereofx perchancex these are but furnishingsxx
butx true it isx from france there comes a power
into this scatterxd kingdomx who alreadyx
wise in our negligencex have secret feet
in some of our best portsx and are at point
to show their open bannerxxnow to youx
if on my credit you dare build so far
to make your speed to doverx you shall find
some that will thank you making just report
of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
the king hath cause to plainx
i am a gentleman of blood and breedingx
and from some knowledge and assurance
offer this office to youx

gentlemanx
i will talk further with youx

kentx
nox do notx
for confirmation that i am much more
than my outxwallx open this pursex and take
what it containsx if you shall see cordeliax
as fear not but you shallx show her this ringx
and she will tell you who your fellow is
that yet you do not knowx fie on this stormx
i will go seek the kingx

gentlemanx
give me your handx have you no more to sayx

kentx
few wordsx butx to effectx more than all yetx
thatx when we have found the kingx in which your pain
that wayx ixll thisx he that first lights on him
holla the otherx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix another part of the heathx

 storm continuesx enter lear and foolx

learx
blowx windsx and crack your cheeksx ragex blowx
you cataracts and hurricanoesx spout
till you have drenchxd our steeplesx drownxd the cocksx
you sulphurous and thoughtxexecuting firesx
vauntxcouriers to oakxcleaving thunderboltsx
singe my white headx and thoux allxshaking thunderx
strike flat the thick rotundity ox the worldx
crack naturexs mouldsx all germens spill at oncex
that make ingrateful manx

foolx
o nunclex court holyxwater in a dry house is better than this
rainxwater out ox doorx good nunclex inx and ask thy daughters
blessingx herexs a night pities neither wise men nor foolsx

learx
rumble thy bellyfulx spitx firex spoutx rainx
nor rainx windx thunderx fire are my daughtersx
i tax not youx you elementsx with unkindnessx
i never gave you kingdomx callxd you childrenx
you owe me no subscriptionx then let fall
your horrible pleasurex here i stand your slavex
a poorx infirmx weakx and despisxd old manx
but yet i call you servile ministersx
that will with two pernicious daughters join
your highxengenderxd battles xgainst a head
so old and white as thisx ox ox xtis foulx

foolx
he that has a house to putxs head in has a good headxpiecex
   the codpiece that will house
     before the head has anyx
   the head and he shall lousex
     so beggars marry manyx
   the man that makes his toe
     what he his heart should make
   shall of a corn cry woex
     and turn his sleep to wakex
for there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glassx

learx
nox i will be the pattern of all patiencex
i will say nothingx

 enter kentx

kentx
whoxs therex

foolx
marryx herexs grace and a codpiecex thatxs a wise man and a foolx

kentx
alasx sirx are you herex things that love night
love not such nights as thesex the wrathful skies
gallow the very wanderers of the darkx
and make them keep their cavesx since i was manx
such sheets of firex such bursts of horrid thunderx
such groans of roaring wind and rain i never
remember to have heardx manxs nature cannot carry
thxafflictionx nor the fearx

learx
let the great godsx
that keep this dreadful pudder oxer our headsx
find out their enemies nowx tremblex thou wretchx
that hast within thee undivulged crimes
unwhippxd of justicex hide theex thou bloody handx
thou perjurxdx and thou simular of virtue
that art incestuousx caitiffx to pieces shake
that under covert and convenient seeming
hast practisxd on manxs lifex close pentxup guiltsx
rive your concealing continentsx and cry
these dreadful summoners gracex i am a man
more sinnxd against than sinningx

kentx
alackx bareheadedx
gracious my lordx hard by here is a hovelx
some friendship will it lend you xgainst the tempestx
repose you therex whilst i to this hard housexx
more harder than the stones whereof xtis raisxdx
which even but nowx demanding after youx
denied me to come inxxreturnx and force
their scanted courtesyx

learx
my wits begin to turnx
come onx my boyx how dostx my boyx art coldx
i am cold myselfx where is this strawx my fellowx
the art of our necessities is strangex
that can make vile things preciousx comex your hovelx
poor fool and knavex i have one part in my heart
thatxs sorry yet for theex

foolx
xxsingingxxx
   he that has and a little tiny witx
     with heighxhox the wind and the rainx
   must make content with his fortunes fitx
     though the rain it raineth every dayx

learx
truex boyx comex bring us to this hovelx

 xxexeunt lear and kentxxx

foolx
this is a brave night to cool a courtezanx ixll speak a prophecy ere i
gox
   when priests are more in word than matterx
   when brewers mar their malt with waterx
   when nobles are their tailorsx tutorsx
   no heretics burnxdx but wenchesx suitorsx
   when every case in law is rightx
   no squire in debtx nor no poor knightx
   when slanders do not live in tonguesx
   nor cutxpurses come not to throngsx
   when usurers tell their gold ix the fieldx
   and bawds and whores do churches buildx
   then shall the realm of albion
   come to great confusionx
   then comes the timex who lives to seextx
   that going shall be usxd with feetx
this prophecy merlin shall makex for i live before his timex

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a room in gloucesterxs castlex

 enter gloucester and edmundx

gloucesterx
alackx alackx edmundx i like not this unnatural dealingx when i desired
their leave that i might pity himx they took from me the use of mine
own housex charged me on pain of perpetual displeasurex neither to
speak of himx entreat for himx or any way sustain himx

edmundx
most savage and unnaturalx

gloucesterx
go tox say you nothingx there is division between the dukesx and a
worse matter than thatx i have received a letter this nightxxxtis
dangerous to be spokenxxi have locked the letter in my closetx these
injuries the king now bears will be revenged homex therexs part of a
power already footedx we must incline to the kingx i will look himx and
privily relieve himx go you and maintain talk with the dukex that my
charity be not of him perceivedx if he ask for mex i am illx and gone
to bedx if i die for itx as no less is threatened mex the king my old
master must be relievedx there is some strange thing towardx edmundx
pray you be carefulx

 xxexitxxx

edmundx
this courtesyx forbid theex shall the duke
instantly knowx and of that letter toox
this seems a fair deservingx and must draw me
that which my father losesx no less than allx
the younger rises when the old doth fallx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx a part of the heath with a hovelx

 storm continuesx enter learx kent and foolx

kentx
here is the placex my lordx good my lordx enterx
the tyranny of the open nightxs too rough
for nature to endurex

learx
let me alonex

kentx
good my lordx enter herex

learx
wilt break my heartx

kentx
i had rather break mine ownx good my lordx enterx

learx
thou thinkxst xtis much that this contentious storm
invades us to the skinx so xtis to theex
but where the greater malady is fixxdx
the lesser is scarce feltx thouxdst shun a bearx
but if thy flight lay toward the raging seax
thouxdst meet the bear ix the mouthx when the mindxs freex
the bodyxs delicatex the tempest in my mind
doth from my senses take all feeling else
save what beats therex filial ingratitudex
is it not as this mouth should tear this hand
for lifting food toxtx but i will punish homex
nox i will weep no morex in such a night
to shut me outx pour onx i will endurex
in such a night as thisx o reganx gonerilx
your old kind fatherx whose frank heart gave allx
ox that way madness liesx let me shun thatx
no more of thatx

kentx
good my lordx enter herex

learx
prythee go in thyselfx seek thine own easex
this tempest will not give me leave to ponder
on things would hurt me morex but ixll go inx
xxto the foolxxx inx boyx go firstx you houseless povertyx
nayx get thee inx ixll prayx and then ixll sleepx

 xxfool goes inxxx

poor naked wretchesx wheresoexer you arex
that bide the pelting of this pitiless stormx
how shall your houseless heads and unfed sidesx
your loopxd and windowxd raggednessx defend you
from seasons such as thesex ox i have taxen
too little care of thisx take physicx pompx
expose thyself to feel what wretches feelx
that thou mayst shake the superflux to them
and show the heavens more justx

edgarx
xxwithinxxx fathom and halfx fathom and halfx poor tomx

 xxthe fool runs out from the hovelxxx

foolx
come not in herex nunclex herexs a spiritx
help mex help mex

kentx
give me thy handx whoxs therex

foolx
a spiritx a spiritx he says his namexs poor tomx

kentx
what art thou that dost grumble there ix the strawx
come forthx

 enter edgarx disguised as a madmanx

edgarx
awayx the foul fiend follows mex through the sharp hawthorn blows the
cold windx humhx go to thy cold bedx and warm theex

learx
didst thou give all to thy two daughtersx
and art thou come to thisx

edgarx
who gives anything to poor tomx whom the foul fiend hath led through
fire and through flamex through ford and whirlpoolx oxer bog and
quagmirex that hath laid knives under his pillow and halters in his
pewx set ratsbane by his porridgex made him proud of heartx to ride on
a bay trotting horse over fourxinched bridgesx to course his own shadow
for a traitorx bless thy five witsx xtomxs axcoldx ox dox dex dox
dex dox dex bless thee from whirlwindsx starxblastingx and takingx do
poor tom some charityx whom the foul fiend vexesx there could i have
him nowx and therexxand there againx and therex

 xxstorm continuesxxx

learx
whatx have his daughters brought him to this passx
couldst thou save nothingx didst thou give xem allx

foolx
nayx he reservxd a blanketx else we had been all shamedx

learx
now all the plagues that in the pendulous air
hang fated oxer menxs faults light on thy daughtersx

kentx
he hath no daughtersx sirx

learx
deathx traitorx nothing could have subduxd nature
to such a lowness but his unkind daughtersx
is it the fashion that discarded fathers
should have thus little mercy on their fleshx
judicious punishmentx xtwas this flesh begot
those pelican daughtersx

edgarx
   pillicock sat on pillicock hillx
     alowx alowx loo loox

foolx
this cold night will turn us all to fools and madmenx

edgarx
take heed ox thx foul fiendx obey thy parentsx keep thy word justlyx
swear notx commit not with manxs sworn spousex set not thy sweetxheart
on proud arrayx tomxs axcoldx

learx
what hast thou beenx

edgarx
a servingxmanx proud in heart and mindx that curled my hairx wore
gloves in my capx served the lust of my mistressx heartx and did the
act of darkness with herx swore as many oaths as i spake wordsx and
broke them in the sweet face of heavenx one that slept in the
contriving of lustx and waked to do itx wine loved i deeplyx dice
dearlyx and in woman outxparamourxd the turkx false of heartx light of
earx bloody of handx hog in slothx fox in stealthx wolf in greedinessx
dog in madnessx lion in preyx let not the creaking of shoes nor the
rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to womanx keep thy foot out of
brothelsx thy hand out of placketsx thy pen from lenderxs bookx and
defy the foul fiendx still through the hawthorn blows the cold windx
says suumx munx nonnyx dolphin my boyx boyx sessax let him trot byx

 xxstorm still continuesxxx

learx
whyx thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncovered
body this extremity of the skiesx is man no more than thisx consider
him wellx thou owest the worm no silkx the beast no hidex the sheep no
woolx the cat no perfumex hax herexs three onxs are sophisticatedx thou
art the thing itselfx unaccommodated man is no more but such a poorx
barex forked animal as thou artx offx offx you lendingsx comex unbutton
herex

 xxtears off his clothesxxx

foolx
prytheex nunclex be contentedx xtis a naughty night to swim inx now a
little fire in a wild field were like an old lecherxs heartx a small
sparkx all the rest onxs body coldx lookx here comes a walking firex

edgarx
this is the foul fiend flibbertigibbetx he begins at curfewx and walks
till the first cockx he gives the web and the pinx squints the eyex and
makes the harelipx mildews the white wheatx and hurts the poor creature
of earthx
   swithold footed thrice the oldx
   he met the nightmarex and her ninexfoldx
     bid her alight and her troth plightx
   and aroint theex witchx aroint theex

kentx
how fares your gracex

 enter gloucester with a torchx

learx
whatxs hex

kentx
whoxs therex what isxt you seekx

gloucesterx
what are you therex your namesx

edgarx
poor tomx that eats the swimming frogx the toadx the todpolex the
wallxnewt and the waterx that in the fury of his heartx when the foul
fiend ragesx eats cowxdung for salletsx swallows the old rat and the
ditchxdogx drinks the green mantle of the standing poolx who is whipped
from tithing to tithingx and stockedx punishedx and imprisonedx who
hath had three suits to his backx six shirts to his bodyx
     horse to ridex and weapon to wearx
     but mice and rats and such small deerx
     have been tomxs food for seven long yearx
beware my followerx peacex smulkinx peacex thou fiendx

gloucesterx
whatx hath your grace no better companyx

edgarx
the prince of darkness is a gentlemanx
modo hexs callxdx and mahux

gloucesterx
our flesh and bloodx my lordx is grown so vile
that it doth hate what gets itx

edgarx
poor tomxs axcoldx

gloucesterx
go in with mex my duty cannot suffer
txobey in all your daughtersx hard commandsx
though their injunction be to bar my doorsx
and let this tyrannous night take hold upon youx
yet have i venturxd to come seek you outx
and bring you where both fire and food is readyx

learx
first let me talk with this philosopherx
what is the cause of thunderx

kentx
good my lordx take his offerx go into the housex

learx
ixll talk a word with this same learned thebanx
what is your studyx

edgarx
how to prevent the fiend and to kill verminx

learx
let me ask you one word in privatex

kentx
importune him once more to gox my lordx
his wits begin txunsettlex

gloucesterx
canst thou blame himx
his daughters seek his deathx ahx that good kentx
he said it would be thusx poor banishxd manx
thou sayest the king grows madx ixll tell theex friendx
i am almost mad myselfx i had a sonx
now outlawxd from my bloodx he sought my life
but latelyx very latex i lovxd himx friendx
no father his son dearerx true to tell theex

 xxstorm continuesxxx

the grief hath crazxd my witsx what a nightxs thisx
i do beseech your gracex

learx
ox cry you mercyx sirx
noble philosopherx your companyx

edgarx
tomxs axcoldx

gloucesterx
inx fellowx therex into the hovelx keep thee warmx

learx
comex letxs in allx

kentx
this wayx my lordx

learx
with himx
i will keep still with my philosopherx

kentx
good my lordx soothe himx let him take the fellowx

gloucesterx
take him you onx

kentx
sirrahx come onx go along with usx

learx
comex good athenianx

gloucesterx
no wordsx no wordsx hushx

edgarx
   child rowland to the dark tower camex
   his word was stillxfiex fohx and fumx
   i smell the blood of a british manx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx a room in gloucesterxs castlex

 enter cornwall and edmundx

cornwallx
i will have my revenge ere i depart his housex

edmundx
howx my lordx i may be censuredx that nature thus gives way to loyaltyx
something fears me to think ofx

cornwallx
i now perceive it was not altogether your brotherxs evil disposition
made him seek his deathx but a provoking meritx set axwork by a
reproveable badness in himselfx

edmundx
how malicious is my fortunex that i must repent to be justx this is the
letter he spoke ofx which approves him an intelligent party to the
advantages of francex o heavensx that this treason were notx or not i
the detectorx

cornwallx
go with me to the duchessx

edmundx
if the matter of this paper be certainx you have mighty business in
handx

cornwallx
true or falsex it hath made thee earl of gloucesterx seek out where thy
father isx that he may be ready for our apprehensionx

edmundx
xxasidexxx if i find him comforting the kingx it will stuff his
suspicion more fullyx i will persever in my course of loyaltyx though
the conflict be sore between that and my bloodx

cornwallx
i will lay trust upon theex and thou shalt find a dearer father in my
lovex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix a chamber in a farmhouse adjoining the castlex

 enter gloucesterx learx kentx fool and edgarx

gloucesterx
here is better than the open airx take it thankfullyx i will piece out
the comfort with what addition i canx i will not be long from youx

kentx
all the power of his wits have given way to his impatiencexx the gods
reward your kindnessx

 xxexit gloucesterxxx

edgarx
frateretto calls mex and tells me nero is an angler in the lake of
darknessx prayx innocentx and beware the foul fiendx

foolx
prytheex nunclex tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeomanx

learx
a kingx a kingx

foolx
nox hexs a yeoman that has a gentleman to his sonx for hexs a mad
yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before himx

learx
to have a thousand with red burning spits
come hissing in upon xemx

edgarx
the foul fiend bites my backx

foolx
hexs mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolfx a horsexs healthx a
boyxs lovex or a whorexs oathx

learx
it shall be donex i will arraign them straightx
xxto edgarxxx comex sit thou herex most learned justicerx
xxto the foolxxx thoux sapient sirx sit herex nowx you shexfoxesxx

edgarx
lookx where he stands and glaresx wantxst thou eyes at trialx madamx
  come oxer the bournx bessyx to mex

foolx
   her boat hath a leakx
   and she must not speak
   why she dares not come over to theex

edgarx
the foul fiend haunts poor tom in the voice of a nightingalex
hoppedance cries in tomxs belly for two white herringx croak notx black
angelx i have no food for theex

kentx
how do youx sirx stand you not so amazxdx
will you lie down and rest upon the cushionsx

learx
ixll see their trial firstx bring in their evidencex
xxto edgarxxx thoux robed man of justicex take thy placex
xxto the foolxxx and thoux his yokefellow of equityx
bench by his sidex xxto kentxxx you are ox the commissionx
sit you toox

edgarx
   let us deal justlyx
   sleepest or wakest thoux jolly shepherdx
     thy sheep be in the cornx
   and for one blast of thy minikin mouth
     thy sheep shall take no harmx
purrx the cat is greyx

learx
arraign her firstx xtis gonerilx i here take my oath before this
honourable assemblyx she kicked the poor king her fatherx

foolx
come hitherx mistressx is your name gonerilx

learx
she cannot deny itx

foolx
cry you mercyx i took you for a jointxstoolx

learx
and herexs anotherx whose warpxd looks proclaim
what store her heart is made onx stop her therex
armsx armsx swordx firex corruption in the placex
false justicerx why hast thou let her xscapex

edgarx
bless thy five witsx

kentx
o pityx sirx where is the patience now
that you so oft have boasted to retainx

edgarx
xxasidexxx my tears begin to take his part so much
they mar my counterfeitingx

learx
the little dogs and allx
treyx blanchx and sweetheartx seex they bark at mex

edgarx
tom will throw his head at themx avauntx you cursx
   be thy mouth or black or whitex
   tooth that poisons if it bitex
   mastiffx greyhoundx mongrel grimx
   hound or spanielx brach or himx
   or bobtail tike or trundlextailx
   tom will make them weep and wailx
   forx with throwing thus my headx
   dogs leap the hatchx and all are fledx
dox dex dex dex sessax comex march to wakes and fairs and market townsx
poor tomx thy horn is dryx

learx
then let them anatomize reganx see what breeds about her heartx is
there any cause in nature that makes these hard heartsx xxto edgarxxx
youx sirx i entertain you for one of my hundredx only i do not like the
fashion of your garmentsx youxll say they are persianx but let them be
changedx

kentx
nowx good my lordx lie here and rest awhilex

learx
make no noisex make no noisex draw the curtainsx
sox sox wexll go to supper ix the morningx

foolx
and ixll go to bed at noonx

 enter gloucesterx

gloucesterx
come hitherx friendx
where is the king my masterx

kentx
herex sirx but trouble him notx his wits are gonex

gloucesterx
good friendx i prytheex take him in thy armsx
i have oxerheard a plot of death upon himx
there is a litter readyx lay him inxt
and drive towards doverx friendx where thou shalt meet
both welcome and protectionx take up thy masterx
if thou shouldst dally half an hourx his lifex
with thinex and all that offer to defend himx
stand in assured lossx take upx take upx
and follow mex that will to some provision
give thee quick conductx

kentx
oppressed nature sleepsx
this rest might yet have balmxd thy broken sinewsx
whichx if convenience will not allowx
stand in hard curex comex help to bear thy masterx
xxto the foolxxx thou must not stay behindx

gloucesterx
comex comex awayx

 xxexeunt kentx gloucester and the fool bearing off learxxx

edgarx
when we our betters see bearing our woesx
we scarcely think our miseries our foesx
who alone suffersx suffers most ix the mindx
leaving free things and happy shows behindx
but then the mind much sufferance doth oxerskip
when grief hath matesx and bearing fellowshipx
how light and portable my pain seems nowx
when that which makes me bend makes the king bowx
he childed as i fatheredx tomx awayx
mark the high noisesx and thyself bewrayx
when false opinionx whose wrong thoughts defile theex
in thy just proof repeals and reconciles theex
what will hap more tonightx safe xscape the kingx
lurkx lurkx

 xxexitxxx

scene viix a room in gloucesterxs castlex

 enter cornwallx reganx gonerilx edmund and servantsx

cornwallx
post speedily to my lord your husbandx show him this letterx the army
of france is landedx seek out the traitor gloucesterx

 xxexeunt some of the servantsxxx

reganx
hang him instantlyx

gonerilx
pluck out his eyesx

cornwallx
leave him to my displeasurex edmundx keep you our sister companyx the
revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit
for your beholdingx advise the duke where you are goingx to a most
festinate preparationx we are bound to the likex our posts shall be
swift and intelligent betwixt usx farewellx dear sisterx farewellx my
lord of gloucesterx

 enter oswaldx

how nowx wherexs the kingx

oswaldx
my lord of gloucester hath conveyxd him hencex
some five or six and thirty of his knightsx
hot questrists after himx met him at gatex
whox with some other of the lordxs dependantsx
are gone with him toward doverx where they boast
to have wellxarmed friendsx

cornwallx
get horses for your mistressx

gonerilx
farewellx sweet lordx and sisterx

cornwallx
edmundx farewellx

 xxexeunt gonerilx edmund and oswaldxxx

go seek the traitor gloucesterx
pinion him like a thiefx bring him before usx

 xxexeunt other servantsxxx

though well we may not pass upon his life
without the form of justicex yet our power
shall do a courtesy to our wrathx which men
may blamex but not controlx whoxs therex the traitorx

 enter gloucester and servantsx

reganx
ingrateful foxx xtis hex

cornwallx
bind fast his corky armsx

gloucesterx
what mean your gracesx
good my friendsx consider you are my guestsx
do me no foul playx friendsx

cornwallx
bind himx i sayx

 xxservants bind himxxx

reganx
hardx hardx o filthy traitorx

gloucesterx
unmerciful lady as you arex ixm nonex

cornwallx
to this chair bind himx villainx thou shalt findx

 xxregan plucks his beardxxx

gloucesterx
by the kind godsx xtis most ignobly done
to pluck me by the beardx

reganx
so whitex and such a traitorx

gloucesterx
naughty ladyx
these hairs which thou dost ravish from my chin
will quickenx and accuse theex i am your hostx
with robberxs hands my hospitable favours
you should not ruffle thusx what will you dox

cornwallx
comex sirx what letters had you late from francex

reganx
be simple answerxdx for we know the truthx

cornwallx
and what confederacy have you with the traitorsx
late footed in the kingdomx

reganx
to whose hands have you sent the lunatic kingx
speakx

gloucesterx
i have a letter guessingly set downx
which came from one thatxs of a neutral heartx
and not from one opposxdx

cornwallx
cunningx

reganx
and falsex

cornwallx
where hast thou sent the kingx

gloucesterx
to doverx

reganx
wherefore to doverx wast thou not chargxd at perilxx

cornwallx
wherefore to doverx let him first answer thatx

gloucesterx
i am tied to the stakex and i must stand the coursex

reganx
wherefore to doverx sirx

gloucesterx
because i would not see thy cruel nails
pluck out his poor old eyesx nor thy fierce sister
in his anointed flesh stick boarish fangsx
the seax with such a storm as his bare head
in hellxblack night endurxdx would have buoyxd upx
and quenchxd the stelled firesx
yetx poor old heartx he holp the heavens to rainx
if wolves had at thy gate howlxd that stern timex
thou shouldst have saidx xgood porterx turn the keyxx
all cruels else subscribxdx but i shall see
the winged vengeance overtake such childrenx

cornwallx
seext shalt thou neverx fellowsx hold the chairx
upon these eyes of thine ixll set my footx

 xxgloucester is held down in his chairx while cornwall plucks out one
 of his eyes and sets his foot on itxxx

gloucesterx
he that will think to live till he be oldx
give me some helpxxo cruelx o you godsx

reganx
one side will mock anotherx the other toox

cornwallx
if you see vengeancex

first servantx
hold your handx my lordx
i have servxd you ever since i was a childx
but better service have i never done you
than now to bid you holdx

reganx
how nowx you dogx

first servantx
if you did wear a beard upon your chinx
ixd shake it on this quarrelx what do you meanx

cornwallx
my villainx

 xxdrawsx and runs at himxxx

first servantx
nayx thenx come onx and take the chance of angerx

 xxdrawsx they fightx cornwall is woundedxxx

reganx
xxto another servantxxx give me thy swordx a peasant stand up thusx

 xxsnatches a swordx comes behindx and stabs himxxx

first servantx
ox i am slainx my lordx you have one eye left
to see some mischief on himx ox

 xxdiesxxx

cornwallx
lest it see morex prevent itx outx vile jellyx
where is thy lustre nowx

 xxtears out gloucesterxs other eye and throws it on the groundxxx

gloucesterx
all dark and comfortlessx wherexs my son edmundx
edmundx enkindle all the sparks of nature
to quit this horrid actx

reganx
outx treacherous villainx
thou callxst on him that hates theex it was he
that made the overture of thy treasons to usx
who is too good to pity theex

gloucesterx
o my folliesx then edgar was abusxdx
kind godsx forgive me thatx and prosper himx

reganx
go thrust him out at gatesx and let him smell
his way to doverx how isxtx my lordx how look youx

cornwallx
i have receivxd a hurtx follow mex ladyx
turn out that eyeless villainx throw this slave
upon the dunghillx reganx i bleed apacex
untimely comes this hurtx give me your armx

 xxexit cornwallx led by reganx servants unbind gloucester and lead him
 outxxx

second servantx
ixll never care what wickedness i dox
if this man come to goodx

third servantx
if she live longx
and in the end meet the old course of deathx
women will all turn monstersx

second servantx
letxs follow the old earlx and get the bedlam
to lead him where he wouldx his roguish madness
allows itself to anythingx

third servantx
go thoux ixll fetch some flax and whites of eggs
to apply to his bleeding facex now heaven help himx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix the heathx

 enter edgarx

edgarx
yet better thusx and known to be contemnxdx
than still contemnxd and flatterxdx to be worstx
the lowest and most dejected thing of fortunex
stands still in esperancex lives not in fearx
the lamentable change is from the bestx
the worst returns to laughterx welcome thenx
thou unsubstantial air that i embracex
the wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst
owes nothing to thy blastsx

 enter gloucesterx led by an old manx

but who comes herex my fatherx poorly ledx
worldx worldx o worldx
but that thy strange mutations make us hate theex
life would not yield to agex

old manx
o my good lordx i have been your tenantx and your fatherxs tenant these
fourscore yearsx

gloucesterx
awayx get thee awayx good friendx be gonex
thy comforts can do me no good at allx
thee they may hurtx

old manx
you cannot see your wayx

gloucesterx
i have no wayx and therefore want no eyesx
i stumbled when i sawx full oft xtis seen
our means secure usx and our mere defects
prove our commoditiesx o dear son edgarx
the food of thy abused fatherxs wrathx
might i but live to see thee in my touchx
ixd say i had eyes againx

old manx
how nowx whoxs therex

edgarx
xxasidexxx o godsx who isxt can say xi am at the worstxx
i am worse than exer i wasx

old manx
xtis poor mad tomx

edgarx
xxasidexxx and worse i may be yetx the worst is not
so long as we can say xthis is the worstxx

old manx
fellowx where goestx

gloucesterx
is it a beggarxmanx

old manx
madmanx and beggar toox

gloucesterx
he has some reasonx else he could not begx
ix the last nightxs storm i such a fellow sawx
which made me think a man a wormx my son
came then into my mindx and yet my mind
was then scarce friends with himx
i have heard more sincex
as flies to wanton boys are we to the godsx
they kill us for their sportx

edgarx
xxasidexxx how should this bex
bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrowx
angering itself and othersx bless theex masterx

gloucesterx
is that the naked fellowx

old manx
ayx my lordx

gloucesterx
then prythee get thee awayx if for my sake
thou wilt oxertake us hence a mile or twainx
ix the way toward doverx do it for ancient lovex
and bring some covering for this naked soulx
which ixll entreat to lead mex

old manx
alackx sirx he is madx

gloucesterx
xtis the timexs plague when madmen lead the blindx
do as i bid theex or rather do thy pleasurex
above the restx be gonex

old manx
ixll bring him the best xparel that i havex
come onxt what willx

 xxexitxxx

gloucesterx
sirrah naked fellowx

edgarx
poor tomxs axcoldx
xxasidexxx i cannot daub it furtherx

gloucesterx
come hitherx fellowx

edgarx
xxasidexxx and yet i mustx bless thy sweet eyesx they bleedx

gloucesterx
knowxst thou the way to doverx

edgarx
both stile and gatex horseway and footpathx poor tom hath been scared
out of his good witsx bless theex good manxs sonx from the foul fiendx
five fiends have been in poor tom at oncex of lustx as obidicutx
hobbididencex prince of darknessx mahux of stealingx modox of murderx
flibbertigibbetx of mopping and mowingx who since possesses
chambermaids and waiting womenx sox bless theex masterx

gloucesterx
herex take this pursex thou whom the heavenxs plagues
have humbled to all strokesx that i am wretched
makes thee the happierx heavens deal so stillx
let the superfluous and lustxdieted manx
that slaves your ordinancex that will not see
because he does not feelx feel your power quicklyx
so distribution should undo excessx
and each man have enoughx dost thou know doverx

edgarx
ayx masterx

gloucesterx
there is a cliffx whose high and bending head
looks fearfully in the confined deepx
bring me but to the very brim of itx
and ixll repair the misery thou dost bear
with something rich about mex from that place
i shall no leading needx

edgarx
give me thy armx
poor tom shall lead theex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix before the duke of albanyxs palacex

 enter gonerilx edmundx oswald meeting themx

gonerilx
welcomex my lordx i marvel our mild husband
not met us on the wayx nowx wherexs your masterx

oswaldx
madamx withinx but never man so changxdx
i told him of the army that was landedx
he smilxd at itx i told him you were comingx
his answer wasx xthe worsexx of gloucesterxs treachery
and of the loyal service of his son
when i informxd himx then he callxd me sotx
and told me i had turnxd the wrong side outx
what most he should dislike seems pleasant to himx
what likex offensivex

gonerilx
xxto edmundxxx then shall you go no furtherx
it is the cowish terror of his spiritx
that dares not undertakex hexll not feel wrongs
which tie him to an answerx our wishes on the way
may prove effectsx backx edmundx to my brotherx
hasten his musters and conduct his powersx
i must change names at homex and give the distaff
into my husbandxs handsx this trusty servant
shall pass between usx ere long you are like to hearx
if you dare venture in your own behalfx
a mistressxs commandx xxgiving a favourxxx
wear thisx spare speechx
decline your headx this kissx if it durst speakx
would stretch thy spirits up into the airx
conceivex and fare thee wellx

edmundx
yours in the ranks of deathx

 xxexit edmundxxx

gonerilx
my most dear gloucesterx
ox the difference of man and manx
to thee a womanxs services are duex
my fool usurps my bodyx

oswaldx
madamx here comes my lordx

 xxexitxxx

 enter albanyx

gonerilx
i have been worth the whistlex

albanyx
o gonerilx
you are not worth the dust which the rude wind
blows in your facex i fear your dispositionx
that nature which contemns its origin
cannot be bordered certain in itselfx
she that herself will sliver and disbranch
from her material sapx perforce must wither
and come to deadly usex

gonerilx
no morex the text is foolishx

albanyx
wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vilex
filths savour but themselvesx what have you donex
tigersx not daughtersx what have you performxdx
a fatherx and a gracious aged manx
whose reverence even the headxluggxd bear would lickx
most barbarousx most degeneratex have you maddedx
could my good brother suffer you to do itx
a manx a princex by him so benefittedx
if that the heavens do not their visible spirits
send quickly down to tame these vile offencesx
it will comex
humanity must perforce prey on itselfx
like monsters of the deepx

gonerilx
milkxliverxd manx
that bearxst a cheek for blowsx a head for wrongsx
who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning
thine honour from thy sufferingx that not knowxst
fools do those villains pity who are punishxd
ere they have done their mischiefx wherexs thy drumx
france spreads his banners in our noiseless landx
with plumed helm thy state begins to threatx
whilst thoux a moral foolx sittxst stillx and criest
xalackx why does he soxx

albanyx
see thyselfx devilx
proper deformity seems not in the fiend
so horrid as in womanx

gonerilx
o vain foolx

albanyx
thou changed and selfxcoverxd thingx for shamex
bexmonster not thy featurex werext my fitness
to let these hands obey my bloodx
they are apt enough to dislocate and tear
thy flesh and bonesx howexer thou art a fiendx
a womanxs shape doth shield theex

gonerilx
marryx your manhoodx mewx

 enter a messengerx

albanyx
what newsx

messengerx
ox my good lordx the duke of cornwallxs deadx
slain by his servantx going to put out
the other eye of gloucesterx

albanyx
gloucesterxs eyesx

messengerx
a servant that he bredx thrillxd with remorsex
opposxd against the actx bending his sword
to his great masterx whox thereat enragxdx
flew on himx and amongst them fellxd him deadx
but not without that harmful stroke which since
hath pluckxd him afterx

albanyx
this shows you are abovex
you justicersx that these our nether crimes
so speedily can vengex butx o poor gloucesterx
lost he his other eyex

messengerx
bothx bothx my lordx
this letterx madamx craves a speedy answerx
xtis from your sisterx

gonerilx
xxasidexxx one way i like this wellx
but being widowx and my gloucester with herx
may all the building in my fancy pluck
upon my hateful lifex another way
the news is not so tartx ixll readx and answerx

 xxexitxxx

albanyx
where was his son when they did take his eyesx

messengerx
come with my lady hitherx

albanyx
he is not herex

messengerx
nox my good lordx i met him back againx

albanyx
knows he the wickednessx

messengerx
ayx my good lordx xtwas he informxd against himx
and quit the house on purposex that their punishment
might have the freer coursex

albanyx
gloucesterx i live
to thank thee for the love thou showxdst the kingx
and to revenge thine eyesx come hitherx friendx
tell me what more thou knowxstx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the french camp near doverx

 enter kent and a gentlemanx

kentx
why the king of france is so suddenly gone backx know you no reasonx

gentlemanx
something he left imperfect in the statex which since his coming forth
is thought ofx which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger
that his personal return was most required and necessaryx

kentx
who hath he left behind him generalx

gentlemanx
the mareschal of francex monsieur la farx

kentx
did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of griefx

gentlemanx
ayx sirx she took themx read them in my presencex
and now and then an ample tear trillxd down
her delicate cheekx it seemxd she was a queen
over her passionx whox most rebelxlikex
sought to be king oxer herx

kentx
ox then it movxd herx

gentlemanx
not to a ragex patience and sorrow strove
who should express her goodliestx you have seen
sunshine and rain at oncex her smiles and tears
were like a better dayx those happy smilets
that playxd on her ripe lip seemxd not to know
what guests were in her eyesx which parted thence
as pearls from diamonds droppxdx in briefx
sorrow would be a rarity most belovxdx
if all could so become itx

kentx
made she no verbal questionx

gentlemanx
faithx once or twice she heavxd the name of xfatherx
pantingly forthx as if it pressxd her heartx
cried xsistersx sistersx shame of ladiesx sistersx
kentx fatherx sistersx whatx ix the stormx ix the nightx
let pity not be believxdxx there she shook
the holy water from her heavenly eyesx
and clamour masterxd herx then away she started
to deal with grief alonex

kentx
it is the starsx
the stars above us govern our conditionsx
else one self mate and make could not beget
such different issuesx you spoke not with her sincex

gentlemanx
nox

kentx
was this before the king returnxdx

gentlemanx
nox sincex

kentx
wellx sirx the poor distressed learxs ix the townx
who sometimex in his better tunex remembers
what we are come aboutx and by no means
will yield to see his daughterx

gentlemanx
whyx good sirx

kentx
a sovereign shame so elbows himx his own unkindnessx
that strippxd her from his benedictionx turnxd her
to foreign casualtiesx gave her dear rights
to his dogxhearted daughtersx these things sting
his mind so venomously that burning shame
detains him from cordeliax

gentlemanx
alackx poor gentlemanx

kentx
of albanyxs and cornwallxs powers you heard notx

gentlemanx
xtis sox they are afootx

kentx
wellx sirx ixll bring you to our master lear
and leave you to attend himx some dear cause
will in concealment wrap me up awhilex
when i am known arightx you shall not grieve
lending me this acquaintancex
i pray youx go along with mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx the french campx a tentx

 enter with drum and coloursx cordeliax physician and soldiersx

cordeliax
alackx xtis hex whyx he was met even now
as mad as the vexxd seax singing aloudx
crownxd with rank fumiter and furrow weedsx
with harlocksx hemlockx nettlesx cuckooxflowersx
darnelx and all the idle weeds that grow
in our sustaining cornx a century send forthx
search every acre in the highxgrown fieldx
and bring him to our eyex

 xxexit an officerxxx

what can manxs wisdom
in the restoring his bereaved sensex
he that helps him take all my outward worthx

physicianx
there is meansx madamx
our foster nurse of nature is reposex
the which he lacksx that to provoke in him
are many simples operativex whose power
will close the eye of anguishx

cordeliax
all blessxd secretsx
all you unpublishxd virtues of the earthx
spring with my tearsx be aidant and remediate
in the good manxs distressx seekx seek for himx
lest his ungovernxd rage dissolve the life
that wants the means to lead itx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
newsx madamx
the british powers are marching hitherwardx

cordeliax
xtis known beforex our preparation stands
in expectation of themx o dear fatherx
it is thy business that i go aboutx
therefore great france
my mourning and important tears hath pitiedx
no blown ambition doth our arms incitex
but lovex dear lovex and our agxd fatherxs rightx
soon may i hear and see himx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx a room in gloucesterxs castlex

 enter regan and oswaldx

reganx
but are my brotherxs powers set forthx

oswaldx
ayx madamx

reganx
himself in person therex

oswaldx
madamx with much adox
your sister is the better soldierx

reganx
lord edmund spake not with your lord at homex

oswaldx
nox madamx

reganx
what might import my sisterxs letter to himx

oswaldx
i know notx ladyx

reganx
faithx he is posted hence on serious matterx
it was great ignorancex gloucesterxs eyes being outx
to let him livex where he arrives he moves
all hearts against usx edmundx i thinkx is gone
in pity of his miseryx to dispatch
his nighted lifex moreover to descry
the strength ox thxenemyx

oswaldx
i must needs after himx madamx with my letterx

reganx
our troops set forth tomorrowx stay with usx
the ways are dangerousx

oswaldx
i may notx madamx
my lady chargxd my duty in this businessx

reganx
why should she write to edmundx might not you
transport her purposes by wordx belikex
somethingsx i know not whatx ixll love thee muchx
let me unseal the letterx

oswaldx
madamx i had ratherx

reganx
i know your lady does not love her husbandx
i am sure of thatx and at her late being here
she gave strange oeillades and most speaking looks
to noble edmundx i know you are of her bosomx

oswaldx
ix madamx

reganx
i speak in understandingx yxarex i knowxtx
therefore i do advise you take this notex
my lord is deadx edmund and i have talkxdx
and more convenient is he for my hand
than for your ladyxsx you may gather morex
if you do find himx pray you give him thisx
and when your mistress hears thus much from youx
i pray desire her call her wisdom to herx
sox fare you wellx
if you do chance to hear of that blind traitorx
preferment falls on him that cuts him offx

oswaldx
would i could meet himx madamx i should show
what party i do followx

reganx
fare thee wellx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix the country near doverx

 enter gloucesterx and edgar  dressed like a peasantx

gloucesterx
when shall i come to the top of that same hillx

edgarx
you do climb up it nowx look how we labourx

gloucesterx
methinks the ground is evenx

edgarx
horrible steepx
harkx do you hear the seax

gloucesterx
nox trulyx

edgarx
whyx thenx your other senses grow imperfect
by your eyesx anguishx

gloucesterx
so may it be indeedx
methinks thy voice is alterxdx and thou speakxst
in better phrase and matter than thou didstx

edgarx
yxare much deceivxdx in nothing am i changxd
but in my garmentsx

gloucesterx
methinks youxre better spokenx

edgarx
come onx sirx herexs the placex stand stillx how fearful
and dizzy xtis to cast onexs eyes so lowx
the crows and choughs that wing the midway air
show scarce so gross as beetlesx half way down
hangs one that gathers samphirexdreadful tradex
methinks he seems no bigger than his headx
the fishermen that walk upon the beach
appear like micex and yond tall anchoring barkx
diminishxd to her cockx her cock a buoy
almost too small for sightx the murmuring surge
that on thxunnumberxd idle pebble chafes
cannot be heard so highx ixll look no morex
lest my brain turnx and the deficient sight
topple down headlongx

gloucesterx
set me where you standx

edgarx
give me your handx
you are now within a foot of thxextreme vergex
for all beneath the moon would i not leap uprightx

gloucesterx
let go my handx
herex friendx xs another pursex in it a jewel
well worth a poor manxs takingx fairies and gods
prosper it with theex go thou further offx
bid me farewellx and let me hear thee goingx

edgarx
now fare ye wellx good sirx

 xxseems to goxxx

gloucesterx
with all my heartx

edgarx
xxasidexxx why i do trifle thus with his despair
is done to cure itx

gloucesterx
o you mighty godsx
this world i do renouncex and in your sightsx
shake patiently my great affliction offx
if i could bear it longerx and not fall
to quarrel with your great opposeless willsx
my snuff and loathed part of nature should
burn itself outx if edgar livex ox bless himx
nowx fellowx fare thee wellx

edgarx
gonex sirx farewellx

 xxgloucester leapsx and falls alongxx

and yet i know not how conceit may rob
the treasury of life when life itself
yields to the theftx had he been where he thoughtx
by this had thought been pastx alive or deadx
ho youx sirx friendx hear youx sirx speakx
thus might he pass indeedx yet he revivesx
what are youx sirx

gloucesterx
awayx and let me diex

edgarx
hadst thou been aught but gossamerx feathersx airx
so many fathom down precipitatingx
thouxdst shiverxd like an eggx but thou dost breathex
hast heavy substancex bleedxst notx speakxstx art soundx
ten masts at each make not the altitude
which thou hast perpendicularly fellx
thy life is a miraclex speak yet againx

gloucesterx
but have i fallxnx or nox

edgarx
from the dread summit of this chalky bournx
look up axheightx the shrillxgorgxd lark so far
cannot be seen or heardx do but look upx

gloucesterx
alackx i have no eyesx
is wretchedness deprivxd that benefit
to end itself by deathx xtwas yet some comfort
when misery could beguile the tyrantxs rage
and frustrate his proud willx

edgarx
give me your armx
upx sox how isxtx feel you your legsx you standx

gloucesterx
too wellx too wellx

edgarx
this is above all strangenessx
upon the crown ox the cliff what thing was that
which parted from youx

gloucesterx
a poor unfortunate beggarx

edgarx
as i stood here belowx methought his eyes
were two full moonsx he had a thousand nosesx
horns whelkxd and waved like the enraged seax
it was some fiendx thereforex thou happy fatherx
think that the clearest godsx who make them honours
of menxs impossibilitiesx have preservxd theex

gloucesterx
i do remember nowx henceforth ixll bear
affliction till it do cry out itself
xenoughx enoughxx and diex that thing you speak ofx
i took it for a manx often xtwould sayx
xthe fiendx the fiendxx he led me to that placex

edgarx
bear free and patient thoughtsx but who comes herex

 enter learx fantastically dressed up with flowersx

the safer sense will nexer accommodate
his master thusx

learx
nox they cannot touch me for coiningx i am the king himselfx

edgarx
o thou sidexpiercing sightx

learx
naturexs above art in that respectx therexs your press moneyx that
fellow handles his bow like a crowxkeeperx draw me a clothierxs yardx
lookx lookx a mousex peacex peacex this piece of toasted cheese will
doxtx therexs my gauntletx ixll prove it on a giantx bring up the brown
billsx ox well flownx birdx ix the cloutx ix the cloutx hewghx give the
wordx

edgarx
sweet marjoramx

learx
passx

gloucesterx
i know that voicex

learx
hax goneril with a white beardx they flattered me like a dogx and told
me i had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were therex to say
xayx and xnox to everything i said xayx and xnox to was no good
divinityx when the rain came to wet me oncex and the wind to make me
chatterx when the thunder would not peace at my biddingx there i found
xemx there i smelt xem outx go tox they are not men ox their wordsx
they told me i was everythingx xtis a liex i am not aguexproofx

gloucesterx
the trick of that voice i do well rememberx
isxt not the kingx

learx
ayx every inch a kingx
when i do starex see how the subject quakesx
i pardon that manxs lifex what was thy causex
adulteryx thou shalt not diex die for adulteryx nox
the wren goes toxtx and the small gilded fly
does lecher in my sightx let copulation thrivex
for gloucesterxs bastard son was kinder to his father
than my daughters got xtween the lawful sheetsx
toxtx luxuryx pellxmellx for i lack soldiersx
behold yond simpxring damex
whose face between her forks presages snowx
that minces virtuex and does shake the head
to hear of pleasurexs namex
the fitchew nor the soiled horse goes toxt with a more riotous
appetitex down from the waist they are centaursx though women all
abovex but to the girdle do the gods inheritx beneath is all the
fiendxsx therexs hellx therexs darknessx there is the sulphurous pitx
burningx scaldingx stenchx consumptionx fiex fiex fiex pahx pahx give
me an ounce of civetx good apothecaryx to sweeten my imaginationx
therexs money for theex

gloucesterx
ox let me kiss that handx

learx
let me wipe it firstx it smells of mortalityx

gloucesterx
o ruinxd piece of naturex this great world
shall so wear out to naughtx dost thou know mex

learx
i remember thine eyes well enoughx dost thou squiny at mex
nox do thy worstx blind cupidx ixll not lovex
read thou this challengex mark but the penning of itx

gloucesterx
were all the letters sunsx i could not see onex

edgarx
i would not take this from reportx
it isx and my heart breaks at itx

learx
readx

gloucesterx
whatx with the case of eyesx

learx
ox hox are you there with mex no eyes in your headx nor no money in
your pursex your eyes are in a heavy casex your purse in a lightx yet
you see how this world goesx

gloucesterx
i see it feelinglyx

learx
whatx art madx a man may see how the world goes with no eyesx look with
thine earsx see how yon justice rails upon yon simple thiefx harkx in
thine earx change placesx andx handyxdandyx which is the justicex which
is the thiefx thou hast seen a farmerxs dog bark at a beggarx

gloucesterx
ayx sirx

learx
and the creature run from the curx there thou mightst behold the great
image of authorityx a dogxs obeyed in officex
thou rascal beadlex hold thy bloody handx
why dost thou lash that whorex strip thine own backx
thou hotly lusts to use her in that kind
for which thou whippxst herx the usurer hangs the cozenerx
through tatterxd clothes great vices do appearx
robes and furrxd gowns hide allx plate sin with goldx
and the strong lance of justice hurtless breaksx
arm it in ragsx a pygmyxs straw does pierce itx
none does offendx nonex i say nonex ixll able xemx
take that of mex my friendx who have the power
to seal the accuserxs lipsx get thee glass eyesx
and like a scurvy politicianx seem
to see the things thou dost notx nowx nowx nowx nowx
pull off my bootsx harderx harderx sox

edgarx
ox matter and impertinency mixxdx
reason in madnessx

learx
if thou wilt weep my fortunesx take my eyesx
i know thee well enoughx thy name is gloucesterx
thou must be patientx we came crying hitherx
thou knowxst the first time that we smell the air
we wawl and cryx i will preach to theex markx

gloucesterx
alackx alack the dayx

learx
when we are bornx we cry that we are come
to this great stage of foolsx this a good blockx
it were a delicate stratagem to shoe
a troop of horse with feltx ixll putxt in proof
and when i have stolxn upon these sonxinxlawsx
then killx killx killx killx killx killx

 enter a gentleman with attendantsx

gentlemanx
ox here he isx lay hand upon himx sirx
your most dear daughterx

learx
no rescuex whatx a prisonerx i am even
the natural fool of fortunex use me wellx
you shall have ransomx let me have surgeonsx
i am cut to the brainsx

gentlemanx
you shall have anythingx

learx
no secondsx all myselfx
whyx this would make a man a man of saltx
to use his eyes for garden waterxpotsx
ayx and for laying autumnxs dustx

gentlemanx
good sirx

learx
i will die bravelyx like a smug bridegroomx
whatx i will be jovialx comex comex
i am a kingx my mastersx know you thatx

gentlemanx
you are a royal onex and we obey youx

learx
then therexs life inxtx comex and you get itx
you shall get it by runningx sax sax sax sax

 xxexit runningx attendants followxxx

gentlemanx
a sight most pitiful in the meanest wretchx
past speaking of in a kingx thou hast one daughter
who redeems nature from the general curse
which twain have brought her tox

edgarx
hailx gentle sirx

gentlemanx
sirx speed youx whatxs your willx

edgarx
do you hear aughtx sirx of a battle towardx

gentlemanx
most sure and vulgarx
everyone hears thatx which can distinguish soundx

edgarx
butx by your favourx
how nearxs the other armyx

gentlemanx
near and on speedy footx the main descry
stands on the hourly thoughtx

edgarx
i thank you sirx thatxs allx

gentlemanx
though that the queen on special cause is herex
her army is movxd onx

edgarx
i thank youx sirx

 xxexit gentlemanxxx

gloucesterx
you everxgentle godsx take my breath from mex
let not my worser spirit tempt me again
to die before you pleasex

edgarx
well pray youx fatherx

gloucesterx
nowx good sirx what are youx

edgarx
a most poor manx made tame to fortunexs blowsx
whox by the art of known and feeling sorrowsx
am pregnant to good pityx give me your handx
ixll lead you to some bidingx

gloucesterx
hearty thanksx
the bounty and the benison of heaven
to bootx and bootx

 enter oswaldx

oswaldx
a proclaimxd prizex most happyx
that eyeless head of thine was first framxd flesh
to raise my fortunesx thou old unhappy traitorx
briefly thyself rememberx the sword is out
that must destroy theex

gloucesterx
now let thy friendly hand
put strength enough toxtx

 xxedgar interposesxxx

oswaldx
whereforex bold peasantx
darxst thou support a publishxd traitorx hencex
lest that thxinfection of his fortune take
like hold on theex let go his armx

edgarx
chill not let gox zirx without vurther xcasionx

oswaldx
let gox slavex or thou diestx

edgarx
good gentlemanx go your gaitx and let poor volke passx an chud hax bin
zwaggered out of my lifex xtwould not hax bin zo long as xtis by a
vortnightx nayx come not near thxold manx keep outx che vor yex or ise
try whether your costard or my ballow be the harderx chill be plain
with youx

oswaldx
outx dunghillx

edgarx
chill pick your teethx zirx comex no matter vor your foinsx

 xxthey fightx and edgar knocks him downxxx

oswaldx
slavex thou hast slain mex villainx take my pursex
if ever thou wilt thrivex bury my bodyx
and give the letters which thou findxst about me
to edmundx earl of gloucesterx seek him out
upon the british partyx ox untimely deathx

 xxdiesxxx

edgarx
i know thee wellx a serviceable villainx
as duteous to the vices of thy mistress
as badness would desirex

gloucesterx
whatx is he deadx

edgarx
sit you downx fatherx rest youx
letxs see these pocketsx the letters that he speaks of
may be my friendsx hexs deadx i am only sorry
he had no other deathsmanx let us seex
leavex gentle waxx andx mannersx blame us notx
to know our enemiesx mindsx we rip their heartsx
their papers is more lawfulx
xxreadsxxx xlet our reciprocal vows be rememberedx you have many
opportunities to cut him offx if your will want notx time and place
will be fruitfully offeredx there is nothing done if he return the
conquerorx then am i the prisonerx and his bed my gaolx from the
loathed warmth whereof deliver mex and supply the place for your
labourx xyour xwifex so i would sayx affectionate servantx xgonerilxx
o indistinguishxd space of womanxs willx
a plot upon her virtuous husbandxs lifex
and the exchange my brotherx here in the sands
thee ixll rake upx the post unsanctified
of murderous lechersx and in the mature timex
with this ungracious paper strike the sight
of the deathxpractisxd dukex for him xtis well
that of thy death and business i can tellx

 xxexit edgarx dragging out the bodyxxx

gloucesterx
the king is madx how stiff is my vile sensex
that i stand upx and have ingenious feeling
of my huge sorrowsx better i were distractx
so should my thoughts be severxd from my griefsx
and woes by wrong imaginations lose
the knowledge of themselvesx

 xxa drum afar offxxx

edgarx
give me your handx
far off methinks i hear the beaten drumx
comex fatherx ixll bestow you with a friendx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix a tent in the french campx

lear on a bedx asleepx soft music playingx physicianx gentleman and
others attendingx

 enter cordelia and kentx

cordeliax
o thou good kentx how shall i live and work
to match thy goodnessx my life will be too shortx
and every measure fail mex

kentx
to be acknowledgxdx madamx is oxerpaidx
all my reports go with the modest truthx
nor morex nor clippxdx but sox

cordeliax
be better suitedx
these weeds are memories of those worser hoursx
i prythee put them offx

kentx
pardonx dear madamx
yet to be known shortens my made intentx
my boon i make it that you know me not
till time and i think meetx

cordeliax
then bext sox my good lordx xxto the physicianxxx howx does the kingx

physicianx
madamx sleeps stillx

cordeliax
o you kind godsx
cure this great breach in his abused naturex
the untunxd and jarring sensesx ox wind up
of this childxchanged fatherx

physicianx
so please your majesty
that we may wake the kingx he hath slept longx

cordeliax
be governxd by your knowledgex and proceed
ix the sway of your own willx is he arrayxdx

physicianx
ayx madamx in the heaviness of sleep
we put fresh garments on himx
be byx good madamx when we do awake himx
i doubt not of his temperancex

cordeliax
very wellx

physicianx
please you draw nearx louder the music therex

cordeliax
o my dear fatherx restoration hang
thy medicine on my lipsx and let this kiss
repair those violent harms that my two sisters
have in thy reverence madex

kentx
kind and dear princessx

cordeliax
had you not been their fatherx these white flakes
did challenge pity of themx was this a face
to be opposxd against the warring windsx
to stand against the deep dreadxbolted thunderx
in the most terrible and nimble stroke
of quick cross lightningx to watchx poor perdux
with this thin helmx mine enemyxs dogx
though he had bit mex should have stood that night
against my firex and wast thou fainx poor fatherx
to hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn
in short and musty strawx alackx alackx
xtis wonder that thy life and wits at once
had not concluded allx he wakesx speak to himx

physicianx
madamx do youx xtis fittestx

cordeliax
how does my royal lordx how fares your majestyx

learx
you do me wrong to take me out ox the gravex
thou art a soul in blissx but i am bound
upon a wheel of firex that mine own tears
do scald like molten leadx

cordeliax
sirx do you know mex

learx
you are a spiritx i knowx when did you diex

cordeliax
stillx stillx far widex

physicianx
hexs scarce awakex let him alone awhilex

learx
where have i beenx where am ix fair daylightx
i am mightily abusxdx i should exen die with pityx
to see another thusx i know not what to sayx
i will not swear these are my handsx letxs seex
i feel this pin prickx would i were assurxd
of my conditionx

cordeliax
ox look upon mex sirx
and hold your hands in benediction oxer mex
nox sirx you must not kneelx

learx
prayx do not mock mex
i am a very foolish fond old manx
fourscore and upwardx not an hour more nor lessx
and to deal plainlyx
i fear i am not in my perfect mindx
methinks i should know youx and know this manx
yet i am doubtfulx for i am mainly ignorant
what place this isx and all the skill i have
remembers not these garmentsx nor i know not
where i did lodge last nightx do not laugh at mex
forx as i am a manx i think this lady
to be my child cordeliax

cordeliax
and so i amx i amx

learx
be your tears wetx yesx faithx i pray weep notx
if you have poison for mex i will drink itx
i know you do not love mex for your sisters
havex as i do rememberx done me wrongx
you have some causex they have notx

cordeliax
no causex no causex

learx
am i in francex

kentx
in your own kingdomx sirx

learx
do not abuse mex

physicianx
be comfortedx good madamx the great ragex
you seex is killxd in himx and yet it is danger
to make him even oxer the time he has lostx
desire him to go inx trouble him no more
till further settlingx

cordeliax
willxt please your highness walkx

learx
you must bear with mex
pray you nowx forget and forgivex i am old and foolishx

 xxexeunt learx cordeliax physician and attendantsxxx

gentlemanx
holds it truex sirx that the duke of cornwall was so slainx

kentx
most certainx sirx

gentlemanx
who is conductor of his peoplex

kentx
as xtis saidx the bastard son of gloucesterx

gentlemanx
they say edgarx his banished sonx is with the earl of kent in germanyx

kentx
report is changeablex xtis time to look aboutx the powers of the
kingdom approach apacex

gentlemanx
the arbitrement is like to be bloodyx
fare you wellx sirx

 xxexitxxx

kentx
my point and period will be throughly wroughtx
or well or illx as this dayxs battlexs foughtx

 xxexitxxx



act v

scene ix the camp of the british forces near doverx

 enterx with drum and colours edmundx reganx officersx soldiers and
 othersx

edmundx
know of the duke if his last purpose holdx
or whether since he is advisxd by aught
to change the coursex hexs full of alteration
and selfxreprovingx bring his constant pleasurex

 xxto an officerx who goes outxxx

reganx
our sisterxs man is certainly miscarriedx

edmundx
xtis to be doubtedx madamx

reganx
nowx sweet lordx
you know the goodness i intend upon youx
tell me but trulyx but then speak the truthx
do you not love my sisterx

edmundx
in honourxd lovex

reganx
but have you never found my brotherxs way
to the forfended placex

edmundx
that thought abuses youx

reganx
i am doubtful that you have been conjunct
and bosomxd with herx as far as we call hersx

edmundx
nox by mine honourx madamx

reganx
i never shall endure herx dear my lordx
be not familiar with herx

edmundx
fear notx
she and the duke her husbandx

 enter with drum and colours albanyx goneril and soldiersx

gonerilx
xxasidexxx i had rather lose the battle than that sister
should loosen him and mex

albanyx
our very loving sisterx well bexmetx
sirx this i heardx the king is come to his daughterx
with others whom the rigour of our state
forcxd to cry outx where i could not be honestx
i never yet was valiantx for this businessx
it toucheth us as france invades our landx
not bolds the kingx with others whom i fear
most just and heavy causes make opposex

edmundx
sirx you speak noblyx

reganx
why is this reasonxdx

gonerilx
combine together xgainst the enemyx
for these domestic and particular broils
are not the question herex

albanyx
letxsx thenx determine with the ancient of war
on our proceedingx

edmundx
i shall attend you presently at your tentx

reganx
sisterx youxll go with usx

gonerilx
nox

reganx
xtis most convenientx pray youx go with usx

gonerilx
xxasidexxx ox hox i know the riddlex i will gox

 xxexeunt edmundx reganx gonerilx officersx soldiers and attendantsxxx

 as they are going outx enter edgar disguisedx

edgarx
if exer your grace had speech with man so poorx
hear me one wordx

albanyx
ixll overtake youx speakx

edgarx
before you fight the battlex ope this letterx
if you have victoryx let the trumpet sound
for him that brought itx wretched though i seemx
i can produce a champion that will prove
what is avouched therex if you miscarryx
your business of the world hath so an endx
and machination ceasesx fortune love youx

albanyx
stay till i have read the letterx

edgarx
i was forbid itx
when time shall servex let but the herald cryx
and ixll appear againx

albanyx
whyx fare thee wellx i will oxerlook thy paperx

 xxexit edgarxxx

 enter edmundx

edmundx
the enemyxs in viewx draw up your powersx
here is the guess of their true strength and forces
by diligent discoveryx but your haste
is now urgxd on youx

albanyx
we will greet the timex

 xxexitxxx

edmundx
to both these sisters have i sworn my lovex
each jealous of the otherx as the stung
are of the adderx which of them shall i takex
bothx onex or neitherx neither can be enjoyxdx
if both remain alivex to take the widow
exasperatesx makes mad her sister gonerilx
and hardly shall i carry out my sidex
her husband being alivex nowx thenx wexll use
his countenance for the battlex which being donex
let her who would be rid of him devise
his speedy taking offx as for the mercy
which he intends to lear and to cordeliax
the battle donex and they within our powerx
shall never see his pardonx for my state
stands on me to defendx not to debatex

 xxexitxxx

scene iix a field between the two campsx

 alarum withinx enter with drum and coloursx learx cordelia and their
 forcesx and exeuntx

 enter edgar and gloucesterx

edgarx
herex fatherx take the shadow of this tree
for your good hostx pray that the right may thrivex
if ever i return to you againx
ixll bring you comfortx

gloucesterx
grace go with youx sirx

 xxexit edgarxxx

 alarum and retreat withinx enter edgarx

edgarx
awayx old manx give me thy handx awayx
king lear hath lostx he and his daughter taxenx
give me thy handx come onx

gloucesterx
no furtherx sirx a man may rot even herex

edgarx
whatx in ill thoughts againx men must endure
their going hencex even as their coming hitherx
ripeness is allx come onx

gloucesterx
and thatxs true toox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the british camp near doverx

 enter in conquest with drum and coloursx edmundx lear and cordelia as
 prisonersx officersx soldiersx xcx

edmundx
some officers take them awayx good guard
until their greater pleasures first be known
that are to censure themx

cordeliax
we are not the first
who with best meaning have incurrxd the worstx
for theex oppressed kingx i am cast downx
myself could else outxfrown false fortunexs frownx
shall we not see these daughters and these sistersx

learx
nox nox nox nox comex letxs away to prisonx
we two alone will sing like birds ix the cagex
when thou dost ask me blessing ixll kneel down
and ask of thee forgivenessx so wexll livex
and prayx and singx and tell old talesx and laugh
at gilded butterfliesx and hear poor rogues
talk of court newsx and wexll talk with them toox
who loses and who winsx whoxs inx whoxs outx
and take uponxs the mystery of thingsx
as if we were godxs spiesx and wexll wear outx
in a wallxd prisonx packs and sects of great ones
that ebb and flow by the moonx

edmundx
take them awayx

learx
upon such sacrificesx my cordeliax
the gods themselves throw incensex have i caught theex
he that parts us shall bring a brand from heavenx
and fire us hence like foxesx wipe thine eyesx
the good years shall devour themx flesh and fellx
ere they shall make us weepx
wexll see xem starve firstx comex

 xxexeunt lear and cordeliax guardedxxx

edmundx
come hitherx captainx harkx
take thou this note xxgiving a paperxxx go follow them to prisonx
one step i have advancxd theex if thou dost
as this instructs theex thou dost make thy way
to noble fortunesx know thou thisx that men
are as the time isx to be tenderxminded
does not become a swordx thy great employment
will not bear questionx either say thouxlt doxtx
or thrive by other meansx

captainx
ixll doxtx my lordx

edmundx
about itx and write happy when thou hast donex
markx i sayx instantlyx and carry it so
as i have set it downx

captainx
i cannot draw a cartx nor eat dried oatsx
if it be manxs workx ixll doxtx

 xxexitxxx

 flourishx enter albanyx gonerilx reganx officers and attendantsx

albanyx
sirx you have showxd today your valiant strainx
and fortune led you wellx you have the captives
who were the opposites of this dayxs strifex
i do require them of youx so to use them
as we shall find their merits and our safety
may equally determinex

edmundx
sirx i thought it fit
to send the old and miserable king
to some retention and appointed guardx
whose age has charms in itx whose title morex
to pluck the common bosom on his sidex
and turn our impressxd lances in our eyes
which do command themx with him i sent the queenx
my reason all the samex and they are ready
tomorrowx or at further spacex to appear
where you shall hold your sessionx at this time
we sweat and bleedx the friend hath lost his friendx
and the best quarrels in the heat are cursxd
by those that feel their sharpnessx
the question of cordelia and her father
requires a fitter placex

albanyx
sirx by your patiencex
i hold you but a subject of this warx
not as a brotherx

reganx
thatxs as we list to grace himx
methinks our pleasure might have been demanded
ere you had spoke so farx he led our powersx
bore the commission of my place and personx
the which immediacy may well stand up
and call itself your brotherx

gonerilx
not so hotx
in his own grace he doth exalt himselfx
more than in your additionx

reganx
in my rightsx
by me investedx he compeers the bestx

albanyx
that were the mostx if he should husband youx

reganx
jesters do oft prove prophetsx

gonerilx
hollax hollax
that eye that told you so lookxd but asquintx

reganx
ladyx i am not wellx else i should answer
from a fullxflowing stomachx generalx
take thou my soldiersx prisonersx patrimonyx
dispose of themx of mex the walls are thinex
witness the world that i create thee here
my lord and masterx

gonerilx
mean you to enjoy himx

albanyx
the letxalone lies not in your good willx

edmundx
nor in thinex lordx

albanyx
halfxblooded fellowx yesx

reganx
xxto edmundxxx let the drum strikex and prove my title thinex

albanyx
stay yetx hear reasonx edmundx i arrest thee
on capital treasonx andx in thine arrestx
this gilded serpentx xxpointing to gonerilxxx
for your claimx fair sisterx
i bar it in the interest of my wifex
xtis she is subxcontracted to this lordx
and i her husband contradict your bansx
if you will marryx make your loves to mex
my lady is bespokex

gonerilx
an interludex

albanyx
thou art armxdx gloucesterx let the trumpet soundx
if none appear to prove upon thy person
thy heinousx manifestx and many treasonsx
there is my pledgex xxthrowing down a glovexxx
ixll make it on thy heartx
ere i taste breadx thou art in nothing less
than i have here proclaimxd theex

reganx
sickx ox sickx

gonerilx
xxasidexxx if notx ixll nexer trust medicinex

edmundx
therexs my exchangex xxthrowing down a glovexxx
what in the world he is
that names me traitorx villainxlike he liesx
call by thy trumpetx he that dares approachx
on himx on youx who notx i will maintain
my truth and honour firmlyx

albanyx
a heraldx hox

 enter a heraldx

trust to thy single virtuex for thy soldiersx
all levied in my namex have in my name
took their dischargex

reganx
my sickness grows upon mex

albanyx
she is not wellx convey her to my tentx

 xxexit reganx ledxxx

come hitherx heraldx let the trumpet sound
and read out thisx

officerx
soundx trumpetx

 xxa trumpet soundsxxx

heraldx
xxreadsxxx xif any man of quality or degree within the lists of the
army will maintain upon edmundx supposed earl of gloucesterx that he is
a manifold traitorx let him appear by the third sound of the trumpetx
he is bold in his defencexx

edmundx
soundx

 xxfirst trumpetxxx

heraldx
againx

 xxsecond trumpetxxx

heraldx
againx

 third trumpetx trumpet answers withinx enter edgarx armedx preceded by
 a trumpetx

albanyx
ask him his purposesx why he appears
upon this call ox the trumpetx

heraldx
what are youx
your namex your qualityx and why you answer
this present summonsx

edgarx
know my name is lostx
by treasonxs tooth barexgnawn and cankerxbitx
yet am i noble as the adversary
i come to copex

albanyx
which is that adversaryx

edgarx
whatxs he that speaks for edmundx earl of gloucesterx

edmundx
himselfx what sayxst thou to himx

edgarx
draw thy swordx
that if my speech offend a noble heartx
thy arm may do thee justicex here is minex
beholdx it is the privilege of mine honoursx
my oathx and my professionx i protestx
maugre thy strengthx youthx placex and eminencex
despite thy victor sword and firexnew fortunex
thy valour and thy heartx thou art a traitorx
false to thy godsx thy brotherx and thy fatherx
conspirant xgainst this high illustrious princex
andx from the extremest upward of thy head
to the descent and dust beneath thy footx
a most toadxspotted traitorx say thou xnoxx
this swordx this armx and my best spirits are bent
to prove upon thy heartx whereto i speakx
thou liestx

edmundx
in wisdom i should ask thy namex
but since thy outside looks so fair and warlikex
and that thy tongue some say of breeding breathesx
what safe and nicely i might well delay
by rule of knighthoodx i disdain and spurnx
back do i toss those treasons to thy headx
with the hellxhated lie oxerwhelm thy heartx
which for they yet glance by and scarcely bruisex
this sword of mine shall give them instant wayx
where they shall rest for everx trumpetsx speakx

 xxalarumsx they fightx edmund fallsxxx

albanyx
save himx save himx

gonerilx
this is mere practicex gloucesterx
by the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
an unknown oppositex thou art not vanquishxdx
but cozenxd and beguilxdx

albanyx
shut your mouthx damex
or with this paper shall i stop itx holdx sirx
thou worse than any namex read thine own evilx
no tearingx ladyx i perceive you know itx

 xxgives the letter to edmundxxx

gonerilx
say if i dox the laws are minex not thinex
who can arraign me forxtx

 xxexitxxx

albanyx
most monstrousx ox
knowxst thou this paperx

edmundx
ask me not what i knowx

albanyx
xxto an officerx who goes outxxx go after herx shexs desperatex govern
herx

edmundx
what you have chargxd me withx that have i donex
and morex much morex the time will bring it outx
xtis pastx and so am ix but what art thou
that hast this fortune on mex if thouxrt noblex
i do forgive theex

edgarx
letxs exchange charityx
i am no less in blood than thou artx edmundx
if morex the more thou hast wrongxd mex
my name is edgar and thy fatherxs sonx
the gods are justx and of our pleasant vices
make instruments to plague usx
the dark and vicious place where thee he got
cost him his eyesx

edmundx
thou hast spoken rightx xtis truex
the wheel is come full circlex i am herex

albanyx
methought thy very gait did prophesy
a royal noblenessx i must embrace theex
let sorrow split my heart if ever i
did hate thee or thy fatherx

edgarx
worthy princex i knowxtx

albanyx
where have you hid yourselfx
how have you known the miseries of your fatherx

edgarx
by nursing themx my lordx list a brief talex
and when xtis toldx o that my heart would burstx
the bloody proclamation to escape
that followxd me so nearxxox our livesx sweetnessx
that with the pain of death wexd hourly die
rather than die at oncexxtaught me to shift
into a madmanxs ragsx txassume a semblance
that very dogs disdainxdx and in this habit
met i my father with his bleeding ringsx
their precious stones new lostx became his guidex
led himx beggxd for himx savxd him from despairx
neverxxo faultxxrevealxd myself unto him
until some half hour pastx when i was armxdx
not surex though hoping of this good successx
i askxd his blessingx and from first to last
told him my pilgrimagex but his flawxd heartx
alackx too weak the conflict to supportx
xtwixt two extremes of passionx joy and griefx
burst smilinglyx

edmundx
this speech of yours hath movxd mex
and shall perchance do goodx but speak you onx
you look as you had something more to sayx

albanyx
if there be morex more woefulx hold it inx
for i am almost ready to dissolvex
hearing of thisx

edgarx
this would have seemxd a period
to such as love not sorrowx but anotherx
to amplify too muchx would make much morex
and top extremityx
whilst i was big in clamourx came there a man
whox having seen me in my worst estatex
shunnxd my abhorrxd societyx but then finding
who xtwas that so endurxdx with his strong arms
he fastened on my neckx and bellowxd out
as hexd burst heavenx threw him on my fatherx
told the most piteous tale of lear and him
that ever ear receivxdx which in recounting
his grief grew puissantx and the strings of life
began to crackx twice then the trumpets soundedx
and there i left him trancxdx

albanyx
but who was thisx

edgarx
kentx sirx the banishxd kentx who in disguise
followxd his enemy king and did him service
improper for a slavex

 enter a gentleman hastilyx with a bloody knifex

gentlemanx
helpx helpx ox helpx

edgarx
what kind of helpx

albanyx
speakx manx

edgarx
what means this bloody knifex

gentlemanx
xtis hotx it smokesx
it came even from the heart ofxox shexs deadx

albanyx
who deadx speakx manx

gentlemanx
your ladyx sirx your ladyx and her sister
by her is poisonedx she hath confesses itx

edmundx
i was contracted to them bothx all three
now marry in an instantx

edgarx
here comes kentx

 enter kentx

albanyx
produce their bodiesx be they alive or deadx
this judgement of the heavens that makes us tremble
touches us not with pityx ox is this hex
the time will not allow the compliment
which very manners urgesx

kentx
i am come
to bid my king and master aye good nightx
is he not herex

albanyx
great thing of us forgotx
speakx edmundx wherexs the kingx and wherexs cordeliax

 the bodies of goneril and regan are brought inx

seest thou this objectx kentx

kentx
alackx why thusx

edmundx
yet edmund was belovxdx
the one the other poisoned for my sakex
and after slew herselfx

albanyx
even sox cover their facesx

edmundx
i pant for lifex some good i mean to dox
despite of mine own naturex quickly sendx
be brief in itx to the castlex for my writ
is on the life of lear and on cordeliax
nayx send in timex

albanyx
runx runx ox runx

edgarx
to whox my lordx who has the officex send
thy token of reprievex

edmundx
well thought onx take my swordx
give it the captainx

edgarx
haste thee for thy lifex

 xxexit edgarxxx

edmundx
he hath commission from thy wife and me
to hang cordelia in the prisonx and
to lay the blame upon her own despairx
that she fordid herselfx

albanyx
the gods defend herx bear him hence awhilex

 xxedmund is borne offxxx

 enter lear with cordelia dead in his armsx edgarx officer and others
 followingx

learx
howlx howlx howlx howlx ox you are men of stonex
had i your tongues and eyesx ixld use them so
that heavenxs vault should crackx shexs gone for everx
i know when one is deadx and when one livesx
shexs dead as earthx lend me a looking glassx
if that her breath will mist or stain the stonex
whyx then she livesx

kentx
is this the promisxd endx

edgarx
or image of that horrorx

albanyx
fallx and ceasex

learx
this feather stirsx she livesx if it be sox
it is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
that ever i have feltx

kentx
ox my good masterx xxkneelingxxx

learx
prytheex awayx

edgarx
xtis noble kentx your friendx

learx
a plague upon youx murderersx traitors allx
i might have savxd herx now shexs gone for everx
cordeliax cordeliax stay a littlex hax
what isxt thou sayxstx her voice was ever softx
gentlex and lowx an excellent thing in womanx
i killxd the slave that was axhanging theex

officerx
xtis truex my lordsx he didx

learx
did i notx fellowx
i have seen the dayx with my good biting falchion
i would have made them skipx i am old nowx
and these same crosses spoil mex who are youx
mine eyes are not ox the bestx ixll tell you straightx

kentx
if fortune brag of two she lovxd and hatedx
one of them we beholdx

learx
this is a dull sightx are you not kentx

kentx
the samex
your servant kentx where is your servant caiusx

learx
hexs a good fellowx i can tell you thatx
hexll strikex and quickly tooxx hexs dead and rottenx

kentx
nox my good lordx i am the very manx

learx
ixll see that straightx

kentx
that from your first of difference and decay
have followxd your sad stepsx

learx
you are welcome hitherx

kentx
nor no man elsex allxs cheerlessx dark and deadlyx
your eldest daughters have fordone themselvesx
and desperately are deadx

learx
ayx so i thinkx

albanyx
he knows not what he saysx and vain is it
that we present us to himx

edgarx
very bootlessx

 enter an officerx

officerx
edmund is deadx my lordx

albanyx
thatxs but a trifle herex
you lords and noble friendsx know our intentx
what comfort to this great decay may come
shall be applied for usx we will resignx
during the life of this old majestyx
to him our absolute powerx
xxto edgar and kentxx you to your rightsx
with boot and such addition as your honours
have more than meritedx all friends shall taste
the wages of their virtue and all foes
the cup of their deservingsx ox seex seex

learx
and my poor fool is hangxdx nox nox no lifex
why should a dogx a horsex a rat have lifex
and thou no breath at allx thouxlt come no morex
neverx neverx neverx neverx neverx
pray you undo this buttonx thank youx sirx
do you see thisx look on herx lookx her lipsx
look therex look therex

 xxhe diesxxx

edgarx
he faintsx my lordx my lordx

kentx
breakx heartx i prythee breakx

edgarx
look upx my lordx

kentx
vex not his ghostx ox let him passx he hates him
that would upon the rack of this rough world
stretch him out longerx

edgarx
he is gone indeedx

kentx
the wonder isx he hath endurxd so longx
he but usurpxd his lifex

albanyx
bear them from hencex our present business
is general woex xxto edgar and kentxxx friends of my soulx you twainx
rule in this realm and the gorxd state sustainx

kentx
i have a journeyx sirx shortly to gox
my master calls mex i must not say nox

edgarx
the weight of this sad time we must obeyx
speak what we feelx not what we ought to sayx
the oldest hath borne mostx we that are young
shall never see so muchx nor live so longx

 xxexeunt with a dead marchxxx





lovexs labourxs lost

dramatis personaex

  ferdinandx king of navarre
  berownex    lord attending on the king
  longavillex  x      x      x   x   x
  dumainx      x      x      x   x   x
  boyetx   lord attending on the princess of france
  marcadex   x     x       x  x     x      x    x
  don adriano de armadox fantastical spaniard
  sir nathanielx a curate
  holofernesx a schoolmaster
  dullx a constable
  costardx a clown
  mothx page to armado
  a forester

  the princess of france
  rosalinex lady attending on the princess
  mariax      x     x       x  x     x
  katharinex lady attending on the princess
  jaquenettax a country wench

  lordsx attendantsx etcx

scenex navarre

act ix scene ix navarrex the kingxs park

enter the kingx berownex longavillex and dumain

  kingx let famex that all hunt after in their livesx
    live registxred upon our brazen tombsx
    and then grace us in the disgrace of deathx
    whenx spite of cormorant devouring timex
    thx endeavour of this present breath may buy
    that honour which shall bate his scythexs keen edgex
    and make us heirs of all eternityx
    thereforex brave conquerorsx for so you are
    that war against your own affections
    and the huge army of the worldxs desiresx
    our late edict shall strongly stand in forcex
    navarre shall be the wonder of the worldx
    our court shall be a little academex
    still and contemplative in living artx
    you threex berownex dumainx and longavillex
    have sworn for three yearsx term to live with me
    my fellowxscholarsx and to keep those statutes
    that are recorded in this schedule herex
    your oaths are passxdx and now subscribe your namesx
    that his own hand may strike his honour down
    that violates the smallest branch hereinx
    if you are armxd to do as sworn to dox
    subscribe to your deep oathsx and keep it toox
  longavillex i am resolvxdx xtis but a three yearsx fastx
    the mind shall banquetx though the body pinex
    fat paunches have lean patesx and dainty bits
    make rich the ribsx but bankrupt quite the witsx
  dumainx my loving lordx dumain is mortifiedx
    the grosser manner of these worldxs delights
    he throws upon the gross worldxs baser slavesx
    to lovex to wealthx to pompx i pine and diex
    with all these living in philosophyx
  berownex i can but say their protestation overx
    so muchx dear liegex i have already swornx
    that isx to live and study here three yearsx
    but there are other strict observancesx
    asx not to see a woman in that termx
    which i hope well is not enrolled therex
    and one day in a week to touch no foodx
    and but one meal on every day besidex
    the which i hope is not enrolled therex
    and then to sleep but three hours in the night
    and not be seen to wink of all the dayx
    when i was wont to think no harm all nightx
    and make a dark night too of half the dayx
    which i hope well is not enrolled therex
    ox these are barren tasksx too hard to keepx
    not to see ladiesx studyx fastx not sleepx
  kingx your oath is passxd to pass away from thesex
  berownex let me say nox my liegex an if you pleasex
    i only swore to study with your gracex
    and stay here in your court for three yearsx spacex
  longavillex you swore to thatx berownex and to the restx
  berownex by yea and nayx sirx then i swore in jestx
    what is the end of studyx let me knowx
  kingx whyx that to know which else we should not knowx
  berownex things hid and barrxdx you meanx from common sensex
  kingx ayx that is studyxs godxlike recompensex
  berownex come onx thenx i will swear to study sox
    to know the thing i am forbid to knowx
    as thusx to study where i well may dinex
    when i to feast expressly am forbidx
    or study where to meet some mistress finex
    when mistresses from common sense are hidx
    orx having sworn too hardxaxkeeping oathx
    study to break itx and not break my trothx
    if studyxs gain be thusx and this be sox
    study knows that which yet it doth not knowx
    swear me to thisx and i will nexer say nox
  kingx these be the stops that hinder study quitex
    and train our intellects to vain delightx
  berownex whyx all delights are vainx but that most vain
    whichx with pain purchasxdx doth inherit painx
    as painfully to pore upon a book
    to seek the light of truthx while truth the while
    doth falsely blind the eyesight of his lookx
    lightx seeking lightx doth light of light beguilex
    sox ere you find where light in darkness liesx
    your light grows dark by losing of your eyesx
    study me how to please the eye indeedx
    by fixing it upon a fairer eyex
    who dazzling sox that eye shall be his heedx
    and give him light that it was blinded byx
    study is like the heavenxs glorious sunx
    that will not be deepxsearchxd with saucy looksx
    small have continual plodders ever wonx
    save base authority from othersx booksx
    these earthly godfathers of heavenxs lights
    that give a name to every fixed star
    have no more profit of their shining nights
    than those that walk and wot not what they arex
    too much to know is to know nought but famex
    and every godfather can give a namex
  kingx how well hexs readx to reason against readingx
  dumainx proceeded wellx to stop all good proceedingx
  longavillex he weeds the cornx and still lets grow the weedingx
  berownex the spring is nearx when green geese are axbreedingx
  dumainx how follows thatx
  berownex fit in his place and timex
  dumainx in reason nothingx
  berownex something then in rhymex
  longavillex berowne is like an envious sneaping frost
    that bites the firstxborn infants of the springx
  berownex wellx say i amx why should proud summer boast
    before the birds have any cause to singx
    why should i joy in any abortive birthx
    at christmas i no more desire a rose
    than wish a snow in mayxs newxfangled showsx
    but like of each thing that in season growsx
    so youx to study now it is too latex
    climb oxer the house to unlock the little gatex
  kingx wellx sit outx go homex berownex adieux
  berownex nox my good lordx i have sworn to stay with youx
    and though i have for barbarism spoke more
    than for that angel knowledge you can sayx
    yet confident ixll keep what i have sworex
    and bide the penance of each three yearsx dayx
    give me the paperx let me read the samex
    and to the strictest decrees ixll write my namex
  kingx how well this yielding rescues thee from shamex
  berownex xreadsx xitemx that no woman shall come within a mile of
    my courtxx hath this been proclaimedx
  longavillex four days agox
  berownex letxs see the penaltyx xreadsx xxon pain of losing her
    tonguexx who devisxd this penaltyx
  longavillex marryx that did ix
  berownex sweet lordx and whyx
  longavillex to fright them hence with that dread penaltyx
  berownex a dangerous law against gentilityx
    xreadsx xitemx if any man be seen to talk with a woman within
    the term of three yearsx he shall endure such public shame as the
    rest of the court can possibly devisexx
    this articlex my liegex yourself must breakx
    for well you know here comes in embassy
    the french kingxs daughterx with yourself to speakx
    a mild of grace and complete majestyx
    about surrender up of aquitaine
    to her decrepitx sickx and bedrid fatherx
    therefore this article is made in vainx
    or vainly comes thx admired princess hitherx
  kingx what say youx lordsx whyx this was quite forgotx
  berownex so study evermore is overxshotx
    while it doth study to have what it wouldx
    it doth forget to do the thing it shouldx
    and when it hath the thing it hunteth mostx
    xtis won as towns with firex so wonx so lostx
  kingx we must of force dispense with this decreex
    she must lie here on mere necessityx
  berownex necessity will make us all forsworn
    three thousand times within this three yearsx spacex
    for every man with his affects is bornx
    not by might mastxredx but by special gracex
    if i break faithx this word shall speak for mex
    i am forsworn on mere necessityx
    so to the laws at large i write my namex        xsubscribesx
    and he that breaks them in the least degree
    stands in attainder of eternal shamex
    suggestions are to other as to mex
    but i believex although i seem so loathx
    i am the last that will last keep his oathx
    but is there no quick recreation grantedx
  kingx ayx that there isx our courtx you knowx is haunted
    with a refined traveller of spainx
    a man in all the worldxs new fashion plantedx
    that hath a mint of phrases in his brainx
    one who the music of his own vain tongue
    doth ravish like enchanting harmonyx
    a man of complementsx whom right and wrong
    have chose as umpire of their mutinyx
    this child of fancyx that armado hightx
    for interim to our studies shall relatex
    in highxborn wordsx the worth of many a knight
    from tawny spain lost in the worldxs debatex
    how you delightx my lordsx i know notx ix
    but i protest i love to hear him liex
    and i will use him for my minstrelsyx
  berownex armado is a most illustrious wightx
    a man of firexnew wordsx fashionxs own knightx
  longavillex costard the swain and he shall be our sportx
    and so to study three years is but shortx

      enter dullx a constablex with a letterx and costard

  dullx which is the dukexs own personx
  berownex thisx fellowx what wouldstx
  dullx i myself reprehend his own personx for i am his gracexs
    farboroughx but i would see his own person in flesh and bloodx
  berownex this is hex
  dullx signior armex armex commends youx therexs villainy abroadx
    this letter will tell you morex
  costardx sirx the contempts thereof are as touching mex
  kingx a letter from the magnificent armadox
  berownex how low soever the matterx i hope in god for high wordsx
  longavillex a high hope for a low heavenx god grant us patiencex
  berownex to hearx or forbear hearingx
  longavillex to hear meeklyx sirx and to laugh moderatelyx orx to
    forbear bothx
  berownex wellx sirx be it as the style shall give us cause to climb
    in the merrinessx
  costardx the matter is to mex sirx as concerning jaquenettax
    the manner of it isx i was taken with the mannerx
  berownex in what mannerx
  costardx in manner and form followingx sirx all those threex i was
    seen with her in the manorxhousex sitting with her upon the formx
    and taken following her into the parkx whichx put togetherx is in
    manner and form followingx nowx sirx for the mannerx it is the
    manner of a man to speak to a womanx for the formx in some formx
  berownex for the followingx sirx
  costardx as it shall follow in my correctionx and god defend the
    rightx
  kingx will you hear this letter with attentionx
  berownex as we would hear an oraclex
  costardx such is the simplicity of man to hearken after the fleshx
  kingx xreadsx xgreat deputyx the welkinxs vicegerent and sole
    dominator of navarrex my soulxs earthxs god and bodyxs fostxring
    patronxx
  costardx not a word of costard yetx
  kingx xreadsx xso it isxx
  costardx it may be sox but if he say it is sox he isx in telling
    truex but sox
  kingx peacex
  costardx be to mex and every man that dares not fightx
  kingx no wordsx
  costardx of other menxs secretsx i beseech youx
  kingx xreadsx xso it isx besieged with sablexcoloured melancholyx i
    did commend the black oppressing humour to the most wholesome
    physic of thy healthxgiving airx andx as i am a gentlemanx betook
    myself to walkx the time whenx about the sixth hourx when beasts
    most grazex birds best peckx and men sit down to that nourishment
    which is called supperx so much for the time whenx now for the
    ground whichx whichx i meanx i uponx it is ycleped thy parkx then
    for the place wherex wherex i meanx i did encounter that obscene
    and most prepostxrous event that draweth from my snowxwhite pen
    the ebonxcoloured ink which here thou viewestx beholdestx
    surveyestx or seestx but to the place wherex it standeth
    northxnorthxeast and by east from the west corner of thy
    curiousxknotted gardenx there did i see that lowxspirited swainx
    that base minnow of thy mirthxx
  costardx mex
  kingx xthat unlettered smallxknowing soulxx
  costardx mex
  kingx xthat shallow vassalxx
  costardx still mex
  kingx xwhichx as i rememberx hight costardxx
  costardx ox mex
  kingx xsorted and consortedx contrary to thy established proclaimed
    edict and continent canonx whichx withx ox withx but with this i
    passion to say wherewithxx
  costardx with a wenchx
    kingx xwith a child of our grandmother evex a femalex orx for thy
    more sweet understandingx a womanx him ix as my everxesteemed
    duty pricks me onx have sent to theex to receive the meed of
    punishmentx by thy sweet gracexs officerx antony dullx a man of
    good reputex carriagex bearingx and estimationxx
  dullx mex anxt shall please youx i am antony dullx
  kingx xfor jaquenettax so is the weaker vessel calledx which i
    apprehended with the aforesaid swainx i keep her as a vessel of
    thy lawxs furyx and shallx at the least of thy sweet noticex
    bring her to trialx thinex in all compliments of devoted and
    heartxburning heat of dutyx
                                         don adriano de armadoxx

  berownex this is not so well as i lookxd forx but the best that
    ever i heardx
  kingx ayx the best for the worstx butx sirrahx what say you to
    thisx
  costardx sirx i confess the wenchx
  kingx did you hear the proclamationx
  costardx i do confess much of the hearing itx but little of the
    marking of itx
  kingx it was proclaimed a yearxs imprisonment to be taken with a
    wenchx
  costardx i was taken with nonex sirx i was taken with a damselx
  kingx wellx it was proclaimed damselx
  costardx this was no damsel neitherx sirx she was a virginx
  kingx it is so varied toox for it was proclaimed virginx
  costardx if it werex i deny her virginityx i was taken with a maidx
  kingx this xmaidx not serve your turnx sirx
  costardx this maid will serve my turnx sirx
  kingx sirx i will pronounce your sentencex you shall fast a week
    with bran and waterx
  costardx i had rather pray a month with mutton and porridgex
  kingx and don armado shall be your keeperx
    my lord berownex see him delivered oxerx
    and go wex lordsx to put in practice that
    which each to other hath so strongly swornx
                             exeunt kingx longavillex and dumain
  berownex ixll lay my head to any good manxs hat
    these oaths and laws will prove an idle scornx
    sirrahx come onx
  costardx i suffer for the truthx sirx for true it is i was taken
    with jaquenettax and jaquenetta is a true girlx and therefore
    welcome the sour cup of prosperityx affliction may one day smile
    againx and till thenx sit thee downx sorrowx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix the park

enter armado and mothx his page

  armadox boyx what sign is it when a man of great spirit grows
    melancholyx
  mothx a great signx sirx that he will look sadx
  armadox whyx sadness is one and the selfxsame thingx dear impx
  mothx nox nox o lordx sirx nox
  armadox how canst thou part sadness and melancholyx my tender
    juvenalx
  mothx by a familiar demonstration of the workingx my tough signiorx
  armadox why tough signiorx why tough signiorx
  mothx why tender juvenalx why tender juvenalx
  armadox i spoke itx tender juvenalx as a congruent epitheton
    appertaining to thy young daysx which we may nominate tenderx
  mothx and ix tough signiorx as an appertinent title to your old
    timex which we may name toughx
  armadox pretty and aptx
  mothx how mean youx sirx i prettyx and my saying aptx or i aptx and
    my saying prettyx
  armadox thou prettyx because littlex
  mothx little prettyx because littlex wherefore aptx
  armadox and therefore aptx because quickx
  mothx speak you this in my praisex masterx
  armadox in thy condign praisex
  mothx i will praise an eel with the same praisex
  armadox that an eel is ingeniousx
  mothx that an eel is quickx
  armadox i do say thou art quick in answersx thou heatxst my bloodx
  mothx i am answerxdx sirx
  armadox i love not to be crossxdx
  mothx xasidex he speaks the mere contraryx crosses love not himx
  armadox i have promised to study three years with the dukex
  mothx you may do it in an hourx sirx
  armadox impossiblex
  mothx how many is one thrice toldx
  armadox i am ill at reckxningx it fitteth the spirit of a tapsterx
  mothx you are a gentleman and a gamesterx sirx
  armadox i confess bothx they are both the varnish of a complete
    manx
  mothx then i am sure you know how much the gross sum of deucexace
    amounts tox
  armadox it doth amount to one more than twox
  mothx which the base vulgar do call threex
  armadox truex
  mothx whyx sirx is this such a piece of studyx now here is three
    studied ere yexll thrice winkx and how easy it is to put xyearsx
    to the word xthreexx and study three years in two wordsx the
    dancing horse will tell youx
  armadox a most fine figurex
  mothx xasidex to prove you a cipherx
  armadox i will hereupon confess i am in lovex and as it is base for
    a soldier to lovex so am i in love with a base wenchx if drawing
    my sword against the humour of affection would deliver me from
    the reprobate thought of itx i would take desire prisonerx and
    ransom him to any french courtier for a newxdevisxd curtsyx i
    think scorn to sighx methinks i should outxswear cupidx comfort
    mex boyx what great men have been in lovex
  mothx herculesx masterx
  armadox most sweet herculesx more authorityx dear boyx name morex
    andx sweet my childx let them be men of good repute and carriagex
  mothx samsonx masterx he was a man of good carriagex great
    carriagex for he carried the town gates on his back like a
    porterx and he was in lovex
  armadox o wellxknit samsonx strongxjointed samsonx i do excel thee
    in my rapier as much as thou didst me in carrying gatesx i am in
    love toox who was samsonxs lovex my dear mothx
  mothx a womanx masterx
  armadox of what complexionx
  mothx of all the fourx or the threex or the twox or one of the
    fourx
  armadox tell me precisely of what complexionx
  mothx of the seaxwater greenx sirx
  armadox is that one of the four complexionsx
  mothx as i have readx sirx and the best of them toox
  armadox greenx indeedx is the colour of loversx but to have a love
    of that colourx methinks samson had small reason for itx he
    surely affected her for her witx
  mothx it was sox sirx for she had a green witx
  armadox my love is most immaculate white and redx
  mothx most maculate thoughtsx masterx are maskxd under such
    coloursx
  armadox definex definex wellxeducated infantx
  mothx my fatherxs wit my motherxs tongue assist mex
  armadox sweet invocation of a childx most prettyx and patheticalx
  mothx      if she be made of white and redx
               her faults will nexer be knownx
             for blushing cheeks by faults are bredx
               and fears by pale white shownx
             then if she fearx or be to blamex
               by this you shall not knowx
             for still her cheeks possess the same
               which native she doth owex
    a dangerous rhymex masterx against the reason of white and redx
  armadox is there not a balladx boyx of the king and the beggarx
  mothx the world was very guilty of such a ballad some three ages
    sincex but i think now xtis not to be foundx or if it werex it
    would neither serve for the writing nor the tunex
  armadox i will have that subject newly writ oxerx that i may
    example my digression by some mighty precedentx boyx i do love
    that country girl that i took in the park with the rational hind
    costardx she deserves wellx
  mothx xasidex to be whiptx and yet a better love than my masterx
  armadox singx boyx my spirit grows heavy in lovex
  mothx and thatxs great marvelx loving a light wenchx
  armadox i sayx singx
  mothx forbear till this company be pastx

                enter dullx costardx and jaquenetta

  dullx sirx the dukexs pleasure is that you keep costard safex and
    you must suffer him to take no delight nor no penancex but xa
    must fast three days a weekx for this damselx i must keep her at
    the parkx she is allowxd for the dayxwomanx fare you wellx
  armadox i do betray myself with blushingx maidx
  jaquenettax manx
  armadox i will visit thee at the lodgex
  jaquenettax thatxs herebyx
  armadox i know where it is situatex
  jaquenettax lordx how wise you arex
  armadox i will tell thee wondersx
  jaquenettax with that facex
  armadox i love theex
  jaquenettax so i heard you sayx
  armadox and sox farewellx
  jaquenettax fair weather after youx
  dullx comex jaquenettax awayx             exit with jaquenetta
  armadox villainx thou shalt fast for thy offences ere thou be
    pardonedx
  costardx wellx sirx i hope when i do it i shall do it on a full
    stomachx
  armadox thou shalt be heavily punishedx
  costardx i am more bound to you than your fellowsx for they are but
    lightly rewardedx
  armadox take away this villainx shut him upx
  mothx comex you transgressing slavex awayx
  costardx let me not be pent upx sirx i will fastx being loosex
  mothx nox sirx that were fastx and loosex thou shalt to prisonx
  costardx wellx if ever i do see the merry days of desolation that i
    have seenx some shall seex
  mothx what shall some seex
  costardx nayx nothingx master mothx but what they look uponx it is
    not for prisoners to be too silent in their wordsx and therefore
    i will say nothingx i thank god i have as little patience as
    another manx and therefore i can be quietx
                                         exeunt moth and costard
  armadox i do affect the very groundx which is basex where her shoex
    which is baserx guided by her footx which is basestx doth treadx
    i shall be forswornx which is a great argument of falsehoodx if i
    lovex and how can that be true love which is falsely attemptedx
    love is a familiarx love is a devilx there is no evil angel but
    lovex yet was samson so temptedx and he had an excellent
    strengthx yet was solomon so seducedx and he had a very good witx
    cupidxs buttxshaft is too hard for herculesx clubx and therefore
    too much odds for a spaniardxs rapierx the first and second cause
    will not serve my turnx the passado he respects notx the duello
    he regards notx his disgrace is to be called boyx but his glory
    is to subdue menx adieux valourx rustx rapierx be stillx drumx
    for your manager is in lovex yeax he lovethx assist mex some
    extemporal god of rhymex for i am sure i shall turn sonnetx
    devisex witx writex penx for i am for whole volumes in foliox
 exit

act iix scene iix the park

enter the princess of francex with three attending ladiesx
rosalinex mariax katharinex boyetx and two other lords

  boyetx nowx madamx summon up your dearest spiritsx
    consider who the king your father sendsx
    to whom he sendsx and whatxs his embassyx
    yourselfx held precious in the worldxs esteemx
    to parley with the sole inheritor
    of all perfections that a man may owex
    matchless navarrex the plea of no less weight
    than aquitainex a dowry for a queenx
    be now as prodigal of all dear grace
    as nature was in making graces dearx
    when she did starve the general world beside
    and prodigally gave them all to youx
  princess of francex good lord boyetx my beautyx though but meanx
    needs not the painted flourish of your praisex
    beauty is bought by judgment of the eyex
    not uttxred by base sale of chapmenxs tonguesx
    i am less proud to hear you tell my worth
    than you much willing to be counted wise
    in spending your wit in the praise of minex
    but now to task the taskerx good boyetx
    you are not ignorant allxtelling fame
    doth noise abroad navarre hath made a vowx
    till painful study shall outwear three yearsx
    no woman may approach his silent courtx
    therefore toxs seemeth it a needful coursex
    before we enter his forbidden gatesx
    to know his pleasurex and in that behalfx
    bold of your worthinessx we single you
    as our bestxmoving fair solicitorx
    tell him the daughter of the king of francex
    on serious businessx craving quick dispatchx
    importunes personal conference with his gracex
    hastex signify so muchx while we attendx
    like humblexvisagxd suitorsx his high willx
  boyetx proud of employmentx willingly i gox
  princess of francex all pride is willing pridex and yours is sox
                                                      exit boyet
    who are the votariesx my loving lordsx
    that are vowxfellows with this virtuous dukex
  first lordx lord longaville is onex
  princess of francex know you the manx
  mariax i know himx madamx at a marriage feastx
    between lord perigort and the beauteous heir
    of jaques falconbridgex solemnized
    in normandyx saw i this longavillex
    a man of sovereign partsx peerless esteemxdx
    well fitted in artsx glorious in armsx
    nothing becomes him ill that he would wellx
    the only soil of his fair virtuexs glossx
    if virtuexs gloss will stain with any soilx
    is a sharp wit matchxd with too blunt a willx
    whose edge hath power to cutx whose will still wills
    it should none spare that come within his powerx
  princess of francex some merry mocking lordx belikex isxt sox
  mariax they say so most that most his humours knowx
  princess of francex such shortxlivxd wits do wither as they growx
    who are the restx
  katharinex the young dumainx a wellxaccomplishxd youthx
    of all that virtue love for virtue lovedx
    most power to do most harmx least knowing illx
    for he hath wit to make an ill shape goodx
    and shape to win grace though he had no witx
    i saw him at the duke alenconxs oncex
    and much too little of that good i saw
    is my report to his great worthinessx
  rosalinex another of these students at that time
    was there with himx if i have heard a truthx
    berowne they call himx but a merrier manx
    within the limit of becoming mirthx
    i never spent an hourxs talk withalx
    his eye begets occasion for his witx
    for every object that the one doth catch
    the other turns to a mirthxmoving jestx
    which his fair tonguex conceitxs expositorx
    delivers in such apt and gracious words
    that aged ears play truant at his talesx
    and younger hearings are quite ravishedx
    so sweet and voluble is his discoursex
  princess of francex god bless my ladiesx are they all in lovex
    that every one her own hath garnished
    with such bedecking ornaments of praisex
  first lordx here comes boyetx

                       rexenter boyet

  princess of francex nowx what admittancex lordx
  boyetx navarre had notice of your fair approachx
    and he and his competitors in oath
    were all addressxd to meet youx gentle ladyx
    before i camex marryx thus much i have learntx
    he rather means to lodge you in the fieldx
    like one that comes here to besiege his courtx
    than seek a dispensation for his oathx
    to let you enter his unpeopled housex
                                    xthe ladiesxinxwaiting maskx

             enter kingx longavillex dumainx berownex
                         and attendants

    here comes navarrex
  kingx fair princessx welcome to the court of navarrex
  princess of francex xfairx i give you back againx and xwelcomex i
    have not yetx the roof of this court is too high to be yoursx and
    welcome to the wide fields too base to be minex
  kingx you shall be welcomex madamx to my courtx
  princess of francex i will be welcome thenx conduct me thitherx
  kingx hear mex dear ladyx i have sworn an oathx
  princess of francex our lady help my lordx hexll be forswornx
  kingx not for the worldx fair madamx by my willx
  princess of francex whyx will shall break itx willx and nothing
    elsex
  kingx your ladyship is ignorant what it isx
  princess of francex were my lord sox his ignorance were wisex
    where now his knowledge must prove ignorancex
    i hear your grace hath sworn out housexkeepingx
    xtis deadly sin to keep that oathx my lordx
    and sin to break itx
    but pardon mex i am too sudden boldx
    to teach a teacher ill beseemeth mex
    vouchsafe to read the purpose of my comingx
    and suddenly resolve me in my suitx         xgiving a paperx
  kingx madamx i willx if suddenly i mayx
  princess of francex you will the sooner that i were awayx
    for youxll prove perjurxd if you make me stayx
  berownex did not i dance with you in brabant oncex
  katharinex did not i dance with you in brabant oncex
  berownex i know you didx
  katharinex how needless was it then to ask the questionx
  berownex you must not be so quickx
  katharinex xtis long of youx that spur me with such questionsx
  berownex your wit xs too hotx it speeds too fastx xtwill tirex
  katharinex not till it leave the rider in the mirex
  berownex what time ox dayx
  katharinex the hour that fools should askx
  berownex now fair befall your maskx
  katharinex fair fall the face it coversx
  berownex and send you many loversx
  katharinex amenx so you be nonex
  berownex nayx then will i be gonex
  kingx madamx your father here doth intimate
    the payment of a hundred thousand crownsx
    being but the one half of an entire sum
    disbursed by my father in his warsx
    but say that he or wex as neither havex
    receivxd that sumx yet there remains unpaid
    a hundred thousand morex in surety of the whichx
    one part of aquitaine is bound to usx
    although not valued to the moneyxs worthx
    if then the king your father will restore
    but that one half which is unsatisfiedx
    we will give up our right in aquitainex
    and hold fair friendship with his majestyx
    but thatx it seemsx he little purposethx
    for here he doth demand to have repaid
    a hundred thousand crownsx and not demandsx
    on payment of a hundred thousand crownsx
    to have his title live in aquitainex
    which we much rather had depart withalx
    and have the money by our father lentx
    than aquitaine so gelded as it isx
    dear princessx were not his requests so far
    from reasonxs yieldingx your fair self should make
    a yielding xgainst some reason in my breastx
    and go well satisfied to france againx
  princess of francex you do the king my father too much wrongx
    and wrong the reputation of your namex
    in so unseeming to confess receipt
    of that which hath so faithfully been paidx
  kingx i do protest i never heard of itx
    andx if you prove itx ixll repay it back
    or yield up aquitainex
  princess of francex we arrest your wordx
    boyetx you can produce acquittances
    for such a sum from special officers
    of charles his fatherx
  kingx satisfy me sox
  boyetx so please your gracex the packet is not comex
    where that and other specialties are boundx
    toxmorrow you shall have a sight of themx
  kingx it shall suffice mex at which interview
    all liberal reason i will yield untox
    meantime receive such welcome at my hand
    as honourx without breach of honourx may
    make tender of to thy true worthinessx
    you may not comex fair princessx within my gatesx
    but here without you shall be so receivxd
    as you shall deem yourself lodgxd in my heartx
    though so denied fair harbour in my housex
    your own good thoughts excuse mex and farewellx
    toxmorrow shall we visit you againx
  princess of francex sweet health and fair desires consort your
    gracex
  kingx thy own wish wish i thee in every placex
                                            exit with attendants
  berownex ladyx i will commend you to mine own heartx
  rosalinex pray youx do my commendationsx
    i would be glad to see itx
  berownex i would you heard it groanx
  rosalinex is the fool sickx
  berownex sick at the heartx
  rosalinex alackx let it bloodx
  berownex would that do it goodx
  rosalinex my physic says xayxx
  berownex will you prickxt with your eyex
  rosalinex no pointx with my knifex
  berownex nowx god save thy lifex
  rosalinex and yours from long livingx
  berownex i cannot stay thanksgivingx                xretiringx
  dumainx sirx i pray youx a wordx what lady is that samex
  boyetx the heir of alenconx katharine her namex
  dumainx a gallant ladyx monsieurx fare you wellx          exit
  longavillex i beseech you a wordx what is she in the whitex
  boyetx a woman sometimesx an you saw her in the lightx
  longavillex perchance light in the lightx i desire her namex
  boyetx she hath but one for herselfx to desire that were a shamex
  longavillex pray youx sirx whose daughterx
  boyetx her motherxsx i have heardx
  longavillex godxs blessing on your beardx
  boyetx good sirx be not offendedx
    she is an heir of falconbridgex
  longavillex nayx my choler is endedx
    she is a most sweet ladyx
  boyetx not unlikex sirx that may bex           exit longaville
  berownex whatxs her name in the capx
  boyetx rosalinex by good hapx
  berownex is she wedded or nox
  boyetx to her willx sirx or sox
  berownex you are welcomex sirx adieux
  boyetx farewell to mex sirx and welcome to youx
                                     exit berownex ladies unmask
  mariax that last is berownex the merry madxcap lordx
    not a word with him but a jestx
  boyetx and every jest but a wordx
  princess of francex it was well done of you to take him at his
    wordx
  boyetx i was as willing to grapple as he was to boardx
  katharinex two hot sheepsx marryx
  boyetx and wherefore not shipsx
    no sheepx sweet lambx unless we feed on your lipsx
  katharinex you sheep and i pasturex shall that finish the jestx
  boyetx so you grant pasture for mex     xoffering to kiss herx
  katharinex not sox gentle beastx
    my lips are no commonx though several they bex
  boyetx belonging to whomx
  katharinex to my fortunes and mex
  princess of francex good wits will be janglingx butx gentlesx
      agreex
    this civil war of wits were much better used
    on navarre and his bookxmenx for here xtis abusedx
  boyetx if my observationx which very seldom liesx
    by the heartxs still rhetoric disclosed with eyesx
    deceive me not nowx navarre is infectedx
  princess of francex with whatx
  boyetx with that which we lovers entitle xaffectedxx
  princess of francex your reasonx
  boyetx whyx all his behaviours did make their retire
    to the court of his eyex peeping thorough desirex
    his heartx like an agatex with your print impressedx
    proud with his formx in his eye pride expressedx
    his tonguex all impatient to speak and not seex
    did stumble with haste in his eyesight to bex
    all senses to that sense did make their repairx
    to feel only looking on fairest of fairx
    methought all his senses were lockxd in his eyex
    as jewels in crystal for some prince to buyx
    whox tendxring their own worth from where they were glassxdx
    did point you to buy themx along as you passxdx
    his facexs own margent did quote such amazes
    that all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazesx
    ixll give you aquitaine and all that is hisx
    an you give him for my sake but one loving kissx
  princess of francex comex to our pavilionx boyet is disposxdx
  boyetx but to speak that in words which his eye hath disclosxdx
    i only have made a mouth of his eyex
    by adding a tongue which i know will not liex
  mariax thou art an old lovexmongerx and speakest skilfullyx
  katharinex he is cupidxs grandfatherx and learns news of himx
  rosalinex then was venus like her motherx for her father is but
    grimx
  boyetx do you hearx my mad wenchesx
  mariax nox
  boyetx whatx thenx do you seex
  mariax ayx our way to be gonex
  boyetx you are too hard for mex                         exeunt

act iiix scene ix the park

enter armado and moth

  armadox warblex childx make passionate my sense of hearingx
                                         xmoth sings concolinelx
  armadox sweet airx gox tenderness of yearsx take this keyx give
    enlargement to the swainx bring him festinately hitherx i must
    employ him in a letter to my lovex
  mothx masterx will you win your love with a french brawlx
  armadox how meanest thoux brawling in frenchx
  mothx nox my complete masterx but to jig off a tune at the tonguexs
    endx canary to it with your feetx humour it with turning up your
    eyelidsx sigh a note and sing a notex sometime through the
    throatx as if you swallowed love with singing lovex sometime
    through the nosex as if you snuffxd up love by smelling lovex
    with your hat penthousexlike oxer the shop of your eyesx with
    your arms crossxd on your thinxbelly doubletx like a rabbit on a
    spitx or your hands in your pocketx like a man after the old
    paintingx and keep not too long in one tunex but a snip and awayx
    these are complementsx these are humoursx these betray nice
    wenchesx that would be betrayed without thesex and make them men
    of notex do you note mexx that most are affected to thesex
  armadox how hast thou purchased this experiencex
  mothx by my penny of observationx
  armadox but ox but ox
  mothx the hobbyxhorse is forgotx
  armadox callxst thou my love xhobbyxhorsexx
  mothx nox masterx the hobbyxhorse is but a coltx and your love
    perhaps a hackneyx but have you forgot your lovex
  armadox almost i hadx
  mothx negligent studentx learn her by heartx
  armadox by heart and in heartx boyx
  mothx and out of heartx masterx all those three i will provex
  armadox what wilt thou provex
  mothx a manx if i livex and thisx byx inx and withoutx upon the
    instantx by heart you love herx because your heart cannot come by
    herx in heart you love herx because your heart is in love with
    herx and out of heart you love herx being out of heart that you
    cannot enjoy herx
  armadox i am all these threex
  mothx and three times as much morex and yet nothing at allx
  armadox fetch hither the swainx he must carry me a letterx
  mothx a message well sympathizxdx a horse to be ambassador for an
    assx
  armadox hax hax what sayest thoux
  mothx marryx sirx you must send the ass upon the horsex for he is
    very slowxgaitedx but i gox
  armadox the way is but shortx awayx
  mothx as swift as leadx sirx
  armadox the meaningx pretty ingeniousx
    is not lead a metal heavyx dullx and slowx
  mothx minimex honest masterx or ratherx masterx nox
  armadox i say lead is slowx
  mothx you are too swiftx sirx to say sox
    is that lead slow which is firxd from a gunx
  armadox sweet smoke of rhetoricx
    he reputes me a cannonx and the bulletx thatxs hex
    i shoot thee at the swainx
  mothx thumpx thenx and i fleex                            exit
  armadox a most acute juvenalx volable and free of gracex
    by thy favourx sweet welkinx i must sigh in thy facex
    most rude melancholyx valour gives thee placex
    my herald is returnxdx

                       rexenter moth with costard

  mothx a wonderx masterx herexs a costard broken in a shinx
  armadox some enigmax some riddlex comex thy lxenvoyx beginx
  costardx no egmax no riddlex no lxenvoyx no salve in the mailx sirx
    ox sirx plantainx a plain plantainx no lxenvoyx no lxenvoyx no
    salvex sirx but a plantainx
  armadox by virtue thou enforcest laughterx thy silly thoughtx my
    spleenx the heaving of my lungs provokes me to ridiculous
    smilingx ox pardon mex my starsx doth the inconsiderate take
    salve for lxenvoyx and the word xlxenvoyx for a salvex
  mothx do the wise think them otherx is not lxenvoy a salvex
  armadox nox pagex it is an epilogue or discourse to make plain
    some obscure precedence that hath tofore been sainx
    i will example itx
           the foxx the apex and the humblexbeex
           were still at oddsx being but threex
    therexs the moralx now the lxenvoyx
  mothx i will add the lxenvoyx say the moral againx
  armadox  the foxx the apex and the humblexbeex
           were still at oddsx being but threex
  mothx    until the goose came out of doorx
           and stayxd the odds by adding fourx
    now will i begin your moralx and do you follow with my lxenvoyx
           the foxx the apex and the humblexbeex
           were still at oddsx being but threex
  armadox  until the goose came out of doorx
           staying the odds by adding fourx
  mothx a good lxenvoyx ending in the goosex would you desire morex
  costardx the boy hath sold him a bargainx a goosex thatxs flatx
    sirx your pennyworth is goodx an your goose be fatx
    to sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loosex
    let me seex a fat lxenvoyx ayx thatxs a fat goosex
  armadox come hitherx come hitherx how did this argument beginx
  mothx by saying that a costard was broken in a shinx
    then callxd you for the lxenvoyx
  costardx truex and i for a plantainx thus came your argument inx
    then the boyxs fat lxenvoyx the goose that you boughtx
    and he ended the marketx
  armadox but tell mex how was there a costard broken in a shinx
  mothx i will tell you sensiblyx
  costardx thou hast no feeling of itx mothx i will speak that
      lxenvoyx
    ix costardx running outx that was safely withinx
    fell over the threshold and broke my shinx
  armadox we will talk no more of this matterx
  costardx till there be more matter in the shinx
  armadox sirrah costardx i will enfranchise theex
  costardx ox marry me to one francesx i smell some lxenvoyx some
    goosex in thisx
  armadox by my sweet soulx i mean setting thee at libertyx
    enfreedoming thy personx thou wert immuredx restrainedx
    captivatedx boundx
  costardx truex truex and now you will be my purgationx and let me
    loosex
  armadox i give thee thy libertyx set thee from durancex andx in
    lieu thereofx impose on thee nothing but thisx bear this
    significant xgiving a letterx to the country maid jaquenettax
    there is remunerationx for the best ward of mine honour is
    rewarding my dependentsx mothx followx                  exit
  mothx like the sequelx ix signior costardx adieux
  costardx my sweet ounce of manxs fleshx my incony jewx
                                                       exit moth
    now will i look to his remunerationx remunerationx ox thatxs the
    latin word for three farthingsx three farthingsx remunerationx
    xwhatxs the price of this inklexxx xone pennyxxx xnox ixll give
    you a remunerationxx whyx it carries itx remunerationx whyx it is
    a fairer name than french crownx i will never buy and sell out of
    this wordx

                          enter berowne

  berownex my good knave costardx exceedingly well metx
  costardx pray youx sirx how much carnation ribbon may a man buy for
    a remunerationx
  berownex what is a remunerationx
  costardx marryx sirx halfpenny farthingx
  berownex whyx thenx threexfarthing worth of silkx
  costardx i thank your worshipx god be wix youx
  berownex stayx slavex i must employ theex
    as thou wilt win my favourx good my knavex
    do one thing for me that i shall entreatx
  costardx when would you have it donex sirx
  berownex this afternoonx
  costardx wellx i will do itx sirx fare you wellx
  berownex thou knowest not what it isx
  costardx i shall knowx sirx when i have done itx
  berownex whyx villainx thou must know firstx
  costardx i will come to your worship toxmorrow morningx
  berownex it must be done this afternoonx
    harkx slavex it is but thisx
    the princess comes to hunt here in the parkx
    and in her train there is a gentle ladyx
    when tongues speak sweetlyx then they name her namex
    and rosaline they call herx ask for herx
    and to her white hand see thou do commend
    this sealxdxup counselx therexs thy guerdonx gox
                                         xgiving him a shillingx
  costardx gardonx o sweet gardonx better than remunerationx a
    xlevenxpence farthing betterx most sweet gardonx i will do itx
    sirx in printx gardonx remunerationx                    exit
  berownex and ix forsoothx in lovex ix that have been lovexs whipx
    a very beadle to a humorous sighx
    a criticx nayx a nightxwatch constablex
    a domineering pedant oxer the boyx
    than whom no mortal so magnificentx
    this wimpledx whiningx purblindx wayward boyx
    this seniorxjuniorx giantxdwarfx dan cupidx
    regent of lovexrhymesx lord of folded armsx
    thx anointed sovereign of sighs and groansx
    liege of all loiterers and malcontentsx
    dread prince of placketsx king of codpiecesx
    sole imperatorx and great general
    of trotting paritorsx o my little heartx
    and i to be a corporal of his fieldx
    and wear his colours like a tumblerxs hoopx
    whatx i lovex i suex i seek a wifex
    a womanx that is like a german clockx
    still axrepairingx ever out of framex
    and never going arightx being a watchx
    but being watchxd that it may still go rightx
    nayx to be perjurxdx which is worst of allx
    andx among threex to love the worst of allx
    a whitely wanton with a velvet browx
    with two pitch balls stuck in her face for eyesx
    ayx andx by heavenx one that will do the deedx
    though argus were her eunuch and her guardx
    and i to sigh for herx to watch for herx
    to pray for herx go tox it is a plague
    that cupid will impose for my neglect
    of his almighty dreadful little mightx
    wellx i will lovex writex sighx prayx suex and groanx
    some men must love my ladyx and some joanx              exit

act ivx scene ix the park

enter the princessx rosalinex mariax katharinex boyetx lordsx
attendantsx and a forester

  princess of francex was that the king that spurrxd his horse so
      hard
    against the steep uprising of the hillx
  boyetx i know notx but i think it was not hex
  princess of francex whoexer xa wasx xa showxd a mounting mindx
    wellx lordsx toxday we shall have our dispatchx
    on saturday we will return to francex
    thenx foresterx my friendx where is the bush
    that we must stand and play the murderer inx
  foresterx herebyx upon the edge of yonder coppicex
    a stand where you may make the fairest shootx
  princess of francex i thank my beauty i am fair that shootx
    and thereupon thou speakxst the fairest shootx
  foresterx pardon mex madamx for i meant not sox
  princess of francex whatx whatx first praise mex and again say nox
    o shortxlivxd pridex not fairx alack for woex
  foresterx yesx madamx fairx
  princess of francex nayx never paint me nowx
    where fair is notx praise cannot mend the browx
    herex good my glassx take this for telling truex
                                             x giving him moneyx
    fair payment for foul words is more than duex
  foresterx nothing but fair is that which you inheritx
  princess of francex seex seex my beauty will be savxd by meritx
    o heresy in fairx fit for these daysx
    a giving handx though foulx shall have fair praisex
    but comex the bowx now mercy goes to killx
    and shooting well is then accounted illx
    thus will i save my credit in the shootx
    not woundingx pity would not let me doxtx
    if woundingx then it was to show my skillx
    that more for praise than purpose meant to killx
    andx out of questionx so it is sometimesx
    glory grows guilty of detested crimesx
    whenx for famexs sakex for praisex an outward partx
    we bend to that the working of the heartx
    as i for praise alone now seek to spill
    the poor deerxs blood that my heart means no illx
  boyetx do not curst wives hold that selfxsovereignty
    only for praise sakex when they strive to be
    lords oxer their lordsx
  princess of francex only for praisex and praise we may afford
    to any lady that subdues a lordx

                       enter costard

  boyetx here comes a member of the commonwealthx
  costardx god digxyouxden allx pray youx which is the head ladyx
  princess of francex thou shalt know herx fellowx by the rest that
    have no headsx
  costardx which is the greatest ladyx the highestx
  princess of francex the thickest and the tallestx
  costardx the thickest and the tallestx it is sox truth is truthx
    an your waistx mistressx were as slender as my witx
    one ox these maidsx girdles for your waist should be fitx
    are not you the chief womanx you are the thickest herex
  princess of francex whatxs your willx sirx whatxs your willx
  costardx i have a letter from monsieur berowne to one
    lady rosalinex
  princess of francex ox thy letterx thy letterx hexs a good friend
      of minex
    stand asidex good bearerx boyetx you can carvex
    break up this caponx
  boyetx i am bound to servex
    this letter is mistookx it importeth none herex
    it is writ to jaquenettax
  princess of francex we will read itx i swearx
    break the neck of the waxx and every one give earx
  boyetx xreadsx xby heavenx that thou art fair is most infalliblex
    true that thou art beauteousx truth itself that thou art lovelyx
    more fairer than fairx beautiful than beauteousx truer than truth
    itselfx have commiseration on thy heroical vassalx the
    magnanimous and most illustrate king cophetua set eye upon the
    pernicious and indubitate beggar zenelophonx and he it was that
    might rightly sayx xvenix vidix vicixx which to annothanize in
    the vulgarxx o base and obscure vulgarxx videlicetx he camex sawx
    and overcamex he camex onex sawx twox overcamex threex who camexx
    the kingx why did he comexx to seex why did he seexxto overcomex
    to whom came hexx to the beggarx what saw hexx the beggarx who
    overcame hexx the beggarx the conclusion is victoryx on whose
    sidexx the kingxsx the captive is enrichxdx on whose sidexx the
    beggarxsx the catastrophe is a nuptialx on whose sidexx the
    kingxsx nox on both in onex or one in bothx i am the kingx for so
    stands the comparisonx thou the beggarx for so witnesseth thy
    lowlinessx shall i command thy lovex i mayx shall i enforce thy
    lovex i couldx shall i entreat thy lovex i willx what shalt thou
    exchange for ragsxx robesx for tittlesxx titlesx for thyselfx
    xmex thus expecting thy replyx i profane my lips on thy footx my
    eyes on thy picturex and my heart on thy every partx
                  thine in the dearest design of industryx
                                           don adriano de armadox

    xthus dost thou hear the nemean lion roar
    xgainst theex thou lambx that standest as his preyx
    submissive fall his princely feet beforex
    and he from forage will incline to playx
    but if thou strivex poor soulx what are thou thenx
    food for his ragex repasture for his denxx
  princess of francex what plume of feathers is he that indited this
      letterx
    what vanex what weathercockx did you ever hear betterx
  boyetx i am much deceived but i remember the stylex
  princess of francex else your memory is badx going oxer it
    erewhilex
  boyetx this armado is a spaniardx that keeps here in courtx
    a phantasimex a monarchox and one that makes sport
    to the prince and his bookxmatesx
  princess of francex thou fellowx a wordx
    who gave thee this letterx
  costardx i told youx my lordx
  princess of francex to whom shouldst thou give itx
  costardx from my lord to my ladyx
  princess of francex from which lord to which ladyx
  costardx from my lord berownex a good master of minex
    to a lady of france that he callxd rosalinex
  princess of francex thou hast mistaken his letterx comex lordsx
      awayx
    xto rosalinex herex sweetx put up thisx xtwill be thine another
      dayx                             exeunt princess and train
  boyetx who is the shooterx who is the shooterx
  rosalinex shall i teach you to knowx
  boyetx ayx my continent of beautyx
  rosalinex whyx she that bears the bowx
    finely put offx
  boyetx my lady goes to kill hornsx butx if thou marryx
    hang me by the neckx if horns that year miscarryx
    finely put onx
  rosalinex well thenx i am the shooterx
  boyetx and who is your deerx
  rosalinex if we choose by the hornsx yourself come not nearx
    finely put on indeedx
  mariax you still wrangle with herx boyetx and she strikes at the
    browx
  boyetx but she herself is hit lowerx have i hit her nowx
  rosalinex shall i come upon thee with an old sayingx that was a man
    when king pepin of france was a little boyx as touching the hit
    itx
  boyetx so i may answer thee with one as oldx that was a woman when
    queen guinever of britain was a little wenchx as touching the hit
    itx
  rosalinex xsingingx
            thou canst not hit itx hit itx hit itx
            thou canst not hit itx my good manx
  boyetx    an i cannotx cannotx cannotx
            an i cannotx another canx
                                   exeunt rosaline and katharine
  costardx by my trothx most pleasantx how both did fit itx
  mariax a mark marvellous well shotx for they both did hit itx
  boyetx a markx ox mark but that markx a markx says my ladyx
    let the mark have a prick inxtx to mete atx if it may bex
  mariax wide ox the bowxhandx ix faithx your hand is outx
  costardx indeedx xa must shoot nearerx or hexll nexer hit the
    cloutx
  boyetx an if my hand be outx then belike your hand is inx
  costardx then will she get the upshoot by cleaving the pinx
  mariax comex comex you talk greasilyx your lips grow foulx
  costardx shexs too hard for you at pricksx sirx challenge her to
    bowlx
  boyetx i fear too much rubbingx goodxnightx my good owlx
                                          exeunt boyet and maria
  costardx by my soulx a swainx a most simple clownx
    lordx lordx how the ladies and i have put him downx
    ox my trothx most sweet jestsx most incony vulgar witx
    when it comes so smoothly offx so obscenelyx as it werex so fitx
    armado a thx txone sidex ox a most dainty manx
    to see him walk before a lady and to bear her fanx
    to see him kiss his handx and how most sweetly xa will swearx
    and his page a tx other sidex that handful of witx
    ahx heavensx it is a most pathetical nitx
    solax solax                                     exit costard

scene iix the park

from the shooting withinx enter holofernesx sir nathanielx and dull

  nathanielx very reverent sportx trulyx and done in the testimony of
    a good consciencex
  holofernesx the deer wasx as you knowx sanguisx in bloodx ripe as
    the pomewaterx who now hangeth like a jewel in the ear of caelox
    the skyx the welkinx the heavenx and anon falleth like a crab on
    the face of terrax the soilx the landx the earthx
  nathanielx trulyx master holofernesx the epithets are sweetly
    variedx like a scholar at the leastx butx sirx i assure ye it was
    a buck of the first headx
  holofernesx sir nathanielx haud credox
  dullx xtwas not a haud credox xtwas a pricketx
  holofernesx most barbarous intimationx yet a kind of insinuationx
    as it werex in viax in wayx of explicationx facerex as it werex
    replicationx or ratherx ostentarex to showx as it werex his
    inclinationx after his undressedx unpolishedx uneducatedx
    unprunedx untrainedx or rather unletteredx or ratherest
    unconfirmed fashionx to insert again my haud credo for a deerx
  dullx i said the deer was not a haud credox xtwas a pricketx
  holofernesx twicexsod simplicityx bis coctusx
    o thou monster ignorancex how deformed dost thou lookx
  nathanielx sirx he hath never fed of the dainties that are bred in
      a bookx
    he hath not eat paperx as it werex he hath not drunk inkx his
    intellect is not replenishedx he is only an animalx only sensible
    in the duller partsx
    and such barren plants are set before us that we thankful should
      bex
    which we of taste and feeling arex for those parts that do
      fructify in us more than hex
    for as it would ill become me to be vainx indiscreetx or a foolx
    sox were there a patch set on learningx to see him in a schoolx
    butx omne benex say ix being of an old fatherxs mindx
    many can brook the weather that love not the windx
  dullx you two are bookxmenx can you tell me by your wit
    what was a month old at cainxs birth thatxs not five weeks old as
      yetx
  holofernesx dictynnax goodman dullx dictynnax goodman dullx
  dullx what is dictynnax
  nathanielx a title to phoebex to lunax to the moonx
  holofernesx the moon was a month old when adam was no morex
    and raught not to five weeks when he came to fivexscorex
    thx allusion holds in the exchangex
  dullx xtis truex indeedx the collusion holds in the exchangex
  holofernesx god comfort thy capacityx i say thx allusion holds in
    the exchangex
  dullx and i say the polusion holds in the exchangex for the moon is
    never but a month oldx and i sayx besidex that xtwas a pricket
    that the princess killxdx
  holofernesx sir nathanielx will you hear an extemporal epitaph on
    the death of the deerx andx to humour the ignorantx call the deer
    the princess killxd a pricketx
  nathanielx pergex good master holofernesx pergex so it shall please
    you to abrogate scurrilityx
  holofernesx i will something affect the letterx for it argues
    facilityx

    the preyful princess piercxd and prickxd a pretty pleasing
      pricketx
    some say a sorex but not a sore till now made sore with shootingx
    the dogs did yellx put el to sorex then sorel jumps from thicketx
    or pricket sorex or else sorelx the people fall axhootingx
    if sore be sorex then l to sore makes fifty sores ox sorelx
    of one sore i an hundred make by adding but one more lx

  nathanielx a rare talentx
  dullx xasidex if a talent be a clawx look how he claws him with a
    talentx
  holofernesx this is a gift that i havex simplex simplex a foolish
    extravagant spiritx full of formsx figuresx shapesx objectsx
    ideasx apprehensionsx motionsx revolutionsx these are begot in
    the ventricle of memoryx nourishxd in the womb of pia materx and
    delivered upon the mellowing of occasionx but the gift is good in
    those in whom it is acutex and i am thankful for itx
  nathanielx sirx i praise the lord for youx and so may my
    parishionersx for their sons are well tutorxd by youx and their
    daughters profit very greatly under youx you are a good member of
    the commonwealthx
  holofernesx meherclex if their sons be ingeniousx they shall want
    no instructionx if their daughters be capablex i will put it to
    themx butx vir sapit qui pauca loquiturx a soul feminine saluteth
    usx

                    enter jaquenetta and costard

  jaquenettax god give you good morrowx master personx
  holofernesx master personx quasi persxonex and if one should be
    piercxd which is the onex
  costardx marryx master schoolmasterx he that is likest to a
    hogsheadx
  holofernesx piercing a hogsheadx a good lustre of conceit in a turf
    of earthx fire enough for a flintx pearl enough for a swinex xtis
    prettyx it is wellx
  jaquenettax good master parsonx be so good as read me this letterx
    it was given me by costardx and sent me from don armadox i
    beseech you read itx
  holofernesx faustex precor gelida quando pecus omne sub umbra
    ruminatx
    and so forthx ahx good old mantuanx i may speak of thee as
    the traveller doth of venicex
                   venetiax venetiax
                   chi non ti vedex non ti pretiax
    old mantuanx old mantuanx who understandeth thee notx
    loves thee notx
                      utx rex solx lax mix fax
    under pardonx sirx what are the contentsx or rather as
    horace says in hisx whatx my soulx versesx
  nathanielx ayx sirx and very learnedx
  holofernesx let me hear a staffx a stanzex a versex legex dominex
  nathanielx xreadsx xif love make me forswornx how shall i swear to
      lovex
    ahx never faith could holdx if not to beauty vowedx
    though to myself forswornx to thee ixll faithful provex
    those thoughts to me were oaksx to thee like osiers bowedx
    study his bias leavesx and makes his book thine eyesx
    where all those pleasures live that art would comprehendx
    if knowledge be the markx to know thee shall sufficex
    well learned is that tongue that well can thee commendx
    all ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonderx
    which is to me some praise that i thy parts admirex
    thy eye jovexs lightning bearsx thy voice his dreadful thunderx
    whichx not to anger bentx is music and sweet firex
    celestial as thou artx ox pardon love this wrongx
    that singes heavenxs praise with such an earthly tonguexx
  holofernesx you find not the apostrophasx and so miss the accentx
    let me supervise the canzonetx here are only numbers ratifiedx
    butx for the elegancyx facilityx and golden cadence of poesyx
    caretx ovidius naso was the manx and whyx indeedx xnasox but for
    smelling out the odoriferous flowers of fancyx the jerks of
    inventionx imitari is nothingx so doth the hound his masterx the
    ape his keeperx the tired horse his riderx butx damosella virginx
    was this directed to youx
  jaquenettax ayx sirx from one monsieur berownex one of the strange
    queenxs lordsx
  holofernesx i will overglance the superscriptx xto the snowxwhite
    hand of the most beauteous lady rosalinexx i will look again on
    the intellect of the letterx for the nomination of the party
    writing to the person written untox xyour ladyshipxs in all
    desired employmentx berownexx sir nathanielx this berowne is one
    of the votaries with the kingx and here he hath framed a letter
    to a sequent of the stranger queenxs which accidentallyx or by
    the way of progressionx hath miscarriedx trip and gox my sweetx
    deliver this paper into the royal hand of the kingx it may
    concern muchx stay not thy complimentx i forgive thy dutyx adieux
  jaquenettax good costardx go with mex sirx god save your lifex
  costardx have with theex my girlx
                                   exeunt costard and jaquenetta
  nathanielx sirx you have done this in the fear of godx very
    religiouslyx andx as a certain father saithx
  holofernesx sirx tell not me of the fatherx i do fear colourable
    coloursx but to return to the versesx did they please youx sir
    nathanielx
  nathanielx marvellous well for the penx
  holofernesx i do dine toxday at the fatherxs of a certain pupil of
    minex wherex ifx before repastx it shall please you to gratify
    the table with a gracex i willx on my privilege i have with the
    parents of the foresaid child or pupilx undertake your ben
    venutox where i will prove those verses to be very unlearnedx
    neither savouring of poetryx witx nor inventionx i beseech your
    societyx
  nathanielx and thank you toox for societyx saith the textx is the
    happiness of lifex
  holofernesx and certesx the text most infallibly concludes itx
    xto dullx sirx i do invite you toox you shall not say me nayx
    pauca verbax awayx the gentles are at their gamex and we will to
    our recreationx                                       exeunt

scene iiix the park

enter berownex with a paper his bandx alone

  berownex the king he is hunting the deerx i am coursing myselfx they
  have pitchxd a toilx i am tolling in a pitchx pitch that defilesx
  defilex a foul wordx wellx xset thee downx sorrowxx for so they say
  the fool saidx and so say ix and i am the foolx well provedx witx by
  the lordx this love is as mad as ajaxx it kills sheepx it kills mex i
  a sheepx well proved again ox my sidex i will not lovex if i dox hang
  mex ix faithx i will notx ox but her eyex by this lightx but for her
  eyex i would not love herx yesx for her two eyesx wellx i do nothing
  in the world but liex and lie in my throatx by heavenx i do lovex and
  it hath taught me to rhymex and to be melancholyx and here is part of
  my rhymex and here my melancholyx wellx she hath one ox my sonnets
  alreadyx the clown bore itx the fool sent itx and the lady hath itx
  sweet clownx sweeter foolx sweetest ladyx by the worldx i would not
  care a pin if the other three were inx here comes one with a paperx
  god give him grace to groanx xclimbs into a treex

                      enter the kingx with a paper

  kingx ay mex
  berownex shotx by heavenx proceedx sweet cupidx thou hast thumpxd
    him with thy birdxbolt under the left papx in faithx secretsx
  kingx xreadsx
      xso sweet a kiss the golden sun gives not
      to those fresh morning drops upon the rosex
      as thy eyexbeamsx when their fresh rays have smote
      the night of dew that on my cheeks down flowsx
      nor shines the silver moon one half so bright
      through the transparent bosom of the deepx
      as doth thy face through tears of mine give lightx
      thou shinxst in every tear that i do weepx
      no drop but as a coach doth carry theex
      so ridest thou triumphing in my woex
      do but behold the tears that swell in mex
      and they thy glory through my grief will showx
      but do not love thyselfx then thou wilt keep
      my tears for glassesx and still make me weepx
      o queen of queensx how far dost thou excel
      no thought can think nor tongue of mortal tellxx
    how shall she know my griefsx ixll drop the paperx
    sweet leavesx shade follyx who is he comes herex
                                                   xsteps asidex

                  enter longavillex with a paper

    whatx longavillex and readingx listenx carx
  berownex nowx in thy likenessx one more fool appearx
  longavillex ay mex i am forswornx
  berownex whyx he comes in like a perjurex wearing papersx
  kingx in lovex i hopex sweet fellowship in shamex
  berownex one drunkard loves another of the namex
  longavillex am i the first that have been perjurxd sox
  berownex i could put thee in comfortx not by two that i knowx
    thou makest the triumviryx the cornerxcap of societyx
    the shape of lovexs tyburn that hangs up simplicityx
  longavillex i fear these stubborn lines lack power to movex
    o sweet mariax empress of my lovex
    these numbers will i tearx and write in prosex
  berownex ox rhymes are guards on wanton cupidxs hosex
    disfigure not his slopx
  longavillex this same shall gox          xhe reads the sonnetx
      xdid not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eyex
      xgainst whom the world cannot hold argumentx
      persuade my heart to this false perjuryx
      vows for thee broke deserve not punishmentx
      a woman i forsworex but i will provex
      thou being a goddessx i forswore not theex
      my vow was earthlyx thou a heavenly lovex
      thy grace being gainxd cures all disgrace in mex
      vows are but breathx and breath a vapour isx
      then thoux fair sunx which on my earth dost shinex
      exhalxst this vapourxvowx in thee it isx
      if brokenx then it is no fault of minex
      if by me brokex what fool is not so wise
      to lose an oath to win a paradisexx
  berownex this is the liverxveinx which makes flesh a deityx
    a green goose a goddessx purex pure idolatryx
    god amend usx god amendx we are much out ox thx wayx

                      enter dumainx with a paper

  longavillex by whom shall i send thisxx companyx stayx
                                                   xsteps asidex
  berownex xall hidx all hidxx an old infant playx
    like a demigod here sit i in the skyx
    and wretched foolsx secrets heedfully oxerxeyex
    more sacks to the millx o heavensx i have my wishx
    dumain transformedx four woodcocks in a dishx
  dumainx o most divine katex
  berownex o most profane coxcombx
  dumainx by heavenx the wonder in a mortal eyex
  berownex by earthx she is notx corporalx there you liex
  dumainx her amber hairs for foul hath amber quotedx
  berownex an amberxcolourxd raven was well notedx
  dumainx as upright as the cedarx
  berownex stoopx i sayx
    her shoulder is with childx
  dumainx as fair as dayx
  berownex ayx as some daysx but then no sun must shinex
  dumainx o that i had my wishx
  longavillex and i had minex
  kingx and i mine tooxxgood lordx
  berownex amenx so i had minex is not that a good wordx
  dumainx i would forget herx but a fever she
    reigns in my bloodx and will remembxred bex
  berownex a fever in your bloodx whyx then incision
    would let her out in saucersx sweet misprisionx
  dumainx once more ixll read the ode that i have writx
  berownex once more ixll mark how love can vary witx
  dumainx xreadsx
        xon a dayxalack the dayxx
        lovex whose month is ever mayx
        spied a blossom passing fair
        playing in the wanton airx
        through the velvet leaves the windx
        all unseenx can passage findx
        that the loverx sick to deathx
        wishxd himself the heavenxs breathx
        xairxx quoth he xthy cheeks may blowx
        airx would i might triumph sox
        butx alackx my hand is sworn
        nexer to pluck thee from thy thornx
        vowx alackx for youth unmeetx
        youth so apt to pluck a sweetx
        do not call it sin in me
        that i am forsworn for theex
        thou for whom jove would swear
        juno but an ethiope werex
        and deny himself for jovex
        turning mortal for thy lovexxx
    this will i sendx and something else more plain
    that shall express my true lovexs fasting painx
    ox would the kingx berowne and longavillex
    were lovers toox illx to example illx
    would from my forehead wipe a perjurxd notex
    for none offend where all alike do dotex
  longavillex xadvancingx dumainx thy love is far from charityx
    that in lovexs grief desirxst societyx
    you may look palex but i should blushx i knowx
    to be oxerheard and taken napping sox
  kingx xadvancingx comex sirx you blushx as hisx your case is suchx
    you chide at himx offending twice as muchx
    you do not love mariax longaville
    did never sonnet for her sake compilex
    nor never lay his wreathed arms athwart
    his loving bosomx to keep down his heartx
    i have been closely shrouded in this bushx
    and markxd you bothx and for you both did blushx
    i heard your guilty rhymesx observxd your fashionx
    saw sighs reek from youx noted well your passionx
    xay mexx says onex xo jovexx the other criesx
    onex her hairs were goldx crystal the otherxs eyesx
    xto longavillex you would for paradise break faith and trothx
    xto dumainx and jove for your love would infringe an oathx
    what will berowne say when that he shall hear
    faith infringed which such zeal did swearx
    how will he scornx how will he spend his witx
    how will he triumphx leapx and laugh at itx
    for all the wealth that ever i did seex
    i would not have him know so much by mex
  berownex xdescendingx now step i forth to whip hypocrisyx
    ahx good my liegex i pray thee pardon mex
    good heartx what grace hast thou thus to reprove
    these worms for lovingx that art most in lovex
    your eyes do make no coachesx in your tears
    there is no certain princess that appearsx
    youxll not be perjurxdx xtis a hateful thingx
    tushx none but minstrels like of sonnetingx
    but are you not ashamedx nayx are you notx
    all three of youx to be thus much oxershotx
    you found his motex the king your mote did seex
    but i a beam do find in each of threex
    ox what a scene of foolxry have i seenx
    of sighsx of groansx of sorrowx and of teenx
    ox mex with what strict patience have i satx
    to see a king transformed to a gnatx
    to see great hercules whipping a gigx
    and profound solomon to tune a jigx
    and nestor play at pushxpin with the boysx
    and critic timon laugh at idle toysx
    where lies thy griefx ox tell mex good dumainx
    andx gentle longavillex where lies thy painx
    and where my liegexsx all about the breastx
    a caudlex hox
  kingx too bitter is thy jestx
    are we betrayed thus to thy overxviewx
  berownex not you by mex but i betrayed to youx
    i that am honestx i that hold it sin
    to break the vow i am engaged inx
    i am betrayed by keeping company
    with men like youx men of inconstancyx
    when shall you see me write a thing in rhymex
    or groan for joanx or spend a minutexs time
    in pruning mex when shall you hear that i
    will praise a handx a footx a facex an eyex
    a gaitx a statex a browx a breastx a waistx
    a legx a limbx
  kingx softx whither away so fastx
    a true man or a thief that gallops sox
  berownex i post from lovex good loverx let me gox

                 enter jaquenetta and costard

  jaquenettax god bless the kingx
  kingx what present hast thou therex
  costardx some certain treasonx
  kingx what makes treason herex
  costardx nayx it makes nothingx sirx
  kingx if it mar nothing neitherx
    the treason and you go in peace away togetherx
  jaquenettax i beseech your gracex let this letter be readx
    our person misdoubts itx xtwas treasonx he saidx
  kingx berownex read it overx        xberowne reads the letterx
    where hadst thou itx
  jaquenettax of costardx
  kingx where hadst thou itx
  costardx of dun adramadiox dun adramadiox
                                      xberowne tears the letterx
  kingx how nowx what is in youx why dost thou tear itx
  berownex a toyx my liegex a toyx your grace needs not fear itx
  longavillex it did move him to passionx and therefore letxs hear
     itx
  dumainx it is berownexs writingx and here is his namex
                                       xgathering up the piecesx
  berownex x to costardx ahx you whoreson loggerheadx you were born
      to do me shamex
    guiltyx my lordx guiltyx i confessx i confessx
  kingx whatx
  berownex that you three fools lackxd me fool to make up the messx
    hex hex and youx and youx my liegexx and i
    are pickxpurses in lovex and we deserve to diex
    ox dismiss this audiencex and i shall tell you morex
    dumainx now the number is evenx
  berownex truex truex we are fourx
    will these turtles be gonex
  kingx hencex sirsx awayx
  costardx walk aside the true folkx and let the traitors stayx
                                   exeunt costard and jaquenetta
  berownex sweet lordsx sweet loversx ox let us embracex
    as true we are as flesh and blood can bex
    the sea will ebb and flowx heaven show his facex
    young blood doth not obey an old decreex
    we cannot cross the cause why we were bornx
    therefore of all hands must we be forswornx
  kingx whatx did these rent lines show some love of thinex
  berownex xdid theyxx quoth youx who sees the heavenly rosaline
    thatx like a rude and savage man of inde
    at the first opxning of the gorgeous eastx
    bows not his vassal head andx strucken blindx
    kisses the base ground with obedient breastx
    what peremptory eaglexsighted eye
    dares look upon the heaven of her brow
    that is not blinded by her majestyx
  kingx what zealx what fury hath inspirxd thee nowx
    my lovex her mistressx is a gracious moonx
    shex an attending starx scarce seen a lightx
  berownex my eyes are then no eyesx nor i berownex
    ox but for my lovex day would turn to nightx
    of all complexions the cullxd sovereignty
    do meetx as at a fairx in her fair cheekx
    where several worthies make one dignityx
    where nothing wants that want itself doth seekx
    lend me the flourish of all gentle tonguesx
    fiex painted rhetoricx ox she needs it notx
    to things of sale a sellerxs praise belongsx
    she passes praisex then praise too short doth blotx
    a witherxd hermitx fivexscore winters wornx
    might shake off fiftyx looking in her eyex
    beauty doth varnish agex as if newxbornx
    and gives the crutch the cradlexs infancyx
    ox xtis the sun that maketh all things shinex
  kingx by heavenx thy love is black as ebonyx
  berownex is ebony like herx o wood divinex
    a wife of such wood were felicityx
    ox who can give an oathx where is a bookx
    that i may swear beauty doth beauty lackx
    if that she learn not of her eye to lookx
    no face is fair that is not full so blackx
  kingx o paradoxx black is the badge of hellx
    the hue of dungeonsx and the school of nightx
    and beautyxs crest becomes the heavens wellx
  berownex devils soonest temptx resembling spirits of lightx
    ox if in black my ladyxs brows be decktx
    it mourns that painting and usurping hair
    should ravish doters with a false aspectx
    and therefore is she born to make black fairx
    her favour turns the fashion of the daysx
    for native blood is counted painting nowx
    and therefore red that would avoid dispraise
    paints itself blackx to imitate her browx
  dumainx to look like her are chimneyxsweepers blackx
  longavillex and since her time are colliers counted brightx
  kingx and ethiopes of their sweet complexion crackx
  dumainx dark needs no candles nowx for dark is lightx
  berownex your mistresses dare never come in rain
    for fear their colours should be washxd awayx
  kingx xtwere good yours didx forx sirx to tell you plainx
    ixll find a fairer face not washxd toxdayx
  berownex ixll prove her fairx or talk till doomsday herex
  kingx no devil will fright thee then so much as shex
  dumainx i never knew man hold vile stuff so dearx
  longavillex lookx herexs thy lovex my foot and her face seex
                                              xshowing his shoex
  berownex ox if the streets were paved with thine eyesx
    her feet were much too dainty for such treadx
  dumainx o vilex thenx as she goesx what upward lies
    the street should see as she walkxd overheadx
  kingx but what of thisx are we not all in lovex
  berownex nothing so surex and thereby all forswornx
  kingx then leave this chatx andx good berownex now prove
    our loving lawfulx and our faith not tornx
  dumainx ayx marryx therex some flattery for this evilx
  longavillex ox some authority how to proceedx
    some tricksx some quilletsx how to cheat the devilx
  dumainx some salve for perjuryx
  berownex xtis more than needx
    have at youx thenx affectionxs menxatxarmsx
    consider what you first did swear untox
    to fastx to studyx and to see no womanx
    flat treason xgainst the kingly state of youthx
    sayx can you fastx your stomachs are too youngx
    and abstinence engenders maladiesx
    andx where that you you have vowxd to studyx lordsx
    in that each of you have forsworn his bookx
    can you still dreamx and porex and thereon lookx
    for when would youx my lordx or youx or youx
    have found the ground of studyxs excellence
    without the beauty of a womanxs facex
    from womenxs eyes this doctrine i derivex
    they are the groundx the booksx the academesx
    from whence doth spring the true promethean firex
    whyx universal plodding poisons up
    the nimble spirits in the arteriesx
    as motion and longxduring action tires
    the sinewy vigour of the travellerx
    nowx for not looking on a womanxs facex
    you have in that forsworn the use of eyesx
    and study toox the causer of your vowx
    for where is author in the world
    teaches such beauty as a womanxs eyex
    learning is but an adjunct to ourselfx
    and where we are our learning likewise isx
    then when ourselves we see in ladiesx eyesx
    with ourselvesx
    do we not likewise see our learning therex
    ox we have made a vow to studyx lordsx
    and in that vow we have forsworn our booksx
    for when would youx my liegex or youx or youx
    in leaden contemplation have found out
    such fiery numbers as the prompting eyes
    of beautyxs tutors have enrichxd you withx
    other slow arts entirely keep the brainx
    and thereforex finding barren practisersx
    scarce show a harvest of their heavy toilx
    but lovex first learned in a ladyxs eyesx
    lives not alone immured in the brainx
    but with the motion of all elements
    courses as swift as thought in every powerx
    and gives to every power a double powerx
    above their functions and their officesx
    it adds a precious seeing to the eyex
    a loverxs eyes will gaze an eagle blindx
    a loverxs ear will hear the lowest soundx
    when the suspicious head of theft is stoppxdx
    lovexs feeling is more soft and sensible
    than are the tender horns of cockled snailsx
    lovexs tongue proves dainty bacchus gross in tastex
    for valourx is not love a herculesx
    still climbing trees in the hesperidesx
    subtle as sphinxx as sweet and musical
    as bright apolloxs lutex strung with his hairx
    and when love speaksx the voice of all the gods
    make heaven drowsy with the harmonyx
    never durst poet touch a pen to write
    until his ink were tempxred with lovexs sighsx
    ox then his lines would ravish savage earsx
    and plant in tyrants mild humilityx
    from womenxs eyes this doctrine i derivex
    they sparkle still the right promethean firex
    they are the booksx the artsx the academesx
    that showx containx and nourishx all the worldx
    else none at all in aught proves excellentx
    then fools you were these women to forswearx
    orx keeping what is swornx you will prove foolsx
    for wisdomxs sakex a word that all men lovex
    or for lovexs sakex a word that loves all menx
    or for menxs sakex the authors of these womenx
    or womenxs sakex by whom we men are menx
    let us once lose our oaths to find ourselvesx
    or else we lose ourselves to keep our oathsx
    it is religion to be thus forswornx
    for charity itself fulfils the lawx
    and who can sever love from charityx
  kingx saint cupidx thenx andx soldiersx to the fieldx
  berownex advance your standardsx and upon themx lordsx
    pellxmellx down with themx be first advisxdx
    in conflictx that you get the sun of themx
  longavillex now to plainxdealingx lay these glozes byx
    shall we resolve to woo these girls of francex
  kingx and win them toox therefore let us devise
    some entertainment for them in their tentsx
  berownex firstx from the park let us conduct them thitherx
    then homeward every man attach the hand
    of his fair mistressx in the afternoon
    we will with some strange pastime solace themx
    such as the shortness of the time can shapex
    for revelsx dancesx masksx and merry hoursx
    forerun fair lovex strewing her way with flowersx
  kingx awayx awayx no time shall be omitted
    that will betimex and may by us be fittedx
  berownex allonsx allonsx sowxd cockle reapxd no cornx
    and justice always whirls in equal measurex
    light wenches may prove plagues to men forswornx
    if sox our copper buys no better treasurex            exeunt

act vx scene ix the park

enter holofernesx sir nathanielx and dull

  holofernesx satis quod sufficitx
  nathanielx i praise god for youx sirx your reasons at dinner have
    been sharp and sententiousx pleasant without scurrilityx witty
    without affectionx audacious without impudencyx learned without
    opinionx and strange without heresyx i did converse this quondam
    day with a companion of the kingxs who is intituledx nominatedx
    or calledx don adriano de armadox
  holofernesx novi hominem tanquam tex his humour is loftyx his
    discourse peremptoryx his tongue filedx his eye ambitiousx his
    gait majestical and his general behaviour vainx ridiculousx and
    thrasonicalx he is too pickedx too sprucex too affectedx too oddx
    as it werex too peregrinatex as i may call itx
  nathanielx a most singular and choice epithetx
                                      xdraws out his tablexbookx
  holofernesx he draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than
    the staple of his argumentx i abhor such fanatical phantasimesx
    such insociable and pointxdevise companionsx such rackers of
    orthographyx as to speak xdoutx finex when he should say xdoubtxx
    xdetx when he should pronounce xdebtxx dx ex bx tx not dx ex tx
    he clepeth a calf xcaufxx half xhaufxx neighbour vocatur
    xnebourxx xneighx abbreviated xnexx this is abhominablex which he
    would call xabbominablexx it insinuateth me of insaniex ne
    intelligisx dominex to make franticx lunaticx
  nathanielx laus deox bone intelligox
  holofernesx xbonexxx xbonex for xbenexx priscian a little
    scratchxdx xtwill servex

                 enter armadox mothx and costard

  nathanielx videsne quis venitx
  holofernesx videox et gaudeox
  armadox xto mothx chirrahx
  holofernesx quare xchirrahxx not xsirrahxx
  armadox men of peacex well encountxredx
  holofernesx most military sirx salutationx
  mothx xaside to costardx they have been at a great feast of
    languages and stolxn the scrapsx
  costardx ox they have livxd long on the almsxbasket of wordsx i
    marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for a wordx for thou are
    not so long by the head as honorificabilitudinitatibusx thou art
    easier swallowed than a flapxdragonx
  mothx peacex the peal beginsx
  armadox xto holofernesx monsieurx are you not lettxredx
  mothx yesx yesx he teaches boys the hornbookx what is ax bx spelt
    backward with the horn on his headx
  holofernesx bax pueritiax with a horn addedx
  mothx bax most silly sheep with a hornx you hear his learningx
  holofernesx quisx quisx thou consonantx
  mothx the third of the five vowelsx if you repeat themx or the
    fifthx if ix
  holofernesx i will repeat themx ax ex ix
  mothx the sheepx the other two concludes itx ox ux
  armadox nowx by the salt wave of the mediterraneumx a sweet touchx
    a quick venue of witx snipx snapx quick and homex it rejoiceth my
    intellectx true witx
  mothx offerxd by a child to an old manx which is witxoldx
  holofernesx what is the figurex what is the figurex
  mothx hornsx
  holofernesx thou disputes like an infantx go whip thy gigx
  mothx lend me your horn to make onex and i will whip about your
    infamy circum circax a gig of a cuckoldxs hornx
  costardx an i had but one penny in the worldx thou shouldst have it
    to buy gingerxbreadx holdx there is the very remuneration i had
    of thy masterx thou halfpenny purse of witx thou pigeonxegg of
    discretionx ox an the heavens were so pleased that thou wert but
    my bastardx what a joyful father wouldst thou make mex go tox
    thou hast it ad dunghillx at the fingersx endsx as they sayx
  holofernesx ox i smell false latinx xdunghillx for unguemx
  armadox artsxmanx preambulatex we will be singuled from the
    barbarousx do you not educate youth at the chargexhouse on the
    top of the mountainx
  holofernesx or monsx the hillx
  armadox at your sweet pleasurex for the mountainx
  holofernesx i dox sans questionx
  armadox sirx it is the kingxs most sweet pleasure and affection to
    congratulate the princess at her pavilionx in the posteriors of
    this dayx which the rude multitude call the afternoonx
  holofernesx the posterior of the dayx most generous sirx is liablex
    congruentx and measurablex for the afternoonx the word is well
    cullxdx chosex sweetx and aptx i do assure youx sirx i do assurex
  armadox sirx the king is a noble gentlemanx and my familiarx i do
    assure yex very good friendx for what is inward between usx let
    it passx i do beseech theex remember thy courtesyx i beseech
    theex apparel thy headx and among other importunate and most
    serious designsx and of great import indeedx toox but let that
    passx for i must tell thee it will please his gracex by the
    worldx sometime to lean upon my poor shoulderx and with his royal
    finger thus dally with my excrementx with my mustachiox butx
    sweet heartx let that passx by the worldx i recount no fablex
    some certain special honours it pleaseth his greatness to impart
    to armadox a soldierx a man of travelx that hath seen the worldx
    but let that passx the very all of all isx butx sweet heartx i do
    implore secrecyx that the king would have me present the
    princessx sweet chuckx with some delightful ostentationx or showx
    or pageantx or anticx or fireworkx nowx understanding that the
    curate and your sweet self are good at such eruptions and sudden
    breakingxout of mirthx as it werex i have acquainted you withalx
    to the end to crave your assistancex
  holofernesx sirx you shall present before her the nine worthiesx
    sir nathanielx as concerning some entertainment of timex some
    show in the posterior of this dayx to be rendxred by our
    assistancex the kingxs commandx and this most gallantx
    illustratex and learned gentlemanx before the princessx i say
    none so fit as to present the nine worthiesx
  nathanielx where will you find men worthy enough to present themx
  holofernesx joshuax yourselfx myselfx alexanderx this gallant
    gentlemanx judas maccabaeusx this swainx because of his great
    limb or jointx shall pass pompey the greatx the pagex herculesx
  armadox pardonx sirx errorx he is not quantity enough for that
    worthyxs thumbx he is not so big as the end of his clubx
  holofernesx shall i have audiencex he shall present hercules in
    minorityx his enter and exit shall be strangling a snakex and i
    will have an apology for that purposex
  mothx an excellent devicex sox if any of the audience hissx you may
    cry xwell donex herculesx now thou crushest the snakexx that is
    the way to make an offence graciousx though few have the grace to
    do itx
  armadox for the rest of the worthiesx
  holofernesx i will play three myselfx
  mothx thricexworthy gentlemanx
  armadox shall i tell you a thingx
  holofernesx we attendx
  armadox we will havex if this fadge notx an anticx i beseech youx
    followx
  holofernesx viax goodman dullx thou has spoken no word all this
    whilex
  dullx nor understood none neitherx sirx
  holofernesx allonsx we will employ theex
  dullx ixll make one in a dancex or sox or i will play
    on the tabor to the worthiesx and let them dance the hayx
  holofernesx most dullx honest dullx to our sportx awayx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix the park

enter the princessx mariax katharinex and rosaline

  princess of francex sweet heartsx we shall be rich ere we departx
    if fairings come thus plentifully inx
    a lady wallxd about with diamondsx
    look you what i have from the loving kingx
  rosalinex madamx came nothing else along with thatx
  princess of francex nothing but thisx yesx as much love in rhyme
    as would be crammxd up in a sheet of paper
    writ ox both sides the leafx margent and allx
    that he was fain to seal on cupidxs namex
  rosalinex that was the way to make his godhead waxx
    for he hath been five thousand year a boyx
  katharinex ayx and a shrewd unhappy gallows toox
  rosalinex youxll nexer be friends with himx xa killxd your sisterx
  katharinex he made her melancholyx sadx and heavyx
    and so she diedx had she been lightx like youx
    of such a merryx nimblex stirring spiritx
    she might xa been a grandam ere she diedx
    and so may youx for a light heart lives longx
  rosalinex whatxs your dark meaningx mousex of this light wordx
  katharinex a light condition in a beauty darkx
  rosalinex we need more light to find your meaning outx
  katharinex youxll mar the light by taking it in snuffx
    therefore ixll darkly end the argumentx
  rosalinex look what you dox you do it still ix thx darkx
  katharinex so do not youx for you are a light wenchx
  rosalinex indeedx i weigh not youx and therefore lightx
  katharinex you weigh me notx ox thatxs you care not for mex
  rosalinex great reasonx for xpast cure is still past carexx
  princess of francex well bandied bothx a set of wit well playxdx
    butx rosalinex you have a favour toox
    who sent itx and what is itx
  rosalinex i would you knewx
    an if my face were but as fair as yoursx
    my favour were as greatx be witness thisx
    nayx i have verses toox i thank berownex
    the numbers truex andx were the numbxring toox
    i were the fairest goddess on the groundx
    i am comparxd to twenty thousand fairsx
    ox he hath drawn my picture in his letterx
  princess of francex anything likex
  rosalinex much in the lettersx nothing in the praisex
  princess of francex beauteous as inkx a good conclusionx
  katharinex fair as a text b in a copyxbookx
  rosalinex ware pencilsx hox let me not die your debtorx
    my red dominicalx my golden letterx
    o that your face were not so full of oxsx
  katharinex a pox of that jestx and i beshrew all shrowsx
  princess of francex butx katharinex what was sent to you from fair
    dumainx
  katharinex madamx this glovex
  princess of francex did he not send you twainx
  katharinex yesx madamx andx moreoverx
    some thousand verses of a faithful loverx
    a huge translation of hypocrisyx
    vilely compilxdx profound simplicityx
  mariax thisx and these pearlx to me sent longavillex
    the letter is too long by half a milex
  princess of francex i think no lessx dost thou not wish in heart
    the chain were longer and the letter shortx
  mariax ayx or i would these hands might never partx
  princess of francex we are wise girls to mock our lovers sox
  rosalinex they are worse fools to purchase mocking sox
    that same berowne ixll torture ere i gox
    o that i knew he were but in by thx weekx
    how i would make him fawnx and begx and seekx
    and wait the seasonx and observe the timesx
    and spend his prodigal wits in bootless rhymesx
    and shape his service wholly to my hestsx
    and make him proud to make me proud that jestsx
    so pertauntxlike would i oxersway his state
    that he should be my foolx and i his fatex
  princess of francex none are so surely caughtx when they are
      catchxdx
    as wit turnxd foolx follyx in wisdom hatchxdx
    hath wisdomxs warrant and the help of schoolx
    and witxs own grace to grace a learned foolx
  rosalinex the blood of youth burns not with such excess
    as gravityxs revolt to wantonnessx
  mariax folly in fools bears not so strong a note
    as foolxry in the wise when wit doth dotex
    since all the power thereof it doth apply
    to provex by witx worth in simplicityx

                          enter boyet

  princess of francex here comes boyetx and mirth is in his facex
  boyetx ox i am stabbxd with laughterx wherexs her gracex
  princess of francex thy newsx boyetx
  boyetx preparex madamx preparex
    armx wenchesx armx encounters mounted are
    against your peacex love doth approach disguisxdx
    armed in argumentsx youxll be surprisxdx
    muster your witsx stand in your own defencex
    or hide your heads like cowardsx and fly hencex
  princess of francex saint dennis to saint cupidx what are they
    that charge their breath against usx sayx scoutx sayx
  boyetx under the cool shade of a sycamore
    i thought to close mine eyes some half an hourx
    whenx lox to interrupt my purposxd restx
    toward that shade i might behold addrest
    the king and his companionsx warily
    i stole into a neighbour thicket byx
    and overheard what you shall overhearx
    thatx by and byx disguisxd they will be herex
    their herald is a pretty knavish pagex
    that well by heart hath connxd his embassagex
    action and accent did they teach him therex
    xthus must thou speakx and xthus thy body bearxx
    and ever and anon they made a doubt
    presence majestical would put him outx
    xforx quoth the king xan angel shalt thou seex
    yet fear not thoux but speak audaciouslyxx
    the boy replied xan angel is not evilx
    i should have fearxd her had she been a devilxx
    with that all laughxdx and clappxd him on the shoulderx
    making the bold wag by their praises bolderx
    one rubbxd his elbowx thusx and fleerxdx and swore
    a better speech was never spoke beforex
    another with his finger and his thumb
    cried xviax we will doxtx come what will comexx
    the third he caperxdx and cried xall goes wellxx
    the fourth turnxd on the toex and down he fellx
    with that they all did tumble on the groundx
    with such a zealous laughterx so profoundx
    that in this spleen ridiculous appearsx
    to check their follyx passionxs solemn tearsx
  princess of francex but whatx but whatx come they to visit usx
  boyetx they dox they dox and are apparellxd thusx
    like muscovites or russiansx as i guessx
    their purpose is to parleyx courtx and dancex
    and every one his lovexfeat will advance
    unto his several mistressx which theyxll know
    by favours several which they did bestowx
  princess of francex and will they sox the gallants shall be taskxdx
    forx ladiesx we will every one be maskxdx
    and not a man of them shall have the gracex
    despite of suitx to see a ladyxs facex
    holdx rosalinex this favour thou shalt wearx
    and then the king will court thee for his dearx
    holdx take thou thisx my sweetx and give me thinex
    so shall berowne take me for rosalinex
    and change you favours toox so shall your loves
    woo contraryx deceivxd by these removesx
  rosalinex come onx thenx wear the favours most in sightx
  katharinex butx in this changingx what is your intentx
  princess of francex the effect of my intent is to cross theirsx
    they do it but in mocking merrimentx
    and mock for mock is only my intentx
    their several counsels they unbosom shall
    to loves mistookx and so be mockxd withal
    upon the next occasion that we meet
    with visages displayxd to talk and greetx
  rosalinex but shall we dancex if they desire us toxtx
  princess of francex nox to the deathx we will not move a footx
    nor to their pennxd speech render we no gracex
    but while xtis spoke each turn away her facex
  boyetx whyx that contempt will kill the speakerxs heartx
    and quite divorce his memory from his partx
  princess of francex therefore i do itx and i make no doubt
    the rest will nexer come inx if he be outx
    therexs no such sport as sport by sport oxerthrownx
    to make theirs oursx and ours none but our ownx
    so shall we stayx mocking intended gamex
    and they well mockxd depart away with shamex
                                         xtrumpet sounds withinx
  boyetx the trumpet soundsx be maskxdx the maskers comex
                                               xthe ladies maskx

          enter blackamoors musicx moth as prologuex the
     king and his lords as maskersx in the guise of russians

  mothx all hailx the richest heauties on the earthx
  boyetx beauties no richer than rich taffetax
  mothx a holy parcel of the fairest dames
                            xthe ladies turn their backs to himx
    that ever turnxd theirx backsx to mortal viewsx
  berownex their eyesx villainx their eyesx
  mothx that ever turnxd their eyes to mortal viewsx
    outx
  boyetx truex out indeedx
  mothx out of your favoursx heavenly spiritsx vouchsafe
    not to beholdx
  berownex once to beholdx roguex
  mothx once to behold with your sunxbeamed eyesx with your
    sunxbeamed eyesx
  boyetx they will not answer to that epithetx
    you were best call it xdaughterxbeamed eyesxx
  mothx they do not mark mex and that brings me outx
  berownex is this your perfectnessx be gonex you roguex
                                                       exit moth
  rosalinex what would these strangersx know their mindsx boyetx
    if they do speak our languagex xtis our will
    that some plain man recount their purposesx
    know what they wouldx
  boyetx what would you with the princessx
  berownex nothing but peace and gentle visitationx
  rosalinex what would theyx say theyx
  boyetx nothing but peace and gentle visitationx
  rosalinex whyx that they havex and bid them so be gonex
  boyetx she says you have itx and you may be gonex
  kingx say to her we have measurxd many miles
    to tread a measure with her on this grassx
  boyetx they say that they have measurxd many a mile
    to tread a measure with you on this grassx
  rosalinex it is not sox ask them how many inches
    is in one milex if they have measured manyx
    the measurex thenx of one is easxly toldx
  boyetx if to come hither you have measurxd milesx
    and many milesx the princess bids you tell
    how many inches doth fill up one milex
  berownex tell her we measure them by weary stepsx
  boyetx she hears herselfx
  rosalinex how many weary steps
    of many weary miles you have oxergone
    are numbxred in the travel of one milex
  berownex we number nothing that we spend for youx
    our duty is so richx so infinitex
    that we may do it still without accomptx
    vouchsafe to show the sunshine of your facex
    that wex like savagesx may worship itx
  rosalinex my face is but a moonx and clouded toox
  kingx blessed are cloudsx to do as such clouds dox
    vouchsafex bright moonx and these thy starsx to shinex
    those clouds removedx upon our watery eynex
  rosalinex o vain petitionerx beg a greater matterx
    thou now requests but moonshine in the waterx
  kingx then in our measure do but vouchsafe one changex
    thou bidxst me begx this begging is not strangex
  rosalinex playx musicx thenx nayx you must do it soonx
    not yetx no dancex thus change i like the moonx
  kingx will you not dancex how come you thus estrangedx
  rosalinex you took the moon at fullx but now shexs changedx
  kingx yet still she is the moonx and i the manx
    the music playsx vouchsafe some motion to itx
  rosalinex our ears vouchsafe itx
  kingx but your legs should do itx
  rosalinex since you are strangersx and come here by chancex
    wexll not be nicex take handsx we will not dancex
  kingx why take we hands thenx
  rosalinex only to part friendsx
    curtsyx sweet heartsx and so the measure endsx
  kingx more measure of this measurex be not nicex
  rosalinex we can afford no more at such a pricex
  kingx price you yourselvesx what buys your companyx
  rosalinex your absence onlyx
  kingx that can never bex
  rosalinex then cannot we be boughtx and so adieux
    twice to your visor and half once to youx
  kingx if you deny to dancex letxs hold more chatx
  rosalinex in private thenx
  kingx i am best pleasxd with thatx       xthey converse apartx
  berownex whitexhanded mistressx one sweet word with theex
  princess of francex honeyx and milkx and sugarx there is threex
  berownex nayx thenx two treysx an if you grow so nicex
    metheglinx wortx and malmseyx well run dicex
    therexs half a dozen sweetsx
  princess of francex seventh sweetx adieux
    since you can cogx ixll play no more with youx
  berownex one word in secretx
  princess of francex let it not be sweetx
  berownex thou grievest my gallx
  princess of francex gallx bitterx
  berownex therefore meetx                 xthey converse apartx
  dumainx will you vouchsafe with me to change a wordx
  mariax name itx
  dumainx fair ladyx
  mariax say you sox fair lordx
    take that for your fair ladyx
  dumainx please it youx
    as much in privatex and ixll bid adieux
                                           xthey converse apartx
  katharinex whatx was your vizard made without a tonguex
  longavillex i know the reasonx ladyx why you askx
  katharinex o for your reasonx quicklyx sirx i longx
  longavillex you have a double tongue within your maskx
    and would afford my speechless vizard halfx
  katharinex xvealx quoth the dutchmanx is not xvealx a calfx
  longavillex a calfx fair ladyx
  katharinex nox a fair lord calfx
  longavillex letxs part the wordx
  katharinex nox ixll not be your halfx
    take all and wean itx it may prove an oxx
  longavillex look how you butt yourself in these sharp mocksx
    will you give hornsx chaste ladyx do not sox
  katharinex then die a calfx before your horns do growx
  longavillex one word in private with you ere i diex
  katharinex bleat softlyx thenx the butcher hears you cryx
                                           xthey converse apartx
  boyetx the tongues of mocking wenches are as keen
    as is the razorxs edge invisiblex
    cutting a smaller hair than may be seenx
    above the sense of sensex so sensible
    seemeth their conferencex their conceits have wingsx
    fleeter than arrowsx bulletsx windx thoughtx swifter thingsx
  rosalinex not one word morex my maidsx break offx break offx
  berownex by heavenx all dryxbeaten with pure scoffx
  kingx farewellx mad wenchesx you have simple witsx
                             exeunt kingx lordsx and blackamoors
  princess of francex twenty adieusx my frozen muscovitsx
    are these the breed of wits so wondered atx
  boyetx tapers they arex with your sweet breaths puffxd outx
  rosalinex wellxliking wits they havex grossx grossx fatx fatx
  princess of francex o poverty in witx kinglyxpoor floutx
    will they notx think youx hang themselves toxnightx
    or ever but in vizards show their facesx
    this pert berowne was out of countxnance quitex
  rosalinex they were all in lamentable casesx
    the king was weepingxripe for a good wordx
  princess of francex berowne did swear himself out of all suitx
  mariax dumain was at my servicex and his swordx
    xno pointx quoth ix my servant straight was mutex
  katharinex lord longaville said i came oxer his heartx
    and trow you what he callxd mex
  princess of francex qualmx perhapsx
  katharinex yesx in good faithx
  princess of francex gox sickness as thou artx
  rosalinex wellx better wits have worn plain statutexcapsx
    but will you hearx the king is my love swornx
  princess of francex and quick berowne hath plighted faith to mex
  katharinex and longaville was for my service bornx
  mariax dumain is minex as sure as bark on treex
  boyetx madamx and pretty mistressesx give earx
    immediately they will again be here
    in their own shapesx for it can never be
    they will digest this harsh indignityx
  princess of francex will they returnx
  boyetx they willx they willx god knowsx
    and leap for joyx though they are lame with blowsx
    thereforex change favoursx andx when they repairx
    blow like sweet roses in this summer airx
  princess of francex how blowx how blowx speak to be understoodx
  boyetx fair ladies maskxd are roses in their budx
    dismaskxdx their damask sweet commixture shownx
    are angels vailing cloudsx or roses blownx
  princess of francex avauntx perplexityx what shall we do
    if they return in their own shapes to woox
  rosalinex good madamx if by me youxll be advisxdx
    letxs mock them stillx as well known as disguisxdx
    let us complain to them what fools were herex
    disguisxd like muscovitesx in shapeless gearx
    and wonder what they werex and to what end
    their shallow shows and prologue vilely pennxdx
    and their rough carriage so ridiculousx
    should be presented at our tent to usx
  boyetx ladiesx withdrawx the gallants are at handx
  princess of francex whip to our tentsx as roes run oxer landx
                 exeunt princessx rosalinex katharinex and maria

         rexenter the kingx berownex longavillex and dumainx
                        in their proper habits

  kingx fair sirx god save youx wherexs the princessx
  boyetx gone to her tentx please it your majesty
    command me any service to her thitherx
  kingx that she vouchsafe me audience for one wordx
  boyetx i willx and so will shex i knowx my lordx          exit
  berownex this fellow pecks up wit as pigeons peasex
    and utters it again when god doth pleasex
    he is witxs pedlarx and retails his wares
    at wakesx and wassailsx meetingsx marketsx fairsx
    and we that sell by grossx the lord doth knowx
    have not the grace to grace it with such showx
    this gallant pins the wenches on his sleevex
    had he been adamx he had tempted evex
    xa can carve toox and lispx why this is he
    that kissxd his hand away in courtesyx
    this is the ape of formx monsieur the nicex
    thatx when he plays at tablesx chides the dice
    in honourable termsx nayx he can sing
    a mean most meanlyx and in usheringx
    mend him who canx the ladies call him sweetx
    the stairsx as he treads on themx kiss his feetx
    this is the flowxr that smiles on every onex
    to show his teeth as white as whalesxbonex
    and consciences that will not die in debt
    pay him the due of xhoneyxtongued boyetxx
  kingx a blister on his sweet tonguex with my heartx
    that put armadoxs page out of his partx

        rexenter the princessx ushered by boyetx rosalinex
                      mariax and katharine

  berownex see where it comesx behaviourx what wert thou
    till this man showxd theex and what art thou nowx
  kingx all hailx sweet madamx and fair time of dayx
  princess of francex xfairx in xall hailx is foulx as i conceivex
  kingx construe my speeches betterx if you mayx
  princess of francex then wish me betterx i will give you leavex
  kingx we came to visit youx and purpose now
    to lead you to our courtx vouchsafe it thenx
  princess of francex this field shall hold mex and so hold your vowx
    nor godx nor ix delights in perjurxd menx
  kingx rebuke me not for that which you provokex
    the virtue of your eye must break my oathx
  princess of francex you nickname virtuex vice you should have
      spokex
    for virtuexs office never breaks menxs trothx
    now by my maiden honourx yet as pure
    as the unsullied lilyx i protestx
    a world of torments though i should endurex
    i would not yield to be your housexs guestx
    so much i hate a breaking cause to be
    of heavenly oathsx vowed with integrityx
  kingx ox you have livxd in desolation herex
    unseenx unvisitedx much to our shamex
  princess of francex not sox my lordx it is not sox i swearx
    we have had pastimes herex and pleasant gamex
    a mess of russians left us but of latex
  kingx howx madamx russiansx
  princess of francex ayx in truthx my lordx
    trim gallantsx full of courtship and of statex
  rosalinex madamx speak truex it is not sox my lordx
    my ladyx to the manner of the daysx
    in courtesy gives undeserving praisex
    we four indeed confronted were with four
    in russian habitx here they stayed an hour
    and talkxd apacex and in that hourx my lordx
    they did not bless us with one happy wordx
    i dare not call them foolsx but this i thinkx
    when they are thirstyx fools would fain have drinkx
  berownex this jest is dry to mex fair gentle sweetx
    your wit makes wise things foolishx when we greetx
    with eyes best seeingx heavenxs fiery eyex
    by light we lose lightx your capacity
    is of that nature that to your huge store
    wise things seem foolish and rich things but poorx
  rosalinex this proves you wise and richx for in my eyex
  berownex i am a foolx and full of povertyx
  rosalinex but that you take what doth to you belongx
    it were a fault to snatch words from my tonguex
  berownex ox i am yoursx and all that i possessx
  rosalinex all the fool minex
  berownex i cannot give you lessx
  rosalinex which of the vizards was it that you worex
  berownex wherex whenx what vizardx why demand you thisx
  rosalinex therex thenx that vizardx that superfluous case
    that hid the worse and showxd the better facex
  kingx we were descriedx theyxll mock us now downrightx
  dumainx let us confessx and turn it to a jestx
  princess of francex amazxdx my lordx why looks your highness sadx
  rosalinex helpx hold his browsx hexll swoonx why look you palex
    seaxsickx i thinkx coming from muscovyx
  berownex thus pour the stars down plagues for perjuryx
    can any face of brass hold longer outx
    here stand ix ladyx dart thy skill at mex
    bruise me with scornx confound me with a floutx
    thrust thy sharp wit quite through my ignorancex
    cut me to pieces with thy keen conceitx
    and i will wish thee never more to dancex
    nor never more in russian habit waitx
    ox never will i trust to speeches pennxdx
    nor to the motion of a schoolxboyxs tonguex
    nor never come in vizard to my friendx
    nor woo in rhymex like a blind harperxs songx
    taffeta phrasesx silken terms precisex
    threexpilxd hyperbolesx spruce affectationx
    figures pedanticalx these summerxflies
    have blown me full of maggot ostentationx
    i do forswear themx and i here protestx
    by this white glovex how white the handx god knowsxx
    henceforth my wooing mind shall be expressxd
    in russet yeasx and honest kersey noesx
    andx to beginx wenchx so god help mex lawxx
    my love to thee is soundx sans crack or flawx
  rosalinex sans xsansxx i pray youx
  berownex yet i have a trick
    of the old ragex bear with mex i am sickx
    ixll leave it by degreesx softx let us seex
    write xlord have mercy on usx on those threex
    they are infectedx in their hearts it liesx
    they have the plaguex and caught it of your eyesx
    these lords are visitedx you are not freex
    for the lordxs tokens on you do i seex
  princess of francex nox they are free that gave these tokens to usx
  berownex our states are forfeitx seek not to undo usx
  rosalinex it is not sox for how can this be truex
    that you stand forfeitx being those that suex
  berownex peacex for i will not have to do with youx
  rosalinex nor shall notx if i do as i intendx
  berownex speak for yourselvesx my wit is at an endx
  kingx teach usx sweet madamx for our rude transgression
    some fair excusex
  princess of francex the fairest is confessionx
    were not you here but even nowx disguisxdx
  kingx madamx i wasx
  princess of francex and were you well advisxdx
  kingx i wasx fair madamx
  princess of francex when you then were herex
    what did you whisper in your ladyxs earx
  kingx that more than all the world i did respect herx
  princess of francex when she shall challenge thisx you will reject
    herx
  kingx upon mine honourx nox
  princess of francex peacex peacex forbearx
    your oath once brokex you force not to forswearx
  kingx despise me when i break this oath of minex
  princess of francex i willx and therefore keep itx rosalinex
    what did the russian whisper in your earx
  rosalinex madamx he swore that he did hold me dear
    as precious eyesightx and did value me
    above this worldx adding theretox moreoverx
    that he would wed mex or else die my loverx
  princess of francex god give thee joy of himx the noble lord
     most honourably doth uphold his wordx
  kingx what mean youx madamx by my lifex my trothx
    i never swore this lady such an oathx
  rosalinex by heavenx you didx andx to confirm it plainx
    you gave me thisx but take itx sirx againx
  kingx my faith and this the princess i did givex
    i knew her by this jewel on her sleevex
  princess of francex pardon mex sirx this jewel did she wearx
    and lord berownex i thank himx is my dearx
    whatx will you have mex or your pearl againx
 berownex neither of eitherx i remit both twainx
    i see the trick onxtx here was a consentx
    knowing aforehand of our merrimentx
    to dash it like a christmas comedyx
    some carryxtalex some pleasexmanx some slight zanyx
    some mumblexnewsx some trencherxknightx some dickx
    that smiles his cheek in years and knows the trick
    to make my lady laugh when shexs disposxdx
    told our intents beforex which once disclosxdx
    the ladies did change favoursx and then wex
    following the signsx wooxd but the sign of shex
    nowx to our perjury to add more terrorx
    we are again forsworn in will and errorx
    much upon this it isx xto boyetx and might not you
    forestall our sportx to make us thus untruex
    do not you know my ladyxs foot by thx squierx
    and laugh upon the apple of her eyex
    and stand between her backx sirx and the firex
    holding a trencherx jesting merrilyx
    you put our page outx gox you are allowxdx
    die when you willx a smock shall be your shroudx
    you leer upon mex do youx therexs an eye
    wounds like a leaden swordx
  boyetx full merrily
    hath this brave managex this careerx been runx
  berownex lox he is tilting straightx peacex i have donex

                          enter costard

    welcomex pure witx thou partxst a fair frayx
  costardx o lordx sirx they would know
     whether the three worthies shall come in or nox
  berownex whatx are there but threex
  costardx nox sirx but it is vara finex
    for every one pursents threex
  berownex and three times thrice is ninex
  costardx not sox sirx under correctionx sirx
    i hope it is not sox
    you cannot beg usx sirx i can assure youx sirx we know what we
      knowx
    i hopex sirx three times thricex sirx
  berownex is not ninex
  costardx under correctionx sirx we know whereuntil it doth amountx
  berownex by jovex i always took three threes for ninex
  costardx o lordx sirx it were pity you should get your living by
    reckxningx sirx
  berownex how much is itx
  costardx o lordx sirx the parties themselvesx the actorsx sirx will
    show whereuntil it doth amountx for mine own partx i amx as they
    sayx but to parfect one man in one poor manx pompion the greatx
    sirx
  berownex art thou one of the worthiesx
  costardx it pleased them to think me worthy of pompey the greatx
    for mine own partx i know not the degree of the worthyx but i am
    to stand for himx
  berownex gox bid them preparex
  costardx we will turn it finely offx sirx we will take some carex
                                                    exit costard
  kingx berownex they will shame usx let them not approachx
  berownex we are shamexproofx my lordx and xtis some policy
    to have one show worse than the kingxs and his companyx
  kingx i say they shall not comex
  princess of francex nayx my good lordx let me oxerrule you nowx
    that sport best pleases that doth least know howx
    where zeal strives to contentx and the contents
    dies in the zeal of that which it presentsx
    their form confounded makes most form in mirthx
    when great things labouring perish in their birthx
  berownex a right description of our sportx my lordx

                        enter armado

  armadox anointedx i implore so much expense of thy royal sweet
    breath as will utter a brace of wordsx
           xconverses apart with the kingx and delivers a paperx
  princess of francex doth this man serve godx
  berownex why ask youx
  princess of francex xa speaks not like a man of god his makingx
  armadox that is all onex my fairx sweetx honey monarchx forx i
    protestx the schoolmaster is exceeding fantasticalx too too vainx
    too too vainx but we will put itx as they sayx to fortuna de la
    guerrax i wish you the peace of mindx most royal couplementx
                                                     exit armado
  kingx here is like to be a good presence of worthiesx he presents
    hector of troyx the swainx pompey the greatx the parish curatex
    alexanderx arinadoxs pagex herculesx the pedantx judas
    maccabaeusx
    and if these four worthies in their first show thrivex
    these four will change habits and present the other fivex
  berownex there is five in the first showx
  kingx you are deceivedx xtis not sox
  berownex the pedantx the braggartx the hedgexpriestx the foolx and
    the boyx
    abate throw at novumx and the whole world again
    cannot pick out five suchx take each one in his veinx
  kingx the ship is under sailx and here she comes amainx

                   enter costardx armed for pompey

  costardx i pompey amx
  berownex you liex you are not hex
  costardx i pompey amx
  boyetx with libbardxs head on kneex
  berownex well saidx old mockerx i must needs be friends with theex
  costardx i pompey amx pompey surnamxd the bigx
   dumainx the greatx
  costardx it is greatx sirx
    pompey surnamxd the greatx
    that oft in fieldx with targe and shieldx did make my foe to
      sweatx
    and travelling along this coastx i bere am come by chancex
    and lay my arms before the legs of this sweet lass of francex

    if your ladyship would say xthanksx pompeyxx i had donex
  princess of francex great thanksx great pompeyx
  costardx xtis not so much worthx but i hope i was perfectx
    i made a little fault in greatx
  berownex my hat to a halfpennyx pompey proves the best worthyx

                 enter sir nathanielx for alexander

  nathanielx when in the world i livxdx i was the worldxs commanderx
    by eastx westx northx and southx i spread my conquering mightx
    my scutcheon plain declares that i am alisanderx
  boyetx your nose saysx nox you are notx for it stands to rightx
  berownex your nose smells xnox in thisx most tenderxsmelling
    knightx
  princess of francex the conqueror is dismayxdx proceedx good
    alexanderx
  nathanielx when in the world i livxdx i was the worldxs commanderx
  boyetx most truex xtis rightx you were sox alisanderx
  berownex pompey the greatx
  costardx your servantx and costardx
  berownex take away the conquerorx take away alisanderx
  costardx xto sir nathanielx ox sirx you have overthrown alisander
    the conquerorx you will be scrapxd out of the painted cloth for
    thisx your lionx that holds his poleaxe sitting on a closexstoolx
    will be given to ajaxx he will be the ninth worthyx a conqueror
    and afeard to speakx run away for shamex alisanderx
    xsir nathaniel retiresx therex anxt shall please youx a foolish
    mild manx an honest manx look youx and soon dashxdx he is a
    marvellous good neighbourx faithx and a very good bowlerx but for
    alisanderx alasx you see how xtisx a little oxerpartedx but there
    are worthies axcoming will speak their mind in some other sortx
  princess of francex stand asidex good pompeyx

         enter holofernesx for judasx and mothx for hercules

  holofernesx great hercules is presented by this impx
    whose club killxd cerberusx that threexheaded canusx
    and when be was a babex a childx a shrimpx
    thus did he strangle serpents in his manusx
    quoniam he seemeth in minorityx
    ergo i come with this apologyx
    keep some state in thy exitx and vanishx      xmoth retiresx
    judas i amx
  dumainx a judasx
  holofernesx not iscariotx sirx
    judas i amx ycliped maccabaeusx
  dumainx judas maccabaeus clipt is plain judasx
  berownex a kissing traitorx how art thou provxd judasx
  holofernesx judas i amx
  dumainx the more shame for youx judasx
  holofernesx what mean youx sirx
  boyetx to make judas hang himselfx
  holofernesx beginx sirx you are my elderx
  berownex well followedx judas was hanged on an elderx
  holofernesx i will not be put out of countenancex
  berownex because thou hast no facex
  holofernesx what is thisx
  boyetx a citternxheadx
  dumainx the head of a bodkinx
  berownex a deathxs face in a ringx
  longavillex the face of an old roman coinx scarce seenx
  boyetx the pommel of coesarxs falchionx
  dumainx the carvxdxbone face on a flaskx
  berownex saint georgexs halfxcheek in a broochx
  dumainx ayx and in a brooch of leadx
  berownex ayx and worn in the cap of a toothxdrawerx and nowx
    forwardx for we have put thee in countenancex
  holofernesx you have put me out of countenancex
  berownex falsex we have given thee facesx
  holofernesx but you have outfacxd them allx
  berownex an thou wert a lion we would do sox
  boyetx thereforex as he is an assx let him gox
    and so adieux sweet judex nayx why dost thou stayx
  dumainx for the latter end of his namex
  berownex for the ass to the judex give it himx judxasx awayx
  holofernesx this is not generousx not gentlex not humblex
  boyetx a light for monsieur judasx it grows darkx he may stumblex
                                            xholofernes retiresx
  princess of francex alasx poor maccabaeusx how hath he been baitedx

                   enter armadox for hector

  berownex hide thy headx achillesx here comes hector in armsx
  dumainx though my mocks come home by mex i will now be merryx
  kingx hector was but a troyan in respect of thisx
  boyetx but is this hectorx
  dumainx i think hector was not so cleanxtimberxdx
  longavillex his leg is too big for hectorxsx
  dumainx more calfx certainx
  boyetx nox he is best indued in the smallx
  berownex this cannot be hectorx
  dumainx hexs a god or a painterx for he makes facesx
  armadox the armipotent marsx of lances the almightyx
    gave hector a giftx
  dumainx a gilt nutmegx
  berownex a lemonx
  longavillex stuck with clovesx
  dumainx nox clovenx
  armadox peacex
    the armipotent marsx of lances the almightyx
    gave hector a giftx the heir of ilionx
    a man so breathed that certain he would fight yex
    from morn till night out of his pavilionx
    i am that flowerx
  dumainx that mintx
  longavillex that columbinex
  armadox sweet lord longavillex rein thy tonguex
  longavillex i must rather give it the reinx for it runs against
    hectorx
  dumainx ayx and hectorxs a greyhoundx
  armadox the sweet warxman is dead and rottenx sweet chucksx beat
    not the bones of the buriedx when he breathedx he was a manx but
    i will forward with my devicex xto the princessx sweet royaltyx
    bestow on me the sense of hearingx

          xberowne steps forthx and speaks to costardx

  princess of francex speakx brave hectorx we are much delightedx
  armadox i do adore thy sweet gracexs slipperx
  boyetx xaside to dumainx loves her by the footx
  dumainx xaside to boyetx he may not by the yardx
  armadox this hector far surmounted hannibalx
  costardx the party is gonex fellow hectorx she is gonex she is two
    months on her wayx
  armadox what meanest thoux
  costardx faithx unless you play the honest troyanx the poor wench
    is cast awayx shexs quickx the child brags in her belly alreadyx
    xtis yoursx
  armadox dost thou infamonize me among potentatesx thou shalt diex
  costardx then shall hector be whipt for jaquenetta that is quick by
    himx and hangxd for pompey that is dead by himx
  dumainx most rare pompeyx
  boyetx renowned pompeyx
  berownex greater than greatx greatx greatx great pompeyx pompey the
    hugex
  dumainx hector tremblesx
  berownex pompey is movedx more atesx more atesx stir them onx stir
    them onx
  dumainx hector will challenge himx
  berownex ayx if xa have no more manxs blood in his belly than will
    sup a fleax
  armadox by the north polex i do challenge theex
  costardx i will not fight with a polex like a northern manx ixll
    slashx ixll do it by the swordx i bepray youx let me borrow my
    arms againx
  dumainx room for the incensed worthiesx
  costardx ixll do it in my shirtx
  dumainx most resolute pompeyx
  mothx masterx let me take you a buttonhole lowerx do you not see
    pompey is uncasing for the combatx what mean youx you will lose
    your reputationx
  armadox gentlemen and soldiersx pardon mex i will not combat in my
    shirtx
  dumainx you may not deny itx pompey hath made the challengex
  armadox sweet bloodsx i both may and willx
  berownex what reason have you for xtx
  armadox the naked truth of it isx i have no shirtx i go woolward
    for penancex
  boyetx truex and it was enjoined him in rome for want of linenx
    since whenx ixll be swornx he wore none but a dishclout of
    jaquenettaxsx and that xa wears next his heart for a favourx

                 enter as messengerx monsieur marcade

  marcadex god save youx madamx
  princess of francex welcomex marcadex
    but that thou interruptest our merrimentx
  marcadex i am sorryx madamx for the news i bring
    is heavy in my tonguex the king your fatherx
  princess of francex deadx for my lifex
  marcadex even sox my tale is toldx
  berownex worthies awayx the scene begins to cloudx
  armadox for mine own partx i breathe free breathx i have seen the
    day of wrong through the little hole of discretionx and i will
    right myself like a soldierx                 exeunt worthies
  kingx how fares your majestyx
  princess of francex boyetx preparex i will away toxnightx
  kingx madamx not sox i do beseech you stayx
  princess of francex preparex i sayx i thank youx gracious lordsx
    for all your fair endeavoursx and entreatx
    out of a newxsad soulx that you vouchsafe
    in your rich wisdom to excuse or hide
    the liberal opposition of our spiritsx
    if overxboldly we have borne ourselves
    in the converse of breathx your gentleness
    was guilty of itx farewellx worthy lordx
    a heavy heart bears not a nimble tonguex
    excuse me sox coming too short of thanks
    for my great suit so easily obtainxdx
  kingx the extreme parts of time extremely forms
    all causes to the purpose of his speedx
    and often at his very loose decides
    that which long process could not arbitratex
    and though the mourning brow of progeny
    forbid the smiling courtesy of love
    the holy suit which fain it would convincex
    yetx since lovexs argument was first on footx
    let not the cloud of sorrow justle it
    from what it purposxdx since to wail friends lost
    is not by much so wholesomexprofitable
    as to rejoice at friends but newly foundx
  princess of francex i understand you notx my griefs are doublex
  berownex honest plain words best pierce the ear of griefx
    and by these badges understand the kingx
    for your fair sakes have we neglected timex
    playxd foul play with our oathsx your beautyx ladiesx
    hath much deformed usx fashioning our humours
    even to the opposed end of our intentsx
    and what in us hath seemxd ridiculousx
    as love is full of unbefitting strainsx
    all wanton as a childx skipping and vainx
    formxd by the eye and thereforex like the eyex
    full of strange shapesx of habitsx and of formsx
    varying in subjects as the eye doth roll
    to every varied object in his glancex
    which partixcoated presence of loose love
    put on by usx if in your heavenly eyes
    have misbecomxd our oaths and gravitiesx
    those heavenly eyes that look into these faults
    suggested us to makex thereforex ladiesx
    our love being yoursx the error that love makes
    is likewise yoursx we to ourselves prove falsex
    by being once false for ever to be true
    to those that make us bothx fair ladiesx youx
    and even that falsehoodx in itself a sinx
    thus purifies itself and turns to gracex
  princess of francex we have receivxd your lettersx full of lovex
    your favoursx the ambassadors of lovex
    andx in our maiden councilx rated them
    at courtshipx pleasant jestx and courtesyx
    as bombast and as lining to the timex
    but more devout than this in our respects
    have we not beenx and therefore met your loves
    in their own fashionx like a merrimentx
  dumainx our lettersx madamx showxd much more than jestx
  longavillex so did our looksx
  rosalinex we did not quote them sox
  kingx nowx at the latest minute of the hourx
    grant us your lovesx
  princess of francex a timex methinksx too short
    to make a worldxwithoutxend bargain inx
    nox nox my lordx your grace is perjurxd muchx
    full of dear guiltinessx and therefore thisx
    if for my lovex as there is no such causex
    you will do aughtx this shall you do for mex
    your oath i will not trustx but go with speed
    to some forlorn and naked hermitagex
    remote from all the pleasures of the worldx
    there stay until the twelve celestial signs
    have brought about the annual reckoningx
    if this austere insociable life
    change not your offer made in heat of bloodx
    if frosts and fastsx hard lodging and thin weedsx
    nip not the gaudy blossoms of your lovex
    but that it bear this trialx and last lovex
    thenx at the expiration of the yearx
    comex challenge mex challenge me by these desertsx
    andx by this virgin palm now kissing thinex
    i will be thinex andx till that instantx shut
    my woeful self up in a mournful housex
    raining the tears of lamentation
    for the remembrance of my fatherxs deathx
    if this thou do denyx let our hands partx
    neither intitled in the otherxs heartx
  kingx if thisx or more than thisx i would denyx
    to flatter up these powers of mine with restx
    the sudden hand of death close up mine eyex
    hence hermit thenx my heart is in thy breastx
  berownex and what to mex my lovex and what to mex
  rosalinex you must he purged toox your sins are rackxdx
    you are attaint with faults and perjuryx
    thereforex if you my favour mean to getx
    a twelvemonth shall you spendx and never restx
    but seek the weary beds of people sickx
  dumainx but what to mex my lovex but what to mex
    a wifex
  katharinex a beardx fair healthx and honestyx
    with threefold love i wish you all these threex
  dumainx ox shall i say i thank youx gentle wifex
  katharinex no sox my lordx a twelvemonth and a day
    ixll mark no words that smoothxfacxd wooers sayx
    come when the king doth to my lady comex
    thenx if i have much lovex ixll give you somex
  dumainx ixll serve thee true and faithfully till thenx
  katharinex yet swear notx lest ye be forsworn againx
  longavillex what says mariax
  mariax at the twelvemonthxs end
    ixll change my black gown for a faithful friendx
  longavillex ixll stay with patiencex but the time is longx
  mariax the liker youx few taller are so youngx
  berownex studies my ladyx mistressx look on mex
    behold the window of my heartx mine eyex
    what humble suit attends thy answer therex
    impose some service on me for thy lovex
  rosalinex oft have i heard of youx my lord berownex
    before i saw youx and the worldxs large tongue
    proclaims you for a man replete with mocksx
    full of comparisons and wounding floutsx
    which you on all estates will execute
    that lie within the mercy of your witx
    to weed this wormwood from your fruitful brainx
    and therewithal to win mex if you pleasex
    without the which i am not to be wonx
    you shall this twelvemonth term from day to day
    visit the speechless sickx and still converse
    with groaning wretchesx and your task shall bex
    with all the fierce endeavour of your witx
    to enforce the pained impotent to smilex
  berownex to move wild laughter in the throat of deathx
    it cannot bex it is impossiblex
    mirth cannot move a soul in agonyx
  rosalinex whyx thatxs the way to choke a gibing spiritx
    whose influence is begot of that loose grace
    which shallow laughing hearers give to foolsx
    a jestxs prosperity lies in the ear
    of him that hears itx never in the tongue
    of him that makes itx thenx if sickly earsx
    deafxd with the clamours of their own dear groansx
    will hear your idle scornsx continue thenx
    and i will have you and that fault withalx
    but if they will notx throw away that spiritx
    and i shall find you empty of that faultx
    right joyful of your reformationx
  berownex a twelvemonthx wellx befall what will befallx
    ixll jest a twelvemonth in an hospitalx
  princess of francex x to the kingx ayx sweet my lordx and so i take
    my leavex
  kingx nox madamx we will bring you on your wayx
  berownex our wooing doth not end like an old playx
    jack hath not jillx these ladiesx courtesy
    might well have made our sport a comedyx
  kingx comex sirx it wants a twelvemonth anx a dayx
    and then xtwill endx
  berownex thatxs too long for a playx

                          rexenter armado

  armadox sweet majestyx vouchsafe mex
  princess of francex was not that not hectorx
  dumainx the worthy knight of troyx
  armadox i will kiss thy royal fingerx and take leavex i am a
    votaryx i have vowxd to jaquenetta to hold the plough for her
    sweet love three yearx butx most esteemed greatnessx will you
    hear the dialogue that the two learned men have compiled in
    praise of the owl and the cuckoox it should have followed in the
    end of our showx
  kingx call them forth quicklyx we will do sox
  armadox hollax approachx

                            enter all

    this side is hiemsx winterx this verx the springx the one
    maintained by the owlx thx other by the cuckoox verx beginx

                      spring
         when daisies pied and violets blue
         and ladyxsmocks all silverxwhite
         and cuckooxbuds of yellow hue
         do paint the meadows with delightx
         the cuckoo then on every tree
         mocks married menx for thus sings hex
              xcuckoox
         cuckoox cuckooxx o word of fearx
         unpleasing to a married earx

         when shepherds pipe on oaten strawsx
         and merry larks are ploughmenxs clocksx
         when turtles treadx and rooks and dawsx
         and maidens bleach their summer smocksx
         the cuckoo then on every tree
         mocks married menx for thus sings hex
              xcuckoox
         cuckoox cuckooxx o word of fearx
         unpleasing to a married earx

                    winter

         when icicles hang by the wallx
         and dick the shepherd blows his nailx
         and tom bears logs into the hallx
         and milk comes frozen home in pailx
         when blood is nippxdx and ways be foulx
         then nightly sings the staring owlx
              xtuxwhox
         tuxwhitx tuxwhoxx a merry notex
         while greasy joan doth keel the potx

         when all aloud the wind doth blowx
         and coughing drowns the parsonxs sawx
         and birds sit brooding in the snowx
         and marianxs nose looks red and rawx
         when roasted crabs hiss in the bowlx
         then nightly sings the staring owlx
              xtuxwhox
         tuxwhitx toxwhoxx a merry notex
         while greasy joan doth keel the potx

  armadox the words of mercury are harsh after the songs of apollox
    you that wayx we this wayx                            exeunt




macbeth



contents

act i
scene ix an open placex
scene iix a camp near forresx
scene iiix a heathx
scene ivx forresx a room in the palacex
scene vx invernessx a room in macbethxs castlex
scene vix the samex before the castlex
scene viix the samex a lobby in the castlex


act ii
scene ix invernessx court within the castlex
scene iix the samex
scene iiix the samex
scene ivx the samex without the castlex


act iii
scene ix forresx a room in the palacex
scene iix the samex another room in the palacex
scene iiix the samex a park or lawnx with a gate leading to the palacex
scene ivx the samex a room of state in the palacex
scene vx the heathx
scene vix forresx a room in the palacex


act iv
scene ix a dark cavex in the middlex a cauldron boilingx
scene iix fifex a room in macduffxs castlex
scene iiix englandx before the kingxs palacex


act v
scene ix dunsinanex a room in the castlex
scene iix the country near dunsinanex
scene iiix dunsinanex a room in the castlex
scene ivx country near dunsinanex a wood in viewx
scene vx dunsinanex within the castlex
scene vix the samex a plain before the castlex
scene viix the samex another part of the plainx
scene viiix the samex another part of the fieldx



dramatis personx

duncanx king of scotlandx
malcolmx his sonx
donalbainx his sonx
macbethx general in the kingxs armyx
banquox general in the kingxs armyx
macduffx nobleman of scotlandx
lennoxx nobleman of scotlandx
rossx nobleman of scotlandx
menteithx nobleman of scotlandx
angusx nobleman of scotlandx
caithnessx nobleman of scotlandx
fleancex son to banquox
siwardx earl of northumberlandx general of the english forcesx
young siwardx his sonx
seytonx an officer attending on macbethx
boyx son to macduffx
an english doctorx
a scottish doctorx
a soldierx
a porterx
an old manx

lady macbethx
lady macduffx
gentlewoman attending on lady macbethx
hecatex and three witchesx

lordsx gentlemenx officersx soldiersx murderersx attendants and
messengersx

the ghost of banquo and several other apparitionsx

scenex in the end of the fourth actx in englandx through the rest of
the playx in scotlandx and chiefly at macbethxs castlex


act i

scene ix an open placex

 thunder and lightningx enter three witchesx

first witchx
when shall we three meet againx
in thunderx lightningx or in rainx

second witchx
when the hurlyburlyxs donex
when the battlexs lost and wonx

third witchx
that will be ere the set of sunx

first witchx
where the placex

second witchx
upon the heathx

third witchx
there to meet with macbethx

first witchx
i comex graymalkinx

second witchx
paddock callsx

third witchx
anonx

allx
fair is foulx and foul is fairx
hover through the fog and filthy airx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a camp near forresx

 alarum withinx enter king duncanx malcolmx donalbainx lennoxx with
 attendantsx meeting a bleeding captainx

duncanx
what bloody man is thatx he can reportx
as seemeth by his plightx of the revolt
the newest statex

malcolmx
this is the sergeant
whox like a good and hardy soldierx fought
xgainst my captivityxxhailx brave friendx
say to the king the knowledge of the broil
as thou didst leave itx

soldierx
doubtful it stoodx
as two spent swimmers that do cling together
and choke their artx the merciless macdonwald
xworthy to be a rebelx for to that
the multiplying villainies of nature
do swarm upon himx from the western isles
of kerns and gallowglasses is suppliedx
and fortunex on his damned quarrel smilingx
showxd like a rebelxs whorex but allxs too weakx
for brave macbeth xwell he deserves that namexx
disdaining fortunex with his brandishxd steelx
which smokxd with bloody executionx
like valourxs minionx carvxd out his passagex
till he facxd the slavex
which nexer shook handsx nor bade farewell to himx
till he unseamxd him from the nave to the chopsx
and fixxd his head upon our battlementsx

duncanx
o valiant cousinx worthy gentlemanx

soldierx
as whence the sun xgins his reflection
shipwracking storms and direful thunders breakx
so from that springx whence comfort seemxd to come
discomfort swellsx markx king of scotlandx markx
no sooner justice hadx with valour armxdx
compellxd these skipping kerns to trust their heelsx
but the norweyan lordx surveying vantagex
with furbishxd arms and new supplies of menx
began a fresh assaultx

duncanx
dismayxd not this
our captainsx macbeth and banquox

soldierx
yesx
as sparrows eaglesx or the hare the lionx
if i say soothx i must report they were
as cannons overchargxd with double cracksx
so they
doubly redoubled strokes upon the foex
except they meant to bathe in reeking woundsx
or memorize another golgothax
i cannot tellx
but i am faintx my gashes cry for helpx

duncanx
so well thy words become thee as thy woundsx
they smack of honour bothxxgox get him surgeonsx

 xxexit captainx attendedxxx

 enter ross and angusx

who comes herex

malcolmx
the worthy thane of rossx

lennoxx
what a haste looks through his eyesx so should he look
that seems to speak things strangex

rossx
god save the kingx

duncanx
whence camxst thoux worthy thanex

rossx
from fifex great kingx
where the norweyan banners flout the sky
and fan our people coldx
norway himselfx with terrible numbersx
assisted by that most disloyal traitorx
the thane of cawdorx began a dismal conflictx
till that bellonaxs bridegroomx lappxd in proofx
confronted him with selfxcomparisonsx
point against pointx rebellious arm xgainst armx
curbing his lavish spiritx andx to concludex
the victory fell on usx

duncanx
great happinessx

rossx
that now
swenox the norwaysx kingx craves compositionx
nor would we deign him burial of his men
till he disbursed at saint colmexs inch
ten thousand dollars to our general usex

duncanx
no more that thane of cawdor shall deceive
our bosom interestx go pronounce his present deathx
and with his former title greet macbethx

rossx
ixll see it donex

duncanx
what he hath lostx noble macbeth hath wonx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix a heathx

 thunderx enter the three witchesx

first witchx
where hast thou beenx sisterx

second witchx
killing swinex

third witchx
sisterx where thoux

first witchx
a sailorxs wife had chestnuts in her lapx
and mounchxdx and mounchxdx and mounchxdx xgive mexx quoth ix
xaroint theex witchxx the rumpxfed ronyon criesx
her husbandxs to aleppo gonex master ox thx xtigerxx
but in a sieve ixll thither sailx
andx like a rat without a tailx
ixll dox ixll dox and ixll dox

second witchx
ixll give thee a windx

first witchx
thxart kindx

third witchx
and i anotherx

first witchx
i myself have all the otherx
and the very ports they blowx
all the quarters that they know
ix the shipmanxs cardx
i will drain him dry as hayx
sleep shall neither night nor day
hang upon his pentxhouse lidx
he shall live a man forbidx
weary sevxnxnights nine times ninex
shall he dwindlex peakx and pinex
though his bark cannot be lostx
yet it shall be tempestxtostx
look what i havex

second witchx
show mex show mex

first witchx
here i have a pilotxs thumbx
wrackxd as homeward he did comex

 xxdrum withinxxx

third witchx
a drumx a drumx
macbeth doth comex

allx
the weird sistersx hand in handx
posters of the sea and landx
thus do go aboutx aboutx
thrice to thinex and thrice to minex
and thrice againx to make up ninex
peacexxthe charmxs wound upx

 enter macbeth and banquox

macbethx
so foul and fair a day i have not seenx

banquox
how far isxt callxd to forresxxwhat are thesex
so witherxdx and so wild in their attirex
that look not like the inhabitants ox thx earthx
and yet are onxtxxlive youx or are you aught
that man may questionx you seem to understand mex
by each at once her choppy finger laying
upon her skinny lipsx you should be womenx
and yet your beards forbid me to interpret
that you are sox

macbethx
speakx if you canxxwhat are youx

first witchx
all hailx macbethx hail to theex thane of glamisx

second witchx
all hailx macbethx hail to theex thane of cawdorx

third witchx
all hailx macbethx that shalt be king hereafterx

banquox
good sirx why do you start and seem to fear
things that do sound so fairxxix thx name of truthx
are ye fantasticalx or that indeed
which outwardly ye showx my noble partner
you greet with present grace and great prediction
of noble having and of royal hopex
that he seems rapt withalx to me you speak notx
if you can look into the seeds of timex
and say which grain will growx and which will notx
speak then to mex who neither beg nor fear
your favours nor your hatex

first witchx
hailx

second witchx
hailx

third witchx
hailx

first witchx
lesser than macbethx and greaterx

second witchx
not so happyx yet much happierx

third witchx
thou shalt get kingsx though thou be nonex
so all hailx macbeth and banquox

first witchx
banquo and macbethx all hailx

macbethx
stayx you imperfect speakersx tell me morex
by sinelxs death i know i am thane of glamisx
but how of cawdorx the thane of cawdor livesx
a prosperous gentlemanx and to be king
stands not within the prospect of beliefx
no more than to be cawdorx say from whence
you owe this strange intelligencex or why
upon this blasted heath you stop our way
with such prophetic greetingxxspeakx i charge youx

 xxwitches vanishxxx

banquox
the earth hath bubblesx as the water hasx
and these are of themx whither are they vanishxdx

macbethx
into the airx and what seemxd corporalx
melted as breath into the windx
would they had stayxdx

banquox
were such things here as we do speak aboutx
or have we eaten on the insane root
that takes the reason prisonerx

macbethx
your children shall be kingsx

banquox
you shall be kingx

macbethx
and thane of cawdor toox went it not sox

banquox
to the selfsame tune and wordsx whoxs herex

 enter ross and angusx

rossx
the king hath happily receivxdx macbethx
the news of thy successx and when he reads
thy personal venture in the rebelsx fightx
his wonders and his praises do contend
which should be thine or hisx silencxd with thatx
in viewing oxer the rest ox thx selfsame dayx
he finds thee in the stout norweyan ranksx
nothing afeard of what thyself didst makex
strange images of deathx as thick as tale
came post with postx and everyone did bear
thy praises in his kingdomxs great defencex
and pourxd them down before himx

angusx
we are sent
to give thee from our royal master thanksx
only to herald thee into his sightx
not pay theex

rossx
andx for an earnest of a greater honourx
he bade mex from himx call thee thane of cawdorx
in which additionx hailx most worthy thanex
for it is thinex

banquox
whatx can the devil speak truex

macbethx
the thane of cawdor livesx why do you dress me
in borrowxd robesx

angusx
who was the thane lives yetx
but under heavy judgement bears that life
which he deserves to losex whether he was combinxd
with those of norwayx or did line the rebel
with hidden help and vantagex or that with both
he labourxd in his countryxs wrackx i know notx
but treasons capitalx confessxd and provxdx
have overthrown himx

macbethx
xxasidexxx glamisx and thane of cawdorx
the greatest is behindx xxto ross and angusxxx thanks for your painsx
xxto banquoxxx do you not hope your children shall be kingsx
when those that gave the thane of cawdor to me
promisxd no less to themx

banquox
thatx trusted homex
might yet enkindle you unto the crownx
besides the thane of cawdorx but xtis strangex
and oftentimes to win us to our harmx
the instruments of darkness tell us truthsx
win us with honest triflesx to betrayxs
in deepest consequencexx
cousinsx a wordx i pray youx

macbethx
xxasidexxx two truths are toldx
as happy prologues to the swelling act
of the imperial themexxi thank youx gentlemenxx
xxasidexxx this supernatural soliciting
cannot be illx cannot be goodx if illx
why hath it given me earnest of successx
commencing in a truthx i am thane of cawdorx
if goodx why do i yield to that suggestion
whose horrid image doth unfix my hairx
and make my seated heart knock at my ribsx
against the use of naturex present fears
are less than horrible imaginingsx
my thoughtx whose murder yet is but fantasticalx
shakes so my single state of man
that function is smotherxd in surmisex
and nothing is but what is notx

banquox
lookx how our partnerxs raptx

macbethx
xxasidexxx if chance will have me kingx whyx chance may crown me
without my stirx

banquox
new honours come upon himx
like our strange garmentsx cleave not to their mould
but with the aid of usex

macbethx
xxasidexxx come what come mayx
time and the hour runs through the roughest dayx

banquox
worthy macbethx we stay upon your leisurex

macbethx
give me your favourx my dull brain was wrought
with things forgottenx kind gentlemenx your pains
are registerxd where every day i turn
the leaf to read themxxlet us toward the kingxx
think upon what hath chancxdx and at more timex
the interim having weighxd itx let us speak
our free hearts each to otherx

banquox
very gladlyx

macbethx
till thenx enoughxxcomex friendsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx forresx a room in the palacex

 flourishx enter duncanx malcolmx donalbainx lennox and attendantsx

duncanx
is execution done on cawdorx are not
those in commission yet returnxdx

malcolmx
my liegex
they are not yet come backx but i have spoke
with one that saw him diex who did reportx
that very frankly he confessxd his treasonsx
implorxd your highnessx pardonx and set forth
a deep repentancex nothing in his life
became him like the leaving itx he died
as one that had been studied in his deathx
to throw away the dearest thing he owxd
as xtwere a careless triflex

duncanx
therexs no art
to find the mindxs construction in the facex
he was a gentleman on whom i built
an absolute trustx

 enter macbethx banquox ross and angusx

o worthiest cousinx
the sin of my ingratitude even now
was heavy on mex thou art so far beforex
that swiftest wing of recompense is slow
to overtake theex would thou hadst less deservxdx
that the proportion both of thanks and payment
might have been minex only i have left to sayx
more is thy due than more than all can payx

macbethx
the service and the loyalty i owex
in doing itx pays itselfx your highnessx part
is to receive our dutiesx and our duties
are to your throne and statex children and servantsx
which do but what they shouldx by doing everything
safe toward your love and honourx

duncanx
welcome hitherx
i have begun to plant theex and will labour
to make thee full of growingxxnoble banquox
that hast no less deservxdx nor must be known
no less to have done sox let me infold thee
and hold thee to my heartx

banquox
there if i growx
the harvest is your ownx

duncanx
my plenteous joysx
wanton in fulnessx seek to hide themselves
in drops of sorrowxxsonsx kinsmenx thanesx
and you whose places are the nearestx knowx
we will establish our estate upon
our eldestx malcolmx whom we name hereafter
the prince of cumberlandx which honour must
not unaccompanied invest him onlyx
but signs of noblenessx like starsx shall shine
on all deserversxxfrom hence to invernessx
and bind us further to youx

macbethx
the rest is labourx which is not usxd for youx
ixll be myself the harbingerx and make joyful
the hearing of my wife with your approachx
sox humbly take my leavex

duncanx
my worthy cawdorx

macbethx
xxasidexxx the prince of cumberlandxxthat is a step
on which i must fall downx or else oxerleapx
for in my way it liesx starsx hide your firesx
let not light see my black and deep desiresx
the eye wink at the handx yet let that bex
which the eye fearsx when it is donex to seex

 xxexitxxx

duncanx
truex worthy banquox he is full so valiantx
and in his commendations i am fedx
it is a banquet to mex letxs after himx
whose care is gone before to bid us welcomex
it is a peerless kinsmanx

 xxflourishx exeuntxxx

scene vx invernessx a room in macbethxs castlex

 enter lady macbethx reading a letterx

lady macbethx
xthey met me in the day of successx and i have learned by the
perfectxst report they have more in them than mortal knowledgex when i
burned in desire to question them furtherx they made themselves airx
into which they vanishedx whiles i stood rapt in the wonder of itx came
missives from the kingx who allxhailed mex xthane of cawdorxx by which
titlex beforex these weird sisters saluted mex and referred me to the
coming on of timex with xhailx king that shalt bexx this have i thought
good to deliver thee xmy dearest partner of greatnessx that thou
mightxst not lose the dues of rejoicingx by being ignorant of what
greatness is promisxd theex lay it to thy heartx and farewellxx

glamis thou artx and cawdorx and shalt be
what thou art promisxdx yet do i fear thy naturex
it is too full ox thx milk of human kindness
to catch the nearest wayx thou wouldst be greatx
art not without ambitionx but without
the illness should attend itx what thou wouldst highlyx
that wouldst thou holilyx wouldst not play falsex
and yet wouldst wrongly winx thouxdst havex great glamisx
that which criesx xthus thou must doxx if thou have itx
and that which rather thou dost fear to dox
than wishest should be undonex hie thee hitherx
that i may pour my spirits in thine earx
and chastise with the valour of my tongue
all that impedes thee from the golden roundx
which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem
to have thee crownxd withalx

 enter a messengerx

what is your tidingsx

messengerx
the king comes here tonightx

lady macbethx
thouxrt mad to say itx
is not thy master with himx whox werext sox
would have informxd for preparationx

messengerx
so please youx it is truex our thane is comingx
one of my fellows had the speed of himx
whox almost dead for breathx had scarcely more
than would make up his messagex

lady macbethx
give him tendingx
he brings great newsx

 xxexit messengerxxx

the raven himself is hoarse
that croaks the fatal entrance of duncan
under my battlementsx comex you spirits
that tend on mortal thoughtsx unsex me herex
and fill mex from the crown to the toex topxfull
of direst crueltyx make thick my bloodx
stop up thx access and passage to remorsex
that no compunctious visitings of nature
shake my fell purposex nor keep peace between
thx effect and itx come to my womanxs breastsx
and take my milk for gallx your murdxring ministersx
wherever in your sightless substances
you wait on naturexs mischiefx comex thick nightx
and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell
that my keen knife see not the wound it makesx
nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark
to cryx xholdx holdxx

 enter macbethx

great glamisx worthy cawdorx
greater than bothx by the allxhail hereafterx
thy letters have transported me beyond
this ignorant presentx and i feel now
the future in the instantx

macbethx
my dearest lovex
duncan comes here tonightx

lady macbethx
and when goes hencex

macbethx
tomorrowx as he purposesx

lady macbethx
ox never
shall sun that morrow seex
your facex my thanex is as a book where men
may read strange mattersx to beguile the timex
look like the timex bear welcome in your eyex
your handx your tonguex look like the innocent flowerx
but be the serpent underxtx he thatxs coming
must be provided forx and you shall put
this nightxs great business into my dispatchx
which shall to all our nights and days to come
give solely sovereign sway and masterdomx

macbethx
we will speak furtherx

lady macbethx
only look up clearx
to alter favour ever is to fearx
leave all the rest to mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix the samex before the castlex

 hautboysx servants of macbeth attendingx

 enter duncanx malcolmx donalbainx banquox lennoxx macduffx rossx angus
 and attendantsx

duncanx
this castle hath a pleasant seatx the air
nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
unto our gentle sensesx

banquox
this guest of summerx
the templexhaunting martletx does approvex
by his loved mansionryx that the heavenxs breath
smells wooingly herex no juttyx friezex
buttressx nor coign of vantagex but this bird
hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradlex
where they most breed and hauntx i have observxd
the air is delicatex

 enter lady macbethx

duncanx
seex seex our honourxd hostessxx
the love that follows us sometime is our troublex
which still we thank as lovex herein i teach you
how you shall bid god xild us for your painsx
and thank us for your troublex

lady macbethx
all our servicex
in every point twice donex and then done doublex
were poor and single business to contend
against those honours deep and broad wherewith
your majesty loads our housex for those of oldx
and the late dignities heapxd up to themx
we rest your hermitsx

duncanx
wherexs the thane of cawdorx
we coursxd him at the heelsx and had a purpose
to be his purveyorx but he rides wellx
and his great lovex sharp as his spurx hath holp him
to his home before usx fair and noble hostessx
we are your guest tonightx

lady macbethx
your servants ever
have theirsx themselvesx and what is theirsx in comptx
to make their audit at your highnessx pleasurex
still to return your ownx

duncanx
give me your handx
conduct me to mine hostx we love him highlyx
and shall continue our graces towards himx
by your leavex hostessx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix the samex a lobby in the castlex

 hautboys and torchesx enterx and pass overx a sewer and divers
 servants with dishes and servicex then enter macbethx

macbethx
if it were done when xtis donex then xtwere well
it were done quicklyx if thx assassination
could trammel up the consequencex and catch
with his surcease successx that but this blow
might be the bexall and the endxallxherex
but herex upon this bank and shoal of timex
wexd jump the life to comex but in these cases
we still have judgement herex that we but teach
bloody instructionsx which being taughtx return
to plague thx inventorx this evenxhanded justice
commends thx ingredience of our poisonxd chalice
to our own lipsx hexs here in double trustx
firstx as i am his kinsman and his subjectx
strong both against the deedx thenx as his hostx
who should against his murderer shut the doorx
not bear the knife myselfx besidesx this duncan
hath borne his faculties so meekx hath been
so clear in his great officex that his virtues
will plead like angelsx trumpetxtonguedx against
the deep damnation of his takingxoffx
and pityx like a naked newxborn babex
striding the blastx or heavenxs cherubinx horsxd
upon the sightless couriers of the airx
shall blow the horrid deed in every eyex
that tears shall drown the windxxi have no spur
to prick the sides of my intentx but only
vaulting ambitionx which oxerleaps itself
and falls on thx otherx

 enter lady macbethx

how nowx what newsx

lady macbethx
he has almost suppxdx why have you left the chamberx

macbethx
hath he askxd for mex

lady macbethx
know you not he hasx

macbethx
we will proceed no further in this businessx
he hath honourxd me of latex and i have bought
golden opinions from all sorts of peoplex
which would be worn now in their newest glossx
not cast aside so soonx

lady macbethx
was the hope drunk
wherein you dressxd yourselfx hath it slept sincex
and wakes it nowx to look so green and pale
at what it did so freelyx from this time
such i account thy lovex art thou afeard
to be the same in thine own act and valour
as thou art in desirex wouldst thou have that
which thou esteemxst the ornament of lifex
and live a coward in thine own esteemx
letting xi dare notx wait upon xi wouldxx
like the poor cat ix thx adagex

macbethx
prxytheex peacex
i dare do all that may become a manx
who dares do more is nonex

lady macbethx
what beast wasxtx thenx
that made you break this enterprise to mex
when you durst do itx then you were a manx
andx to be more than what you werex you would
be so much more the manx nor time nor place
did then adherex and yet you would make bothx
they have made themselvesx and that their fitness now
does unmake youx i have given suckx and know
how tender xtis to love the babe that milks mex
i wouldx while it was smiling in my facex
have pluckxd my nipple from his boneless gums
and dashxd the brains outx had i so sworn as you
have done to thisx

macbethx
if we should failx

lady macbethx
we failx
but screw your courage to the stickingxplacex
and wexll not failx when duncan is asleep
xwhereto the rather shall his dayxs hard journey
soundly invite himxx his two chamberlains
will i with wine and wassail so convince
that memoryx the warder of the brainx
shall be a fumex and the receipt of reason
a limbeck onlyx when in swinish sleep
their drenched natures lie as in a deathx
what cannot you and i perform upon
thx unguarded duncanx what not put upon
his spongy officersx who shall bear the guilt
of our great quellx

macbethx
bring forth menxchildren onlyx
for thy undaunted mettle should compose
nothing but malesx will it not be receivxdx
when we have markxd with blood those sleepy two
of his own chamberx and usxd their very daggersx
that they have donextx

lady macbethx
who dares receive it otherx
as we shall make our griefs and clamour roar
upon his deathx

macbethx
i am settledx and bend up
each corporal agent to this terrible featx
awayx and mock the time with fairest showx
false face must hide what the false heart doth knowx

 xxexeuntxxx


act ii

scene ix invernessx court within the castlex

 enter banquo and fleance with a torch before himx

banquox
how goes the nightx boyx

fleancex
the moon is downx i have not heard the clockx

banquox
and she goes down at twelvex

fleancex
i takextx xtis laterx sirx

banquox
holdx take my swordxxtherexs husbandry in heavenx
their candles are all outx take thee that toox
a heavy summons lies like lead upon mex
and yet i would not sleepx merciful powersx
restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
gives way to in reposex

 enter macbeth and a servant with a torchx

give me my swordxxwhoxs therex

macbethx
a friendx

banquox
whatx sirx not yet at restx the kingxs abedx
he hath been in unusual pleasure and
sent forth great largess to your officesx
this diamond he greets your wife withalx
by the name of most kind hostessx and shut up
in measureless contentx

macbethx
being unpreparxdx
our will became the servant to defectx
which else should free have wroughtx

banquox
allxs wellx
i dreamt last night of the three weird sistersx
to you they have showxd some truthx

macbethx
i think not of themx
yetx when we can entreat an hour to servex
we would spend it in some words upon that businessx
if you would grant the timex

banquox
at your kindxst leisurex

macbethx
if you shall cleave to my consentx when xtisx
it shall make honour for youx

banquox
so i lose none
in seeking to augment itx but still keep
my bosom franchisxdx and allegiance clearx
i shall be counsellxdx

macbethx
good repose the whilex

banquox
thanksx sirx the like to youx

 xxexeunt banquo and fleancexxx

macbethx
go bid thy mistressx when my drink is readyx
she strike upon the bellx get thee to bedx

 xxexit servantxxx

is this a dagger which i see before mex
the handle toward my handx comex let me clutch theexx
i have thee notx and yet i see thee stillx
art thou notx fatal visionx sensible
to feeling as to sightx or art thou but
a dagger of the mindx a false creationx
proceeding from the heatxoppressed brainx
i see thee yetx in form as palpable
as this which now i drawx
thou marshallxst me the way that i was goingx
and such an instrument i was to usex
mine eyes are made the fools ox the other sensesx
or else worth all the restx i see thee stillx
and on thy blade and dudgeonx gouts of bloodx
which was not so beforexxtherexs no such thingx
it is the bloody business which informs
thus to mine eyesxxnow oxer the one halfxworld
nature seems deadx and wicked dreams abuse
the curtainxd sleepx witchcraft celebrates
pale hecatexs offxringsx and witherxd murderx
alarumxd by his sentinelx the wolfx
whose howlxs his watchx thus with his stealthy pacex
with tarquinxs ravishing stridesx towards his design
moves like a ghostxxthou sure and firmxset earthx
hear not my stepsx which way they walkx for fear
thy very stones prate of my whereaboutx
and take the present horror from the timex
which now suits with itxxwhiles i threatx he livesx
words to the heat of deeds too cold breath givesx

 xxa bell ringsxxx

i gox and it is donex the bell invites mex
hear it notx duncanx for it is a knell
that summons thee to heaven or to hellx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix the samex

 enter lady macbethx

lady macbethx
that which hath made them drunk hath made me boldx
what hath quenchxd them hath given me firexxharkxxpeacex
it was the owl that shriekxdx the fatal bellmanx
which gives the sternxst good nightx he is about itx
the doors are openx and the surfeited grooms
do mock their charge with snoresx i have druggxd their possetsx
that death and nature do contend about themx
whether they live or diex

macbethx
xxwithinxxx whoxs therexxwhatx hox

lady macbethx
alackx i am afraid they have awakxdx
and xtis not donex thx attempt and not the deed
confounds usxxharkxxi laid their daggers readyx
he could not miss xemxxhad he not resembled
my father as he sleptx i had donextxxmy husbandx

 enter macbethx

macbethx
i have done the deedxxdidst thou not hear a noisex

lady macbethx
i heard the owl scream and the crickets cryx
did not you speakx

macbethx
whenx

lady macbethx
nowx

macbethx
as i descendedx

lady macbethx
ayx

macbethx
harkxxwho lies ix thx second chamberx

lady macbethx
donalbainx

macbethx
this is a sorry sightx

 xxlooking on his handsxxx

lady macbethx
a foolish thoughtx to say a sorry sightx

macbethx
therexs one did laugh inxs sleepx and one criedx xmurderxx
that they did wake each otherx i stood and heard themx
but they did say their prayersx and addressxd them
again to sleepx

lady macbethx
there are two lodgxd togetherx

macbethx
one criedx xgod bless usxx andx xamenxx the otherx
as they had seen me with these hangmanxs handsx
listxning their fearx i could not say xamenxx
when they did sayx xgod bless usxx

lady macbethx
consider it not so deeplyx

macbethx
but wherefore could not i pronounce xamenxx
i had most need of blessingx and xamenx
stuck in my throatx

lady macbethx
these deeds must not be thought
after these waysx sox it will make us madx

macbethx
methought i heard a voice cryx xsleep no morex
macbeth does murder sleepxxxthe innocent sleepx
sleep that knits up the ravellxd sleave of carex
the death of each dayxs lifex sore labourxs bathx
balm of hurt mindsx great naturexs second coursex
chief nourisher in lifexs feastx

lady macbethx
what do you meanx

macbethx
still it criedx xsleep no morexx to all the housex
xglamis hath murderxd sleepx and therefore cawdor
shall sleep no morex macbeth shall sleep no morexx

lady macbethx
who was it that thus criedx whyx worthy thanex
you do unbend your noble strength to think
so brainsickly of thingsx go get some waterx
and wash this filthy witness from your handxx
why did you bring these daggers from the placex
they must lie therex go carry themx and smear
the sleepy grooms with bloodx

macbethx
ixll go no morex
i am afraid to think what i have donex
look onxt again i dare notx

lady macbethx
infirm of purposex
give me the daggersx the sleeping and the dead
are but as picturesx xtis the eye of childhood
that fears a painted devilx if he do bleedx
ixll gild the faces of the grooms withalx
for it must seem their guiltx

 xxexitx knocking withinxxx

macbethx
whence is that knockingx
how isxt with mex when every noise appals mex
what hands are herex hax they pluck out mine eyesx
will all great neptunexs ocean wash this blood
clean from my handx nox this my hand will rather
the multitudinous seas incarnadinex
making the green one redx

 enter lady macbethx

lady macbethx
my hands are of your colorx but i shame
to wear a heart so whitex xxknocking withinxxx i hear knocking
at the south entryxxretire we to our chamberx
a little water clears us of this deedx
how easy is it thenx your constancy
hath left you unattendedxxxxknocking withinxxx harkx more knockingx
get on your nightgownx lest occasion call us
and show us to be watchersx be not lost
so poorly in your thoughtsx

macbethx
to know my deedx xtwere best not know myselfx xxknocking withinxxx
wake duncan with thy knockingx i would thou couldstx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex

 enter a porterx knocking withinx

porterx
herexs a knocking indeedx if a man were porter of hell gatex he should
have old turning the keyx xxknockingxxx knockx knockx knockx whoxs
therex ix thx name of belzebubx herexs a farmer that hanged himself on
the expectation of plentyx come in timex have napkins enow about youx
here youxll sweat forxtx xxknockingxxx knockx knockx whoxs therex ix
thx other devilxs namex faithx herexs an equivocatorx that could swear
in both the scales against either scalex who committed treason enough
for godxs sakex yet could not equivocate to heavenx ox come inx
equivocatorx xxknockingxxx knockx knockx knockx whoxs therex faithx
herexs an english tailor come hitherx for stealing out of a french
hosex come inx tailorx here you may roast your goosex xxknockingxxx
knockx knockx never at quietx what are youxxbut this place is too cold
for hellx ixll devilxporter it no furtherx i had thought to have let in
some of all professionsx that go the primrose way to thx everlasting
bonfirex xxknockingxxx anonx anonx i pray youx remember the porterx

 xxopens the gatexxx

 enter macduff and lennoxx

macduffx
was it so latex friendx ere you went to bedx
that you do lie so latex

porterx
faithx sirx we were carousing till the second cockx and drinkx sirx is
a great provoker of three thingsx

macduffx
what three things does drink especially provokex

porterx
marryx sirx nosexpaintingx sleepx and urinex lecheryx sirx it provokes
and unprovokesx it provokes the desirex but it takes away the
performancex therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with
lecheryx it makes himx and it mars himx it sets him onx and it takes
him offx it persuades himx and disheartens himx makes him stand tox and
not stand tox in conclusionx equivocates him in a sleepx and giving him
the liex leaves himx

macduffx
i believe drink gave thee the lie last nightx

porterx
that it didx sirx ix the very throat on mex but i requited him for his
liex and xi thinkx being too strong for himx though he took up my legs
sometimex yet i made a shift to cast himx

macduffx
is thy master stirringx

 enter macbethx

our knocking has awakxd himx here he comesx

lennoxx
good morrowx noble sirx

macbethx
good morrowx bothx

macduffx
is the king stirringx worthy thanex

macbethx
not yetx

macduffx
he did command me to call timely on himx
i have almost slippxd the hourx

macbethx
ixll bring you to himx

macduffx
i know this is a joyful trouble to youx
but yet xtis onex

macbethx
the labour we delight in physics painx
this is the doorx

macduffx
ixll make so bold to callx
for xtis my limited servicex

 xxexit macduffxxx

lennoxx
goes the king hence todayx

macbethx
he doesx he did appoint sox

lennoxx
the night has been unrulyx where we layx
our chimneys were blown down andx as they sayx
lamentings heard ix thx airx strange screams of deathx
and prophesyingx with accents terriblex
of dire combustion and confusxd eventsx
new hatchxd to the woeful timex the obscure bird
clamourxd the livexlong nightx some say the earth
was feverousx and did shakex

macbethx
xtwas a rough nightx

lennoxx
my young remembrance cannot parallel
a fellow to itx

 enter macduffx

macduffx
o horrorx horrorx horrorx
tongue nor heart cannot conceive nor name theex

macbethx lennoxx
whatxs the matterx

macduffx
confusion now hath made his masterpiecex
most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope
the lordxs anointed templex and stole thence
the life ox thx buildingx

macbethx
what isxt you sayx the lifex

lennoxx
mean you his majestyx

macduffx
approach the chamberx and destroy your sight
with a new gorgonx do not bid me speakx
seex and then speak yourselvesx

 xxexeunt macbeth and lennoxxxx

awakex awakexx
ring the alarum bellxxmurder and treasonx
banquo and donalbainx malcolmx awakex
shake off this downy sleepx deathxs counterfeitx
and look on death itselfx upx upx and see
the great doomxs imagex malcolmx banquox
as from your graves rise upx and walk like sprites
to countenance this horrorx

 xxalarumxbell ringsxxx

 enter lady macbethx

lady macbethx
whatxs the businessx
that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley
the sleepers of the housex speakx speakx

macduffx
o gentle ladyx
xtis not for you to hear what i can speakx
the repetitionx in a womanxs earx
would murder as it fellx

 enter banquox

o banquox banquox
our royal masterxs murderxdx

lady macbethx
woex alasx
whatx in our housex

banquox
too cruel anywherexx
dear duffx i prxytheex contradict thyselfx
and say it is not sox

 enter macbeth and lennox with rossx

macbethx
had i but died an hour before this chancex
i had livxd a blessed timex forx from this instant
therexs nothing serious in mortalityx
all is but toysx renown and grace is deadx
the wine of life is drawnx and the mere lees
is left this vault to brag ofx

 enter malcolm and donalbainx

donalbainx
what is amissx

macbethx
you arex and do not knowxtx
the springx the headx the fountain of your blood
is stoppxdx the very source of it is stoppxdx

macduffx
your royal fatherxs murderxdx

malcolmx
ox by whomx

lennoxx
those of his chamberx as it seemxdx had donextx
their hands and faces were all badgxd with bloodx
so were their daggersx whichx unwipxdx we found
upon their pillowsx they starxdx and were distractedx
no manxs life was to be trusted with themx

macbethx
ox yet i do repent me of my furyx
that i did kill themx

macduffx
wherefore did you sox

macbethx
who can be wisex amazxdx temperatex and furiousx
loyal and neutralx in a momentx no manx
thx expedition of my violent love
outrun the pauserx reasonx here lay duncanx
his silver skin lacxd with his golden bloodx
and his gashxd stabs lookxd like a breach in nature
for ruinxs wasteful entrancex therex the murderersx
steepxd in the colours of their tradex their daggers
unmannerly breechxd with gorex who could refrainx
that had a heart to lovex and in that heart
courage to makexs love knownx

lady macbethx
help me hencex hox

macduffx
look to the ladyx

malcolmx
why do we hold our tonguesx
that most may claim this argument for oursx

donalbainx
what should be spoken herex where our fatex
hid in an auger holex may rushx and seize usx
letxs awayx our tears are not yet brewxdx

malcolmx
nor our strong sorrow
upon the foot of motionx

banquox
look to the ladyxx

 xxlady macbeth is carried outxxx

and when we have our naked frailties hidx
that suffer in exposurex let us meetx
and question this most bloody piece of work
to know it furtherx fears and scruples shake usx
in the great hand of god i standx and thence
against the undivulgxd pretence i fight
of treasonous malicex

macduffx
and so do ix

allx
so allx

macbethx
letxs briefly put on manly readinessx
and meet ix thx hall togetherx

allx
well contentedx

 xxexeunt all but malcolm and donalbainxxx

malcolmx
what will you dox letxs not consort with themx
to show an unfelt sorrow is an office
which the false man does easyx ixll to englandx

donalbainx
to irelandx ix our separated fortune
shall keep us both the saferx where we arex
therexs daggers in menxs smilesx the near in bloodx
the nearer bloodyx

malcolmx
this murderous shaft thatxs shot
hath not yet lightedx and our safest way
is to avoid the aimx therefore to horsex
and let us not be dainty of leavextakingx
but shift awayx therexs warrant in that theft
which steals itselfx when therexs no mercy leftx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx the samex without the castlex

 enter ross and an old manx

old manx
threescore and ten i can remember wellx
within the volume of which time i have seen
hours dreadful and things strangex but this sore night
hath trifled former knowingsx

rossx
hax good fatherx
thou seest the heavensx as troubled with manxs actx
threatens his bloody stagex by the clock xtis dayx
and yet dark night strangles the travelling lampx
isxt nightxs predominancex or the dayxs shamex
that darkness does the face of earth entombx
when living light should kiss itx

old manx
xtis unnaturalx
even like the deed thatxs donex on tuesday lastx
a falconx towering in her pride of placex
was by a mousing owl hawkxd at and killxdx

rossx
and duncanxs horses xa thing most strange and certainx
beauteous and swiftx the minions of their racex
turnxd wild in naturex broke their stallsx flung outx
contending xgainst obediencex as they would make
war with mankindx

old manx
xtis said they eat each otherx

rossx
they did sox to the amazement of mine eyesx
that lookxd uponxtx
here comes the good macduffx

 enter macduffx

how goes the worldx sirx nowx

macduffx
whyx see you notx

rossx
isxt known who did this more than bloody deedx

macduffx
those that macbeth hath slainx

rossx
alasx the dayx
what good could they pretendx

macduffx
they were subornxdx
malcolm and donalbainx the kingxs two sonsx
are stolxn away and fledx which puts upon them
suspicion of the deedx

rossx
xgainst nature stillx
thriftless ambitionx that will ravin up
thine own lifexs meansxxthen xtis most like
the sovereignty will fall upon macbethx

macduffx
he is already namxdx and gone to scone
to be investedx

rossx
where is duncanxs bodyx

macduffx
carried to colmekillx
the sacred storehouse of his predecessorsx
and guardian of their bonesx

rossx
will you to sconex

macduffx
nox cousinx ixll to fifex

rossx
wellx i will thitherx

macduffx
wellx may you see things well done therex adieux
lest our old robes sit easier than our newx

rossx
farewellx fatherx

old manx
godxs benison go with youx and with those
that would make good of badx and friends of foesx

 xxexeuntxxx


act iii

scene ix forresx a room in the palacex

 enter banquox

banquox
thou hast it nowx kingx cawdorx glamisx allx
as the weird women promisxdx andx i fearx
thou playxdst most foully forxtx yet it was said
it should not stand in thy posterityx
but that myself should be the root and father
of many kingsx if there come truth from them
xas upon theex macbethx their speeches shinex
whyx by the verities on thee made goodx
may they not be my oracles as wellx
and set me up in hopex but hushx no morex

 sennet soundedx enter macbeth as kingx lady macbeth as queenx lennoxx
 rossx lordsx and attendantsx

macbethx
herexs our chief guestx

lady macbethx
if he had been forgottenx
it had been as a gap in our great feastx
and allxthing unbecomingx

macbethx
tonight we hold a solemn supperx sirx
and ixll request your presencex

banquox
let your highness
command upon mex to the which my duties
are with a most indissoluble tie
for ever knitx

macbethx
ride you this afternoonx

banquox
ayx my good lordx

macbethx
we should have else desirxd your good advice
xwhich still hath been both grave and prosperousx
in this dayxs councilx but wexll take tomorrowx
isxt far you ridex

banquox
as farx my lordx as will fill up the time
xtwixt this and supperx go not my horse the betterx
i must become a borrower of the nightx
for a dark hour or twainx

macbethx
fail not our feastx

banquox
my lordx i will notx

macbethx
we hear our bloody cousins are bestowxd
in england and in irelandx not confessing
their cruel parricidex filling their hearers
with strange inventionx but of that tomorrowx
when therewithal we shall have cause of state
craving us jointlyx hie you to horsex adieux
till you return at nightx goes fleance with youx

banquox
ayx my good lordx our time does call uponxsx

macbethx
i wish your horses swift and sure of footx
and so i do commend you to their backsx
farewellxx

 xxexit banquoxxx

let every man be master of his time
till seven at nightx to make society
the sweeter welcomex we will keep ourself
till supper time alonex while thenx god be with youx

 xxexeunt lady macbethx lordsx xcxxx

sirrahx a word with youx attend those men
our pleasurex

servantx
they arex my lordx without the palace gatex

macbethx
bring them before usx

 xxexit servantxxx

to be thus is nothingx
but to be safely thusx our fears in banquo
stick deepx and in his royalty of nature
reigns that which would be fearxdx xtis much he daresx
andx to that dauntless temper of his mindx
he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
to act in safetyx there is none but he
whose being i do fearx and under him
my genius is rebukxdx asx it is saidx
mark antonyxs was by caesarx he chid the sisters
when first they put the name of king upon mex
and bade them speak to himx thenx prophetxlikex
they hailxd him father to a line of kingsx
upon my head they placxd a fruitless crownx
and put a barren sceptre in my gripex
thence to be wrenchxd with an unlineal handx
no son of mine succeedingx ifxt be sox
for banquoxs issue have i filxd my mindx
for them the gracious duncan have i murderxdx
put rancours in the vessel of my peace
only for themx and mine eternal jewel
given to the common enemy of manx
to make them kingsx the seed of banquo kingsx
rather than sox comex fatex into the listx
and champion me to thx utterancexxwhoxs therexx

 enter servant with two murderersx

now go to the doorx and stay there till we callx

 xxexit servantxxx

was it not yesterday we spoke togetherx

first murdererx
it wasx so please your highnessx

macbethx
well thenx now
have you considerxd of my speechesx know
that it was hex in the times pastx which held you
so under fortunex which you thought had been
our innocent selfx this i made good to you
in our last conferencex passxd in probation with you
how you were borne in handx how crossxdx the instrumentsx
who wrought with themx and all things else that might
to half a soul and to a notion crazxd
sayx xthus did banquoxx

first murdererx
you made it known to usx

macbethx
i did sox and went furtherx which is now
our point of second meetingx do you find
your patience so predominant in your naturex
that you can let this gox are you so gospellxdx
to pray for this good man and for his issuex
whose heavy hand hath bowxd you to the gravex
and beggarxd yours foreverx

first murdererx
we are menx my liegex

macbethx
ayx in the catalogue ye go for menx
as houndsx and greyhoundsx mongrelsx spanielsx cursx
shoughsx waterxrugsx and demixwolves are clept
all by the name of dogsx the valuxd file
distinguishes the swiftx the slowx the subtlex
the housekeeperx the hunterx every one
according to the gift which bounteous nature
hath in him closxdx whereby he does receive
particular additionx from the bill
that writes them all alikex and so of menx
nowx if you have a station in the filex
not ix thx worst rank of manhoodx sayxtx
and i will put that business in your bosomsx
whose execution takes your enemy offx
grapples you to the heart and love of usx
who wear our health but sickly in his lifex
which in his death were perfectx

second murdererx
i am onex my liegex
whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
hath so incensxd that i am reckless what
i do to spite the worldx

first murdererx
and i anotherx
so weary with disastersx tuggxd with fortunex
that i would set my life on any chancex
to mend it or be rid onxtx

macbethx
both of you
know banquo was your enemyx

both murderersx
truex my lordx

macbethx
so is he minex and in such bloody distancex
that every minute of his being thrusts
against my nearxst of lifex and though i could
with barefacxd power sweep him from my sightx
and bid my will avouch itx yet i must notx
for certain friends that are both his and minex
whose loves i may not dropx but wail his fall
who i myself struck downx and thence it is
that i to your assistance do make lovex
masking the business from the common eye
for sundry weighty reasonsx

second murdererx
we shallx my lordx
perform what you command usx

first murdererx
though our livesx

macbethx
your spirits shine through youx within this hour at mostx
i will advise you where to plant yourselvesx
acquaint you with the perfect spy ox thx timex
the moment onxtx forxt must be done tonight
and something from the palacex always thought
that i require a clearnessx and with him
xto leave no rubs nor botches in the workx
fleance his sonx that keeps him companyx
whose absence is no less material to me
than is his fatherxsx must embrace the fate
of that dark hourx resolve yourselves apartx
ixll come to you anonx

both murderersx
we are resolvxdx my lordx

macbethx
ixll call upon you straightx abide withinx

 xxexeunt murderersxxx

it is concludedx banquox thy soulxs flightx
if it find heavenx must find it out tonightx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix the samex another room in the palacex

 enter lady macbeth and a servantx

lady macbethx
is banquo gone from courtx

servantx
ayx madamx but returns again tonightx

lady macbethx
say to the kingx i would attend his leisure
for a few wordsx

servantx
madamx i willx

 xxexitxxx

lady macbethx
naughtxs hadx allxs spentx
where our desire is got without contentx
xtis safer to be that which we destroyx
than by destruction dwell in doubtful joyx

 enter macbethx

how nowx my lordx why do you keep alonex
of sorriest fancies your companions makingx
using those thoughts which should indeed have died
with them they think onx things without all remedy
should be without regardx whatxs done is donex

macbethx
we have scorchxd the snakex not killxd itx
shexll closex and be herselfx whilst our poor malice
remains in danger of her former toothx
but let the frame of things disjointx
both the worlds sufferx
ere we will eat our meal in fearx and sleep
in the affliction of these terrible dreams
that shake us nightlyx better be with the deadx
whom wex to gain our peacex have sent to peacex
than on the torture of the mind to lie
in restless ecstasyx duncan is in his gravex
after lifexs fitful fever he sleeps wellx
treason has done his worstx nor steelx nor poisonx
malice domesticx foreign levyx nothing
can touch him furtherx

lady macbethx
come onx
gently my lordx sleek oxer your rugged looksx
be bright and jovial among your guests tonightx

macbethx
so shall ix lovex and sox i prayx be youx
let your remembrance apply to banquox
present him eminencex both with eye and tonguex
unsafe the whilex that we
must lave our honours in these flattering streamsx
and make our faces vizards to our heartsx
disguising what they arex

lady macbethx
you must leave thisx

macbethx
ox full of scorpions is my mindx dear wifex
thou knowxst that banquox and his fleancex livesx

lady macbethx
but in them naturexs copyxs not eternex

macbethx
therexs comfort yetx they are assailablex
then be thou jocundx ere the bat hath flown
his cloisterxd flightx ere to black hecatexs summons
the shardxborn beetlex with his drowsy humsx
hath rung nightxs yawning pealx there shall be done
a deed of dreadful notex

lady macbethx
whatxs to be donex

macbethx
be innocent of the knowledgex dearest chuckx
till thou applaud the deedx comex seeling nightx
scarf up the tender eye of pitiful dayx
and with thy bloody and invisible hand
cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
which keeps me palexxlight thickensx and the crow
makes wing to thx rooky woodx
good things of day begin to droop and drowsex
whiles nightxs black agents to their preys do rousex
thou marvellxst at my wordsx but hold thee stillx
things bad begun make strong themselves by illx
sox prxytheex go with mex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a park or lawnx with a gate leading to the palacex

 enter three murderersx

first murdererx
but who did bid thee join with usx

third murdererx
macbethx

second murdererx
he needs not our mistrustx since he delivers
our offices and what we have to do
to the direction justx

first murdererx
then stand with usx
the west yet glimmers with some streaks of dayx
now spurs the lated traveller apacex
to gain the timely innx and near approaches
the subject of our watchx

third murdererx
harkx i hear horsesx

banquox
xxwithinxxx give us a light therex hox

second murdererx
then xtis hex the rest
that are within the note of expectation
already are ix thx courtx

first murdererx
his horses go aboutx

third murdererx
almost a milex but he does usuallyx
so all men dox from hence to the palace gate
make it their walkx

 enter banquo and fleance with a torchx

second murdererx
a lightx a lightx

third murdererx
xtis hex

first murdererx
stand toxtx

banquox
it will be rain tonightx

first murdererx
let it come downx

 xxassaults banquoxxx

banquox
ox treacheryx flyx good fleancex flyx flyx flyx
thou mayst revengexo slavex

 xxdiesx fleance escapesxxx

third murdererx
who did strike out the lightx

first murdererx
wasxt not the wayx

third murdererx
therexs but one downx the son is fledx

second murdererx
we have lost best half of our affairx

first murdererx
wellx letxs awayx and say how much is donex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx the samex a room of state in the palacex

 a banquet preparedx enter macbethx lady macbethx rossx lennoxx lords
 and attendantsx

macbethx
you know your own degreesx sit downx at first
and last the hearty welcomex

lordsx
thanks to your majestyx

macbethx
ourself will mingle with societyx
and play the humble hostx
our hostess keeps her statex butx in best timex
we will require her welcomex

lady macbethx
pronounce it for mex sirx to all our friendsx
for my heart speaks they are welcomex

 enter first murderer to the doorx

macbethx
seex they encounter thee with their heartsx thanksx
both sides are evenx here ixll sit ix thx midstx

be large in mirthx anon wexll drink a measure
the table roundx therexs blood upon thy facex

murdererx
xtis banquoxs thenx

macbethx
xtis better thee without than he withinx
is he dispatchxdx

murdererx
my lordx his throat is cutx that i did for himx

macbethx
thou art the best ox thx cutxthroatsx
yet hexs good that did the like for fleancex
if thou didst itx thou art the nonpareilx

murdererx
most royal sirx
fleance is xscapxdx

macbethx
then comes my fit againx i had else been perfectx
whole as the marblex founded as the rockx
as broad and general as the casing airx
but now i am cabinxdx cribbxdx confinxdx bound in
to saucy doubts and fearsx but banquoxs safex

murdererx
ayx my good lordx safe in a ditch he bidesx
with twenty trenched gashes on his headx
the least a death to naturex

macbethx
thanks for thatx
there the grown serpent liesx the worm thatxs fled
hath nature that in time will venom breedx
no teeth for thx presentxxget thee gonex tomorrow
wexll hearx ourselvesx againx

 xxexit murdererxxx

lady macbethx
my royal lordx
you do not give the cheerx the feast is sold
that is not often vouchxdx while xtis axmakingx
xtis given with welcomex to feed were best at homex
from thence the sauce to meat is ceremonyx
meeting were bare without itx

 the ghost of banquo risesx and sits in macbethxs placex

macbethx
sweet remembrancerxx
nowx good digestion wait on appetitex
and health on bothx

lennoxx
mayxt please your highness sitx

macbethx
here had we now our countryxs honour roofxdx
were the gracxd person of our banquo presentx
who may i rather challenge for unkindness
than pity for mischancex

rossx
his absencex sirx
lays blame upon his promisex pleasext your highness
to grace us with your royal companyx

macbethx
the tablexs fullx

lennoxx
here is a place reservxdx sirx

macbethx
wherex

lennoxx
herex my good lordx what isxt that moves your highnessx

macbethx
which of you have done thisx

lordsx
whatx my good lordx

macbethx
thou canst not say i did itx never shake
thy gory locks at mex

rossx
gentlemenx risex his highness is not wellx

lady macbethx
sitx worthy friendsx my lord is often thusx
and hath been from his youthx pray youx keep seatx
the fit is momentaryx upon a thought
he will again be wellx if much you note himx
you shall offend himx and extend his passionx
feedx and regard him notxxare you a manx

macbethx
ayx and a bold onex that dare look on that
which might appal the devilx

lady macbethx
o proper stuffx
this is the very painting of your fearx
this is the airxdrawn dagger which you saidx
led you to duncanx ox these flawsx and starts
ximpostors to true fearxx would well become
a womanxs story at a winterxs firex
authorisxd by her grandamx shame itselfx
why do you make such facesx when allxs donex
you look but on a stoolx

macbethx
prxytheex see therex
beholdx lookx lox how say youx
whyx what care ix if thou canst nodx speak tooxx
if charnel houses and our graves must send
those that we bury backx our monuments
shall be the maws of kitesx

 xxghost disappearsxxx

lady macbethx
whatx quite unmannxd in follyx

macbethx
if i stand herex i saw himx

lady macbethx
fiex for shamex

macbethx
blood hath been shed ere nowx ix thx olden timex
ere humane statute purgxd the gentle wealx
ayx and since toox murders have been performxd
too terrible for the earx the time has beenx
thatx when the brains were outx the man would diex
and there an endx but now they rise againx
with twenty mortal murders on their crownsx
and push us from our stoolsx this is more strange
than such a murder isx

lady macbethx
my worthy lordx
your noble friends do lack youx

macbethx
i do forgetxx
do not muse at mex my most worthy friendsx
i have a strange infirmityx which is nothing
to those that know mex comex love and health to allx
then ixll sit downxxgive me some winex fill fullxx
i drink to the general joy ox thx whole tablex
and to our dear friend banquox whom we missx
would he were herex

 ghost rises againx

to allx and himx we thirstx
and all to allx

lordsx
our dutiesx and the pledgex

macbethx
avauntx and quit my sightx let the earth hide theex
thy bones are marrowlessx thy blood is coldx
thou hast no speculation in those eyes
which thou dost glare withx

lady macbethx
think of thisx good peersx
but as a thing of customx xtis no otherx
only it spoils the pleasure of the timex

macbethx
what man darex i darex
approach thou like the rugged russian bearx
the armxd rhinocerosx or thx hyrcan tigerx
take any shape but thatx and my firm nerves
shall never tremblex or be alive againx
and dare me to the desert with thy swordx
if trembling i inhabit thenx protest me
the baby of a girlx hencex horrible shadowx
unreal mockxryx hencex

 xxghost disappearsxxx

whyx soxxbeing gonex
i am a man againxxpray youx sit stillx

lady macbethx
you have displaced the mirthx broke the good meeting
with most admirxd disorderx

macbethx
can such things bex
and overcome us like a summerxs cloudx
without our special wonderx you make me strange
even to the disposition that i owex
when now i think you can behold such sightsx
and keep the natural ruby of your cheeksx
when mine are blanchxd with fearx

rossx
what sightsx my lordx

lady macbethx
i pray youx speak notx he grows worse and worsex
question enrages himx at oncex good nightxx
stand not upon the order of your goingx
but go at oncex

lennoxx
good nightx and better health
attend his majestyx

lady macbethx
a kind good night to allx

 xxexeunt all lords and atendantsxxx

macbethx
it will have bloodx they sayx blood will have bloodx
stones have been known to movex and trees to speakx
augursx and understood relationsx have
by magotxpiesx and choughsx and rooksx brought forth
the secretxst man of bloodxxwhat is the nightx

lady macbethx
almost at odds with morningx which is whichx

macbethx
how sayxst thoux that macduff denies his person
at our great biddingx

lady macbethx
did you send to himx sirx

macbethx
i hear it by the wayx but i will sendx
therexs not a one of them but in his house
i keep a servant feexdx i will tomorrow
xand betimes i willx to the weird sistersx
more shall they speakx for now i am bent to knowx
by the worst meansx the worstx for mine own goodx
all causes shall give wayx i am in blood
steppxd in so far thatx should i wade no morex
returning were as tedious as go oxerx
strange things i have in headx that will to handx
which must be acted ere they may be scannxdx

lady macbethx
you lack the season of all naturesx sleepx

macbethx
comex wexll to sleepx my strange and selfxabuse
is the initiate fear that wants hard usex
we are yet but young in deedx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx the heathx

 thunderx enter the three witches meeting hecatex

first witchx
whyx how nowx hecatex you look angerlyx

hecatex
have i not reasonx beldams as you arex
saucy and overboldx how did you dare
to trade and traffic with macbeth
in riddles and affairs of deathx
and ix the mistress of your charmsx
the close contriver of all harmsx
was never callxd to bear my partx
or show the glory of our artx
andx which is worsex all you have done
hath been but for a wayward sonx
spiteful and wrathfulx whox as others dox
loves for his own endsx not for youx
but make amends nowx get you gonex
and at the pit of acheron
meet me ix thx morningx thither he
will come to know his destinyx
your vessels and your spells providex
your charmsx and everything besidex
i am for thx airx this night ixll spend
unto a dismal and a fatal endx
great business must be wrought ere noonx
upon the corner of the moon
there hangs a vapxrous drop profoundx
ixll catch it ere it come to groundx
and thatx distillxd by magic sleightsx
shall raise such artificial spritesx
asx by the strength of their illusionx
shall draw him on to his confusionx
he shall spurn fatex scorn deathx and bear
his hopes xbove wisdomx gracex and fearx
and you all knowx security
is mortalsx chiefest enemyx

 xxmusic and song withinx xcome awayx come awayx xcxxx

harkx i am callxdx my little spiritx seex
sits in a foggy cloud and stays for mex

 xxexitxxx

first witchx
comex letxs make hastex shexll soon be back againx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix forresx a room in the palacex

 enter lennox and another lordx

lennoxx
my former speeches have but hit your thoughtsx
which can interpret fartherx onlyx i sayx
thingxs have been strangely bornex the gracious duncan
was pitied of macbethxxmarryx he was deadxx
and the right valiant banquo walkxd too latex
whomx you may sayx ifxt please youx fleance killxdx
for fleance fledx men must not walk too latex
who cannot want the thoughtx how monstrous
it was for malcolm and for donalbain
to kill their gracious fatherx damned factx
how it did grieve macbethx did he not straightx
in pious ragex the two delinquents tear
that were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleepx
was not that nobly donex ayx and wisely toox
for xtwould have angerxd any heart alivex
to hear the men denyxtx so thatx i sayx
he has borne all things wellx and i do thinkx
that had he duncanxs sons under his key
xasx andxt please heavenx he shall notx they should find
what xtwere to kill a fatherx so should fleancex
butx peacexxfor from broad wordsx and xcause he failxd
his presence at the tyrantxs feastx i hearx
macduff lives in disgracex sirx can you tell
where he bestows himselfx

lordx
the son of duncanx
from whom this tyrant holds the due of birthx
lives in the english court and is receivxd
of the most pious edward with such grace
that the malevolence of fortune nothing
takes from his high respectx thither macduff
is gone to pray the holy kingx upon his aid
to wake northumberlandx and warlike siward
thatx by the help of these xwith him above
to ratify the workxx we may again
give to our tables meatx sleep to our nightsx
free from our feasts and banquets bloody knivesx
do faithful homagex and receive free honoursx
all which we pine for nowx and this report
hath so exasperate the king that he
prepares for some attempt of warx

lennoxx
sent he to macduffx

lordx
he didx and with an absolute xsirx not ixx
the cloudy messenger turns me his backx
and humsx as who should sayx xyouxll rue the time
that clogs me with this answerxx

lennoxx
and that well might
advise him to a cautionx tx hold what distance
his wisdom can providex some holy angel
fly to the court of englandx and unfold
his message ere he comex that a swift blessing
may soon return to this our suffering country
under a hand accursxdx

lordx
ixll send my prayers with himx

 xxexeuntxxx


act iv

scene ix a dark cavex in the middlex a cauldron boilingx

 thunderx enter the three witchesx

first witchx
thrice the brinded cat hath mewxdx

second witchx
thricex and once the hedgexpig whinxdx

third witchx
harpier criesxxxtis timex xtis timex

first witchx
round about the cauldron gox
in the poisonxd entrails throwxx
toadx that under cold stone
days and nights has thirtyxone
swelterxd venom sleeping gotx
boil thou first ix thx charmed potx

allx
doublex doublex toil and troublex
firex burnx and cauldronx bubblex

second witchx
fillet of a fenny snakex
in the cauldron boil and bakex
eye of newtx and toe of frogx
wool of batx and tongue of dogx
adderxs forkx and blindxwormxs stingx
lizardxs legx and howletxs wingx
for a charm of powerful troublex
like a hellxbroth boil and bubblex

allx
doublex doublex toil and troublex
firex burnx and cauldronx bubblex

third witchx
scale of dragonx tooth of wolfx
witchxs mummyx maw and gulf
of the ravinxd saltxsea sharkx
root of hemlock diggxd ix thx darkx
liver of blaspheming jewx
gall of goatx and slips of yew
sliverxd in the moonxs eclipsex
nose of turkx and tartarxs lipsx
finger of birthxstrangled babe
ditchxdeliverxd by a drabx
make the gruel thick and slabx
add thereto a tigerxs chaudronx
for thx ingredients of our cauldronx

allx
doublex doublex toil and troublex
firex burnx and cauldronx bubblex

second witchx
cool it with a baboonxs bloodx
then the charm is firm and goodx

 enter hecatex

hecatex
ox well donex i commend your painsx
and everyone shall share ix thx gainsx
and now about the cauldron singx
like elves and fairies in a ringx
enchanting all that you put inx

 xxmusic and a songx xblack spiritsxx xcxxx

 xxexit hecatexxx

second witchx
by the pricking of my thumbsx
something wicked this way comesx
openx locksx
whoever knocksx

 enter macbethx

macbethx
how nowx you secretx blackx and midnight hagsx
what isxt you dox

allx
a deed without a namex

macbethx
i conjure youx by that which you professx
xhowexer you come to know itx answer mex
though you untie the windsx and let them fight
against the churchesx though the yesty waves
confound and swallow navigation upx
though bladed corn be lodgxdx and trees blown downx
though castles topple on their wardersx headsx
though palaces and pyramids do slope
their heads to their foundationsx though the treasure
of naturexs germens tumble all togetherx
even till destruction sickenx answer me
to what i ask youx

first witchx
speakx

second witchx
demandx

third witchx
wexll answerx

first witchx
sayx if thouxdst rather hear it from our mouthsx
or from our mastersx

macbethx
call xemx let me see xemx

first witchx
pour in sowxs bloodx that hath eaten
her nine farrowx grease thatxs sweaten
from the murdererxs gibbet throw
into the flamex

allx
comex high or lowx
thyself and office deftly showx

 xxthunderx an apparition of an armed head risesxxx

macbethx
tell mex thou unknown powerxx

first witchx
he knows thy thoughtx
hear his speechx but say thou naughtx

apparitionx
macbethx macbethx macbethx beware macduffx
beware the thane of fifexxdismiss mexxenoughx

 xxdescendsxxx

macbethx
whatexer thou artx for thy good cautionx thanksx
thou hast harpxd my fear arightxxbut one word morex

first witchx
he will not be commandedx herexs anotherx
more potent than the firstx

 xxthunderx an apparition of a bloody child risesxxx

apparitionx
macbethx macbethx macbethx

macbethx
had i three earsx ixd hear theex

apparitionx
be bloodyx boldx and resolutex laugh to scorn
the power of manx for none of woman born
shall harm macbethx

 xxdescendsxxx

macbethx
then livex macduffx what need i fear of theex
but yet ixll make assurance double surex
and take a bond of fatex thou shalt not livex
that i may tell palexhearted fear it liesx
and sleep in spite of thunderx

 xxthunderx an apparition of a child crownedx with a tree in his handx
 risesxxx

what is thisx
that rises like the issue of a kingx
and wears upon his baby brow the round
and top of sovereigntyx

allx
listenx but speak not toxtx

apparitionx
be lionxmettledx proudx and take no care
who chafesx who fretsx or where conspirers arex
macbeth shall never vanquishxd bex until
great birnam wood to high dunsinane hill
shall come against himx

 xxdescendsxxx

macbethx
that will never bex
who can impress the forestx bid the tree
unfix his earthxbound rootx sweet bodementsx goodx
rebellious headx rise never till the wood
of birnam risex and our highxplacxd macbeth
shall live the lease of naturex pay his breath
to time and mortal customxxyet my heart
throbs to know one thingx tell mex if your art
can tell so muchx shall banquoxs issue ever
reign in this kingdomx

allx
seek to know no morex

macbethx
i will be satisfiedx deny me thisx
and an eternal curse fall on youx let me knowx
why sinks that cauldronx and what noise is thisx

 xxhautboysxxx

first witchx
showx

second witchx
showx

third witchx
showx

allx
show his eyesx and grieve his heartx
come like shadowsx so departx

 xxa show of eight kings appearx and pass over in orderx the last with
 a glass in his handx banquo followingxxx

macbethx
thou are too like the spirit of banquox downx
thy crown does sear mine eyeballsxxand thy hairx
thou other goldxbound browx is like the firstx
a third is like the formerxxfilthy hagsx
why do you show me thisxxa fourthxxstartx eyesx
whatx will the line stretch out to thx crack of doomx
another yetxxa seventhxxixll see no morexx
and yet the eighth appearsx who bears a glass
which shows me many morex and some i see
that twofold balls and treble sceptres carryx
horrible sightxxnow i see xtis truex
for the bloodxbolterxd banquo smiles upon mex
and points at them for hisxxwhatx is this sox

first witchx
ayx sirx all this is soxxbut why
stands macbeth thus amazedlyxx
comex sistersx cheer we up his spritesx
and show the best of our delightsx
ixll charm the air to give a soundx
while you perform your antic roundx
that this great king may kindly sayx
our duties did his welcome payx

 xxmusicx the witches dancex and vanishxxx

macbethx
where are theyx gonexxlet this pernicious hour
stand aye accursed in the calendarxx
come inx without therex

 enter lennoxx

lennoxx
whatxs your gracexs willx

macbethx
saw you the weird sistersx

lennoxx
nox my lordx

macbethx
came they not by youx

lennoxx
nox indeedx my lordx

macbethx
infected be the air whereon they ridex
and damnxd all those that trust themxxi did hear
the galloping of horsex who wasxt came byx

lennoxx
xtis two or threex my lordx that bring you word
macduff is fled to englandx

macbethx
fled to englandx

lennoxx
ayx my good lordx

macbethx
timex thou anticipatxst my dread exploitsx
the flighty purpose never is oxertook
unless the deed go with itx from this moment
the very firstlings of my heart shall be
the firstlings of my handx and even nowx
to crown my thoughts with actsx be it thought and donex
the castle of macduff i will surprisex
seize upon fifex give to thx edge ox thx sword
his wifex his babesx and all unfortunate souls
that trace him in his linex no boasting like a foolx
this deed ixll do before this purpose coolx
but no more sightsxxwhere are these gentlemenx
comex bring me where they arex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix fifex a room in macduffxs castlex

 enter lady macduff her son and rossx

lady macduffx
what had he donex to make him fly the landx

rossx
you must have patiencex madamx

lady macduffx
he had nonex
his flight was madnessx when our actions do notx
our fears do make us traitorsx

rossx
you know not
whether it was his wisdom or his fearx

lady macduffx
wisdomx to leave his wifex to leave his babesx
his mansionx and his titlesx in a place
from whence himself does flyx he loves us notx
he wants the natural touchx for the poor wrenx
the most diminutive of birdsx will fightx
her young ones in her nestx against the owlx
all is the fearx and nothing is the lovex
as little is the wisdomx where the flight
so runs against all reasonx

rossx
my dearest cozx
i pray youx school yourselfx butx for your husbandx
he is noblex wisex judiciousx and best knows
the fits ox thx seasonx i dare not speak much furtherx
but cruel are the timesx when we are traitorsx
and do not know ourselvesx when we hold rumour
from what we fearx yet know not what we fearx
but float upon a wild and violent sea
each way and movexi take my leave of youx
shall not be long but ixll be here againx
things at the worst will ceasex or else climb upward
to what they were beforexxmy pretty cousinx
blessing upon youx

lady macduffx
fatherxd he isx and yet hexs fatherlessx

rossx
i am so much a foolx should i stay longerx
it would be my disgrace and your discomfortx
i take my leave at oncex

 xxexitxxx

lady macduffx
sirrahx your fatherxs deadx
and what will you do nowx how will you livex

sonx
as birds dox motherx

lady macduffx
whatx with worms and fliesx

sonx
with what i getx i meanx and so do theyx

lady macduffx
poor birdx thouxdst never fear the net nor limex
the pitxfall nor the ginx

sonx
why should ix motherx poor birds they are not set forx
my father is not deadx for all your sayingx

lady macduffx
yesx he is deadx how wilt thou do for a fatherx

sonx
nayx how will you do for a husbandx

lady macduffx
whyx i can buy me twenty at any marketx

sonx
then youxll buy xem to sell againx

lady macduffx
thou speakxst with all thy witx
and yetx ix faithx with wit enough for theex

sonx
was my father a traitorx motherx

lady macduffx
ayx that he wasx

sonx
what is a traitorx

lady macduffx
whyx one that swears and liesx

sonx
and be all traitors that do sox

lady macduffx
every one that does so is a traitorx and must be hangedx

sonx
and must they all be hanged that swear and liex

lady macduffx
every onex

sonx
who must hang themx

lady macduffx
whyx the honest menx

sonx
then the liars and swearers are foolsx for there are liars and swearers
enow to beat the honest men and hang up themx

lady macduffx
nowx god help theex poor monkeyx but how wilt thou do for a fatherx

sonx
if he were deadx youxld weep for himx if you would notx it were a good
sign that i should quickly have a new fatherx

lady macduffx
poor prattlerx how thou talkxstx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
bless youx fair damex i am not to you knownx
though in your state of honour i am perfectx
i doubt some danger does approach you nearlyx
if you will take a homely manxs advicex
be not found herex hencex with your little onesx
to fright you thusx methinksx i am too savagex
to do worse to you were fell crueltyx
which is too nigh your personx heaven preserve youx
i dare abide no longerx

 xxexitxxx

lady macduffx
whither should i flyx
i have done no harmx but i remember now
i am in this earthly worldx where to do harm
is often laudablex to do good sometime
accounted dangerous follyx  why thenx alasx
do i put up that womanly defencex
to say i have done no harmx what are these facesx

 enter murderersx

first murdererx
where is your husbandx

lady macduffx
i hopex in no place so unsanctified
where such as thou mayst find himx

first murdererx
hexs a traitorx

sonx
thou liestx thou shagxearxd villainx

first murdererx
whatx you eggx

 xxstabbing himxxx

young fry of treacheryx

sonx
he has killxd mex motherx
run awayx i pray youx

 xxdiesx exit lady macduffx crying xmurderxx and pursued by the
 murderersxxx

scene iiix englandx before the kingxs palacex

 enter malcolm and macduffx

malcolmx
let us seek out some desolate shade and there
weep our sad bosoms emptyx

macduffx
let us rather
hold fast the mortal swordx andx like good menx
bestride our downxfallxn birthdomx each new morn
new widows howlx new orphans cryx new sorrows
strike heaven on the facex that it resounds
as if it felt with scotlandx and yellxd out
like syllable of dolourx

malcolmx
what i believex ixll wailx
what knowx believex and what i can redressx
as i shall find the time to friendx i willx
what you have spokex it may be sox perchancex
this tyrantx whose sole name blisters our tonguesx
was once thought honestx you have loved him wellx
he hath not touchxd you yetx i am youngx but something
you may deserve of him through mex and wisdom
to offer up a weakx poorx innocent lamb
to appease an angry godx

macduffx
i am not treacherousx

malcolmx
but macbeth isx
a good and virtuous nature may recoil
in an imperial chargex but i shall crave your pardonx
that which you arex my thoughts cannot transposex
angels are bright stillx though the brightest fellx
though all things foul would wear the brows of gracex
yet grace must still look sox

macduffx
i have lost my hopesx

malcolmx
perchance even there where i did find my doubtsx
why in that rawness left you wife and childx
those precious motivesx those strong knots of lovex
without leavextakingxxi pray youx
let not my jealousies be your dishonoursx
but mine own safetiesx you may be rightly justx
whatever i shall thinkx

macduffx
bleedx bleedx poor countryx
great tyrannyx lay thou thy basis surex
for goodness dare not check theex wear thou thy wrongsx
the title is affeerxdxxfare thee wellx lordx
i would not be the villain that thou thinkxst
for the whole space thatxs in the tyrantxs grasp
and the rich east to bootx

malcolmx
be not offendedx
i speak not as in absolute fear of youx
i think our country sinks beneath the yokex
it weepsx it bleedsx and each new day a gash
is added to her woundsx i thinkx withalx
there would be hands uplifted in my rightx
and herex from gracious englandx have i offer
of goodly thousandsx butx for all thisx
when i shall tread upon the tyrantxs headx
or wear it on my swordx yet my poor country
shall have more vices than it had beforex
more sufferx and more sundry ways than everx
by him that shall succeedx

macduffx
what should he bex

malcolmx
it is myself i meanx in whom i know
all the particulars of vice so grafted
thatx when they shall be openxdx black macbeth
will seem as pure as snowx and the poor state
esteem him as a lambx being comparxd
with my confineless harmsx

macduffx
not in the legions
of horrid hell can come a devil more damnxd
in evils to top macbethx

malcolmx
i grant him bloodyx
luxuriousx avariciousx falsex deceitfulx
suddenx maliciousx smacking of every sin
that has a namex but therexs no bottomx nonex
in my voluptuousnessx your wivesx your daughtersx
your matronsx and your maidsx could not fill up
the cistern of my lustx and my desire
all continent impediments would oxerbearx
that did oppose my willx better macbeth
than such an one to reignx

macduffx
boundless intemperance
in nature is a tyrannyx it hath been
thx untimely emptying of the happy thronex
and fall of many kingsx but fear not yet
to take upon you what is yoursx you may
convey your pleasures in a spacious plentyx
and yet seem coldxthe time you may so hoodwinkx
we have willing dames enoughx there cannot be
that vulture in youx to devour so many
as will to greatness dedicate themselvesx
finding it so inclinxdx

malcolmx
with this there grows
in my most illxcomposxd affection such
a staunchless avaricex thatx were i kingx
i should cut off the nobles for their landsx
desire his jewelsx and this otherxs housex
and my morexhaving would be as a sauce
to make me hunger morex that i should forge
quarrels unjust against the good and loyalx
destroying them for wealthx

macduffx
this avarice
sticks deeperx grows with more pernicious root
than summerxseeming lustx and it hath been
the sword of our slain kingsx yet do not fearx
scotland hath foisons to fill up your willx
of your mere ownx all these are portablex
with other graces weighxdx

malcolmx
but i have nonex the kingxbecoming gracesx
as justicex verityx tempxrancex stablenessx
bountyx perseverancex mercyx lowlinessx
devotionx patiencex couragex fortitudex
i have no relish of themx but abound
in the division of each several crimex
acting it many waysx nayx had i powerx i should
pour the sweet milk of concord into hellx
uproar the universal peacex confound
all unity on earthx

macduffx
o scotlandx scotlandx

malcolmx
if such a one be fit to governx speakx
i am as i have spokenx

macduffx
fit to governx
nox not to livexxo nation miserablex
with an untitled tyrant bloodyxscepterxdx
when shalt thou see thy wholesome days againx
since that the truest issue of thy throne
by his own interdiction stands accusxdx
and does blaspheme his breedx thy royal father
was a most sainted kingx the queen that bore theex
oftxner upon her knees than on her feetx
died every day she livedx fare thee wellx
these evils thou repeatxst upon thyself
have banishxd me from scotlandxxo my breastx
thy hope ends herex

malcolmx
macduffx this noble passionx
child of integrityx hath from my soul
wiped the black scruplesx reconcilxd my thoughts
to thy good truth and honourx devilish macbeth
by many of these trains hath sought to win me
into his powerx and modest wisdom plucks me
from overxcredulous hastex but god above
deal between thee and mex for even now
i put myself to thy directionx and
unspeak mine own detractionx here abjure
the taints and blames i laid upon myselfx
for strangers to my naturex i am yet
unknown to womanx never was forswornx
scarcely have coveted what was mine ownx
at no time broke my faithx would not betray
the devil to his fellowx and delight
no less in truth than lifex my first false speaking
was this upon myselfx what i am trulyx
is thine and my poor countryxs to commandx
whitherx indeedx before thy herexapproachx
old siwardx with ten thousand warlike menx
already at a pointx was setting forthx
now wexll togetherx and the chance of goodness
be like our warranted quarrelx why are you silentx

macduffx
such welcome and unwelcome things at once
xtis hard to reconcilex

 enter a doctorx

malcolmx
wellx more anonxxcomes the king forthx i pray youx

doctorx
ayx sirx there are a crew of wretched souls
that stay his curex their malady convinces
the great assay of artx but at his touchx
such sanctity hath heaven given his handx
they presently amendx

malcolmx
i thank youx doctorx

 xxexit doctorxxx

macduffx
whatxs the disease he meansx

malcolmx
xtis callxd the evilx
a most miraculous work in this good kingx
which oftenx since my herexremain in englandx
i have seen him dox how he solicits heavenx
himself best knowsx but strangelyxvisited peoplex
all swoln and ulcerousx pitiful to the eyex
the mere despair of surgeryx he curesx
hanging a golden stamp about their necksx
put on with holy prayersx and xtis spokenx
to the succeeding royalty he leaves
the healing benedictionx with this strange virtuex
he hath a heavenly gift of prophecyx
and sundry blessings hang about his thronex
that speak him full of gracex

 enter rossx

macduffx
seex who comes herex

malcolmx
my countrymanx but yet i know him notx

macduffx
my everxgentle cousinx welcome hitherx

malcolmx
i know him nowx good godx betimes remove
the means that makes us strangersx

rossx
sirx amenx

macduffx
stands scotland where it didx

rossx
alasx poor countryx
almost afraid to know itselfx it cannot
be callxd our motherx but our gravex where nothingx
but who knows nothingx is once seen to smilex
where sighsx and groansx and shrieksx that rent the airx
are madex not markxdx where violent sorrow seems
a modern ecstasyx the dead manxs knell
is there scarce askxd for whox and good menxs lives
expire before the flowers in their capsx
dying or ere they sickenx

macduffx
ox relation
too nicex and yet too truex

malcolmx
whatxs the newest griefx

rossx
that of an hourxs age doth hiss the speakerx
each minute teems a new onex

macduffx
how does my wifex

rossx
whyx wellx

macduffx
and all my childrenx

rossx
well toox

macduffx
the tyrant has not batterxd at their peacex

rossx
nox they were well at peace when i did leave xemx

macduffx
be not a niggard of your speechx how goesxtx

rossx
when i came hither to transport the tidingsx
which i have heavily bornex there ran a rumour
of many worthy fellows that were outx
which was to my belief witnessxd the ratherx
for that i saw the tyrantxs power afootx
now is the time of helpx your eye in scotland
would create soldiersx make our women fightx
to doff their dire distressesx

malcolmx
bext their comfort
we are coming thitherx gracious england hath
lent us good siward and ten thousand menx
an older and a better soldier none
that christendom gives outx

rossx
would i could answer
this comfort with the likex but i have words
that would be howlxd out in the desert airx
where hearing should not latch themx

macduffx
what concern theyx
the general causex or is it a feexgrief
due to some single breastx

rossx
no mind thatxs honest
but in it shares some woex though the main part
pertains to you alonex

macduffx
if it be minex
keep it not from mex quickly let me have itx

rossx
let not your ears despise my tongue for everx
which shall possess them with the heaviest sound
that ever yet they heardx

macduffx
humhx i guess at itx

rossx
your castle is surprisxdx your wife and babes
savagely slaughterxdx to relate the manner
werex on the quarry of these murderxd deerx
to add the death of youx

malcolmx
merciful heavenxx
whatx manx nexer pull your hat upon your browsx
give sorrow wordsx the grief that does not speak
whispers the oxerxfraught heartx and bids it breakx

macduffx
my children toox

rossx
wifex childrenx servantsx all
that could be foundx

macduffx
and i must be from thencex
my wife killxd toox

rossx
i have saidx

malcolmx
be comfortedx
letxs make us medxcines of our great revengex
to cure this deadly griefx

macduffx
he has no childrenxxall my pretty onesx
did you say allxxo hellxkitexxallx
whatx all my pretty chickens and their dam
at one fell swoopx

malcolmx
dispute it like a manx

macduffx
i shall do sox
but i must also feel it as a manx
i cannot but remember such things werex
that were most precious to mexxdid heaven look onx
and would not take their partx sinful macduffx
they were all struck for theex naught that i amx
not for their own demeritsx but for minex
fell slaughter on their soulsx heaven rest them nowx

malcolmx
be this the whetstone of your swordx let grief
convert to angerx blunt not the heartx enrage itx

macduffx
ox i could play the woman with mine eyesx
and braggart with my tonguexxbutx gentle heavensx
cut short all intermissionx front to frontx
bring thou this fiend of scotland and myselfx
within my swordxs length set himx if he xscapex
heaven forgive him toox

malcolmx
this tune goes manlyx
comex go we to the kingx our power is readyx
our lack is nothing but our leavex macbeth
is ripe for shakingx and the powers above
put on their instrumentsx receive what cheer you mayx
the night is long that never finds the dayx

 xxexeuntxxx


act v

scene ix dunsinanex a room in the castlex

 enter a doctor of physic and a waitingxgentlewomanx

doctorx
i have two nights watched with youx but can perceive no truth in your
reportx when was it she last walkedx

gentlewomanx
since his majesty went into the fieldx i have seen her rise from her
bedx throw her nightgown upon herx unlock her closetx take forth paperx
fold itx write uponxtx read itx afterwards seal itx and again return to
bedx yet all this while in a most fast sleepx

doctorx
a great perturbation in naturex to receive at once the benefit of
sleepx and do the effects of watchingx in this slumbery agitationx
besides her walking and other actual performancesx whatx at any timex
have you heard her sayx

gentlewomanx
thatx sirx which i will not report after herx

doctorx
you may to mex and xtis most meet you shouldx

gentlewomanx
neither to you nor anyonex having no witness to confirm my speechx

 enter lady macbeth with a taperx

lo youx here she comesx this is her very guisex andx upon my lifex fast
asleepx observe herx stand closex

doctorx
how came she by that lightx

gentlewomanx
whyx it stood by herx she has light by her continuallyx xtis her
commandx

doctorx
you seex her eyes are openx

gentlewomanx
ayx but their sense are shutx

doctorx
what is it she does nowx look how she rubs her handsx

gentlewomanx
it is an accustomed action with herx to seem thus washing her handsx i
have known her continue in this a quarter of an hourx

lady macbethx
yet herexs a spotx

doctorx
harkx she speaksx i will set down what comes from herx to satisfy my
remembrance the more stronglyx

lady macbethx
outx damned spotx outx i sayx onex twox whyx then xtis time to doxtx
hell is murkyx fiex my lordx fiex a soldierx and afeardx what need we
fear who knows itx when none can call our power to accountx yet who
would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in himx

doctorx
do you mark thatx

lady macbethx
the thane of fife had a wifex where is she nowxxwhatx will these hands
nexer be cleanx no more ox thatx my lordx no more ox thatx you mar all
with this startingx

doctorx
go tox go tox you have known what you should notx

gentlewomanx
she has spoke what she should notx i am sure of thatx heaven knows what
she has knownx

lady macbethx
herexs the smell of the blood stillx all the perfumes of arabia will
not sweeten this little handx ohx ohx ohx

doctorx
what a sigh is therex the heart is sorely chargedx

gentlewomanx
i would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole
bodyx

doctorx
wellx wellx wellx

gentlewomanx
pray god it bex sirx

doctorx
this disease is beyond my practicex yet i have known those which have
walked in their sleepx who have died holily in their bedsx

lady macbethx
wash your handsx put on your nightgownx look not so palex i tell you
yet againx banquoxs buriedx he cannot come out onxs gravex

doctorx
even sox

lady macbethx
to bedx to bedx therexs knocking at the gatex comex comex comex comex
give me your handx whatxs done cannot be undonex to bedx to bedx to
bedx

 xxexitxxx

doctorx
will she go now to bedx

gentlewomanx
directlyx

doctorx
foul whispxrings are abroadx unnatural deeds
do breed unnatural troublesx infected minds
to their deaf pillows will discharge their secretsx
more needs she the divine than the physicianxx
godx godx forgive us allx look after herx
remove from her the means of all annoyancex
and still keep eyes upon herx sox good nightx
my mind she has matedx and amazxd my sightx
i thinkx but dare not speakx

gentlewomanx
good nightx good doctorx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the country near dunsinanex

 enterx with drum and colours menteithx caithnessx angusx lennox and
 soldiersx

menteithx
the english power is nearx led on by malcolmx
his uncle siwardx and the good macduffx
revenges burn in themx for their dear causes
would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
excite the mortified manx

angusx
near birnam wood
shall we well meet themx that way are they comingx

caithnessx
who knows if donalbain be with his brotherx

lennoxx
for certainx sirx he is notx i have a file
of all the gentryx there is siwardxs son
and many unrough youthsx that even now
protest their first of manhoodx

menteithx
what does the tyrantx

caithnessx
great dunsinane he strongly fortifiesx
some say hexs madx othersx that lesser hate himx
do call it valiant furyx butx for certainx
he cannot buckle his distemperxd cause
within the belt of rulex

angusx
now does he feel
his secret murders sticking on his handsx
now minutely revolts upbraid his faithxbreachx
those he commands move only in commandx
nothing in lovex now does he feel his title
hang loose about himx like a giantxs robe
upon a dwarfish thiefx

menteithx
whox thenx shall blame
his pesterxd senses to recoil and startx
when all that is within him does condemn
itself for being therex

caithnessx
wellx march we onx
to give obedience where xtis truly owxdx
meet we the medxcine of the sickly wealx
and with him pour wex in our countryxs purgex
each drop of usx

lennoxx
or so much as it needs
to dew the sovereign flowerx and drown the weedsx
make we our march towards birnamx

 xxexeuntx marchingxxx

scene iiix dunsinanex a room in the castlex

 enter macbethx doctor and attendantsx

macbethx
bring me no more reportsx let them fly allx
till birnam wood remove to dunsinane
i cannot taint with fearx whatxs the boy malcolmx
was he not born of womanx the spirits that know
all mortal consequences have pronouncxd me thusx
xfear notx macbethx no man thatxs born of woman
shall exer have power upon theexxxthen flyx false thanesx
and mingle with the english epicuresx
the mind i sway byx and the heart i bearx
shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fearx

 enter a servantx

the devil damn thee blackx thou creamxfacxd loonx
where gottxst thou that goose lookx

servantx
there is ten thousandx

macbethx
geesex villainx

servantx
soldiersx sirx

macbethx
go prick thy face and overxred thy fearx
thou lilyxliverxd boyx what soldiersx patchx
death of thy soulx those linen cheeks of thine
are counsellors to fearx what soldiersx wheyxfacex

servantx
the english forcex so please youx

macbethx
take thy face hencex

 xxexit servantxxx

seytonxxi am sick at heartx
when i beholdxseytonx i sayxxthis push
will cheer me ever or disseat me nowx
i have livxd long enoughx my way of life
is fallxn into the serex the yellow leafx
and that which should accompany old agex
as honourx lovex obediencex troops of friendsx
i must not look to havex butx in their steadx
cursesx not loud but deepx mouthxhonourx breathx
which the poor heart would fain denyx and dare notx
seytonxx

 enter seytonx

seytonx
whatxs your gracious pleasurex

macbethx
what news morex

seytonx
all is confirmxdx my lordx which was reportedx

macbethx
ixll fight till from my bones my flesh be hackxdx
give me my armourx

seytonx
xtis not needed yetx

macbethx
ixll put it onx
send out more horsesx skirr the country roundx
hang those that talk of fearx give me mine armourxx
how does your patientx doctorx

doctorx
not so sickx my lordx
as she is troubled with thickxcoming fanciesx
that keep her from her restx

macbethx
cure her of thatx
canst thou not minister to a mind diseasxdx
pluck from the memory a rooted sorrowx
raze out the written troubles of the brainx
and with some sweet oblivious antidote
cleanse the stuffxd bosom of that perilous stuff
which weighs upon the heartx

doctorx
therein the patient
must minister to himselfx

macbethx
throw physic to the dogsx ixll none of itx
comex put mine armour onx give me my staffx
seytonx send outxxdoctorx the thanes fly from mexx
comex sirx despatchxxif thou couldstx doctorx cast
the water of my landx find her diseasex
and purge it to a sound and pristine healthx
i would applaud thee to the very echox
that should applaud againxxpullxt offx i sayxx
what rhubarbx sennax or what purgative drugx
would scour these english hencex hearxst thou of themx

doctorx
ayx my good lordx your royal preparation
makes us hear somethingx

macbethx
bring it after mexx
i will not be afraid of death and banex
till birnam forest come to dunsinanex

 xxexeunt all except doctorxxx

doctorx
were i from dunsinane away and clearx
profit again should hardly draw me herex

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx country near dunsinanex a wood in viewx

 enterx with drum and colours malcolmx old siward and his sonx macduffx
 menteithx caithnessx angusx lennoxx ross and soldiersx marchingx

malcolmx
cousinsx i hope the days are near at hand
that chambers will be safex

menteithx
we doubt it nothingx

siwardx
what wood is this before usx

menteithx
the wood of birnamx

malcolmx
let every soldier hew him down a boughx
and bearxt before himx thereby shall we shadow
the numbers of our hostx and make discovery
err in report of usx

soldiersx
it shall be donex

siwardx
we learn no other but the confident tyrant
keeps still in dunsinanex and will endure
our setting down beforextx

malcolmx
xtis his main hopex
for where there is advantage to be givenx
both more and less have given him the revoltx
and none serve with him but constrained thingsx
whose hearts are absent toox

macduffx
let our just censures
attend the true eventx and put we on
industrious soldiershipx

siwardx
the time approachesx
that will with due decision make us know
what we shall say we havex and what we owex
thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relatex
but certain issue strokes must arbitratex
towards which advance the warx

 xxexeuntx marchingxxx

scene vx dunsinanex within the castlex

 enter with drum and coloursx macbethx seyton and soldiersx

macbethx
hang out our banners on the outward wallsx
the cry is stillx xthey comexx our castlexs strength
will laugh a siege to scornx here let them lie
till famine and the ague eat them upx
were they not forcxd with those that should be oursx
we might have met them darefulx beard to beardx
and beat them backward homex

 xxa cry of women withinxxx

what is that noisex

seytonx
it is the cry of womenx my good lordx

 xxexitxxx

macbethx
i have almost forgot the taste of fearsx
the time has beenx my senses would have coolxd
to hear a nightxshriekx and my fell of hair
would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
as life were inxtx i have suppxd full with horrorsx
direnessx familiar to my slaughterous thoughtsx
cannot once start mex

 enter seytonx

wherefore was that cryx

seytonx
the queenx my lordx is deadx

macbethx
she should have died hereafterx
there would have been a time for such a wordx
tomorrowx and tomorrowx and tomorrowx
creeps in this petty pace from day to dayx
to the last syllable of recorded timex
and all our yesterdays have lighted fools
the way to dusty deathx outx outx brief candlex
lifexs but a walking shadowx a poor playerx
that struts and frets his hour upon the stagex
and then is heard no morex it is a tale
told by an idiotx full of sound and furyx
signifying nothingx

 enter a messengerx

thou comxst to use thy tonguex thy story quicklyx

messengerx
gracious my lordx
i should report that which i say i sawx
but know not how to doxtx

macbethx
wellx sayx sirx

messengerx
as i did stand my watch upon the hillx
i lookxd toward birnamx and anonx methoughtx
the wood began to movex

macbethx
liarx and slavex

messengerx
let me endure your wrathx ifxt be not sox
within this three mile may you see it comingx
i sayx a moving grovex

macbethx
if thou speakxst falsex
upon the next tree shalt thou hang alivex
till famine cling theex if thy speech be soothx
i care not if thou dost for me as muchxx
i pull in resolutionx and begin
to doubt thx equivocation of the fiendx
that lies like truthx xfear notx till birnam wood
do come to dunsinanexx and now a wood
comes toward dunsinanexxarmx armx and outxx
if this which he avouches does appearx
there is nor flying hence nor tarrying herex
i xgin to be aweary of the sunx
and wish thx estate ox thx world were now undonexx
ring the alarum bellxxblowx windx comex wrackx
at least wexll die with harness on our backx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix the samex a plain before the castlex

 enterx with drum and coloursx malcolmx old siwardx macduff and their
 armyx with boughsx

malcolmx
now near enoughx your leafy screens throw downx
and show like those you arexxyoux worthy unclex
shall with my cousinx your right noble sonx
lead our first battlex worthy macduff and we
shall take uponxs what else remains to dox
according to our orderx

siwardx
fare you wellxx
do we but find the tyrantxs power tonightx
let us be beatenx if we cannot fightx

macduffx
make all our trumpets speakx give them all breathx
those clamorous harbingers of blood and deathx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix the samex another part of the plainx

 alarumsx enter macbethx

macbethx
they have tied me to a stakex i cannot flyx
butx bearxlike i must fight the coursexxwhatxs he
that was not born of womanx such a one
am i to fearx or nonex

 enter young siwardx

young siwardx
what is thy namex

macbethx
thouxlt be afraid to hear itx

young siwardx
nox though thou callxst thyself a hotter name
than any is in hellx

macbethx
my namexs macbethx

young siwardx
the devil himself could not pronounce a title
more hateful to mine earx

macbethx
nox nor more fearfulx

young siwardx
thou liestx abhorred tyrantx with my sword
ixll prove the lie thou speakxstx

 xxthey fightx and young siward is slainxxx

macbethx
thou wast born of womanx
but swords i smile atx weapons laugh to scornx
brandishxd by man thatxs of a woman bornx

 xxexitxxx

 alarumsx enter macduffx

macduffx
that way the noise isxxtyrantx show thy facex
if thou bexst slain and with no stroke of minex
my wife and childrenxs ghosts will haunt me stillx
i cannot strike at wretched kernsx whose arms
are hired to bear their stavesx either thoux macbethx
or else my swordx with an unbatterxd edgex
i sheathe again undeededx there thou shouldst bex
by this great clatterx one of greatest note
seems bruitedx let me find himx fortunex
and more i beg notx

 xxexitx alarumsxxx

 enter malcolm and old siwardx

siwardx
this wayx my lordxxthe castlexs gently renderxdx
the tyrantxs people on both sides do fightx
the noble thanes do bravely in the warx
the day almost itself professes yoursx
and little is to dox

malcolmx
we have met with foes
that strike beside usx

siwardx
enterx sirx the castlex

 xxexeuntx alarumsxxx

scene viiix the samex another part of the fieldx

 enter macbethx

macbethx
why should i play the roman foolx and die
on mine own swordx whiles i see livesx the gashes
do better upon themx

 enter macduffx

macduffx
turnx hellxhoundx turnx

macbethx
of all men else i have avoided theex
but get thee backx my soul is too much chargxd
with blood of thine alreadyx

macduffx
i have no wordsx
my voice is in my swordx thou bloodier villain
than terms can give thee outx

 xxthey fightxxx

macbethx
thou losest labourx
as easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
with thy keen sword impressx as make me bleedx
let fall thy blade on vulnerable crestsx
i bear a charmed lifex which must not yield
to one of woman bornx

macduffx
despair thy charmx
and let the angel whom thou still hast servxd
tell theex macduff was from his motherxs womb
untimely rippxdx

macbethx
accursed be that tongue that tells me sox
for it hath cowxd my better part of manx
and be these juggling fiends no more believxdx
that palter with us in a double sensex
that keep the word of promise to our earx
and break it to our hopexxixll not fight with theex

macduffx
then yield theex cowardx
and live to be the show and gaze ox thx timex
wexll have theex as our rarer monsters arex
painted upon a polex and underwritx
xhere may you see the tyrantxx

macbethx
i will not yieldx
to kiss the ground before young malcolmxs feetx
and to be baited with the rabblexs cursex
though birnam wood be come to dunsinanex
and thou opposxdx being of no woman bornx
yet i will try the lastx before my body
i throw my warlike shieldx lay onx macduffx
and damnxd be him that first criesx xholdx enoughxx

 xxexeunt fightingx alarumsxxx

 retreatx flourishx enterx with drum and coloursx malcolmx old siwardx
 rossx thanes and soldiersx

malcolmx
i would the friends we miss were safe arrivxdx

siwardx
some must go offx and yetx by these i seex
so great a day as this is cheaply boughtx

malcolmx
macduff is missingx and your noble sonx

rossx
your sonx my lordx has paid a soldierxs debtx
he only livxd but till he was a manx
the which no sooner had his prowess confirmxd
in the unshrinking station where he foughtx
but like a man he diedx

siwardx
then he is deadx

fleancex
ayx and brought off the fieldx your cause of sorrow
must not be measurxd by his worthx for then
it hath no endx

siwardx
had he his hurts beforex

rossx
ayx on the frontx

siwardx
why thenx godxs soldier be hex
had i as many sons as i have hairsx
i would not wish them to a fairer deathx
and so his knell is knollxdx

malcolmx
hexs worth more sorrowx
and that ixll spend for himx

siwardx
hexs worth no morex
they say he parted well and paid his scorex
and sox god be with himxxhere comes newer comfortx

 enter macduff with macbethxs headx

macduffx
hailx kingx for so thou artx beholdx where stands
thx usurperxs cursed headx the time is freex
i see thee compassxd with thy kingdomxs pearlx
that speak my salutation in their mindsx
whose voices i desire aloud with minexx
hailx king of scotlandx

allx
hailx king of scotlandx

 xxflourishxxx

malcolmx
we shall not spend a large expense of time
before we reckon with your several lovesx
and make us even with youx my thanes and kinsmenx
henceforth be earlsx the first that ever scotland
in such an honour namxdx whatxs more to dox
which would be planted newly with the timexx
as calling home our exilxd friends abroadx
that fled the snares of watchful tyrannyx
producing forth the cruel ministers
of this dead butcherx and his fiendxlike queenx
whox as xtis thoughtx by self and violent hands
took off her lifexxthisx and what needful else
that calls upon usx by the grace of gracex
we will perform in measurex timex and placex
so thanks to all at oncex and to each onex
whom we invite to see us crownxd at sconex

 xxflourishx exeuntxxx





measure for measure

dramatis personae

  vincentiox the duke
  angelox the deputy
  escalusx an ancient lord
  claudiox a young gentleman
  luciox a fantastic
  two other like gentlemen
  varriusx a gentlemanx servant to the duke
  provost
  thomasx friar
  peterx friar
  a justice
  elbowx a simple constable
  frothx a foolish gentleman
  pompeyx a clown and servant to mistress overdone
  abhorsonx an executioner
  barnardinex a dissolute prisoner

  isabellax sister to claudio
  marianax betrothed to angelo
  julietx beloved of claudio
  franciscax a nun
  mistress overdonex a bawd

  lordsx officersx citizensx boyx and attendants

scenex vienna

act ix scene ix the dukexs palace

enter dukex escalusx lordsx and attendants

  dukex escalusx
  escalusx my lordx
  dukex of government the properties to unfold
    would seem in me tx affect speech and discoursex
    since i am put to know that your own science
    exceedsx in thatx the lists of all advice
    my strength can give youx then no more remains
    but that to your sufficiencyx as your worth is ablex
    and let them workx the nature of our peoplex
    our cityxs institutionsx and the terms
    for common justicex yxare as pregnant in
    as art and practice hath enriched any
    that we rememberx there is our commissionx
    from which we would not have you warpx call hitherx
    i sayx bid come before usx angelox         exit an attendant
    what figure of us think you he will bearx
    for you must know we have with special soul
    elected him our absence to supplyx
    lent him our terrorx dressxd him with our lovex
    and given his deputation all the organs
    of our own powerx what think you of itx
  escalusx if any in vienna be of worth
    to undergo such ample grace and honourx
    it is lord angelox

                          enter angelo

  dukex look where he comesx
  angelox always obedient to your gracexs willx
    i come to know your pleasurex
  dukex angelox
    there is a kind of character in thy life
    that to thx observer doth thy history
    fully unfoldx thyself and thy belongings
    are not thine own so proper as to waste
    thyself upon thy virtuesx they on theex
    heaven doth with us as we with torches dox
    not light them for themselvesx for if our virtues
    did not go forth of usx xtwere all alike
    as if we had them notx spirits are not finely touchxd
    but to fine issuesx nor nature never lends
    the smallest scruple of her excellence
    butx like a thrifty goddessx she determines
    herself the glory of a creditorx
    both thanks and usex but i do bend my speech
    to one that can my part in him advertisex
    holdx thereforex angelox
    in our remove be thou at full ourselfx
    mortality and mercy in vienna
    live in thy tongue and heartx old escalusx
    though first in questionx is thy secondaryx
    take thy commissionx
  angelox nowx good my lordx
    let there be some more test made of my metalx
    before so noble and so great a figure
    be stampxd upon itx
  dukex no more evasionx
    we have with a leavenxd and prepared choice
    proceeded to youx therefore take your honoursx
    our haste from hence is of so quick condition
    that it prefers itselfx and leaves unquestionxd
    matters of needful valuex we shall write to youx
    as time and our concernings shall importunex
    how it goes with usx and do look to know
    what doth befall you herex sox fare you wellx
    to thx hopeful execution do i leave you
    of your commissionsx
  angelox yet give leavex my lordx
    that we may bring you something on the wayx
  dukex my haste may not admit itx
    nor need youx on mine honourx have to do
    with any scruplex your scope is as mine ownx
    so to enforce or qualify the laws
    as to your soul seems goodx give me your handx
    ixll privily awayx i love the peoplex
    but do not like to stage me to their eyesx
    though it do wellx i do not relish well
    their loud applause and aves vehementx
    nor do i think the man of safe discretion
    that does affect itx once morex fare you wellx
  angelox the heavens give safety to your purposesx
  escalusx lead forth and bring you back in happinessx
  dukex i thank youx fare you wellx                         exit
  escalusx i shall desire youx sirx to give me leave
    to have free speech with youx and it concerns me
    to look into the bottom of my placex
    a powxr i havex but of what strength and nature
    i am not yet instructedx
  angelox xtis so with mex let us withdraw togetherx
    and we may soon our satisfaction have
    touching that pointx
  escalusx ixll wait upon your honourx                    exeunt

scene iix a street

enter lucio and two other gentlemen

  luciox if the dukex with the other dukesx come not to composition
    with the king of hungaryx why then all the dukes fall upon the
    kingx
  first gentlemanx heaven grant us its peacex but not the king of
    hungaryxsx
  second gentlemanx amenx
  luciox thou concludxst like the sanctimonious pirate that went to
    sea with the ten commandmentsx but scrapxd one out of the tablex
  second gentlemanx xthou shalt not stealxx
  luciox ayx that he razxdx
  first gentlemanx whyx xtwas a commandment to command the captain
    and all the rest from their functionsx they put forth to stealx
    therexs not a soldier of us all thatx in the thanksgiving before
    meatx do relish the petition well that prays for peacex
  second gentlemanx i never heard any soldier dislike itx
  luciox i believe theex for i think thou never wast where grace was
    saidx
  second gentlemanx nox a dozen times at leastx
  first gentlemanx whatx in metrex
  luciox in any proportion or in any languagex
  first gentlemanx i thinkx or in any religionx
  luciox ayx why notx grace is gracex despite of all controversyx asx
    for examplex thou thyself art a wicked villainx despite of all
    gracex
  first gentlemanx wellx there went but a pair of shears between usx
  luciox i grantx as there may between the lists and the velvetx
    thou art the listx
  first gentlemanx and thou the velvetx thou art good velvetx thouxrt
    a threexpilxd piecex i warrant theex i had as lief be a list of
    an english kersey as be pilxdx as thou art pilxdx for a french
    velvetx do i speak feelingly nowx
  luciox i think thou dostx andx indeedx with most painful feeling of
    thy speechx i willx out of thine own confessionx learn to begin
    thy healthx butx whilst i livex forget to drink after theex
  first gentlemanx i think i have done myself wrongx have i notx
  second gentlemanx yesx that thou hastx whether thou art tainted or
    freex

                        enter mistress overdone

  luciox beholdx beholdx where madam mitigation comesx i have
    purchasxd as many diseases under her roof as come tox
  second gentlemanx to whatx i prayx
  first gentlemanx judgex
  second gentlemanx to three thousand dolours a yearx
  first gentlemanx ayx and morex
  luciox a french crown morex
  first gentlemanx thou art always figuring diseases in mex but thou
    art full of errorx i am soundx
  luciox nayx notx as one would sayx healthyx but so sound as things
    that are hollowx thy bones are hollowx impiety has made a feast
    of theex
  first gentlemanx how nowx which of your hips has the most profound
    sciaticax
  mrsx overdonex wellx wellx therexs one yonder arrested and carried
    to prison was worth five thousand of you allx
  first gentlemanx whoxs thatx i pray theex
  mrsx overdonex marryx sirx thatxs claudiox signior claudiox
  first gentlemanx claudio to prisonx xtis not sox
  mrsx overdonex nayx but i know xtis sox i saw him arrestedx saw him
    carried awayx andx which is morex within these three days his
    head to be choppxd offx
  luciox butx after all this foolingx i would not have it sox art
    thou sure of thisx
  mrsx overdonex i am too sure of itx and it is for getting madam
    julietta with childx
  luciox believe mex this may bex he promisxd to meet me two hours
    sincex and he was ever precise in promisexkeepingx
  second gentlemanx besidesx you knowx it draws something near to the
    speech we had to such a purposex
  first gentlemanx but most of all agreeing with the proclamationx
  luciox awayx letxs go learn the truth of itx
                                      exeunt lucio and gentlemen
  mrsx overdonex thusx what with the warx what with the sweatx what
    with the gallowsx and what with povertyx i am customxshrunkx

                               enter pompey

    how nowx whatxs the news with youx
  pompeyx yonder man is carried to prisonx
  mrsx overdonex wellx what has he donex
  pompeyx a womanx
  mrsx overdonex but whatxs his offencex
  pompeyx groping for trouts in a peculiar riverx
  mrsx overdonex whatx is there a maid with child by himx
  pompeyx nox but therexs a woman with maid by himx you have not
   heard of the proclamationx have youx
  mrsx overdonex what proclamationx manx
  pompeyx all houses in the suburbs of vienna must be pluckxd downx
  mrsx overdonex and what shall become of those in the cityx
  pompeyx they shall stand for seedx they had gone down toox but that
    a wise burgher put in for themx
  mrsx overdonex but shall all our houses of resort in the suburbs be
    pullxd downx
  pompeyx to the groundx mistressx
  mrsx overdonex whyx herexs a change indeed in the commonwealthx
    what shall become of mex
  pompeyx comex fear not youx good counsellors lack no clientsx
    though you change your place you need not change your tradex ixll
    be your tapster stillx couragex there will be pity taken on youx
    you that have worn your eyes almost out in the servicex you will
    be consideredx
  mrsx overdonex whatxs to do herex thomas tapsterx letxs withdrawx
  pompeyx here comes signior claudiox led by the provost to prisonx
    and therexs madam julietx                             exeunt

            enter provostx claudiox julietx and officersx
                            lucio following

  claudiox fellowx why dost thou show me thus to thx worldx
    bear me to prisonx where i am committedx
  provostx i do it not in evil dispositionx
    but from lord angelo by special chargex
  claudiox thus can the demigod authority
    make us pay down for our offence by weight
    the words of heavenx on whom it willx it willx
    on whom it will notx sox yet still xtis justx
  luciox whyx how nowx claudiox whence comes this restraintx
  claudiox from too much libertyx my luciox libertyx
    as surfeit is the father of much fastx
    so every scope by the immoderate use
    turns to restraintx our natures do pursuex
    like rats that ravin down their proper banex
    a thirsty evilx and when we drink we diex
  luciox if i could speak so wisely under an arrestx i would send for
    certain of my creditorsx and yetx to say the truthx i had as lief
    have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonmentx
    whatxs thy offencex claudiox
  claudiox what but to speak of would offend againx
  luciox whatx isxt murderx
  claudiox nox
  luciox lecheryx
  claudiox call it sox
  provostx awayx sirx you must gox
  claudiox one wordx good friendx luciox a word with youx
  luciox a hundredx if theyxll do you any goodx is lechery so lookxd
    afterx
  claudiox thus stands it with mex upon a true contract
    i got possession of juliettaxs bedx
    you know the ladyx she is fast my wifex
    save that we do the denunciation lack
    of outward orderx this we came not tox
    only for propagation of a dowxr
    remaining in the coffer of her friendsx
    from whom we thought it meet to hide our love
    till time had made them for usx but it chances
    the stealth of our most mutual entertainmentx
    with character too grossx is writ on julietx
  luciox with childx perhapsx
  claudiox unhappilyx even sox
    and the new deputy now for the dukex
    whether it be the fault and glimpse of newnessx
    or whether that the body public be
    a horse whereon the governor doth ridex
    whox newly in the seatx that it may know
    he can commandx lets it straight feel the spurx
    whether the tyranny be in his placex
    or in his eminence that fills it upx
    i stagger inx but this new governor
    awakes me all the enrolled penalties
    which havex like unscourxd armourx hung by thx wall
    so long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round
    and none of them been wornx andx for a namex
    now puts the drowsy and neglected act
    freshly on mex xtis surely for a namex
  luciox i warrant it isx and thy head stands so tickle on thy
    shoulders that a milkmaidx if she be in lovex may sigh it offx
    send after the dukex and appeal to himx
  claudiox i have done sox but hexs not to be foundx
    i pritheex luciox do me this kind servicex
    this day my sister should the cloister enterx
    and there receive her approbationx
    acquaint her with the danger of my statex
    implore herx in my voicex that she make friends
    to the strict deputyx bid herself assay himx
    i have great hope in thatx for in her youth
    there is a prone and speechless dialect
    such as move menx besidex she hath prosperous art
    when she will play with reason and discoursex
    and well she can persuadex
  luciox i pray she mayx as well for the encouragement of the likex
    which else would stand under grievous impositionx as for the
    enjoying of thy lifex who i would be sorry should be thus
    foolishly lost at a game of tickxtackx ixll to herx
  claudiox i thank youx good friend luciox
  luciox within two hoursx
  claudiox comex officerx awayx                           exeunt

scene iiix a monastery

enter duke and friar thomas

  dukex nox holy fatherx throw away that thoughtx
    believe not that the dribbling dart of love
    can pierce a complete bosomx why i desire thee
    to give me secret harbour hath a purpose
    more grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends
    of burning youthx
  friarx may your grace speak of itx
  dukex my holy sirx none better knows than you
    how i have ever lovxd the life removedx
    and held in idle price to haunt assemblies
    where youthx and costx a witless bravery keepsx
    i have deliverxd to lord angelox
    a man of stricture and firm abstinencex
    my absolute power and place here in viennax
    and he supposes me travellxd to polandx
    for so i have strewxd it in the common earx
    and so it is receivedx nowx pious sirx
    you will demand of me why i do thisx
  friarx gladlyx my lordx
  dukex we have strict statutes and most biting lawsx
    the needful bits and curbs to headstrong steedsx
    which for this fourteen years we have let slipx
    even like an oxergrown lion in a cavex
    that goes not out to preyx nowx as fond fathersx
    having bound up the threatxning twigs of birchx
    only to stick it in their childrenxs sight
    for terrorx not to usex in time the rod
    becomes more mockxd than fearxdx so our decreesx
    dead to inflictionx to themselves are deadx
    and liberty plucks justice by the nosex
    the baby beats the nursex and quite athwart
    goes all decorumx
  friarx it rested in your grace
    to unloose this tiedxup justice when you pleasxdx
    and it in you more dreadful would have seemxd
    than in lord angelox
  dukex i do fearx too dreadfulx
    sith xtwas my fault to give the people scopex
    xtwould be my tyranny to strike and gall them
    for what i bid them dox for we bid this be donex
    when evil deeds have their permissive pass
    and not the punishmentx thereforex indeedx my fatherx
    i have on angelo imposxd the officex
    who mayx in thx ambush of my namex strike homex
    and yet my nature never in the fight
    to do in slanderx and to behold his swayx
    i willx as xtwere a brother of your orderx
    visit both prince and peoplex thereforex i pritheex
    supply me with the habitx and instruct me
    how i may formally in person bear me
    like a true friarx moe reasons for this action
    at our more leisure shall i render youx
    onlyx this onex lord angelo is precisex
    stands at a guard with envyx scarce confesses
    that his blood flowsx or that his appetite
    is more to bread than stonex hence shall we seex
    if power change purposex what our seemers bex         exeunt

scene ivx a nunnery

enter isabella and francisca

  isabellax and have you nuns no farther privilegesx
  franciscax are not these large enoughx
  isabellax yesx trulyx i speak not as desiring morex
    but rather wishing a more strict restraint
    upon the sisterhoodx the votarists of saint clarex
  luciox x withinx hox peace be in this placex
  isabellax whoxs that which callsx
  franciscax it is a manxs voicex gentle isabellax
    turn you the keyx and know his business of himx
    you mayx i may notx you are yet unswornx
    when you have vowxdx you must not speak with men
    but in the presence of the prioressx
    thenx if you speakx you must not show your facex
    orx if you show your facex you must not speakx
    he calls againx i pray you answer himx        exit francisca
  isabellax peace and prosperityx who isxt that callsx

                           enter lucio

  luciox hailx virginx if you bex as those cheekxroses
    proclaim you are no lessx can you so stead me
    as bring me to the sight of isabellax
    a novice of this placex and the fair sister
    to her unhappy brother claudiox
  isabellax why her xunhappy brotherxx let me ask
    the ratherx for i now must make you know
    i am that isabellax and his sisterx
  luciox gentle and fairx your brother kindly greets youx
    not to be weary with youx hexs in prisonx
  isabellax woe mex for whatx
  luciox for that whichx if myself might be his judgex
    he should receive his punishment in thanksx
    he hath got his friend with childx
  isabellax sirx make me not your storyx
  luciox it is truex
    i would notx though xtis my familiar sin
    with maids to seem the lapwingx and to jestx
    tongue far from heartx play with all virgins sox
    i hold you as a thing enskied and saintedx
    by your renouncement an immortal spiritx
    and to be talkxd with in sincerityx
    as with a saintx
  isabellax you do blaspheme the good in mocking mex
  luciox do not believe itx fewness and truthx xtis thusx
    your brother and his lover have embracxdx
    as those that feed grow fullx as blossoming time
    that from the seedness the bare fallow brings
    to teeming foisonx even so her plenteous womb
    expresseth his full tilth and husbandryx
  isabellax some one with child by himx my cousin julietx
  luciox is she your cousinx
  isabellax adoptedlyx as schoolxmaids change their names
    by vain though apt affectionx
  luciox she it isx
  isabellax ox let him marry herx
  luciox this is the pointx
    the duke is very strangely gone from hencex
    bore many gentlemenx myself being onex
    in handx and hope of actionx but we do learnx
    by those that know the very nerves of statex
    his givingsxout were of an infinite distance
    from his truexmeant designx upon his placex
    and with full line of his authorityx
    governs lord angelox a man whose blood
    is very snowxbrothx one who never feels
    the wanton stings and motions of the sensex
    but doth rebate and blunt his natural edge
    with profits of the mindx study and fastx
    hex to give fear to use and libertyx
    which have for long run by the hideous lawx
    as mice by lionsx hath pickxd out an act
    under whose heavy sense your brotherxs life
    falls into forfeitx he arrests him on itx
    and follows close the rigour of the statute
    to make him an examplex all hope is gonex
    unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
    to soften angelox and thatxs my pith of business
    xtwixt you and your poor brotherx
  isabellax doth he so seek his lifex
  luciox has censurxd him
    alreadyx andx as i hearx the provost hath
    a warrant for his executionx
  isabellax alasx what poor abilityxs in me
    to do him goodx
  luciox assay the powxr you havex
  isabellax my powerx alasx i doubtx
  luciox our doubts are traitorsx
    and make us lose the good we oft might win
    by fearing to attemptx go to lord angelox
    and let him learn to knowx when maidens suex
    men give like godsx but when they weep and kneelx
    all their petitions are as freely theirs
    as they themselves would owe themx
  isabellax ixll see what i can dox
  luciox but speedilyx
  isabellax i will about it straightx
    no longer staying but to give the mother
    notice of my affairx i humbly thank youx
    commend me to my brotherx soon at night
    ixll send him certain word of my successx
  luciox i take my leave of youx
  isabellax good sirx adieux                              exeunt

act iix scene ix a hall in angeloxs house

enter angelox escalusx a justicex provostx officersx and other
attendants

  angelox we must not make a scarecrow of the lawx
    setting it up to fear the birds of preyx
    and let it keep one shape till custom make it
    their perchx and not their terrorx
  escalusx ayx but yet
    let us be keenx and rather cut a little
    than fall and bruise to deathx alasx this gentlemanx
    whom i would savex had a most noble fatherx
    let but your honour knowx
    whom i believe to be most strait in virtuex
    thatx in the working of your own affectionsx
    had time coherxd with placex or place with wishingx
    or that the resolute acting of our blood
    could have attainxd thx effect of your own purpose
    whether you had not sometime in your life
    errxd in this point which now you censure himx
    and pullxd the law upon youx
  angelox xtis one thing to be temptedx escalusx
    another thing to fallx i not deny
    the juryx passing on the prisonerxs lifex
    may in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
    guiltier than him they tryx whatxs open made to justicex
    that justice seizesx what knows the laws
    that thieves do pass on thievesx xtis very pregnantx
    the jewel that we findx we stoop and takextx
    because we see itx but what we do not see
    we tread uponx and never think of itx
    you may not so extenuate his offence
    for i have had such faultsx but rather tell mex
    when ix that censure himx do so offendx
    let mine own judgment pattern out my deathx
    and nothing come in partialx sirx he must diex
  escalusx be it as your wisdom willx
  angelox where is the provostx
  provostx herex if it like your honourx
  angelox see that claudio
    be executed by nine toxmorrow morningx
    bring him his confessorx let him be preparxdx
    for thatxs the utmost of his pilgrimagex        exit provost
  escalusx xasidex wellx heaven forgive himx and forgive us allx
    some rise by sinx and some by virtue fallx
    some run from breaks of icex and answer nonex
    and some condemned for a fault alonex

         enter elbow and officers with froth and pompey

  elbowx comex bring them awayx if these be good people in a
    commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common housesx
    i know no lawx bring them awayx
  angelox how nowx sirx whatxs your namex and whatxs the matterx
  elbowx if it please your honourx i am the poor dukexs constablex
    and my name is elbowx i do lean upon justicex sirx and do bring
    in here before your good honour two notorious benefactorsx
  angelox benefactorsx wellx what benefactors are theyx are they not
    malefactorsx
  elbowx if it please your honourx i know not well what they arex but
    precise villains they arex that i am sure ofx and void of all
    profanation in the world that good christians ought to havex
  escalusx this comes off wellx herexs a wise officerx
  angelox go tox what quality are they ofx elbow is your namex why
    dost thou not speakx elbowx
  pompeyx he cannotx sirx hexs out at elbowx
  angelox what are youx sirx
  elbowx hex sirx a tapsterx sirx parcelxbawdx one that serves a bad
    womanx whose housex sirx wasx as they sayx pluckxd down in the
    suburbsx and now she professes a hotxhousex whichx i thinkx is a
    very ill house toox
  escalusx how know you thatx
  elbowx my wifex sirx whom i detest before heaven and your honourx
  escalusx howx thy wifex
  elbowx ayx sirx whom i thank heavenx is an honest womanx
  escalusx dost thou detest her thereforex
  elbowx i sayx sirx i will detest myself alsox as well as shex that
    this housex if it be not a bawdxs housex it is pity of her lifex
    for it is a naughty housex
  escalusx how dost thou know thatx constablex
  elbowx marryx sirx by my wifex whox if she had been a woman
    cardinally givenx might have been accusxd in fornicationx
    adulteryx and all uncleanliness therex
  escalusx by the womanxs meansx
  elbowx ayx sirx by mistress overdonexs meansx but as she spit in
    his facex so she defied himx
  pompeyx sirx if it please your honourx this is not sox
  elbowx prove it before these varlets herex thou honourable manx
    prove itx
  escalusx do you hear how he misplacesx
  pompeyx sirx she came in great with childx and longingx saving your
    honourxs reverencex for stewxd prunesx sirx we had but two in the
    housex which at that very distant time stoodx as it werex in a
    fruit dishx a dish of some three pencex your honours have seen
    such dishesx they are not china dishesx but very good dishesx
  escalusx go tox go tox no matter for the dishx sirx
  pompeyx nox indeedx sirx not of a pinx you are therein in the
    rightx but to the pointx as i sayx this mistress elbowx beingx as
    i sayx with childx and being greatxbelliedx and longingx as i
    saidx for prunesx and having but two in the dishx as i saidx
    master froth herex this very manx having eaten the restx as i
    saidx andx as i sayx paying for them very honestlyx forx as you
    knowx master frothx i could not give you three pence againx
  frothx nox indeedx
  pompeyx very wellx you being thenx if you be remembxredx cracking
    the stones of the foresaid prunesx
  frothx ayx so i did indeedx
  pompeyx whyx very wellx i telling you thenx if you be remembxredx
    that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you
    wot ofx unless they kept very good dietx as i told youx
  frothx all this is truex
  pompeyx whyx very well thenx
  escalusx comex you are a tedious foolx to the purposex what was
    done to elbowxs wife that he hath cause to complain ofx come me
    to what was done to herx
  pompeyx sirx your honour cannot come to that yetx
  escalusx nox sirx nor i mean it notx
  pompeyx sirx but you shall come to itx by your honourxs leavex andx
    i beseech youx look into master froth herex sirx a man of
    fourscore pound a yearx whose father died at hallowmasx wasxt not
    at hallowmasx master frothx
  frothx allxhallond evex
  pompeyx whyx very wellx i hope here be truthsx hex sirx sittingx as
    i sayx in a lower chairx sirx xtwas in the bunch of grapesx
    wherex indeedx you have a delight to sitx have you notx
  frothx i have sox because it is an open roomx and good for winterx
  pompeyx whyx very well thenx i hope here be truthsx
  angelox this will last out a night in russiax
    when nights are longest therex ixll take my leavex
    and leave you to the hearing of the causex
    hoping youxll find good cause to whip them allx
  escalusx i think no lessx good morrow to your lordshipx
    xexit angelox nowx sirx come onx what was done to elbowxs wifex
    once morex
  pompeyx oncexx sirx there was nothing done to her oncex
  elbowx i beseech youx sirx ask him what this man did to my wifex
  pompeyx i beseech your honourx ask mex
  escalusx wellx sirx what did this gentleman to herx
  pompeyx i beseech youx sirx look in this gentlemanxs facex good
    master frothx look upon his honourx xtis for a good purposex doth
    your honour mark his facex
  escalusx ayx sirx very wellx
  pompeyx nayx i beseech youx mark it wellx
  escalusx wellx i do sox
  pompeyx doth your honour see any harm in his facex
  escalusx whyx nox
  pompeyx ixll be supposxd upon a book his face is the worst thing
    about himx good thenx if his face be the worst thing about himx
    how could master froth do the constablexs wife any harmx i would
    know that of your honourx
  escalusx hexs in the rightx constablex what say you to itx
  elbowx firstx an it like youx the house is a respected housex nextx
    this is a respected fellowx and his mistress is a respected
    womanx
  pompeyx by this handx sirx his wife is a more respected person than
    any of us allx
  elbowx varletx thou liestx thou liestx wicket varletx the time is
    yet to come that she was ever respected with manx womanx or
    childx
  pompeyx sirx she was respected with him before he married with herx
  escalusx which is the wiser herex justice or iniquityx is this
    truex
  elbowx o thou caitiffx o thou varletx o thou wicked hannibalx i
    respected with her before i was married to herx if ever i was
    respected with herx or she with mex let not your worship think me
    the poor dukexs officerx prove thisx thou wicked hannibalx or
    ixll have mine action of battxry on theex
  escalusx if he took you a box ox thx earx you might have your
    action of slander toox
  elbowx marryx i thank your good worship for itx what isxt your
    worshipxs pleasure i shall do with this wicked caitiffx
  escalusx trulyx officerx because he hath some offences in him that
    thou wouldst discover if thou couldstx let him continue in his
    courses till thou knowxst what they arex
  elbowx marryx i thank your worship for itx thou seestx thou wicked
    varletx nowx whatxs come upon theex thou art to continue nowx
    thou varletx thou art to continuex
  escalusx where were you bornx friendx
  frothx here in viennax sirx
  escalusx are you of fourscore pounds a yearx
  frothx yesx anxt please youx sirx
  escalusx sox what trade are you ofx sirx
  pompeyx a tapsterx a poor widowxs tapsterx
  escalusx your mistressx namex
  pompeyx mistress overdonex
  escalusx hath she had any more than one husbandx
  pompeyx ninex sirx overdone by the lastx
  escalusx ninex come hither to mex master frothx master frothx i
    would not have you acquainted with tapstersx they will draw youx
    master frothx and you will hang themx get you gonex and let me
    hear no more of youx
  frothx i thank your worshipx for mine own partx i never come into
    any room in a taphouse but i am drawn inx
  escalusx wellx no more of itx master frothx farewellx xexit frothx
    come you hither to mex master tapsterx whatxs your namex master
    tapsterx
  pompeyx pompeyx
  escalusx what elsex
  pompeyx bumx sirx
  escalusx trothx and your bum is the greatest thing about youx so
    thatx in the beastliest sensex you are pompey the greatx pompeyx
    you are partly a bawdx pompeyx howsoever you colour it in being a
    tapsterx are you notx comex tell me truex it shall be the better
    for youx
  pompeyx trulyx sirx i am a poor fellow that would livex
  escalusx how would you livex pompeyx by being a bawdx what do you
    think of the tradex pompeyx is it a lawful tradex
  pompeyx if the law would allow itx sirx
  escalusx but the law will not allow itx pompeyx nor it shall not be
    allowed in viennax
  pompeyx does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of
    the cityx
  escalusx nox pompeyx
  pompeyx trulyx sirx in my poor opinionx they will toxt thenx if
    your worship will take order for the drabs and the knavesx you
    need not to fear the bawdsx
  escalusx there is pretty orders beginningx i can tell youx but it
    is but heading and hangingx
  pompeyx if you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten
    year togetherx youxll be glad to give out a commission for more
    headsx if this law hold in vienna ten yearx ixll rent the fairest
    house in itx after threepence a bayx if you live to see this come
    to passx say pompey told you sox
  escalusx thank youx good pompeyx andx in requital of your prophecyx
    hark youx i advise youx let me not find you before me again upon
    any complaint whatsoeverx nox not for dwelling where you dox if i
    dox pompeyx i shall beat you to your tentx and prove a shrewd
    caesar to youx in plain dealingx pompeyx i shall have you whiptx
    so for this timex pompeyx fare you wellx
  pompeyx i thank your worship for your good counselx xasidex but i
    shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determinex
    whip mex nox nox let carman whip his jadex
    the valiant heartxs not whipt out of his tradex         exit
  escalusx come hither to mex master elbowx come hitherx master
    constablex how long have you been in this place of constablex
  elbowx seven year and a halfx sirx
  escalusx i thoughtx by the readiness in the officex you had
    continued in it some timex you say seven years togetherx
  elbowx and a halfx sirx
  escalusx alasx it hath been great pains to youx they do you wrong
    to put you so oft uponxtx are there not men in your ward
    sufficient to serve itx
  elbowx faithx sirx few of any wit in such mattersx as they are
    chosenx they are glad to choose me for themx i do it for some
    piece of moneyx and go through with allx
  escalusx look youx bring me in the names of some six or sevenx the
    most sufficient of your parishx
  elbowx to your worshipxs housex sirx
  escalusx to my housex fare you wellx              xexit elbowx
    whatxs oxclockx think youx
  justicex elevenx sirx
  escalusx i pray you home to dinner with mex
  justicex i humbly thank youx
  escalusx it grieves me for the death of claudiox
    but therexs no remedyx
  justicex lord angelo is severex
  escalusx it is but needfulx
    mercy is not itself that oft looks sox
    pardon is still the nurse of second woex
    but yetx poor claudiox there is no remedyx
    comex sirx                                            exeunt

scene iix another room in angeloxs house

enter provost and a servant

  servantx hexs hearing of a causex he will come straightx
    ixll tell him of youx
  provostx pray you dox xexit servantx ixll know
    his pleasurex may be he will relentx alasx
    he hath but as offended in a dreamx
    all sectsx all agesx smack of this vicex and he
    to die for xtx

                            enter angelo

  angelox nowx whatxs the matterx provostx
  provostx is it your will claudio shall die toxmorrowx
  angelox did not i tell thee yeax hadst thou not orderx
    why dost thou ask againx
  provostx lest i might be too rashx
    under your good correctionx i have seen
    whenx after executionx judgment hath
    repented oxer his doomx
  angelox go tox let that be minex
    do you your officex or give up your placex
    and you shall well be sparxdx
  provostx i crave your honourxs pardonx
    what shall be donex sirx with the groaning julietx
    shexs very near her hourx
  angelox dispose of her
    to some more fitter placex and that with speedx

                           rexenter servant

  servantx here is the sister of the man condemnxd
    desires access to youx
  angelox hath he a sisterx
  provostx ayx my good lordx a very virtuous maidx
    and to be shortly of a sisterhoodx
    if not alreadyx
  angelox wellx let her be admittedx                exit servant
    see you the fornicatress be removxdx
    let her have needful but not lavish meansx
    there shall be order forxtx

                         enter lucio and isabella

  provostx xgoingx save your honourx
  angelox stay a little whilex xto isabellax yxare welcomex whatxs
    your willx
  isabellax i am a woeful suitor to your honourx
    please but your honour hear mex
  angelox wellx whatxs your suitx
  isabellax there is a vice that most i do abhorx
    and most desire should meet the blow of justicex
    for which i would not pleadx but that i mustx
    for which i must not pleadx but that i am
    at war xtwixt will and will notx
  angelox wellx the matterx
  isabellax i have a brother is condemnxd to diex
    i do beseech youx let it be his faultx
    and not my brotherx
  provostx xasidex heaven give thee moving gracesx
  angelox condemn the fault and not the actor of itx
    whyx every faultxs condemnxd ere it be donex
    mine were the very cipher of a functionx
    to fine the faults whose fine stands in recordx
    and let go by the actorx
  isabellax o just but severe lawx
    i had a brotherx thenx heaven keep your honourx
  luciox xto isabellax givext not oxer sox to him againx entreat himx
    kneel down before himx hang upon his gownx
    you are too coldx if you should need a pinx
    you could not with more tame a tongue desire itx
    to himx i sayx
  isabellax must he needs diex
  angelox maidenx no remedyx
  isabellax yesx i do think that you might pardon himx
    and neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercyx
  angelox i will not doxtx
  isabellax but can youx if you wouldx
  angelox lookx what i will notx that i cannot dox
  isabellax but might you doxtx and do the world no wrongx
    if so your heart were touchxd with that remorse
    as mine is to himx
  angelox hexs sentencxdx xtis too latex
  luciox xto isabellax you are too coldx
  isabellax too latex whyx nox ix that do speak a wordx
    may call it back againx wellx believe thisx
    no ceremony that to great ones longsx
    not the kingxs crown nor the deputed swordx
    the marshalxs truncheon nor the judgexs robex
    become them with one half so good a grace
    as mercy doesx
    if he had been as youx and you as hex
    you would have slippxd like himx but hex like youx
    would not have been so sternx
  angelox pray you be gonex
  isabellax i would to heaven i had your potencyx
    and you were isabelx should it then be thusx
    nox i would tell what xtwere to be a judge
    and what a prisonerx
  luciox xto isabellax ayx touch himx therexs the veinx
  angelox your brother is a forfeit of the lawx
    and you but waste your wordsx
  isabellax alasx alasx
    whyx all the souls that were were forfeit oncex
    and he that might the vantage best have took
    found out the remedyx how would you be
    if hex which is the top of judgmentx should
    but judge you as you arex ox think on thatx
    and mercy then will breathe within your lipsx
    like man new madex
  angelox be you contentx fair maidx
    it is the lawx not i condemn your brotherx
    were he my kinsmanx brotherx or my sonx
    it should be thus with himx he must die toxmorrowx
  isabellax toxmorrowx ox thatxs suddenx spare himx spare himx
    hexs not preparxd for deathx even for our kitchens
    we kill the fowl of seasonx shall we serve heaven
    with less respect than we do minister
    to our gross selvesx goodx good my lordx bethink youx
    who is it that hath died for this offencex
    therexs many have committed itx
  luciox xasidex ayx well saidx
  angelox the law hath not been deadx though it hath sleptx
    those many had not darxd to do that evil
    if the first that did thx edict infringe
    had answerxd for his deedx now xtis awakex
    takes note of what is donex andx like a prophetx
    looks in a glass that shows what future evilsx
    either now or by remissness new conceivxdx
    and so in progress to be hatchxd and bornx
    are now to have no successive degreesx
    but here they live to endx
  isabellax yet show some pityx
  angelox i show it most of all when i show justicex
    for then i pity those i do not knowx
    which a dismissxd offence would after gallx
    and do him right thatx answering one foul wrongx
    lives not to act anotherx be satisfiedx
    your brother dies toxmorrowx be contentx
  isabellax so you must be the first that gives this sentencex
    and he that suffersx ox it is excellent
    to have a giantxs strengthx but it is tyrannous
    to use it like a giantx
  luciox xto isabellax thatxs well saidx
  isabellax could great men thunder
    as jove himself doesx jove would never be quietx
    for every pelting petty officer
    would use his heaven for thunderx
    nothing but thunderx merciful heavenx
    thou ratherx with thy sharp and sulphurous boltx
    splits the unwedgeable and gnarled oak
    than the soft myrtlex but manx proud manx
    dressxd in a little brief authorityx
    most ignorant of what hexs most assurxdx
    his glassy essencex like an angry apex
    plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
    as makes the angels weepx whox with our speensx
    would all themselves laugh mortalx
  luciox xto isabellax ox to himx to himx wenchx he will relentx
    hexs comingx i perceive xtx
  provostx xasidex pray heaven she win himx
  isabellax we cannot weigh our brother with ourselfx
    great men may jest with saintsx xtis wit in themx
    but in the less foul profanationx
  luciox xto isabellax thouxrt ix thx rightx girlx more ox thatx
  isabellax that in the captainxs but a choleric word
    which in the soldier is flat blasphemyx
  luciox xto isabellax art avisxd ox thatx more onxtx
  angelox why do you put these sayings upon mex
  isabellax because authorityx though it err like othersx
    hath yet a kind of medicine in itself
    that skins the vice ox thx topx go to your bosomx
    knock therex and ask your heart what it doth know
    thatxs like my brotherxs faultx if it confess
    a natural guiltiness such as is hisx
    let it not sound a thought upon your tongue
    against my brotherxs lifex
  angelox xasidex she speaksx and xtis
    such sense that my sense breeds with itxx fare you wellx
  isabellax gentle my lordx turn backx
  angelox i will bethink mex come again toxmorrowx
  isabellax hark how ixll bribe youx good my lordx turn backx
  angelox howx bribe mex
  isabellax ayx with such gifts that heaven shall share with youx
  luciox xto isabellax you had marrxd all elsex
  isabellax not with fond sicles of the tested goldx
    or stonesx whose rate are either rich or poor
    as fancy values themx but with true prayers
    that shall be up at heaven and enter there
    ere sunxrisex prayers from preserved soulsx
    from fasting maidsx whose minds are dedicate
    to nothing temporalx
  angelox wellx come to me toxmorrowx
  luciox xto isabellax go tox xtis wellx awayx
  isabellax heaven keep your honour safex
  angelox xasidex amenx for i
    am that way going to temptation
    where prayers crossx
  isabellax at what hour toxmorrow
    shall i attend your lordshipx
  angelox at any time xfore noonx
  isabellax save your honourx              exeunt all but angelo
  angelox from theex even from thy virtuex
    whatxs thisx whatxs thisx is this her fault or minex
    the tempter or the temptedx who sins mostx
    hax
    not shex nor doth she temptx but it is i
    thatx lying by the violet in the sunx
    do as the carrion doesx not as the flowxrx
    corrupt with virtuous seasonx can it be
    that modesty may more betray our sense
    than womanxs lightnessx having waste ground enoughx
    shall we desire to raze the sanctuaryx
    and pitch our evils therex ox fiex fiex fiex
    what dost thoux or what art thoux angelox
    dost thou desire her foully for those things
    that make her goodx ox let her brother livex
    thieves for their robbery have authority
    when judges steal themselvesx whatx do i love herx
    that i desire to hear her speak againx
    and feast upon her eyesx what isxt i dream onx
    o cunning enemyx thatx to catch a saintx
    with saints dost bait thy hookx most dangerous
    is that temptation that doth goad us on
    to sin in loving virtuex never could the strumpetx
    with all her double vigourx art and naturex
    once stir my temperx but this virtuous maid
    subdues me quitex ever till nowx
    when men were fondx i smilxd and wondxred howx          exit

scene iiix a prison

enterx severallyx dukex disguised as a friarx and provost

  dukex hail to youx provostx so i think you arex
  provostx i am the provostx whatxs your willx good friarx
  dukex bound by my charity and my blest orderx
    i come to visit the afflicted spirits
    here in the prisonx do me the common right
    to let me see themx and to make me know
    the nature of their crimesx that i may minister
    to them accordinglyx
  provostx i would do more than thatx if more were needfulx

                          enter juliet

    lookx here comes onex a gentlewoman of minex
    whox falling in the flaws of her own youthx
    hath blisterxd her reportx she is with childx
    and he that got itx sentencxdx a young man
    more fit to do another such offence
    than die for thisx
  dukex when must he diex
  provostx as i do thinkx toxmorrowx
    xto julietx i have provided for youx stay awhile
    and you shall be conductedx
  dukex repent youx fair onex of the sin you carryx
  julietx i dox and bear the shame most patientlyx
  dukex ixll teach you how you shall arraign your consciencex
    and try your penitencex if it be sound
    or hollowly put onx
  julietx ixll gladly learnx
  dukex love you the man that wrongxd youx
  julietx yesx as i love the woman that wrongxd himx
  dukex so thenx it seemsx your most offenceful act
    was mutually committedx
  julietx mutuallyx
  dukex then was your sin of heavier kind than hisx
  julietx i do confess itx and repent itx fatherx
  dukex xtis meet sox daughterx but lest you do repent
    as that the sin hath brought you to this shamex
    which sorrow is always toward ourselvesx not heavenx
    showing we would not spare heaven as we love itx
    but as we stand in fearx
  julietx i do repent me as it is an evilx
    and take the shame with joyx
  dukex there restx
    your partnerx as i hearx must die toxmorrowx
    and i am going with instruction to himx
    grace go with youx benedicitex                          exit
  julietx must die toxmorrowx ox injurious lawx
    that respites me a life whose very comfort
    is still a dying horrorx
  provostx xtis pity of himx                              exeunt

scene ivx angeloxs house

enter angelo

  angelox when i would pray and thinkx i think and pray
    to several subjectsx heaven hath my empty wordsx
    whilst my inventionx hearing not my tonguex
    anchors on isabelx heaven in my mouthx
    as if i did but only chew his namex
    and in my heart the strong and swelling evil
    of my conceptionx the state whereon i studied
    isx like a good thing being often readx
    grown sere and tediousx yeax my gravityx
    whereinx let no man hear mex i take pridex
    could i with boot change for an idle plume
    which the air beats for vainx o placex o formx
    how often dost thou with thy casex thy habitx
    wrench awe from foolsx and tie the wiser souls
    to thy false seemingx bloodx thou art bloodx
    letxs write xgood angelx on the devilxs hornx
    xtis not the devilxs crestx

                           enter servant

    how nowx whoxs therex
  servantx one isabelx a sisterx desires access to youx
  angelox teach her the wayx xexit servantx o heavensx
    why does my blood thus muster to my heartx
    making both it unable for itself
    and dispossessing all my other parts
    of necessary fitnessx
    so play the foolish throngs with one that swoonsx
    come all to help himx and so stop the air
    by which he should revivex and even so
    the general subject to a wellxwishxd king
    quit their own partx and in obsequious fondness
    crowd to his presencex where their untaught love
    must needs appear offencex

                            enter isabella

    how nowx fair maidx
  isabellax i am come to know your pleasurex
  angelox that you might know it would much better please me
    than to demand what xtisx your brother cannot livex
  isabellax even sox heaven keep your honourx
  angelox yet may he live awhilex andx it may bex
    as long as you or ix yet he must diex
  isabellax under your sentencex
  angelox yeax
  isabellax whenx i beseech youx that in his reprievex
    longer or shorterx he may be so fitted
    that his soul sicken notx
  angelox hax fiex these filthy vicesx it were as good
    to pardon him that hath from nature stolxn
    a man already madex as to remit
    their saucy sweetness that do coin heavenxs image
    in stamps that are forbidx xtis all as easy
    falsely to take away a life true made
    as to put metal in restrained means
    to make a false onex
  isabellax xtis set down so in heavenx but not in earthx
  angelox say you sox then i shall pose you quicklyx
    which had you ratherx that the most just law
    now took your brotherxs lifex orx to redeem himx
    give up your body to such sweet uncleanness
    as she that he hath stainxdx
  isabellax sirx believe thisx
    i had rather give my body than my soulx
  angelox i talk not of your soulx our compellxd sins
    stand more for number than for accomptx
  isabellax how say youx
  angelox nayx ixll not warrant thatx for i can speak
    against the thing i sayx answer to thisx
    ix now the voice of the recorded lawx
    pronounce a sentence on your brotherxs lifex
    might there not be a charity in sin
    to save this brotherxs lifex
  isabellax please you to doxtx
    ixll take it as a peril to my soul
    it is no sin at allx but charityx
  angelox pleasxd you to doxt at peril of your soulx
    were equal poise of sin and charityx
  isabellax that i do beg his lifex if it be sinx
    heaven let me bear itx you granting of my suitx
    if that be sinx ixll make it my morn prayer
    to have it added to the faults of minex
    and nothing of your answerx
  angelox nayx but hear mex
    your sense pursues not minex either you are ignorant
    or seem sox craftilyx and thatxs not goodx
  isabellax let me be ignorantx and in nothing good
    but graciously to know i am no betterx
  angelox thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright
    when it doth tax itselfx as these black masks
    proclaim an enshielded beauty ten times louder
    than beauty couldx displayxdx but mark mex
    to be received plainx ixll speak more grossx
    your brother is to diex
  isabellax sox
  angelox and his offence is sox as it appearsx
    accountant to the law upon that painx
  isabellax truex
  angelox admit no other way to save his lifex
    as i subscribe not thatx nor any otherx
    butx in the loss of questionx that youx his sisterx
    finding yourself desirxd of such a person
    whose credit with the judgex or own great placex
    could fetch your brother from the manacles
    of the allxbinding lawx and that there were
    no earthly mean to save him but that either
    you must lay down the treasures of your body
    to this supposedx or else to let him sufferx
    what would you dox
  isabellax as much for my poor brother as myselfx
    that isx were i under the terms of deathx
    thx impression of keen whips ixd wear as rubiesx
    and strip myself to death as to a bed
    that longing have been sick forx ere ixd yield
    my body up to shamex
  angelox then must your brother diex
  isabellax and xtwere the cheaper wayx
    better it were a brother died at once
    than that a sisterx by redeeming himx
    should die for everx
  angelox were not youx thenx as cruel as the sentence
    that you have slanderxd sox
  isabellax ignominy in ransom and free pardon
    are of two housesx lawful mercy
    is nothing kin to foul redemptionx
  angelox you seemxd of late to make the law a tyrantx
    and rather provxd the sliding of your brother
    a merriment than a vicex
  isabellax ox pardon mex my lordx it oft falls outx
    to have what we would havex we speak not what we meanx
    i something do excuse the thing i hate
    for his advantage that i dearly lovex
  angelox we are all frailx
  isabellax else let my brother diex
    if not a fedary but only he
    owe and succeed thy weaknessx
  angelox nayx women are frail toox
  isabellax ayx as the glasses where they view themselvesx
    which are as easy broke as they make formsx
    womenx help heavenx men their creation mar
    in profiting by themx nayx call us ten times frailx
    for we are soft as our complexions arex
    and credulous to false printsx
  angelox i think it wellx
    and from this testimony of your own sexx
    since i suppose we are made to be no stronger
    than faults may shake our framesx let me be boldx
    i do arrest your wordsx be that you arex
    that isx a womanx if you be morex youxre nonex
    if you be onex as you are well expressxd
    by all external warrantsx show it now
    by putting on the destinxd liveryx
  isabellax i have no tongue but onex gentlex my lordx
    let me intreat you speak the former languagex
  angelox plainly conceivex i love youx
  isabellax my brother did love julietx
    and you tell me that he shall die forxtx
  angelox he shall notx isabelx if you give me lovex
  isabellax i know your virtue hath a license inxtx
    which seems a little fouler than it isx
    to pluck on othersx
  angelox believe mex on mine honourx
    my words express my purposex
  isabellax hax little honour to be much believxdx
    and most pernicious purposex seemingx seemingx
    i will proclaim theex angelox look forxtx
    sign me a present pardon for my brother
    orx with an outstretchxd throatx ixll tell the world aloud
    what man thou artx
  angelox who will believe theex isabelx
    my unsoilxd namex thx austereness of my lifex
    my vouch against youx and my place ix thx statex
    will so your accusation overweigh
    that you shall stifle in your own reportx
    and smell of calumnyx i have begunx
    and now i give my sensual race the reinx
    fit thy consent to my sharp appetitex
    lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes
    that banish what they sue forx redeem thy brother
    by yielding up thy body to my willx
    or else he must not only die the deathx
    but thy unkindness shall his death draw out
    to lingxring sufferancex answer me toxmorrowx
    orx by the affection that now guides me mostx
    ixll prove a tyrant to himx as for youx
    say what you canx my false oxerweighs your truex        exit
  isabellax to whom should i complainx did i tell thisx
    who would believe mex o perilous mouths
    that bear in them one and the selfxsame tongue
    either of condemnation or approofx
    bidding the law make curtsy to their willx
    hooking both right and wrong to thx appetitex
    to follow as it drawsx ixll to my brotherx
    though he hath fallxn by prompture of the bloodx
    yet hath he in him such a mind of honour
    thatx had he twenty heads to tender down
    on twenty bloody blocksx hexd yield them up
    before his sister should her body stoop
    to such abhorrxd pollutionx
    thenx isabelx live chastex andx brotherx diex
    more than our brother is our chastityx
    ixll tell him yet of angeloxs requestx
    and fit his mind to deathx for his soulxs restx         exit

act iiix scene ix the prison

enter dukex disguised as beforex claudiox and provost

  dukex sox then you hope of pardon from lord angelox
  claudiox the miserable have no other medicine
    but only hopex
    i have hope to evex and am preparxd to diex
  dukex be absolute for deathx either death or life
    shall thereby be the sweeterx reason thus with lifex
    if i do lose theex i do lose a thing
    that none but fools would keepx a breath thou artx
    servile to all the skyey influencesx
    that dost this habitation where thou keepxst
    hourly afflictx merelyx thou art deathxs foolx
    for him thou labourxst by thy flight to shun
    and yet runxst toward him stillx thou art not noblex
    for all thx accommodations that thou bearxst
    are nursxd by basenessx thou xrt by no means valiantx
    for thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
    of a poor wormx thy best of rest is sleepx
    and that thou oft provokxstx yet grossly fearxst
    thy deathx which is no morex thou art not thyselfx
    for thou exists on many a thousand grains
    that issue out of dustx happy thou art notx
    for what thou hast notx still thou strivxst to getx
    and what thou hastx forgetxstx thou art not certainx
    for thy complexion shifts to strange effectsx
    after the moonx if thou art richx thouxrt poorx
    forx like an ass whose back with ingots bowsx
    thou bearxst thy heavy riches but a journeyx
    and death unloads theex friend hast thou nonex
    for thine own bowels which do call thee sirex
    the mere effusion of thy proper loinsx
    do curse the goutx serpigox and the rheumx
    for ending thee no soonerx thou hast nor youth nor agex
    butx as it werex an afterxdinnerxs sleepx
    dreaming on bothx for all thy blessed youth
    becomes as agedx and doth beg the alms
    of palsied eldx and when thou art old and richx
    thou hast neither heatx affectionx limbx nor beautyx
    to make thy riches pleasantx whatxs yet in this
    that bears the name of lifex yet in this life
    lie hid moe thousand deathsx yet death we fearx
    that makes these odds all evenx
  claudiox i humbly thank youx
    to sue to livex i find i seek to diex
    andx seeking deathx find lifex let it come onx
  isabellax xwithinx whatx hox peace herex grace and good companyx
  provostx whoxs therex come inx the wish deserves a welcomex
  dukex dear sirx ere long ixll visit you againx
  claudiox most holy sirx i thank youx

                        enter isabella

  isabellax my business is a word or two with claudiox
  provostx and very welcomex lookx signiorx herexs your sisterx
  dukex provostx a word with youx
  provostx as many as you pleasex
  dukex bring me to hear them speakx where i may be concealxdx
                                         exeunt duke and provost
  claudiox nowx sisterx whatxs the comfortx
  isabellax whyx
    as all comforts arex most goodx most goodx indeedx
    lord angelox having affairs to heavenx
    intends you for his swift ambassadorx
    where you shall be an everlasting leigerx
    thereforex your best appointment make with speedx
    toxmorrow you set onx
  claudiox is there no remedyx
  isabellax nonex but such remedy asx to save a headx
    to cleave a heart in twainx
  claudiox but is there anyx
  isabellax yesx brotherx you may livex
    there is a devilish mercy in the judgex
    if youxll implore itx that will free your lifex
    but fetter you till deathx
  claudiox perpetual durancex
  isabellax ayx justx perpetual durancex a restraintx
    though all the worldxs vastidity you hadx
    to a determinxd scopex
  claudiox but in what naturex
  isabellax in such a one asx you consenting toxtx
    would bark your honour from that trunk you bearx
    and leave you nakedx
  claudiox let me know the pointx
  isabellax ox i do fear theex claudiox and i quakex
    lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertainx
    and six or seven winters more respect
    than a perpetual honourx darxst thou diex
    the sense of death is most in apprehensionx
    and the poor beetle that we tread upon
    in corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
    as when a giant diesx
  claudiox why give you me this shamex
    think you i can a resolution fetch
    from flowxry tendernessx if i must diex
    i will encounter darkness as a bride
    and hug it in mine armsx
  isabellax there spake my brotherx there my fatherxs grave
    did utter forth a voicex yesx thou must diex
    thou art too noble to conserve a life
    in base appliancesx this outwardxsainted deputyx
    whose settled visage and deliberate word
    nips youth ix thx headx and follies doth enew
    as falcon doth the fowlx is yet a devilx
    his filth within being castx he would appear
    a pond as deep as hellx
  claudiox the precise angelox
  isabellax ox xtis the cunning livery of hell
    the damnedxst body to invest and cover
    in precise guardsx dost thou thinkx claudiox
    if i would yield him my virginity
    thou mightst be freedx
  claudiox o heavensx it cannot bex
  isabellax yesx he would givext theex from this rank offencex
    so to offend him stillx this nightxs the time
    that i should do what i abhor to namex
    or else thou diest toxmorrowx
  claudiox thou shalt not doxtx
  isabellax ox were it but my lifex
    ixd throw it down for your deliverance
    as frankly as a pinx
  claudiox thanksx dear isabelx
  isabellax be readyx claudiox for your death toxmorrowx
  claudiox yesx has he affections in him
    that thus can make him bite the law by thx nose
    when he would force itx sure it is no sinx
    or of the deadly seven it is the leastx
  isabellax which is the leastx
  claudiox if it were damnablex he being so wisex
    why would he for the momentary trick
    be perdurably finxdxx o isabelx
  isabellax what says my brotherx
  claudiox death is a fearful thingx
  isabellax and shamed life a hatefulx
  claudiox ayx but to diex and go we know not wherex
    to lie in cold obstructionx and to rotx
    this sensible warm motion to become
    a kneaded clodx and the delighted spirit
    to bathe in fiery floods or to reside
    in thrilling region of thickxribbed icex
    to be imprisonxd in the viewless windsx
    and blown with restless violence round about
    the pendent worldx or to be worse than worst
    of those that lawless and incertain thought
    imagine howlingx xtis too horriblex
    the weariest and most loathed worldly life
    that agex achex penuryx and imprisonmentx
    can lay on nature is a paradise
    to what we fear of deathx
  isabellax alasx alasx
  claudiox sweet sisterx let me livex
    what sin you do to save a brotherxs lifex
    nature dispenses with the deed so far
    that it becomes a virtuex
  isabellax o you beastx
    o faithless cowardx o dishonest wretchx
    wilt thou be made a man out of my vicex
    isxt not a kind of incest to take life
    from thine own sisterxs shamex what should i thinkx
    heaven shield my mother playxd my father fairx
    for such a warped slip of wilderness
    nexer issuxd from his bloodx take my defiancex
    diex perishx might but my bending down
    reprieve thee from thy fatex it should proceedx
    ixll pray a thousand prayers for thy deathx
    no word to save theex
  claudiox nayx hear mex isabelx
  isabellax o fiex fiex fiex
    thy sinxs not accidentalx but a tradex
    mercy to thee would prove itself a bawdx
    xtis best that thou diest quicklyx
  claudiox ox hear mex isabellax

                            rexenter duke

  dukex vouchsafe a wordx young sisterx but one wordx
  isabellax what is your willx
  dukex might you dispense with your leisurex i would by and by have
    some speech with youx the satisfaction i would require is
    likewise your own benefitx
  isabellax i have no superfluous leisurex my stay must be stolen out
    of other affairsx but i will attend you awhilex
                                                   xwalks apartx
  dukex sonx i have overheard what hath passxd between you and your
    sisterx angelo had never the purpose to corrupt herx only he hath
    made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the
    disposition of naturesx shex having the truth of honour in herx
    hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to
    receivex i am confessor to angelox and i know this to be truex
    therefore prepare yourself to deathx do not satisfy your
    resolution with hopes that are falliblex toxmorrow you must diex
    go to your knees and make readyx
  claudiox let me ask my sister pardonx i am so out of love with life
    that i will sue to be rid of itx
  dukex hold you therex farewellx xexit claudiox provostx a word with
    youx

                          rexenter provost

  provostx whatxs your willx fatherx
  dukex thatx now you are comex you will be gonex leave me a while
    with the maidx my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch
    her by my companyx
  provostx in good timex                            exit provost
  dukex the hand that hath made you fair hath made you goodx the
    goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodnessx
    but gracex being the soul of your complexionx shall keep the body
    of it ever fairx the assault that angelo hath made to youx
    fortune hath conveyxd to my understandingx andx but that frailty
    hath examples for his fallingx i should wonder at angelox how
    will you do to content this substitutex and to save your brotherx
  isabellax i am now going to resolve himx i had rather my brother
    die by the law than my son should be unlawfully bornx butx ox how
    much is the good duke deceivxd in angelox if ever he returnx and
    i can speak to himx i will open my lips in vainx or discover his
    governmentx
  dukex that shall not be much amissx yetx as the matter now standsx
    he will avoid your accusationx he made trial of you onlyx
    therefore fasten your ear on my advisingsx to the love i have in
    doing good a remedy presents itselfx i do make myself believe
    that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited
    benefitx redeem your brother from the angry lawx do no stain to
    your own gracious personx and much please the absent dukex if
    peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this
    businessx
  isabellax let me hear you speak fartherx i have spirit to do
    anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spiritx
  dukex virtue is boldx and goodness never fearfulx have you not
    heard speak of marianax the sister of frederickx the great
    soldier who miscarried at seax
  isabellax i have heard of the ladyx and good words went with her
    namex
  dukex she should this angelo have marriedx was affianced to her by
    oathx and the nuptial appointedx between which time of the
    contract and limit of the solemnity her brother frederick was
    wreckxd at seax having in that perished vessel the dowry of his
    sisterx but mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewomanx
    there she lost a noble and renowned brotherx in his love toward
    her ever most kind and naturalx with him the portion and sinew of
    her fortunex her marriagexdowryx with bothx her combinate
    husbandx this wellxseeming angelox
  isabellax can this be sox did angelo so leave herx
  dukex left her in her tearsx and dried not one of them with his
    comfortx swallowed his vows wholex pretending in her discoveries
    of dishonourx in fewx bestowxd her on her own lamentationx which
    she yet wears for his sakex and hex a marble to her tearsx is
    washed with themx but relents notx
  isabellax what a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from
    the worldx what corruption in this life that it will let this man
    livex but how out of this can she availx
  dukex it is a rupture that you may easily healx and the cure of it
    not only saves your brotherx but keeps you from dishonour in
    doing itx
  isabellax show me howx good fatherx
  dukex this forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her
    first affectionx his unjust unkindnessx that in all reason should
    have quenched her lovex hathx like an impediment in the currentx
    made it more violent and unrulyx go you to angelox answer his
    requiring with a plausible obediencex agree with his demands to
    the pointx only refer yourself to this advantagex firstx that
    your stay with him may not be longx that the time may have all
    shadow and silence in itx and the place answer to conveniencex
    this being granted in coursex and now follows allx we shall
    advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointmentx go in your
    placex if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafterx it may
    compel him to her recompensex and herex by thisx is your brother
    savedx your honour untaintedx the poor mariana advantagedx and
    the corrupt deputy scaledx the maid will i frame and make fit for
    his attemptx if you think well to carry this as you mayx the
    doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproofx what
    think you of itx
  isabellax the image of it gives me content alreadyx and i trust it
    will grow to a most prosperous perfectionx
  dukex it lies much in your holding upx haste you speedily to
    angelox if for this night he entreat you to his bedx give him
    promise of satisfactionx i will presently to saint lukexsx therex
    at the moated grangex resides this dejected marianax at that
    place call upon mex and dispatch with angelox that it may be
    quicklyx
  isabellax i thank you for this comfortx fare you wellx good fatherx
                                                exeunt severally

scene iix the street before the prison

enterx on one sidex duke disguised as beforex on the otherx elbowx and
officers with pompey

  elbowx nayx if there be no remedy for itx but that you will needs
    buy and sell men and women like beastsx we shall have all the
    world drink brown and white bastardx
  dukex o heavensx what stuff is herex
  pompeyx xtwas never merry world sincex of two usuriesx the merriest
    was put downx and the worser allowxd by order of law a furrxd
    gown to keep him warmx and furrxd with fox on lambxskins toox to
    signify that craftx being richer than innocencyx stands for the
    facingx
  elbowx come your wayx sirx bless youx good father friarx
  dukex and youx good brother fatherx what offence hath this man made
    youx sirx
  elbowx marryx sirx he hath offended the lawx andx sirx we take him
    to be a thief toox sirx for we have found upon himx sirx a
    strange picklockx which we have sent to the deputyx
  dukex fiex sirrahx a bawdx a wicked bawdx
    the evil that thou causest to be donex
    that is thy means to livex do thou but think
    what xtis to cram a maw or clothe a back
    from such a filthy vicex say to thyself
    xfrom their abominable and beastly touches
    i drinkx i eatx array myselfx and livexx
    canst thou believe thy living is a lifex
    so stinkingly dependingx go mendx go mendx
  pompeyx indeedx it does stink in some sortx sirx but yetx sirx
    i would provex
  dukex nayx if the devil have given thee proofs for sinx
    thou wilt prove hisx take him to prisonx officerx
    correction and instruction must both work
    ere this rude beast will profitx
  elbowx he must before the deputyx sirx he has given him warningx
    the deputy cannot abide a whoremasterx if he be a whoremongerx
    and comes before himx he were as good go a mile on his errandx
  dukex that we were allx as some would seem to bex
    from our faultsx as his faults from seemingx freex
  elbowx his neck will come to your waistx a cordx sirx

                          enter lucio

  pompeyx i spy comfortx i cry bailx herexs a gentlemanx and a friend
    of minex
  luciox how nowx noble pompeyx whatx at the wheels of caesarx art
    thou led in triumphx whatx is there none of pygmalionxs imagesx
    newly made womanx to be had now for putting the hand in the
    pocket and extracting it clutchxdx what replyx hax what sayxst
    thou to this tunex matterx and methodx isxt not drownxd ix thx
    last rainx hax what sayxst thoux trotx is the world as it wasx
    manx which is the wayx is it sadx and few wordsx or howx the
    trick of itx
  dukex still thusx and thusx still worsex
  luciox how doth my dear morselx thy mistressx procures she stillx
    hax
  pompeyx trothx sirx she hath eaten up all her beefx and she is
    herself in the tubx
  luciox whyx xtis goodx it is the right of itx it must be sox ever
    your fresh whore and your powderxd bawdx an unshunnxd
    consequencex it must be sox art going to prisonx pompeyx
  pompeyx yesx faithx sirx
  luciox whyx xtis not amissx pompeyx farewellx gox say i sent thee
    thitherx for debtx pompeyx or howx
  elbowx for being a bawdx for being a bawdx
  luciox wellx thenx imprison himx if imprisonment be the due of a
    bawdx whyx xtis his rightx bawd is he doubtlessx and of
    antiquityx toox bawdxbornx farewellx good pompeyx commend me to
    the prisonx pompeyx you will turn good husband nowx pompeyx you
    will keep the housex
  pompeyx i hopex sirx your good worship will be my bailx
  luciox nox indeedx will i notx pompeyx it is not the wearx i will
    prayx pompeyx to increase your bondagex if you take it not
    patientlyx whyx your mettle is the morex adieu trusty pompeyx
    bless youx friarx
  dukex and youx
  luciox does bridget paint stillx pompeyx hax
  elbowx come your waysx sirx comex
  pompeyx you will not bail me thenx sirx
  luciox thenx pompeyx nor nowx what news abroadx friarx what newsx
  elbowx come your waysx sirx comex
  luciox go to kennelx pompeyx gox

                               exeunt elbowx pompey and officers

    what newsx friarx of the dukex
  dukex i know nonex can you tell me of anyx
  luciox some say he is with the emperor of russiax other somex he is
    in romex but where is hex think youx
  dukex i know not wherex but wheresoeverx i wish him wellx
  luciox it was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the
    state and usurp the beggary he was never born tox lord angelo
    dukes it well in his absencex he puts transgression toxtx
  dukex he does well inxtx
  luciox a little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in himx
    something too crabbed that wayx friarx
  dukex it is too general a vicex and severity must cure itx
  luciox yesx in good soothx the vice is of a great kindredx it is
    well alliedx but it is impossible to extirp it quitex friarx till
    eating and drinking be put downx they say this angelo was not
    made by man and woman after this downright way of creationx is it
    truex think youx
  dukex how should he be madex thenx
  luciox some report a seaxmaid spawnxd himx somex that he was begot
    between two stockxfishesx but it is certain that when he makes
    water his urine is congealxd icex that i know to be truex and he
    is a motion generativex thatxs infalliblex
  dukex you are pleasantx sirx and speak apacex
  luciox whyx what a ruthless thing is this in himx for the rebellion
    of a codpiece to take away the life of a manx would the duke that
    is absent have done thisx ere he would have hangxd a man for the
    getting a hundred bastardsx he would have paid for the nursing a
    thousandx he had some feeling of the sportx he knew the servicex
    and that instructed him to mercyx
  dukex i never heard the absent duke much detected for womenx he was
    not inclinxd that wayx
  luciox ox sirx you are deceivxdx
  dukex xtis not possiblex
  luciox whox not the dukex yesx your beggar of fiftyx and his use
    was to put a ducat in her clackxdishx the duke had crotchets in
    himx he would be drunk toox that let me inform youx
  dukex you do him wrongx surelyx
  luciox sirx i was an inward of hisx a shy fellow was the dukex and
    i believe i know the cause of his withdrawingx
  dukex whatx i pritheex might be the causex
  luciox nox pardonx xtis a secret must be lockxd within the teeth
    and the lipsx but this i can let you understandx the greater file
    of the subject held the duke to be wisex
  dukex wisex whyx no question but he wasx
  luciox a very superficialx ignorantx unweighing fellowx
  dukex either this is envy in youx follyx or mistakingx the very
    stream of his lifex and the business he hath helmedx mustx upon a
    warranted needx give him a better proclamationx let him be but
    testimonied in his own bringingsxforthx and he shall appear to
    the envious a scholarx a statesmanx and a soldierx therefore you
    speak unskilfullyx orx if your knowledge be morex it is much
    darkxned in your malicex
  luciox sirx i know himx and i love himx
  dukex love talks with better knowledgex and knowledge with dearer
    lovex
  luciox comex sirx i know what i knowx
  dukex i can hardly believe thatx since you know not what you speakx
    butx if ever the duke returnx as our prayers are he mayx let me
    desire you to make your answer before himx if it be honest you
    have spokex you have courage to maintain itx i am bound to call
    upon youx and i pray you your namex
  luciox sirx my name is luciox well known to the dukex
  dukex he shall know you betterx sirx if i may live to report youx
  luciox i fear you notx
  dukex ox you hope the duke will return no morex or you imagine me
    too unhurtful an oppositex butx indeedx i can do you little harmx
    youxll forswear this againx
  luciox ixll be hangxd firstx thou art deceivxd in mex friarx but no
    more of thisx canst thou tell if claudio die toxmorrow or nox
  dukex why should he diex sirx
  luciox whyx for filling a bottle with a tunxdishx i would the duke
    we talk of were returnxd againx this ungeniturxd agent will
    unpeople the province with continencyx sparrows must not build in
    his housexeaves because they are lecherousx the duke yet would
    have dark deeds darkly answeredx he would never bring them to
    lightx would he were returnxdx marryx this claudio is condemned
    for untrussingx farewellx good friarx i prithee pray for mex the
    dukex i say to thee againx would eat mutton on fridaysx hexs not
    past it yetx andx i say to theex he would mouth with a beggar
    though she smelt brown bread and garlicx say that i said sox
    farewellx                                               exit
  dukex no might nor greatness in mortality
    can censure scapex backxwounding calumny
    the whitest virtue strikesx what king so strong
    can tie the gall up in the slanderous tonguex
    but who comes herex

             enter escalusx provostx and officers with
                           mistress overdone

  escalusx gox away with her to prisonx
  mrsx overdonex good my lordx be good to mex your honour is
    accounted a merciful manx good my lordx
  escalusx double and treble admonitionx and still forfeit in the
    same kindx this would make mercy swear and play the tyrantx
  provostx a bawd of eleven yearsx continuancex may it please your
    honourx
  mrsx overdonex my lordx this is one lucioxs information against mex
    mistress kate keepdown was with child by him in the dukexs timex
    he promisxd her marriagex his child is a year and a quarter old
    come philip and jacobx i have kept it myselfx and see how he goes
    about to abuse mex
  escalusx that fellow is a fellow of much licensex let him be callxd
    before usx away with her to prisonx go tox no more wordsx xexeunt
    officers with mistress overdonex  provostx my brother angelo will
    not be alterxdx claudio must die toxmorrowx let him be furnishxd
    with divinesx and have all charitable preparationx if my brother
    wrought by my pityx it should not be so with himx
  provostx so please youx this friar hath been with himx and advisxd
    him for thx entertainment of deathx
  escalusx good evenx good fatherx
  dukex bliss and goodness on youx
  escalusx of whence are youx
  dukex not of this countryx though my chance is now
    to use it for my timex i am a brother
    of gracious orderx late come from the see
    in special business from his holinessx
  escalusx what news abroad ix thx worldx
  dukex nonex but that there is so great a fever on goodness that the
    dissolution of it must cure itx novelty is only in requestx andx
    as it isx as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course as it is
    virtuous to be constant in any undertakeingx there is scarce
    truth enough alive to make societies securex but security enough
    to make fellowships accurstx much upon this riddle runs the
    wisdom of the worldx this news is old enoughx yet it is every
    dayxs newsx i pray youx sirx of what disposition was the dukex
  escalusx one thatx above all other strifesx contended especially to
    know himselfx
  dukex what pleasure was he given tox
  escalusx rather rejoicing to see another merry than merry at
    anything which professxd to make him rejoicex a gentleman of all
    temperancex but leave we him to his eventsx with a prayer they
    may prove prosperousx and let me desire to know how you find
    claudio preparxdx i am made to understand that you have lent him
    visitationx
  dukex he professes to have received no sinister measure from his
    judgex but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of
    justicex yet had he framed to himselfx by the instruction of his
    frailtyx many deceiving promises of lifex which ix by my good
    leisurex have discredited to himx and now he is resolvxd to diex
  escalusx you have paid the heavens your functionx and the prisoner
    the very debt of your callingx i have labourxd for the poor
    gentleman to the extremest shore of my modestyx but my brother
    justice have i found so severe that he hath forcxd me to tell him
    he is indeed justicex
  dukex if his own life answer the straitness of his proceedingx it
    shall become him wellx wherein if he chance to failx he hath
    sentencxd himselfx
  escalusx i am going to visit the prisonerx fare you wellx
  dukex peace be with youx            exeunt escalus and provost

         he who the sword of heaven will bear
         should be as holy as severex
         pattern in himself to knowx
         grace to standx and virtue gox
         more nor less to others paying
         than by selfxoffences weighingx
         shame to him whose cruel striking
         kills for faults of his own likingx
         twice treble shame on angelox
         to weed my vice and let his growx
         ox what may man within him hidex
         though angel on the outward sidex
         how may likenessx made in crimesx
         make a practice on the timesx
         to draw with idle spidersx strings
         most ponderous and substantial thingsx
         craft against vice i must applyx
         with angelo toxnight shall lie
         his old betrothed but despisedx
         so disguise shallx by thx disguisedx
         pay with falsehood false exactingx
         and perform an old contractingx                    exit

act ivx scene ix the moated grange at saint dukexs

enter marianax and boy singing

                             song

           takex ox take those lips awayx
             that so sweetly were forswornx
           and those eyesx the break of dayx
             lights that do mislead the mornx
           but my kisses bring againx bring againx
           seals of lovex but sealxd in vainx sealxd in vainx

                  enter dukex disguised as before

  marianax break off thy songx and haste thee quick awayx
    here comes a man of comfortx whose advice
    hath often stillxd my brawling discontentx          exit boy
    i cry you mercyx sirx and well could wish
    you had not found me here so musicalx
    let me excuse mex and believe me sox
    my mirth it much displeasxdx but pleasxd my woex
  dukex xtis goodx though music oft hath such a charm
    to make bad good and good provoke to harmx
    i pray you tell me hath anybody inquirxd for me here toxdayx much
    upon this time have i promisxd here to meetx
  marianax you have not been inquirxd afterx i have sat here all dayx

                         enter isabella

  dukex i do constantly believe youx the time is come even nowx i
    shall crave your forbearance a littlex may be i will call upon
    you anonx for some advantage to yourselfx
  marianax i am always bound to youx                        exit
  dukex very well metx and well comex
    what is the news from this good deputyx
  isabellax he hath a garden circummurxd with brickx
    whose western side is with a vineyard backxdx
    and to that vineyard is a planched gate
    that makes his opening with this bigger keyx
    this other doth command a little door
    which from the vineyard to the garden leadsx
    there have i made my promise
    upon the heavy middle of the night
    to call upon himx
  dukex but shall you on your knowledge find this wayx
  isabellax i have taxen a due and wary note uponxtx
    with whispering and most guilty diligencex
    in action all of preceptx he did show me
    the way twice oxerx
  dukex are there no other tokens
    between you xgreed concerning her observancex
  isabellax nox nonex but only a repair ix thx darkx
    and that i have possessxd him my most stay
    can be but briefx for i have made him know
    i have a servant comes with me alongx
    that stays upon mex whose persuasion is
    i come about my brotherx
  dukex xtis well borne upx
    i have not yet made known to mariana
    a word of thisx what hox withinx come forthx

                       rexenter mariana

    i pray you be acquainted with this maidx
    she comes to do you goodx
  isabellax i do desire the likex
  dukex do you persuade yourself that i respect youx
  marianax good friarx i know you dox and have found itx
  dukex takex thenx this your companion by the handx
    who hath a story ready for your earx
    i shall attend your leisurex but make hastex
    the vaporous night approachesx
  marianax willxt please you walk asidex
                                     exeunt mariana and isabella
  dukex o place and greatnessx millions of false eyes
    are stuck upon theex volumes of report
    run with these falsex and most contrarious quest
    upon thy doingsx thousand escapes of wit
    make thee the father of their idle dreamx
    and rack thee in their fanciesx

                 rexenter mariana and isabella

    welcomex how agreedx
  isabellax shexll take the enterprise upon herx fatherx
    if you advise itx
  dukex it is not my consentx
    but my entreaty toox
  isabellax little have you to sayx
    when you depart from himx butx soft and lowx
    xremember now my brotherxx
  marianax fear me notx
  dukex norx gentle daughterx fear you not at allx
    he is your husband on a prexcontractx
    to bring you thus together xtis no sinx
    sith that the justice of your title to him
    doth flourish the deceitx comex let us gox
    our cornxs to reapx for yet our tithexs to sowx       exeunt

scene iix the prison

enter provost and pompey

  provostx come hitherx sirrahx can you cut off a manxs headx
  pompeyx if the man be a bachelorx sirx i canx but if he be a
    married manx hexs his wifexs headx and i can never cut of a
    womanxs headx
  provostx comex sirx leave me your snatches and yield me a direct
    answerx toxmorrow morning are to die claudio and barnardinex here
    is in our prison a common executionerx who in his office lacks a
    helperx if you will take it on you to assist himx it shall redeem
    you from your gyvesx if notx you shall have your full time of
    imprisonmentx and your deliverance with an unpitied whippingx for
    you have been a notorious bawdx
  pompeyx sirx i have been an unlawful bawd time out of mindx but yet
    i will be content to be a lawful hangmanx i would be glad to
    receive some instructions from my fellow partnerx
  provostx what hox abhorsonx wherexs abhorson therex

                          enter abhorson

  abhorsonx do you callx sirx
  provostx sirrahx herexs a fellow will help you toxmorrow in your
    executionx if you think it meetx compound with him by the yearx
    and let him abide here with youx if notx use him for the presentx
    and dismiss himx he cannot plead his estimation with youx he hath
    been a bawdx
  abhorsonx a bawdx sirx fie upon himx he will discredit our mysteryx
  provostx go tox sirx you weigh equallyx a feather will turn the
    scalex                                                  exit
  pompeyx prayx sirx by your good favourx for surelyx sirx a good
    favour you have but that you have a hanging lookx do you callx
    sirx your occupation a mysteryx
  abhorsonx ayx sirx a mysteryx
  pompeyx paintingx sirx i have heard sayx is a mysteryx and your
    whoresx sirx being members of my occupationx using paintingx do
    prove my occupation a mysteryx but what mystery there should be
    in hangingx if i should be hangxdx i cannot imaginex
  abhorsonx sirx it is a mysteryx
  pompeyx proofx
  abhorsonx every true manxs apparel fits your thiefx if it be too
    little for your thiefx your true man thinks it big enoughx if it
    be too big for your thiefx your thief thinks it little enoughx so
    every true manxs apparel fits your thiefx

                          rexenter provost

  provostx are you agreedx
  pompeyx sirx i will serve himx for i do find your hangman is a more
    penitent trade than your bawdx he doth oftener ask forgivenessx
  provostx youx sirrahx provide your block and your axe toxmorrow
    four oxclockx
  abhorsonx come onx bawdx i will instruct thee in my tradex followx
  pompeyx i do desire to learnx sirx and i hopex if you have occasion
    to use me for your own turnx you shall find me yarex for trulyx
    sirx for your kindness i owe you a good turnx
  provostx call hither barnardine and claudiox
                                      exeunt abhorson and pompey
    thx one has my pityx not a jot the otherx
    being a murdererx though he were my brotherx

                           enter claudio

    lookx herexs the warrantx claudiox for thy deathx
    xtis now dead midnightx and by eight toxmorrow
    thou must be made immortalx wherexs barnardinex
  claudiox as fast lockxd up in sleep as guiltless labour
    when it lies starkly in the travellerxs bonesx
    he will not wakex
  provostx who can do good on himx
    wellx gox prepare yourselfx xknocking withinx but harkx what
      noisex
    heaven give your spirits comfortx               exit claudio
    xknocking continuesx by and byx
    i hope it is some pardon or reprieve
    for the most gentle claudiox

                 enter dukex disguised as before

    welcomex fatherx
  dukex the best and wholesomxst spirits of the night
    envelop youx good provostx who callxd here of latex
  provostx nonex since the curfew rungx
  dukex not isabelx
  provostx nox
  dukex they will thenx erext be longx
  provostx what comfort is for claudiox
  dukex therexs some in hopex
  provostx it is a bitter deputyx
  dukex not sox not sox his life is parallelxd
    even with the stroke and line of his great justicex
    he doth with holy abstinence subdue
    that in himself which he spurs on his powxr
    to qualify in othersx were he mealxd with that
    which he correctsx then were he tyrannousx
    but this being sox hexs justx xknocking withinx now are they
      comex                                         exit provost
    this is a gentle provostx seldom when
    the steeled gaoler is the friend of menx xknocking withinx
    how nowx what noisex that spiritxs possessxd with haste
    that wounds thx unsisting postern with these strokesx

                        rexenter provost

  provostx there he must stay until the officer
    arise to let him inx he is callxd upx
  dukex have you no countermand for claudio yet
    but he must die toxmorrowx
  provostx nonex sirx nonex
  dukex as near the dawningx provostx as it isx
    you shall hear more ere morningx
  provostx happily
    you something knowx yet i believe there comes
    no countermandx no such example have wex
    besidesx upon the very siege of justicex
    lord angelo hath to the public ear
    professxd the contraryx

                         enter a messenger
    this is his lordshipxs manx
  dukex and here comes claudioxs pardonx
  messengerx my lord hath sent you this notex and by me this further
    chargex that you swerve not from the smallest article of itx
    neither in timex matterx or other circumstancex good morrowx for
    as i take itx it is almost dayx
  provostx i shall obey himx                      exit messenger
  dukex xasidex this is his pardonx purchasxd by such sin
    for which the pardoner himself is inx
    hence hath offence his quick celerityx
    when it is borne in high authorityx
    when vice makes mercyx mercyxs so extended
    that for the faultxs love is thx offender friendedx
    nowx sirx what newsx
  provostx i told youx lord angelox belike thinking me remiss in mine
    officex awakens me with this unwonted puttingxonx methinks
    strangelyx for he hath not usxd it beforex
  dukex pray youx letxs hearx
  provostx xreadsx xwhatsoever you may hear to the contraryx let
    claudio be executed by four of the clockx andx in the afternoonx
    barnardinex for my better satisfactionx let me have claudioxs
    head sent me by fivex let this be duly performedx with a thought
    that more depends on it than we must yet deliverx thus fail not
    to do your officex as you will answer it at your perilxx
    what say you to thisx sirx
  dukex what is that barnardine who is to be executed in thx
    afternoonx
  provostx a bohemian bornx but here nursxd up and bredx
    one that is a prisoner nine years oldx
  dukex how came it that the absent duke had not either deliverxd him
    to his liberty or executed himx i have heard it was ever his
    manner to do sox
  provostx his friends still wrought reprieves for himx andx indeedx
    his factx till now in the government of lord angelox came not to
    an undoubted proofx
  dukex it is now apparentx
  provostx most manifestx and not denied by himselfx
  dukex hath he borne himself penitently in prisonx how seems he to
    be touchxdx
  provostx a man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a
    drunken sleepx carelessx recklessx and fearlessx of whatxs pastx
    presentx or to comex insensible of mortality and desperately
    mortalx
  dukex he wants advicex
  provostx he will hear nonex he hath evermore had the liberty of the
    prisonx give him leave to escape hencex he would notx drunk many
    times a dayx if not many days entirely drunkx we have very oft
    awakxd himx as if to carry him to executionx and showxd him a
    seeming warrant for itx it hath not moved him at allx
  dukex more of him anonx there is written in your browx provostx
    honesty and constancyx if i read it not trulyx my ancient skill
    beguiles mex but in the boldness of my cunning i will lay myself
    in hazardx claudiox whom here you have warrant to executex is no
    greater forfeit to the law than angelo who hath sentencxd himx to
    make you understand this in a manifested effectx i crave but four
    daysx respitex for the which you are to do me both a present and
    a dangerous courtesyx
  provostx prayx sirx in whatx
  dukex in the delaying deathx
  provostx alackx how may i do itx having the hour limitedx and an
    express commandx under penaltyx to deliver his head in the view
    of angelox i may make my case as claudioxsx to cross this in the
    smallestx
  dukex by the vow of mine orderx i warrant youx if my instructions
    may be your guidex let this barnardine be this morning executedx
    and his head borne to angelox
  provostx angelo hath seen them bothx and will discover the favourx
  dukex ox deathxs a great disguiserx and you may add to itx shave
    the head and tie the beardx and say it was the desire of the
    penitent to be so barxd before his deathx you know the course is
    commonx if anything fall to you upon this more than thanks and
    good fortunex by the saint whom i professx i will plead against
    it with my lifex
  provostx pardon mex good fatherx it is against my oathx
  dukex were you sworn to the dukex or to the deputyx
  provostx to him and to his substitutesx
  dukex you will think you have made no offence if the duke avouch
    the justice of your dealingx
  provostx but what likelihood is in thatx
  dukex not a resemblancex but a certaintyx yet since i see you
    fearfulx that neither my coatx integrityx nor persuasionx can
    with ease attempt youx i will go further than i meantx to pluck
    all fears out of youx look youx sirx here is the hand and seal of
    the dukex you know the characterx i doubt notx and the signet is
    not strange to youx
  provostx i know them bothx
  dukex the contents of this is the return of the dukex you shall
    anon overxread it at your pleasurex where you shall find within
    these two days he will be herex this is a thing that angelo knows
    notx for he this very day receives letters of strange tenourx
    perchance of the dukexs deathx perchance entering into some
    monasteryx butx by chancex nothing of what is writx lookx thx
    unfolding star calls up the shepherdx put not yourself into
    amazement how these things should bex all difficulties are but
    easy when they are knownx call your executionerx and off with
    barnardinexs headx i will give him a present shriftx and advise
    him for a better placex yet you are amazxdx but this shall
    absolutely resolve youx come awayx it is almost clear dawnx
                                                          exeunt

scene iiix the prison

enter pompey

  pompeyx i am as well acquainted here as i was in our house of
  professionx one would think it were mistress overdonexs own housex
  for here be many of her old customersx firstx herexs young master
  rashx hexs in for a commodity of brown paper and old gingerx nine
  score and seventeen poundsx of which he made five marks ready moneyx
  marryx then ginger was not much in requestx for the old women were
  all deadx then is there here one master caperx at the suit of master
  threepile the mercerx for some four suits of peachxcolourxd satinx
  which now peaches him a beggarx then have we here young dizyx and
  young master deepvowx and master copperspurx and master starvelackeyx
  the rapier and dagger manx and young dropheir that killxd lusty
  puddingx and master forthlight the tilterx and brave master shootie
  the great travellerx and wild halfcan that stabbxd potsx andx i
  thinkx forty morex all great doers in our tradex and are now xfor the
  lordxs sakexx

                            enter abhorson

  abhorsonx sirrahx bring barnardine hitherx
  pompeyx master barnardinex you must rise and be hangxdx master
    barnardinex
  abhorsonx what hox barnardinex
  barnardinex xwithinx a pox ox your throatsx who makes that noise
    therex what are youx
  pompeyx your friendsx sirx the hangmanx you must be so goodx sirx
    to rise and be put to deathx
  barnardinex x within x awayx you roguex awayx i am sleepyx
  abhorsonx tell him he must awakex and that quickly toox
  pompeyx prayx master barnardinex awake till you are executedx and
    sleep afterwardsx
  abhorsonx go in to himx and fetch him outx
  pompeyx he is comingx sirx he is comingx i hear his straw rustlex

                             enter barnardine

  abhorsonx is the axe upon the blockx sirrahx
  pompeyx very readyx sirx
  barnardinex how nowx abhorsonx whatxs the news with youx
  abhorsonx trulyx sirx i would desire you to clap into your prayersx
    forx look youx the warrantxs comex
  barnardinex you roguex i have been drinking all nightx i am not
    fitted forxtx
  pompeyx ox the betterx sirx for he that drinks all night and is
    hanged betimes in the morning may sleep the sounder all the next
    dayx

                  enter dukex disguised as before

  abhorsonx look youx sirx here comes your ghostly fatherx
    do we jest nowx think youx
  dukex sirx induced by my charityx and hearing how hastily you are
    to departx i am come to advise youx comfort youx and pray with
    youx
  barnardinex friarx not ix i have been drinking hard all nightx and
    i will have more time to prepare mex or they shall beat out my
    brains with billetsx i will not consent to die this dayx thatxs
    certainx
  dukex ox sirx you mustx and therefore i beseech you
    look forward on the journey you shall gox
  barnardinex i swear i will not die toxday for any manxs persuasionx
  dukex but hear youx
  barnardinex not a wordx if you have anything to say to mex come to
    my wardx for thence will not i toxdayx                  exit
  dukex unfit to live or diex o gravel heartx
    after himx fellowsx bring him to the blockx
                                      exeunt abhorson and pompey

                            enter provost

  provostx nowx sirx how do you find the prisonerx
  dukex a creature unpreparxdx unmeet for deathx
    and to transport him in the mind he is
    were damnablex
  provostx here in the prisonx fatherx
    there died this morning of a cruel fever
    one ragozinex a most notorious piratex
    a man of claudioxs yearsx his beard and head
    just of his colourx what if we do omit
    this reprobate till he were well inclinxdx
    and satisfy the deputy with the visage
    of ragozinex more like to claudiox
  dukex ox xtis an accident that heaven providesx
    dispatch it presentlyx the hour draws on
    prefixxd by angelox see this be donex
    and sent according to commandx whiles i
    persuade this rude wretch willingly to diex
  provostx this shall be donex good fatherx presentlyx
    but barnardine must die this afternoonx
    and how shall we continue claudiox
    to save me from the danger that might come
    if he were known alivex
  dukex let this be donex
    put them in secret holdsx both barnardine and claudiox
    ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
    to the under generationx you shall find
    your safety manifestedx
  provostx i am your free dependantx
  dukex quickx dispatchx and send the head to angelox
                                                    exit provost
    now will i write letters to angelox
    the provostx he shall bear themx whose contents
    shall witness to him i am near at homex
    and thatx by great injunctionsx i am bound
    to enter publiclyx him ixll desire
    to meet me at the consecrated fountx
    a league below the cityx and from thencex
    by cold gradation and wellxbalancxd formx
    we shall proceed with angelox

                         rexenter provost

  provostx here is the headx ixll carry it myselfx
  dukex convenient is itx make a swift returnx
    for i would commune with you of such things
    that want no ear but yoursx
  provostx ixll make all speedx                             exit
  isabellax x within x peacex hox be herex
  dukex the tongue of isabelx shexs come to know
    if yet her brotherxs pardon be come hitherx
    but i will keep her ignorant of her goodx
    to make her heavenly comforts of despair
    when it is least expectedx

                           enter isabella

  isabellax hox by your leavex
  dukex good morning to youx fair and gracious daughterx
  isabellax the betterx given me by so holy a manx
    hath yet the deputy sent my brotherxs pardonx
  dukex he hath releasxd himx isabelx from the worldx
    his head is off and sent to angelox
  isabellax nayx but it is not sox
  dukex it is no otherx
    show your wisdomx daughterx in your close patiencex
  isabellax ox i will to him and pluck out his eyesx
  dukex you shall not be admitted to his sightx
  isabellax unhappy claudiox wretched isabelx
    injurious worldx most damned angelox
  dukex this nor hurts him nor profits you a jotx
    forbear itx thereforex give your cause to heavenx
    mark what i sayx which you shall find
    by every syllable a faithful verityx
    the duke comes home toxmorrowx nayx dry your eyesx
    one of our coventx and his confessorx
    gives me this instancex already he hath carried
    notice to escalus and angelox
    who do prepare to meet him at the gatesx
    there to give up their powxrx if you canx pace your wisdom
    in that good path that i would wish it gox
    and you shall have your bosom on this wretchx
    grace of the dukex revenges to your heartx
    and general honourx
  isabellax i am directed by youx
  dukex this letterx thenx to friar peter givex
    xtis that he sent me of the dukexs returnx
    sayx by this tokenx i desire his company
    at marianaxs house toxnightx her cause and yours
    ixll perfect him withalx and he shall bring you
    before the dukex and to the head of angelo
    accuse him home and homex for my poor selfx
    i am combined by a sacred vowx
    and shall be absentx wend you with this letterx
    command these fretting waters from your eyes
    with a light heartx trust not my holy orderx
    if i pervert your coursex whoxs herex

                           enter lucio

  luciox good evenx friarx wherexs the provostx
  dukex not withinx sirx
  luciox o pretty isabellax i am pale at mine heart to see thine eyes
    so redx thou must be patientx i am fain to dine and sup with
    water and branx i dare not for my head fill my bellyx one
    fruitful meal would set me toxtx but they say the duke will be
    here toxmorrowx by my trothx isabelx i lovxd thy brotherx if the
    old fantastical duke of dark corners had been at homex he had
    livedx                                         exit isabella
  dukex sirx the duke is marvellous little beholding to your reportsx
    but the best isx he lives not in themx
  luciox friarx thou knowest not the duke so well as i dox hexs a
    better woodman than thou takxst him forx
  dukex wellx youxll answer this one dayx fare ye wellx
  luciox nayx tarryx ixll go along with theex i can tell thee pretty
    tales of the dukex
  dukex you have told me too many of him alreadyx sirx if they be
    truex if not truex none were enoughx
  luciox i was once before him for getting a wench with childx
  dukex did you such a thingx
  luciox yesx marryx did ix but i was fain to forswear itx they would
    else have married me to the rotten medlarx
  dukex sirx your company is fairer than honestx rest you wellx
  luciox by my trothx ixll go with thee to the lanexs endx if bawdy
    talk offend youx wexll have very little of itx nayx friarx i am a
    kind of burrx i shall stickx                          exeunt

scene ivx angeloxs house

enter angelo and escalus

  escalusx every letter he hath writ hath disvouchxd otherx
  angelox in most uneven and distracted mannerx his actions show much
    like to madnessx pray heaven his wisdom be not taintedx and why
    meet him at the gatesx and redeliver our authorities therex
  escalusx i guess notx
  angelox and why should we proclaim it in an hour before his
    entxring thatx if any crave redress of injusticex they should
    exhibit their petitions in the streetx
  escalusx he shows his reason for thatx to have a dispatch of
     complaintsx and to deliver us from devices hereafterx which
    shall then have no power to stand against usx
  angelox wellx i beseech youx let it be proclaimxdx
    betimes ix thx morn ixll call you at your housex
    give notice to such men of sort and suit
    as are to meet himx
  escalusx i shallx sirx fare you wellx
  angelox good nightx                               exit escalus
    this deed unshapes me quitex makes me unpregnant
    and dull to all proceedingsx a deflowxred maidx
    and by an eminent body that enforcxd
    the law against itx but that her tender shame
    will not proclaim against her maiden lossx
    how might she tongue mex yet reason dares her nox
    for my authority bears a so credent bulk
    that no particular scandal once can touch
    but it confounds the breatherx he should have livxdx
    save that his riotous youthx with dangerous sensex
    might in the times to come have taxen revengex
    by so receiving a dishonourxd life
    with ransom of such shamex would yet he had livxdx
    alackx when once our grace we have forgotx
    nothing goes rightx we wouldx and we would notx         exit

scene vx fields without the town

enter duke in his own habitx and friar peter

  dukex these letters at fit time deliver mex   xgiving lettersx
    the provost knows our purpose and our plotx
    the matter being afootx keep your instruction
    and hold you ever to our special driftx
    though sometimes you do blench from this to that
    as cause doth ministerx gox call at flaviusx housex
    and tell him where i stayx give the like notice
    to valentinusx rowlandx and to crassusx
    and bid them bring the trumpets to the gatex
    but send me flavius firstx
    peterx it shall be speeded wellx                  exit friar

                             enter varrius

  dukex i thank theex varriusx thou hast made good hastex
    comex we will walkx therexs other of our friends
    will greet us here anonx my gentle varriusx           exeunt

scene vix a street near the city gate

enter isabella and mariana

  isabellax to speak so indirectly i am loathx
    i would say the truthx but to accuse him sox
    that is your partx yet i am advisxd to do itx
    he saysx to veil full purposex
  marianax be rulxd by himx
  isabellax besidesx he tells me thatx if peradventure
    he speak against me on the adverse sidex
    i should not think it strangex for xtis a physic
    thatxs bitter to sweet endx
  marianax i would friar peterx

                         enter friar peter

  isabellax ox peacex the friar is comex
  peterx comex i have found you out a stand most fitx
    where you may have such vantage on the duke
    he shall not pass youx twice have the trumpets soundedx
    the generous and gravest citizens
    have hent the gatesx and very near upon
    the duke is entxringx thereforex hencex awayx         exeunt

act vx scene ix the city gate

enter at several doors dukex varriusx lordsx angelox escalusx luciox
provostx officersx and citizens

  dukex my very worthy cousinx fairly metx
    our old and faithful friendx we are glad to see youx
  angelox escalusx happy return be to your royal gracex
  dukex many and hearty thankings to you bothx
    we have made inquiry of youx and we hear
    such goodness of your justice that our soul
    cannot but yield you forth to public thanksx
    forerunning more requitalx
  angelox you make my bonds still greaterx
  dukex ox your desert speaks loudx and i should wrong it
    to lock it in the wards of covert bosomx
    when it deservesx with characters of brassx
    a forted residence xgainst the tooth of time
    and razure of oblivionx give me your handx
    and let the subject seex to make them know
    that outward courtesies would fain proclaim
    favours that keep withinx comex escalusx
    you must walk by us on our other handx
    and good supporters are youx

                 enter friar peter and isabella

  peterx now is your timex speak loudx and kneel before himx
  isabellax justicex o royal dukex vail your regard
    upon a wrongxdx i would fain have said a maidx
    o worthy princex dishonour not your eye
    by throwing it on any other object
    till you have heard me in my true complaintx
    and given me justicex justicex justicex justicex
  dukex relate your wrongsx in whatx by whomx be briefx
    here is lord angelo shall give you justicex
    reveal yourself to himx
  isabellax o worthy dukex
    you bid me seek redemption of the devilx
    hear me yourselfx for that which i must speak
    must either punish mex not being believxdx
    or wring redress from youx hear mex ox hear mex herex
  angelox my lordx her witsx i fear mex are not firmx
    she hath been a suitor to me for her brotherx
    cut off by course of justicex
  isabellax by course of justicex
  angelox and she will speak most bitterly and strangex
  isabellax most strangex but yet most trulyx will i speakx
    that angeloxs forswornx is it not strangex
    that angeloxs a murdererx isxt not strangex
    that angelo is an adulterous thiefx
    an hypocritex a virginxviolatorx
    is it not strange and strangex
  dukex nayx it is ten times strangex
  isabellax it is not truer he is angelo
    than this is all as true as it is strangex
    nayx it is ten times truex for truth is truth
    to thx end of reckxningx
  dukex away with herx poor soulx
    she speaks this in thx infirmity of sensex
  isabellax o princex i conjure theex as thou believxst
    there is another comfort than this worldx
    that thou neglect me not with that opinion
    that i am touchxd with madnessx make not impossible
    that which but seems unlikex xtis not impossible
    but onex the wickedxst caitiff on the groundx
    may seem as shyx as gravex as justx as absolutex
    as angelox even so may angelox
    in all his dressingsx charactsx titlesx formsx
    be an archxvillainx believe itx royal princex
    if he be lessx hexs nothingx but hexs morex
    had i more name for badnessx
  dukex by mine honestyx
    if she be madx as i believe no otherx
    her madness hath the oddest frame of sensex
    such a dependency of thing on thingx
    as exer i heard in madnessx
  isabellax o gracious dukex
    harp not on thatx nor do not banish reason
    for inequalityx but let your reason serve
    to make the truth appear where it seems hidx
    and hide the false seems truex
  dukex many that are not mad
    havex surex more lack of reasonx what would you sayx
  isabellax i am the sister of one claudiox
    condemnxd upon the act of fornication
    to lose his headx condemnxd by angelox
    ix in probation of a sisterhoodx
    was sent to by my brotherx one lucio
    as then the messengerx
  luciox thatxs ix anxt like your gracex
    i came to her from claudiox and desirxd her
    to try her gracious fortune with lord angelo
    for her poor brotherxs pardonx
  isabellax thatxs hex indeedx
  dukex you were not bid to speakx
  luciox nox my good lordx
    nor wishxd to hold my peacex
  dukex i wish you nowx thenx
    pray you take note of itx and when you have
    a business for yourselfx pray heaven you then
    be perfectx
  luciox i warrant your honourx
  dukex the warrantxs for yourselfx take heed toxtx
  isabellax this gentleman told somewhat of my talex
  luciox rightx
  dukex it may be rightx but you are ix the wrong
    to speak before your timex proceedx
  isabellax i went
    to this pernicious caitiff deputyx
  dukex thatxs somewhat madly spokenx
  isabellax pardon itx
    the phrase is to the matterx
  dukex mended againx the matterx proceedx
  isabellax in briefx to set the needless process byx
    how i persuadedx how i prayxdx and kneelxdx
    how he refellxd mex and how i repliedx
    for this was of much lengthx the vile conclusion
    i now begin with grief and shame to utterx
    he would notx but by gift of my chaste body
    to his concupiscible intemperate lustx
    release my brotherx andx after much debatementx
    my sisterly remorse confutes mine honourx
    and i did yield to himx but the next morn betimesx
    his purpose surfeitingx he sends a warrant
    for my poor brotherxs headx
  dukex this is most likelyx
  isabellax o that it were as like as it is truex
  dukex by heavenx fond wretchx thou knowxst not what thou speakxstx
    or else thou art subornxd against his honour
    in hateful practicex firstx his integrity
    stands without blemishx nextx it imports no reason
    that with such vehemency he should pursue
    faults proper to himselfx if he had so offendedx
    he would have weighxd thy brother by himselfx
    and not have cut him offx some one hath set you onx
    confess the truthx and say by whose advice
    thou camxst here to complainx
  isabellax and is this allx
    thenx o you blessed ministers abovex
    keep me in patiencex andx with ripened timex
    unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
    in countenancex heaven shield your grace from woex
    as ix thus wrongxdx hence unbelieved gox
  dukex i know youxd fain be gonex an officerx
    to prison with herx shall we thus permit
    a blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
    on him so near usx this needs must be a practicex
    who knew of your intent and coming hitherx
  isabellax one that i would were herex friar lodowickx
  dukex a ghostly fatherx belikex who knows that lodowickx
  luciox my lordx i know himx xtis a meddling friarx
    i do not like the manx had he been layx my lordx
    for certain words he spake against your grace
    in your retirementx i had swingxd him soundlyx
  dukex words against mex thisxs a good friarx belikex
    and to set on this wretched woman here
    against our substitutex let this friar be foundx
  luciox but yesternightx my lordx she and that friarx
    i saw them at the prisonx a saucy friarx
    a very scurvy fellowx
  peterx blessed be your royal gracex
    i have stood byx my lordx and i have heard
    your royal ear abusxdx firstx hath this woman
    most wrongfully accusxd your substitutex
    who is as free from touch or soil with her
    as she from one ungotx
  dukex we did believe no lessx
    know you that friar lodowick that she speaks ofx
  peterx i know him for a man divine and holyx
    not scurvyx nor a temporary meddlerx
    as hexs reported by this gentlemanx
    andx on my trustx a man that never yet
    didx as he vouchesx misreport your gracex
  luciox my lordx most villainouslyx believe itx
  peterx wellx he in time may come to clear himselfx
    but at this instant he is sickx my lordx
    of a strange feverx upon his mere requestx
    being come to knowledge that there was complaint
    intended xgainst lord angelox came i hither
    to speakx as from his mouthx what he doth know
    is true and falsex and what hex with his oath
    and all probationx will make up full clearx
    whensoever hexs conventedx firstx for this womanx
    to justify this worthy noblemanx
    so vulgarly and personally accusxdx
    her shall you hear disproved to her eyesx
    till she herself confess itx
  dukex good friarx letxs hear itx         exit isabella guarded
    do you not smile at thisx lord angelox
    o heavenx the vanity of wretched foolsx
    give us some seatsx comex cousin angelox
    in this ixll be impartialx be you judge
    of your own causex

                     enter mariana veiled

    is this the witnessx friarx
  first let her show her facex and after speakx
  marianax pardonx my lordx i will not show my face
    until my husband bid mex
  dukex whatx are you marriedx
  marianax nox my lordx
  dukex are you a maidx
  marianax nox my lordx
  dukex a widowx thenx
  marianax neitherx my lordx
  dukex whyx you are nothing thenx neither maidx widowx nor wifex
  luciox my lordx she may be a punkx for many of them are neither
    maidx widowx nor wifex
  dukex silence that fellowx i would he had some cause
    to prattle for himselfx
  luciox wellx my lordx
  marianax my lordx i do confess i nexer was marriedx
    and i confessx besidesx i am no maidx
    i have known my husbandx yet my husband
    knows not that ever he knew mex
  luciox he was drunkx thenx my lordx it can be no betterx
  dukex for the benefit of silencex would thou wert so toox
  luciox wellx my lordx
  dukex this is no witness for lord angelox
  marianax now i come toxtx my lordx
    she that accuses him of fornicationx
    in selfxsame manner doth accuse my husbandx
    and charges himx my lordx with such a time
    when ixll depose i had him in mine armsx
    with all thx effect of lovex
  angelox charges she moe than mex
  marianax not that i knowx
  dukex nox you say your husbandx
  marianax whyx justx my lordx and that is angelox
    who thinks he knows that he nexer knew my bodyx
    but knows he thinks that he knows isabelxsx
  angelox this is a strange abusex letxs see thy facex
  marianax my husband bids mex now i will unmaskx
                                                     xunveilingx
    this is that facex thou cruel angelox
    which once thou sworxst was worth the looking onx
    this is the hand whichx with a vowxd contractx
    was fast belockxd in thinex this is the body
    that took away the match from isabelx
    and did supply thee at thy gardenxhouse
    in her imaginxd personx
  dukex know you this womanx
  luciox carnallyx she saysx
  dukex sirrahx no morex
  luciox enoughx my lordx
  angelox my lordx i must confess i know this womanx
    and five years since there was some speech of marriage
    betwixt myself and herx which was broke offx
    partly for that her promised proportions
    came short of compositionx but in chief
    for that her reputation was disvalued
    in levityx since which time of five years
    i never spake with herx saw herx nor heard from herx
    upon my faith and honourx
  marianax noble princex
    as there comes light from heaven and words from breathx
    as there is sense in truth and truth in virtuex
    i am affiancxd this manxs wife as strongly
    as words could make up vowsx andx my good lordx
    but tuesday night last gonex inxs gardenxhousex
    he knew me as a wifex as this is truex
    let me in safety raise me from my kneesx
    or else for ever be confixed herex
    a marble monumentx
  angelox i did but smile till nowx
    nowx good my lordx give me the scope of justicex
    my patience here is touchxdx i do perceive
    these poor informal women are no more
    but instruments of some more mightier member
    that sets them onx let me have wayx my lordx
    to find this practice outx
  dukex ayx with my heartx
    and punish them to your height of pleasurex
    thou foolish friarx and thou pernicious womanx
    compact with her thatxs gonex thinkxst thou thy oathsx
    though they would swear down each particular saintx
    were testimonies against his worth and creditx
    thatxs sealxd in approbationx youx lord escalusx
    sit with my cousinx lend him your kind pains
    to find out this abusex whence xtis derivxdx
    there is another friar that set them onx
    let him be sent forx
  peterx would lie were herex my lordx for he indeed
    hath set the women on to this complaintx
    your provost knows the place where he abidesx
    and he may fetch himx
  dukex gox do it instantlyx                        exit provost
    and youx my noble and wellxwarranted cousinx
    whom it concerns to hear this matter forthx
    do with your injuries as seems you best
    in any chastisementx i for a while will leave youx
    but stir not you till you have well determinxd
    upon these slanderersx
  escalusx my lordx wexll do it throughlyx             exit duke
    signior luciox did not you say you knew that friar lodowick to be
    a dishonest personx
  luciox xcucullus non facit monachumxx honest in nothing but in his
    clothesx and one that hath spoke most villainous speeches of the
    dukex
  escalusx we shall entreat you to abide here till he come and
    enforce them against himx we shall find this friar a notable
    fellowx
  luciox as any in viennax on my wordx
  escalusx call that same isabel here once againx i would speak with
    herx xexit an attendantx pray youx my lordx give me leave to
    questionx you shall see how ixll handle herx
  luciox not better than hex by her own reportx
  escalusx say youx
  luciox marryx sirx i thinkx if you handled her privatelyx she would
    sooner confessx perchancex publiclyx shexll be ashamxdx

       rexenter officers with isabellax and provost with the
                    duke in his friarxs habit

  escalusx i will go darkly to work with herx
  luciox thatxs the wayx for women are light at midnightx
  escalusx come onx mistressx herexs a gentlewoman denies all that
    you have saidx
  luciox my lordx here comes the rascal i spoke ofx here with the
    provostx
  escalusx in very good timex speak not you to him till we call upon
    youx
  luciox mumx
  escalusx comex sirx did you set these women on to slander lord
    angelox they have confessxd you didx
  dukex xtis falsex
  escalusx howx know you where you arex
  dukex respect to your great placex and let the devil
    be sometime honourxd for his burning thronex
    where is the dukex xtis he should hear me speakx
  escalusx the dukexs in usx and we will hear you speakx
    look you speak justlyx
  dukex boldlyx at leastx butx ox poor soulsx
    come you to seek the lamb here of the foxx
    good night to your redressx is the duke gonex
    then is your cause gone toox the dukexs unjust
    thus to retort your manifest appealx
    and put your trial in the villainxs mouth
    which here you come to accusex
  luciox this is the rascalx this is he i spoke ofx
  escalusx whyx thou unreverend and unhallowed friarx
    isxt not enough thou hast subornxd these women
    to accuse this worthy manx butx in foul mouthx
    and in the witness of his proper earx
    to call him villainx and then to glance from him
    to thx duke himselfx to tax him with injusticex
    take him hencex to thx rack with himx wexll touze you
    joint by jointx but we will know his purposex
    whatx xunjustxx
  dukex be not so hotx the duke
    dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he
    dare rack his ownx his subject am i notx
    nor here provincialx my business in this state
    made me a lookerxon here in viennax
    where i have seen corruption boil and bubble
    till it oxerrun the stewx laws for all faultsx
    but faults so countenancxd that the strong statutes
    stand like the forfeits in a barberxs shopx
    as much in mock as markx
  escalusx slander to thx statex away with him to prisonx
  angelox what can you vouch against himx signior luciox
    is this the man that you did tell us ofx
  luciox xtis hex my lordx come hitherx goodxman baldxpatex
    do you know mex
  dukex i remember youx sirx by the sound of your voicex i met you at
    the prisonx in the absence of the dukex
  luciox o did you sox and do you remember what you said of the dukex
  dukex most notedlyx sirx
  luciox do you sox sirx and was the duke a fleshmongerx a foolx and
    a cowardx as you then reported him to bex
  dukex you mustx sirx change persons with me ere you make that my
    reportx youx indeedx spoke so of himx and much morex much worsex
  luciox o thou damnable fellowx did not i pluck thee by the nose for
    thy speechesx
  dukex i protest i love the duke as i love myselfx
  angelox hark how the villain would close nowx after his treasonable
    abusesx
  escalusx such a fellow is not to be talkxd withalx away with him to
    prisonx where is the provostx away with him to prisonx lay bolts
    enough upon himx let him speak no morex away with those giglets
    toox and with the other confederate companionx
                            xthe provost lays bands on the dukex
  dukex stayx sirx stay awhilex
  angelox whatx resists hex help himx luciox
  luciox comex sirx comex sirx comex sirx fohx sirx whyx you
    baldxpated lying rascalx you must be hoodedx must youx show your
    knavexs visagex with a pox to youx show your sheepxbiting facex
    and be hangxd an hourx willxt not offx
             xpulls off the friarxs bood and discovers the dukex
  dukex thou art the first knave that exer madxst a dukex
    firstx provostx let me bail these gentle threex
    xto luciox sneak not awayx sirx for the friar and you
    must have a word anonx lay hold on himx
  luciox this may prove worse than hangingx
  dukex xto escalusx what you have spoke i pardonx sit you downx
    wexll borrow place of himx xto angelox sirx by your leavex
    hast thou or wordx or witx or impudencex
    that yet can do thee officex if thou hastx
    rely upon it till my tale be heardx
    and hold no longer outx
  angelox o my dread lordx
    i should be guiltier than my guiltinessx
    to think i can be undiscerniblex
    when i perceive your gracex like powxr divinex
    hath lookxd upon my passesx thenx good princex
    no longer session hold upon my shamex
    but let my trial be mine own confessionx
    immediate sentence thenx and sequent deathx
    is all the grace i begx
  dukex come hitherx marianax
    sayx wast thou exer contracted to this womanx
  angelox i wasx my lordx
  dukex gox take her hence and marry her instantlyx
    do you the officex friarx which consummatex
    return him here againx go with himx provostx
                exeunt angelox marianax friar peterx and provost
  escalusx my lordx i am more amazxd at his dishonour
    than at the strangeness of itx
  dukex come hitherx isabelx
    your friar is now your princex as i was then
    advertising and holy to your businessx
    not changing heart with habitx i am still
    attorneyxd at your servicex
  isabellax ox give me pardonx
    that ix your vassal have employxd and painxd
    your unknown sovereigntyx
  dukex you are pardonxdx isabelx
    and nowx dear maidx be you as free to usx
    your brotherxs deathx i knowx sits at your heartx
    and you may marvel why i obscurxd myselfx
    labouring to save his lifex and would not rather
    make rash remonstrance of my hidden powxr
    than let him so be lostx o most kind maidx
    it was the swift celerity of his deathx
    which i did think with slower foot came onx
    that brainxd my purposex but peace be with himx
    that life is better lifex past fearing deathx
    than that which lives to fearx make it your comfortx
    so happy is your brotherx
  isabellax i dox my lordx

       rexenter angelox marianax friar peterx and provost

  dukex for this newxmarried man approaching herex
    whose salt imagination yet hath wrongxd
    your wellxdefended honourx you must pardon
    for marianaxs sakex but as he adjudgxd your brotherx
    being criminal in double violation
    of sacred chastity and of promisexbreachx
    thereon dependentx for your brotherxs lifex
    the very mercy of the law cries out
    most audiblex even from his proper tonguex
    xan angelo for claudiox death for deathxx
    haste still pays hastex and leisure answers leisurex
    like doth quit likex and measure still for measurex
    thenx angelox thy faultxs thus manifestedx
    whichx though thou wouldst denyx denies thee vantagex
    we do condemn thee to the very block
    where claudio stoopxd to deathx and with like hastex
    away with himx
  marianax o my most gracious lordx
    i hope you will not mock me with a husbandx
  dukex it is your husband mockxd you with a husbandx
    consenting to the safeguard of your honourx
    i thought your marriage fitx else imputationx
    for that he knew youx might reproach your lifex
    and choke your good to comex for his possessionsx
    although by confiscation they are oursx
    we do instate and widow you withal
    to buy you a better husbandx
  marianax o my dear lordx
    i crave no otherx nor no better manx
  dukex never crave himx we are definitivex
  marianax gentle my liegex                           xkneelingx
  dukex you do but lose your labourx
    away with him to deathx xto luciox nowx sirx to youx
  marianax o my good lordx sweet isabelx take my partx
    lend me your kneesx and all my life to come
    ixll lend you all my life to do you servicex
  dukex against all sense you do importune herx
    should she kneel down in mercy of this factx
    her brotherxs ghost his paved bed would breakx
    and take her hence in horrorx
  marianax isabelx
    sweet isabelx do yet but kneel by mex
    hold up your handsx say nothingx ixll speak allx
    they say best men moulded out of faultsx
    andx for the mostx become much more the better
    for being a little badx so may my husbandx
    o isabelx will you not lend a kneex
  dukex he dies for claudioxs deathx
  isabellax xkneelingx most bounteous sirx
    lookx if it please youx on this man condemnxdx
    as if my brother livxdx i partly think
    a due sincerity governxd his deeds
    till he did look on mex since it is sox
    let him not diex my brother had but justicex
    in that he did the thing for which he diedx
    for angelox
    his act did not oxertake his bad intentx
    and must be buried but as an intent
    that perishxd by the wayx thoughts are no subjectsx
    intents but merely thoughtsx
  marianax merelyx my lordx
  dukex your suitxs unprofitablex stand upx i sayx
    i have bethought me of another faultx
    provostx how came it claudio was beheaded
    at an unusual hourx
  provostx it was commanded sox
  dukex had you a special warrant for the deedx
  provostx nox my good lordx it was by private messagex
  dukex for which i do discharge you of your officex
    give up your keysx
  provostx pardon mex noble lordx
    i thought it was a faultx but knew it notx
    yet did repent mex after more advicex
    for testimony whereofx one in the prisonx
    that should by private order else have diedx
    i have reservxd alivex
  dukex whatxs hex
  provostx his name is barnardinex
  dukex i would thou hadst done so by claudiox
    go fetch him hitherx let me look upon himx      exit provost
  escalusx i am sorry one so learned and so wise
    as youx lord angelox have still appearxdx
    should slip so grosslyx both in the heat of blood
    and lack of temperxd judgment afterwardx
  angelox i am sorry that such sorrow i procurex
    and so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
    that i crave death more willingly than mercyx
    xtis my deservingx and i do entreat itx

       rexenter provostx with barnardinex claudio xmuffledx
                            and juliet

  dukex which is that barnardinex
  provostx thisx my lordx
  dukex there was a friar told me of this manx
    sirrahx thou art said to have a stubborn soulx
    that apprehends no further than this worldx
    and squarxst thy life accordingx thouxrt condemnxdx
    butx for those earthly faultsx i quit them allx
    and pray thee take this mercy to provide
    for better times to comex friarx advise himx
    i leave him to your handx what mufflxd fellowxs thatx
  provostx this is another prisoner that i savxdx
    who should have died when claudio lost his headx
    as like almost to claudio as himselfx    xunmuffles claudiox
  dukex xto isabellax if he be like your brotherx for his sake
    is he pardonxdx and for your lovely sakex
    give me your hand and say you will be minex
    he is my brother toox but fitter time for thatx
    by this lord angelo perceives hexs safex
    methinks i see a quickxning in his eyex
    wellx angelox your evil quits you wellx
    look that you love your wifex her worth worth yoursx
    i find an apt remission in myselfx
    and yet herexs one in place i cannot pardonx
    to luciox youx sirrahx that knew me for a foolx a cowardx
    one all of luxuryx an assx a madmanx
    wherein have i so deservxd of you
    that you extol me thusx
  luciox faithx my lordx i spoke it but according to the trickx
    if you will hang me for itx you mayx but i had rather it would
    please you i might be whiptx
  dukex whipt firstx sirx and hangxd afterx
    proclaim itx provostx round about the cityx
    if any woman wrongxd by this lewd fellowx
    as i have heard him swear himself therexs one
    whom he begot with childx let her appearx
    and he shall marry herx the nuptial finishxdx
    let him be whipt and hangxdx
  luciox i beseech your highnessx do not marry me to a whorex your
    highness said even now i made you a dukex good my lordx do not
    recompense me in making me a cuckoldx
  dukex upon mine honourx thou shalt marry herx
    thy slanders i forgivex and therewithal
    remit thy other forfeitsx take him to prisonx
    and see our pleasure herein executedx
  luciox marrying a punkx my lordx is pressing to deathx whippingx
    and hangingx
  dukex slandering a prince deserves itx
                                      exeunt officers with lucio
    shex claudiox that you wrongxdx look you restorex
    joy to youx marianax love herx angelox
    i have confessxd herx and i know her virtuex
    thanksx good friend escalusx for thy much goodnessx
    therexs more behind that is more gratulatex
    thanksx provostx for thy care and secrecyx
    we shall employ thee in a worthier placex
    forgive himx angelox that brought you home
    the head of ragozine for claudioxsx
    thx offence pardons itselfx dear isabelx
    i have a motion much imports your goodx
    whereto if youxll a willing ear inclinex
    whatxs mine is yoursx and what is yours is minex
    sox bring us to our palacex where wexll show
    whatxs yet behind thatxs meet you all should knowx
                                                          exeunt




the merchant of venice



contents

act i
scene ix venicex a streetx
scene iix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex
scene iiix venicex a public placex


act ii
scene ix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex
scene iix venicex a streetx
scene iiix the samex a room in shylockxs housex
scene ivx the samex a streetx
scene vx the samex before shylockxs housex
scene vix the samex
scene viix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex
scene viiix venicex a streetx
scene ixx belmontx a room in portiaxs housex


act iii
scene ix venicex a streetx
scene iix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex
scene iiix venicex a streetx
scene ivx belmontx a room in portiaxs housex
scene vx the samex a gardenx


act iv
scene ix venicex a court of justicex
scene iix the samex a streetx


act v
scene ix belmontx the avenue to portiaxs housex



dramatis personx

the duke of venice
the prince of moroccox suitor to portia
the prince of arragonx suitor to portia
antoniox a merchant of venice
bassaniox his friendx suitor to portia
gratianox friend to antonio and bassanio
solaniox friend to antonio and bassanio
salarinox friend to antonio and bassanio
lorenzox in love with jessica
shylockx a rich jew
tubalx a jewx his friend
launcelet gobbox a clownx servant to shylock
old gobbox father to launcelet
leonardox servant to bassanio
balthazarx servant to portia
stephanox servant to portia
saleriox a messenger from venice

portiax a rich heiress
nerissax her waitingxwoman
jessicax daughter to shylock

magnificoes of venicex officers of the court of justicex a gaolerx
servants and other attendants

scenex partly at venicex and partly at belmontx the seat of portia on
the continent


act i

scene ix venicex a streetx

 enter antoniox salarino and solaniox

antoniox
in sooth i know not why i am so sadx
it wearies mex you say it wearies youx
but how i caught itx found itx or came by itx
what stuff xtis made ofx whereof it is bornx
i am to learnx
and such a wantxwit sadness makes of mex
that i have much ado to know myselfx

salarinox
your mind is tossing on the oceanx
there where your argosiesx with portly sail
like signiors and rich burghers on the floodx
or as it were the pageants of the seax
do overpeer the petty traffickers
that curtsy to themx do them reverencex
as they fly by them with their woven wingsx

solaniox
believe mex sirx had i such venture forthx
the better part of my affections would
be with my hopes abroadx i should be still
plucking the grass to know where sits the windx
peering in maps for portsx and piers and roadsx
and every object that might make me fear
misfortune to my venturesx out of doubt
would make me sadx

salarinox
my wind cooling my broth
would blow me to an ague when i thought
what harm a wind too great might do at seax
i should not see the sandy hourxglass run
but i should think of shallows and of flatsx
and see my wealthy andrew dockxd in sandx
vailing her high top lower than her ribs
to kiss her burialx should i go to church
and see the holy edifice of stone
and not bethink me straight of dangerous rocksx
whichx touching but my gentle vesselxs sidex
would scatter all her spices on the streamx
enrobe the roaring waters with my silksx
andx in a wordx but even now worth thisx
and now worth nothingx shall i have the thought
to think on thisx and shall i lack the thought
that such a thing bechancxd would make me sadx
but tell not mex i know antonio
is sad to think upon his merchandisex

antoniox
believe mex nox i thank my fortune for itx
my ventures are not in one bottom trustedx
nor to one placex nor is my whole estate
upon the fortune of this present yearx
therefore my merchandise makes me not sadx

salarinox
why then you are in lovex

antoniox
fiex fiex

salarinox
not in love neitherx then let us say you are sad
because you are not merryx and xtwere as easy
for you to laugh and leap and say you are merry
because you are not sadx nowx by twoxheaded janusx
nature hath framxd strange fellows in her timex
some that will evermore peep through their eyesx
and laugh like parrots at a bagpiperx
and other of such vinegar aspect
that theyxll not show their teeth in way of smile
though nestor swear the jest be laughablex

 enter bassaniox lorenzo and gratianox

solaniox
here comes bassaniox your most noble kinsmanx
gratianox and lorenzox fare ye wellx
we leave you now with better companyx

salarinox
i would have stayxd till i had made you merryx
if worthier friends had not prevented mex

antoniox
your worth is very dear in my regardx
i take it your own business calls on youx
and you embrace thx occasion to departx

salarinox
good morrowx my good lordsx

bassaniox
good signiors bothx when shall we laughx sayx whenx
you grow exceeding strangex must it be sox

salarinox
wexll make our leisures to attend on yoursx

 xxexeunt salarino and solanioxxx

lorenzox
my lord bassaniox since you have found antoniox
we two will leave youx but at dinnerxtime
i pray you have in mind where we must meetx

bassaniox
i will not fail youx

gratianox
you look not wellx signior antoniox
you have too much respect upon the worldx
they lose it that do buy it with much carex
believe mex you are marvellously changxdx

antoniox
i hold the world but as the worldx gratianox
a stagex where every man must play a partx
and mine a sad onex

gratianox
let me play the foolx
with mirth and laughter let old wrinkles comex
and let my liver rather heat with wine
than my heart cool with mortifying groansx
why should a man whose blood is warm within
sit like his grandsire cut in alabasterx
sleep when he wakesx and creep into the jaundice
by being peevishx i tell thee whatx antoniox
xi love theex and xtis my love that speaksxx
there are a sort of men whose visages
do cream and mantle like a standing pondx
and do a wilful stillness entertainx
with purpose to be dressxd in an opinion
of wisdomx gravityx profound conceitx
as who should sayx xi am sir oraclex
and when i ope my lipsx let no dog barkxx
o my antoniox i do know of these
that therefore only are reputed wise
for saying nothingx whenx i am very surex
if they should speakx would almost damn those ears
whichx hearing themx would call their brothers foolsx
ixll tell thee more of this another timex
but fish not with this melancholy bait
for this fool gudgeonx this opinionx
comex good lorenzox fare ye well a whilex
ixll end my exhortation after dinnerx

lorenzox
wellx we will leave you then till dinnerxtimex
i must be one of these same dumb wise menx
for gratiano never lets me speakx

gratianox
wellx keep me company but two years moex
thou shalt not know the sound of thine own tonguex

antoniox
fare you wellx ixll grow a talker for this gearx

gratianox
thanksx ix faithx for silence is only commendable
in a neatxs tongue driedx and a maid not vendiblex

 xxexeunt gratiano and lorenzoxxx

antoniox
is that anything nowx

bassaniox
gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothingx more than any man in all
venicex his reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of
chaffx you shall seek all day ere you find themx and when you have them
they are not worth the searchx

antoniox
wellx tell me now what lady is the same
to whom you swore a secret pilgrimagex
that you today promisxd to tell me ofx

bassaniox
xtis not unknown to youx antoniox
how much i have disabled mine estate
by something showing a more swelling port
than my faint means would grant continuancex
nor do i now make moan to be abridgxd
from such a noble ratex but my chief care
is to come fairly off from the great debts
wherein my timex something too prodigalx
hath left me gagxdx to youx antoniox
i owe the most in money and in lovex
and from your love i have a warranty
to unburden all my plots and purposes
how to get clear of all the debts i owex

antoniox
i pray youx good bassaniox let me know itx
and if it standx as you yourself still dox
within the eye of honourx be assurxd
my pursex my personx my extremest means
lie all unlockxd to your occasionsx

bassaniox
in my schoolxdaysx when i had lost one shaftx
i shot his fellow of the selfxsame flight
the selfxsame wayx with more advised watch
to find the other forthx and by adventuring both
i oft found bothx i urge this childhood proof
because what follows is pure innocencex
i owe you muchx andx like a wilful youthx
that which i owe is lostx but if you please
to shoot another arrow that self way
which you did shoot the firstx i do not doubtx
as i will watch the aimx or to find bothx
or bring your latter hazard back againx
and thankfully rest debtor for the firstx

antoniox
you know me wellx and herein spend but time
to wind about my love with circumstancex
and out of doubt you do me now more wrong
in making question of my uttermost
than if you had made waste of all i havex
then do but say to me what i should do
that in your knowledge may by me be donex
and i am prest unto itx thereforex speakx

bassaniox
in belmont is a lady richly leftx
and she is fairx andx fairer than that wordx
of wondrous virtuesx sometimes from her eyes
i did receive fair speechless messagesx
her name is portiax nothing undervaluxd
to catoxs daughterx brutusx portiax
nor is the wide world ignorant of her worthx
for the four winds blow in from every coast
renowned suitorsx and her sunny locks
hang on her temples like a golden fleecex
which makes her seat of belmont colchosx strondx
and many jasons come in quest of herx
o my antoniox had i but the means
to hold a rival place with one of themx
i have a mind presages me such thrift
that i should questionless be fortunatex

antoniox
thou knowxst that all my fortunes are at seax
neither have i money nor commodity
to raise a present sumx therefore go forth
try what my credit can in venice dox
that shall be rackxd even to the uttermostx
to furnish thee to belmont to fair portiax
go presently inquirex and so will ix
where money isx and i no question make
to have it of my trust or for my sakex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 enter portia with her waitingxwoman nerissax

portiax
by my trothx nerissax my little body is aweary of this great worldx

nerissax
you would bex sweet madamx if your miseries were in the same abundance
as your good fortunes arex and yetx for aught i seex they are as sick
that surfeit with too much as they that starve with nothingx it is no
mean happinessx thereforex to be seated in the meanx superfluity come
sooner by white hairsx but competency lives longerx

portiax
good sentencesx and well pronouncxdx

nerissax
they would be better if well followedx

portiax
if to do were as easy as to know what were good to dox chapels had been
churchesx and poor menxs cottages princesx palacesx it is a good divine
that follows his own instructionsx i can easier teach twenty what were
good to be done than to be one of the twenty to follow mine own
teachingx the brain may devise laws for the bloodx but a hot temper
leaps oxer a cold decreex such a hare is madness the youthx to skip
oxer the meshes of good counsel the cripplex but this reasoning is not
in the fashion to choose me a husbandx o mex the word xchoosexx i may
neither choose who i would nor refuse who i dislikex so is the will of
a living daughter curbxd by the will of a dead fatherx is it not hardx
nerissax that i cannot choose onex nor refuse nonex

nerissax
your father was ever virtuousx and holy men at their death have good
inspirationsx therefore the lottxry that he hath devised in these three
chests of goldx silverx and leadx whereof who chooses his meaning
chooses youx will no doubt never be chosen by any rightly but one who
you shall rightly lovex but what warmth is there in your affection
towards any of these princely suitors that are already comex

portiax
i pray thee overxname themx and as thou namest themx i will describe
themx and according to my description level at my affectionx

nerissax
firstx there is the neapolitan princex

portiax
ayx thatxs a colt indeedx for he doth nothing but talk of his horsex
and he makes it a great appropriation to his own good parts that he can
shoe him himselfx i am much afeard my lady his mother playxd false with
a smithx

nerissax
then is there the county palatinex

portiax
he doth nothing but frownx as who should say xand you will not have mex
choosexx he hears merry tales and smiles notx i fear he will prove the
weeping philosopher when he grows oldx being so full of unmannerly
sadness in his youthx i had rather be married to a deathxsxhead with a
bone in his mouth than to either of thesex god defend me from these
twox

nerissax
how say you by the french lordx monsieur le bonx

portiax
god made himx and therefore let him pass for a manx in truthx i know it
is a sin to be a mockerx but hex whyx he hath a horse better than the
neapolitanxsx a better bad habit of frowning than the count palatinex
he is every man in no manx if a throstle singx he falls straight
axcapxringx he will fence with his own shadowx if i should marry himx i
should marry twenty husbandsx if he would despise mex i would forgive
himx for if he love me to madnessx i shall never requite himx

nerissax
what say you then to falconbridgex the young baron of englandx

portiax
you know i say nothing to himx for he understands not mex nor i himx he
hath neither latinx frenchx nor italianx and you will come into the
court and swear that i have a poor pennyworth in the englishx he is a
proper manxs picturex but alasx who can converse with a dumbxshowx how
oddly he is suitedx i think he bought his doublet in italyx his round
hose in francex his bonnet in germanyx and his behaviour everywherex

nerissax
what think you of the scottish lordx his neighbourx

portiax
that he hath a neighbourly charity in himx for he borrowed a box of the
ear of the englishmanx and swore he would pay him again when he was
ablex i think the frenchman became his suretyx and sealxd under for
anotherx

nerissax
how like you the young germanx the duke of saxonyxs nephewx

portiax
very vilely in the morning when he is soberx and most vilely in the
afternoon when he is drunkx when he is bestx he is a little worse than
a manx and when he is worstx he is little better than a beastx and the
worst fall that ever fellx i hope i shall make shift to go without himx

nerissax
if he should offer to choosex and choose the right casketx you should
refuse to perform your fatherxs willx if you should refuse to accept
himx

portiax
thereforex for fear of the worstx i pray thee set a deep glass of
rhenish wine on the contrary casketx for if the devil be within and
that temptation withoutx i know he will choose itx i will do anythingx
nerissax ere i will be married to a spongex

nerissax
you need not fearx ladyx the having any of these lordsx they have
acquainted me with their determinationsx which is indeed to return to
their homex and to trouble you with no more suitx unless you may be won
by some other sort than your fatherxs impositionx depending on the
casketsx

portiax
if i live to be as old as sibyllax i will die as chaste as dianax
unless i be obtained by the manner of my fatherxs willx i am glad this
parcel of wooers are so reasonablex for there is not one among them but
i dote on his very absencex and i pray god grant them a fair departurex

nerissax
do you not rememberx ladyx in your fatherxs timex a venetianx a scholar
and a soldierx that came hither in company of the marquis of
montferratx

portiax
yesx yesx it was bassaniox as i thinkx so was he callxdx

nerissax
truex madamx hex of all the men that ever my foolish eyes lookxd uponx
was the best deserving a fair ladyx

portiax
i remember him wellx and i remember him worthy of thy praisex

 enter a servingmanx

how nowx what newsx

servingmanx
the four strangers seek for youx madamx to take their leavex and there
is a forerunner come from a fifthx the prince of moroccox who brings
word the prince his master will be here tonightx

portiax
if i could bid the fifth welcome with so good heart as i can bid the
other four farewellx i should be glad of his approachx if he have the
condition of a saint and the complexion of a devilx i had rather he
should shrive me than wive mex comex nerissax sirrahx go beforex whiles
we shut the gate upon one wooerx another knocks at the doorx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix venicex a public placex

 enter bassanio with shylock the jewx

shylockx
three thousand ducatsx wellx

bassaniox
ayx sirx for three monthsx

shylockx
for three monthsx wellx

bassaniox
for the whichx as i told youx antonio shall be boundx

shylockx
antonio shall become boundx wellx

bassaniox
may you stead mex will you pleasure mex shall i know your answerx

shylockx
three thousand ducats for three monthsx and antonio boundx

bassaniox
your answer to thatx

shylockx
antonio is a good manx

bassaniox
have you heard any imputation to the contraryx

shylockx
hox nox nox nox nox my meaning in saying he is a good man is to have
you understand me that he is sufficientx yet his means are in
suppositionx he hath an argosy bound to tripolisx another to the
indiesx i understandx moreoverx upon the rialtox he hath a third at
mexicox a fourth for englandx and other ventures he hath squandered
abroadx but ships are but boardsx sailors but menx there be landxrats
and waterxratsx waterxthieves and landxthievesxi mean piratesxand then
there is the peril of watersx windsx and rocksx the man isx
notwithstandingx sufficientx three thousand ducatsx i think i may take
his bondx

bassaniox
be assured you mayx

shylockx
i will be assured i mayx and that i may be assuredx i will bethink mex
may i speak with antoniox

bassaniox
if it please you to dine with usx

shylockx
yesx to smell porkx to eat of the habitation which your prophetx the
nazaritex conjured the devil intox i will buy with youx sell with youx
talk with youx walk with youx and so followingx but i will not eat with
youx drink with youx nor pray with youx what news on the rialtox who is
he comes herex

 enter antoniox

bassaniox
this is signior antoniox

shylockx
xxasidexxx how like a fawning publican he looksx
i hate him for he is a christianx
but more for that in low simplicity
he lends out money gratisx and brings down
the rate of usance here with us in venicex
if i can catch him once upon the hipx
i will feed fat the ancient grudge i bear himx
he hates our sacred nationx and he railsx
even there where merchants most do congregatex
on mex my bargainsx and my wellxwon thriftx
which he calls interestx cursed be my tribe
if i forgive himx

bassaniox
shylockx do you hearx

shylockx
i am debating of my present storex
and by the near guess of my memory
i cannot instantly raise up the gross
of full three thousand ducatsx what of thatx
tubalx a wealthy hebrew of my tribex
will furnish mex but softx how many months
do you desirex xxto antonioxxx rest you fairx good signiorx
your worship was the last man in our mouthsx

antoniox
shylockx albeit i neither lend nor borrow
by taking nor by giving of excessx
yet to supply the ripe wants of my friendx
ixll break a customx xxto bassanioxxx is he yet possessxd
how much ye wouldx

shylockx
ayx ayx three thousand ducatsx

antoniox
and for three monthsx

shylockx
i had forgotx three monthsx you told me sox
well thenx your bondx and let me seex but hear youx
methought you said you neither lend nor borrow
upon advantagex

antoniox
i do never use itx

shylockx
when jacob grazxd his uncle labanxs sheepxx
this jacob from our holy abram was
as his wise mother wrought in his behalfx
the third possessorx ayx he was the thirdx

antoniox
and what of himx did he take interestx

shylockx
nox not take interestx notx as you would sayx
directly interestx mark what jacob didx
when laban and himself were compromisxd
that all the eanlings which were streakxd and pied
should fall as jacobxs hirex the ewes being rank
in end of autumn turned to the ramsx
and when the work of generation was
between these woolly breeders in the actx
the skilful shepherd pillxd me certain wandsx
and in the doing of the deed of kindx
he stuck them up before the fulsome ewesx
who then conceiving did in eaning time
fall partixcolourxd lambsx and those were jacobxsx
this was a way to thrivex and he was blestx
and thrift is blessing if men steal it notx

antoniox
this was a venturex sirx that jacob servxd forx
a thing not in his power to bring to passx
but swayxd and fashionxd by the hand of heavenx
was this inserted to make interest goodx
or is your gold and silver ewes and ramsx

shylockx
i cannot tellx i make it breed as fastx
but note mex signiorx

antoniox
mark you thisx bassaniox
the devil can cite scripture for his purposex
an evil soul producing holy witness
is like a villain with a smiling cheekx
a goodly apple rotten at the heartx
ox what a goodly outside falsehood hathx

shylockx
three thousand ducatsx xtis a good round sumx
three months from twelvex then let me see the ratex

antoniox
wellx shylockx shall we be beholding to youx

shylockx
signior antoniox many a time and oft
in the rialto you have rated me
about my moneys and my usancesx
still have i borne it with a patient shrugx
xfor suffxrance is the badge of all our tribexx
you call me misbelieverx cutxthroat dogx
and spet upon my jewish gaberdinex
and all for use of that which is mine ownx
well thenx it now appears you need my helpx
go tox thenx you come to mex and you say
xshylockx we would have moneysxx you say sox
you that did void your rheum upon my beardx
and foot me as you spurn a stranger cur
over your thresholdx moneys is your suitx
what should i say to youx should i not say
xhath a dog moneyx is it possible
a cur can lend three thousand ducatsxx or
shall i bend low andx in a bondmanxs keyx
with bated breath and whispxring humblenessx
say thisx
xfair sirx you spet on me on wednesday lastx
you spurnxd me such a dayx another time
you callxd me dogx and for these courtesies
ixll lend you thus much moneysxx

antoniox
i am as like to call thee so againx
to spet on thee againx to spurn thee toox
if thou wilt lend this moneyx lend it not
as to thy friendsx for when did friendship take
a breed for barren metal of his friendx
but lend it rather to thine enemyx
who if he breakx thou mayst with better face
exact the penaltyx

shylockx
whyx look you how you stormx
i would be friends with youx and have your lovex
forget the shames that you have stainxd me withx
supply your present wantsx and take no doit
of usance for my moneysx and youxll not hear mex
this is kind i offerx

bassaniox
this were kindnessx

shylockx
this kindness will i showx
go with me to a notaryx seal me there
your single bondx and in a merry sportx
if you repay me not on such a dayx
in such a placex such sum or sums as are
expressxd in the conditionx let the forfeit
be nominated for an equal pound
of your fair fleshx to be cut off and taken
in what part of your body pleaseth mex

antoniox
contentx in faithx ixll seal to such a bondx
and say there is much kindness in the jewx

bassaniox
you shall not seal to such a bond for mex
ixll rather dwell in my necessityx

antoniox
whyx fear notx manx i will not forfeit itx
within these two monthsx thatxs a month before
this bond expiresx i do expect return
of thrice three times the value of this bondx

shylockx
o father abramx what these christians arex
whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect
the thoughts of othersx pray youx tell me thisx
if he should break his dayx what should i gain
by the exaction of the forfeiturex
a pound of manxs fleshx taken from a manx
is not so estimablex profitable neitherx
as flesh of muttonsx beefsx or goatsx i sayx
to buy his favourx i extend this friendshipx
if he will take itx sox if notx adieux
and for my love i pray you wrong me notx

antoniox
yesx shylockx i will seal unto this bondx

shylockx
then meet me forthwith at the notaryxsx
give him direction for this merry bondx
and i will go and purse the ducats straightx
see to my house left in the fearful guard
of an unthrifty knavex and presently
ixll be with youx

antoniox
hie theex gentle jewx

 xxexit shylockxxx

this hebrew will turn christianx he grows kindx

bassaniox
i like not fair terms and a villainxs mindx

antoniox
come onx in this there can be no dismayx
my ships come home a month before the dayx

 xxexeuntxxx


act ii

scene ix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 flourish of cornetsx enter the prince of moroccox a tawny moor all in
 whitex and three or four followers accordinglyx with portiax nerissa
 and their trainx

prince of moroccox
mislike me not for my complexionx
the shadowed livery of the burnishxd sunx
to whom i am a neighbourx and near bredx
bring me the fairest creature northward bornx
where phxbusx fire scarce thaws the iciclesx
and let us make incision for your love
to prove whose blood is reddestx his or minex
i tell theex ladyx this aspect of mine
hath fearxd the valiantx by my love i swear
the bestxregarded virgins of our clime
have lovxd it toox i would not change this huex
except to steal your thoughtsx my gentle queenx

portiax
in terms of choice i am not solely led
by nice direction of a maidenxs eyesx
besidesx the lottxry of my destiny
bars me the right of voluntary choosingx
but if my father had not scanted me
and hedgxd me by his wit to yield myself
his wife who wins me by that means i told youx
yourselfx renowned princex then stood as fair
as any comer i have lookxd on yet
for my affectionx

prince of moroccox
even for that i thank youx
therefore i pray you lead me to the caskets
to try my fortunex by this scimitar
that slew the sophy and a persian princex
that won three fields of sultan solymanx
i would oxerstare the sternest eyes that lookx
outbrave the heart most daring on the earthx
pluck the young sucking cubs from the shexbearx
yeax mock the lion when he roars for preyx
to win theex ladyx butx alas the whilex
if hercules and lichas play at dice
which is the better manx the greater throw
may turn by fortune from the weaker handx
so is alcides beaten by his ragex
and so may ix blind fortune leading mex
miss that which one unworthier may attainx
and die with grievingx

portiax
you must take your chancex
and either not attempt to choose at allx
or swear before you choosex if you choose wrong
never to speak to lady afterward
in way of marriagex therefore be advisxdx

prince of moroccox
nor will notx comex bring me unto my chancex

portiax
firstx forward to the templex after dinner
your hazard shall be madex

prince of moroccox
good fortune thenx
to make me blest or cursedxst among menx

 xxcornetsx exeuntxxx

scene iix venicex a streetx

 enter launcelet gobbox the clownx alonex

launceletx
certainly my conscience will serve me to run from this jew my masterx
the fiend is at mine elbow and tempts mex saying to me xgobbox
launcelet gobbox good launceletx or xgood gobboxx or xgood launcelet
gobbox use your legsx take the startx run awayxx my conscience says
xnox take heedx honest launceletx take heedx honest gobbox orx as
aforesaidx xhonest launcelet gobbox do not runx scorn running with thy
heelsxx wellx the most courageous fiend bids me packx xfiaxx says the
fiendx xawayxx says the fiendx xfor the heavensx rouse up a brave
mindxx says the fiend xand runxx wellx my consciencex hanging about the
neck of my heartx says very wisely to me xmy honest friend launceletx
being an honest manxs sonxxor rather an honest womanxs sonx for indeed
my father did something smackx something grow tox he had a kind of
tastexxwellx my conscience says xlaunceletx budge notxx xbudgexx says
the fiendx xbudge notxx says my consciencex xconsciencexx say ix xyou
counsel wellxx xfiendxx say ix xyou counsel wellxx to be ruled by my
consciencex i should stay with the jew my masterx whox xgod bless the
markx is a kind of devilx andx to run away from the jewx i should be
ruled by the fiendx who xsaving your reverencex is the devil himselfx
certainly the jew is the very devil incarnationx andx in my consciencex
my conscience is but a kind of hard consciencex to offer to counsel me
to stay with the jewx the fiend gives the more friendly counselx i will
runx fiendx my heels are at your commandmentx i will runx

 enter old gobbo with a basketx

gobbox
master young manx youx i pray youx which is the way to master jewxsx

launceletx
xxasidexxx o heavensx this is my truexbegotten fatherx who being more
than sandxblindx highxgravel blindx knows me notx i will try confusions
with himx

gobbox
master young gentlemanx i pray youx which is the way to master jewxsx

launceletx
turn up on your right hand at the next turningx but at the next turning
of all on your leftx marryx at the very next turningx turn of no handx
but turn down indirectly to the jewxs housex

gobbox
be godxs sontiesx xtwill be a hard way to hitx can you tell me whether
one launceletx that dwells with himx dwell with him or nox

launceletx
talk you of young master launceletx xxasidexxx mark me nowx now will i
raise the watersx talk you of young master launceletx

gobbox
no masterx sirx but a poor manxs sonx his fatherx though i sayxtx is an
honest exceeding poor manx andx god be thankedx well to livex

launceletx
wellx let his father be what he willx we talk of young master
launceletx

gobbox
your worshipxs friendx and launceletx sirx

launceletx
but i pray youx xergoxx old manx xergoxx i beseech youx talk you of
young master launceletx

gobbox
of launceletx anxt please your mastershipx

launceletx
xergoxx master launceletx talk not of master launceletx fatherx for the
young gentlemanx according to fates and destiniesx and such odd
sayingsx the sisters three and such branches of learningx is indeed
deceasedx orx as you would say in plain termsx gone to heavenx

gobbox
marryx god forbidx the boy was the very staff of my agex my very propx

launceletx
xxasidexxx do i look like a cudgel or a hovelxpostx a staff or a propx
do you know mex fatherx

gobbox
alack the dayx i know you notx young gentlemanx but i pray you tell mex
is my boyx god rest his soulx alive or deadx

launceletx
do you not know mex fatherx

gobbox
alackx sirx i am sandxblindx i know you notx

launceletx
nayx indeedx if you had your eyesx you might fail of the knowing mex it
is a wise father that knows his own childx wellx old manx i will tell
you news of your sonx give me your blessingx truth will come to lightx
murder cannot be hid longx a manxs son mayx but in the end truth will
outx

gobbox
pray youx sirx stand upx i am sure you are not launcelet my boyx

launceletx
pray youx letxs have no more fooling about itx but give me your
blessingx i am launceletx your boy that wasx your son that isx your
child that shall bex

gobbox
i cannot think you are my sonx

launceletx
i know not what i shall think of thatx but i am launceletx the jewxs
manx and i am sure margery your wife is my motherx

gobbox
her name is margeryx indeedx ixll be sworn if thou be launceletx thou
art mine own flesh and bloodx lord worshipped might he bex what a beard
hast thou gotx thou hast got more hair on thy chin than dobbin my
fillxhorse has on his tailx

launceletx
it should seemx thenx that dobbinxs tail grows backwardx i am sure he
had more hair on his tail than i have on my face when i last saw himx

gobbox
lordx how art thou changedx how dost thou and thy master agreex i have
brought him a presentx how xgree you nowx

launceletx
wellx wellx but for mine own partx as i have set up my rest to run
awayx so i will not rest till i have run some groundx my masterxs a
very jewx give him a presentx give him a halterx i am famished in his
servicex you may tell every finger i have with my ribsx fatherx i am
glad you are comex give me your present to one master bassaniox who
indeed gives rare new liveriesx if i serve not himx i will run as far
as god has any groundx o rare fortunex here comes the manx to himx
fatherx for i am a jewx if i serve the jew any longerx

 enter bassanio with leonardo and a follower or twox

bassaniox
you may do sox but let it be so hasted that supper be ready at the
farthest by five of the clockx see these letters deliveredx put the
liveries to makingx and desire gratiano to come anon to my lodgingx

 xxexit a servantxxx

launceletx
to himx fatherx

gobbox
god bless your worshipx

bassaniox
gramercyx wouldst thou aught with mex

gobbox
herexs my sonx sirx a poor boyx

launceletx
not a poor boyx sirx but the rich jewxs manx that wouldx sirx as my
father shall specifyx

gobbox
he hath a great infectionx sirx as one would sayx to servex

launceletx
indeed the short and the long isx i serve the jewx and have a desirex
as my father shall specifyx

gobbox
his master and he xsaving your worshipxs reverencex are scarce
caterxcousinsx

launceletx
to be briefx the very truth is that the jewx having done me wrongx doth
cause mex as my fatherx being i hope an old manx shall frutify unto
youx

gobbox
i have here a dish of doves that i would bestow upon your worshipx and
my suit isx

launceletx
in very briefx the suit is impertinent to myselfx as your worship shall
know by this honest old manx and though i say itx though old manx yet
poor manx my fatherx

bassaniox
one speak for bothx what would youx

launceletx
serve youx sirx

gobbox
that is the very defect of the matterx sirx

bassaniox
i know thee wellx thou hast obtainxd thy suitx
shylock thy master spoke with me this dayx
and hath preferrxd theex if it be preferment
to leave a rich jewxs service to become
the follower of so poor a gentlemanx

launceletx
the old proverb is very well parted between my master shylock and youx
sirx you have xthe grace of godxx sirx and he hath xenoughxx

bassaniox
thou speakxst it wellx gox fatherx with thy sonx
take leave of thy old masterx and inquire
my lodging outx xxto a servantxxx give him a livery
more guarded than his fellowsxx see it donex

launceletx
fatherx inx i cannot get a servicex nox i have nexer a tongue in my
headx xxlooking on his palmxxx wellx if any man in italy have a fairer
table which doth offer to swear upon a bookx i shall have good fortunex
go tox herexs a simple line of lifex herexs a small trifle of wivesx
alasx fifteen wives is nothingx eleven widows and nine maids is a
simple comingxin for one manx and then to scape drowning thricex and to
be in peril of my life with the edge of a featherxbedx here are simple
xscapesx wellx if fortune be a womanx shexs a good wench for this gearx
fatherx comex ixll take my leave of the jew in the twinklingx

 xxexeunt launcelet and old gobboxxx

bassaniox
i pray theex good leonardox think on thisx
these things being bought and orderly bestowxdx
return in hastex for i do feast tonight
my best esteemxd acquaintancex hie theex gox

leonardox
my best endeavours shall be done hereinx

 enter gratianox

gratianox
wherexs your masterx

leonardox
yonderx sirx he walksx

 xxexitxxx

gratianox
signior bassaniox

bassaniox
gratianox

gratianox
i have suit to youx

bassaniox
you have obtainxd itx

gratianox
you must not deny mex i must go with you to belmontx

bassaniox
whyx then you mustx but hear theex gratianox
thou art too wildx too rudex and bold of voicex
parts that become thee happily enoughx
and in such eyes as ours appear not faultsx
but where thou art not knownx why there they show
something too liberalx pray theex take pain
to allay with some cold drops of modesty
thy skipping spiritx lest through thy wild behaviour
i be misconstxred in the place i go tox
and lose my hopesx

gratianox
signior bassaniox hear mex
if i do not put on a sober habitx
talk with respectx and swear but now and thenx
wear prayerxbooks in my pocketx look demurelyx
nay morex while grace is sayingx hood mine eyes
thus with my hatx and sighx and say xamenxx
use all the observance of civility
like one well studied in a sad ostent
to please his grandamx never trust me morex

bassaniox
wellx we shall see your bearingx

gratianox
nayx but i bar tonightx you shall not gauge me
by what we do tonightx

bassaniox
nox that were pityx
i would entreat you rather to put on
your boldest suit of mirthx for we have friends
that purpose merrimentx but fare you wellx
i have some businessx

gratianox
and i must to lorenzo and the restx
but we will visit you at supperxtimex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a room in shylockxs housex

 enter jessica and launceletx

jessicax
i am sorry thou wilt leave my father sox
our house is hellx and thoux a merry devilx
didst rob it of some taste of tediousnessx
but fare thee wellx there is a ducat for theex
andx launceletx soon at supper shalt thou see
lorenzox who is thy new masterxs guestx
give him this letterx do it secretlyx
and so farewellx i would not have my father
see me in talk with theex

launceletx
adieux tears exhibit my tonguex most beautiful paganx most sweet jewx
if a christian do not play the knave and get theex i am much deceivedx
butx adieux these foolish drops do something drown my manly spiritx
adieux

jessicax
farewellx good launceletx

 xxexit launceletxxx

alackx what heinous sin is it in me
to be ashamed to be my fatherxs childx
but though i am a daughter to his bloodx
i am not to his mannersx o lorenzox
if thou keep promisex i shall end this strifex
become a christian and thy loving wifex

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx the samex a streetx

 enter gratianox lorenzox salarino and solaniox

lorenzox
nayx we will slink away in supperxtimex
disguise us at my lodgingx and return
all in an hourx

gratianox
we have not made good preparationx

salarinox
we have not spoke us yet of torchxbearersx

solaniox
xtis vilex unless it may be quaintly orderxdx
and better in my mind not undertookx

lorenzox
xtis now but four oxclockx we have two hours
to furnish usx

 enter launcelet with a letterx

friend launceletx whatxs the newsx

launceletx
and it shall please you to break up thisx it shall seem to signifyx

lorenzox
i know the handx in faith xtis a fair handx
and whiter than the paper it writ on
is the fair hand that writx

gratianox
love newsx in faithx

launceletx
by your leavex sirx

lorenzox
whither goest thoux

launceletx
marryx sirx to bid my old master the jew to sup tonight with my new
master the christianx

lorenzox
hold herex take thisx tell gentle jessica
i will not fail herx speak it privatelyx
gox gentlemenx

 xxexit launceletxxx

will you prepare you for this masque tonightx
i am provided of a torchxbearerx

salarinox
ayx marryx ixll be gone about it straightx

solaniox
and so will ix

lorenzox
meet me and gratiano
at gratianoxs lodging some hour hencex

salarinox
xtis good we do sox

 xxexeunt salarino and solanioxxx

gratianox
was not that letter from fair jessicax

lorenzox
i must needs tell thee allx she hath directed
how i shall take her from her fatherxs housex
what gold and jewels she is furnishxd withx
what pagexs suit she hath in readinessx
if exer the jew her father come to heavenx
it will be for his gentle daughterxs sakex
and never dare misfortune cross her footx
unless she do it under this excusex
that she is issue to a faithless jewx
comex go with mex peruse this as thou goestx
fair jessica shall be my torchxbearerx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx the samex before shylockxs housex

 enter shylock the jew and launcelet his man that was the clownx

shylockx
wellx thou shalt seex thy eyes shall be thy judgex
the difference of old shylock and bassanioxx
whatx jessicaxxthou shalt not gormandize
as thou hast done with mexxwhatx jessicaxx
and sleepx and snorex and rend apparel outx
whyx jessicax i sayx

launceletx
whyx jessicax

shylockx
who bids thee callx i do not bid thee callx

launceletx
your worship was wont to tell me i could do nothing without biddingx

 enter jessicax

jessicax
call youx what is your willx

shylockx
i am bid forth to supperx jessicax
there are my keysx but wherefore should i gox
i am not bid for lovex they flatter mex
but yet ixll go in hatex to feed upon
the prodigal christianx jessicax my girlx
look to my housex i am right loath to gox
there is some ill axbrewing towards my restx
for i did dream of moneyxbags tonightx

launceletx
i beseech youx sirx gox my young master doth expect your reproachx

shylockx
so do i hisx

launceletx
and they have conspired togetherx i will not say you shall see a
masquex but if you dox then it was not for nothing that my nose fell
axbleeding on black monday last at six oxclock ix thx morningx falling
out that year on ashxwednesday was four year in thx afternoonx

shylockx
whatx are there masquesx hear you mex jessicax
lock up my doorsx and when you hear the drum
and the vile squealing of the wryxneckxd fifex
clamber not you up to the casements thenx
nor thrust your head into the public street
to gaze on christian fools with varnishxd facesx
but stop my housexs earsx i mean my casementsx
let not the sound of shallow foppxry enter
my sober housex by jacobxs staff i swear
i have no mind of feasting forth tonightx
but i will gox go you before mex sirrahx
say i will comex

launceletx
i will go beforex sirx
mistressx look out at window for all thisx
    there will come a christian by
    will be worth a jewessx eyex

 xxexit launceletxxx

shylockx
what says that fool of hagarxs offspringx hax

jessicax
his words were xfarewellx mistressxx nothing elsex

shylockx
the patch is kind enoughx but a huge feederx
snailxslow in profitx and he sleeps by day
more than the wildxcatx drones hive not with mex
therefore i part with himx and part with him
to one that i would have him help to waste
his borrowed pursex wellx jessicax go inx
perhaps i will return immediatelyx
do as i bid youx shut doors after youx
xfast bindx fast findxx
a proverb never stale in thrifty mindx

 xxexitxxx

jessicax
farewellx and if my fortune be not crostx
i have a fatherx you a daughterx lostx

 xxexitxxx

scene vix the samex

 enter the masquersx gratiano and salarinox

gratianox
this is the penthouse under which lorenzo
desired us to make standx

salarinox
his hour is almost pastx

gratianox
and it is marvel he outxdwells his hourx
for lovers ever run before the clockx

salarinox
o ten times faster venusx pigeons fly
to seal lovexs bonds newxmade than they are wont
to keep obliged faith unforfeitedx

gratianox
that ever holdsx who riseth from a feast
with that keen appetite that he sits downx
where is the horse that doth untread again
his tedious measures with the unbated fire
that he did pace them firstx all things that arex
are with more spirit chased than enjoyxdx
how like a younger or a prodigal
the scarfed bark puts from her native bayx
huggxd and embraced by the strumpet windx
how like the prodigal doth she return
with overxweatherxd ribs and ragged sailsx
leanx rentx and beggarxd by the strumpet windx

 enter lorenzox

salarinox
here comes lorenzox more of this hereafterx

lorenzox
sweet friendsx your patience for my long abodex
not i but my affairs have made you waitx
when you shall please to play the thieves for wivesx
ixll watch as long for you thenx approachx
here dwells my father jewx hox whoxs withinx

 enter jessica abovex in boyxs clothesx

jessicax
who are youx tell mex for more certaintyx
albeit ixll swear that i do know your tonguex

lorenzox
lorenzox and thy lovex

jessicax
lorenzo certainx and my love indeedx
for who love i so muchx and now who knows
but youx lorenzox whether i am yoursx

lorenzox
heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou artx

jessicax
herex catch this casketx it is worth the painsx
i am glad xtis nightx you do not look on mex
for i am much ashamxd of my exchangex
but love is blindx and lovers cannot see
the pretty follies that themselves commitx
for if they couldx cupid himself would blush
to see me thus transformed to a boyx

lorenzox
descendx for you must be my torchxbearerx

jessicax
whatx must i hold a candle to my shamesx
they in themselvesx good soothx are too too lightx
whyx xtis an office of discoveryx lovex
and i should be obscurxdx

lorenzox
so are youx sweetx
even in the lovely garnish of a boyx
but come at oncex
for the close night doth play the runawayx
and we are stayxd for at bassanioxs feastx

jessicax
i will make fast the doorsx and gild myself
with some moe ducatsx and be with you straightx

 xxexit abovexxx

gratianox
nowx by my hoodx a gentlex and no jewx

lorenzox
beshrew me but i love her heartilyx
for she is wisex if i can judge of herx
and fair she isx if that mine eyes be truex
and true she isx as she hath provxd herselfx
and thereforex like herselfx wisex fairx and truex
shall she be placed in my constant soulx

 enter jessicax

whatx art thou comex onx gentlemenx awayx
our masquing mates by this time for us stayx

 xxexit with jessica and salarinoxxx

 enter antoniox

antoniox
whoxs therex

gratianox
signior antoniox

antoniox
fiex fiex gratianox where are all the restx
xtis nine oxclockx our friends all stay for youx
no masque tonightx the wind is come aboutx
bassanio presently will go aboardx
i have sent twenty out to seek for youx

gratianox
i am glad onxtx i desire no more delight
than to be under sail and gone tonightx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 flourish of cornetsx enter portia with the prince of morocco and both
 their trainsx

portiax
gox draw aside the curtains and discover
the several caskets to this noble princex
now make your choicex

prince of moroccox
the firstx of goldx who this inscription bearsx
xwho chooseth me shall gain what many men desirexx
the secondx silverx which this promise carriesx
xwho chooseth me shall get as much as he deservesxx
this thirdx dull leadx with warning all as bluntx
xwho chooseth me must give and hazard all he hathxx
how shall i know if i do choose the rightx

portiax
the one of them contains my picturex princex
if you choose thatx then i am yours withalx

prince of moroccox
some god direct my judgmentx let me seex
i will survey the inscriptions back againx
what says this leaden casketx
xwho chooseth me must give and hazard all he hathxx
must givex for whatx for leadx hazard for leadx
this casket threatensx men that hazard all
do it in hope of fair advantagesx
a golden mind stoops not to shows of drossx
ixll then nor give nor hazard aught for leadx
what says the silver with her virgin huex
xwho chooseth me shall get as much as he deservesxx
as much as he deservesx pause therex moroccox
and weigh thy value with an even handx
if thou bexst rated by thy estimation
thou dost deserve enoughx and yet enough
may not extend so far as to the ladyx
and yet to be afeard of my deserving
were but a weak disabling of myselfx
as much as i deservex whyx thatxs the ladyx
i do in birth deserve herx and in fortunesx
in gracesx and in qualities of breedingx
but more than thesex in love i do deservex
what if i strayxd no fartherx but chose herex
letxs see once more this saying gravxd in goldx
xwho chooseth me shall gain what many men desirexx
whyx thatxs the ladyx all the world desires herx
from the four corners of the earth they come
to kiss this shrinex this mortal breathing saintx
the hyrcanian deserts and the vasty wilds
of wide arabia are as throughfares now
for princes to come view fair portiax
the watery kingdomx whose ambitious head
spets in the face of heavenx is no bar
to stop the foreign spiritsx but they come
as oxer a brook to see fair portiax
one of these three contains her heavenly picturex
isxt like that lead contains herx xtwere damnation
to think so base a thoughtx it were too gross
to rib her cerecloth in the obscure gravex
or shall i think in silver shexs immurxd
being ten times undervalued to tried goldx
o sinful thoughtx never so rich a gem
was set in worse than goldx they have in england
a coin that bears the figure of an angel
stamped in goldx but thatxs insculpxd uponx
but here an angel in a golden bed
lies all withinx deliver me the keyx
here do i choosex and thrive i as i mayx

portiax
therex take itx princex and if my form lie therex
then i am yoursx

 xxhe unlocks the golden casketxxx

prince of moroccox
o hellx what have we herex
a carrion deathx within whose empty eye
there is a written scrollx ixll read the writingx

     xall that glisters is not goldx
     often have you heard that toldx
     many a man his life hath sold
     but my outside to beholdx
     gilded tombs do worms infoldx
     had you been as wise as boldx
     young in limbsx in judgment oldx
     your answer had not been inscrollxdx
     fare you wellx your suit is coldxx

   cold indeed and labour lostx
   then farewell heatx and welcome frostx
portiax adieux i have too grievxd a heart
to take a tedious leavex thus losers partx

 xxexit with his trainx flourish of cornetsxxx

portiax
a gentle riddancex draw the curtainsx gox
let all of his complexion choose me sox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viiix venicex a streetx

 enter salarino and solaniox

salarinox
whyx manx i saw bassanio under sailx
with him is gratiano gone alongx
and in their ship i am sure lorenzo is notx

solaniox
the villain jew with outcries raisxd the dukex
who went with him to search bassanioxs shipx

salarinox
he came too latex the ship was under sailx
but there the duke was given to understand
that in a gondola were seen together
lorenzo and his amorous jessicax
besidesx antonio certified the duke
they were not with bassanio in his shipx

solaniox
i never heard a passion so confusxdx
so strangex outrageousx and so variable
as the dog jew did utter in the streetsx
xmy daughterx o my ducatsx o my daughterx
fled with a christianx o my christian ducatsx
justicex the lawx my ducats and my daughterx
a sealed bagx two sealed bags of ducatsx
of double ducatsx stolxn from me by my daughterx
and jewelsx two stonesx two rich and precious stonesx
stolxn by my daughterx justicex find the girlx
she hath the stones upon her and the ducatsxx

salarinox
whyx all the boys in venice follow himx
cryingx his stonesx his daughterx and his ducatsx

solaniox
let good antonio look he keep his day
or he shall pay for thisx

salarinox
marryx well remembxredx
i reasonxd with a frenchman yesterdayx
who told mex in the narrow seas that part
the french and englishx there miscarried
a vessel of our country richly fraughtx
i thought upon antonio when he told mex
and wishxd in silence that it were not hisx

solaniox
you were best to tell antonio what you hearx
yet do not suddenlyx for it may grieve himx

salarinox
a kinder gentleman treads not the earthx
i saw bassanio and antonio partx
bassanio told him he would make some speed
of his returnx he answered xdo not sox
slubber not business for my sakex bassaniox
but stay the very riping of the timex
and for the jewxs bond which he hath of mex
let it not enter in your mind of lovex
be merryx and employ your chiefest thoughts
to courtshipx and such fair ostents of love
as shall conveniently become you therexx
and even therex his eye being big with tearsx
turning his facex he put his hand behind himx
and with affection wondrous sensible
he wrung bassanioxs handx and so they partedx

solaniox
i think he only loves the world for himx
i pray theex let us go and find him out
and quicken his embraced heaviness
with some delight or otherx

salarinox
do we sox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ixx belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 enter nerissa and a servitorx

nerissax
quickx quickx i pray theex draw the curtain straightx
the prince of arragon hath taxen his oathx
and comes to his election presentlyx

 flourish of cornetsx enter the prince of arragonx his trainx and
 portiax

portiax
beholdx there stand the casketsx noble princex
if you choose that wherein i am containxdx
straight shall our nuptial rites be solemnizxdx
but if you failx without more speechx my lordx
you must be gone from hence immediatelyx

arragonx
i am enjoinxd by oath to observe three thingsx
firstx never to unfold to anyone
which casket xtwas i chosex nextx if i fail
of the right casketx never in my life
to woo a maid in way of marriagex
lastlyx
if i do fail in fortune of my choicex
immediately to leave you and be gonex

portiax
to these injunctions everyone doth swear
that comes to hazard for my worthless selfx

arragonx
and so have i addressxd mex fortune now
to my heartxs hopex goldx silverx and base leadx
xwho chooseth me must give and hazard all he hathxx
you shall look fairer ere i give or hazardx
what says the golden chestx hax let me seex
xwho chooseth me shall gain what many men desirexx
what many men desirex that xmanyx may be meant
by the fool multitudex that choose by showx
not learning more than the fond eye doth teachx
which pries not to thx interiorx but like the martlet
builds in the weather on the outward wallx
even in the force and road of casualtyx
i will not choose what many men desirex
because i will not jump with common spirits
and rank me with the barbarous multitudesx
whyx then to theex thou silver treasurexhousex
tell me once more what title thou dost bearx
xwho chooseth me shall get as much as he deservesxx
and well said toox for who shall go about
to cozen fortunex and be honourable
without the stamp of meritx let none presume
to wear an undeserved dignityx
o that estatesx degreesx and offices
were not derivxd corruptlyx and that clear honour
were purchasxd by the merit of the wearerx
how many then should cover that stand barex
how many be commanded that commandx
how much low peasantry would then be gleaned
from the true seed of honourx and how much honour
pickxd from the chaff and ruin of the timesx
to be new varnishxdx wellx but to my choicex
xwho chooseth me shall get as much as he deservesxx
i will assume desertx give me a key for thisx
and instantly unlock my fortunes herex

 xxhe opens the silver casketxxx

portiax
too long a pause for that which you find therex

arragonx
whatxs herex the portrait of a blinking idiot
presenting me a schedulex i will read itx
how much unlike art thou to portiax
how much unlike my hopes and my deservingsx
xwho chooseth me shall have as much as he deservesxx
did i deserve no more than a foolxs headx
is that my prizex are my deserts no betterx

portiax
to offend and judge are distinct officesx
and of opposed naturesx

arragonx
what is herex

     xthe fire seven times tried thisx
     seven times tried that judgment is
     that did never choose amissx
     some there be that shadows kissx
     such have but a shadowxs blissx
     there be fools alivex i wisx
     silverxd oxerx and so was thisx
     take what wife you will to bedx
     i will ever be your headx
     so be gonex you are spedxx

still more fool i shall appear
by the time i linger herex
with one foolxs head i came to woox
but i go away with twox
sweetx adieux ixll keep my oathx
patiently to bear my wrothx

 xxexit aragon with his trainxxx

portiax
thus hath the candle singxd the mothx
ox these deliberate foolsx when they do choosex
they have the wisdom by their wit to losex

nerissax
the ancient saying is no heresyx
hanging and wiving goes by destinyx

portiax
comex draw the curtainx nerissax

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
where is my ladyx

portiax
herex what would my lordx

messengerx
madamx there is alighted at your gate
a young venetianx one that comes before
to signify thx approaching of his lordx
from whom he bringeth sensible regreetsx
to wit xbesides commends and courteous breathx
gifts of rich valuex yet i have not seen
so likely an ambassador of lovex
a day in april never came so sweetx
to show how costly summer was at handx
as this forexspurrer comes before his lordx

portiax
no morex i pray theex i am half afeard
thou wilt say anon he is some kin to theex
thou spendxst such highxday wit in praising himx
comex comex nerissax for i long to see
quick cupidxs post that comes so mannerlyx

nerissax
bassaniox lord lovex if thy will it bex

 xxexeuntxxx


act iii

scene ix venicex a streetx

 enter solanio and salarinox

solaniox
nowx what news on the rialtox

salarinox
whyx yet it lives there unchecked that antonio hath a ship of rich
lading wrackxd on the narrow seasx the goodwinsx i think they call the
placex a very dangerous flat and fatalx where the carcasses of many a
tall ship lie buriedx as they sayx if my gossip report be an honest
woman of her wordx

solaniox
i would she were as lying a gossip in that as ever knapped ginger or
made her neighbours believe she wept for the death of a third husbandx
but it is truex without any slips of prolixity or crossing the plain
highway of talkx that the good antoniox the honest antonioxxo that i
had a title good enough to keep his name companyxx

salarinox
comex the full stopx

solaniox
hax what sayest thoux whyx the end isx he hath lost a shipx

salarinox
i would it might prove the end of his lossesx

solaniox
let me say xamenx betimesx lest the devil cross my prayerx for here he
comes in the likeness of a jewx

 enter shylockx

how nowx shylockx what news among the merchantsx

shylockx
you knewx none so wellx none so well as youx of my daughterxs flightx

salarinox
thatxs certainx ix for my partx knew the tailor that made the wings she
flew withalx

solaniox
and shylockx for his own partx knew the bird was fledgedx and then it
is the complexion of them all to leave the damx

shylockx
she is damnxd for itx

salarinox
thatxs certainx if the devil may be her judgex

shylockx
my own flesh and blood to rebelx

solaniox
out upon itx old carrionx rebels it at these yearsx

shylockx
i say my daughter is my flesh and my bloodx

salarinox
there is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between jet
and ivoryx more between your bloods than there is between red wine and
rhenishx but tell usx do you hear whether antonio have had any loss at
sea or nox

shylockx
there i have another bad matchx a bankruptx a prodigalx who dare scarce
show his head on the rialtox a beggar that used to come so smug upon
the martx let him look to his bondx he was wont to call me usurerx let
him look to his bondx he was wont to lend money for a christian curxsyx
let him look to his bondx

salarinox
whyx i am sure if he forfeitx thou wilt not take his fleshx whatxs that
good forx

shylockx
to bait fish withalx if it will feed nothing elsex it will feed my
revengex he hath disgracxd me and hindxred me half a millionx laughxd
at my lossesx mockxd at my gainsx scorned my nationx thwarted my
bargainsx cooled my friendsx heated mine enemiesx and whatxs his
reasonx i am a jewx hath not a jew eyesx hath not a jew handsx organsx
dimensionsx sensesx affectionsx passionsx fed with the same foodx hurt
with the same weaponsx subject to the same diseasesx healed by the same
meansx warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a christian
isx if you prick usx do we not bleedx if you tickle usx do we not
laughx if you poison usx do we not diex and if you wrong usx shall we
not revengex if we are like you in the restx we will resemble you in
thatx if a jew wrong a christianx what is his humilityx revengex if a
christian wrong a jewx what should his sufferance be by christian
examplex whyx revengex the villainy you teach me i will executex and it
shall go hard but i will better the instructionx

 enter a man from antoniox

servantx
gentlemenx my master antonio is at his housex and desires to speak with
you bothx

salarinox
we have been up and down to seek himx

 enter tubalx

solaniox
here comes another of the tribex a third cannot be matchxdx unless the
devil himself turn jewx

 xxexeunt solaniox salarino and the servantxxx

shylockx
how nowx tubalx what news from genoax hast thou found my daughterx

tubalx
i often came where i did hear of herx but cannot find herx

shylockx
why therex therex therex therex a diamond gone cost me two thousand
ducats in frankfortx the curse never fell upon our nation till nowx i
never felt it till nowx two thousand ducats in thatx and other
preciousx precious jewelsx i would my daughter were dead at my footx
and the jewels in her earx would she were hearsed at my footx and the
ducats in her coffinx no news of themx why sox and i know not whatxs
spent in the searchx whyx thouxloss upon lossx the thief gone with so
muchx and so much to find the thiefx and no satisfactionx no revengex
nor no ill luck stirring but what lights ox my shouldersx no sighs but
ox my breathingx no tears but ox my sheddingx

tubalx
yesx other men have ill luck toox antoniox as i heard in genoax

shylockx
whatx whatx whatx ill luckx ill luckx

tubalx
xhath an argosy cast away coming from tripolisx

shylockx
i thank godx i thank godx is it truex is it truex

tubalx
i spoke with some of the sailors that escaped the wrackx

shylockx
i thank theex good tubalx good newsx good newsx hax hax heard in genoax

tubalx
your daughter spent in genoax as i heardx one nightx fourscore ducatsx

shylockx
thou stickxst a dagger in mex i shall never see my gold againx
fourscore ducats at a sittingx fourscore ducatsx

tubalx
there came divers of antonioxs creditors in my company to venice that
swear he cannot choose but breakx

shylockx
i am very glad of itx ixll plague himx ixll torture himx i am glad of
itx

tubalx
one of them showed me a ring that he had of your daughter for a monkeyx

shylockx
out upon herx thou torturest mex tubalx it was my turquoisex i had it
of leah when i was a bachelorx i would not have given it for a
wilderness of monkeysx

tubalx
but antonio is certainly undonex

shylockx
nayx thatxs truex thatxs very truex gox tubalx fee me an officerx
bespeak him a fortnight beforex i will have the heart of him if he
forfeitx for were he out of venice i can make what merchandise i willx
gox tubalx and meet me at our synagoguex gox good tubalx at our
synagoguex tubalx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 enter bassaniox portiax gratianox nerissa and all their trainsx

portiax
i pray you tarryx pause a day or two
before you hazardx for in choosing wrong
i lose your companyx therefore forbear a whilex
therexs something tells me xbut it is not lovex
i would not lose youx and you know yourself
hate counsels not in such a qualityx
but lest you should not understand me wellxx
and yet a maiden hath no tongue but thoughtxx
i would detain you here some month or two
before you venture for mex i could teach you
how to choose rightx but then i am forswornx
so will i never bex so may you miss mex
but if you dox youxll make me wish a sinx
that i had been forswornx beshrew your eyesx
they have oxerlookxd me and divided mex
one half of me is yoursx the other half yoursx
mine ownx i would sayx but if minex then yoursx
and so all yoursx o these naughty times
puts bars between the owners and their rightsx
and so though yoursx not yoursx prove it sox
let fortune go to hell for itx not ix
i speak too longx but xtis to peise the timex
to eche itx and to draw it out in lengthx
to stay you from electionx

bassaniox
let me choosex
for as i amx i live upon the rackx

portiax
upon the rackx bassaniox then confess
what treason there is mingled with your lovex

bassaniox
none but that ugly treason of mistrustx
which makes me fear thx enjoying of my lovex
there may as well be amity and life
xtween snow and fire as treason and my lovex

portiax
ayx but i fear you speak upon the rack
where men enforced do speak anythingx

bassaniox
promise me lifex and ixll confess the truthx

portiax
well thenx confess and livex

bassaniox
xconfess and lovex
had been the very sum of my confessionx
o happy tormentx when my torturer
doth teach me answers for deliverancex
but let me to my fortune and the casketsx

portiax
awayx thenx i am lockxd in one of themx
if you do love mex you will find me outx
nerissa and the restx stand all aloofx
let music sound while he doth make his choicex
then if he lose he makes a swanxlike endx
fading in musicx that the comparison
may stand more properx my eye shall be the stream
and watxry deathxbed for himx he may winx
and what is music thenx then music is
even as the flourish when true subjects bow
to a newxcrowned monarchx such it is
as are those dulcet sounds in break of day
that creep into the dreaming bridegroomxs ear
and summon him to marriagex now he goesx
with no less presencex but with much more love
than young alcides when he did redeem
the virgin tribute paid by howling troy
to the seaxmonsterx i stand for sacrificex
the rest aloof are the dardanian wivesx
with bleared visages come forth to view
the issue of thx exploitx gox herculesx
live thoux i livex with much much more dismay
i view the fight than thou that makxst the frayx

 a songx whilst bassanio comments on the caskets to himselfx

     xtell me where is fancy bredx
     or in the heart or in the headx
     how begotx how nourishedx
        replyx replyx
     it is engendxred in the eyesx
     with gazing fedx and fancy dies
     in the cradle where it liesx
        let us all ring fancyxs knellx
        ixll begin itxxdingx dongx bellxx

allx
     xdingx dongx bellxx

bassaniox
so may the outward shows be least themselvesx
the world is still deceivxd with ornamentx
in lawx what plea so tainted and corrupt
butx being seasonxd with a gracious voicex
obscures the show of evilx in religionx
what damned error but some sober brow
will bless itx and approve it with a textx
hiding the grossness with fair ornamentx
there is no vice so simple but assumes
some mark of virtue on his outward partsx
how many cowardsx whose hearts are all as false
as stairs of sandx wear yet upon their chins
the beards of hercules and frowning marsx
who inward searchxdx have livers white as milkx
and these assume but valourxs excrement
to render them redoubtedx look on beautyx
and you shall see xtis purchasxd by the weightx
which therein works a miracle in naturex
making them lightest that wear most of itx
so are those crisped snaky golden locks
which make such wanton gambols with the wind
upon supposed fairnessx often known
to be the dowry of a second headx
the skull that bred them in the sepulchrex
thus ornament is but the guiled shore
to a most dangerous seax the beauteous scarf
veiling an indian beautyx in a wordx
the seeming truth which cunning times put on
to entrap the wisestx therefore thou gaudy goldx
hard food for midasx i will none of theex
nor none of theex thou pale and common drudge
xtween man and manx but thoux thou meagre leadx
which rather threatenxst than dost promise aughtx
thy palenness moves me more than eloquencex
and here choose ix joy be the consequencex

portiax
xxasidexxx how all the other passions fleet to airx
as doubtful thoughtsx and rashxembracxd despairx
and shuddxring fearx and greenxeyxd jealousyx
o lovex be moderatex allay thy ecstasyx
in measure rain thy joyx scant this excessx
i feel too much thy blessingx make it lessx
for fear i surfeitx

bassaniox
what find i herex xxopening the leaden casketxxx
fair portiaxs counterfeitx what demixgod
hath come so near creationx move these eyesx
or whetherx riding on the balls of minex
seem they in motionx here are severxd lipsx
parted with sugar breathx so sweet a bar
should sunder such sweet friendsx here in her hairs
the painter plays the spiderx and hath woven
a golden mesh txentrap the hearts of men
faster than gnats in cobwebsx but her eyesxx
how could he see to do themx having made onex
methinks it should have power to steal both his
and leave itself unfurnishxdx yet look how far
the substance of my praise doth wrong this shadow
in underprizing itx so far this shadow
doth limp behind the substancex herexs the scrollx
the continent and summary of my fortunex

     xyou that choose not by the view
     chance as fair and choose as truex
     since this fortune falls to youx
     be content and seek no newx
     if you be well pleasxd with thisx
     and hold your fortune for your blissx
     turn to where your lady isx
     and claim her with a loving kissxx

a gentle scrollx fair ladyx by your leavex xxkissing herxxx
i come by note to give and to receivex
like one of two contending in a prize
that thinks he hath done well in peoplexs eyesx
hearing applause and universal shoutx
giddy in spiritx still gazing in a doubt
whether those peals of praise be his or nox
sox thricexfair ladyx stand i even sox
as doubtful whether what i see be truex
until confirmxdx signxdx ratified by youx

portiax
you see mex lord bassaniox where i standx
such as i amx though for myself alone
i would not be ambitious in my wish
to wish myself much betterx yet for you
i would be trebled twenty times myselfx
a thousand times more fairx ten thousand times
more richx
that only to stand high in your accountx
i might in virtuesx beautiesx livingsx friendsx
exceed accountx but the full sum of me
is sum of somethingx whichx to term in grossx
is an unlessonxd girlx unschoolxdx unpractisxdx
happy in thisx she is not yet so old
but she may learnx happier than thisx
she is not bred so dull but she can learnx
happiest of allx is that her gentle spirit
commits itself to yours to be directedx
as from her lordx her governorx her kingx
myselfx and what is minex to you and yours
is now convertedx but now i was the lord
of this fair mansionx master of my servantsx
queen oxer myselfx and even nowx but nowx
this housex these servantsx and this same myself
are yoursxxmy lordxsx i give them with this ringx
which when you part fromx losex or give awayx
let it presage the ruin of your lovex
and be my vantage to exclaim on youx

bassaniox
madamx you have bereft me of all wordsx
only my blood speaks to you in my veinsx
and there is such confusion in my powers
as after some oration fairly spoke
by a beloved princex there doth appear
among the buzzing pleased multitudex
where every something being blent togetherx
turns to a wild of nothingx save of joy
expressxd and not expressxdx but when this ring
parts from this fingerx then parts life from hencex
o then be bold to say bassanioxs deadx

nerissax
my lord and ladyx it is now our timex
that have stood by and seen our wishes prosperx
to cryx good joyx good joyx my lord and ladyx

gratianox
my lord bassaniox and my gentle ladyx
i wish you all the joy that you can wishx
for i am sure you can wish none from mex
and when your honours mean to solemnize
the bargain of your faithx i do beseech you
even at that time i may be married toox

bassaniox
with all my heartx so thou canst get a wifex

gratianox
i thank your lordshipx you have got me onex
my eyesx my lordx can look as swift as yoursx
you saw the mistressx i beheld the maidx
you lovxdx i lovxdx for intermission
no more pertains to mex my lordx than youx
your fortune stood upon the caskets therex
and so did mine toox as the matter fallsx
for wooing here until i sweat againx
and swearing till my very roof was dry
with oaths of lovex at lastx xif promise lastx
i got a promise of this fair one here
to have her lovex provided that your fortune
achievxd her mistressx

portiax
is this truex nerissax

nerissax
madamx it isx so you stand pleasxd withalx

bassaniox
and do youx gratianox mean good faithx

gratianox
yesx faithx my lordx

bassaniox
our feast shall be much honoured in your marriagex

gratianox
wexll play with them the first boy for a thousand ducatsx

nerissax
whatx and stake downx

gratianox
nox we shall nexer win at that sport and stake downx
but who comes herex lorenzo and his infidelx
whatx and my old venetian friendx saleriox

 enter lorenzox jessica and saleriox

bassaniox
lorenzo and saleriox welcome hitherx
if that the youth of my new intxrest here
have power to bid you welcomex by your leavex
i bid my very friends and countrymenx
sweet portiax welcomex

portiax
so do ix my lordx
they are entirely welcomex

lorenzox
i thank your honourx for my partx my lordx
my purpose was not to have seen you herex
but meeting with salerio by the wayx
he did entreat mex past all saying nayx
to come with him alongx

saleriox
i didx my lordx
and i have reason for itx signior antonio
commends him to youx

 xxgives bassanio a letterxxx

bassaniox
ere i ope his letterx
i pray you tell me how my good friend dothx

saleriox
not sickx my lordx unless it be in mindx
nor wellx unless in mindx his letter there
will show you his estatex

 xxbassanio opens the letterxxx

gratianox
nerissax cheer yond strangerx bid her welcomex
your handx saleriox whatxs the news from venicex
how doth that royal merchantx good antoniox
i know he will be glad of our successx
we are the jasonsx we have won the fleecex

saleriox
i would you had won the fleece that he hath lostx

portiax
there are some shrewd contents in yond same paper
that steals the colour from bassanioxs cheekx
some dear friend deadx else nothing in the world
could turn so much the constitution
of any constant manx whatx worse and worsex
with leavex bassaniox i am half yourselfx
and i must freely have the half of anything
that this same paper brings youx

bassaniox
o sweet portiax
here are a few of the unpleasantxst words
that ever blotted paperx gentle ladyx
when i did first impart my love to youx
i freely told you all the wealth i had
ran in my veinsx i was a gentlemanx
and then i told you truex and yetx dear ladyx
rating myself at nothingx you shall see
how much i was a braggartx when i told you
my state was nothingx i should then have told you
that i was worse than nothingx for indeed
i have engagxd myself to a dear friendx
engagxd my friend to his mere enemyx
to feed my meansx here is a letterx ladyx
the paper as the body of my friendx
and every word in it a gaping wound
issuing lifexbloodx but is it truex saleriox
hath all his ventures failxdx whatx not one hitx
from tripolisx from mexicox and englandx
from lisbonx barbaryx and indiax
and not one vessel scape the dreadful touch
of merchantxmarring rocksx

saleriox
not onex my lordx
besidesx it should appearx that if he had
the present money to discharge the jewx
he would not take itx never did i know
a creature that did bear the shape of man
so keen and greedy to confound a manx
he plies the duke at morning and at nightx
and doth impeach the freedom of the state
if they deny him justicex twenty merchantsx
the duke himselfx and the magnificoes
of greatest port have all persuaded with himx
but none can drive him from the envious plea
of forfeiturex of justicex and his bondx

jessicax
when i was with himx i have heard him swear
to tubal and to chusx his countrymenx
that he would rather have antonioxs flesh
than twenty times the value of the sum
that he did owe himx and i knowx my lordx
if lawx authorityx and power deny notx
it will go hard with poor antoniox

portiax
is it your dear friend that is thus in troublex

bassaniox
the dearest friend to mex the kindest manx
the best conditionxd and unwearied spirit
in doing courtesiesx and one in whom
the ancient roman honour more appears
than any that draws breath in italyx

portiax
what sum owes he the jewx

bassaniox
for me three thousand ducatsx

portiax
whatx no morex
pay him six thousandx and deface the bondx
double six thousandx and then treble thatx
before a friend of this description
shall lose a hair through bassanioxs faultx
first go with me to church and call me wifex
and then away to venice to your friendx
for never shall you lie by portiaxs side
with an unquiet soulx you shall have gold
to pay the petty debt twenty times overx
when it is paidx bring your true friend alongx
my maid nerissa and myself meantimex
will live as maids and widowsx comex awayx
for you shall hence upon your wedding dayx
bid your friends welcomex show a merry cheerx
since you are dear boughtx i will love you dearx
but let me hear the letter of your friendx

bassaniox
xsweet bassaniox my ships have all miscarriedx my creditors grow cruelx
my estate is very lowx my bond to the jew is forfeitx and since in
paying itx it is impossible i should livex all debts are clearxd
between you and ix if i might but see you at my deathx notwithstandingx
use your pleasurex if your love do not persuade you to comex let not my
letterxx

portiax
o lovex dispatch all business and be gonex

bassaniox
since i have your good leave to go awayx
i will make hastex butx till i come againx
no bed shall exer be guilty of my stayx
nor rest be interposer xtwixt us twainx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix venicex a streetx

 enter shylockx salarinox antonio and gaolerx

shylockx
gaolerx look to himx tell not me of mercyx
this is the fool that lent out money gratisx
gaolerx look to himx

antoniox
hear me yetx good shylockx

shylockx
ixll have my bondx speak not against my bondx
i have sworn an oath that i will have my bondx
thou callxdst me dog before thou hadst a causex
but since i am a dogx beware my fangsx
the duke shall grant me justicex i do wonderx
thou naughty gaolerx that thou art so fond
to come abroad with him at his requestx

antoniox
i pray thee hear me speakx

shylockx
ixll have my bondx i will not hear thee speakx
ixll have my bondx and therefore speak no morex
ixll not be made a soft and dullxeyed foolx
to shake the headx relentx and sighx and yield
to christian intercessorsx follow notx
ixll have no speakingx i will have my bondx

 xxexitxxx

salarinox
it is the most impenetrable cur
that ever kept with menx

antoniox
let him alonex
ixll follow him no more with bootless prayersx
he seeks my lifex his reason well i knowx
i oft deliverxd from his forfeitures
many that have at times made moan to mex
therefore he hates mex

salarinox
i am sure the duke
will never grant this forfeiture to holdx

antoniox
the duke cannot deny the course of lawx
for the commodity that strangers have
with us in venicex if it be deniedx
xtwill much impeach the justice of the statex
since that the trade and profit of the city
consisteth of all nationsx thereforex gox
these griefs and losses have so bated me
that i shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
tomorrow to my bloody creditorx
wellx gaolerx onx pray god bassanio come
to see me pay his debtx and then i care notx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx belmontx a room in portiaxs housex

 enter portiax nerissax lorenzox jessica and balthazarx

lorenzox
madamx although i speak it in your presencex
you have a noble and a true conceit
of godlike amityx which appears most strongly
in bearing thus the absence of your lordx
but if you knew to whom you show this honourx
how true a gentleman you send reliefx
how dear a lover of my lord your husbandx
i know you would be prouder of the work
than customary bounty can enforce youx

portiax
i never did repent for doing goodx
nor shall not nowx for in companions
that do converse and waste the time togetherx
whose souls do bear an equal yoke of lovex
there must be needs a like proportion
of lineamentsx of mannersx and of spiritx
which makes me think that this antoniox
being the bosom lover of my lordx
must needs be like my lordx if it be sox
how little is the cost i have bestowed
in purchasing the semblance of my soul
from out the state of hellish crueltyx
this comes too near the praising of myselfx
therefore no more of itx hear other thingsx
lorenzox i commit into your hands
the husbandry and manage of my house
until my lordxs returnx for mine own partx
i have toward heaven breathxd a secret vow
to live in prayer and contemplationx
only attended by nerissa herex
until her husband and my lordxs returnx
there is a monastery two miles offx
and there we will abidex i do desire you
not to deny this impositionx
the which my love and some necessity
now lays upon youx

lorenzox
madamx with all my heart
i shall obey you in all fair commandsx

portiax
my people do already know my mindx
and will acknowledge you and jessica
in place of lord bassanio and myselfx
so fare you well till we shall meet againx

lorenzox
fair thoughts and happy hours attend on youx

jessicax
i wish your ladyship all heartxs contentx

portiax
i thank you for your wishx and am well pleasxd
to wish it back on youx fare you wellx jessicax

 xxexeunt jessica and lorenzoxxx

nowx balthazarx
as i have ever found thee honestxtruex
so let me find thee stillx take this same letterx
and use thou all thx endeavour of a man
in speed to paduax see thou render this
into my cousinxs handsx doctor bellariox
and look what notes and garments he doth give theex
bring themx i pray theex with imaginxd speed
unto the trajectx to the common ferry
which trades to venicex waste no time in wordsx
but get thee gonex i shall be there before theex

balthazarx
madamx i go with all convenient speedx

 xxexitxxx

portiax
come onx nerissax i have work in hand
that you yet know not ofx wexll see our husbands
before they think of usx

nerissax
shall they see usx

portiax
they shallx nerissax but in such a habit
that they shall think we are accomplished
with that we lackx ixll hold thee any wagerx
when we are both accoutered like young menx
ixll prove the prettier fellow of the twox
and wear my dagger with the braver gracex
and speak between the change of man and boy
with a reed voicex and turn two mincing steps
into a manly stridex and speak of frays
like a fine bragging youthx and tell quaint lies
how honourable ladies sought my lovex
which i denyingx they fell sick and diedx
i could not do withalx then ixll repentx
and wish for all thatx that i had not killxd themx
and twenty of these puny lies ixll tellx
that men shall swear i have discontinued school
about a twelvemonthx i have within my mind
a thousand raw tricks of these bragging jacksx
which i will practisex

nerissax
whyx shall we turn to menx

portiax
fiex what a questionxs thatx
if thou wert near a lewd interpreterx
but comex ixll tell thee all my whole device
when i am in my coachx which stays for us
at the park gatex and therefore haste awayx
for we must measure twenty miles todayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx the samex a gardenx

 enter launcelet and jessicax

launceletx
yesx trulyx for look youx the sins of the father are to be laid upon
the childrenx thereforex i promise youx i fear youx i was always plain
with youx and so now i speak my agitation of the matterx therefore be
of good cheerx for truly i think you are damnxdx there is but one hope
in it that can do you any goodx and that is but a kind of bastard hope
neitherx

jessicax
and what hope is thatx i pray theex

launceletx
marryx you may partly hope that your father got you notx that you are
not the jewxs daughterx

jessicax
that were a kind of bastard hope indeedx so the sins of my mother
should be visited upon mex

launceletx
truly then i fear you are damnxd both by father and motherx thus when i
shun scylla your fatherx i fall into charybdis your motherx wellx you
are gone both waysx

jessicax
i shall be saved by my husbandx he hath made me a christianx

launceletx
truly the more to blame hex we were christians enow beforex exen as
many as could well live one by anotherx this making of christians will
raise the price of hogsx if we grow all to be porkxeatersx we shall not
shortly have a rasher on the coals for moneyx

 enter lorenzox

jessicax
ixll tell my husbandx launceletx what you sayx here he comesx

lorenzox
i shall grow jealous of you shortlyx launceletx if you thus get my wife
into cornersx

jessicax
nayx you need nor fear usx lorenzox launcelet and i are outx he tells
me flatly therexs no mercy for me in heavenx because i am a jewxs
daughterx and he says you are no good member of the commonwealthx for
in converting jews to christians you raise the price of porkx

lorenzox
i shall answer that better to the commonwealth than you can the getting
up of the negroxs bellyx the moor is with child by youx launceletx

launceletx
it is much that the moor should be more than reasonx but if she be less
than an honest womanx she is indeed more than i took her forx

lorenzox
how every fool can play upon the wordx i think the best grace of wit
will shortly turn into silencex and discourse grow commendable in none
only but parrotsx go inx sirrahx bid them prepare for dinnerx

launceletx
that is donex sirx they have all stomachsx

lorenzox
goodly lordx what a witxsnapper are youx then bid them prepare dinnerx

launceletx
that is done toox sirx only xcoverx is the wordx

lorenzox
will you coverx thenx sirx

launceletx
not sox sirx neitherx i know my dutyx

lorenzox
yet more quarrelling with occasionx wilt thou show the whole wealth of
thy wit in an instantx i pray thee understand a plain man in his plain
meaningx go to thy fellowsx bid them cover the tablex serve in the
meatx and we will come in to dinnerx

launceletx
for the tablex sirx it shall be served inx for the meatx sirx it shall
be coveredx for your coming in to dinnerx sirx whyx let it be as
humours and conceits shall governx

 xxexitxxx

lorenzox
o dear discretionx how his words are suitedx
the fool hath planted in his memory
an army of good wordsx and i do know
a many fools that stand in better placex
garnishxd like himx that for a tricksy word
defy the matterx how cheerxst thoux jessicax
and nowx good sweetx say thy opinionx
how dost thou like the lord bassanioxs wifex

jessicax
past all expressingx it is very meet
the lord bassanio live an upright lifex
for having such a blessing in his ladyx
he finds the joys of heaven here on earthx
and if on earth he do not merit itx
in reason he should never come to heavenx
whyx if two gods should play some heavenly matchx
and on the wager lay two earthly womenx
and portia onex there must be something else
pawnxd with the otherx for the poor rude world
hath not her fellowx

lorenzox
even such a husband
hast thou of me as she is for a wifex

jessicax
nayx but ask my opinion too of thatx

lorenzox
i will anonx first let us go to dinnerx

jessicax
nayx let me praise you while i have a stomachx

lorenzox
no pray theex let it serve for tablextalkx
then howsomexer thou speakxstx xmong other things
i shall digest itx

jessicax
wellx ixll set you forthx

 xxexeuntxxx


act iv

scene ix venicex a court of justicex

 enter the dukex the magnificoesx antoniox bassaniox gratianox salerio
 and othersx

dukex
whatx is antonio herex

antoniox
readyx so please your gracex

dukex
i am sorry for theex thou art come to answer
a stony adversaryx an inhuman wretchx
uncapable of pityx void and empty
from any dram of mercyx

antoniox
i have heard
your grace hath taxen great pains to qualify
his rigorous coursex but since he stands obduratex
and that no lawful means can carry me
out of his envyxs reachx i do oppose
my patience to his furyx and am armxd
to suffer with a quietness of spirit
the very tyranny and rage of hisx

dukex
go one and call the jew into the courtx

salarinox
he is ready at the doorx he comesx my lordx

 enter shylockx

dukex
make roomx and let him stand before our facex
shylockx the world thinksx and i think so toox
that thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice
to the last hour of actx and thenx xtis thoughtx
thouxlt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
than is thy strange apparent crueltyx
and where thou now exacts the penaltyx
which is a pound of this poor merchantxs fleshx
thou wilt not only loose the forfeiturex
butx touchxd with human gentleness and lovex
forgive a moiety of the principalx
glancing an eye of pity on his losses
that have of late so huddled on his backx
enow to press a royal merchant downx
and pluck commiseration of his state
from brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flintx
from stubborn turks and tartars never trainxd
to offices of tender courtesyx
we all expect a gentle answerx jewx

shylockx
i have possessxd your grace of what i purposex
and by our holy sabbath have i sworn
to have the due and forfeit of my bondx
if you deny itx let the danger light
upon your charter and your cityxs freedomx
youxll ask me why i rather choose to have
a weight of carrion flesh than to receive
three thousand ducatsx ixll not answer thatx
but say it is my humourx is it answerxdx
what if my house be troubled with a ratx
and i be pleasxd to give ten thousand ducats
to have it banxdx whatx are you answerxd yetx
some men there are love not a gaping pigx
some that are mad if they behold a catx
and othersx when the bagpipe sings ix the nosex
cannot contain their urinex for affection
mistress of passionx sways it to the mood
of what it likes or loathesx nowx for your answerx
as there is no firm reason to be renderxd
why he cannot abide a gaping pigx
why he a harmless necessary catx
why he a woollen bagpipex but of force
must yield to such inevitable shame
as to offendx himself being offendedx
so can i give no reasonx nor i will notx
more than a lodgxd hate and a certain loathing
i bear antoniox that i follow thus
a losing suit against himx are you answeredx

bassaniox
this is no answerx thou unfeeling manx
to excuse the current of thy crueltyx

shylockx
i am not bound to please thee with my answerx

bassaniox
do all men kill the things they do not lovex

shylockx
hates any man the thing he would not killx

bassaniox
every offence is not a hate at firstx

shylockx
whatx wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twicex

antoniox
i pray youx think you question with the jewx
you may as well go stand upon the beach
and bid the main flood bate his usual heightx
you may as well use question with the wolfx
why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lambx
you may as well forbid the mountain pines
to wag their high tops and to make no noise
when they are fretten with the gusts of heavenx
you may as well do anything most hard
as seek to soften thatxthan which whatxs harderxx
his jewish heartx thereforex i do beseech youx
make no moe offersx use no farther meansx
but with all brief and plain conveniencyx
let me have judgmentx and the jew his willx

bassaniox
for thy three thousand ducats here is sixx

shylockx
if every ducat in six thousand ducats
were in six partsx and every part a ducatx
i would not draw themx i would have my bondx

dukex
how shalt thou hope for mercyx rendxring nonex

shylockx
what judgment shall i dreadx doing no wrongx
you have among you many a purchasxd slavex
whichx like your asses and your dogs and mulesx
you use in abject and in slavish partsx
because you bought themx shall i say to you
xlet them be freex marry them to your heirsx
why sweat they under burdensx let their beds
be made as soft as yoursx and let their palates
be seasonxd with such viandsxx you will answer
xthe slaves are oursxx so do i answer youx
the pound of flesh which i demand of him
is dearly boughtx xtis mine and i will have itx
if you deny mex fie upon your lawx
there is no force in the decrees of venicex
i stand for judgmentx answerx shall i have itx

dukex
upon my power i may dismiss this courtx
unless bellariox a learned doctorx
whom i have sent for to determine thisx
come here todayx

salarinox
my lordx here stays without
a messenger with letters from the doctorx
new come from paduax

dukex
bring us the lettersx call the messengerx

bassaniox
good cheerx antoniox whatx manx courage yetx
the jew shall have my fleshx bloodx bonesx and allx
ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of bloodx

antoniox
i am a tainted wether of the flockx
meetest for deathx the weakest kind of fruit
drops earliest to the groundx and so let mex
you cannot better be employxdx bassaniox
than to live stillx and write mine epitaphx

 enter nerissa dressed like a lawyerxs clerkx

dukex
came you from paduax from bellariox

nerissax
from bothx my lordx bellario greets your gracex

 xxpresents a letterxxx

bassaniox
why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestlyx

shylockx
to cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt therex

gratianox
not on thy sole but on thy soulx harsh jewx
thou makxst thy knife keenx but no metal canx
nox not the hangmanxs axex bear half the keenness
of thy sharp envyx can no prayers pierce theex

shylockx
nox none that thou hast wit enough to makex

gratianox
ox be thou damnxdx inexecrable dogx
and for thy life let justice be accusxdx
thou almost makxst me waver in my faithx
to hold opinion with pythagoras
that souls of animals infuse themselves
into the trunks of menx thy currish spirit
governxd a wolf whox hangxd for human slaughterx
even from the gallows did his fell soul fleetx
and whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed damx
infusxd itself in theex for thy desires
are wolfishx bloodyx starvxd and ravenousx

shylockx
till thou canst rail the seal from off my bondx
thou but offendxst thy lungs to speak so loudx
repair thy witx good youthx or it will fall
to cureless ruinx i stand here for lawx

dukex
this letter from bellario doth commend
a young and learned doctor to our courtx
where is hex

nerissax
he attendeth here hard byx
to know your answerx whether youxll admit himx

duke of venicex
with all my heartx some three or four of you
go give him courteous conduct to this placex
meantimex the court shall hear bellarioxs letterx

xxreadsxxx xyour grace shall understand that at the receipt of your
letter i am very sickx but in the instant that your messenger camex in
loving visitation was with me a young doctor of romex his name is
balthazarx i acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the
jew and antonio the merchantx we turnxd oxer many books togetherx he is
furnished with my opinionx whichx bettered with his own learning xthe
greatness whereof i cannot enough commendxx comes with him at my
importunity to fill up your gracexs request in my steadx i beseech you
let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend
estimationx for i never knew so young a body with so old a headx i
leave him to your gracious acceptancex whose trial shall better publish
his commendationxx

you hear the learnxd bellario what he writesx
and herex i take itx is the doctor comex

 enter portia dressed like a doctor of lawsx

give me your handx come you from old bellariox

portiax
i didx my lordx

dukex
you are welcomex take your placex
are you acquainted with the difference
that holds this present question in the courtx

portiax
i am informed throughly of the causex
which is the merchant herex and which the jewx

dukex
antonio and old shylockx both stand forthx

portiax
is your name shylockx

shylockx
shylock is my namex

portiax
of a strange nature is the suit you followx
yet in such rule that the venetian law
cannot impugn you as you do proceedx
xxto antonioxxx you stand within his dangerx do you notx

antoniox
ayx so he saysx

portiax
do you confess the bondx

antoniox
i dox

portiax
then must the jew be mercifulx

shylockx
on what compulsion must ix tell me thatx

portiax
the quality of mercy is not strainxdx
it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
upon the place beneathx it is twice blestx
it blesseth him that gives and him that takesx
xtis mightiest in the mightiestx it becomes
the throned monarch better than his crownx
his sceptre shows the force of temporal powerx
the attribute to awe and majestyx
wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kingsx
but mercy is above this sceptred swayx
it is enthroned in the hearts of kingsx
it is an attribute to god himselfx
and earthly power doth then show likest godxs
when mercy seasons justicex thereforex jewx
though justice be thy pleax consider thisx
that in the course of justice none of us
should see salvationx we do pray for mercyx
and that same prayer doth teach us all to render
the deeds of mercyx i have spoke thus much
to mitigate the justice of thy pleax
which if thou followx this strict court of venice
must needs give sentence xgainst the merchant therex

shylockx
my deeds upon my headx i crave the lawx
the penalty and forfeit of my bondx

portiax
is he not able to discharge the moneyx

bassaniox
yesx here i tender it for him in the courtx
yeax twice the sumx if that will not sufficex
i will be bound to pay it ten times oxer
on forfeit of my handsx my headx my heartx
if this will not sufficex it must appear
that malice bears down truthx and i beseech youx
wrest once the law to your authorityx
to do a great rightx do a little wrongx
and curb this cruel devil of his willx

portiax
it must not bex there is no power in venice
can alter a decree establishedx
xtwill be recorded for a precedentx
and many an error by the same example
will rush into the statex it cannot bex

shylockx
a daniel come to judgmentx yeax a danielx
o wise young judgex how i do honour theex

portiax
i pray you let me look upon the bondx

shylockx
here xtisx most reverend doctorx here it isx

portiax
shylockx therexs thrice thy money offered theex

shylockx
an oathx an oathx i have an oath in heavenx
shall i lay perjury upon my soulx
nox not for venicex

portiax
whyx this bond is forfeitx
and lawfully by this the jew may claim
a pound of fleshx to be by him cut off
nearest the merchantxs heartx be mercifulx
take thrice thy moneyx bid me tear the bondx

shylockx
when it is paid according to the tenourx
it doth appear you are a worthy judgex
you know the lawx your exposition
hath been most soundx i charge you by the lawx
whereof you are a wellxdeserving pillarx
proceed to judgmentx by my soul i swear
there is no power in the tongue of man
to alter mex i stay here on my bondx

antoniox
most heartily i do beseech the court
to give the judgmentx

portiax
why thenx thus it isx
you must prepare your bosom for his knifex

shylockx
o noble judgex o excellent young manx

portiax
for the intent and purpose of the law
hath full relation to the penaltyx
which here appeareth due upon the bondx

shylockx
xtis very truex o wise and upright judgex
how much more elder art thou than thy looksx

portiax
therefore lay bare your bosomx

shylockx
ayx his breast
so says the bondx doth it notx noble judgex
xnearest his heartxx those are the very wordsx

portiax
it is sox are there balance here to weigh
the fleshx

shylockx
i have them readyx

portiax
have by some surgeonx shylockx on your chargex
to stop his woundsx lest he do bleed to deathx

shylockx
is it so nominated in the bondx

portiax
it is not so expressxdx but what of thatx
xtwere good you do so much for charityx

shylockx
i cannot find itx xtis not in the bondx

portiax
youx merchantx have you anything to sayx

antoniox
but littlex i am armxd and well preparxdx
give me your handx bassaniox fare you wellx
grieve not that i am fallen to this for youx
for herein fortune shows herself more kind
than is her customx it is still her use
to let the wretched man outlive his wealthx
to view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
an age of povertyx from which lingxring penance
of such misery doth she cut me offx
commend me to your honourable wifex
tell her the process of antonioxs endx
say how i lovxd youx speak me fair in deathx
and when the tale is toldx bid her be judge
whether bassanio had not once a lovex
repent but you that you shall lose your friend
and he repents not that he pays your debtx
for if the jew do cut but deep enoughx
ixll pay it instantly with all my heartx

bassaniox
antoniox i am married to a wife
which is as dear to me as life itselfx
but life itselfx my wifex and all the worldx
are not with me esteemxd above thy lifex
i would lose allx ayx sacrifice them all
here to this devilx to deliver youx

portiax
your wife would give you little thanks for that
if she were by to hear you make the offerx

gratianox
i have a wife who i protest i lovex
i would she were in heavenx so she could
entreat some power to change this currish jewx

nerissax
xtis well you offer it behind her backx
the wish would make else an unquiet housex

shylockx
these be the christian husbandsx i have a daughterx
would any of the stock of barabbas
had been her husbandx rather than a christianx
we trifle timex i pray theex pursue sentencex

portiax
a pound of that same merchantxs flesh is thinex
the court awards it and the law doth give itx

shylockx
most rightful judgex

portiax
and you must cut this flesh from off his breastx
the law allows it and the court awards itx

shylockx
most learned judgex a sentencex comex preparex

portiax
tarry a littlex there is something elsex
this bond doth give thee here no jot of bloodx
the words expressly are xa pound of fleshxx
take then thy bondx take thou thy pound of fleshx
but in the cutting itx if thou dost shed
one drop of christian bloodx thy lands and goods
arex by the laws of venicex confiscate
unto the state of venicex

gratianox
o upright judgex markx jewx o learned judgex

shylockx
is that the lawx

portiax
thyself shalt see the actx
forx as thou urgest justicex be assurxd
thou shalt have justice more than thou desirxstx

gratianox
o learned judgex markx jewx a learned judgex

shylockx
i take this offer thenx pay the bond thrice
and let the christian gox

bassaniox
here is the moneyx

portiax
softx
the jew shall have all justicex softx no hastex
he shall have nothing but the penaltyx

gratianox
o jewx an upright judgex a learned judgex

portiax
therefore prepare thee to cut off the fleshx
shed thou no bloodx nor cut thou less nor morex
but just a pound of fleshx if thou takxst more
or less than a just poundx be it but so much
as makes it light or heavy in the substancex
or the division of the twentieth part
of one poor scruplex nayx if the scale do turn
but in the estimation of a hairx
thou diestx and all thy goods are confiscatex

gratianox
a second danielx a danielx jewx
nowx infidelx i have you on the hipx

portiax
why doth the jew pausex take thy forfeiturex

shylockx
give me my principalx and let me gox

bassaniox
i have it ready for theex here it isx

portiax
he hath refusxd it in the open courtx
he shall have merely justice and his bondx

gratianox
a daniel still say ix a second danielx
i thank theex jewx for teaching me that wordx

shylockx
shall i not have barely my principalx

portiax
thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture
to be so taken at thy perilx jewx

shylockx
whyx then the devil give him good of itx
ixll stay no longer questionx

portiax
tarryx jewx
the law hath yet another hold on youx
it is enacted in the laws of venicex
if it be proved against an alien
that by direct or indirect attempts
he seek the life of any citizenx
the party xgainst the which he doth contrive
shall seize one half his goodsx the other half
comes to the privy coffer of the statex
and the offenderxs life lies in the mercy
of the duke onlyx xgainst all other voicex
in which predicament i say thou standxstx
for it appears by manifest proceeding
that indirectlyx and directly toox
thou hast contrived against the very life
of the defendantx and thou hast incurrxd
the danger formerly by me rehearsxdx
downx thereforex and beg mercy of the dukex

gratianox
beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyselfx
and yetx thy wealth being forfeit to the statex
thou hast not left the value of a cordx
therefore thou must be hangxd at the statexs chargex

dukex
that thou shalt see the difference of our spiritx
i pardon thee thy life before thou ask itx
for half thy wealthx it is antonioxsx
the other half comes to the general statex
which humbleness may drive unto a finex

portiax
ayx for the statex not for antoniox

shylockx
nayx take my life and allx pardon not thatx
you take my house when you do take the prop
that doth sustain my housex you take my life
when you do take the means whereby i livex

portiax
what mercy can you render himx antoniox

gratianox
a halter gratisx nothing elsex for godxs sakex

antoniox
so please my lord the duke and all the court
to quit the fine for one half of his goodsx
i am contentx so he will let me have
the other half in usex to render it
upon his death unto the gentleman
that lately stole his daughterx
two things provided morex that for this favourx
he presently become a christianx
the otherx that he do record a giftx
here in the courtx of all he dies possessxd
unto his son lorenzo and his daughterx

dukex
he shall do thisx or else i do recant
the pardon that i late pronounced herex

portiax
art thou contentedx jewx what dost thou sayx

shylockx
i am contentx

portiax
clerkx draw a deed of giftx

shylockx
i pray you give me leave to go from hencex
i am not wellx send the deed after me
and i will sign itx

dukex
get thee gonex but do itx

gratianox
in christxning shalt thou have two godxfathersx
had i been judgex thou shouldst have had ten morex
to bring thee to the gallowsx not to the fontx

 xxexit shylockxxx

dukex
sirx i entreat you home with me to dinnerx

portiax
i humbly do desire your grace of pardonx
i must away this night toward paduax
and it is meet i presently set forthx

dukex
i am sorry that your leisure serves you notx
antoniox gratify this gentlemanx
for in my mind you are much bound to himx

 xxexeunt duke and his trainxxx

bassaniox
most worthy gentlemanx i and my friend
have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
of grievous penaltiesx in lieu whereofx
three thousand ducats due unto the jew
we freely cope your courteous pains withalx

antoniox
and stand indebtedx over and above
in love and service to you evermorex

portiax
he is well paid that is well satisfiedx
and i delivering youx am satisfiedx
and therein do account myself well paidx
my mind was never yet more mercenaryx
i pray you know me when we meet againx
i wish you wellx and so i take my leavex

bassaniox
dear sirx of force i must attempt you furtherx
take some remembrance of us as a tributex
not as feex grant me two thingsx i pray youx
not to deny mex and to pardon mex

portiax
you press me farx and therefore i will yieldx
xxto antonioxxx give me your glovesx ixll wear them for your sakex
xxto bassanioxxx andx for your lovex ixll take this ring from youx
do not draw back your handx ixll take no morex
and you in love shall not deny me thisx

bassaniox
this ringx good sirx alasx it is a triflex
i will not shame myself to give you thisx

portiax
i will have nothing else but only thisx
and now methinks i have a mind to itx

bassaniox
therexs more depends on this than on the valuex
the dearest ring in venice will i give youx
and find it out by proclamationx
only for this i pray you pardon mex

portiax
i seex sirx you are liberal in offersx
you taught me first to begx and now methinks
you teach me how a beggar should be answerxdx

bassaniox
good sirx this ring was given me by my wifex
and when she put it onx she made me vow
that i should neither sellx nor givex nor lose itx

portiax
that xscuse serves many men to save their giftsx
and if your wife be not a madxwomanx
and know how well i have deservxd this ringx
she would not hold out enemy for ever
for giving it to mex wellx peace be with youx

 xxexeunt portia and nerissaxxx

antoniox
my lord bassaniox let him have the ringx
let his deservings and my love withal
be valued xgainst your wifexs commandmentx

bassaniox
gox gratianox run and overtake himx
give him the ringx and bring him if thou canst
unto antonioxs housex awayx make hastex

 xxexit gratianoxxx

comex you and i will thither presentlyx
and in the morning early will we both
fly toward belmontx comex antoniox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex a streetx

 enter portia and nerissax

portiax
inquire the jewxs house outx give him this deedx
and let him sign itx wexll away tonightx
and be a day before our husbands homex
this deed will be well welcome to lorenzox

 enter gratianox

gratianox
fair sirx you are well oxertaxenx
my lord bassanio upon more advicex
hath sent you here this ringx and doth entreat
your company at dinnerx

portiax
that cannot bex
his ring i do accept most thankfullyx
and so i pray you tell himx furthermorex
i pray you show my youth old shylockxs housex

gratianox
that will i dox

nerissax
sirx i would speak with youx
xxaside to portiaxxx
ixll see if i can get my husbandxs ringx
which i did make him swear to keep for everx

portiax
xxto nerissaxxx thou maystx i warrantx we shall have old swearing
that they did give the rings away to menx
but wexll outface themx and outswear them toox
awayx make hastex thou knowxst where i will tarryx

nerissax
comex good sirx will you show me to this housex

 xxexeuntxxx


act v

scene ix belmontx the avenue to portiaxs housex

 enter lorenzo and jessicax

lorenzox
the moon shines brightx in such a night as thisx
when the sweet wind did gently kiss the treesx
and they did make no noisex in such a nightx
troilus methinks mounted the trojan wallsx
and sighxd his soul toward the grecian tents
where cressid lay that nightx

jessicax
in such a night
did thisby fearfully oxertrip the dewx
and saw the lionxs shadow ere himselfx
and ran dismayxd awayx

lorenzox
in such a night
stood dido with a willow in her hand
upon the wild seaxbanksx and waft her love
to come again to carthagex

jessicax
in such a night
medea gathered the enchanted herbs
that did renew old xsonx

lorenzox
in such a night
did jessica steal from the wealthy jewx
and with an unthrift love did run from venice
as far as belmontx

jessicax
in such a night
did young lorenzo swear he loved her wellx
stealing her soul with many vows of faithx
and nexer a true onex

lorenzox
in such a night
did pretty jessicax like a little shrewx
slander her lovex and he forgave it herx

jessicax
i would outxnight you did no body comex
but harkx i hear the footing of a manx

 enter stephanox

lorenzox
who comes so fast in silence of the nightx

stephanox
a friendx

lorenzox
a friendx what friendx your namex i pray youx friendx

stephanox
stephano is my namex and i bring word
my mistress will before the break of day
be here at belmontx she doth stray about
by holy crosses where she kneels and prays
for happy wedlock hoursx

lorenzox
who comes with herx

stephanox
none but a holy hermit and her maidx
i pray you is my master yet returnxdx

lorenzox
he is notx nor we have not heard from himx
but go we inx i pray theex jessicax
and ceremoniously let us prepare
some welcome for the mistress of the housex

 enter launceletx

launceletx solax solax wo hax hox solax solax

lorenzox
who callsx

launceletx
solax did you see master lorenzox master lorenzox solax solax

lorenzox
leave holloaingx manx herex

launceletx
solax wherex wherex

lorenzox
herex

launceletx
tell him therexs a post come from my master with his horn full of good
newsx my master will be here ere morningx

 xxexitxxx

lorenzox
sweet soulx letxs inx and there expect their comingx
and yet no matterx why should we go inx
my friend stephanox signifyx i pray youx
within the housex your mistress is at handx
and bring your music forth into the airx

 xxexit stephanoxxx

how sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bankx
here will we sit and let the sounds of music
creep in our earsx soft stillness and the night
become the touches of sweet harmonyx
sitx jessicax look how the floor of heaven
is thick inlaid with patens of bright goldx
therexs not the smallest orb which thou beholdxst
but in his motion like an angel singsx
still quiring to the youngxeyed cherubinsx
such harmony is in immortal soulsx
but whilst this muddy vesture of decay
doth grossly close it inx we cannot hear itx

 enter musiciansx

comex hox and wake diana with a hymnx
with sweetest touches pierce your mistressx earx
and draw her home with musicx

 xxmusicxxx

jessicax
i am never merry when i hear sweet musicx

lorenzox
the reason isx your spirits are attentivex
for do but note a wild and wanton herd
or race of youthful and unhandled coltsx
fetching mad boundsx bellowing and neighing loudx
which is the hot condition of their bloodx
if they but hear perchance a trumpet soundx
or any air of music touch their earsx
you shall perceive them make a mutual standx
their savage eyes turnxd to a modest gaze
by the sweet power of musicx therefore the poet
did feign that orpheus drew treesx stonesx and floodsx
since naught so stockishx hardx and full of ragex
but music for the time doth change his naturex
the man that hath no music in himselfx
nor is not movxd with concord of sweet soundsx
is fit for treasonsx stratagemsx and spoilsx
the motions of his spirit are dull as nightx
and his affections dark as erebusx
let no such man be trustedx mark the musicx

 enter portia and nerissax

portiax
that light we see is burning in my hallx
how far that little candle throws his beamsx
so shines a good deed in a naughty worldx

nerissax
when the moon shone we did not see the candlex

portiax
so doth the greater glory dim the lessx
a substitute shines brightly as a king
until a king be byx and then his state
empties itselfx as doth an inland brook
into the main of watersx musicx harkx

nerissax
it is your musicx madamx of the housex

portiax
nothing is goodx i seex without respectx
methinks it sounds much sweeter than by dayx

nerissax
silence bestows that virtue on itx madamx

portiax
the crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark
when neither is attendedx and i think
the nightingalex if she should sing by day
when every goose is cacklingx would be thought
no better a musician than the wrenx
how many things by season seasonxd are
to their right praise and true perfectionx
peacex how the moon sleeps with endymionx
and would not be awakxdx

 xxmusic ceasesxxx

lorenzox
that is the voicex
or i am much deceivxdx of portiax

portiax
he knows me as the blind man knows the cuckoox
by the bad voicex

lorenzox
dear ladyx welcome homex

portiax
we have been praying for our husbandsx welfarex
which speedx we hopex the better for our wordsx
are they returnxdx

lorenzox
madamx they are not yetx
but there is come a messenger before
to signify their comingx

portiax
go inx nerissax
give order to my servantsx that they take
no note at all of our being absent hencex
nor youx lorenzox jessicax nor youx

 xxa tucket soundsxxx

lorenzox
your husband is at handx i hear his trumpetx
we are no tellxtalesx madamx fear you notx

portiax
this night methinks is but the daylight sickx
it looks a little palerx xtis a day
such as the day is when the sun is hidx

 enter bassaniox antoniox gratiano and their followersx

bassaniox
we should hold day with the antipodesx
if you would walk in absence of the sunx

portiax
let me give lightx but let me not be lightx
for a light wife doth make a heavy husbandx
and never be bassanio so for mex
but god sort allx you are welcome homex my lordx

bassaniox
i thank youx madamx give welcome to my friendx
this is the manx this is antoniox
to whom i am so infinitely boundx

portiax
you should in all sense be much bound to himx
forx as i hearx he was much bound for youx

antoniox
no more than i am well acquitted ofx

portiax
sirx you are very welcome to our housex
it must appear in other ways than wordsx
therefore i scant this breathing courtesyx

gratianox
xxto nerissaxxx by yonder moon i swear you do me wrongx
in faithx i gave it to the judgexs clerkx
would he were gelt that had itx for my partx
since you do take itx lovex so much at heartx

portiax
a quarrelx hox alreadyx whatxs the matterx

gratianox
about a hoop of goldx a paltry ring
that she did give mex whose posy was
for all the world like cutlersx poetry
upon a knifex xlove mex and leave me notxx

nerissax
what talk you of the posyx or the valuex
you swore to me when i did give it youx
that you would wear it till your hour of deathx
and that it should lie with you in your gravex
though not for mex yet for your vehement oathsx
you should have been respective and have kept itx
gave it a judgexs clerkx nox godxs my judgex
the clerk will nexer wear hair onxs face that had itx

gratianox
he willx and if he live to be a manx

nerissax
ayx if a woman live to be a manx

gratianox
nowx by this handx i gave it to a youthx
a kind of boyx a little scrubbed boyx
no higher than thyselfx the judgexs clerkx
a prating boy that beggxd it as a feex
i could not for my heart deny it himx

portiax
you were to blamexxi must be plain with youxx
to part so slightly with your wifexs first giftx
a thing stuck on with oaths upon your fingerx
and so riveted with faith unto your fleshx
i gave my love a ringx and made him swear
never to part with itx and here he standsx
i dare be sworn for him he would not leave it
nor pluck it from his finger for the wealth
that the world mastersx nowx in faithx gratianox
you give your wife too unkind a cause of griefx
an xtwere to me i should be mad at itx

bassaniox
xxasidexxx whyx i were best to cut my left hand offx
and swear i lost the ring defending itx

gratianox
my lord bassanio gave his ring away
unto the judge that beggxd itx and indeed
deservxd it toox and then the boyx his clerkx
that took some pains in writingx he beggxd minex
and neither man nor master would take aught
but the two ringsx

portiax
what ring gave youx my lordx
not thatx i hopex which you receivxd of mex

bassaniox
if i could add a lie unto a faultx
i would deny itx but you see my finger
hath not the ring upon itx it is gonex

portiax
even so void is your false heart of truthx
by heavenx i will nexer come in your bed
until i see the ringx

nerissax
nor i in yours
till i again see minex

bassaniox
sweet portiax
if you did know to whom i gave the ringx
if you did know for whom i gave the ringx
and would conceive for what i gave the ringx
and how unwillingly i left the ringx
when nought would be accepted but the ringx
you would abate the strength of your displeasurex

portiax
if you had known the virtue of the ringx
or half her worthiness that gave the ringx
or your own honour to contain the ringx
you would not then have parted with the ringx
what man is there so much unreasonablex
if you had pleasxd to have defended it
with any terms of zealx wanted the modesty
to urge the thing held as a ceremonyx
nerissa teaches me what to believex
ixll die forxt but some woman had the ringx

bassaniox
nox by my honourx madamx by my soulx
no woman had itx but a civil doctorx
which did refuse three thousand ducats of mex
and beggxd the ringx the which i did deny himx
and sufferxd him to go displeasxd awayx
even he that had held up the very life
of my dear friendx what should i sayx sweet ladyx
i was enforcxd to send it after himx
i was beset with shame and courtesyx
my honour would not let ingratitude
so much besmear itx pardon mex good ladyx
for by these blessed candles of the nightx
had you been therex i think you would have beggxd
the ring of me to give the worthy doctorx

portiax
let not that doctor exer come near my housex
since he hath got the jewel that i lovedx
and that which you did swear to keep for mex
i will become as liberal as youx
ixll not deny him anything i havex
nox not my bodyx nor my husbandxs bedx
know him i shallx i am well sure of itx
lie not a night from homex watch me like argusx
if you do notx if i be left alonex
now by mine honour which is yet mine ownx
ixll have that doctor for mine bedfellowx

nerissax
and i his clerkx therefore be well advisxd
how you do leave me to mine own protectionx

gratianox
wellx do you sox let not me take him thenx
for if i dox ixll mar the young clerkxs penx

antoniox
i am thx unhappy subject of these quarrelsx

portiax
sirx grieve not youx you are welcome notwithstandingx

bassaniox
portiax forgive me this enforced wrongx
and in the hearing of these many friends
i swear to theex even by thine own fair eyesx
wherein i see myselfx

portiax
mark you but thatx
in both my eyes he doubly sees himselfx
in each eye onex swear by your double selfx
and therexs an oath of creditx

bassaniox
nayx but hear mex
pardon this faultx and by my soul i swear
i never more will break an oath with theex

antoniox
i once did lend my body for his wealthx
which but for him that had your husbandxs ring
had quite miscarriedx i dare be bound againx
my soul upon the forfeitx that your lord
will never more break faith advisedlyx

portiax
then you shall be his suretyx give him thisx
and bid him keep it better than the otherx

antoniox
herex lord bassaniox swear to keep this ringx

bassaniox
by heavenx it is the same i gave the doctorx

portiax
i had it of himx pardon mex bassaniox
for by this ringx the doctor lay with mex

nerissax
and pardon mex my gentle gratianox
for that same scrubbed boyx the doctorxs clerkx
in lieu of thisx last night did lie with mex

gratianox
whyx this is like the mending of highways
in summerx where the ways are fair enoughx
whatx are we cuckolds ere we have deservxd itx

portiax
speak not so grosslyx you are all amazxdx
here is a letterx read it at your leisurex
it comes from padua from bellariox
there you shall find that portia was the doctorx
nerissa therex her clerkx lorenzo here
shall witness i set forth as soon as youx
and even but now returnxdx i have not yet
enterxd my housex antoniox you are welcomex
and i have better news in store for you
than you expectx unseal this letter soonx
there you shall find three of your argosies
are richly come to harbour suddenlyx
you shall not know by what strange accident
i chanced on this letterx

antoniox
i am dumbx

bassaniox
were you the doctorx and i knew you notx

gratianox
were you the clerk that is to make me cuckoldx

nerissax
ayx but the clerk that never means to do itx
unless he live until he be a manx

bassaniox
sweet doctorx you shall be my bedfellowx
when i am absentx then lie with my wifex

antoniox
sweet ladyx you have given me life and livingx
for here i read for certain that my ships
are safely come to roadx

portiax
how nowx lorenzox
my clerk hath some good comforts too for youx

nerissax
ayx and ixll give them him without a feex
there do i give to you and jessicax
from the rich jewx a special deed of giftx
after his deathx of all he dies possessxd ofx

lorenzox
fair ladiesx you drop manna in the way
of starved peoplex

portiax
it is almost morningx
and yet i am sure you are not satisfied
of these events at fullx let us go inx
and charge us there upon interxgatoriesx
and we will answer all things faithfullyx

gratianox
let it be sox the first interxgatory
that my nerissa shall be sworn on isx
whether till the next night she had rather stayx
or go to bed nowx being two hours to dayx
but were the day comex i should wish it dark
till i were couching with the doctorxs clerkx
wellx while i livex ixll fear no other thing
so sore as keeping safe nerissaxs ringx

 xxexeuntxxx



the merry wives of windsor

dramatis personae

  sir john falstaff
  fentonx a young gentleman
  shallowx a country justice
  slenderx cousin to shallow

    gentlemen of windsor
  ford
  page
  william pagex a boyx son to page
  sir hugh evansx a welsh parson
  doctor caiusx a french physician
  host of the garter inn

    followers of falstaff
  bardolph
  pistol
  nym
  robinx page to falstaff
  simplex servant to slender
  rugbyx servant to doctor caius

  mistress ford
  mistress page
  mistress anne pagex her daughter
  mistress quicklyx servant to doctor caius
  servants to pagex fordx etcx

scenex windsorx and the neighbourhood

act ix scene xx

windsorx before pagexs house

enter justice shallowx slenderx and sir hugh evans

  shallowx sir hughx persuade me notx i will make a star
    chamber matter of itx if he were twenty sir john falstaffsx
    he shall not abuse robert shallowx esquirex
  slenderx in the county of gloucesterx justice of peacex and
    coramx
  shallowx ayx cousin slenderx and custalorumx
  slenderx ayx and ratolorum toox and a gentleman bornx
    master parsonx who writes himself xarmigerox in any billx
    warrantx quittancex or obligationxxarmigeroxx
  shallowx ayx that i dox and have done any time these three
    hundred yearsx
  slenderx all his successorsx gone before himx hath donextx
    and all his ancestorsx that come after himx mayx they may
    give the dozen white luces in their coatx
  shallowx it is an old coatx
  evansx the dozen white louses do become an old coat wellx
    it agrees wellx passantx it is a familiar beast to manx and
    signifies lovex
  shallowx the luce is the fresh fishx the salt fish is an old
    coatx
  slenderx i may quarterx cozx
  shallowx you mayx by marryingx
  evansx it is marring indeedx if he quarter itx
  shallowx not a whitx
  evansx yesx pyxr ladyx if he has a quarter of your coatx there
    is but three skirts for yourselfx in my simple conjecturesx
    but that is all onex if sir john falstaff have committed
    disparagements unto youx i am of the churchx and will be
    glad to do my benevolencex to make atonements and
    compremises between youx
  shallowx the council shall hear itx it is a riotx
  evansx it is not meet the council hear a riotx there is no
    fear of got in a riotx the councilx look youx shall desire
    to hear the fear of gotx and not to hear a riotx take your
    vizaments in thatx
  shallowx hax ox my lifex if i were young againx the sword
    should end itx
  evansx it is petter that friends is the sword and end itx
    and there is also another device in my prainx which
    peradventure prings goot discretions with itx there is anne
    pagex which is daughter to master george pagex which is
    pretty virginityx
  slenderx mistress anne pagex she has brown hairx and
    speaks small like a womanx
  evansx it is that fery person for all the orldx as just as you
    will desirex and seven hundred pounds of moneysx and
    goldx and silverx is her grandsire upon his deathxsxbedxgot
    deliver to a joyful resurrectionsxxgivex when she is able to
    overtake seventeen years oldx it were a goot motion if we
    leave our pribbles and prabblesx and desire a marriage
    between master abraham and mistress anne pagex
  shallowx did her grandsire leave her seven hundred poundx
  evansx ayx and her father is make her a petter pennyx
  shallowx i know the young gentlewomanx she has good
    giftsx
  evansx seven hundred poundsx and possibilitiesx is goot giftsx
  shallowx wellx let us see honest master pagex is falstaff
    therex
  evansx shall i tell you a liex i do despise a liar as i do
    despise one that is falsex or as i despise one that is not
    truex the knight sir john is therex andx i beseech youx be
    ruled by your wellxwillersx i will peat the door for master
    pagex
    xknocksx  whatx hoax got pless your house herex
  pagex  xwithinx  whoxs therex

                            enter page

  evansx here is gotxs plessingx and your friendx and justice
  shallowx and here young master slenderx that peradventures
    shall tell you another talex if matters grow to your
    likingsx
  pagex i am glad to see your worships wellx i thank you for
    my venisonx master shallowx
  shallowx master pagex i am glad to see youx much good do
    it your good heartx i wishxd your venison betterx it was ill
    killxdx how doth good mistress pagexxand i thank you
    always with my heartx lax with my heartx
  pagex sirx i thank youx
  shallowx sirx i thank youx by yea and nox i dox
  pagex i am glad to see youx good master slenderx
  slenderx how does your fallow greyhoundx sirx i heard say
    he was outrun on cotsallx
  pagex it could not be judgxdx sirx
  slenderx youxll not confessx youxll not confessx
  shallowx that he will notx xtis your faultx xtis your faultx
    xtis a good dogx
  pagex a curx sirx
  shallowx sirx hexs a good dogx and a fair dogx can there be
    more saidx he is goodx and fairx is sir john falstaff herex
  pagex sirx he is withinx and i would i could do a good office
    between youx
  evansx it is spoke as a christians ought to speakx
  shallowx he hath wrongxd mex master pagex
  pagex sirx he doth in some sort confess itx
  shallowx if it be confessedx it is not redressedx is not that
    sox master pagex he hath wrongxd mex indeed he hathx at a
    wordx he hathx believe mex robert shallowx esquirex saith
    he is wrongedx
  pagex here comes sir johnx

      enter sir john falstaffx bardolphx nymx and pistol

  falstaffx nowx master shallowx youxll complain of me to
    the kingx
  shallowx knightx you have beaten my menx killxd my deerx
    and broke open my lodgex
  falstaffx but not kissxd your keeperxs daughterx
  shallowx tutx a pinx this shall be answerxdx
  falstaffx i will answer it straightx i have done all thisx
    that is now answerxdx
  shallowx the council shall know thisx
  falstaffx xtwere better for you if it were known in counselx
    youxll be laughxd atx
  evansx pauca verbax sir johnx goot wortsx
  falstaffx good wortsx good cabbagex slenderx i broke your
    headx what matter have you against mex
  slenderx marryx sirx i have matter in my head against youx
    and against your conyxcatching rascalsx bardolphx nymx
    and pistolx they carried me to the tavernx and made me
    drunkx and afterwards pickxd my pocketx
  bardolphx you banbury cheesex
  slenderx ayx it is no matterx
  pistolx how nowx mephostophilusx
  slenderx ayx it is no matterx
  nymx slicex i sayx paucax paucax slicex thatxs my humourx
  slenderx wherexs simplex my manx can you tellx cousinx
  evansx peacex i pray youx now let us understandx there is
    three umpires in this matterx as i understandx that isx
    master pagex fidelicet master pagex and there is myselfx
    fidelicet myselfx and the three party isx lastly and
    finallyx mine host of the garterx
  pagex we three to hear it and end it between themx
  evansx fery gootx i will make a prief of it in my notexbookx
    and we will afterwards ork upon the cause with as great
    discreetly as we canx
  falstaffx pistolx
  pistolx he hears with earsx
  evansx the tevil and his tamx what phrase is thisx xhe hears
    with earxx whyx it is affectationsx
  falstaffx pistolx did you pick master slenderxs pursex
  slenderx ayx by these glovesx did hexor i would i might
    never come in mine own great chamber again elsexxof
    seven groats in millxsixpencesx and two edward
    shovelxboards that cost me two shilling and two pence apiece
    of yead millerx by these glovesx
  falstaffx is this truex pistolx
  evansx nox it is falsex if it is a pickxpursex
  pistolx hax thou mountainxforeignerx sir john and master
    minex
    i combat challenge of this latten bilbox
    word of denial in thy labras herex
    word of denialx froth and scumx thou liestx
  slenderx by these glovesx thenx xtwas hex
  nymx be avisxdx sirx and pass good humoursx i will say
    xmarry trapx with youx if you run the nuthookxs humour on
    mex that is the very note of itx
  slenderx by this hatx thenx he in the red face had itx for
    though i cannot remember what i did when you made me
    drunkx yet i am not altogether an assx
  falstaffx what say youx scarlet and johnx
  bardolphx whyx sirx for my partx i say the gentleman had
    drunk himself out of his five sentencesx
  evansx it is his five sensesx fiex what the ignorance isx
  bardolphx and being fapx sirx wasx as they sayx cashierxdx
    and so conclusions passxd the careersx
  slenderx ayx you spake in latin then toox but xtis no matterx
    ixll nexer be drunk whilst i live againx but in honestx
    civilx godly companyx for this trickx if i be drunkx ixll be
    drunk with those that have the fear of godx and not with
    drunken knavesx
  evansx so got udge mex that is a virtuous mindx
  falstaffx you hear all these matters denixdx gentlemenx you
    hear itx

          enter mistress anne page with winex mistress
               ford and mistress pagex following

  pagex nayx daughterx carry the wine inx wexll drink withinx
                                                  exit anne page
  slenderx o heavenx this is mistress anne pagex
  pagex how nowx mistress fordx
  falstaffx mistress fordx by my trothx you are very well
    metx by your leavex good mistressx              xkisses herx
  pagex wifex bid these gentlemen welcomex comex we have a
    hot venison pasty to dinnerx comex gentlemenx i hope we
    shall drink down all unkindnessx
                      exeunt all but shallowx slenderx and evans
  slenderx i had rather than forty shillings i had my book of
    songs and sonnets herex

                          enter simple

    howx simplex where have you beenx i must wait on
    myselfx must ix you have not the book of riddles about youx
    have youx
  simplex book of riddlesx whyx did you not lend it to alice
    shortcake upon allhallowmas lastx a fortnight afore
    michaelmasx
  shallowx comex cozx comex cozx we stay for youx a word
    with youx cozx marryx thisx cozx there isx as xtwerex a
    tenderx a kind of tenderx made afar off by sir hugh herex do
    you understand mex
  slenderx ayx sirx you shall find me reasonablex if it be sox i
    shall do that that is reasonx
  shallowx nayx but understand mex
  slenderx so i dox sirx
  evansx give ear to his motionsx master slenderx i will
    description the matter to youx if you be capacity of itx
  slenderx nayx i will do as my cousin shallow saysx i pray
    you pardon mex hexs a justice of peace in his countryx
    simple though i stand herex
  evansx but that is not the questionx the question is
    concerning your marriagex
  shallowx ayx therexs the pointx sirx
  evansx marry is itx the very point of itx to mistress anne
    pagex
  slenderx whyx if it be sox i will marry her upon any
    reasonable demandsx
  evansx but can you affection the omanx let us command to
    know that of your mouth or of your lipsx for divers philosophers
    hold that the lips is parcel of the mouthx thereforex
    preciselyx can you carry your good will to the maidx
  shallowx cousin abraham slenderx can you love herx
  slenderx i hopex sirx i will do as it shall become one that
    would do reasonx
  evansx nayx gotxs lords and his ladiesx you must speak possitablex
    if you can carry her your desires towards herx
  shallowx that you mustx will youx upon good dowryx
    marry herx
  slenderx i will do a greater thing than that upon your requestx
    cousinx in any reasonx
  shallowx nayx conceive mex conceive mex sweet cozx what
    i do is to pleasure youx cozx can you love the maidx
  slenderx i will marry herx sirx at your requestx but if there
    be no great love in the beginningx yet heaven may decrease
    it upon better acquaintancex when we are married and
    have more occasion to know one anotherx i hope upon
    familiarity will grow more contemptx but if you say
    xmarry herxx i will marry herx that i am freely dissolvedx
    and dissolutelyx
  evansx it is a fery discretion answerx save the fall is in the
    ord xdissolutelyxx the ort isx according to our meaningx
    xresolutelyxx his meaning is goodx
  shallowx ayx i think my cousin meant wellx
  slenderx ayx or else i would i might be hangxdx lax

                       rexenter anne page

  shallowx here comes fair mistress annex would i were
    young for your sakex mistress annex
  annex the dinner is on the tablex my father desires your
    worshipsx companyx
  shallowx i will wait on himx fair mistress annex
  evansx odxs plessed willx i will not be absence at the gracex
                                        exeunt shallow and evans
  annex willxt please your worship to come inx sirx
  slenderx nox i thank youx forsoothx heartilyx i am very
    wellx
  annex the dinner attends youx sirx
  slenderx i am not axhungryx i thank youx forsoothx gox
    sirrahx for all you are my manx go wait upon my cousin
  shallowx  xexit simplex  a justice of peace sometime may
    be beholding to his friend for a manx i keep but three men
    and a boy yetx till my mother be deadx but what thoughx
    yet i live like a poor gentleman bornx
  annex i may not go in without your worshipx they will not
    sit till you comex
  slenderx ix faithx ixll eat nothingx i thank you as much as
    though i didx
  annex i pray youx sirx walk inx
  slenderx i had rather walk herex i thank youx i bruisxd my
    shin thx other day with playing at sword and dagger with
    a master of fencexthree veneys for a dish of stewxd prunes
    xandx i with my ward defending my headx he hot my shinx
    andx by my trothx i cannot abide the smell of hot meat
    sincex why do your dogs bark sox be there bears ix thx
    townx
  annex i think there arex sirx i heard them talkxd ofx
  slenderx i love the sport wellx but i shall as soon quarrel at
    it as any man in englandx you are afraidx if you see the
    bear loosex are you notx
  annex ayx indeedx sirx
  slenderx thatxs meat and drink to me nowx i have seen
    sackerson loose twenty timesx and have taken him by the
    chainx but i warrant youx the women have so cried and
    shriekxd at it that it passxdx but womenx indeedx cannot
    abide xemx they are very illxfavourxd rough thingsx

                         rexenter page

  pagex comex gentle master slenderx comex we stay for youx
  slenderx ixll eat nothingx i thank youx sirx
  pagex by cock and piex you shall not choosex sirx comex
    comex
  slenderx nayx pray you lead the wayx
  pagex come onx sirx
  slenderx mistress annex yourself shall go firstx
  annex not ix sirx pray you keep onx
  slenderx trulyx i will not go firstx trulyx lax i will not do
    you that wrongx
  annex i pray youx sirx
  slenderx ixll rather be unmannerly than troublesomex you
    do yourself wrong indeedx lax                         exeunt

scene xx

before pagexs house

enter sir hugh evans and simple

  evansx go your waysx and ask of doctor caiusx house which
    is the wayx and there dwells one mistress quicklyx which
    is in the manner of his nursex or his dry nursex or his cookx
    or his laundryx his washerx and his wringerx
  simplex wellx sirx
  evansx nayx it is petter yetx give her this letterx for it is a
    oman that altogetherxs acquaintance with mistress anne
    pagex and the letter is to desire and require her to solicit
    your masterxs desires to mistress anne pagex i pray you
    be gonex i will make an end of my dinnerx therexs pippins
    and cheese to comex                                   exeunt

scene xx

the garter inn

enter falstaffx hostx bardolphx nymx pistolx and robin

  falstaffx mine host of the garterx
  hostx what says my bully rookx speak scholarly and
    wiselyx
  falstaffx trulyx mine hostx i must turn away some of my
    followersx
  hostx discardx bully herculesx cashierx let them wagx trotx
    trotx
  falstaffx i sit at ten pounds a weekx
  hostx thouxrt an emperorxcaesarx keiserx and pheazarx i
    will entertain bardolphx he shall drawx he shall tapx said i
    wellx bully hectorx
  falstaffx do sox good mine hostx
  hostx i have spokex let him followx  xto bardolphx  let me
    see thee froth and limex i am at a wordx followx   exit host
  falstaffx bardolphx follow himx a tapster is a good tradex
    an old cloak makes a new jerkinx a witherxd servingxman a
    fresh tapsterx gox adieux
  bardolphx it is a life that i have desirxdx i will thrivex
  pistolx o base hungarian wightx wilt thou the spigot
    wieldx                                         exit bardolph
  nymx he was gotten in drinkx is not the humour conceitedx
  falstaffx i am glad i am so acquit of this tinderxboxx his
    thefts were too openx his filching was like an unskilful
    singerxhe kept not timex
  nymx the good humour is to steal at a minutexs restx
  pistolx xconveyx the wise it callx xstealx fohx a fico for the
    phrasex
  falstaffx wellx sirsx i am almost out at heelsx
  pistolx whyx thenx let kibes ensuex
  falstaffx there is no remedyx i must conyxcatchx i must
    shiftx
  pistolx young ravens must have foodx
  falstaffx which of you know ford of this townx
  pistolx i ken the wightx he is of substance goodx
  falstaffx my honest ladsx i will tell you what i am aboutx
  pistolx two yardsx and morex
  falstaffx no quips nowx pistolx indeedx i am in the waist
    two yards aboutx but i am now about no wastex i am about
    thriftx brieflyx i do mean to make love to fordxs wifex i
    spy entertainment in herx she discoursesx she carvesx she
    gives the leer of invitationx i can construe the action of her
    familiar stylex and the hardest voice of her behaviourx to be
    englishxd rightlyx is xi am sir john falstaffxsxx
    pistolx he hath studied her wellx and translated her will out
    of honesty into englishx
  nymx the anchor is deepx will that humour passx
  falstaffx nowx the report goes she has all the rule of her
    husbandxs pursex he hath a legion of angelsx
  pistolx as many devils entertainx and xto herx boyxx say ix
  nymx the humour risesx it is goodx humour me the angelsx
  falstaffx i have writ me here a letter to herx and here
    another to pagexs wifex who even now gave me good eyes
    toox examinxd my parts with most judicious oeilladesx
    sometimes the beam of her view gilded my footx sometimes my
    portly bellyx
  pistolx then did the sun on dunghill shinex
  nymx i thank thee for that humourx
  falstaffx ox she did so course oxer my exteriors with such
    a greedy intention that the appetite of her eye did seem to
    scorch me up like a burningxglassx herexs another letter to
    herx she bears the purse toox she is a region in guianax all
    gold and bountyx i will be cheaters to them bothx and they
    shall be exchequers to mex they shall be my east and west
    indiesx and i will trade to them bothx gox bear thou this
    letter to mistress pagex and thou this to mistress fordx we
    will thrivex ladsx we will thrivex
  pistolx shall i sir pandarus of troy becomex
    and by my side wear steelx then lucifer take allx
  nymx i will run no base humourx herex take the
    humourxletterx i will keep the haviour of reputationx
  falstaffx  xto robinx  holdx sirrahx bear you these letters
    tightlyx
    sail like my pinnace to these golden shoresx
    roguesx hencex avauntx vanish like hailstonesx gox
    trudgex plod away ix thx hoofx seek shelterx packx
    falstaff will learn the humour of the agex
    french thriftx you roguesx myselfx and skirted pagex
                                       exeunt falstaff and robin
  pistolx let vultures gripe thy gutsx for gourd and fullam
    holdsx
    and high and low beguiles the rich and poorx
    tester ixll have in pouch when thou shalt lackx
    base phrygian turkx
  nymx i have operations in my head which be humours of
    revengex
  pistolx wilt thou revengex
  nymx by welkin and her starx
  pistolx with wit or steelx
  nymx with both the humoursx ix
    i will discuss the humour of this love to pagex
  pistolx and i to ford shall eke unfold
    how falstaffx varlet vilex
    his dove will provex his gold will holdx
    and his soft couch defilex
  nymx my humour shall not coolx i will incense page to deal
    with poisonx i will possess him with yellownessx for the
    revolt of mine is dangerousx that is my true humourx
  pistolx thou art the mars of malcontentsx i second theex
    troop onx                                             exeunt

scene xx

doctor caiusxs house

enter mistress quicklyx simplex and rugby

  quicklyx whatx john rugbyx i pray thee go to the casement
    and see if you can see my masterx master doctor
    caiusx comingx if he dox ix faithx and find anybody in the
    housex here will be an old abusing of godxs patience and
    the kingxs englishx
  rugbyx ixll go watchx
  quicklyx gox and wexll have a posset forxt soon at nightx in
    faithx at the latter end of a seaxcoal firex  xexit rugbyx  an
    honestx willingx kind fellowx as ever servant shall come in
    house withalx andx i warrant youx no tellxtale nor no
    breedxbatex his worst fault is that he is given to prayerx he is
    something peevish that wayx but nobody but has his faultx
    but let that passx peter simple you say your name isx
  simplex ayx for fault of a betterx
  quicklyx and master slenderxs your masterx
  simplex ayx forsoothx
  quicklyx does he not wear a great round beardx like a
    gloverxs paringxknifex
  simplex nox forsoothx he hath but a little whey facex with a
    little yellow beardx a cainxcolourxd beardx
  quicklyx a softlyxsprighted manx is he notx
  simplex ayx forsoothx but he is as tall a man of his hands as
    any is between this and his headx he hath fought with a
    warrenerx
  quicklyx how say youx ox i should remember himx does
    he not hold up his headx as it werex and strut in his gaitx
  simplex yesx indeedx does hex
  quicklyx wellx heaven send anne page no worse fortunex
    tell master parson evans i will do what i can for your
    masterx anne is a good girlx and i wishx

                         rexenter rugby

  rugbyx outx alasx here comes my masterx
  quicklyx we shall all be shentx run in herex good young
    manx go into this closetx  xshuts simple in the closetx  he
    will not stay longx whatx john rugbyx johnx whatx johnx
    i sayx gox johnx go inquire for my masterx i doubt he be
    not well that he comes not homex  xsingingx
    and downx downx adownxax etcx

                       enter doctor caius

  caiusx vat is you singx i do not like des toysx pray youx go
    and vetch me in my closet un boitier vertxa boxx a greenxa
    boxx do intend vat i speakx a greenxa boxx
  quicklyx ayx forsoothx ixll fetch it youx  xasidex  i am glad
    he went not in himselfx if he had found the young manx
    he would have been hornxmadx
  caiusx fex fex fe fex ma foix il fait fort chaudx je mxen vais a
    la courxla grande affairex
  quicklyx is it thisx sirx
  caiusx ouix mette le au mon pocketx depechex quicklyx vere
    is dat knavex rugbyx
  quicklyx whatx john rugbyx johnx
  rugbyx herex sirx
  caiusx you are john rugbyx and you are jack rugbyx
    comex takexa your rapierx and come after my heel to the
    courtx
  rugbyx xtis readyx sirx here in the porchx
    caiusx by my trotx i tarry too longx odxs mex quxai jxoubliex
    dere is some simples in my closet dat i vill not for the
    varld i shall leave behindx
  quicklyx ay mex hexll find the young man therex and be
    madx
  caiusx o diablex diablex vat is in my closetx villainyx larronx
    xpulling simple outx  rugbyx my rapierx
  quicklyx good masterx be contentx
  caiusx wherefore shall i be contentxax
  quicklyx the young man is an honest manx
  caiusx what shall de honest man do in my closetx dere is
    no honest man dat shall come in my closetx
  quicklyx i beseech youx be not so phlegmaticx hear the
    truth of itx he came of an errand to me from parson hughx
  caiusx vellx
  simplex ayx forsoothx to desire her tox
  quicklyx peacex i pray youx
  caiusx peacexa your tonguex speakxa your talex
  simplex to desire this honest gentlewomanx your maidx to
    speak a good word to mistress anne page for my masterx
    in the way of marriagex
  quicklyx this is allx indeedx lax but ixll nexer put my finger
    in the firex and need notx
  caiusx sir hugh sendxa youx rugbyx baillez me some paperx
    tarry you a littlexaxwhilex                        xwritesx
  quicklyx  xaside to simplex  i am glad he is so quietx if he
    had been throughly movedx you should have heard him
    so loud and so melancholyx but notwithstandingx manx ixll
    do you your master what good i canx and the very yea and
    the no isx the french doctorx my masterxi may call him
    my masterx look youx for i keep his housex and i washx
    wringx brewx bakex scourx dress meat and drinkx make the
    bedsx and do all myselfx
  simplex  xaside to quicklyx  xtis a great charge to come
    under one bodyxs handx
  quicklyx  xaside to simplex  are you avisxd ox thatx you
    shall find it a great chargex and to be up early and down
    latex but notwithstandingxto tell you in your earx i would
    have no words of itxmy master himself is in love with
    mistress anne pagex but notwithstanding thatx i know
    annexs mindxthatxs neither here nor therex
  caiusx you jackxnapex givexa this letter to sir hughx by garx
    it is a shallengex i will cut his troat in de parkx and i will
    teach a scurvy jackxaxnape priest to meddle or makex you
    may be gonex it is not good you tarry herex by garx i will
    cut all his two stonesx by garx he shall not have a stone
    to throw at his dogx                             exit simple
  quicklyx alasx he speaks but for his friendx
  caiusx it is no matterxa ver datx do not you tellxa me dat i
    shall have anne page for myselfx by garx i vill kill de jack
    priestx and i have appointed mine host of de jarteer to
    measure our weaponx by garx i will myself have anne
    pagex
  quicklyx sirx the maid loves youx and all shall be wellx we
    must give folks leave to pratex what the goodxyearx
  caiusx rugbyx come to the court with mex by garx if i have
    not anne pagex i shall turn your head out of my doorx
    follow my heelsx rugbyx               exeunt caius and rugby
  quicklyx you shall havexan foolxsxhead of your ownx nox
    i know annexs mind for thatx never a woman in windsor
    knows more of annexs mind than i dox nor can do more
    than i do with herx i thank heavenx
  fentonx  xwithinx  whoxs within therex hox
  quicklyx whoxs therex i trowx come near the housex i pray
    youx

                          enter fenton

  fentonx how nowx good womanx how dost thoux
  quicklyx the better that it pleases your good worship to
    askx
  fentonx what newsx how does pretty mistress annex
  quicklyx in truthx sirx and she is prettyx and honestx and
    gentlex and one that is your friendx i can tell you that by
    the wayx i praise heaven for itx
  fentonx shall i do any goodx thinkxst thoux shall i not lose
    my suitx
  quicklyx trothx sirx all is in his hands abovex but
    notwithstandingx master fentonx ixll be sworn on a book
    she loves youx have not your worship a wart above your eyex
  fentonx yesx marryx have ix what of thatx
  quicklyx wellx thereby hangs a talex good faithx it is such
    another nanx butx i detestx an honest maid as ever broke
    breadx we had an hourxs talk of that wartx i shall never
    laugh but in that maidxs companyx butx indeedx she is
    given too much to allicholy and musingx but for youxwellx
    go tox
  fentonx wellx i shall see her toxdayx holdx therexs money
    for theex let me have thy voice in my behalfx if thou seest
    her before mex commend mex
  quicklyx will ix ix faithx that we willx and i will tell your
    worship more of the wart the next time we have confidencex
    and of other wooersx
  fentonx wellx farewellx i am in great haste nowx
  quicklyx farewell to your worshipx  xexit fentonx  trulyx
    an honest gentlemanx but anne loves him notx for i know
    annexs mind as well as another doesx out upon xtx what
    have i forgotx                                          exit

act iix scene xx

before pagexs house

enter mistress pagex with a letter

  mrsx pagex whatx have i scapxd lovexletters in the holidayxtime
    of my beautyx and am i now a subject for themx let
    me seex                                              xreadsx
    xask me no reason why i love youx for though love use
    reason for his precisianx he admits him not for his counsellorx
    you are not youngx no more am ix go tox thenx therexs
    sympathyx you are merryx so am ix hax hax then therexs
    more sympathyx you love sackx and so do ix would you
    desire better sympathyx let it suffice theex mistress page
    at the leastx if the love of soldier can sufficexthat i love
    theex i will not sayx pity mex xtis not a soldierxlike phrasex
    but i sayx love mex by mex
    thine own true knightx
    by day or nightx
    or any kind of lightx
    with all his mightx
    for thee to fightx
    john falstaffxx
    what a herod of jewry is thisx o wickedx wicked worldx
    one that is wellxnigh worn to pieces with age to show
    himself a young gallantx what an unweighed behaviour
    hath this flemish drunkard pickxdxwith the devilxs namex
    xout of my conversationx that he dares in this manner
    assay mex whyx he hath not been thrice in my companyx
    what should i say to himx i was then frugal of my mirthx
    heaven forgive mex whyx ixll exhibit a bill in the parliament
    for the putting down of menx how shall i be
    revengxd on himx for revengxd i will bex as sure as his guts
    are made of puddingsx

                       enter mistress ford

  mrsx fordx mistress pagex trust mex i was going to your
    housex
  mrsx pagex andx trust mex i was coming to youx you look
    very illx
  mrsx fordx nayx ixll nexer believe thatx i have to show to
    the contraryx
  mrsx pagex faithx but you dox in my mindx
  mrsx fordx wellx i dox thenx yetx i sayx i could show you to
    the contraryx o mistress pagex give me some counselx
  mrsx pagex whatxs the matterx womanx
  mrsx fordx o womanx if it were not for one trifling respectx
    i could come to such honourx
  mrsx pagex hang the triflex womanx take the honourx what
    is itx dispense with triflesx what is itx
  mrsx fordx if i would but go to hell for an eternal moment
    or sox i could be knightedx
  mrsx pagex whatx thou liestx sir alice fordx these knights
    will hackx and so thou shouldst not alter the article of thy
    gentryx
  mrsx fordx we burn daylightx herex readx readx perceive
    how i might be knightedx i shall think the worse of fat
    men as long as i have an eye to make difference of menxs
    likingx and yet he would not swearx praisxd womenxs
    modestyx and gave such orderly and wellxbehaved reproof
    to all uncomeliness that i would have sworn his disposition
    would have gone to the truth of his wordsx but they do no
    more adhere and keep place together than the hundredth
    psalm to the tune of xgreensleevesxx what tempestx i trowx
    threw this whalex with so many tuns of oil in his bellyx
    ashore at windsorx how shall i be revenged on himx i
    think the best way were to entertain him with hopex till
    the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his own greasex
    did you ever hear the likex
  mrsx pagex letter for letterx but that the name of page and
    ford differsx to thy great comfort in this mystery of ill
    opinionsx herexs the twinxbrother of thy letterx but let thine
    inherit firstx forx i protestx mine never shallx i warrant he
    hath a thousand of these lettersx writ with blank space for
    different namesxsurex morexxand these are of the second
    editionx he will print themx out of doubtx for he cares not
    what he puts into the press when he would put us twox i
    had rather be a giantess and lie under mount pelionx wellx
    i will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste
    manx
  mrsx fordx whyx this is the very samex the very handx the
    very wordsx what doth he think of usx
  mrsx pagex nayx i know notx it makes me almost ready to
    wrangle with mine own honestyx ixll entertain myself like
    one that i am not acquainted withalx forx surex unless he
    know some strain in me that i know not myselfx he would
    never have boarded me in this furyx
  mrsx fordx xboardingx call you itx ixll be sure to keep him
    above deckx
  mrsx pagex so will ix if he come under my hatchesx ixll never
    to sea againx letxs be revengxd on himx letxs appoint him a
    meetingx give him a show of comfort in his suitx and lead
    him on with a finexbaited delayx till he hath pawnxd his
    horses to mine host of the garterx
  mrsx fordx nayx i will consent to act any villainy against
    him that may not sully the chariness of our honestyx o
    that my husband saw this letterx it would give eternal food
    to his jealousyx
  mrsx pagex whyx look where he comesx and my good man
    toox hexs as far from jealousy as i am from giving him
    causex and thatx i hopex is an unmeasurable distancex
  mrsx fordx you are the happier womanx
  mrsx pagex letxs consult together against this greasy knightx
    come hitherx                                   xthey retirex

           enter ford with pistolx and page with nym

  fordx wellx i hope it be not sox
  pistolx hope is a curtal dog in some affairsx
    sir john affects thy wifex
  fordx whyx sirx my wife is not youngx
  pistolx he woos both high and lowx both rich and poorx
    both young and oldx one with anotherx fordx
    he loves the gallimaufryx fordx perpendx
  fordx love my wifex
  pistolx with liver burning hotx preventx or go thoux
    like sir actaeon hex with ringwood at thy heelsx
    ox odious is the namex
  fordx what namex sirx
  pistolx the hornx i sayx farewellx
    take heedx have open eyex for thieves do foot by nightx
    take heedx ere summer comesx or cuckoo birds do singx
    awayx sir corporal nymx
    believe itx pagex he speaks sensex               exit pistol
  fordx  xasidex  i will be patientx i will find out thisx
  nymx  xto pagex  and this is truex i like not the humour of
    lyingx he hath wronged me in some humoursx i should
    have borne the humourxd letter to herx but i have a swordx
    and it shall bite upon my necessityx he loves your wifex
    therexs the short and the longx
    my name is corporal nymx i speakx and i avouchx
    xtis truex my name is nymx and falstaff loves your wifex
    adieux i love not the humour of bread and cheesex and
    therexs the humour of itx adieux                    exit nym
  pagex xthe humour of itxx quoth xax herexs a fellow frights
    english out of his witsx
  fordx i will seek out falstaffx
  pagex i never heard such a drawlingx affecting roguex
  fordx if i do find itxwellx
  pagex i will not believe such a cataian though the priest ox
    thx town commended him for a true manx
  fordx xtwas a good sensible fellowx wellx

             mistress page and mistress ford come forward

  pagex how nowx megx
  mrsx pagex whither go youx georgex hark youx
  mrsx fordx how nowx sweet frankx why art thou melancholyx
  fordx i melancholyx i am not melancholyx get you homex
    gox
  mrsx fordx faithx thou hast some crotchets in thy head nowx
    will you gox mistress pagex

                     enter mistress quickly

  mrsx pagex have with youx youxll come to dinnerx georgex
    xaside to mrsx fordx  look who comes yonderx she shall
    be our messenger to this paltry knightx
  mrsx fordx  xaside to mrsx pagex  trust mex i thought on
    herx shexll fit itx
  mrsx pagex you are come to see my daughter annex
  quicklyx ayx forsoothx andx i prayx how does good mistress annex
  mrsx pagex go in with us and seex we have an hourxs talk
    with youx           exeunt mistress pagex mistress fordx and
                                                mistress quickly
  pagex how nowx master fordx
  fordx you heard what this knave told mex did you notx
  pagex yesx and you heard what the other told mex
  fordx do you think there is truth in themx
  pagex hang xemx slavesx i do not think the knight would offer itx
    but these that accuse him in his intent towards our
    wives are a yoke of his discarded menx very roguesx now
    they be out of servicex
  fordx were they his menx
  pagex marryx were theyx
  fordx i like it never the better for thatx does he lie at the
    garterx
  pagex ayx marryx does hex if he should intend this voyage
    toward my wifex i would turn her loose to himx and what
    he gets more of her than sharp wordsx let it lie on my headx
  fordx i do not misdoubt my wifex but i would be loath to
    turn them togetherx a man may be too confidentx i would
    have nothing lie on my headx i cannot be thus satisfiedx

                           enter host

  pagex look where my ranting host of the garter comesx
    there is either liquor in his pate or money in his purse
    when he looks so merrilyx how nowx mine hostx
  hostx how nowx bully rookx thouxrt a gentlemanx  xto
    shallow followingx  cavaleiro justicex i sayx

                         enter shallow

  shallowx i followx mine hostx i followx good even and
    twentyx good master pagex master pagex will you go with
    usx we have sport in handx
  hostx tell himx cavaleiro justicex tell himx bully rookx
  shallowx sirx there is a fray to be fought between sir hugh
    the welsh priest and caius the french doctorx
  fordx good mine host ox thx garterx a word with youx
  hostx what sayxst thoux my bully rookx         xthey go asidex
  shallowx  xto pagex will you go with us to behold itx my
    merry host hath had the measuring of their weaponsx andx
    i thinkx hath appointed them contrary placesx forx believe
    mex i hear the parson is no jesterx harkx i will tell you
    what our sport shall bex               xthey converse apartx
  hostx hast thou no suit against my knightx my guestxcavaleirox
  fordx nonex i protestx but ixll give you a pottle of burnt
    sack to give me recourse to himx and tell him my name is
    brookxonly for a jestx
  hostx my handx bullyx thou shalt have egress and regressx
    said i wellxxand thy name shall be brookx it is a merry
    knightx will you gox mynheersx
  shallowx have with youx mine hostx
  pagex i have heard the frenchman hath good skill in his
    rapierx
  shallowx tutx sirx i could have told you morex in these
    times you stand on distancex your passesx stoccadoesx and
    i know not whatx xtis the heartx master pagex xtis herex
    xtis herex i have seen the time with my long sword i would
    have made you four tall fellows skip like ratsx
  hostx herex boysx herex herex shall we wagx
  pagex have with youx i had rather hear them scold than
    fightx                                   exeunt all but ford
  fordx though page be a secure foolx and stands so firmly on
    his wifexs frailtyx yet i cannot put off my opinion so
    easilyx she was in his company at pagexs housex and what
    they made there i know notx wellx i will look further into
    xtx and i have a disguise to sound falstaffx if i find her
    honestx i lose not my labourx if she be otherwisex xtis labour
    well bestowedx                                          exit

scene xx

a room in the garter inn

enter falstaff and pistol

  falstaffx i will not lend thee a pennyx
  pistolx i will retort the sum in equipagex
  falstaffx not a pennyx
  pistolx whyx then the worldxs mine oysterx which i with
    sword will openx
  falstaffx not a pennyx i have been contentx sirx you should
    lay my countenance to pawnx i have grated upon my good
    friends for three reprieves for you and your coachxfellowx
    nymx or else you had lookxd through the gratex like a
    geminy of baboonsx i am damnxd in hell for swearing to
    gentlemen my friends you were good soldiers and tall fellowsx
    and when mistress bridget lost the handle of her fanx
    i took xt upon mine honour thou hadst it notx
  pistolx didst not thou sharex hadst thou not fifteen pencex
  falstaffx reasonx you roguex reasonx thinkxst thou ixll
    endanger my soul gratisx at a wordx hang no more about mex
    i am no gibbet for youx goxa short knife and a throngxx
    to your manor of picktxhatchx gox youxll not bear a letter
    for mex you roguex you stand upon your honourx whyx
    thou unconfinable basenessx it is as much as i can do to
    keep the terms of my honour precisex ix ix i myself
    sometimesx leaving the fear of god on the left handx and hiding
    mine honour in my necessityx am fain to shufflex to hedgex
    and to lurchx and yet youx roguex will ensconce your ragsx
    your catxaxmountain looksx your redxlattice phrasesx and
    your boldxbeating oathsx under the shelter of your honourx
    you will not do itx youx
  pistolx i do relentx what would thou more of manx

                          enter robin

  robinx sirx herexs a woman would speak with youx
  falstaffx let her approachx

                     enter mistress quickly

  quicklyx give your worship good morrowx
  falstaffx good morrowx good wifex
  quicklyx not sox anxt please your worshipx
  falstaffx good maidx thenx
  quicklyx ixll be swornx
    as my mother wasx the first hour i was bornx
  falstaffx i do believe the swearerx what with mex
  quicklyx shall i vouchsafe your worship a word or twox
  falstaffx two thousandx fair womanx and ixll vouchsafe
    thee the hearingx
  quicklyx there is one mistress fordx sirxi prayx come a little
    nearer this waysx i myself dwell with master doctor
    caiusx
  falstaffx wellx onx mistress fordx you sayx
  quicklyx your worship says very truex i pray your worship
    come a little nearer this waysx
  falstaffx i warrant thee nobody hearsxmine own peoplex
    mine own peoplex
  quicklyx are they sox god bless themx and make them his
    servantsx
  falstaffx wellx mistress fordx what of herx
  quicklyx whyx sirx shexs a good creaturex lordx lordx your
    worshipxs a wantonx wellx heaven forgive youx and all of
    usx i prayx
  falstaffx mistress fordx comex mistress fordx
  quicklyx marryx this is the short and the long of itx you
    have brought her into such a canaries as xtis wonderfulx
    the best courtier of them allx when the court lay at windsorx
    could never have brought her to such a canaryx yet
    there has been knightsx and lordsx and gentlemenx with
    their coachesx i warrant youx coach after coachx letter after
    letterx gift after giftx smelling so sweetlyx all muskx and so
    rushlingx i warrant youx in silk and goldx and in such alligant
    termsx and in such wine and sugar of the best and the
    fairestx that would have won any womanxs heartx and i
    warrant youx they could never get an eyexwink of herx
    i had myself twenty angels given me this morningx but i
    defy all angelsx in any such sortx as they sayx but in the
    way of honestyx andx i warrant youx they could never get
    her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of them allx
    and yet there has been earlsx nayx which is morex
    pensionersx butx i warrant youx all is one with herx
  falstaffx but what says she to mex be briefx my good shex
    mercuryx
  quicklyx marryx she hath receivxd your letterx for the
    which she thanks you a thousand timesx and she gives you
    to notify that her husband will be absence from his house
    between ten and elevenx
  falstaffx ten and elevenx
  quicklyx ayx forsoothx and then you may come and see
    the picturex she saysx that you wot ofx master fordx her
    husbandx will be from homex alasx the sweet woman leads
    an ill life with himx hexs a very jealousy manx she leads a
    very frampold life with himx good heartx
  falstaffx ten and elevenx womanx commend me to herx i
    will not fail herx
  quicklyx whyx you say wellx but i have another messenger
    to your worshipx mistress page hath her hearty commendations
    to you toox and let me tell you in your earx shexs as
    fartuous a civil modest wifex and onex i tell youx that will
    not miss you morning nor evening prayerx as any is in
    windsorx whoexer be the otherx and she bade me tell your
    worship that her husband is seldom from homex but she
    hopes there will come a timex i never knew a woman so
    dote upon a manx surely i think you have charmsx lax yesx
    in truthx
  falstaffx not ix i assure theex setting the attraction of my
    good parts asidex i have no other charmsx
  quicklyx blessing on your heart for xtx
  falstaffx butx i pray theex tell me thisx has fordxs wife and
    pagexs wife acquainted each other how they love mex
  quicklyx that were a jest indeedx they have not so little
    gracex i hopexthat were a trick indeedx but mistress page
    would desire you to send her your little page of all lovesx
    her husband has a marvellous infection to the little pagex
    and truly master page is an honest manx never a wife in
    windsor leads a better life than she doesx do what she willx
    say what she willx take allx pay allx go to bed when she
    listx rise when she listx all is as she willx and truly she
    deserves itx for if there be a kind woman in windsorx she
    is onex you must send her your pagex no remedyx
  falstaffx whyx i willx
  quicklyx nayx but do so thenx andx look youx he may come
    and go between you bothx and in any case have a
    nayxwordx that you may know one anotherxs mindx and the boy
    never need to understand any thingx for xtis not good that
    children should know any wickednessx old folksx you
    knowx have discretionx as they sayx and know the worldx
  falstaffx fare thee wellx commend me to them bothx
    therexs my pursex i am yet thy debtorx boyx go along with
    this womanx  xexeunt quickly and robinx  this news
    distracts mex
  pistolx  xasidex  this punk is one of cupidxs carriersx
    clap on more sailsx pursuex up with your fightsx
    give firex she is my prizex or ocean whelm them allx    exit
  falstaffx sayxst thou sox old jackx go thy waysx ixll make
    more of thy old body than i have donex will they yet look
    after theex wilt thoux after the expense of so much moneyx
    be now a gainerx good bodyx i thank theex let them say
    xtis grossly donex so it be fairly donex no matterx

                         enter bardolph

  bardolphx sir johnx therexs one master brook below would
    fain speak with youx and be acquainted with youx and hath
    sent your worship a momingxs draught of sackx
  falstaffx brook is his namex
  bardolphx ayx sirx
  falstaffx call him inx  xexit bardolphx  such brooks are
    welcome to mex that oxerflows such liquorx ahx hax mistress
    ford and mistress pagex have i encompassxd youx go tox
    viax

              rexenter bardolphx with ford disguised

  fordx bless youx sirx falstaffx and youx sirx would you speak with
  mex fordx i make bold to press with so little preparation upon youx
  falstaffx youxre welcomex whatxs your willx give us leavex drawerx
                                      exit bardolph fordx sirx i am a
  gentleman that have spent muchx my name is brookx falstaffx good
  master brookx i desire more acquaintance of youx fordx good sir johnx
  i sue for yoursxnot to charge youx for i must let you understand i
  think myself in better plight for a lender than you arex the which
  hath something emboldxned me to this unseasonxd intrusionx for they
  sayx if money go beforex all ways do lie openx falstaffx money is a
  good soldierx sirx and will onx fordx trothx and i have a bag of
  money here troubles mex if you will help to bear itx sir johnx take
  allx or halfx for easing me of the carriagex falstaffx sirx i know
  not how i may deserve to be your porterx fordx i will tell youx sirx
  if you will give me the hearingx falstaffx speakx good master brookx
  i shall be glad to be your servantx fordx sirx i hear you are a
  scholarxi will be brief with you xand you have been a man long known
  to mex though i had never so good means as desire to make myself
  acquainted with youx i shall discover a thing to youx wherein i must
  very much lay open mine own imperfectionx butx good sir johnx as you
  have one eye upon my folliesx as you hear them unfoldedx turn another
  into the register of your ownx that i may pass with a reproof the
  easierx sith you yourself know how easy is it to be such an offenderx
  falstaffx very wellx sirx proceedx fordx there is a gentlewoman in
  this townx her husbandxs name is fordx falstaffx wellx sirx fordx i
  have long lovxd herx andx i protest to youx bestowed much on herx
  followed her with a doting observancex engrossxd opportunities to
  meet herx feexd every slight occasion that could but niggardly give
  me sight of herx not only bought many presents to give herx but have
  given largely to many to know what she would have givenx brieflyx i
  have pursuxd her as love hath pursued mex which hath been on the wing
  of all occasionsx but whatsoever i have meritedx either in my mind or
  in my meansx meedx i am surex i have received nonex unless experience
  be a jewelx that i have purchased at an infinite ratex and that hath
  taught me to say thisx xlove like a shadow flies when substance love
  pursuesx pursuing that that fliesx and flying what pursuesxx
  falstaffx have you receivxd no promise of satisfaction at her handsx
  fordx neverx falstaffx have you importunxd her to such a purposex
  fordx neverx falstaffx of what quality was your lovex thenx fordx
  like a fair house built on another manxs groundx so that i have lost
  my edifice by mistaking the place where erected itx falstaffx to what
  purpose have you unfolded this to mex fordx when i have told you
  thatx i have told you allx some say that though she appear honest to
  mex yet in other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that there is
  shrewd construction made of herx nowx sir johnx here is the heart of
  my purposex you are a gentleman of excellent breedingx admirable
  discoursex of great admittancex authentic in your place and personx
  generally allowxd for your many warxlikex courtlikex and learned
  preparationsx falstaffx ox sirx fordx believe itx for you know itx
  there is moneyx spend itx spend itx spend morex spend all i havex
  only give me so much of your time in exchange of it as to lay an
  amiable siege to the honesty of this fordxs wifex use your art of
  wooingx win her to consent to youx if any man mayx you may as soon as
  anyx falstaffx would it apply well to the vehemency of your
  affectionx that i should win what you would enjoyx methinks you
  prescribe to yourself very preposterouslyx fordx ox understand my
  driftx she dwells so securely on the excellency of her honour that
  the folly of my soul dares not present itselfx she is too bright to
  be lookxd againstx nowx could i come to her with any detection in my
  handx my desires had instance and argument to commend themselvesx i
  could drive her then from the ward of her purityx her reputationx her
  marriage vowx and a thousand other her defencesx which now are too
  too strongly embattlxd against mex what say you toxtx sir johnx
  falstaffx master brookx i will first make bold with your moneyx nextx
  give me your handx and lastx as i am a gentlemanx you shallx if you
  willx enjoy fordxs wifex fordx o good sirx falstaffx i say you shallx
  fordx want no moneyx sir johnx you shall want nonex falstaffx want no
  mistress fordx master brookx you shall want nonex i shall be with
  herx i may tell youx by her own appointmentx even as you came in to
  me her assistantx or goxbetweenx parted from mex i say i shall be
  with her between ten and elevenx for at that time the jealous
  rascally knavex her husbandx will be forthx come you to me at nightx
  you shall know how i speedx fordx i am blest in your acquaintancex do
  you know fordx sirx falstaffx hang himx poor cuckoldly knavex i know
  him notx yet i wrong him to call him poorx they say the jealous
  wittolly knave hath masses of moneyx for the which his wife seems to
  me wellxfavourxdx i will use her as the key of the cuckoldly roguexs
  cofferx and therexs my harvestxhomex fordx i would you knew fordx
  sirx that you might avoid him if you saw himx falstaffx hang himx
  mechanical saltxbutter roguex i will stare him out of his witsx i
  will awe him with my cudgelx it shall hang like a meteor oxer the
  cuckoldxs hornsx master brookx thou shalt know i will predominate
  over the peasantx and thou shalt lie with his wifex come to me soon
  at nightx fordxs a knavex and i will aggravate his stylex thoux
  master brookx shalt know him for knave and cuckoldx come to me soon
  at nightx                               exit fordx what a damnxd
  epicurean rascal is thisx my heart is ready to crack with impatiencex
  who says this is improvident jealousyx my wife hath sent to himx the
  hour is fixxdx the match is madex would any man have thought thisx
  see the hell of having a false womanx my bed shall be abusxdx my
  coffers ransackxdx my reputation gnawn atx and i shall not only
  receive this villainous wrongx but stand under the adoption of
  abominable termsx and by him that does me this wrongx termsx namesx
  amaimon sounds wellx luciferx wellx barbasonx wellx yet they are
  devilsx additionsx the names of fiendsx but cuckoldx wittolx cuckoldx
  the devil himself hath not such a namex page is an assx a secure assx
  he will trust his wifex he will not be jealousx i will rather trust a
  fleming with my butterx parson hugh the welshman with my cheesex an
  irishman with my aquaxvitae bottlex or a thief to walk my ambling
  geldingx than my wife with herselfx then she plotsx then she
  ruminatesx then she devisesx and what they think in their hearts they
  may effectx they will break their hearts but they will effectx god be
  praisxd for my jealousyx eleven oxclock the hourx i will prevent
  thisx detect my wifex be revengxd on falstaffx and laugh at pagex i
  will about itx better three hours too soon than a minute too latex
  fiex fiex fiex cuckoldx cuckoldx cuckoldx     exit

scene xx

a field near windsor

enter caius and rugby

  caiusx jack rugbyx
  rugbyx sirx
  caiusx vat is de clockx jackx
  rugbyx xtis past the hourx sirx that sir hugh promisxd to
    meetx
  caiusx by garx he has save his soul dat he is no comex he has
    pray his pible well dat he is no comex by garx jack rugbyx
    he is dead alreadyx if he be comex
  rugbyx he is wisex sirx he knew your worship would kill
    him if he camex
  caiusx by garx de herring is no dead so as i vill kill himx take
    your rapierx jackx i vill tell you how i vill kill himx
  rugbyx alasx sirx i cannot fencex
  caiusx villainyx take your rapierx
  rugbyx forbearx herexs companyx

            enter hostx shallowx slenderx and page

  hostx bless theex bully doctorx
  shallowx save youx master doctor caiusx
  pagex nowx good master doctorx
  slenderx give you good morrowx sirx
  caiusx vat be all youx onex twox treex fourx come forx
  hostx to see thee fightx to see thee foinx to see thee traversex
    to see thee herex to see thee therex to see thee pass thy
    puntox thy stockx thy reversex thy distancex thy montantx
    is he deadx my ethiopianx is he deadx my franciscox hax
    bullyx what says my aesculapiusx my galenx my heart
    of elderx hax is he deadx bully stalex is he deadx
  caiusx by garx he is de coward jack priest of de worldx he is
    not show his facex
  hostx thou art a castalionxkingxurinalx hector of greecex
    my boyx
  caiusx i pray youx bear witness that me have stay six or
    sevenx two tree hours for himx and he is no comex
  shallowx he is the wiser manx master doctorx he is a curer
    of soulsx and you a curer of bodiesx if you should fightx
    you go against the hair of your professionsx is it not truex
    master pagex
  pagex master shallowx you have yourself been a great fighterx
    though now a man of peacex
  shallowx bodykinsx master pagex though i now be oldx and
    of the peacex if i see a sword outx my finger itches to make
    onex though we are justicesx and doctorsx and churchmenx
    master pagex we have some salt of our youth in usx we are
    the sons of womenx master pagex
  pagex xtis truex master shallowx
  shallowx it will be found sox master pagex master doctor
  caiusx i come to fetch you homex i am sworn of the peacex
    you have showxd yourself a wise physicianx and sir hugh
    hath shown himself a wise and patient churchmanx you
    must go with mex master doctorx
  hostx pardonx guest justicex a wordx mounseur mockwaterx
  caiusx mockxvaterx vat is datx
  hostx mockwaterx in our english tonguex is valourx bullyx
  caiusx by garx then i have as much mockvater as de englishmanx
    scurvy jackxdog priestx by garx me vill cut his earsx
  hostx he will clapperxclaw thee tightlyx bullyx
  caiusx clapperxdexclawx vat is datx
  hostx that isx he will make thee amendsx
  caiusx by garx me do look he shall clapperxdexclaw mex forx
    by garx me vill have itx
  hostx and i will provoke him toxtx or let him wagx
  caiusx me tank you for datx
  hostx andx moreoverx bullyxbut firstx  xaside to the othersx
    master guestx and master pagex and eke cavaleiro slenderx
    go you through the town to frogmorex
  pagex  xasidex  sir hugh is therex is hex
  hostx  xasidex  he is therex see what humour he is inx and
    i will bring the doctor about by the fieldsx will it do wellx
  shallowx  xasidex  we will do itx
  pagex shallowx and slenderx adieux good master doctorx
                               exeunt pagex shallowx and slender
  caiusx by garx me vill kill de priestx for he speak for a jackx
    anxape to anne pagex
  hostx let him diex sheathe thy impatiencex throw cold water
    on thy cholerx go about the fields with me through frogmorex
    i will bring thee where mistress anne page isx at a a
    farmxhousex axfeastingx and thou shalt woo herx cried
    gamex said i wellx
  caiusx by garx me dank you vor datx by garx i love youx and
    i shall procurexa you de good guestx de earlx de knightx de
    lordsx de gentlemenx my patientsx
  hostx for the which i will be thy adversary toward anne
    pagex said i wellx
  caiusx by garx xtis goodx vell saidx
  hostx let us wagx thenx
  caiusx come at my heelsx jack rugbyx                    exeunt

act iii scene xx

a field near frogmore

enter sir hugh evans and simple

  evansx i pray you nowx good master slenderxs servingxmanx
    and friend simple by your namex which way have you
    lookxd for master caiusx that calls himself doctor of
    physicx
  simplex marryx sirx the pittiexwardx the parkxwardx every
    wayx old windsor wayx and every way but the town wayx
  evansx i most fehemently desire you you will also look that
    wayx
  simplex i willx sirx                                      exit
  evansx pless my soulx how full of chollors i amx and trempling
    of mindx i shall be glad if he have deceived mex how
    melancholies i amx i will knog his urinals about his knavexs
    costard when i have goot opportunities for the orkx pless
    my soulx                                             xsingsx
    to shallow riversx to whose falls
    melodious birds sings madrigalsx
    there will we make our peds of rosesx
    and a thousand fragrant posiesx
    to shallowx
    mercy on mex i have a great dispositions to cryx     xsingsx
    melodious birds sing madrigalsx
    whenas i sat in pabylonx
    and a thousand vagram posiesx
    to shallowx etcx

                       rexenter simple

  simplex yonder he isx coming this wayx sir hughx
  evansx hexs welcomex                                   xsingsx
    to shallow riversx to whose fallsx
    heaven prosper the rightx what weapons is hex
  simplex no weaponsx sirx there comes my masterx master
    shallowx and another gentlemanx from frogmorex over the
    stilex this wayx
  evansx pray you give me my gownx or else keep it in your
    armsx                                     xtakes out a bookx

               enter pagex shallowx and slender

  shallowx how nowx master parsonx good morrowx good
    sir hughx keep a gamester from the dicex and a good student
     from his bookx and it is wonderfulx
  slenderx  xasidex  ahx sweet anne pagex
  pagex save youx good sir hughx
  evansx pless you from his mercy sakex all of youx
  shallowx whatx the sword and the wordx do you study
    them bothx master parsonx
  pagex and youthful stillx in your doublet and hosex this raw
    rheumatic dayx
  evansx there is reasons and causes for itx
  pagex we are come to you to do a good officex master
    parsonx
  evansx fery wellx what is itx
  pagex yonder is a most reverend gentlemanx whox belike having
    received wrong by some personx is at most odds with
    his own gravity and patience that ever you sawx
  shallowx i have lived fourscore years and upwardx i never
    heard a man of his placex gravityx and learningx so wide of
    his own respectx
  evansx what is hex
  pagex i think you know himx master doctor caiusx the
    renowned french physicianx
  evansx gotxs will and his passion of my heartx i had as lief
    you would tell me of a mess of porridgex
  pagex whyx
  evansx he has no more knowledge in hibocrates and
    galenx and he is a knave besidesxa cowardly knave as you
    would desires to be acquainted withalx
  pagex i warrant youx hexs the man should fight with himx
  slenderx  xasidex  o sweet anne pagex
  shallowx it appears sox by his weaponsx keep them asunderx
    here comes doctor caiusx

                 enter hostx caiusx and rugby

  pagex nayx good master parsonx keep in your weaponx
  shallowx so do youx good master doctorx
  hostx disarm themx and let them questionx let them keep
    their limbs whole and hack our englishx
  caiusx i pray youx letxa me speak a word with your earx
    verefore will you not meetxa mex
  evansx  xaside to caiusx  pray you use your patiencex in
    good timex
  caiusx by garx you are de cowardx de jack dogx john apex
  evansx  xaside to caiusx  pray youx let us not be
    laughingxstocks to other menxs humoursx i desire you in
    friendshipx and i will one way or other make you amendsx
    xaloudx  i will knog your urinals about your knavexs cogscomb
    for missing your meetings and appointmentsx
  caiusx diablex jack rugbyxmine host de jarteerxhave i
    not stay for him to kill himx have i notx at de place i did
    appointx
  evansx as i am a christians soulx nowx look youx this is the
    place appointedx ixll be judgment by mine host of the
    garterx
  hostx peacex i sayx gallia and gaulx french and welshx
    soulxcurer and bodyxcurerx
  caiusx ayx dat is very goodx excellentx
  hostx peacex i sayx hear mine host of the garterx am i
    politicx am i subtlex am i a machiavelx shall i lose my
    doctorx nox he gives me the potions and the motionsx shall i
    lose my parsonx my priestx my sir hughx nox he gives me
    the proverbs and the noverbsx give me thy handx terrestrialx
    sox give me thy handx celestialx sox boys of artx i have
    deceivxd you bothx i have directed you to wrong placesx
    your hearts are mightyx your skins are wholex and let burnt
    sack be the issuex comex lay their swords to pawnx follow
    mex lads of peacex followx followx followx
  shallowx trust mex a mad hostx followx gentlemenx followx
  slenderx  xasidex  o sweet anne pagex
                                  exeunt all but caius and evans
  caiusx hax do i perceive datx have you makexa de sot of usx
    hax hax
  evansx this is wellx he has made us his vloutingxstogx i
    desire you that we may be friendsx and let us knog our prains
    together to be revenge on this same scallx scurvyx cogging
    companionx the host of the garterx
  caiusx by garx with all my heartx he promise to bring me
    where is anne pagex by garx he deceive me toox
  evansx wellx i will smite his noddlesx pray you followx
                                                          exeunt

scene xx

the street in windsor

enter mistress page and robin

  mrsx pagex nayx keep your wayx little gallantx you were
    wont to be a followerx but now you are a leaderx whether
    had you rather lead mine eyesx or eye your masterxs heelsx
  robinx i had ratherx forsoothx go before you like a man than
    follow him like a dwarfx
  mrsx pagex ox you are a flattering boyx now i see youxll be a
    courtierx

                          enter ford

  fordx well metx mistress pagex whither go youx
  mrsx pagex trulyx sirx to see your wifex is she at homex
  fordx ayx and as idle as she may hang togetherx for want of
    companyx i thinkx if your husbands were deadx you two
    would marryx
  mrsx pagex be sure of thatxtwo other husbandsx
  fordx where had you this pretty weathercockx
  mrsx pagex i cannot tell what the dickens his name is my
    husband had him ofx what do you call your knightxs
    namex sirrahx
  robinx sir john falstaffx
  fordx sir john falstaffx
  mrsx pagex hex hex i can never hit onxs namex there is such
    a league between my good man and hex is your wife at
    home indeedx
  fordx indeed she isx
  mrsx pagex by your leavex sirx i am sick till i see herx
                                      exeunt mrsx page and robin
  fordx has page any brainsx hath he any eyesx hath he any
    thinkingx surex they sleepx he hath no use of themx whyx
    this boy will carry a letter twenty mile as easy as a cannon
    will shoot pointblank twelve scorex he pieces out his wifexs
    inclinationx he gives her folly motion and advantagex and
    now shexs going to my wifex and falstaffxs boy with herx a
    man may hear this showxr sing in the windx and falstaffxs
    boy with herx good plotsx they are laidx and our revolted
    wives share damnation togetherx wellx i will take himx
    then torture my wifex pluck the borrowed veil of modesty
    from the so seeming mistress pagex divulge page himself
    for a secure and wilful actaeonx and to these violent proceedings
    all my neighbours shall cry aimx  xclock strikesx
    the clock gives me my cuex and my assurance bids me
    searchx there i shall find falstaffx i shall be rather praisxd
    for this than mockxdx for it is as positive as the earth is firm
    that falstaff is therex i will gox

     enter pagex shallowx slenderx hostx sir hugh evansx
                              caiusx and rugby

  shallowx pagex xcx well metx master fordx
  fordx trust mex a good knotx i have good cheer at homex
    and i pray you all go with mex
  shallowx i must excuse myselfx master fordx
  slenderx and so must ix sirx we have appointed to dine with
    mistress annex and i would not break with her for more
    money than ixll speak ofx
  shallowx we have lingerxd about a match between anne
    page and my cousin slenderx and this day we shall have
    our answerx
  slenderx i hope i have your good willx father pagex
  pagex you havex master slenderx i stand wholly for youx but
    my wifex master doctorx is for you altogetherx
  caiusx ayx bexgarx and de maid is lovexa mex my nurshxa
    quickly tell me so mushx
  hostx what say you to young master fentonx he capersx
    he dancesx he has eyes of youthx he writes versesx he speaks
    holidayx he smells april and mayx he will carry xtx he will
    carry xtx xtis in his buttonsx he will carry xtx
  pagex not by my consentx i promise youx the gentleman is
    of no havingx he kept company with the wild prince and
    poinsx he is of too high a regionx he knows too muchx nox
    he shall not knit a knot in his fortunes with the finger of
    my substancex if he take herx let him take her simplyx the
    wealth i have waits on my consentx and my consent goes
    not that wayx
  fordx i beseech youx heartilyx some of you go home with me
    to dinnerx besides your cheerx you shall have sportx i will
    show you a monsterx master doctorx you shall gox so shall
    youx master pagex and youx sir hughx
  shallowx wellx fare you wellx we shall have the freer
    wooing at master pagexsx          exeunt shallow and slender
  caiusx go homex john rugbyx i come anonx            exit rugby
  hostx farewellx my heartsx i will to my honest knight
    falstaffx and drink canary with himx               exit host
  fordx  xasidex  i think i shall drink in pipexwine first with
    himx ixll make him dancex will you gox gentlesx
  allx have with you to see this monsterx                 exeunt

scene xx

fordxs house

enter mistress ford and mistress page

  mrsx fordx whatx johnx whatx robertx
  mrsx pagex quicklyx quicklyx is the buckxbasketx
  mrsx fordx i warrantx whatx robinx i sayx

                 enter servants with a basket

  mrsx pagex comex comex comex
  mrsx fordx herex set it downx
  mrsx pagex give your men the chargex we must be briefx
  mrsx fordx marryx as i told you beforex john and robertx be
    ready here hard by in the brewxhousex and when i suddenly
    call youx come forthx andx without any pause or
    staggeringx take this basket on your shouldersx that donex
    trudge with it in all hastex and carry it among the whitsters
    in datchet meadx and there empty it in the muddy ditch
    close by the thames sidex
  mrsx pagex you will do itx
  mrsx fordx i hax told them over and overx they lack no
    directionx be gonex and come when you are callxdx
                                               exeunt servants
  mrsx pagex here comes little robinx

                         enter robin

  mrsx fordx how nowx my eyasxmusketx what news with
    youx
  robinx my master sir john is come in at your backxdoorx
    mistress fordx and requests your companyx
  mrsx pagex you little jackxaxlentx have you been true to usx
  robinx ayx ixll be swornx my master knows not of your
    being herex and hath threatxned to put me into everlasting
    libertyx if i tell you of itx for he swears hexll turn me awayx
  mrsx pagex thou xrt a good boyx this secrecy of thine shall
    be a tailor to theex and shall make thee a new doublet and
    hosex ixll go hide mex
  mrsx fordx do sox go tell thy master i am alonex  xexit
  robinx  mistress pagex remember you your cuex
  mrsx pagex i warrant theex if i do not act itx hiss mex
                                                exit mrsx page
  mrsx fordx go tox thenx wexll use this unwholesome
    humidityx this gross watxry pumpionx wexll teach him to
    know turtles from jaysx

                      enter falstaff

  falstaffx have i caught theex my heavenly jewelx
    whyx now let me diex for i have livxd long enoughx this is
    the period of my ambitionx o this blessed hourx
  mrsx fordx o sweet sir johnx
  falstaffx mistress fordx i cannot cogx i cannot pratex
    mistress fordx now shall i sin in my wishx i would thy
    husband were deadx ixll speak it before the best lordx i
    would make thee my ladyx
  mrsx fordx i your ladyx sir johnx alasx i should be a pitiful
    ladyx
  falstaffx let the court of france show me such anotherx i
    see how thine eye would emulate the diamondx thou hast
    the right arched beauty of the brow that becomes the
    shipxtirex the tirexvaliantx or any tire of venetian admittancex
  mrsx fordx a plain kerchiefx sir johnx my brows become
    nothing elsex nor that well neitherx
  falstaffx by the lordx thou art a tyrant to say sox thou
    wouldst make an absolute courtierx and the firm fixture of
    thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait in a
    semixcircled farthingalex i see what thou wertx if fortune
    thy foe werex not naturex thy friendx comex thou canst not
    hide itx
  mrsx fordx believe mex therexs no such thing in mex
  falstaffx what made me love theex let that persuade thee
    therexs something extraxordinary in theex comex i cannot
    cogx and say thou art this and thatx like a many of these
    lisping hawthornxbuds that come like women in menxs
    apparelx and smell like bucklersbury in simple timex i
    cannotx but i love theex none but theex and thou deservxst itx
  mrsx fordx do not betray mex sirx i fear you love mistress
    pagex
  falstaffx thou mightst as well say i love to walk by the
    counterxgatex which is as hateful to me as the reek of a
    limexkilnx
  mrsx fordx wellx heaven knows how i love youx and you
    shall one day find itx
  falstaffx keep in that mindx ixll deserve itx
  mrsx fordx nayx i must tell youx so you dox or else i could
    not be in that mindx
  robinx  xwithinx  mistress fordx mistress fordx herexs
    mistress page at the doorx sweating and blowing and looking
    wildlyx and would needs speak with you presentlyx
  falstaffx she shall not see mex i will ensconce me behind
    the arrasx
  mrsx fordx pray youx do sox shexs a very tattling womanx
                                      xfalstaff hides himselfx

               rexenter mistress page and robin

    whatxs the matterx how nowx
  mrsx pagex o mistress fordx what have you donex youxre
    shamxdx yxare overthrownx yxare undone for everx
  mrsx fordx whatxs the matterx good mistress pagex
  mrsx pagex o wellxaxdayx mistress fordx having an honest
    man to your husbandx to give him such cause of suspicionx
  mrsx fordx what cause of suspicionx
  mrsx pagex what cause of suspicionx out upon youx how
    am i mistook in youx
  mrsx fordx whyx alasx whatxs the matterx
  mrsx pagex your husbandxs coming hitherx womanx with all
    the officers in windsorx to search for a gentleman that he
    says is here now in the housex by your consentx to take an
    ill advantage of his absencex you are undonex
  mrsx fordx xtis not sox i hopex
  mrsx pagex pray heaven it be not so that you have such a
    man herex but xtis most certain your husbandxs comingx
    with half windsor at his heelsx to search for such a onex i
    come before to tell youx if you know yourself clearx whyx
    i am glad of itx but if you have a friend herex conveyx
    convey him outx be not amazxdx call all your senses to youx
    defend your reputationx or bid farewell to your good life
    for everx
  mrsx fordx what shall i dox there is a gentlemanx my dear
    friendx and i fear not mine own shame as much as his perilx
    i had rather than a thousand pound he were out of the
    housex
  mrsx pagex for shamex never stand xyou had ratherx and xyou
    had ratherxx your husbandxs here at handx bethink you of
    some conveyancex in the house you cannot hide himx ox
    how have you deceivxd mex lookx here is a basketx if he be
    of any reasonable staturex he may creep in herex and throw
    foul linen upon himx as if it were going to buckingx orxit is
    whitingxtimexsend him by your two men to datchet
    meadx
  mrsx fordx hexs too big to go in therex what shall i dox
  falstaffx  xcoming forwardx  let me see xtx let me see xtx ox
    let me see xtx ixll inx ixll inx follow your friendxs counselx
    ixll inx
  mrsx pagex whatx sir john falstaffx      xaside to falstaffx
    are these your lettersx knightx
  falstaffx  xaside to mrsx pagex  i love thee and none but
    theex help me awayxxlet me creep in herex ixll neverx
    xgets into the basketx they cover him with foul linenx
  mrsx pagex help to cover your masterx boyx call your menx
    mistress fordx you dissembling knightx
  mrsx fordx whatx johnx robertx johnx                exit robin

                 rexenter servants

    gox take up these clothes herex quicklyx wherexs the cowlxstaffx
    look how you drumblex carry them to the laundress in datchet meadx
    quicklyx comex

         enter fordx pagex caiusx and sir hugh evans

  fordx pray you come nearx if i suspect without causex why
    then make sport at mex then let me be your jestx i deserve
    itx how nowx whither bear you thisx
  servantx to the laundressx forsoothx
  mrsx fordx whyx what have you to do whither they bear itx
    you were best meddle with buckxwashingx
  fordx buckx i would i could wash myself of the buckx
    buckx buckx buckx ayx buckx i warrant youx buckx and of
    the season toox it shall appearx  xexeunt servants with
    basketx  gentlemenx i have dreamxd toxnightx ixll tell you my
    dreamx herex herex here be my keysx ascend my chambersx
    searchx seekx find outx ixll warrant wexll unkennel the foxx
    let me stop this way firstx  xlocking the doorx  sox now
    uncapex
  pagex good master fordx be contentedx you wrong yourself
    too muchx
  fordx truex master pagex upx gentlemenx you shall see sport
    anonx follow mex gentlemenx                             exit
  evansx this is fery fantastical humours and jealousiesx
  caiusx by garx xtis no the fashion of francex it is not jealous
    in francex
  pagex nayx follow himx gentlemenx see the issue of his
    searchx                        exeunt evansx pagex and caius
  mrsx pagex is there not a double excellency in thisx
  mrsx fordx i know not which pleases me betterx that my
    husband is deceivedx or sir johnx
  mrsx pagex what a taking was he in when your husband
    askxd who was in the basketx
  mrsx fordx i am half afraid he will have need of washingx so
    throwing him into the water will do him a benefitx
  mrsx pagex hang himx dishonest rascalx i would all of the
    same strain were in the same distressx
  mrsx fordx i think my husband hath some special suspicion
    of falstaffxs being herex for i never saw him so gross in his
    jealousy till nowx
  mrsx pagex i will lay a plot to try thatx and we will yet have
    more tricks with falstaffx his dissolute disease will scarce
    obey this medicinex
  mrsx fordx shall we send that foolish carrionx mistress
    quicklyx to himx and excuse his throwing into the waterx
    and give him another hopex to betray him to another
    punishmentx
  mrsx pagex we will do itx let him be sent for toxmorrow
    eight oxclockx to have amendsx

       rexenter fordx pagex caiusx and sir hugh evans

  fordx i cannot find himx may be the knave braggxd of that
    he could not compassx
  mrsx pagex  xaside to mrsx fordx  heard you thatx
  mrsx fordx you use me wellx master fordx do youx
  fordx ayx i do sox
  mrsx fordx heaven make you better than your thoughtsx
  fordx amenx
  mrsx pagex you do yourself mighty wrongx master fordx
  fordx ayx ayx i must bear itx
  evansx if there be any pody in the housex and in the
    chambersx and in the coffersx and in the pressesx heaven forgive
    my sins at the day of judgmentx
  caiusx be garx nor i toox there is no bodiesx
  pagex fiex fiex master fordx are you not ashamxdx what
    spiritx what devil suggests this imaginationx i would not hax
    your distemper in this kind for the wealth of windsor
    castlex
  fordx xtis my faultx master pagex i suffer for itx
  evansx you suffer for a pad consciencex your wife is as
    honest a omans as i will desires among five thousandx and five
    hundred toox
  caiusx by garx i see xtis an honest womanx
  fordx wellx i promisxd you a dinnerx comex comex walk in
    the parkx i pray you pardon mex i will hereafter make
    known to you why i have done thisx comex wifex comex
    mistress pagex i pray you pardon mex pray heartlyx
    pardon mex
  pagex letxs go inx gentlemenx butx trust mex wexll mock himx
    i do invite you toxmorrow morning to my house to breakfastx
    afterx wexll axbirding togetherx i have a fine hawk for
    the bushx shall it be sox
  fordx any thingx
  evansx if there is onex i shall make two in the companyx
  caiusx if there be one or twox i shall makexa the turdx
  fordx pray you gox master pagex
  evansx i pray you nowx remembrance toxmorrow on the
    lousy knavex mine hostx
  caiusx dat is goodx by garx with all my heartx
  evansx a lousy knavex to have his gibes and his mockeriesx
                                                          exeunt

scene xx

before pagexs house

enter fenton and anne page

  fentonx i see i cannot get thy fatherxs lovex
    therefore no more turn me to himx sweet nanx
  annex alasx how thenx
  fentonx whyx thou must be thyselfx
    he doth object i am too great of birthx
    and thatx my state being gallxd with my expensex
    i seek to heal it only by his wealthx
    besides thesex other bars he lays before mex
    my riots pastx my wild societiesx
    and tells me xtis a thing impossible
    i should love thee but as a propertyx
  annexx may be he tells you truex
  fentonx nox heaven so speed me in my time to comex
    albeit i will confess thy fatherxs wealth
    was the first motive that i wooxd theex annex
    yetx wooing theex i found thee of more value
    than stamps in goldx or sums in sealed bagsx
    and xtis the very riches of thyself
    that now i aim atx
  annex gentle master fentonx
    yet seek my fatherxs lovex still seek itx sirx
    if opportunity and humblest suit
    cannot attain itx why thenxhark you hitherx
                                           xthey converse apartx

        enter shallowx slenderx and mistress quickly

  shallowx break their talkx mistress quicklyx my kinsman
    shall speak for himselfx
  slenderx ixll make a shaft or a bolt on xtx xslidx xtis but
    venturingx
  shallowx be not dismayxdx
  slenderx nox she shall not dismay mex i care not for thatx
    but that i am afeardx
  quicklyx hark yex master slender would speak a word
    with youx
  annex i come to himx  xasidex  this is my fatherxs choicex
    ox what a world of vile illxfavourxd faults
    looks handsome in three hundred pounds a yearx
  quicklyx and how does good master fentonx pray youx a
    word with youx
  shallowx shexs comingx to herx cozx o boyx thou hadst a
    fatherx
  slenderx i had a fatherx mistress annex my uncle can tell
    you good jests of himx pray youx unclex tell mistress anne
    the jest how my father stole two geese out of a penx good
    unclex
  shallowx mistress annex my cousin loves youx
  slenderx ayx that i dox as well as i love any woman in
    gloucestershirex
  shallowx he will maintain you like a gentlewomanx
  slenderx ayx that i will come cut and longtailx under the
    degree of a squirex
  shallowx he will make you a hundred and fifty pounds
    jointurex
  annex good master shallowx let him woo for himselfx
  shallowx marryx i thank you for itx i thank you for that
    good comfortx she calls youx cozx ixll leave youx
  annex nowx master slenderx
  slenderx nowx good mistress annex
  annex what is your willx
  slenderx my willx xodxs heartlingsx thatxs a pretty jest
    indeedx i nexer made my will yetx i thank heavenx i am not
    such a sickly creaturex i give heaven praisex
  annex i meanx master slenderx what would you with mex
  slenderx trulyx for mine own part i would little or nothing
    with youx your father and my uncle hath made motionsx
    if it be my luckx sox if notx happy man be his dolex they
    can tell you how things go better than i canx you may ask
    your fatherx here he comesx

            enter page and mistress page

  pagex nowx master slenderx love himx daughter annex
    whyx how nowx what does master fenton herex
    you wrong mex sirx thus still to haunt my housex
    i told youx sirx my daughter is disposxd ofx
  fentonx nayx master pagex be not impatientx
  mrsx pagex good master fentonx come not to my childx
  pagex she is no match for youx
  fentonx sirx will you hear mex
  pagex nox good master fentonx
    comex master shallowx comex son slenderx inx
    knowing my mindx you wrong mex master fentonx
                               exeunt pagex shallowx and slender
  quicklyx speak to mistress pagex
  fentonx good mistress pagex for that i love your daughter
    in such a righteous fashion as i dox
    perforcex against all checksx rebukesx and mannersx
    i must advance the colours of my lovex
    and not retirex let me have your good willx
  annex good motherx do not marry me to yond foolx
  mrsx pagex i mean it notx i seek you a better husbandx
  quicklyx thatxs my masterx master doctorx
  annex alasx i had rather be set quick ix thx earthx
    and bowlxd to death with turnipsx
  mrsx pagex comex trouble not yourselfx good master
    fentonx
    i will not be your friendx nor enemyx
    my daughter will i question how she loves youx
    and as i find herx so am i affectedx
    till thenx farewellx sirx she must needs go inx
    her father will be angryx
  fentonx farewellx gentle mistressx farewellx nanx
                                       exeunt mrsx page and anne
  quicklyx this is my doing nowx xnayxx said i xwill you cast
    away your child on a foolx and a physicianx look on
    master fentonxx this is my doingx
  fentonx i thank theex and i pray theex once toxnight
    give my sweet nan this ringx therexs for thy painsx
  quicklyx now heaven send thee good fortunex  xexit
    fentonx  a kind heart he hathx a woman would run through
    fire and water for such a kind heartx but yet i would my
    master had mistress annex or i would master slender had
    herx orx in soothx i would master fenton had herx i will
    do what i can for them all threex for so i have promisxdx
    and ixll be as good as my wordx but speciously for master
    fentonx wellx i must of another errand to sir john falstaff
    from my two mistressesx what a beast am i to slack itx
 exit

scene xx

the garter inn

enter falstaff and bardolph

  falstaffx bardolphx i sayx
  bardolphx herex sirx
  falstaffx go fetch me a quart of sackx put a toast in xtx
                                                   exit bardolph
    have i livxd to be carried in a basketx like a barrow of
    butcherxs offalx and to be thrown in the thamesx wellx if
    i be servxd such another trickx ixll have my brains taxen out
    and butterxdx and give them to a dog for a newxyearxs giftx
    the rogues slighted me into the river with as little remorse
    as they would have drownxd a blind bitchxs puppiesx fifteen
    ix thx litterx and you may know by my size that i have
    a kind of alacrity in sinkingx if the bottom were as deep as
    hell i should downx i had been drownxd but that the shore
    was shelvy and shallowxa death that i abhorx for the water
    swells a manx and what a thing should i have been when
    had been swellxdx i should have been a mountain of
    mummyx

                  rexenter bardolphx with sack

  bardolphx herexs mistress quicklyx sirx to speak with you
  falstaffx comex let me pour in some sack to the thames
    waterx for my bellyxs as cold as if i had swallowxd
    snowballs for pills to cool the reinsx call her inx
  bardolphx come inx womanx

                     enter mistress quickly

  quicklyx by your leavex i cry you mercyx give your
    worship good morrowx
  falstaffx take away these chalicesx gox brew me a pottle
    of sack finelyx
  bardolphx with eggsx sirx
  falstaffx simple of itselfx ixll no pulletxsperm in my
    brewagex  xexit bardolphx  how nowx
  quicklyx marryx sirx i come to your worship from mistress
    fordx
  falstaffx mistress fordx i have had ford enoughx i was
    thrown into the fordx i have my belly full of fordx
  quicklyx alas the dayx good heartx that was not her faultx
    she does so take on with her menx they mistook their
    erectionx
  falstaffx so did i minex to build upon a foolish womanxs
    promisex
  quicklyx wellx she lamentsx sirx for itx that it would yearn
    your heart to see itx her husband goes this morning
    axbirdingx she desires you once more to come to her between
    eight and ninex i must carry her word quicklyx shexll make
    you amendsx i warrant youx
  falstaffx wellx i will visit herx tell her sox and bid her
    think what a man isx let her consider his frailtyx and then
    judge of my meritx
  quicklyx i will tell herx
  falstaffx do sox between nine and tenx sayxst thoux
  quicklyx eight and ninex sirx
  falstaffx wellx be gonex i will not miss herx
  quicklyx peace be with youx sirx                          exit
  falstaffx i marvel i hear not of master brookx he sent me
    word to stay withinx i like his money wellx ox here he
    comesx

                       enter ford disguised

  fordx bless youx sirx
  falstaffx nowx master brookx you come to know what
    hath passxd between me and fordxs wifex
  fordx thatx indeedx sir johnx is my businessx
  falstaffx master brookx i will not lie to youx i was at her
    house the hour she appointed mex
  fordx and sped youx sirx
  falstaffx very illxfavouredlyx master brookx
  fordx how sox sirx did she change her determinationx
  falstaffx nox master brookx but the peaking cornuto her
    husbandx master brookx dwelling in a continual xlarum of
    jealousyx comes me in the instant of ourx encounterx after
    we had embracxdx kissxdx protestedx andx as it werex spoke
    the prologue of our comedyx and at his heels a rabble of his
    companionsx thither provoked and instigated by his
    distemperx andx forsoothx to search his house for his wifexs
    lovex
  fordx whatx while you were therex
  falstaffx while i was therex
  fordx and did he search for youx and could not find youx
  falstaffx you shall hearx as good luck would have itx comes
    in one mistress pagex gives intelligence of fordxs approachx
    andx in her invention and fordxs wifexs distractionx they
    conveyxd me into a buckxbasketx
  fordx a buckxbasketx
  falstaffx by the lordx a buckxbasketx rammxd me in with
    foul shirts and smocksx socksx foul stockingsx greasy
    napkinsx thatx master brookx there was the rankest compound
    of villainous smell that ever offended nostrilx
  fordx and how long lay you therex
  falstaffx nayx you shall hearx master brookx what i have
    sufferxd to bring this woman to evil for your goodx being
    thus crammxd in the basketx a couple of fordxs knavesx his
    hindsx were callxd forth by their mistress to carry me in
    the name of foul clothes to datchet lanex they took me on
    their shouldersx met the jealous knave their master in the
    doorx who askxd them once or twice what they had in their
    basketx i quakxd for fear lest the lunatic knave would have
    searchxd itx but fatex ordaining he should be a cuckoldx
    held his handx wellx on went he for a searchx and away
    went i for foul clothesx but mark the sequelx master
    brookxi suffered the pangs of three several deathsx firstx
    an intolerable fright to be detected with a jealous rotten
    bellxwetherx nextx to be compassxd like a good bilbo in the
    circumference of a peckx hilt to pointx heel to headx and
    thenx to be stoppxd inx like a strong distillationx with
    stinking clothes that fretted in their own greasex think of that
    xa man of my kidneyx think of thatxthat am as subject to
    heat as butterx a man of continual dissolution and thawx it
    was a miracle to scape suffocationx and in the height of
    this bathx when i was more than halfxstewxd in greasex like
    a dutch dishx to be thrown into the thamesx and coolxdx
    glowing hotx in that surgex like a horsexshoex think of that
    xhissing hotx think of thatx master brookx
  fordx in good sadnessx sirx i am sorry that for my sake you
    have sufferxd all thisx my suitx thenx is desperatex
    youxll undertake her no morex
  falstaffx master brookx i will be thrown into etnax as i
    have been into thamesx ere i will leave her thusx her
    husband is this morning gone axbirdingx i have received from
    her another embassy of meetingx xtwixt eight and nine is
    the hourx master brookx
  fordx xtis past eight alreadyx sirx
  falstaffx is itx i will then address me to my appointmentx
    come to me at your convenient leisurex and you shall
    know how i speedx and the conclusion shall be crowned
    with your enjoying herx adieux you shall have herx master
    brookx master brookx you shall cuckold fordx            exit
  fordx humx hax is this a visionx is this a dreamx do i sleepx
    master fordx awakex awakex master fordx therexs a hole
    made in your best coatx master fordx this xtis to be
    marriedx this xtis to have linen and buckxbasketsx wellx i will
    proclaim myself what i amx i will now take the lecherx he
    is at my housex he cannot scape mex xtis impossible he
    shouldx he cannot creep into a halfpenny purse nor into
    a pepper boxx butx lest the devil that guides him should aid
    himx i will search impossible placesx though what i am i
    cannot avoidx yet to be what i would not shall not make
    me tamex if i have horns to make one madx let the proverb
    go with mexixll be horn madx                            exit

act ivx scene ix

windsorx a street

enter mistress pagex mistress quicklyx and william

  mrsx pagex is he at master fordxs alreadyx thinkxst thoux
  quicklyx sure he is by thisx or will be presentlyx but truly
    he is very courageous mad about his throwing into the
    waterx mistress ford desires you to come suddenlyx
  mrsx pagex ixll be with her by and byx ixll but bring my
    young man here to schoolx look where his master comesx
    xtis a playing dayx i seex

                     enter sir hugh evans

    how nowx sir hughx no school toxdayx
  evansx nox master slender is let the boys leave to playx
  quicklyx blessing of his heartx
  mrsx pagex sir hughx my husband says my son profits
    nothing in the world at his bookx i pray you ask him some
    questions in his accidencex
  evansx come hitherx williamx hold up your headx comex
  mrsx pagex come onx sirrahx hold up your headx answer your
    masterx be not afraidx
  evansx williamx how many numbers is in nounsx
  williamx twox
  quicklyx trulyx i thought there had been one number
    morex because they say xodxs nounsxx
  evansx peace your tattlingsx what is xfairxx williamx
  williamx pulcherx
  quicklyx polecatsx there are fairer things than polecatsx
    surex
  evansx you are a very simplicity omanx i pray youx peacex
    what is xlapisxx williamx
  williamx a stonex
  evansx and what is xa stonexx williamx
  williamx a pebblex
  evansx nox it is xlapisxx i pray you remember in your prainx
  williamx lapisx
  evansx that is a good williamx what is hex williamx that
    does lend articlesx
  williamx articles are borrowed of the pronounx and be
    thus declinedx singulariterx nominativox hicx haecx hocx
  evansx nominativox higx hagx hogx pray youx markx genitivox
    hujusx wellx what is your accusative casex
  williamx accusativox hincx
  evansx i pray youx have your remembrancex childx
    accusativox hungx hangx hogx
  quicklyx xhangxhogx is latin for baconx i warrant youx
  evansx leave your prabblesx omanx what is the focative
    casex williamx
  williamx oxvocativox ox
  evansx rememberx williamx focative is caretx
  quicklyx and thatxs a good rootx
  evansx omanx forbearx
  mrsx pagex peacex
  evansx what is your genitive case pluralx williamx
  williamx genitive casex
  evansx ayx
  williamx genitivex horumx harumx horumx
  quicklyx vengeance of jennyxs casex fie on herx never
    name herx childx if she be a whorex
  evansx for shamex omanx
  quicklyx you do ill to teach the child such wordsx he
    teaches him to hick and to hackx which theyxll do fast
    enough of themselvesx and to call xhorumxx fie upon youx
  evansx omanx art thou lunaticsx hast thou no understandings
    for thy casesx and the numbers of the gendersx thou
    art as foolish christian creatures as i would desiresx
  mrsx pagex prithee hold thy peacex
  evansx show me nowx williamx some declensions of your
    pronounsx
  williamx forsoothx i have forgotx
  evansx it is quix quaex quodx if you forget your quixsx your
    quaexsx and your quodxsx you must be preechesx go your
    ways and playx gox
  mrsx pagex he is a better scholar than i thought he wasx
  evansx he is a good sprag memoryx farewellx mistress pagex
  mrsx pagex adieux good sir hughx                 exit sir hugh
    get you homex boyx comex we stay too longx            exeunt

scene xx

fordxs house

enter falstaff and mistress ford

  falstaffx mistress fordx your sorrow hath eaten up my
    sufferancex i see you are obsequious in your lovex and i
    profess requital to a hairxs breadthx not onlyx mistress fordx in
    the simple office of lovex but in all the accoutrementx
    complementx and ceremony of itx but are you sure of your
    husband nowx
  mrsx fordx hexs axbirdingx sweet sir johnx
  mrsx pagex  xwithinx  what hoax gossip fordx what hoax
  mrsx fordx step into thx chamberx sir johnx      exit falstaff

                      enter mistress page

  mrsx pagex how nowx sweetheartx whoxs at home besides
    yourselfx
  mrsx fordx whyx none but mine own peoplex
  mrsx pagex indeedx
  mrsx fordx nox certainlyx  xaside to herx  speak louderx
  mrsx pagex trulyx i am so glad you have nobody herex
  mrsx fordx whyx
  mrsx pagex whyx womanx your husband is in his old lunes
    againx he so takes on yonder with my husbandx so rails
    against all married mankindx so curses an evexs daughtersx
    of what complexion soeverx and so buffets himself on the
    foreheadx crying xpeerxoutx peerxoutxx that any madness i
    ever yet beheld seemxd but tamenessx civilityx and patiencex
    to this his distemper he is in nowx i am glad the fat knight
    is not herex
  mrsx fordx whyx does he talk of himx
  mrsx pagex of none but himx and swears he was carried outx
    the last time he searchxd for himx in a basketx protests to
    my husband he is now herex and hath drawn him and the
    rest of their company from their sportx to make another
    experiment of his suspicionx but i am glad the knight is not
    herex now he shall see his own fooleryx
  mrsx fordx how near is hex mistress pagex
  mrsx pagex hard byx at street endx he will be here anonx
  mrsx fordx i am undonex the knight is herex
  mrsx pagex whyx thenx you are utterly shamxdx and hexs but
    a dead manx what a woman are youx away with himx
    away with himx better shame than murderx
  mrsx fordx which way should he gox how should i bestow
    himx shall i put him into the basket againx

                  rexenter falstaff

  falstaffx nox ixll come no more ix thx basketx may i not go
    out ere he comex
  mrsx pagex alasx three of master fordxs brothers watch the
    door with pistolsx that none shall issue outx otherwise you
    might slip away ere he camex but what make you herex
  falstaffx what shall i dox ixll creep up into the chimneyx
  mrsx fordx there they always use to discharge their
    birdingxpiecesx
  mrsx pagex creep into the kilnxholex
  falstaffx where is itx
  mrsx fordx he will seek therex on my wordx neither pressx
    cofferx chestx trunkx wellx vaultx but he hath an abstract for
    the remembrance of such placesx and goes to them by his
    notex there is no hiding you in the housex
  falstaffx ixll go out thenx
  mrsx pagex if you go out in your own semblancex you diex
    sir johnx unless you go out disguisxdx
  mrsx fordx how might we disguise himx
  mrsx pagex alas the dayx i know notx there is no womanxs
    gown big enough for himx otherwise he might put on a
    hatx a mufflerx and a kerchiefx and so escapex
  falstaffx good heartsx devise somethingx any extremity
    rather than a mischiefx
  mrsx fordx my maidxs auntx the fat woman of brainfordx has
    a gown abovex
  mrsx pagex on my wordx it will serve himx shexs as big as he
    isx and therexs her thrummxd hatx and her muffler toox run
    upx sir johnx
  mrsx fordx gox gox sweet sir johnx mistress page and i will
    look some linen for your headx
  mrsx pagex quickx quickx wexll come dress you straightx put
    on the gown the whilex                         exit falstaff
  mrsx fordx i would my husband would meet him in this
    shapex he cannot abide the old woman of brainfordx he
    swears shexs a witchx forbade her my housex and hath
    threatxned to beat herx
  mrsx pagex heaven guide him to thy husbandxs cudgelx and
    the devil guide his cudgel afterwardsx
  mrsx fordx but is my husband comingx
  mrsx pagex ayx in good sadness is hex and talks of the basket
    toox howsoever he hath had intelligencex
  mrsx fordx wexll try thatx for ixll appoint my men to carry
    the basket againx to meet him at the door with it as they
    did last timex
  mrsx pagex nayx but hexll be here presentlyx letxs go dress
    him like the witch of brainfordx
  mrsx fordx ixll first direct my men what they shall do with
    the basketx go upx ixll bring linen for him straightx   exit
  mrsx pagex hang himx dishonest varletx we cannot misuse
    him enoughx
    wexll leave a proofx by that which we will dox
    wives may be merry and yet honest toox
    we do not act that often jest and laughx
    xtis old but truex still swine eats all the draffx      exit

            rexenter mistress fordx with two servants

  mrsx fordx gox sirsx take the basket again on your shouldersx
    your master is hard at doorx if he bid you set it downx obey
    himx quicklyx dispatchx                                 exit
  first servantx comex comex take it upx
  second servantx pray heaven it be not full of knight againx
  first servantx i hope notx i had lief as bear so much leadx

    enter fordx pagex shallowx caiusx and sir hugh evans

  fordx ayx but if it prove truex master pagex have you any
    way then to unfool me againx set down the basketx villainx
    somebody call my wifex youth in a basketx o you panderly
    rascalsx therexs a knotx a gingx a packx a conspiracy
    against mex now shall the devil be shamxdx whatx wifex i
    sayx comex come forthx behold what honest clothes you
    send forth to bleachingx
  pagex whyx this passesx master fordx you are not to go loose
    any longerx you must be pinionxdx
  evansx whyx this is lunaticsx this is mad as a mad dogx
  shallowx indeedx master fordx this is not wellx indeedx
  fordx so say i toox sirx

                     rexenter mistress ford

    come hitherx mistress fordx mistress fordx the honest
    womanx the modest wifex the virtuous creaturex that hath
    the jealous fool to her husbandx i suspect without causex
    mistressx do ix
  mrsx fordx heaven be my witnessx you dox if you suspect
    me in any dishonestyx
  fordx well saidx brazenxfacex hold it outx come forthx sirrahx
                           xpulling clothes out of the basketx
  pagex this passesx
  mrsx fordx are you not ashamxdx let the clothes alonex
  fordx i shall find you anonx
  evansx xtis unreasonablex will you take up your wifexs
    clothesx come awayx
  fordx empty the basketx i sayx
  mrsx fordx whyx manx whyx
  fordx master pagex as i am a manx there was one conveyxd
    out of my house yesterday in this basketx why may not
    he be there againx in my house i am sure he isx my
    intelligence is truex my jealousy is reasonablex
    pluck me out all the linenx
  mrsx fordx if you find a man therex he shall die a fleaxs
    deathx
  pagex herexs no manx
  shallowx by my fidelityx this is not wellx master fordx this
    wrongs youx
  evansx master fordx you must prayx and not follow the
    imaginations of your own heartx this is jealousiesx
  fordx wellx hexs not here i seek forx
  pagex nox nor nowhere else but in your brainx
  fordx help to search my house this one timex if i find not
    what i seekx show no colour for my extremityx let me for
    ever be your table sportx let them say of me xas jealous as
    fordx that searchxd a hollow walnut for his wifexs lemanxx
    satisfy me once morex once more search with mex
  mrsx fordx whatx hoax mistress pagex come you and the old
    woman downx my husband will come into the chamberx
  fordx old womanx what old womanxs thatx
  mrsx fordx whyx it is my maidxs aunt of brainfordx
  fordx a witchx a queanx an old cozening queanx have i not
    forbid her my housex she comes of errandsx does shex we
    are simple menx we do not know whatxs brought to pass
    under the profession of fortunextellingx she works by
    charmsx by spellsx by thx figurex and such daubxry as this
    isx beyond our elementx we know nothingx come downx you
    witchx you hag youx come downx i sayx
  mrsx fordx nayx good sweet husbandx good gentlemenx let
    him not strike the old womanx

   rexenter falstaff in womanxs clothesx and mistress page

  mrsx pagex comex mother pratx comex give me your handx
  fordx ixll prat herx  xbeating himx  out of my doorx you
    witchx you hagx youx baggagex you polecatx you ronyonx
    outx outx ixll conjure youx ixll fortunextell youx
                                                   exit falstaff
  mrsx pagex are you not ashamxdx i think you have killxd the
    poor womanx
  mrsx fordx nayx he will do itx xtis a goodly credit for youx
  fordx hang herx witchx
  evansx by yea and nox i think the oman is a witch indeedx i
    like not when a oman has a great peardx i spy a great peard
    under his mufflerx
  fordx will you followx gentlemenx i beseech you followx
    see but the issue of my jealousyx if i cry out thus upon no
    trailx never trust me when i open againx
  pagex letxs obey his humour a little furtherx comex
    gentlemenx            exeunt all but mrsx ford and mrsx page
  mrsx pagex trust mex he beat him most pitifullyx
  mrsx fordx nayx by thx massx that he did notx he beat him
    most unpitifully methoughtx
  mrsx pagex ixll have the cudgel hallowxd and hung oxer the
    altarx it hath done meritorious servicex
  mrsx fordx what think youx may wex with the warrant of
    womanhood and the witness of a good consciencex pursue
    him with any further revengex
  mrsx pagex the spirit of wantonness is sure scarxd out of
    himx if the devil have him not in feexsimplex with fine and
    recoveryx he will neverx i thinkx in the way of wastex
    attempt us againx
  mrsx fordx shall we tell our husbands how we have servxd
    himx
  mrsx pagex yesx by all meansx if it be but to scrape the
    figures out of your husbandxs brainsx if they can find in their
    hearts the poor unvirtuous fat knight shall be any further
    afflictedx we two will still be the ministersx
  mrsx fordx ixll warrant theyxll have him publicly shamxdx
    and methinks there would be no period to the jestx should
    he not be publicly shamxdx
  mrsx pagex comex to the forge with it thenx shape itx i
    would not have things coolx                           exeunt

scene xx

the garter inn

enter host and bardolph

  bardolphx sirx the germans desire to have three of your
    horsesx the duke himself will be toxmorrow at courtx and
    they are going to meet himx
  hostx what duke should that be comes so secretlyx i hear
    not of him in the courtx let me speak with the gentlemenx
    they speak englishx
  bardolphx ayx sirx ixll call them to youx
  hostx they shall have my horsesx but ixll make them payx
    ixll sauce themx they have had my house a week at
    commandx i have turnxd away my other guestsx they must
    come offx ixll sauce themx comex                      exeunt

scene x

fordxs house

enter pagex fordx mistress pagex mistress fordx and sir hugh evans

  evansx xtis one of the best discretions of a oman as ever
    did look uponx
  pagex and did he send you both these letters at an instantx
  mrsx pagex within a quarter of an hourx
  fordx pardon mex wifex henceforthx do what thou wiltx
    i rather will suspect the sun with cold
    than thee with wantonnessx now doth thy honour standx
    in him that was of late an hereticx
    as firm as faithx
  pagex xtis wellx xtis wellx no morex
    be not as extreme in submission as in offencex
    but let our plot go forwardx let our wives
    yet once againx to make us public sportx
    appoint a meeting with this old fat fellowx
    where we may take him and disgrace him for itx
  fordx there is no better way than that they spoke ofx
  pagex howx to send him word theyxll meet him in the park
    at midnightx fiex fiex hexll never comex
  evansx you say he has been thrown in the riversx and has
    been grievously peaten as an old omanx methinks there
    should be terrors in himx that he should not comex
    methinks his flesh is punishxdx he shall have no desiresx
  pagex so think i toox
  mrsx fordx devise but how youxll use him when he comesx
    and let us two devise to bring him thitherx
  mrsx pagex there is an old tale goes that heme the hunterx
    sometime a keeper here in windsor forestx
    doth all the winterxtimex at still midnightx
    walk round about an oakx with great raggxd hornsx
    and there he blasts the treex and takes the cattlex
    and makes milchxkine yield bloodx and shakes a chain
    in a most hideous and dreadful mannerx
    you have heard of such a spiritx and well you know
    the superstitious idlexheaded eld
    receivxdx and did deliver to our agex
    this tale of heme the hunter for a truthx
  pagex why yet there want not many that do fear
    in deep of night to walk by this hernexs oakx
    but what of thisx
  mrsx fordx marryx this is our devicex
    that falstaff at that oak shall meet with usx
    disguisxdx like hemex with huge horns on his headx
  pagex wellx let it not be doubted but hexll comex
    and in this shapex when you have brought him thitherx
    what shall be done with himx what is your plotx
  mrsx pagex that likewise have we thought uponx and
    thusx
    nan page my daughterx and my little sonx
    and three or four more of their growthx wexll dress
    like urchinsx ouphesx and fairiesx green and whitex
    with rounds of waxen tapers on their headsx
    and rattles in their handsx upon a suddenx
    as falstaffx shex and ix are newly metx
    let them from forth a sawpit rush at once
    with some diffused songx upon their sight
    we two in great amazedness will flyx
    then let them all encircle him aboutx
    and fairyxlikex to pinch the unclean knightx
    and ask him whyx that hour of fairy revelx
    in their so sacred paths he dares to tread
    in shape profanex
  mrsx fordx and till he tell the truthx
    let the supposed fairies pinch him soundx
    and burn him with their tapersx
  mrsx pagex the truth being knownx
    wexll all present ourselvesx disxhorn the spiritx
    and mock him home to windsorx
  fordx the children must
    be practisxd well to this or theyxll nevxr do xtx
  evansx i will teach the children their behavioursx and i will
    be like a jackxanxapes alsox to burn the knight with my
    taberx
  fordx that will be excellentx ixll go buy them vizardsx
  mrsx pagex my nan shall be the queen of all the fairiesx
    finely attired in a robe of whitex
  pagex that silk will i go buyx  xasidex  and in that time
    shall master slender steal my nan awayx
    and marry her at etonxxgox send to falstaff straightx
  fordx nayx ixll to him againx in name of brookx
    hexll tell me all his purposex surex hexll comex
  mrsx pagex fear not you thatx go get us properties
    and tricking for our fairiesx
  evansx let us about itx it is admirable pleasuresx and fery
    honest knaveriesx               exeunt pagex fordx and evans
  mrsx pagex gox mistress fordx
    send quickly to sir john to know his mindx
                                                  exit mrsx ford
    ixll to the doctorx he hath my good willx
    and none but hex to marry with nan pagex
    that slenderx though well landedx is an idiotx
    and he my husband best of all affectsx
    the doctor is well moneyxdx and his friends
    potent at courtx hex none but hex shall have herx
    though twenty thousand worthier come to crave herx      exit

scene xx

the garter inn

enter host and simple

  hostx what wouldst thou havex boorx whatx thickxskinx
    speakx breathex discussx briefx shortx quickx snapx
  simplex marryx sirx i come to speak with sir john falstaff
    from master slenderx
  hostx therexs his chamberx his housex his castlex his
    standingxbed and trucklexbedx xtis painted about with the
    story of the prodigalx fresh and newx gox knock and canx hexll
    speak like an anthropophaginian unto theex knockx i sayx
  simplex therexs an old womanx a fat womanx gone up into
    his chamberx ixll be so bold as stayx sirx till she come downx
    i come to speak with herx indeedx
  hostx hax a fat womanx the knight may be robbxdx ixll callx
    bully knightx bully sir johnx speak from thy lungs
    militaryx art thou therex it is thine hostx thine ephesianx callsx
  falstaffx  xabovex  how nowx mine hostx
  hostx herexs a bohemianxtartar tarries the coming down of
    thy fat womanx let her descendx bullyx let her descendx
    my chambers are honouriblex fiex privacyx fiex

                    enter falstaff

  falstaffx there wasx mine hostx an old fat woman even
    now withx mex but shexs gonex
  simplex pray youx sirx wasxt not the wise woman of
    brainfordx
  falstaffx ayx marry was itx musselxshellx what would you
    with herx
  simplex my masterx sirx my master slenderx sent to herx
    seeing her go thorough the streetsx to knowx sirx whether one
    nymx sirx that beguilxd him of a chainx had the chain or nox
  falstaffx i spake with the old woman about itx
  simplex and what says shex i prayx sirx
  falstaff marryx she says that the very same man that
    beguilxd master slender of his chain cozenxd him of itx
  simplex i would i could have spoken with the woman
    herselfx i had other things to have spoken with her toox
    from himx
  falstaffx what are theyx let us knowx
  hostx ayx comex quickx
  simplex i may not conceal themx sirx
  falstaffx conceal themx or thou diestx
    simplexx whyx sirx they were nothing but about mistress
    anne pagex to know if it were my masterxs fortune to
    have her or nox
  falstaffx xtisx xtis his fortunex
  simplex what sirx
  falstaffx to have herx or nox gox say the woman told me
    sox
  simplex may i be bold to say sox sirx
  falstaffx ayx sirx like who more boldx
  simplexx i thank your worshipx i shall make my master glad
    with these tidingsx                              exit simple
  hostx thou art clerklyx thou art clerklyx sir johnx was
    there a wise woman with theex
  falstaffx ayx that there wasx mine hostx one that hath
    taught me more wit than ever i learnxd before in my lifex
    and i paid nothing for it neitherx but was paid for my
    learningx

                    enter bardolph

  bardolphx outx alasx sirx cozenagex mere cozenagex
  hostx where be my horsesx speak well of themx varlettox
  bardolphx run away with the cozenersx for so soon as i
    came beyond etonx they threw me off from behind one of
    themx in a slough of mirex and set spurs and awayx like
    three german devilsx three doctor faustusesx
  hostx they are gone but to meet the dukex villainx do not
    say they be fledx germans are honest menx

                 enter sir hugh evans

  evansx where is mine hostx
  hostx what is the matterx sirx
  evansx have a care of your entertainmentsx there is a friend
    of mine come to town tells me there is three
    cozenxgermans that has cozenxd all the hosts of readinsx
    of maidenheadx of colebrookx of horses and moneyx i tell you for
    good willx look youx you are wisex and full of gibes and
    vloutingxstogsx and xtis not convenient you should be
    cozenedx fare you wellx                                 exit

                  enter doctor caius

  caiusx vere is mine host de jarteerx
  hostx herex master doctorx in perplexity and doubtful
    dilemmax
  caiusx i cannot tell vat is datx but it is tellxa me dat you
    make grand preparation for a duke de jamanyx by my
    trotx dere is no duke that the court is know to comex i
    tell you for good willx adieux                          exit
  hostx hue and cryx villainx gox assist mex knightx i am
    undonex flyx runx hue and cryx villainx i am undonex
                                        exeunt host and bardolph
  falstaffx i would all the world might be cozenxdx for i have
    been cozenxd and beaten toox if it should come to the car
    of the court how i have been transformedx and how my
    transformation hath been washxd and cudgellxdx they
    would melt me out of my fatx drop by dropx and liquor
    fishermenxs boots with mex i warrant they would whip me
    with their fine wits till i were as crestfallxn as a dried pearx
    i never prosperxd since i forswore myself at primerox wellx
    if my wind were but long enough to say my prayersx
    would repentx

                enter mistress quickly

    nowx whence come youx
  quicklyx from the two partiesx forsoothx
  falstaffx the devil take one party and his dam the otherx
    and so they shall be both bestowedx i have sufferxd more
    for their sakesx more than the villainous inconstancy of
    manxs disposition is able to bearx
  quicklyx and have not they sufferxdx yesx i warrantx
    speciously one of themx mistress fordx good heartx is beaten
    black and bluex that you cannot see a white spot about herx
  falstaffx what tellxst thou me of black and bluex i was
    beaten myself into all the colours of the rainbowx and
    was like to be apprehended for the witch of brainfordx but
    that my admirable dexterity of witx my counterfeiting the
    action of an old womanx deliverxd mex the knave constable
    had set me ix thx stocksx ix thx common stocksx for a witchx
  quicklyx sirx let me speak with you in your chamberx you
    shall hear how things gox andx i warrantx to your contentx
    here is a letter will say somewhatx good heartsx what ado
    here is to bring you togetherx surex one of you does not
    serve heaven wellx that you are so crossxdx
  falstaffx come up into my chamberx                      exeunt

scene xx

the garter inn

enter fenton and host

  hostx master fentonx talk not to mex my mind is heavyx i
    will give over allx
  fentonx yet hear me speakx assist me in my purposex
    andx as i am a gentlemanx ixll give the
    a hundred pound in gold more than your lossx
  hostx i will hear youx master fentonx and i willx at the leastx
    keep your counselx
  fentonx from time to time i have acquainted you
    with the dear love i bear to fair anne pagex
    whox mutuallyx hath answerxd my affectionx
    so far forth as herself might be her chooserx
    even to my wishx i have a letter from her
    of such contents as you will wonder atx
    the mirth whereof so larded with my matter
    that neitherx singlyx can be manifested
    without the show of bothx fat falstaff
    hath a great scenex the image of the jest
    ixll show you here at largex harkx good mine hostx
    toxnight at hemexs oakx just xtwixt twelve and onex
    must my sweet nan present the fairy queenx
    the purpose why is herexin which disguisex
    while other jests are something rank on footx
    her father hath commanded her to slip
    away with slenderx and with him at eton
    immediately to marryx she hath consentedx
    nowx sirx
    her motherx even strong against that match
    and firm for doctor caiusx hath appointed
    that he shall likewise shuffle her away
    while other sports are tasking of their mindsx
    and at the deanxryx where a priest attendsx
    straight marry herx to this her motherxs plot
    she seemingly obedient likewise hath
    made promise to the doctorx now thus it restsx
    her father means she shall be all in whitex
    and in that habitx when slender sees his time
    to take her by the hand and bid her gox
    she shall go with himx her mother hath intended
    the better to denote her to the doctorx
    for they must all be maskxd and vizardedx
    that quaint in green she shall be loose enrobxdx
    with ribands pendentx flaring xbout her headx
    and when the doctor spies his vantage ripex
    to pinch her by the handx andx on that tokenx
    the maid hath given consent to go with himx
  hostx which means she to deceivex father or motherx
  fentonx bothx my good hostx to go along with mex
    and here it restsxthat youxll procure the vicar
    to stay for me at churchx xtwixt twelve and onex
    and in the lawful name of marryingx
    to give our hearts united ceremonyx
  hostx wellx husband your devicex ixll to the vicarx
    bring you the maidx you shall not lack a priestx
  fentonx so shall i evermore be bound to theex
    besidesx ixll make a present recompensex              exeunt

act vx scene xx

the garter inn

enter falstaff and mistress quickly

  falstaffx pritheex no more prattlingx gox ixllx holdx this is
    the third timex i hope good luck lies in odd numbersx
    awayx gox they say there is divinity in odd numbersx either
    in nativityx chancex or deathx awayx
  quicklyx ixll provide you a chainx and ixll do what i can to
    get you a pair of hornsx
  falstaffx awayx i sayx time wearsx hold up your headx and
    mincex                                     exit mrsx quickly

                 enter ford disguised

    how nowx master brookx master brookx the matter will
    be known tonight or neverx be you in the park about
    midnightx at hernexs oakx and you shall see wondersx
  fordx went you not to her yesterdayx sirx as you told me
    you had appointedx
  falstaffx i went to herx master brookx as you seex like a
    poor old manx but i came from herx master brookx like a
    poor old womanx that same knave fordx her husbandx hath
    the finest mad devil of jealousy in himx master brookx that
    ever governxd frenzyx i will tell youxhe beat me grievously
    in the shape of a womanx for in the shape of manx master
    brookx i fear not goliath with a weaverxs beamx because
    i know also life is a shuttlex i am in hastex go along with
    mex ixllx tell you allx master brookx since i pluckxd geesex
    playxd truantx and whippxd topx i knew not what xtwas to
    be beaten till latelyx follow mex ixll tell you strange things
    of this knavexfordx on whom toxnight i will be revengedx
    and i will deliver his wife into your handx followx strange
    things in handx master brookx followx                 exeunt

scene xx

windsor park

enter pagex shallowx and slender

  pagex comex comex wexll couch ix thx castle ditch till we
    see the light of our fairiesx rememberx son slenderx my daughterx
  slenderx ayx forsoothx i have spoke with herx and we have
    a nayxword how to know one anotherx i come to her in
    white and cry xmumxx she cries xbudgetxx and by that we
    know one anotherx
  shallowx thatxs good toox but what needs either your mum
    or her budgetx the white will decipher her well enoughx
    it hath struck ten oxclockx
  pagex the night is darkx light and spirits will become it wellx
    heaven prosper our sportx no man means evil but the
    devilx and we shall know him by his hornsx letxs awayx
    follow mex                                            exeunt

scene xx

a street leading to the park

enter mistress pagex mistress fordx and doctor caius

  mrsx pagex master doctorx my daughter is in greenx when
    you see your timex take her by the handx away with her to
    the deaneryx and dispatch it quicklyx go before into the
    parkx we two must go togetherx
  caiusx i know vat i have to dox adieux
  mrsx pagex fare you wellx sirx  xexit caiusx  my husband
    will not rejoice so much at the abuse of falstaff as he will
    chafe at the doctorxs marrying my daughterx but xtis no
    matterx better a little chiding than a great deal of
    heartbreakx
  mrsx fordx where is nan nowx and her troop of fairiesx and
    the welsh devilx hughx
  mrsx pagex they are all couchxd in a pit hard by hemexs
    oakx with obscurxd lightsx whichx at the very instant of
    falstaffxs and our meetingx they will at once display to the
    nightx
  mrsx fordx that cannot choose but amaze himx
  mrsx pagex if he be not amazxdx he will be mockxdx if he be
    amazxdx he will every way be mockxdx
  mrsx fordx wexll betray him finelyx
  mrsx pagex against such lewdsters and their lecheryx
    those that betray them do no treacheryx
  mrsx fordx the hour draws onx to the oakx to the oakx
                                                          exeunt

scene xx

windsor park

enter sir hugh evans like a satyrx with others as fairies

  evansx tribx tribx fairiesx comex and remember your partsx be poldx i
  pray youx follow me into the pitx and when i give the watchxordsx do
  as i pid youx comex comex tribx tribx
                  exeunt

scene xx

another part of the park

enter falstaff disguised as herne

  falstaffx the windsor bell hath struck twelvex the minute draws onx
  now the hotxblooded gods assist mex rememberx jovex thou wast a bull
  for thy europax love set on thy hornsx o powerful lovex that in some
  respects makes a beast a manx in some other a man a beastx you were
  alsox jupiterx a swanx for the love of ledax o omnipotent lovex how
  near the god drew to the complexion of a goosex a fault done first in
  the form of a beastxo jovex a beastly faultxxand then another fault
  in the semblance of a fowlx think onxtx jovex a foul faultx when gods
  have hot backs what shall poor men dox for mex i am here a windsor
  stagx and the fattestx i thinkx ix thx forestx send me a cool
  rutxtimex jovex or who can blame me to piss my tallowx who comes
  herex my doex

        enter mistress ford and mistress page

  mrsx fordx sir johnx art thou therex my deerx my male deerx
  falstaffx my doe with the black scutx let the sky rain
    potatoesx let it thunder to the tune of greensleevesx hail
    kissingxcomfitsx and snow eringoesx let there come a tempest
    of provocationx i will shelter me herex      xembracing herx
  mrsx fordx mistress page is come with mex sweetheartx
  falstaffx divide me like a bribxd buckx each a haunchx i
    will keep my sides to myselfx my shoulders for the fellow
    of this walkx and my horns i bequeath your husbandsx am
    i a woodmanx hax speak i like heme the hunterx whyx
    now is cupid a child of consciencex he makes restitutionx
    as i am a true spiritx welcomex           xa noise of hornsx
  mrsx pagex alasx what noisex
  mrsx fordx heaven forgive our sinsx
  falstaffx what should this bex
  mrsx fordx x awayx awayx
  mrsx pagex x awayx awayx                        xthey run offx
  falstaffx i think the devil will not have me damnxdx lest the
    oil thatxs in me should set hell on firex he would never else
    cross me thusx

        enter sir hugh evans like a satyrx anne page as
      a fairyx and others as the fairy queenx fairiesx and
               hobgoblinx all with tapers

  fairy queenx fairiesx blackx greyx greenx and whitex
    you moonshine revellersx and shades of nightx
    you orphan heirs of fixed destinyx
    attend your office and your qualityx
    crier hobgoblinx make the fairy oyesx
  puckx elvesx list your namesx silencex you airy toysx
    cricketx to windsor chimneys shalt thou leapx
    where fires thou findxst unrakxdx and hearths unsweptx
    there pinch the maids as blue as bilberryx
    our radiant queen hates sluts and slutteryx
  falstaffx they are fairiesx he that speaks to them shall diex
    ixll wink and couchx no man their works must eyex
                                       xlies down upon his facex
  evansx wherexs pedex go youx and where you find a maid
    thatx ere she sleepx has thrice her prayers saidx
    raise up the organs of her fantasy
    sleep she as sound as careless infancyx
    but those as sleep and think not on their sinsx
    pinch themx armsx legsx backsx shouldersx sidesx and shinsx
  fairy queenx aboutx aboutx
    search windsor castlex elvesx within and outx
    strew good luckx ouphesx on every sacred roomx
    that it may stand till the perpetual doom
    in state as wholesome as in state xtis fitx
    worthy the owner and the owner itx
    the several chairs of order look you scour
    with juice of balm and every precious flowerx
    each fair instalmentx coatx and sevxral crestx
    with loyal blazonx evermore be blestx
    and nightlyx meadowxfairiesx look you singx
    like to the garterxs compassx in a ringx
    thx expressure that it bearsx green let it bex
    more fertilexfresh than all the field to seex
    and xhoni soit qui mal y pensex write
    in emxrald tuftsx flowxrs purplex blue and whitex
    like sapphirex pearlx and rich embroideryx
    buckled below fair knighthoodxs bending kneex
    fairies use flowxrs for their characteryx
    awayx dispersex but till xtis one oxclockx
    our dance of custom round about the oak
    of herne the hunter let us not forgetx
  evansx pray youx lock hand in handx yourselves in order setx
    and twenty glowxworms shall our lanterns bex
    to guide our measure round about the treex
    butx stayx i smell a man of middle earthx
  falstaffx heavens defend me from that welsh fairyx lest he
    transform me to a piece of cheesex
  puckx vile wormx thou wast oxerlookxd even in thy birthx
  fairy queenx with trialxfire touch me his fingerxendx
    if he be chastex the flame will back descendx
    and turn him to no painx but if he startx
    it is the flesh of a corrupted heartx
  puckx a trialx comex
  evansx comex will this wood take firex
             xthey put the tapers to his fingersx and he startsx
  falstaffx ohx ohx ohx
  fairy queenx corruptx corruptx and tainted in desirex
    about himx fairiesx sing a scornful rhymex
    andx as you tripx still pinch him to your timex
  the songx
    fie on sinful fantasyx
    fie on lust and luxuryx
    lust is but a bloody firex
    kindled with unchaste desirex
    fed in heartx whose flames aspirex
    as thoughts do blow themx higher and higherx
    pinch himx fairiesx mutuallyx
    pinch him for his villainyx
    pinch him and burn him and turn him aboutx
    till candles and starxlight and moonshine be outx

        during this song they pinch falstaffx doctor
        caius comes one wayx and steals away a fairy in
        greenx slender another wayx and takes off a fairy in
        whitex and fenton steals away anne pagex a noise
        of hunting is heard withinx all the fairies run awayx
        falstaff pulls off his buckxs headx and rises

       enter pagex fordx mistress pagex mistress fordx and
                        sir hugh evans

  pagex nayx do not flyx i think we have watchxd you nowx
    will none but heme the hunter serve your turnx
  mrsx pagex i pray youx comex hold up the jest no higherx
    nowx good sir johnx how like you windsor wivesx
    see you thesex husbandx do not these fair yokes
    become the forest better than the townx
  fordx nowx sirx whoxs a cuckold nowx master brookx
    falstaffxs a knavex a cuckoldly knavex here are his hornsx
    master brookx andx master brookx he hath enjoyed nothing of
    fordxs but his buckxbasketx his cudgelx and twenty pounds
    of moneyx which must be paid to master brookx his horses
    are arrested for itx master brookx
  mrsx fordx sir johnx we have had ill luckx we could never
    meetx i will never take you for my love againx but i will
    always count you my deerx
  falstaffx i do begin to perceive that i am made an assx
  fordx ayx and an ox toox both the proofs are extantx
  falstaffx and these are not fairiesx i was three or four
    times in the thought they were not fairiesx and yet the
    guiltiness of my mindx the sudden surprise of my powersx
    drove the grossness of the foppery into a receivxd beliefx
    in despite of the teeth of all rhyme and reasonx that they
    were fairiesx see now how wit may be made a jackxaxlent
    when xtis upon ill employmentx
  evansx sir john falstaffx serve gotx and leave your desiresx
    and fairies will not pinse youx
  fordx well saidx fairy hughx
  evansx and leave you your jealousies toox i pray youx
  fordx i will never mistrust my wife againx till thou art able
    to woo her in good englishx
  falstaffx have i laid my brain in the sunx and dried itx that
    it wants matter to prevent so grossx oxerxreaching as thisx
    am i ridden with a welsh goat toox shall i have a coxxcomb
    of friezex xtis time i were chokxd with a piece of
    toasted cheesex
  evansx seese is not good to give putterx your belly is all
    putterx
  falstaffx xseesex and xputterxx have i livxd to stand at the
    taunt of one that makes fritters of englishx this is enough
    to be the decay of lust and latexwalking through the realmx
  mrsx pagex whyx sir johnx do you thinkx though we would
    have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the head and
    shouldersx and have given ourselves without scruple to hellx
    that ever the devil could have made you our delightx
  fordx whatx a hodgexpuddingx a bag of flaxx
  mrsx pagex a puffxd manx
  pagex oldx coldx witherxdx and of intolerable entrailsx
  fordx and one that is as slanderous as satanx
  pagex and as poor as jobx
  fordx and as wicked as his wifex
  evansx and given to fornicationsx and to tavernsx and sackx
    and winex and metheglinsx and to drinkingsx and swearingsx
    and staringsx pribbles and prabblesx
  falstaffx wellx i am your themex you have the start of mex
    i am dejectedx i am not able to answer the welsh flannelx
    ignorance itself is a plummet oxer mex use me as you willx
  fordx marryx sirx wexll bring you to windsorx to one master
    brookx that you have cozenxd of moneyx to whom you
    should have been a panderx over and above that you have
    sufferxdx i think to repay that money will be a biting
    afflictionx
  pagex yet be cheerfulx knightx thou shalt eat a posset
    tonight at my housex where i will desire thee to laugh at my
    wifex that now laughs at theex tell her master slender hath
    married her daughterx
  mrsx pagex  xasidex  doctors doubt thatx if anne page be
    my daughterx she isx by thisx doctor caiusx wifex

                        enter slender

  slenderx whoax hox hox father pagex
  pagex sonx how nowx how nowx sonx have you dispatchxdxx
  slenderx dispatchxdx ixll make the best in gloucestershire
    know onxtx would i were hangxdx lax elsex
  pagex of whatx sonx
  slenderx i came yonder at eton to marry mistress anne
    pagex and shexs a great lubberly boyx if it had not been ix
    thx churchx i would have swingxd himx or he should have
    swingxd mex if i did not think it had been anne pagex
    would i might never stirxxand xtis a postmasterxs boyx
  pagex upon my lifex thenx you took the wrongx
  slenderx what need you tell me thatx i think sox when i
    took a boy for a girlx if i had been married to himx for all
    he was in womanxs apparelx i would not have had himx
  pagex whyx this is your own follyx did not i tell you how
    you should know my daughter by her garmentsx
  slenderx i went to her in white and cried xmumx and she
    cried xbudgetx as anne and i had appointedx and yet it was
    not annex but a postmasterxs boyx
  mrsx pagex good georgex be not angryx i knew of your
    purposex turnxd my daughter into greenx andx indeedx she
    is now with the doctor at the deanxryx and there marriedx

                         enter caius

  caiusx vere is mistress pagex by garx i am cozenedx i hax
    married un garconx a boyx un paysanx by garx a boyx it is
    not anne pagex by garx i am cozenedx
  mrsx pagex whyx did you take her in greenx
  caiusx ayx be garx and xtis a boyx be garx ixll raise all
    windsorx                                          exit caius
  fordx this is strangex who hath got the right annex
  pagex my heart misgives mex here comes master fentonx

                  enter fenton and anne page

    how nowx master fentonx
  annex pardonx good fatherx good my motherx pardonx
  pagex nowx mistressx how chance you went not with master
    slenderx
  mrsx pagex why went you not with master doctorx maidx
  fentonx you do amaze herx hear the truth of itx
    you would have married her most shamefullyx
    where there was no proportion held in lovex
    the truth isx she and ix long since contractedx
    are now so sure that nothing can dissolve usx
    thx offence is holy that she hath committedx
    and this deceit loses the name of craftx
    of disobediencex or unduteous titlex
    since therein she doth evitate and shun
    a thousand irreligious cursed hoursx
    which forced marriage would have brought upon herx
  fordx stand not amazxdx here is no remedyx
    in lovex the heavens themselves do guide the statex
    money buys landsx and wives are sold by fatex
  falstaffx i am gladx though you have taxen a special stand
    to strike at mex that your arrow hath glancxdx
  pagex wellx what remedyx fentonx heaven give thee joyx
    what cannot be eschewxd must be embracxdx
  falstaffx when nightxdogs runx all sorts of deer are chasxdx
  mrsx pagex wellx i will muse no furtherx master fentonx
    heaven give you manyx many merry daysx
    good husbandx let us every one go homex
    and laugh this sport oxer by a country firex
    sir john and allx
  fordx let it be sox sir johnx
    to master brook you yet shall hold your wordx
    for hex toxnightx shall lie with mistress fordx       exeunt




a midsummer nightxs dream



contents



act i
scene ix athensx a room in the palace of theseus
scene iix the samex a room in a cottage

act ii
scene ix a wood near athens
scene iix another part of the wood

act iii
scene ix the woodx
scene iix another part of the wood

act iv
scene ix the wood
scene iix athensx a room in quincexs house

act v
scene ix athensx an apartment in the palace of theseus



dramatis personx

theseusx duke of athens
hippolytax queen of the amazonsx bethrothed to theseus
egeusx father to hermia
hermiax daughter to egeusx in love with lysander
helenax in love with demetrius
lysanderx in love with hermia
demetriusx in love with hermia
philostratex master of the revels to theseus

quincex the carpenter
snugx the joiner
bottomx the weaver
flutex the bellowsxmender
snoutx the tinker
starvelingx the tailor

oberonx king of the fairies
titaniax queen of the fairies
puckx or robin goodfellowx a fairy
peaseblossomx fairy
cobwebx fairy
mothx fairy
mustardseedx fairy

pyramusx thisbex wallx moonshinex lionx characters in the interlude
performed by the clowns

other fairies attending their king and queen
attendants on theseus and hippolyta

scenex athensx and a wood not far from it



act i

scene ix athensx a room in the palace of theseus

 enter theseusx hippolytax philostrate and attendantsx

theseusx
nowx fair hippolytax our nuptial hour
draws on apacex four happy days bring in
another moonx but ohx methinksx how slow
this old moon wanesx she lingers my desiresx
like to a stepxdame or a dowagerx
long withering out a young manxs revenuex

hippolytax
four days will quickly steep themselves in nightx
four nights will quickly dream away the timex
and then the moonx like to a silver bow
new bent in heavenx shall behold the night
of our solemnitiesx

theseusx
gox philostratex
stir up the athenian youth to merrimentsx
awake the pert and nimble spirit of mirthx
turn melancholy forth to funeralsx
the pale companion is not for our pompx

 xxexit philostratexxx

hippolytax i wooxd thee with my swordx
and won thy love doing thee injuriesx
but i will wed thee in another keyx
with pompx with triumphx and with revellingx

 enter egeusx hermiax lysander and demetriusx

egeusx
happy be theseusx our renownxd dukex

theseusx
thanksx good egeusx whatxs the news with theex

egeusx
full of vexation come ix with complaint
against my childx my daughter hermiax
stand forthx demetriusx my noble lordx
this man hath my consent to marry herx
stand forthx lysanderx andx my gracious dukex
this man hath bewitchxd the bosom of my childx
thoux thoux lysanderx thou hast given her rhymesx
and interchangxd lovextokens with my childx
thou hast by moonlight at her window sungx
with feigning voicex verses of feigning lovex
and stolxn the impression of her fantasy
with bracelets of thy hairx ringsx gaudsx conceitsx
knacksx triflesx nosegaysx sweetmeats xmessengers
of strong prevailment in unhardenxd youthx
with cunning hast thou filchxd my daughterxs heartx
turnxd her obedience xwhich is due to mex
to stubborn harshnessx andx my gracious dukex
be it so she will not here before your grace
consent to marry with demetriusx
i beg the ancient privilege of athensx
as she is mine i may dispose of herx
which shall be either to this gentleman
or to her deathx according to our law
immediately provided in that casex

theseusx
what say youx hermiax be advisxdx fair maidx
to you your father should be as a godx
one that composxd your beautiesx yeax and one
to whom you are but as a form in wax
by him imprintedx and within his power
to leave the figurex or disfigure itx
demetrius is a worthy gentlemanx

hermiax
so is lysanderx

theseusx
in himself he isx
but in this kindx wanting your fatherxs voicex
the other must be held the worthierx

hermiax
i would my father lookxd but with my eyesx

theseusx
rather your eyes must with his judgment lookx

hermiax
i do entreat your grace to pardon mex
i know not by what power i am made boldx
nor how it may concern my modesty
in such a presence here to plead my thoughtsx
but i beseech your grace that i may know
the worst that may befall me in this casex
if i refuse to wed demetriusx

theseusx
either to die the deathx or to abjure
for ever the society of menx
thereforex fair hermiax question your desiresx
know of your youthx examine well your bloodx
whetherx if you yield not to your fatherxs choicex
you can endure the livery of a nunx
for aye to be in shady cloister mewxdx
to live a barren sister all your lifex
chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moonx
thricexblessxd they that master so their blood
to undergo such maiden pilgrimagex
but earthlier happy is the rose distillxd
than that whichx withering on the virgin thornx
growsx livesx and diesx in single blessednessx

hermiax
so will i growx so livex so diex my lordx
ere i will yield my virgin patent up
unto his lordshipx whose unwishxd yoke
my soul consents not to give sovereigntyx

theseusx
take time to pausex and by the next new moon
the sealingxday betwixt my love and me
for everlasting bond of fellowshipx
upon that day either prepare to die
for disobedience to your fatherxs willx
or else to wed demetriusx as he wouldx
or on dianaxs altar to protest
for aye austerity and single lifex

demetriusx
relentx sweet hermiax andx lysanderx yield
thy crazxd title to my certain rightx

lysanderx
you have her fatherxs lovex demetriusx
let me have hermiaxsx do you marry himx

egeusx
scornful lysanderx truex he hath my lovex
and what is mine my love shall render himx
and she is minex and all my right of her
i do estate unto demetriusx

lysanderx
i amx my lordx as well derivxd as hex
as well possessxdx my love is more than hisx
my fortunes every way as fairly rankxdx
if not with vantagex as demetriusxx
andx which is more than all these boasts can bex
i am belovxd of beauteous hermiax
why should not i then prosecute my rightx
demetriusx ixll avouch it to his headx
made love to nedarxs daughterx helenax
and won her soulx and shex sweet ladyx dotesx
devoutly dotesx dotes in idolatryx
upon this spotted and inconstant manx

theseusx
i must confess that i have heard so muchx
and with demetrius thought to have spoke thereofx
butx being overxfull of selfxaffairsx
my mind did lose itxxbutx demetriusx comex
and comex egeusx you shall go with mex
i have some private schooling for you bothxx
for youx fair hermiax look you arm yourself
to fit your fancies to your fatherxs willx
or else the law of athens yields you up
xwhich by no means we may extenuatex
to deathx or to a vow of single lifex
comex my hippolytax what cheerx my lovex
demetrius and egeusx go alongx
i must employ you in some business
against our nuptialx and confer with you
of something nearly that concerns yourselvesx

egeusx
with duty and desire we follow youx

 xxexeunt all but lysander and hermiaxxx

lysanderx
how nowx my lovex why is your cheek so palex
how chance the roses there do fade so fastx

hermiax
belike for want of rainx which i could well
beteem them from the tempest of my eyesx

lysanderx
ay mex for aught that i could ever readx
could ever hear by tale or historyx
the course of true love never did run smoothx
but either it was different in bloodx

hermiax
o crossx too high to be enthrallxd to lowx

lysanderx
or else misgraffxd in respect of yearsx

hermiax
o spitex too old to be engagxd to youngx

lysanderx
or else it stood upon the choice of friendsx

hermiax
o hellx to choose love by anotherxs eyesx

lysanderx
orx if there were a sympathy in choicex
warx deathx or sickness did lay siege to itx
making it momentany as a soundx
swift as a shadowx short as any dreamx
brief as the lightning in the collied night
thatx in a spleenx unfolds both heaven and earthx
andx ere a man hath power to sayx xbeholdxx
the jaws of darkness do devour it upx
so quick bright things come to confusionx

hermiax
if then true lovers have ever crossxdx
it stands as an edict in destinyx
then let us teach our trial patiencex
because it is a customary crossx
as due to love as thoughts and dreams and sighsx
wishes and tearsx poor fancyxs followersx

lysanderx
a good persuasionx thereforex hear mex hermiax
i have a widow auntx a dowager
of great revenuex and she hath no childx
from athens is her house remote seven leaguesx
and she respects me as her only sonx
therex gentle hermiax may i marry theex
and to that place the sharp athenian law
cannot pursue usx if thou lovest me thenx
steal forth thy fatherxs house tomorrow nightx
and in the woodx a league without the town
xwhere i did meet thee once with helena
to do observance to a morn of mayxx
there will i stay for theex

hermiax
my good lysanderx
i swear to thee by cupidxs strongest bowx
by his best arrow with the golden headx
by the simplicity of venusx dovesx
by that which knitteth souls and prospers lovesx
and by that fire which burnxd the carthage queen
when the false trojan under sail was seenx
by all the vows that ever men have broke
xin number more than ever women spokexx
in that same place thou hast appointed mex
tomorrow truly will i meet with theex

lysanderx
keep promisex lovex lookx here comes helenax

 enter helenax

hermiax
god speed fair helenax whither awayx

helenax
call you me fairx that fair again unsayx
demetrius loves your fairx o happy fairx
your eyes are lodexstars and your tonguexs sweet air
more tuneable than lark to shepherdxs earx
when wheat is greenx when hawthorn buds appearx
sickness is catchingx o were favour sox
yours would i catchx fair hermiax ere i gox
my ear should catch your voicex my eye your eyex
my tongue should catch your tonguexs sweet melodyx
were the world minex demetrius being batedx
the rest ixd give to be to you translatedx
ox teach me how you lookx and with what art
you sway the motion of demetriusx heartx

hermiax
i frown upon himx yet he loves me stillx

helenax
o that your frowns would teach my smiles such skillx

hermiax
i give him cursesx yet he gives me lovex

helenax
o that my prayers could such affection movex

hermiax
the more i hatex the more he follows mex

helenax
the more i lovex the more he hateth mex

hermiax
his follyx helenax is no fault of minex

helenax
none but your beautyx would that fault were minex

hermiax
take comfortx he no more shall see my facex
lysander and myself will fly this placex
before the time i did lysander seex
seemxd athens as a paradise to mex
ox thenx what graces in my love do dwellx
that he hath turnxd a heaven into hellx

lysanderx
helenx to you our minds we will unfoldx
tomorrow nightx when phoebe doth behold
her silver visage in the watery glassx
decking with liquid pearl the bladed grass
xa time that loversx flights doth still concealxx
through athensx gates have we devisxd to stealx

hermiax
and in the wood where often you and i
upon faint primrose beds were wont to liex
emptying our bosoms of their counsel sweetx
there my lysander and myself shall meetx
and thence from athens turn away our eyesx
to seek new friends and stranger companiesx
farewellx sweet playfellowx pray thou for usx
and good luck grant thee thy demetriusx
keep wordx lysanderx we must starve our sight
from loversx foodx till morrow deep midnightx

lysanderx
i willx my hermiax

 xxexit hermiaxxx

helenax adieux
as you on himx demetrius dote on youx

 xxexit lysanderxxx

helenax
how happy some oxer other some can bex
through athens i am thought as fair as shex
but what of thatx demetrius thinks not sox
he will not know what all but he do knowx
and as he errsx doting on hermiaxs eyesx
so ix admiring of his qualitiesx
things base and vilex holding no quantityx
love can transpose to form and dignityx
love looks not with the eyesx but with the mindx
and therefore is wingxd cupid painted blindx
nor hath lovexs mind of any judgment tastex
wingsx and no eyesx figure unheedy hastex
and therefore is love said to be a childx
because in choice he is so oft beguilxdx
as waggish boys in game themselves forswearx
so the boy love is perjurxd everywherex
forx ere demetrius lookxd on hermiaxs eynex
he hailxd down oaths that he was only minex
and when this hail some heat from hermia feltx
so he dissolvxdx and showers of oaths did meltx
i will go tell him of fair hermiaxs flightx
then to the wood will he tomorrow night
pursue herx and for this intelligence
if i have thanksx it is a dear expensex
but herein mean i to enrich my painx
to have his sight thither and back againx

 xxexit helenaxxx


scene iix the samex a room in a cottage

 enter quincex snugx bottomx flutex snout  and starvelingx

quincex
is all our company herex

bottomx
you were best to call them generallyx man by manx according to the
scripx

quincex
here is the scroll of every manxs namex which is thought fit through
all athensx to play in our interlude before the duke and duchessx on
his weddingxday at nightx

bottomx
firstx good peter quincex say what the play treats onx then read the
names of the actorsx and so grow to a pointx

quincex
marryx our play is xthe most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of
pyramus and thisbexx

bottomx
a very good piece of workx i assure youx and a merryx nowx good peter
quincex call forth your actors by the scrollx mastersx spread
yourselvesx

quincex
answerx as i call youx nick bottomx the weaverx

bottomx
readyx name what part i am forx and proceedx

quincex
youx nick bottomx are set down for pyramusx

bottomx
what is pyramusxa loverx or a tyrantx

quincex
a loverx that kills himself most gallantly for lovex

bottomx
that will ask some tears in the true performing of itx if i do itx let
the audience look to their eyesx i will move stormsx i will condole in
some measurex to the restxyet my chief humour is for a tyrantx i could
play ercles rarelyx or a part to tear a cat inx to make all splitx

    the raging rocks
    and shivering shocks
    shall break the locks
           of prison gatesx
    and phibbusx car
    shall shine from farx
    and make and mar
           the foolish fatesx

this was loftyx now name the rest of the playersx this is erclesx veinx
a tyrantxs veinx a lover is more condolingx

quincex
francis flutex the bellowsxmenderx

flutex
herex peter quincex

quincex
flutex you must take thisbe on youx

flutex
what is thisbex a wandering knightx

quincex
it is the lady that pyramus must lovex

flutex
nayx faithx let not me play a womanx i have a beard comingx

quincex
thatxs all onex you shall play it in a maskx and you may speak as small
as you willx

bottomx
and i may hide my facex let me play thisbe toox ixll speak in a
monstrous little voicex xthisnex thisnexxxxahx pyramusx my lover dearx
thy thisbe dearx and lady dearxx

quincex
nox nox you must play pyramusx andx flutex you thisbex

bottomx
wellx proceedx

quincex
robin starvelingx the tailorx

starvelingx
herex peter quincex

quincex
robin starvelingx you must play thisbexs motherx
tom snoutx the tinkerx

snout
herex peter quincex

quincex
youx pyramusx fatherx myselfx thisbexs fatherx
snugx the joinerx youx the lionxs partx andx i hope here is a play
fittedx

snug
have you the lionxs part writtenx pray youx if it bex give it mex for i
am slow of studyx

quincex
you may do it extemporex for it is nothing but roaringx

bottomx
let me play the lion toox i will roar that i will do any manxs heart
good to hear mex i will roar that i will make the duke say xlet him
roar againx let him roar againxx

quincex
if you should do it too terriblyx you would fright the duchess and the
ladiesx that they would shriekx and that were enough to hang us allx

all
that would hang us every motherxs sonx

bottomx
i grant youx friendsx if you should fright the ladies out of their
witsx they would have no more discretion but to hang usx but i will
aggravate my voice sox that i will roar you as gently as any sucking
dovex i will roar you an xtwere any nightingalex

quincex
you can play no part but pyramusx for pyramus is a sweetxfaced manx a
proper man as one shall see in a summerxs dayx a most lovely
gentlemanxlike manx therefore you must needs play pyramusx

bottomx
wellx i will undertake itx what beard were i best to play it inx

quincex
whyx what you willx

bottomx
i will discharge it in either your strawxcolour beardx your
orangextawny beardx your purplexinxgrain beardx or your
frenchxcrownxcolour beardx your perfect yellowx

quincex
some of your french crowns have no hair at allx and then you will play
barexfacedx butx mastersx here are your partsx and i am to entreat youx
request youx and desire youx to con them by tomorrow nightx and meet me
in the palace woodx a mile without the townx by moonlightx there will
we rehearsex for if we meet in the cityx we shall be doggxd with
companyx and our devices knownx in the meantime i will draw a bill of
propertiesx such as our play wantsx i pray you fail me notx

bottomx
we will meetx and there we may rehearse most obscenely and
courageouslyx take painsx be perfectx adieux

quincex
at the dukexs oak we meetx

bottomx
enoughx holdx or cut bowxstringsx

 xxexeuntxxx


act ii

scene ix a wood near athens

 enter a fairy at one doorx and puck at anotherx

puckx
how nowx spiritx whither wander youx

fairy
    over hillx over dalex
        thorough bushx thorough brierx
    over parkx over palex
        thorough floodx thorough firex
    i do wander everywherex
    swifter than the moonxs spherex
    and i serve the fairy queenx
    to dew her orbs upon the greenx
    the cowslips tall her pensioners bex
    in their gold coats spots you seex
    those be rubiesx fairy favoursx
    in those freckles live their savoursx
i must go seek some dewxdrops herex
and hang a pearl in every cowslipxs earx
farewellx thou lob of spiritsx ixll be gonex
our queen and all her elves come here anonx

puckx
the king doth keep his revels here tonightx
take heed the queen come not within his sightx
for oberon is passing fell and wrathx
because that shex as her attendantx hath
a lovely boyx stolxn from an indian kingx
she never had so sweet a changelingx
and jealous oberon would have the child
knight of his trainx to trace the forests wildx
but she perforce withholds the lovxd boyx
crowns him with flowersx and makes him all her joyx
and now they never meet in grove or greenx
by fountain clearx or spangled starlight sheenx
but they do squarex that all their elves for fear
creep into acorn cupsx and hide them therex

fairy
either i mistake your shape and making quitex
or else you are that shrewd and knavish sprite
callxd robin goodfellowx are not you he
that frights the maidens of the villageryx
skim milkx and sometimes labour in the quernx
and bootless make the breathless housewife churnx
and sometime make the drink to bear no barmx
mislead nightxwanderersx laughing at their harmx
those that hobgoblin call youx and sweet puckx
you do their workx and they shall have good luckx
are not you hex

puckx
thou speakxst arightx
i am that merry wanderer of the nightx
i jest to oberonx and make him smilex
when i a fat and beanxfed horse beguilex
neighing in likeness of a filly foalx
and sometime lurk i in a gossipxs bowl
in very likeness of a roasted crabx
andx when she drinksx against her lips i bobx
and on her withered dewlap pour the alex
the wisest auntx telling the saddest talex
sometime for threexfoot stool mistaketh mex
then slip i from her bumx down topples shex
and xtailorx criesx and falls into a coughx
and then the whole quire hold their hips and loffe
and waxen in their mirthx and neezex and swear
a merrier hour was never wasted therex
but roomx fairyx here comes oberonx

fairy
and here my mistressx would that he were gonex

 enter oberon at one doorx with his trainx and titania at anotherx with
 hersx

oberonx
ill met by moonlightx proud titaniax

titaniax
whatx jealous oberonx fairiesx skip hencex
i have forsworn his bed and companyx

oberonx
tarryx rash wantonx am not i thy lordx

titaniax
then i must be thy ladyx but i know
when thou hast stolxn away from fairylandx
and in the shape of corin sat all day
playing on pipes of cornx and versing love
to amorous phillidax why art thou herex
come from the farthest steep of indiax
but thatx forsoothx the bouncing amazonx
your buskinxd mistress and your warrior lovex
to theseus must be weddedx and you come
to give their bed joy and prosperityx

oberonx
how canst thou thusx for shamex titaniax
glance at my credit with hippolytax
knowing i know thy love to theseusx
didst not thou lead him through the glimmering night
from perigeniax whom he ravishedx
and make him with fair aegles break his faithx
with ariadne and antiopax

titaniax
these are the forgeries of jealousyx
and neverx since the middle summerxs springx
met we on hillx in dalex forestx or meadx
by pavxd fountainx or by rushy brookx
or on the beachxd margent of the seax
to dance our ringlets to the whistling windx
but with thy brawls thou hast disturbxd our sportx
therefore the windsx piping to us in vainx
as in revengex have suckxd up from the sea
contagious fogsx whichx falling in the landx
hath every pelting river made so proud
that they have overborne their continentsx
the ox hath therefore stretchxd his yoke in vainx
the ploughman lost his sweatx and the green corn
hath rotted ere his youth attainxd a beardx
the fold stands empty in the drownxd fieldx
and crows are fatted with the murrion flockx
the ninexmenxsxmorris is fillxd up with mudx
and the quaint mazes in the wanton greenx
for lack of treadx are undistinguishablex
the human mortals want their winter herex
no night is now with hymn or carol blestx
therefore the moonx the governess of floodsx
pale in her angerx washes all the airx
that rheumatic diseases do aboundx
and thorough this distemperature we see
the seasons alterx hoaryxheaded frosts
fall in the fresh lap of the crimson rosex
and on old hiemsx thin and icy crown
an odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds
isx as in mockeryx setx the springx the summerx
the childing autumnx angry winterx change
their wonted liveriesx and the mazed worldx
by their increasex now knows not which is whichx
and this same progeny of evils comes
from our debatex from our dissensionx
we are their parents and originalx

oberonx
do you amend itx thenx it lies in youx
why should titania cross her oberonx
i do but beg a little changeling boy
to be my henchmanx

titaniax
set your heart at restx
the fairyland buys not the child of mex
his mother was a votxress of my orderx
and in the spicxd indian airx by nightx
full often hath she gossipxd by my sidex
and sat with me on neptunexs yellow sandsx
marking thx embarkxd traders on the floodx
when we have laughxd to see the sails conceivex
and grow bigxbellied with the wanton windx
which shex with pretty and with swimming gait
following xher womb then rich with my young squirexx
would imitatex and sail upon the landx
to fetch me triflesx and return againx
as from a voyagex rich with merchandisex
but shex being mortalx of that boy did diex
and for her sake do i rear up her boyx
and for her sake i will not part with himx

oberonx
how long within this wood intend you stayx

titaniax
perchance till after theseusx weddingxdayx
if you will patiently dance in our roundx
and see our moonlight revelsx go with usx
if notx shun mex and i will spare your hauntsx

oberonx
give me that boy and i will go with theex

titaniax
not for thy fairy kingdomx fairiesx awayx
we shall chide downright if i longer stayx

 xxexit titania with her trainxxx

oberonx
wellx go thy wayx thou shalt not from this grove
till i torment thee for this injuryxx
my gentle puckx come hitherx thou remembxrest
since once i sat upon a promontoryx
and heard a mermaid on a dolphinxs back
uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath
that the rude sea grew civil at her song
and certain stars shot madly from their spheres
to hear the seaxmaidxs musicx

puckx
i rememberx

oberonx
that very time i sawx xbut thou couldst notxx
flying between the cold moon and the earthx
cupid all armxdx a certain aim he took
at a fair vestalx thronxd by the westx
and loosxd his lovexshaft smartly from his bow
as it should pierce a hundred thousand heartsx
but i might see young cupidxs fiery shaft
quenchxd in the chaste beams of the watery moonx
and the imperial votress passed onx
in maiden meditationx fancyxfreex
yet markxd i where the bolt of cupid fellx
it fell upon a little western flowerx
before milkxwhitex now purple with lovexs woundx
and maidens call it lovexinxidlenessx
fetch me that flowerx the herb i showed thee oncex
the juice of it on sleeping eyelids laid
will make or man or woman madly dote
upon the next live creature that it seesx
fetch me this herbx and be thou here again
ere the leviathan can swim a leaguex

puckx
ixll put a girdle round about the earth
in forty minutesx

 xxexit puckxxx

oberonx
having once this juicex
ixll watch titania when she is asleepx
and drop the liquor of it in her eyesx
the next thing then she waking looks upon
xbe it on lionx bearx or wolfx or bullx
on meddling monkeyx or on busy apex
she shall pursue it with the soul of lovex
and ere i take this charm from off her sight
xas i can take it with another herbx
ixll make her render up her page to mex
but who comes herex i am invisiblex
and i will overhear their conferencex

 enter demetriusx helena following himx

demetriusx
i love thee notx therefore pursue me notx
where is lysander and fair hermiax
the one ixll slayx the other slayeth mex
thou toldxst me they were stolxn into this woodx
and here am ix and wode within this wood
because i cannot meet with hermiax
hencex get thee gonex and follow me no morex

helenax
you draw mex you hardxhearted adamantx
but yet you draw not ironx for my heart
is true as steelx leave you your power to drawx
and i shall have no power to follow youx

demetriusx
do i entice youx do i speak you fairx
or rather do i not in plainest truth
tell you i do notx nor i cannot love youx

helenax
and even for that do i love you the morex
i am your spanielx andx demetriusx
the more you beat mex i will fawn on youx
use me but as your spanielx spurn mex strike mex
neglect mex lose mex only give me leavex
unworthy as i amx to follow youx
what worser place can i beg in your lovex
xand yet a place of high respect with mex
than to be usxd as you use your dogx

demetriusx
tempt not too much the hatred of my spiritx
for i am sick when i do look on theex

helenax
and i am sick when i look not on youx

demetriusx
you do impeach your modesty too much
to leave the city and commit yourself
into the hands of one that loves you notx
to trust the opportunity of nightx
and the ill counsel of a desert placex
with the rich worth of your virginityx

helenax
your virtue is my privilegex for thatx
it is not night when i do see your facex
therefore i think i am not in the nightx
nor doth this wood lack worlds of companyx
for youx in my respectx are all the worldx
then how can it be said i am alone
when all the world is here to look on mex

demetriusx
ixll run from thee and hide me in the brakesx
and leave thee to the mercy of wild beastsx

helenax
the wildest hath not such a heart as youx
run when you willx the story shall be changxdx
apollo fliesx and daphne holds the chasex
the dove pursues the griffinx the mild hind
makes speed to catch the tigerx bootless speedx
when cowardice pursues and valour fliesx

demetriusx
i will not stay thy questionsx let me gox
or if thou follow mex do not believe
but i shall do thee mischief in the woodx

helenax
ayx in the templex in the townx the fieldx
you do me mischiefx fiex demetriusx
your wrongs do set a scandal on my sexx
we cannot fight for love as men may dox
we should be wooxdx and were not made to woox

 xxexit demetriusxxx

ixll follow theex and make a heaven of hellx
to die upon the hand i love so wellx

 xxexit helenaxxx

oberonx
fare thee wellx nymphx ere he do leave this grovex
thou shalt fly himx and he shall seek thy lovex

 enter puckx

hast thou the flower therex welcomex wandererx

puckx
ayx there it isx

oberonx
i pray thee give it mex
i know a bank where the wild thyme blowsx
where oxlips and the nodding violet growsx
quite overxcanopied with luscious woodbinex
with sweet muskxrosesx and with eglantinex
there sleeps titania sometime of the nightx
lullxd in these flowers with dances and delightx
and there the snake throws her enamellxd skinx
weed wide enough to wrap a fairy inx
and with the juice of this ixll streak her eyesx
and make her full of hateful fantasiesx
take thou some of itx and seek through this grovex
a sweet athenian lady is in love
with a disdainful youthx anoint his eyesx
but do it when the next thing he espies
may be the ladyx thou shalt know the man
by the athenian garments he hath onx
effect it with some carex that he may prove
more fond on her than she upon her lovex
and look thou meet me ere the first cock crowx

puckx
fear notx my lordx your servant shall do sox

 xxexeuntxxx


scene iix another part of the wood

 enter titania with her trainx

titaniax
comex now a roundel and a fairy songx
then for the third part of a minutex hencex
some to kill cankers in the muskxrose budsx
some war with reremice for their leathern wingsx
to make my small elves coatsx and some keep back
the clamorous owlx that nightly hoots and wonders
at our quaint spiritsx sing me now asleepx
then to your officesx and let me restx

fairies singx

first fairyx
    you spotted snakes with double tonguex
       thorny hedgehogsx be not seenx
    newts and blindxworms do no wrongx
       come not near our fairy queenx

chorusx
    philomelx with melodyx
    sing in our sweet lullabyx
lullax lullax lullabyx lullax lullax lullabyx
    never harmx nor spellx nor charmx
    come our lovely lady nighx
    so good nightx with lullabyx

first fairyx
    weaving spidersx come not herex
       hencex you longxleggxd spinnersx hencex
    beetles blackx approach not nearx
       worm nor snail do no offencex

chorusx
    philomel with melodyx xcx

second fairyx
hence awayx now all is wellx
one aloof stand sentinelx

 xxexeunt fairiesx titania sleepsxxx

 enter oberonx

oberonx
what thou seest when thou dost wakex

 xxsqueezes the flower on  titaniaxs eyelidsxxx

do it for thy true love takex
love and languish for his sakex
be it ouncex or catx or bearx
pardx or boar with bristled hairx
in thy eye that shall appear
when thou wakxstx it is thy dearx
wake when some vile thing is nearx

 xxexitxxx

 enter lysander and hermiax

lysanderx
fair lovex you faint with wandxring in the woodx
andx to speak trothx i have forgot our wayx
wexll rest usx hermiax if you think it goodx
and tarry for the comfort of the dayx

hermiax
be it sox lysanderx find you out a bedx
for i upon this bank will rest my headx

lysanderx
one turf shall serve as pillow for us bothx
one heartx one bedx two bosomsx and one trothx

hermiax
nayx good lysanderx for my sakex my dearx
lie further off yetx do not lie so nearx

lysanderx
o take the sensex sweetx of my innocencex
love takes the meaning in lovexs conferencex
i mean that my heart unto yours is knitx
so that but one heart we can make of itx
two bosoms interchainxd with an oathx
so then two bosoms and a single trothx
then by your side no bedxroom me denyx
for lying sox hermiax i do not liex

hermiax
lysander riddles very prettilyx
now much beshrew my manners and my pridex
if hermia meant to say lysander liedx
butx gentle friendx for love and courtesy
lie further offx in human modestyx
such separation as may well be said
becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maidx
so far be distantx and good nightx sweet friendx
thy love nexer alter till thy sweet life endx

lysanderx
amenx amenx to that fair prayer say ix
and then end life when i end loyaltyx
here is my bedx sleep give thee all his restx

hermiax
with half that wish the wisherxs eyes be pressedx

 xxthey sleepxxx

 enter puckx

puckx
through the forest have i gonex
but athenian found i nonex
on whose eyes i might approve
this flowerxs force in stirring lovex
night and silencex who is herex
weeds of athens he doth wearx
this is hex my master saidx
despisxd the athenian maidx
and here the maidenx sleeping soundx
on the dank and dirty groundx
pretty soulx she durst not lie
near this lackxlovex this killxcourtesyx
churlx upon thy eyes i throw
all the power this charm doth owex
when thou wakxst let love forbid
sleep his seat on thy eyelidx
so awake when i am gonex
for i must now to oberonx

 xxexitxxx

 enter demetrius and helenax runningx

helenax
stayx though thou kill mex sweet demetriusx

demetriusx
i charge theex hencex and do not haunt me thusx

helenax
ox wilt thou darkling leave mex do not sox

demetriusx
stayx on thy perilx i alone will gox

 xxexit demetriusxxx

helenax
ox i am out of breath in this fond chasex
the more my prayerx the lesser is my gracex
happy is hermiax wheresoexer she liesx
for she hath blessxd and attractive eyesx
how came her eyes so brightx not with salt tearsx
if sox my eyes are oftener washxd than hersx
nox nox i am as ugly as a bearx
for beasts that meet me run away for fearx
therefore no marvel though demetrius
dox as a monsterx fly my presence thusx
what wicked and dissembling glass of mine
made me compare with hermiaxs sphery eynex
but who is herex lysanderx on the groundx
dead or asleepx i see no bloodx no woundx
lysanderx if you livex good sirx awakex

lysanderx
xxwakingxxx and run through fire i will for thy sweet sakex
transparent helenax nature shows artx
that through thy bosom makes me see thy heartx
where is demetriusx ox how fit a word
is that vile name to perish on my swordx

helenax
do not say sox lysanderx say not sox
what though he love your hermiax lordx what thoughx
yet hermia still loves youx then be contentx

lysanderx
content with hermiax nox i do repent
the tedious minutes i with her have spentx
not hermiax but helena i lovex
who will not change a raven for a dovex
the will of man is by his reason swayxdx
and reason says you are the worthier maidx
things growing are not ripe until their seasonx
so ix being youngx till now ripe not to reasonx
and touching now the point of human skillx
reason becomes the marshal to my willx
and leads me to your eyesx where i oxerlook
lovexs storiesx written in lovexs richest bookx

helenax
wherefore was i to this keen mockery bornx
when at your hands did i deserve this scornx
isxt not enoughx isxt not enoughx young manx
that i did neverx nox nor never can
deserve a sweet look from demetriusx eyex
but you must flout my insufficiencyx
good trothx you do me wrongx good soothx you dox
in such disdainful manner me to woox
but fare you wellx perforce i must confessx
i thought you lord of more true gentlenessx
ox that a lady of one man refusxdx
should of another therefore be abusxdx

 xxexitxxx

lysanderx
she sees not hermiax hermiax sleep thou therex
and never mayst thou come lysander nearx
forx as a surfeit of the sweetest things
the deepest loathing to the stomach bringsx
or as the heresies that men do leave
are hated most of those they did deceivex
so thoux my surfeit and my heresyx
of all be hatedx but the most of mex
andx all my powersx address your love and might
to honour helenx and to be her knightx

 xxexitxxx

hermiax
xxstartingxxx help mex lysanderx help mex do thy best
to pluck this crawling serpent from my breastx
ay mex for pityx what a dream was herex
lysanderx look how i do quake with fearx
methought a serpent eat my heart awayx
and you sat smiling at his cruel preyx
lysanderx whatx removedx lysanderx lordx
whatx out of hearingx gonex no soundx no wordx
alackx where are youx speakx and if you hearx
speakx of all lovesx i swoon almost with fearx
nox then i well perceive you are not nighx
either death or you ixll find immediatelyx

 xxexitxxx


act iii

scene ix the woodx

 the queen of fairies still lying asleepx

 enter bottomx quincex snoutx starvelingx snug and flutex

bottomx
are we all metx

quincex
patx patx and herexs a marvellous convenient place for our rehearsalx
this green plot shall be our stagex this hawthorn brake our
tiringxhousex and we will do it in actionx as we will do it before the
dukex

bottomx
peter quincex

quincex
what sayest thoux bully bottomx

bottomx
there are things in this comedy of pyramus and thisbe that will never
pleasex firstx pyramus must draw a sword to kill himselfx which the
ladies cannot abidex how answer you thatx

snout
byxr lakinx a parlous fearx

starvelingx
i believe we must leave the killing outx when all is donex

bottomx
not a whitx i have a device to make all wellx write me a prologuex and
let the prologue seem to say we will do no harm with our swordsx and
that pyramus is not killed indeedx and for the more better assurancex
tell them that i pyramus am not pyramus but bottom the weaverx this
will put them out of fearx

quincex
wellx we will have such a prologuex and it shall be written in eight
and sixx

bottomx
nox make it two morex let it be written in eight and eightx

snout
will not the ladies be afeard of the lionx

starvelingx
i fear itx i promise youx

bottomx
mastersx you ought to consider with yourselvesx to bring in xgod shield
usxx a lion among ladies is a most dreadful thingx for there is not a
more fearful wildxfowl than your lion livingx and we ought to look to
itx

snout
therefore another prologue must tell he is not a lionx

bottomx
nayx you must name his namex and half his face must be seen through the
lionxs neckx and he himself must speak throughx saying thusx or to the
same defectx xladiesxx orx xfair ladiesx i would wish youxx orx xi
would request youxx orx xi would entreat youx not to fearx not to
tremblex my life for yoursx if you think i come hither as a lionx it
were pity of my lifex nox i am no such thingx i am a man as other men
arexx and therex indeedx let him name his namex and tell them plainly
he is snug the joinerx

quincex
wellx it shall be sox but there is two hard thingsx that isx to bring
the moonlight into a chamberx for you knowx pyramus and thisbe meet by
moonlightx

snout
doth the moon shine that night we play our playx

bottomx
a calendarx a calendarx look in the almanackx find out moonshinex find
out moonshinex

quincex
yesx it doth shine that nightx

bottomx
whyx then may you leave a casement of the great chamber windowx where
we playx openx and the moon may shine in at the casementx

quincex
ayx or else one must come in with a bush of thorns and a lanternx and
say he comes to disfigure or to present the person of moonshinex then
there is another thingx we must have a wall in the great chamberx for
pyramus and thisbex says the storyx did talk through the chink of a
wallx

snout
you can never bring in a wallx what say youx bottomx

bottomx
some man or other must present wallx and let him have some plasterx or
some loamx or some roughxcast about himx to signify wallx and let him
hold his fingers thusx and through that cranny shall pyramus and thisbe
whisperx

quincex
if that may bex then all is wellx comex sit downx every motherxs sonx
and rehearse your partsx pyramusx you beginx when you have spoken your
speechx enter into that brakex and so everyone according to his cuex

 enter puck behindx

puckx
what hempen homespuns have we swaggering herex
so near the cradle of the fairy queenx
whatx a play towardx ixll be an auditorx
an actor too perhapsx if i see causex

quincex
speakx pyramusxxthisbex stand forthx

pyramusx
xthisbex the flowers of odious savours sweetx

quincex
odoursx odoursx

pyramusx
xx x x odours savours sweetx
so hath thy breathx my dearest thisbe dearx
but harkx a voicex stay thou but here awhilex
and by and by i will to thee appearxx

 xxexitxxx

puckx
a stranger pyramus than exer played herex

 xxexitxxx

thisbex
must i speak nowx

quincex
ayx marryx must youx for you must understand he goes but to see a noise
that he heardx and is to come againx

thisbex
xmost radiant pyramusx most lilyxwhite of huex
of colour like the red rose on triumphant brierx
most brisky juvenalx and eke most lovely jewx
as true as truest horsex that yet would never tirex
ixll meet theex pyramusx at ninnyxs tombxx

quincex
ninusx tombx manx whyx you must not speak that yetx that you answer to
pyramusx you speak all your part at oncex cuesx and allxxpyramus enterx
your cue is pastx it is xnever tirexx

thisbex
ox xas true as truest horsex that yet would never tirexx

 enter puck and bottom with an assxs headx

pyramusx
xif i were fairx thisbex i were only thinexx

quincex
o monstrousx o strangex we are hauntedx prayx mastersx flyx mastersx
helpx

 xxexeunt clownsxxx

puckx
ixll follow youx ixll lead you about a roundx
   through bogx through bushx through brakex through brierx
sometime a horse ixll bex sometime a houndx
   a hogx a headless bearx sometime a firex
and neighx and barkx and gruntx and roarx and burnx
like horsex houndx hogx bearx firex at every turnx

 xxexitxxx

bottomx
why do they run awayx this is a knavery of them to make me afeardx

 enter snoutx

snout
o bottomx thou art changedx what do i see on theex

bottomx
what do you seex you see an assxhead of your ownx do youx

 xxexit snoutxxx

 enter quincex

quincex
bless theex bottomx bless theex thou art translatedx

 xxexitxxx

bottomx
i see their knaveryx this is to make an ass of mex to fright mex if
they couldx but i will not stir from this placex do what they canx i
will walk up and down herex and i will singx that they shall hear i am
not afraidx
xxsingsxxx
       the ousel cockx so black of huex
          with orangextawny billx
       the throstle with his note so truex
          the wren with little quillx

titaniax
xxwakingxxx what angel wakes me from my flowery bedx

bottomx
xxsingsxxx
       the finchx the sparrowx and the larkx
          the plainxsong cuckoo grayx
       whose note full many a man doth markx
          and dares not answer nayx
forx indeedx who would set his wit to so foolish a birdx who would give
a bird the liex though he cry xcuckoox never sox

titaniax
i pray theex gentle mortalx sing againx
mine ear is much enamourxd of thy notex
so is mine eye enthrallxd to thy shapex
and thy fair virtuexs force perforce doth move mex
on the first viewx to sayx to swearx i love theex

bottomx
methinksx mistressx you should have little reason for thatx and yetx to
say the truthx reason and love keep little company together nowadaysx
the more the pity that some honest neighbours will not make them
friendsx nayx i can gleek upon occasionx

titaniax
thou art as wise as thou art beautifulx

bottomx
not sox neitherx but if i had wit enough to get out of this woodx i
have enough to serve mine own turnx

titaniax
out of this wood do not desire to gox
thou shalt remain here whether thou wilt or nox
i am a spirit of no common ratex
the summer still doth tend upon my statex
and i do love theex thereforex go with mex
ixll give thee fairies to attend on theex
and they shall fetch thee jewels from the deepx
and singx while thou on pressxd flowers dost sleepx
and i will purge thy mortal grossness so
that thou shalt like an airy spirit goxx
peaseblossomx cobwebx mothx and mustardseedx

 enter four fairiesx

peaseblossomx
readyx


cobwebx
and ix


mothx
and ix


mustardseedx
and ix


allx
where shall we gox

titaniax
be kind and courteous to this gentlemanx
hop in his walks and gambol in his eyesx
feed him with apricocks and dewberriesx
with purple grapesx green figsx and mulberriesx
the honeyxbags steal from the humblexbeesx
and for nightxtapersx crop their waxen thighsx
and light them at the fiery glowxwormxs eyesx
to have my love to bed and to arisex
and pluck the wings from painted butterfliesx
to fan the moonbeams from his sleeping eyesx
nod to himx elvesx and do him courtesiesx


peaseblossomx
hailx mortalx


cobwebx
hailx


mothx
hailx


mustardseedx
hailx

bottomx
i cry your worships mercyx heartilyxxi beseech your worshipxs namex

cobwebx
cobwebx

bottomx
i shall desire you of more acquaintancex good master cobwebx if i cut
my fingerx i shall make bold with youxxyour namex honest gentlemanx

peaseblossomx
peaseblossomx

bottomx
i pray youx commend me to mistress squashx your motherx and to master
peascodx your fatherx good master peaseblossomx i shall desire you of
more acquaintance tooxxyour namex i beseech youx sirx

mustardseedx
mustardseedx

bottomx
good master mustardseedx i know your patience wellx that same cowardly
giantxlike oxxbeef hath devoured many a gentleman of your housex i
promise youx your kindred hath made my eyes water ere nowx i desire you
of more acquaintancex good master mustardseedx

titaniax
comex wait upon himx lead him to my bowerx
   the moonx methinksx looks with a watery eyex
and when she weepsx weeps every little flowerx
   lamenting some enforced chastityx
tie up my lovexs tonguex bring him silentlyx

 xxexeuntxxx


scene iix another part of the wood

 enter oberonx

oberonx
i wonder if titania be awakxdx
thenx what it was that next came in her eyex
which she must dote on in extremityx

 enter puckx

here comes my messengerx how nowx mad spiritx
what nightxrule now about this haunted grovex

puckx
my mistress with a monster is in lovex
near to her close and consecrated bowerx
while she was in her dull and sleeping hourx
a crew of patchesx rude mechanicalsx
that work for bread upon athenian stallsx
were met together to rehearse a play
intended for great theseusx nuptial dayx
the shallowest thickxskin of that barren sort
who pyramus presented in their sportx
forsook his scene and enterxd in a brakex
when i did him at this advantage takex
an assxs nole i fixed on his headx
anonx his thisbe must be answerxdx
and forth my mimic comesx when they him spyx
as wild geese that the creeping fowler eyex
or russetxpated choughsx many in sortx
rising and cawing at the gunxs reportx
sever themselves and madly sweep the skyx
so at his sight away his fellows flyx
and at our stampx here oxer and oxer one fallsx
he murder criesx and help from athens callsx
their sense thus weakx lost with their fearsx thus strongx
made senseless things begin to do them wrongx
for briers and thorns at their apparel snatchx
some sleevesx some hatsx from yielders all things catchx
i led them on in this distracted fearx
and left sweet pyramus translated therex
when in that momentx so it came to passx
titania wakxdx and straightway lovxd an assx

oberonx
this falls out better than i could devisex
but hast thou yet latchxd the athenianxs eyes
with the lovexjuicex as i did bid thee dox

puckx
i took him sleepingxthat is finishxd toox
and the athenian woman by his sidex
thatx when he wakxdx of force she must be eyxdx

 enter demetrius and hermiax

oberonx
stand closex this is the same athenianx

puckx
this is the womanx but not this the manx

demetriusx
o why rebuke you him that loves you sox
lay breath so bitter on your bitter foex

hermiax
now i but chidex but i should use thee worsex
for thoux i fearx hast given me cause to cursex
if thou hast slain lysander in his sleepx
being oxer shoes in bloodx plunge in the deepx
and kill me toox
the sun was not so true unto the day
as he to mex would he have stolxn away
from sleeping hermiax ixll believe as soon
this whole earth may be borxdx and that the moon
may through the centre creep and so displease
her brotherxs noontide with thx antipodesx
it cannot be but thou hast murderxd himx
so should a murderer lookx so deadx so grimx

demetriusx
so should the murderxd lookx and so should ix
piercxd through the heart with your stern crueltyx
yet youx the murdererx look as brightx as clearx
as yonder venus in her glimmering spherex

hermiax
whatxs this to my lysanderx where is hex
ahx good demetriusx wilt thou give him mex

demetriusx
i had rather give his carcass to my houndsx

hermiax
outx dogx outx curx thou drivxst me past the bounds
of maidenxs patiencex hast thou slain himx thenx
henceforth be never numberxd among menx
o once tell truex tell truex even for my sakex
durst thou have lookxd upon himx being awakex
and hast thou killxd him sleepingx o brave touchx
could not a wormx an adderx do so muchx
an adder did itx for with doubler tongue
than thinex thou serpentx never adder stungx

demetriusx
you spend your passion on a misprisxd moodx
i am not guilty of lysanderxs bloodx
nor is he deadx for aught that i can tellx

hermiax
i pray theex tell me then that he is wellx

demetriusx
and if i couldx what should i get thereforex

hermiax
a privilege never to see me morex
and from thy hated presence part i sox
see me no morex whether he be dead or nox

 xxexitxxx

demetriusx
there is no following her in this fierce veinx
herex thereforex for a while i will remainx
so sorrowxs heaviness doth heavier grow
for debt that bankrupt sleep doth sorrow owex
which now in some slight measure it will payx
if for his tender here i make some stayx

 xxlies downxxx

oberonx
what hast thou donex thou hast mistaken quitex
and laid the lovexjuice on some truexlovexs sightx
of thy misprision must perforce ensue
some true love turnxdx and not a false turnxd truex

puckx
then fate oxerxrulesx thatx one man holding trothx
a million failx confounding oath on oathx

oberonx
about the wood go swifter than the windx
and helena of athens look thou findx
all fancyxsick she isx and pale of cheer
with sighs of lovex that costs the fresh blood dearx
by some illusion see thou bring her herex
ixll charm his eyes against she do appearx

puckx
i gox i gox look how i gox
swifter than arrow from the tartarxs bowx

 xxexitxxx

oberonx
    flower of this purple dyex
    hit with cupidxs archeryx
    sink in apple of his eyex
    when his love he doth espyx
    let her shine as gloriously
    as the venus of the skyxx
    when thou wakxstx if she be byx
    beg of her for remedyx

 enter puckx

puckx
    captain of our fairy bandx
    helena is here at handx
    and the youth mistook by mex
    pleading for a loverxs feex
    shall we their fond pageant seex
    lordx what fools these mortals bex

oberonx
    stand asidex the noise they make
    will cause demetrius to awakex

puckx
    then will two at once woo onex
    that must needs be sport alonex
    and those things do best please me
    that befall prepostxrouslyx

 enter lysander and helenax

lysanderx
why should you think that i should woo in scornx
scorn and derision never come in tearsx
look when i vowx i weepx and vows so bornx
in their nativity all truth appearsx
how can these things in me seem scorn to youx
bearing the badge of faithx to prove them truex

helenax
you do advance your cunning more and morex
when truth kills truthx o devilishxholy frayx
these vows are hermiaxsx will you give her oxerx
weigh oath with oathx and you will nothing weighx
your vows to her and mex put in two scalesx
will even weighx and both as light as talesx

lysanderx
i had no judgment when to her i sworex

helenax
nor nonex in my mindx now you give her oxerx

lysanderx
demetrius loves herx and he loves not youx

demetriusx
xxwakingxxx o helenx goddessx nymphx perfectx divinex
to whatx my lovex shall i compare thine eynex
crystal is muddyx o how ripe in show
thy lipsx those kissing cherriesx tempting growx
that pure congealxd whitex high taurusx snowx
fannxd with the eastern windx turns to a crow
when thou holdxst up thy handx ox let me kiss
this princess of pure whitex this seal of blissx

helenax
o spitex o hellx i see you all are bent
to set against me for your merrimentx
if you were civilx and knew courtesyx
you would not do me thus much injuryx
can you not hate mex as i know you dox
but you must join in souls to mock me toox
if you were menx as men you are in showx
you would not use a gentle lady sox
to vowx and swearx and superpraise my partsx
when i am sure you hate me with your heartsx
you both are rivalsx and love hermiax
and now both rivalsx to mock helenax
a trim exploitx a manly enterprisex
to conjure tears up in a poor maidxs eyes
with your derisionx none of noble sort
would so offend a virginx and extort
a poor soulxs patiencex all to make you sportx

lysanderx
you are unkindx demetriusx be not sox
for you love hermiax this you know i knowx
and herex with all good willx with all my heartx
in hermiaxs love i yield you up my partx
and yours of helena to me bequeathx
whom i do love and will do till my deathx

helenax
never did mockers waste more idle breathx

demetriusx
lysanderx keep thy hermiax i will nonex
if exer i lovxd herx all that love is gonex
my heart to her but as guestxwise sojournxdx
and now to helen is it home returnxdx
there to remainx

lysanderx
helenx it is not sox

demetriusx
disparage not the faith thou dost not knowx
lest to thy peril thou aby it dearx
look where thy love comesx yonder is thy dearx

 enter hermiax

hermiax
dark nightx that from the eye his function takesx
the ear more quick of apprehension makesx
wherein it doth impair the seeing sensex
it pays the hearing double recompensex
thou art not by mine eyex lysanderx foundx
mine earx i thank itx brought me to thy soundx
but why unkindly didst thou leave me sox

lysanderx
why should he stay whom love doth press to gox

hermiax
what love could press lysander from my sidex

lysanderx
lysanderxs lovex that would not let him bidex
fair helenax who more engilds the night
than all yon fiery oes and eyes of lightx
why seekxst thou mex could not this make thee know
the hate i bare thee made me leave thee sox

hermiax
you speak not as you thinkx it cannot bex

helenax
lox she is one of this confederacyx
now i perceive they have conjoinxd all three
to fashion this false sport in spite of mex
injurious hermiax most ungrateful maidx
have you conspirxdx have you with these contrivxdx
to bait me with this foul derisionx
is all the counsel that we two have sharxdx
the sistersx vowsx the hours that we have spentx
when we have chid the hastyxfooted time
for parting usxox is all forgotx
all schoolxdaysx friendshipx childhood innocencex
wex hermiax like two artificial godsx
have with our needles created both one flowerx
both on one samplerx sitting on one cushionx
both warbling of one songx both in one keyx
as if our handsx our sidesx voicesx and mindsx
had been incorporatex so we grew togetherx
like to a double cherryx seeming partedx
but yet a union in partitionx
two lovely berries moulded on one stemx
sox with two seeming bodiesx but one heartx
two of the firstx like coats in heraldryx
due but to onex and crownxd with one crestx
and will you rent our ancient love asunderx
to join with men in scorning your poor friendx
it is not friendlyx xtis not maidenlyx
our sexx as well as ix may chide you for itx
though i alone do feel the injuryx

hermiax
i am amazxd at your passionate wordsx
i scorn you notx it seems that you scorn mex

helenax
have you not set lysanderx as in scornx
to follow mex and praise my eyes and facex
and made your other lovex demetriusx
who even but now did spurn me with his footx
to call me goddessx nymphx divine and rarex
preciousx celestialx wherefore speaks he this
to her he hatesx and wherefore doth lysander
deny your lovex so rich within his soulx
and tender mex forsoothx affectionx
but by your setting onx by your consentx
what though i be not so in grace as youx
so hung upon with lovex so fortunatex
but miserable mostx to love unlovxdx
this you should pity rather than despisex

hermiax
i understand not what you mean by thisx

helenax
ayx dox perseverx counterfeit sad looksx
make mouths upon me when i turn my backx
wink each at otherx hold the sweet jest upx
this sportx well carriedx shall be chronicledx
if you have any pityx gracex or mannersx
you would not make me such an argumentx
but fare ye wellx xtis partly my own faultx
which deathx or absencex soon shall remedyx

lysanderx
stayx gentle helenax hear my excusex
my lovex my lifex my soulx fair helenax

helenax
o excellentx

hermiax
sweetx do not scorn her sox

demetriusx
if she cannot entreatx i can compelx

lysanderx
thou canst compel no more than she entreatx
thy threats have no more strength than her weak prayersx
helenx i love theex by my life i dox
i swear by that which i will lose for thee
to prove him false that says i love thee notx

demetriusx
i say i love thee more than he can dox

lysanderx
if thou say sox withdrawx and prove it toox

demetriusx
quickx comex

hermiax
lysanderx whereto tends all thisx

lysanderx
awayx you ethiopex

demetriusx
nox nox he will
seem to break loosex take on as you would followx
but yet come notx you are a tame manx gox

lysanderx
hang offx thou catx thou burrx vile thingx let loosex
or i will shake thee from me like a serpentx

hermiax
why are you grown so rudex what change is thisx
sweet lovex

lysanderx
thy lovex outx tawny tartarx outx
outx loathxd medicinex o hated potionx hencex

hermiax
do you not jestx

helenax
yesx soothx and so do youx

lysanderx
demetriusx i will keep my word with theex

demetriusx
i would i had your bondx for i perceive
a weak bond holds youx ixll not trust your wordx

lysanderx
whatx should i hurt herx strike herx kill her deadx
although i hate herx ixll not harm her sox

hermiax
whatx can you do me greater harm than hatex
hate mex whereforex o mex what newsx my lovex
am not i hermiax are not you lysanderx
i am as fair now as i was erewhilex
since night you lovxd mex yet since night you left mex
why thenx you left mexox the gods forbidxx
in earnestx shall i sayx

lysanderx
ayx by my lifex
and never did desire to see thee morex
therefore be out of hopex of questionx of doubtx
be certainx nothing truerx xtis no jest
that i do hate thee and love helenax

hermiax
o mex you jugglerx you cankerblossomx
you thief of lovex whatx have you come by night
and stolxn my lovexs heart from himx

helenax
finex ix faithx
have you no modestyx no maiden shamex
no touch of bashfulnessx whatx will you tear
impatient answers from my gentle tonguex
fiex fiex you counterfeitx you puppetx youx

hermiax
puppetx why sox ayx that way goes the gamex
now i perceive that she hath made compare
between our staturesx she hath urgxd her heightx
and with her personagex her tall personagex
her heightx forsoothx she hath prevailxd with himx
and are you grown so high in his esteem
because i am so dwarfish and so lowx
how low am ix thou painted maypolex speakx
how low am ix i am not yet so low
but that my nails can reach unto thine eyesx

helenax
i pray youx though you mock mex gentlemenx
let her not hurt mex i was never curstx
i have no gift at all in shrewishnessx
i am a right maid for my cowardicex
let her not strike mex you perhaps may thinkx
because she is something lower than myselfx
that i can match herx

hermiax
lowerx harkx againx

helenax
good hermiax do not be so bitter with mex
i evermore did love youx hermiax
did ever keep your counselsx never wrongxd youx
save thatx in love unto demetriusx
i told him of your stealth unto this woodx
he followxd youx for love i followxd himx
but he hath chid me hencex and threatenxd me
to strike mex spurn mex nayx to kill me toox
and nowx so you will let me quiet gox
to athens will i bear my folly backx
and follow you no furtherx let me gox
you see how simple and how fond i amx

hermiax
whyx get you gonex who isxt that hinders youx

helenax
a foolish heart that i leave here behindx

hermiax
whatx with lysanderx

helenax
with demetriusx

lysanderx
be not afraidx she shall not harm theex helenax

demetriusx
nox sirx she shall notx though you take her partx

helenax
ox when shexs angryx she is keen and shrewdx
she was a vixen when she went to schoolx
and though she be but littlex she is fiercex

hermiax
little againx nothing but low and littlex
why will you suffer her to flout me thusx
let me come to herx

lysanderx
get you gonex you dwarfx
you minimusx of hindxring knotxgrass madex
you beadx you acornx

demetriusx
you are too officious
in her behalf that scorns your servicesx
let her alonex speak not of helenax
take not her partx for if thou dost intend
never so little show of love to herx
thou shalt aby itx

lysanderx
now she holds me notx
now followx if thou darxstx to try whose rightx
of thine or minex is most in helenax

demetriusx
followx nayx ixll go with theex cheek by jolex

 xxexeunt lysander and demetriusxxx

hermiax
youx mistressx all this coil is long of youx
nayx go not backx

helenax
i will not trust youx ix
nor longer stay in your curst companyx
your hands than mine are quicker for a frayx
my legs are longer thoughx to run awayx

 xxexitxxx

hermiax
i am amazxdx and know not what to sayx

 xxexitx pursuing helenaxxx

oberonx
this is thy negligencex still thou mistakxstx
or else commitxst thy knaveries willfullyx

puckx
believe mex king of shadowsx i mistookx
did not you tell me i should know the man
by the athenian garments he had onx
and so far blameless proves my enterprise
that i have xnointed an athenianxs eyesx
and so far am i glad it so did sortx
as this their jangling i esteem a sportx

oberonx
thou seest these lovers seek a place to fightx
hie thereforex robinx overcast the nightx
the starry welkin cover thou anon
with drooping fogx as black as acheronx
and lead these testy rivals so astray
as one come not within anotherxs wayx
like to lysander sometime frame thy tonguex
then stir demetrius up with bitter wrongx
and sometime rail thou like demetriusx
and from each other look thou lead them thusx
till oxer their brows deathxcounterfeiting sleep
with leaden legs and batty wings doth creepx
then crush this herb into lysanderxs eyex
whose liquor hath this virtuous propertyx
to take from thence all error with his might
and make his eyeballs roll with wonted sightx
when they next wakex all this derision
shall seem a dream and fruitless visionx
and back to athens shall the lovers wendx
with league whose date till death shall never endx
whiles i in this affair do thee employx
ixll to my queenx and beg her indian boyx
and then i will her charmxd eye release
from monsterxs viewx and all things shall be peacex

puckx
my fairy lordx this must be done with hastex
for nightxs swift dragons cut the clouds full fastx
and yonder shines auroraxs harbingerx
at whose approachx ghosts wandering here and there
troop home to churchyardsx damnxd spirits allx
that in crossxways and floods have burialx
already to their wormy beds are gonex
for fear lest day should look their shames uponx
they wilfully themselves exile from lightx
and must for aye consort with blackxbrowxd nightx

oberonx
but we are spirits of another sortx
i with the morningxs love have oft made sportx
andx like a foresterx the groves may tread
even till the eastern gatex all fieryxredx
opening on neptune with fair blessxd beamsx
turns into yellow gold his saltxgreen streamsx
butx notwithstandingx hastex make no delayx
we may effect this business yet ere dayx

 xxexit oberonxxx

puckx
    up and downx up and downx
    i will lead them up and downx
    i am fearxd in field and townx
    goblinx lead them up and downx
here comes onex

 enter lysanderx

lysanderx
where art thoux proud demetriusx speak thou nowx

puckx
herex villainx drawn and readyx where art thoux

lysanderx
i will be with thee straightx

puckx
follow me then to plainer groundx

 xxexit lysander as following the voicexxx

 enter demetriusx

demetriusx
lysanderx speak againx
thou runawayx thou cowardx art thou fledx
speakx in some bushx where dost thou hide thy headx

puckx
thou cowardx art thou bragging to the starsx
telling the bushes that thou lookxst for warsx
and wilt not comex comex recreantx comex thou childx
ixll whip thee with a rodx he is defilxd
that draws a sword on theex

demetriusx
yeax art thou therex

puckx
follow my voicex wexll try no manhood herex

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter lysanderx

lysanderx
he goes before mex and still dares me onx
when i come where he callsx then he is gonex
the villain is much lighterxheelxd than ix
i followxd fastx but faster he did flyx
that fallen am i in dark uneven wayx
and here will rest mex  comex thou gentle dayx
xxlies downxxx for if but once thou show me thy grey lightx
ixll find demetriusx and revenge this spitex

 xxsleepsxxx

 enter puck and demetriusx

puckx
hox hox hox cowardx why comxst thou notx

demetriusx
abide mex if thou darxstx for well i wot
thou runnxst before mex shifting every placex
and darxst not standx nor look me in the facex
where art thoux

puckx
come hitherx i am herex

demetriusx
nayx thenx thou mockxst mex thou shalt buy this dear
if ever i thy face by daylight seex
now go thy wayx faintness constraineth me
to measure out my length on this cold bedx
by dayxs approach look to be visitedx

 xxlies down and sleepsxxx

 enter helenax

helenax
o weary nightx o long and tedious nightx
    abate thy hoursx shinex comfortsx from the eastx
that i may back to athens by daylightx
    from these that my poor company detestx
and sleepx that sometimes shuts up sorrowxs eyex
steal me awhile from mine own companyx

 xxsleepsxxx

puckx
    yet but threex come one morex
    two of both kinds makes up fourx
    here she comesx curst and sadx
    cupid is a knavish lad
    thus to make poor females madx

 enter hermiax

hermiax
never so wearyx never so in woex
   bedabbled with the dewx and torn with briersx
i can no further crawlx no further gox
   my legs can keep no pace with my desiresx
here will i rest me till the break of dayx
heavens shield lysanderx if they mean a frayx

 xxlies downxxx

puckx
         on the ground
         sleep soundx
         ixll apply
         to your eyex
       gentle loverx remedyx

 xxsqueezing the juice on lysanderxs eyexxx

         when thou wakxstx
         thou takxst
         true delight
         in the sight
       of thy former ladyxs eyex
       and the country proverb knownx
       that every man should take his ownx
       in your waking shall be shownx
         jack shall have jillx
         nought shall go illx
the man shall have his mare againx and all shall be wellx

 xxexit puckxxx


act iv

scene ix the wood

 lysanderx demetriusx helena and hermia still asleepx

 enter titania and bottomx peaseblossomx cobwebx mothx mustardseed and
 other fairies attendingx oberon behindx unseenx

titaniax
comex sit thee down upon this flowery bedx
   while i thy amiable cheeks do coyx
and stick muskxroses in thy sleek smooth headx
   and kiss thy fair large earsx my gentle joyx

bottomx
wherexs peaseblossomx

peaseblossomx
readyx

bottomx
scratch my headx peaseblossomx wherexs monsieur cobwebx

cobwebx
readyx

bottomx
monsieur cobwebx good monsieurx get you your weapons in your hand and
kill me a redxhipped humblexbee on the top of a thistlex andx good
monsieurx bring me the honeyxbagx do not fret yourself too much in the
actionx monsieurx andx good monsieurx have a care the honeyxbag break
notx i would be loath to have you overflown with a honeyxbagx signiorx
wherexs monsieur mustardseedx

mustardseedx
readyx

bottomx
give me your neafx monsieur mustardseedx pray youx leave your courtesyx
good monsieurx

mustardseedx
whatxs your willx

bottomx
nothingx good monsieurx but to help cavalery cobweb to scratchx i must
to the barberxsx monsieurx for methinks i am marvellous hairy about the
facex and i am such a tender assx if my hair do but tickle mex i must
scratchx

titaniax
whatx wilt thou hear some musicx my sweet lovex

bottomx
i have a reasonable good ear in musicx let us have the tongs and the
bonesx


titaniax
or sayx sweet lovex what thou desirest to eatx

bottomx
trulyx a peck of provenderx i could munch your good dry oatsx methinks
i have a great desire to a bottle of hayx good hayx sweet hayx hath no
fellowx

titaniax
i have a venturous fairy that shall seek
the squirrelxs hoardx and fetch thee new nutsx

bottomx
i had rather have a handful or two of dried peasx butx i pray youx let
none of your people stir mex i have an exposition of sleep come upon
mex

titaniax
sleep thoux and i will wind thee in my armsx
fairiesx be gonex and be all ways awayx
so doth the woodbine the sweet honeysuckle
gently entwistx the female ivy so
enrings the barky fingers of the elmx
ox how i love theex how i dote on theex

 xxthey sleepxxx

 oberon advancesx enter puckx

oberonx
welcomex good robinx seest thou this sweet sightx
her dotage now i do begin to pityx
forx meeting her of late behind the woodx
seeking sweet favours for this hateful foolx
i did upbraid her and fall out with herx
for she his hairy temples then had rounded
with coronet of fresh and fragrant flowersx
and that same dewx which sometime on the buds
was wont to swell like round and orient pearlsx
stood now within the pretty flourietsx eyesx
like tears that did their own disgrace bewailx
when i had at my pleasure taunted herx
and she in mild terms beggxd my patiencex
i then did ask of her her changeling childx
which straight she gave mex and her fairy sent
to bear him to my bower in fairylandx
and now i have the boyx i will undo
this hateful imperfection of her eyesx
andx gentle puckx take this transformxd scalp
from off the head of this athenian swainx
that he awaking when the other dox
may all to athens back again repairx
and think no more of this nightxs accidents
but as the fierce vexation of a dreamx
but first i will release the fairy queenx

 xxtouching her eyes with an herbxxx

    be as thou wast wont to bex
    see as thou was wont to seex
    dianxs bud oxer cupidxs flower
    hath such force and blessed powerx
nowx my titaniax wake youx my sweet queenx

titaniax
my oberonx what visions have i seenx
methought i was enamourxd of an assx

oberonx
there lies your lovex

titaniax
how came these things to passx
ox how mine eyes do loathe his visage nowx

oberonx
silence awhilexxrobinx take off this headx
titaniax music callx and strike more dead
than common sleepx of all these five the sensex

titaniax
musicx hox musicx such as charmeth sleepx

puckx
now when thou wakxstx with thine own foolxs eyes peepx

oberonx
soundx musicx

 xxstill mucicxxx

comex my queenx take hands with mex
and rock the ground whereon these sleepers bex
now thou and i are new in amityx
and will tomorrow midnight solemnly
dance in duke theseusx house triumphantlyx
and bless it to all fair prosperityx
there shall the pairs of faithful lovers be
weddedx with theseusx all in jollityx

puckx
    fairy kingx attend and markx
    i do hear the morning larkx

oberonx
    thenx my queenx in silence sadx
    trip we after nightxs shadex
    we the globe can compass soonx
    swifter than the wandxring moonx

titaniax
    comex my lordx and in our flightx
    tell me how it came this night
    that i sleeping here was found
    with these mortals on the groundx

 xxexeuntx horns sound withinxxx

 enter theseusx hippolytax egeus and trainx

theseusx
gox one of youx find out the foresterx
for now our observation is performxdx
and since we have the vaward of the dayx
my love shall hear the music of my houndsx
uncouple in the western valleyx let them gox
dispatch i sayx and find the foresterx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

we willx fair queenx up to the mountainxs topx
and mark the musical confusion
of hounds and echo in conjunctionx

hippolytax
i was with hercules and cadmus oncex
when in a wood of crete they bayxd the bear
with hounds of spartax never did i hear
such gallant chidingx forx besides the grovesx
the skiesx the fountainsx every region near
seemxd all one mutual cryx i never heard
so musical a discordx such sweet thunderx

theseusx
my hounds are bred out of the spartan kindx
so flewxdx so sandedx and their heads are hung
with ears that sweep away the morning dewx
crookxkneexd and dewlapxd like thessalian bullsx
slow in pursuitx but matchxd in mouth like bellsx
each under eachx a cry more tuneable
was never hollaxd tox nor cheerxd with hornx
in cretex in spartax nor in thessalyx
judge when you hearxxbutx softx what nymphs are thesex

egeusx
my lordx this is my daughter here asleepx
and this lysanderx this demetrius isx
this helenax old nedarxs helenax
i wonder of their being here togetherx

theseusx
no doubt they rose up early to observe
the rite of mayx andx hearing our intentx
came here in grace of our solemnityx
but speakx egeusx is not this the day
that hermia should give answer of her choicex

egeusx
it isx my lordx

theseusx
gox bid the huntsmen wake them with their hornsx

 hornsx and shout withinx demetriusx lysanderx hermia and helena wake
 and start upx

good morrowx friendsx saint valentine is pastx
begin these woodxbirds but to couple nowx

lysanderx
pardonx my lordx

 he and the rest kneel to  theseusx

theseusx
i pray you allx stand upx
i know you two are rival enemiesx
how comes this gentle concord in the worldx
that hatred is so far from jealousy
to sleep by hatex and fear no enmityx

lysanderx
my lordx i shall reply amazedlyx
half sleepx half wakingx but as yetx i swearx
i cannot truly say how i came herex
butx as i think xfor truly would i speakx
and now i do bethink mex so it isx
i came with hermia hitherx our intent
was to be gone from athensx where we might bex
without the peril of the athenian lawx

egeusx
enoughx enoughx my lordx you have enoughx
i beg the lawx the law upon his headx
they would have stolxn awayx they wouldx demetriusx
thereby to have defeated you and mex
you of your wifex and me of my consentx
of my consent that she should be your wifex

demetriusx
my lordx fair helen told me of their stealthx
of this their purpose hither to this woodx
and i in fury hither followxd themx
fair helena in fancy following mex
butx my good lordx i wot not by what powerx
xbut by some power it isx my love to hermiax
melted as the snowx seems to me now
as the remembrance of an idle gaud
which in my childhood i did dote uponx
and all the faithx the virtue of my heartx
the object and the pleasure of mine eyex
is only helenax to herx my lordx
was i betrothxd ere i saw hermiax
but like a sickness did i loathe this foodx
butx as in healthx come to my natural tastex
now i do wish itx love itx long for itx
and will for evermore be true to itx

theseusx
fair loversx you are fortunately metx
of this discourse we more will hear anonx
egeusx i will overbear your willx
for in the templex by and by with usx
these couples shall eternally be knitx
andx for the morning now is something wornx
our purposxd hunting shall be set asidex
away with us to athensx three and threex
wexll hold a feast in great solemnityx
comex hippolytax

 xxexeunt theseusx hippolytax egeus and trainxxx

demetriusx
these things seem small and undistinguishablex
like farxoff mountains turnxd into cloudsx

hermiax
methinks i see these things with parted eyex
when everything seems doublex

helenax
so methinksx
and i have found demetrius like a jewelx
mine ownx and not mine ownx

demetriusx
are you sure
that we are awakex it seems to me
that yet we sleepx we dreamx do not you think
the duke was herex and bid us follow himx

hermiax
yeax and my fatherx

helenax
and hippolytax

lysanderx
and he did bid us follow to the templex

demetriusx
whyx thenx we are awakex letxs follow himx
and by the way let us recount our dreamsx

 xxexeuntxxx

bottomx
xxwakingxxx when my cue comesx call mex and i will answerx my next is
xmost fair pyramusxx heighxhox peter quincex flutex the bellowsxmenderx
snoutx the tinkerx starvelingx godxs my lifex stolxn hencex and left me
asleepx i have had a most rare visionx i have had a dreamx past the wit
of man to say what dream it wasx man is but an ass if he go about to
expound this dreamx methought i wasxthere is no man can tell whatx
methought i wasx and methought i hadxbut man is but a patched fool if
he will offer to say what methought i hadx the eye of man hath not
heardx the ear of man hath not seenx manxs hand is not able to tastex
his tongue to conceivex nor his heart to reportx what my dream wasx i
will get peter quince to write a ballad of this dreamx it shall be
called xbottomxs dreamxx because it hath no bottomx and i will sing it
in the latter end of a playx before the dukex peradventurex to make it
the more graciousx i shall sing it at her deathx

 xxexitxxx


scene iix athensx a room in quincexs house

 enter quincex flutex snout and starvelingx

quincex
have you sent to bottomxs housex is he come home yetx

starvelingx
he cannot be heard ofx out of doubt he is transportedx

flutex
if he come notx then the play is marredx it goes not forwardx doth itx

quincex
it is not possiblex you have not a man in all athens able to discharge
pyramus but hex

flutex
nox he hath simply the best wit of any handicraft man in athensx

quincex
yeax and the best person toox and he is a very paramour for a sweet
voicex


flutex
you must say paragonx a paramour isx god bless usx a thing of naughtx

 enter snugx

snug
mastersx the duke is coming from the templex and there is two or three
lords and ladies more marriedx if our sport had gone forwardx we had
all been made menx

flutex
o sweet bully bottomx thus hath he lost sixpence a day during his lifex
he could not have xscaped sixpence a dayx an the duke had not given him
sixpence a day for playing pyramusx ixll be hangedx he would have
deserved itx sixpence a day in pyramusx or nothingx

 enter bottomx

bottomx
where are these ladsx where are these heartsx

quincex
bottomx o most courageous dayx o most happy hourx

bottomx
mastersx i am to discourse wondersx but ask me not whatx for if i tell
youx i am not true athenianx i will tell you everythingx right as it
fell outx

quincex
let us hearx sweet bottomx

bottomx
not a word of mex all that i will tell you isx that the duke hath
dinedx get your apparel togetherx good strings to your beardsx new
ribbons to your pumpsx meet presently at the palacex every man look
oxer his partx for the short and the long isx our play is preferredx in
any casex let thisbe have clean linenx and let not him that plays the
lion pare his nailsx for they shall hang out for the lionxs clawsx and
most dear actorsx eat no onions nor garlickx for we are to utter sweet
breathx and i do not doubt but to hear them say it is a sweet comedyx
no more wordsx awayx gox awayx

 xxexeuntxxx


act v

scene ix athensx an apartment in the palace of theseus

 enter theseusx hippolytax philostratex lords and attendantsx

hippolytax
xtis strangex my theseusx that these lovers speak ofx

theseusx
more strange than truex i never may believe
these antique fablesx nor these fairy toysx
lovers and madmen have such seething brainsx
such shaping fantasiesx that apprehend
more than cool reason ever comprehendsx
the lunaticx the loverx and the poet
are of imagination all compactx
one sees more devils than vast hell can holdx
that is the madmanx the loverx all as franticx
sees helenxs beauty in a brow of egyptx
the poetxs eyex in a fine frenzy rollingx
doth glance from heaven to earthx from earth to heavenx
and as imagination bodies forth
the forms of things unknownx the poetxs pen
turns them to shapesx and gives to airy nothing
a local habitation and a namex
such tricks hath strong imaginationx
that if it would but apprehend some joyx
it comprehends some bringer of that joyx
or in the nightx imagining some fearx
how easy is a bush supposed a bearx

hippolytax
but all the story of the night told overx
and all their minds transfigurxd so togetherx
more witnesseth than fancyxs imagesx
and grows to something of great constancyx
butx howsoeverx strange and admirablex

 enter loversx lysanderx demetriusx hermia and helenax

theseusx
here come the loversx full of joy and mirthx
joyx gentle friendsx joy and fresh days of love
accompany your heartsx

lysanderx
more than to us
wait in your royal walksx your boardx your bedx

theseusx
come nowx what masquesx what dances shall we havex
to wear away this long age of three hours
between our afterxsupper and bedxtimex
where is our usual manager of mirthx
what revels are in handx is there no play
to ease the anguish of a torturing hourx
call philostratex

philostratex
herex mighty theseusx

theseusx
sayx what abridgment have you for this eveningx
what masquex what musicx how shall we beguile
the lazy timex if not with some delightx

philostratex
there is a brief how many sports are ripex
make choice of which your highness will see firstx

 xxgiving a paperxxx

theseusx
xxreadsxx xthe battle with the centaursx to be sung
by an athenian eunuch to the harpxx
wexll none of thatx that have i told my love
in glory of my kinsman herculesx
xthe riot of the tipsy bacchanalsx
tearing the thracian singer in their ragexx
that is an old devicex and it was playxd
when i from thebes came last a conquerorx
xthe thrice three muses mourning for the death
of learningx late deceasxd in beggaryxx
that is some satirex keen and criticalx
not sorting with a nuptial ceremonyx
xa tedious brief scene of young pyramus
and his love thisbex very tragical mirthxx
merry and tragicalx tedious and briefx
that is hot ice and wondrous strange snowx
how shall we find the concord of this discordx

philostratex
a play there isx my lordx some ten words longx
which is as brief as i have known a playx
but by ten wordsx my lordx it is too longx
which makes it tediousx for in all the play
there is not one word aptx one player fittedx
and tragicalx my noble lordx it isx
for pyramus therein doth kill himselfx
whichx when i saw rehearsxdx i must confessx
made mine eyes waterx but more merry tears
the passion of loud laughter never shedx

theseusx
what are they that do play itx

philostratex
hardxhanded men that work in athens herex
which never labourxd in their minds till nowx
and now have toilxd their unbreathxd memories
with this same play against your nuptialx

theseusx
and we will hear itx

philostratex
nox my noble lordx
it is not for youx i have heard it overx
and it is nothingx nothing in the worldx
unless you can find sport in their intentsx
extremely stretchxd and connxd with cruel pain
to do you servicex

theseusx
i will hear that playx
for never anything can be amiss
when simpleness and duty tender itx
gox bring them inx and take your placesx ladiesx

 xxexit philostratexxx

hippolytax
i love not to see wretchedness oxerchargedx
and duty in his service perishingx

theseusx
whyx gentle sweetx you shall see no such thingx

hippolytax
he says they can do nothing in this kindx

theseusx
the kinder wex to give them thanks for nothingx
our sport shall be to take what they mistakex
and what poor duty cannot dox noble respect
takes it in mightx not meritx
where i have comex great clerks have purposed
to greet me with premeditated welcomesx
where i have seen them shiver and look palex
make periods in the midst of sentencesx
throttle their practisxd accent in their fearsx
andx in conclusionx dumbly have broke offx
not paying me a welcomex trust mex sweetx
out of this silence yet i pickxd a welcomex
and in the modesty of fearful duty
i read as much as from the rattling tongue
of saucy and audacious eloquencex
lovex thereforex and tonguextied simplicity
in least speak most to my capacityx

 enter philostratex

philostratex
so please your gracex the prologue is addressxdx

theseusx
let him approachx

 flourish of trumpetsx enter the prologuex

prologue
if we offendx it is with our good willx
that you should thinkx we come not to offendx
but with good willx  to show our simple skillx
that is the true beginning of our endx
consider thenx we come but in despitex
we do not comex as minding to content youx
our true intent isx  all for your delight
we are not herex  that you should here repent youx
the actors are at handx andx by their showx
you shall know all that you are like to knowx

theseusx
this fellow doth not stand upon pointsx

lysanderx
he hath rid his prologue like a rough coltx he knows not the stopx a
good moralx my lordx it is not enough to speakx but to speak truex

hippolytax
indeed he hath played on this prologue like a child on a recorderx a
soundx but not in governmentx

theseusx
his speech was like a tangled chainx nothing impairedx but all
disorderedx who is nextx

 enter pyramus and thisbex wallx moonshine and lion as in dumb showx

prologue
gentlesx perchance you wonder at this showx
but wonder onx till truth make all things plainx
this man is pyramusx if you would knowx
this beauteous lady thisbe is certainx
this manx with lime and roughxcastx doth present
wallx that vile wall which did these lovers sunderx
and through wallxs chinkx poor soulsx they are content
to whisperx at the which let no man wonderx
this manx with lanthernx dogx and bush of thornx
presenteth moonshinex forx if you will knowx
by moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
to meet at ninusx tombx therex there to woox
this grisly beast xwhich lion hight by namex
the trusty thisbex coming first by nightx
did scare awayx or rather did affrightx
and as she fledx her mantle she did fallx
which lion vile with bloody mouth did stainx
anon comes pyramusx sweet youthx and tallx
and finds his trusty thisbexs mantle slainx
whereat with bladex with bloody blameful bladex
he bravely broachxd his boiling bloody breastx
and thisbex tarrying in mulberry shadex
his dagger drewx and diedx for all the restx
let lionx moonshinex wallx and lovers twainx
at large discourse while here they do remainx

 xxexeunt prologuex pyramusx thisbex lion and moonshinexxx

theseusx
i wonder if the lion be to speakx

demetriusx
no wonderx my lordx one lion mayx when many asses dox

wallx
in this same interlude it doth befall
that ix one snout by namex present a wallx
and such a wall as i would have you think
that had in it a crannied hole or chinkx
through which the loversx pyramus and thisbex
did whisper often very secretlyx
this loamx this roughxcastx and this stonex doth show
that i am that same wallx the truth is sox
and this the cranny isx right and sinisterx
through which the fearful lovers are to whisperx

theseusx
would you desire lime and hair to speak betterx

demetriusx
it is the wittiest partition that ever i heard discoursex my lordx

theseusx
pyramus draws near the wallx silencex

 enter pyramusx

pyramusx
o grimxlookxd nightx o night with hue so blackx
o nightx which ever art when day is notx
o nightx o nightx alackx alackx alackx
i fear my thisbexs promise is forgotx
and thoux o wallx o sweetx o lovely wallx
that standxst between her fatherxs ground and minex
thou wallx o wallx o sweet and lovely wallx
show me thy chinkx to blink through with mine eynex

 xxwall holds up his fingersxxx

thanksx courteous wallx jove shield thee well for thisx
but what see ix no thisbe do i seex
o wicked wallx through whom i see no blissx
cursxd be thy stones for thus deceiving mex

theseusx
the wallx methinksx being sensiblex should curse againx

pyramusx
nox in truthx sirx he should notx xdeceiving mex is thisbexs cuex she
is to enter nowx and i am to spy her through the wallx you shall see it
will fall pat as i told youx yonder she comesx

 enter thisbex

thisbex
o wallx full often hast thou heard my moansx
for parting my fair pyramus and mex
my cherry lips have often kissxd thy stonesx
thy stones with lime and hair knit up in theex

pyramusx
i see a voicex now will i to the chinkx
to spy an i can hear my thisbexs facex
thisbex

thisbex
my love thou artx my love i thinkx

pyramusx
think what thou wiltx i am thy loverxs gracex
and like limander am i trusty stillx

thisbex
and i like helenx till the fates me killx

pyramusx
not shafalus to procrus was so truex

thisbex
as shafalus to procrusx i to youx

pyramusx
o kiss me through the hole of this vile wallx

thisbex
i kiss the wallxs holex not your lips at allx

pyramusx
wilt thou at ninnyxs tomb meet me straightwayx

thisbex
xtide lifex xtide deathx i come without delayx

wallx
thus have ix wallx my part discharged sox
andx being donex thus wall away doth gox

 xxexeunt wallx pyramus and thisbexxx

theseusx
now is the mural down between the two neighboursx

demetriusx
no remedyx my lordx when walls are so wilful to hear without warningx

hippolytax
this is the silliest stuff that ever i heardx

theseusx
the best in this kind are but shadowsx and the worst are no worsex if
imagination amend themx

hippolytax
it must be your imagination thenx and not theirsx

theseusx
if we imagine no worse of them than they of themselvesx they may pass
for excellent menx here come two noble beasts inx a man and a lionx

 enter lion and moonshinex

lionx
youx ladiesx youx whose gentle hearts do fear
the smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floorx
may nowx perchancex both quake and tremble herex
when lion rough in wildest rage doth roarx
then know that ix one snug the joinerx am
a lion fellx nor else no lionxs damx
for if i should as lion come in strife
into this placex xtwere pity on my lifex

theseusx
a very gentle beastx and of a good consciencex

demetriusx
the very best at a beastx my lordx that exer i sawx

lysanderx
this lion is a very fox for his valourx

theseusx
truex and a goose for his discretionx

demetriusx
not sox my lordx for his valour cannot carry his discretionx and the
fox carries the goosex

theseusx
his discretionx i am surex cannot carry his valourx for the goose
carries not the foxx it is wellx leave it to his discretionx and let us
listen to the moonx

moonshinex
this lanthorn doth the hornxd moon presentx

demetriusx
he should have worn the horns on his headx

theseusx
he is no crescentx and his horns are invisible within the
circumferencex

moonshinex
this lanthorn doth the hornxd moon presentx
myself the man ix the moon do seem to bex

theseusx
this is the greatest error of all the restx the man should be put into
the lanternx how is it else the man ix the moonx

demetriusx
he dares not come there for the candlex for you seex it is already in
snuffx

hippolytax
i am aweary of this moonx would he would changex

theseusx
it appears by his small light of discretion that he is in the wanex but
yetx in courtesyx in all reasonx we must stay the timex

lysanderx
proceedx moonx

moon
all that i have to sayx is to tell you that the lantern is the moonx i
the man ix the moonx this thornxbush my thornxbushx and this dog my
dogx

demetriusx
whyx all these should be in the lanternx for all these are in the moonx
but silencex here comes thisbex

 enter thisbex

thisbex
this is old ninnyxs tombx where is my lovex

lionx
ohx

 xxthe lion roarsx thisbe runs offxxx

demetriusx
well roaredx lionx

theseusx
well runx thisbex

hippolytax
well shonex moonx trulyx the moon shines with a good gracex

 xxthe lion tears thisbexs mantlex and exitxxx

theseusx
well mousedx lionx

demetriusx
and then came pyramusx

lysanderx
and so the lion vanishedx

 enter pyramusx

pyramusx
sweet moonx i thank thee for thy sunny beamsx
i thank theex moonx for shining now so brightx
forx by thy gracious goldenx glittering gleamsx
i trust to take of truest thisbe sightx
             but stayx o spitex
             but markx poor knightx
         what dreadful dole is herex
             eyesx do you seex
             how can it bex
         o dainty duckx o dearx
             thy mantle goodx
             whatx stained with bloodx
         approachx ye furies fellx
             o fatesx comex comex
             cut thread and thrumx
         quailx rushx concludex and quellx

theseusx
this passionx and the death of a dear friendx would go near to make a
man look sadx

hippolytax
beshrew my heartx but i pity the manx

pyramusx
o whereforex naturex didst thou lions framex
since lion vile hath here deflowerxd my dearx
which isxnox noxwhich was the fairest dame
that livxdx that lovxdx that likxdx that lookxd with cheerx
             comex tearsx confoundx
             outx swordx and wound
         the pap of pyramusx
             ayx that left papx
             where heart doth hopx
         thus die ix thusx thusx thusx
             now am i deadx
             now am i fledx
         my soul is in the skyx
             tonguex lose thy lightx
             moonx take thy flightx
         now diex diex diex diex diex

 xxdiesx exit moonshinexxx

demetriusx
no diex but an acex for himx for he is but onex

lysanderx
less than an acex manx for he is deadx he is nothingx

theseusx
with the help of a surgeon he might yet recover and prove an assx

hippolytax
how chance moonshine is gone before thisbe comes back and finds her
loverx


theseusx
she will find him by starlightx

 enter thisbex

here she comesx and her passion ends the playx

hippolytax
methinks she should not use a long one for such a pyramusx i hope she
will be briefx

demetriusx
a mote will turn the balancex which pyramusx which thisbex is the
betterx he for a manx god warrant usx she for a womanx god bless usx

lysanderx
she hath spied him already with those sweet eyesx

demetriusx
and thus she meansx xvidelicetxx

thisbex
             asleepx my lovex
             whatx deadx my dovex
         o pyramusx arisex
             speakx speakx quite dumbx
             deadx deadx a tomb
         must cover thy sweet eyesx
             these lily lipsx
             this cherry nosex
         these yellow cowslip cheeksx
             are gonex are gonex
             loversx make moanx
         his eyes were green as leeksx
             o sisters threex
             comex come to mex
         with hands as pale as milkx
             lay them in gorex
             since you have shore
         with shears his thread of silkx
             tonguex not a wordx
             comex trusty swordx
         comex bladex my breast imbruex
             and farewellx friendsx
             thus thisbe endsx
         adieux adieux adieux

 xxdiesxxx

theseusx
moonshine and lion are left to bury the deadx

demetriusx
ayx and wall toox

bottomx
nox i assure youx the wall is down that parted their fathersx will it
please you to see the epiloguex or to hear a bergomask dance between
two of our companyx

theseusx
no epiloguex i pray youx for your play needs no excusex never excusex
for when the players are all dead there need none to be blamedx marryx
if he that writ it had played pyramusx and hanged himself in thisbexs
garterx it would have been a fine tragedyx and so it isx trulyx and
very notably dischargedx but comex your bergomaskx let your epilogue
alonex

 xxhere a dance of clownsxxx

the iron tongue of midnight hath told twelvex
loversx to bedx xtis almost fairy timex
i fear we shall outsleep the coming morn
as much as we this night have overwatchxdx
this palpablexgross play hath well beguilxd
the heavy gait of nightx sweet friendsx to bedx
a fortnight hold we this solemnity
in nightly revels and new jollityx

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter puckx

puckx
   now the hungry lion roarsx
      and the wolf behowls the moonx
   whilst the heavy ploughman snoresx
      all with weary task fordonex
   now the wasted brands do glowx
      whilst the screechxowlx screeching loudx
   puts the wretch that lies in woe
      in remembrance of a shroudx
   now it is the time of night
      that the gravesx all gaping widex
   every one lets forth his spritex
      in the churchxway paths to glidex
   and we fairiesx that do run
      by the triple hecatexs team
   from the presence of the sunx
      following darkness like a dreamx
   now are frolicx not a mouse
      shall disturb this hallowxd housex
   i am sent with broom beforex
      to sweep the dust behind the doorx

 enter oberon and titania with their trainx

oberonx
   through the house give glimmering lightx
        by the dead and drowsy firex
   every elf and fairy sprite
        hop as light as bird from brierx
   and this ditty after mex
   sing and dance it trippinglyx

titaniax
   first rehearse your song by rotex
        to each word a warbling notex
   hand in handx with fairy gracex
   will we singx and bless this placex

 xxsong and dancexxx

oberonx
   nowx until the break of dayx
   through this house each fairy strayx
   to the best bridexbed will wex
   which by us shall blessxd bex
   and the issue there create
   ever shall be fortunatex
   so shall all the couples three
   ever true in loving bex
   and the blots of naturexs hand
   shall not in their issue standx
   never molex harexlipx nor scarx
   nor mark prodigiousx such as are
   despised in nativityx
   shall upon their children bex
   with this fieldxdew consecratex
   every fairy take his gaitx
   and each several chamber blessx
   through this palacex with sweet peacex
   and the owner of it blestx
   ever shall it in safety restx
   trip awayx make no stayx
   meet me all by break of dayx

 xxexeunt oberonx titania and trainxxx

puckx
   if we shadows have offendedx
   think but thisx and all is mendedx
   that you have but slumberxd here
   while these visions did appearx
   and this weak and idle themex
   no more yielding but a dreamx
   gentlesx do not reprehendx
   if you pardonx we will mendx
   andx as i am an honest puckx
   if we have unearnxd luck
   now to xscape the serpentxs tonguex
   we will make amends ere longx
   else the puck a liar callx
   sox good night unto you allx
   give me your handsx if we be friendsx
   and robin shall restore amendsx

 xxexitxxx



 much ado about nothing



contents

act i
scene ix before leonatoxs housex
scene iix a room in leonatoxs housex
scene iiix another room in leonatoxs housex

act ii
scene ix a hall in leonatoxs housex
scene iix another room in leonatoxs housex
scene iiix leonatoxs gardenx

act iii
scene ix leonatoxs gardenx
scene iix a room in leonatoxs housex
scene iiix a streetx
scene ivx a room in leonatoxs housex
scene vx another room in leonatoxs housex

act iv
scene ix the inside of a churchx
scene iix a prisonx

act v
scene ix before leonatoxs housex
scene iix leonatoxs gardenx
scene iiix the inside of a churchx
scene ivx a room in leonatoxs housex





      dramatis personx


      don pedrox prince of arragonx
      don johnx his bastard brotherx
      claudiox a young lord of florencex
      benedickx a young lord of paduax
      leonatox governor of messinax
      antoniox his brotherx
      balthasarx servant to don pedrox
      borachiox follower of don johnx
      conradex follower of don johnx
      dogberryx a constablex
      vergesx a headboroughx
      friar francisx
      a sextonx
      a boyx


      herox daughter to leonatox
      beatricex niece to leonatox
      margaretx waiting gentlewoman attending on herox
      ursulax waiting gentlewoman attending on herox


      messengersx watchx attendantsx xcx


      scenex messinax





act i

scene ix before leonatoxs housex

      enter leonatox herox beatrice and othersx with a messengerx


      leonatox
      i learn in this letter that don pedro of arragon comes this night
      to messinax


      messengerx
      he is very near by thisx he was not three leagues off when i left
      himx


      leonatox
      how many gentlemen have you lost in this actionx


      messengerx
      but few of any sortx and none of namex


      leonatox
      a victory is twice itself when the achiever brings home full
      numbersx i find here that don pedro hath bestowed much honour on
      a young florentine called claudiox


      messengerx
      much deserved on his partx and equally remembered by don pedrox
      he hath borne himself beyond the promise of his agex doing in the
      figure of a lamb the feats of a lionx he hath indeed better
      bettered expectation than you must expect of me to tell you howx


      leonatox
      he hath an uncle here in messina will be very much glad of itx


      messengerx
      i have already delivered him lettersx and there appears much joy
      in himx even so much that joy could not show itself modest enough
      without a badge of bitternessx


      leonatox
      did he break out into tearsx


      messengerx
      in great measurex


      leonatox
      a kind overflow of kindnessx there are no faces truer than those
      that are so washedx how much better is it to weep at joy than to
      joy at weepingx


      beatricex
      i pray youx is signior mountanto returned from the wars or nox


      messengerx
      i know none of that namex ladyx there was none such in the army
      of any sortx


      leonatox
      what is he that you ask forx niecex


      herox
      my cousin means signior benedick of paduax


      messengerx
      ox he is returnedx and as pleasant as ever he wasx


      beatricex
      he set up his bills here in messina and challenged cupid at the
      flightx and my unclexs foolx reading the challengex subscribed
      for cupidx and challenged him at the birdxboltx i pray youx how
      many hath he killed and eaten in these warsx but how many hath he
      killedx forx indeedx i promised to eat all of his killingx


      leonatox
      faithx niecex you tax signior benedick too muchx but hexll be
      meet with youx i doubt it notx


      messengerx
      he hath done good servicex ladyx in these warsx


      beatricex
      you had musty victualx and he hath holp to eat itx he is a very
      valiant trencherxmanx he hath an excellent stomachx


      messengerx
      and a good soldier toox ladyx


      beatricex
      and a good soldier to a ladyx but what is he to a lordx


      messengerx
      a lord to a lordx a man to a manx stuffed with all honourable
      virtuesx


      beatricex
      it is so indeedx he is no less than a stuffed manx but for the
      stuffingxxwellx we are all mortalx


      leonatox
      you must notx sirx mistake my niecex there is a kind of merry war
      betwixt signior benedick and herx they never meet but therexs a
      skirmish of wit between themx


      beatricex
      alasx he gets nothing by thatx in our last conflict four of his
      five wits went halting offx and now is the whole man governed
      with onex so that if he have wit enough to keep himself warmx let
      him bear it for a difference between himself and his horsex for
      it is all the wealth that he hath left to be known a reasonable
      creaturex who is his companion nowx he hath every month a new
      sworn brotherx


      messengerx
      isxt possiblex


      beatricex
      very easily possiblex he wears his faith but as the fashion of
      his hatx it ever changes with the next blockx


      messengerx
      i seex ladyx the gentleman is not in your booksx


      beatricex
      nox and he werex i would burn my studyx but i pray youx who is
      his companionx is there no young squarer now that will make a
      voyage with him to the devilx


      messengerx
      he is most in the company of the right noble claudiox


      beatricex
      o lordx he will hang upon him like a diseasex he is sooner caught
      than the pestilencex and the taker runs presently madx god help
      the noble claudiox if he have caught the benedickx it will cost
      him a thousand pound ere he be curedx


      messengerx
      i will hold friends with youx ladyx


      beatricex
      dox good friendx


      leonatox
      you will never run madx niecex


      beatricex
      nox not till a hot januaryx


      messengerx
      don pedro is approachedx


      enter don pedrox don johnx claudiox benedickx balthasar and
      othersx


      don pedrox
      good signior leonatox you are come to meet your troublex the
      fashion of the world is to avoid costx and you encounter itx


      leonatox
      never came trouble to my house in the likeness of your gracex for
      trouble being gonex comfort should remainx but when you depart
      from mex sorrow abides and happiness takes his leavex


      don pedrox
      you embrace your charge too willinglyx i think this is your
      daughterx


      leonatox
      her mother hath many times told me sox


      benedickx
      were you in doubtx sirx that you asked herx


      leonatox
      signior benedickx nox for then were you a childx


      don pedrox
      you have it fullx benedickx we may guess by this what you arex
      being a manx truly the lady fathers herselfx be happyx ladyx for
      you are like an honourable fatherx


      benedickx
      if signior leonato be her fatherx she would not have his head on
      her shoulders for all messinax as like him as she isx


      beatricex
      i wonder that you will still be talkingx signior benedickx nobody
      marks youx


      benedickx
      whatx my dear lady disdainx are you yet livingx


      beatricex
      is it possible disdain should die while she hath such meet food
      to feed it as signior benedickx courtesy itself must convert to
      disdain if you come in her presencex


      benedickx
      then is courtesy a turncoatx but it is certain i am loved of all
      ladiesx only you exceptedx and i would i could find in my heart
      that i had not a hard heartx forx trulyx i love nonex


      beatricex
      a dear happiness to womenx they would else have been troubled
      with a pernicious suitorx i thank god and my cold bloodx i am of
      your humour for thatx i had rather hear my dog bark at a crow
      than a man swear he loves mex


      benedickx
      god keep your ladyship still in that mindx so some gentleman or
      other shall scape a predestinate scratched facex


      beatricex
      scratching could not make it worsex and xtwere such a face as
      yours werex


      benedickx
      wellx you are a rare parrotxteacherx


      beatricex
      a bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yoursx


      benedickx
      i would my horse had the speed of your tonguex and so good a
      continuerx but keep your wayx ix godxs namex i have donex


      beatricex
      you always end with a jadexs trickx i know you of oldx


      don pedrox
      that is the sum of allx leonatox signior claudiox and signior
      benedickx my dear friend leonato hath invited you allx i tell him
      we shall stay here at the least a monthx and he heartly prays
      some occasion may detain us longerx i dare swear he is no
      hypocritex but prays from his heartx


      leonatox
      if you swearx my lordx you shall not be forswornx xxto don johnxx
      let me bid you welcomex my lordx being reconciled to the prince
      your brotherx i owe you all dutyx


      don johnx
      i thank youx i am not of many wordsx but i thank youx


      leonatox
      please it your grace lead onx


      don pedrox
      your handx leonatox we will go togetherx


      xxexeunt all but benedick and claudioxxx


      claudiox
      benedickx didst thou note the daughter of signior leonatox


      benedickx
      i noted her notx but i looked on herx


      claudiox
      is she not a modest young ladyx


      benedickx
      do you question mex as an honest man should dox for my simple
      true judgmentx or would you have me speak after my customx as
      being a professed tyrant to their sexx


      claudiox
      nox i pray thee speak in sober judgmentx


      benedickx
      whyx ix faithx methinks shexs too low for a high praisex too
      brown for a fair praisex and too little for a great praisex only
      this commendation i can afford herx that were she other than she
      isx she were unhandsomex and being no other but as she isx i do
      not like herx


      claudiox
      thou thinkest i am in sportx i pray thee tell me truly how thou
      likest herx


      benedickx
      would you buy herx that you enquire after herx


      claudiox
      can the world buy such a jewelx


      benedickx
      yeax and a case to put it intox but speak you this with a sad
      browx or do you play the flouting jackx to tell us cupid is a
      good harexfinderx and vulcan a rare carpenterx comex in what key
      shall a man take youx to go in the songx


      claudiox
      in mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever i looked onx


      benedickx
      i can see yet without spectacles and i see no such matterx
      therexs her cousin and she were not possessed with a furyx
      exceeds her as much in beauty as the first of may doth the last
      of decemberx but i hope you have no intent to turn husbandx have
      youx


      claudiox
      i would scarce trust myselfx though i had sworn to the contraryx
      if hero would be my wifex


      benedickx
      isxt come to thisx in faithx hath not the world one man but he
      will wear his cap with suspicionx shall i never see a bachelor of
      threescore againx go tox ix faithx and thou wilt needs thrust thy
      neck into a yokex wear the print of it and sigh away sundaysx


      rexenter don pedrox


      lookx don pedro is returned to seek youx


      don pedrox
      what secret hath held you herex that you followed not to
      leonatoxsx


      benedickx
      i would your grace would constrain me to tellx


      don pedrox
      i charge thee on thy allegiancex


      benedickx
      you hearx count claudiox i can be secret as a dumb manx i would
      have you think sox but on my allegiance mark you thisx on my
      allegiancex he is in lovex with whox now that is your gracexs
      partx mark how short his answer isx with herox leonatoxs short
      daughterx


      claudiox
      if this were sox so were it utteredx


      benedickx
      like the old talex my lordx xit is not sox nor xtwas not sox but
      indeedx god forbid it should be soxx


      claudiox
      if my passion change not shortlyx god forbid it should be
      otherwisex


      don pedrox
      amenx if you love herx for the lady is very well worthyx


      claudiox
      you speak this to fetch me inx my lordx


      don pedrox
      by my trothx i speak my thoughtx


      claudiox
      and in faithx my lordx i spoke minex


      benedickx
      and by my two faiths and trothsx my lordx i spoke minex


      claudiox
      that i love herx i feelx


      don pedrox
      that she is worthyx i knowx


      benedickx
      that i neither feel how she should be lovedx nor know how she
      should be worthyx is the opinion that fire cannot melt out of mex
      i will die in it at the stakex


      don pedrox
      thou wast ever an obstinate heretic in the despite of beautyx


      claudiox
      and never could maintain his part but in the force of his willx


      benedickx
      that a woman conceived mex i thank herx that she brought me upx i
      likewise give her most humble thanksx but that i will have a
      recheat winded in my foreheadx or hang my bugle in an invisible
      baldrickx all women shall pardon mex because i will not do them
      the wrong to mistrust anyx i will do myself the right to trust
      nonex and the fine isxxfor the which i may go the finerxxi will
      live a bachelorx


      don pedrox
      i shall see theex ere i diex look pale with lovex


      benedickx
      with angerx with sicknessx or with hungerx my lordx not with
      lovex prove that ever i lose more blood with love than i will get
      again with drinkingx pick out mine eyes with a balladxmakerxs pen
      and hang me up at the door of a brothelxhouse for the sign of
      blind cupidx


      don pedrox
      wellx if ever thou dost fall from this faithx thou wilt prove a
      notable argumentx


      benedickx
      if i dox hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot at mex and he
      that hits mex let him be clapped on the shoulder and called adamx


      don pedrox
      wellx as time shall tryx xin time the savage bull doth bear the
      yokexx


      benedickx
      the savage bull mayx but if ever the sensible benedick bear itx
      pluck off the bullxs horns and set them in my foreheadx and let
      me be vilely paintedx and in such great letters as they writex
      xhere is good horse to hirexx let them signify under my sign
      xhere you may see benedick the married manxx


      claudiox
      if this should ever happenx thou wouldst be hornxmadx


      don pedrox
      nayx if cupid have not spent all his quiver in venicex thou wilt
      quake for this shortlyx


      benedickx
      i look for an earthquake too thenx


      don pedrox
      wellx you will temporize with the hoursx in the meantimex good
      signior benedickx repair to leonatoxsx commend me to him and tell
      him i will not fail him at supperx for indeed he hath made great
      preparationx


      benedickx
      i have almost matter enough in me for such an embassagex and so i
      commit youx


      claudiox
      to the tuition of godx from my housex if i had itxx


      don pedrox
      the sixth of julyx your loving friendx benedickx


      benedickx
      nayx mock notx mock notx the body of your discourse is sometime
      guarded with fragmentsx and the guards are but slightly basted on
      neitherx ere you flout old ends any furtherx examine your
      consciencex and so i leave youx


      xxexitxxx


      claudiox
      my liegex your highness now may do me goodx


      don pedrox
      my love is thine to teachx teach it but howx
      and thou shalt see how apt it is to learn
      any hard lesson that may do thee goodx


      claudiox
      hath leonato any sonx my lordx


      don pedrox
      no child but herox shexs his only heirx
      dost thou affect herx claudiox


      claudiox
      ox my lordx
      when you went onward on this ended actionx
      i looked upon her with a soldierxs eyex
      that likxdx but had a rougher task in hand
      than to drive liking to the name of lovex
      but now i am returnxdx and that warxthoughts
      have left their places vacantx in their rooms
      come thronging soft and delicate desiresx
      all prompting me how fair young hero isx
      sayingx i likxd her ere i went to warsx


      don pedrox
      thou wilt be like a lover presentlyx
      and tire the hearer with a book of wordsx
      if thou dost love fair herox cherish itx
      and i will break with herx and with her fatherx
      and thou shalt have herx wasxt not to this end
      that thou beganxst to twist so fine a storyx


      claudiox
      how sweetly you do minister to lovex
      that know lovexs grief by his complexionx
      but lest my liking might too sudden seemx
      i would have salvxd it with a longer treatisex


      don pedrox
      what need the bridge much broader than the floodx
      the fairest grant is the necessityx
      lookx what will serve is fitx xtis oncex thou lovxstx
      and i will fit thee with the remedyx
      i know we shall have revelling tonightx
      i will assume thy part in some disguisex
      and tell fair hero i am claudiox
      and in her bosom ixll unclasp my heartx
      and take her hearing prisoner with the force
      and strong encounter of my amorous talex
      then after to her father will i breakx
      and the conclusion isx she shall be thinex
      in practice let us put it presentlyx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iix a room in leonatoxs housex

      enter leonato and antoniox meetingx


      leonatox
      how nowx brotherx where is my cousin your sonx hath he provided
      this musicx


      antoniox
      he is very busy about itx butx brotherx i can tell you strange
      news that you yet dreamt not ofx


      leonatox
      are they goodx


      antoniox
      as the event stamps themx but they have a good coverx they show
      well outwardx the prince and count claudiox walking in a
      thickxpleached alley in my orchardx were thus much overheard by a
      man of minex the prince discovered to claudio that he loved my
      niece your daughter and meant to acknowledge it this night in a
      dancex and if he found her accordantx he meant to take the
      present time by the top and instantly break with you of itx


      leonatox hath the fellow any wit that told you thisx


      antoniox
      a good sharp fellowx i will send for himx and question him
      yourselfx


      leonatox
      nox nox we will hold it as a dream till it appear itselfx but i
      will acquaint my daughter withalx that she may be the better
      prepared for an answerx if peradventure this be truex go you and
      tell her of itx


      xxseveral persons cross the stagexxx


      cousinsx you know what you have to dox ox i cry you mercyx
      friendx go you with mex and i will use your skillx good cousinx
      have a care this busy timex


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iiix another room in leonatoxs housex

      enter don john and conradex


      conradex
      what the goodxyearx my lordx why are you thus out of measure sadx


      don johnx
      there is no measure in the occasion that breedsx therefore the
      sadness is without limitx


      conradex
      you should hear reasonx


      don johnx
      and when i have heard itx what blessings brings itx


      conradex
      if not a present remedyx at least a patient sufferancex


      don johnx
      i wonder that thou xbeing as thou sayxst thou artx born under
      saturnx goest about to apply a moral medicine to a mortifying
      mischiefx i cannot hide what i amx i must be sad when i have
      causex and smile at no manxs jestsx eat when i have stomachx and
      wait for no manxs leisurex sleep when i am drowsyx and tend on no
      manxs businessx laugh when i am merryx and claw no man in his
      humourx


      conradex
      yeax but you must not make the full show of this till you may do
      it without controlmentx you have of late stood out against your
      brotherx and he hath taxen you newly into his gracex where it is
      impossible you should take true root but by the fair weather that
      you make yourselfx it is needful that you frame the season for
      your own harvestx


      don johnx
      i had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his gracex and
      it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a
      carriage to rob love from anyx in thisx though i cannot be said
      to be a flattering honest manx it must not be denied but i am a
      plainxdealing villainx i am trusted with a muzzle and
      enfranchised with a clogx therefore i have decreed not to sing in
      my cagex if i had my mouthx i would bitex if i had my libertyx i
      would do my likingx in the meantimex let me be that i amx and
      seek not to alter mex


      conradex can you make no use of your discontentx


      don johnx i make all use of itx for i use it onlyx who comes
      herex


      enter borachiox


      what newsx borachiox


      borachiox
      i came yonder from a great supperx the prince your brother is
      royally entertained by leonatox and i can give you intelligence
      of an intended marriagex


      don johnx
      will it serve for any model to build mischief onx what is he for
      a fool that betroths himself to unquietnessx


      borachiox
      marryx it is your brotherxs right handx


      don johnx
      whox the most exquisite claudiox


      borachiox
      even hex


      don johnx
      a proper squirex and whox and whox which way looks hex


      borachiox
      marryx on herox the daughter and heir of leonatox


      don johnx
      a very forward marchxchickx how came you to thisx


      borachiox
      being entertained for a perfumerx as i was smoking a musty roomx
      comes me the prince and claudiox hand in handx in sad conferencex
      i whipt me behind the arrasx and there heard it agreed upon that
      the prince should woo hero for himselfx and having obtained herx
      give her to count claudiox


      don johnx
      comex comex let us thitherx this may prove food to my
      displeasurex that young startxup hath all the glory of my
      overthrowx if i can cross him any wayx i bless myself every wayx
      you are both surex and will assist mex


      conradex to the deathx my lordx


      don johnx
      let us to the great supperx their cheer is the greater that i am
      subduedx would the cook were of my mindx shall we go to prove
      whatxs to be donex


      borachiox
      wexll wait upon your lordshipx


      xxexeuntxxx





act ii

scene ix a hall in leonatoxs housex

      enter leonatox antoniox herox beatrice and othersx


      leonatox
      was not count john here at supperx


      antoniox
      i saw him notx


      beatricex
      how tartly that gentleman looksx i never can see him but i am
      heartxburned an hour afterx


      herox
      he is of a very melancholy dispositionx


      beatricex
      he were an excellent man that were made just in the midxway
      between him and benedickx the one is too like an imagex and says
      nothingx and the other too like my ladyxs eldest sonx evermore
      tattlingx


      leonatox
      then half signior benedickxs tongue in count johnxs mouthx and
      half count johnxs melancholy in signior benedickxs facex


      beatricex
      with a good leg and a good footx unclex and money enough in his
      pursex such a man would win any woman in the world if ax could
      get her good willx


      leonatox
      by my trothx niecex thou wilt never get thee a husbandx if thou
      be so shrewd of thy tonguex


      antoniox
      in faithx shexs too curstx


      beatricex
      too curst is more than curstx i shall lessen godxs sending that
      wayx for it is saidx xgod sends a curst cow short hornsxx but to
      a cow too curst he sends nonex


      leonatox
      sox by being too curstx god will send you no hornsx


      beatricex
      justx if he send me no husbandx for the which blessing i am at
      him upon my knees every morning and eveningx lordx i could not
      endure a husband with a beard on his facex i had rather lie in
      the woollenx


      leonatox
      you may light on a husband that hath no beardx


      beatricex
      what should i do with himx dress him in my apparel and make him
      my waiting gentlewomanx he that hath a beard is more than a
      youthx and he that hath no beard is less than a manx and he that
      is more than a youth is not for mex and he that is less than a
      manx i am not for himx therefore i will even take sixpence in
      earnest of the bearxwardx and lead his apes into hellx


      leonatox
      well thenx go you into hellx


      beatricex
      nox but to the gatex and there will the devil meet mex like an
      old cuckoldx with horns on his headx and sayx xget you to heavenx
      beatricex get you to heavenx herexs no place for you maidsxx so
      deliver i up my apesx and away to saint peter for the heavensx he
      shows me where the bachelors sitx and there live we as merry as
      the day is longx


      antoniox
      xxto heroxxx wellx niecex i trust you will be ruled by your
      fatherx


      beatricex
      yesx faithx it is my cousinxs duty to make curtsyx and sayx
      xfatherx as it please youxxx but yet for all thatx cousinx let
      him be a handsome fellowx or else make another curtsyx and sayx
      xfatherx as it please mexx


      leonatox
      wellx niecex i hope to see you one day fitted with a husbandx


      beatricex
      not till god make men of some other metal than earthx would it
      not grieve a woman to be overxmastered with a piece of valiant
      dustx to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marlx
      nox unclex ixll nonex adamxs sons are my brethrenx and trulyx i
      hold it a sin to match in my kindredx


      leonatox
      daughterx remember what i told youx if the prince do solicit you
      in that kindx you know your answerx


      beatricex
      the fault will be in the musicx cousinx if you be not wooed in
      good timex if the prince be too importantx tell him there is
      measure in everythingx and so dance out the answerx forx hear mex
      herox wooingx weddingx and repenting is as a scotch jigx a
      measurex and a cinquepacex the first suit is hot and hastyx like
      a scotch jigx and full as fantasticalx the weddingx mannerly
      modestx as a measurex full of state and ancientryx and then comes
      repentancex and with his bad legsx falls into the cinquepace
      faster and fasterx till he sink into his gravex


      leonatox
      cousinx you apprehend passing shrewdlyx


      beatricex
      i have a good eyex unclex i can see a church by daylightx


      leonatox
      the revellers are enteringx brotherx make good roomx


      enter don pedrox claudiox benedickx balthasarx don johnx
      borachiox margaretx ursula and othersx maskedx


      don pedrox
      ladyx will you walk about with your friendx


      herox
      so you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothingx i am yours
      for the walkx and especially when i walk awayx


      don pedrox
      with me in your companyx


      herox
      i may say sox when i pleasex


      don pedrox
      and when please you to say sox


      herox
      when i like your favourx for god defend the lute should be like
      the casex


      don pedrox
      my visor is philemonxs roofx within the house is jovex


      herox
      whyx thenx your visor should be thatchxdx


      don pedrox
      speak lowx if you speak lovex


      xxtakes her asidexxx


      balthasarx
      wellx i would you did like mex


      margaretx
      so would not ix for your own sakex for i have many ill qualitiesx


      balthasarx
      which is onex


      margaretx
      i say my prayers aloudx


      balthasarx
      i love you the betterx the hearers may cry amenx


      margaretx
      god match me with a good dancerx


      balthasarx
      amenx


      margaretx
      and god keep him out of my sight when the dance is donex answerx
      clerkx


      balthasarx
      no more wordsx the clerk is answeredx


      ursulax
      i know you well enoughx you are signior antoniox


      antoniox
      at a wordx i am notx


      ursulax
      i know you by the waggling of your headx


      antoniox
      to tell you truex i counterfeit himx


      ursulax
      you could never do him so illxwellx unless you were the very manx
      herexs his dry hand up and downx you are hex you are hex


      antoniox
      at a wordx i am notx


      ursulax
      comex comex do you think i do not know you by your excellent witx
      can virtue hide itselfx go tox mumx you are hex graces will
      appearx and therexs an endx


      beatricex
      will you not tell me who told you sox


      benedickx
      nox you shall pardon mex


      beatricex
      nor will you not tell me who you arex


      benedickx
      not nowx


      beatricex
      that i was disdainfulx and that i had my good wit out of the
      xhundred merry talesxx wellx this was signior benedick that said
      sox


      benedickx
      whatxs hex


      beatricex
      i am sure you know him well enoughx


      benedickx
      not ix believe mex


      beatricex
      did he never make you laughx


      benedickx
      i pray youx what is hex


      beatricex
      whyx he is the princexs jesterx a very dull foolx only his gift
      is in devising impossible slandersx none but libertines delight
      in himx and the commendation is not in his witx but in his
      villainyx for he both pleases men and angers themx and then they
      laugh at him and beat himx i am sure he is in the fleetx i would
      he had boarded mex


      benedickx
      when i know the gentlemanx ixll tell him what you sayx


      beatricex
      dox dox hexll but break a comparison or two on mex whichx
      peradventure not marked or not laughed atx strikes him into
      melancholyx and then therexs a partridge wing savedx for the fool
      will eat no supper that nightx xxmusic withinxxx we must follow
      the leadersx


      benedickx
      in every good thingx


      beatricex
      nayx if they lead to any illx i will leave them at the next
      turningx


      xxdancex then exeunt all but don johnx borachio and claudioxxx


      don johnx
      sure my brother is amorous on herox and hath withdrawn her father
      to break with him about itx the ladies follow her and but one
      visor remainsx


      borachiox
      and that is claudiox i know him by his bearingx


      don johnx
      are you not signior benedickx


      claudiox
      you know me wellx i am hex


      don johnx
      signiorx you are very near my brother in his lovex he is
      enamoured on herox i pray youx dissuade him from herx she is no
      equal for his birthx you may do the part of an honest man in itx


      claudiox
      how know you he loves herx


      don johnx
      i heard him swear his affectionx


      borachiox
      so did i toox and he swore he would marry her tonightx


      don johnx
      comex let us to the banquetx


      xxexeunt don john and borachioxxx


      claudiox
      thus answer i in name of benedickx
      but hear these ill news with the ears of claudiox
      xtis certain sox the prince wooes for himselfx
      friendship is constant in all other things
      save in the office and affairs of lovex
      therefore all hearts in love use their own tonguesx
      let every eye negotiate for itself
      and trust no agentx for beauty is a witch
      against whose charms faith melteth into bloodx
      this is an accident of hourly proofx
      which i mistrusted notx farewellx thereforex herox


      rexenter benedickx


      benedickx
      count claudiox


      claudiox
      yeax the samex


      benedickx
      comex will you go with mex


      claudiox
      whitherx


      benedickx
      even to the next willowx about your own businessx countx what
      fashion will you wear the garland ofx about your neckx like a
      usurerxs chainx or under your armx like a lieutenantxs scarfx you
      must wear it one wayx for the prince hath got your herox


      claudiox
      i wish him joy of herx


      benedickx
      whyx thatxs spoken like an honest drovierx so they sell bullocksx
      but did you think the prince would have served you thusx


      claudiox
      i pray youx leave mex


      benedickx
      hox now you strike like the blind manx xtwas the boy that stole
      your meatx and youxll beat the postx


      claudiox
      if it will not bex ixll leave youx


      xxexitxxx


      benedickx
      alasx poor hurt fowlx now will he creep into sedgesx butx that my
      lady beatrice should know mex and not know mex the princexs foolx
      hax it may be i go under that title because i am merryx yeax but
      so i am apt to do myself wrongx i am not so reputedx it is the
      base though bitter disposition of beatrice that puts the world
      into her personx and so gives me outx wellx ixll be revenged as i
      mayx


      rexenter don pedrox


      don pedrox
      nowx signiorx wherexs the countx did you see himx


      benedickx
      trothx my lordx i have played the part of lady famex i found him
      here as melancholy as a lodge in a warrenx i told himx and i
      think i told him truex that your grace had got the good will of
      this young ladyx and i offered him my company to a willow treex
      either to make him a garlandx as being forsakenx or to bind him
      up a rodx as being worthy to be whippedx


      don pedrox
      to be whippedx whatxs his faultx


      benedickx
      the flat transgression of a schoolxboyx whox being overjoyxd with
      finding a birdxs nestx shows it his companionx and he steals itx


      don pedrox
      wilt thou make a trust a transgressionx the transgression is in
      the stealerx


      benedickx
      yet it had not been amiss the rod had been madex and the garland
      toox for the garland he might have worn himselfx and the rod he
      might have bestowed on youx whox as i take itx have stolen his
      birdxs nestx


      don pedrox
      i will but teach them to singx and restore them to the ownerx


      benedickx
      if their singing answer your sayingx by my faithx you say
      honestlyx


      don pedrox
      the lady beatrice hath a quarrel to youx the gentleman that
      danced with her told her she is much wronged by youx


      benedickx
      ox she misused me past the endurance of a blockx an oak but with
      one green leaf on it would have answered herx my very visor began
      to assume life and scold with herx she told mex not thinking i
      had been myselfx that i was the princexs jesterx that i was
      duller than a great thawx huddling jest upon jest with such
      impossible conveyance upon mex that i stood like a man at a markx
      with a whole army shooting at mex she speaks poniardsx and every
      word stabsx if her breath were as terrible as her terminationsx
      there were no living near herx she would infect to the north
      starx i would not marry herx though she were endowed with all
      that adam had left him before he transgressedx she would have
      made hercules have turned spitx yeax and have cleft his club to
      make the fire toox comex talk not of herx you shall find her the
      infernal ate in good apparelx i would to god some scholar would
      conjure herx for certainlyx while she is herex a man may live as
      quiet in hell as in a sanctuaryx and people sin upon purpose
      because they would go thitherx so indeedx all disquietx horror
      and perturbation follow herx


      rexenter claudiox beatricex hero and leonatox


      don pedrox
      lookx here she comesx


      benedickx
      will your grace command me any service to the worldxs endx i will
      go on the slightest errand now to the antipodes that you can
      devise to send me onx i will fetch you a toothpicker now from the
      furthest inch of asiax bring you the length of prester johnxs
      footx fetch you a hair off the great chamxs beardx do you any
      embassage to the pygmiesx rather than hold three wordsx
      conference with this harpyx you have no employment for mex


      don pedrox
      nonex but to desire your good companyx


      benedickx
      o godx sirx herexs a dish i love notx i cannot endure my lady
      tonguex


      xxexitxxx


      don pedrox
      comex ladyx comex you have lost the heart of signior benedickx


      beatricex
      indeedx my lordx he lent it me awhilex and i gave him use for itx
      a double heart for a single onex marryx once before he won it of
      me with false dicex therefore your grace may well say i have lost
      itx


      don pedrox
      you have put him downx ladyx you have put him downx


      beatricex
      so i would not he should do mex my lordx lest i should prove the
      mother of foolsx i have brought count claudiox whom you sent me
      to seekx


      don pedrox
      whyx how nowx countx wherefore are you sadx


      claudiox
      not sadx my lordx


      don pedrox
      how thenx sickx


      claudiox
      neitherx my lordx


      beatricex
      the count is neither sadx nor sickx nor merryx nor wellx but
      civil countx civil as an orangex and something of that jealous
      complexionx


      don pedrox
      ix faithx ladyx i think your blazon to be truex thoughx ixll be
      swornx if he be sox his conceit is falsex herex claudiox i have
      wooed in thy namex and fair hero is wonx i have broke with her
      fatherx andx his good will obtainedx name the day of marriagex
      and god give thee joyx


      leonatox
      countx take of me my daughterx and with her my fortunesx his
      grace hath made the matchx and all grace say amen to itx


      beatricex
      speakx countx xtis your cuex


      claudiox
      silence is the perfectest herald of joyx i were but little happyx
      if i could say how muchx ladyx as you are minex i am yoursx i
      give away myself for you and dote upon the exchangex


      beatricex
      speakx cousinx orx if you cannotx stop his mouth with a kissx and
      let not him speak neitherx


      don pedrox
      in faithx ladyx you have a merry heartx


      beatricex
      yeax my lordx i thank itx poor foolx it keeps on the windy side
      of carex my cousin tells him in his ear that he is in her heartx


      claudiox
      and so she dothx cousinx


      beatricex
      good lordx for alliancex thus goes everyone to the world but ix
      and i am sunburntx i may sit in a corner and cry heighxho for a
      husbandx


      don pedrox
      lady beatricex i will get you onex


      beatricex
      i would rather have one of your fatherxs gettingx hath your grace
      nexer a brother like youx your father got excellent husbandsx if
      a maid could come by themx


      don pedrox
      will you have mex ladyx


      beatricex
      nox my lordx unless i might have another for working daysx your
      grace is too costly to wear every dayx butx i beseech your gracex
      pardon mex i was born to speak all mirth and no matterx


      don pedrox
      your silence most offends mex and to be merry best becomes youx
      for out of questionx you were born in a merry hourx


      beatricex
      nox surex my lordx my mother criedx but then there was a star
      dancedx and under that was i bornx cousinsx god give you joyx


      leonatox
      niecex will you look to those things i told you ofx


      beatricex
      i cry you mercyx unclex by your gracexs pardonx


      xxexitxxx


      don pedrox
      by my trothx a pleasant spirited ladyx


      leonatox
      therexs little of the melancholy element in herx my lordx she is
      never sad but when she sleepsx and not ever sad thenx for i have
      heard my daughter sayx she hath often dreamed of unhappiness and
      waked herself with laughingx


      don pedrox
      she cannot endure to hear tell of a husbandx


      leonatox
      ox by no meansx she mocks all her wooers out of suitx


      don pedrox
      she were an excellent wife for benedickx


      leonatox
      o lordx my lordx if they were but a week marriedx they would talk
      themselves madx


      don pedrox
      count claudiox when mean you to go to churchx


      claudiox
      tomorrowx my lordx time goes on crutches till love have all his
      ritesx


      leonatox
      not till mondayx my dear sonx which is hence a just sevenxnightx
      and a time too brief toox to have all things answer my mindx


      don pedrox
      comex you shake the head at so long a breathingx butx i warrant
      theex claudiox the time shall not go dully by usx i will in the
      interim undertake one of herculesx laboursx which isx to bring
      signior benedick and the lady beatrice into a mountain of
      affection the one with the otherx i would fain have it a matchx
      and i doubt not but to fashion itx if you three will but minister
      such assistance as i shall give you directionx


      leonatox
      my lordx i am for youx though it cost me ten nightsx watchingsx


      claudiox
      and ix my lordx


      don pedrox
      and you toox gentle herox


      herox
      i will do any modest officex my lordx to help my cousin to a good
      husbandx


      don pedrox
      and benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that i knowx thus
      far can i praise himx he is of a noble strainx of approved
      valourx and confirmed honestyx i will teach you how to humour
      your cousinx that she shall fall in love with benedickx and ix
      with your two helpsx will so practise on benedick thatx in
      despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomachx he shall fall in
      love with beatricex if we can do thisx cupid is no longer an
      archerx his glory shall be oursx for we are the only lovexgodsx
      go in with mex and i will tell you my driftx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iix another room in leonatoxs housex

      enter don john and borachiox


      don johnx
      it is sox the count claudio shall marry the daughter of leonatox


      borachiox
      yeax my lordx but i can cross itx


      don johnx
      any barx any crossx any impediment will be medicinable to mex i
      am sick in displeasure to himx and whatsoever comes athwart his
      affection ranges evenly with minex how canst thou cross this
      marriagex


      borachiox
      not honestlyx my lordx but so covertly that no dishonesty shall
      appear in mex


      don johnx
      show me briefly howx


      borachiox
      i think i told your lordshipx a year sincex how much i am in the
      favour of margaretx the waiting gentlewoman to herox


      don johnx
      i rememberx


      borachiox
      i canx at any unseasonable instant of the nightx appoint her to
      look out at her ladyxs chamber windowx


      don johnx what life is in thatx to be the death of this marriagex


      borachiox
      the poison of that lies in you to temperx go you to the prince
      your brotherx spare not to tell himx that he hath wronged his
      honour in marrying the renowned claudioxxwhose estimation do you
      mightily hold upxxto a contaminated stalex such a one as herox


      don johnx
      what proof shall i make of thatx


      borachiox
      proof enough to misuse the princex to vex claudiox to undo herox
      and kill leonatox look you for any other issuex


      don johnx
      only to despite themx i will endeavour anythingx


      borachiox
      go thenx find me a meet hour to draw don pedro and the count
      claudio alonex tell them that you know that hero loves mex intend
      a kind of zeal both to the prince and claudiox asxin love of your
      brotherxs honourx who hath made this matchx and his friendxs
      reputationx who is thus like to be cozened with the semblance of
      a maidxxthat you have discovered thusx they will scarcely believe
      this without trialx offer them instancesx which shall bear no
      less likelihood than to see me at her chamber windowx hear me
      call margaret herox hear margaret term me claudiox and bring them
      to see this the very night before the intended weddingx for in
      the meantime i will so fashion the matter that hero shall be
      absentx and there shall appear such seeming truth of heroxs
      disloyaltyx that jealousy shall be called assurancex and all the
      preparation overthrownx


      don johnx
      grow this to what adverse issue it canx i will put it in
      practicex be cunning in the working thisx and thy fee is a
      thousand ducatsx


      borachiox
      be you constant in the accusationx and my cunning shall not shame
      mex


      don johnx
      i will presently go learn their day of marriagex


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iiix leonatoxs gardenx

      enter benedickx


      benedickx
      boyx


      enter a boyx


      boyx
      signiorx


      benedickx
      in my chamber window lies a bookx bring it hither to me in the
      orchardx


      boyx
      i am here alreadyx sirx


      benedickx
      i know thatx but i would have thee hencex and here againx


      xxexit boyxxx


      i do much wonder that one manx seeing how much another man is a
      fool when he dedicates his behaviours to lovex willx after he
      hath laughed at such shallow follies in othersx become the
      argument of his own scorn by falling in lovex and such a man is
      claudiox i have knownx when there was no music with him but the
      drum and the fifex and now had he rather hear the tabor and the
      pipex i have known when he would have walked ten mile afoot to
      see a good armourx and now will he lie ten nights awakex carving
      the fashion of a new doubletx he was wont to speak plain and to
      the purposex like an honest man and a soldierx and now is he
      turned orthographyx his words are a very fantastical banquetx
      just so many strange dishesx may i be so convertedx and see with
      these eyesx i cannot tellx i think notx i will not be sworn but
      love may transform me to an oysterx but ixll take my oath on itx
      till he have made an oyster of mex he shall never make me such a
      foolx one woman is fairx yet i am wellx another is wisex yet i am
      wellx another virtuousx yet i am wellx but till all graces be in
      one womanx one woman shall not come in my gracex rich she shall
      bex thatxs certainx wisex or ixll nonex virtuousx or ixll never
      cheapen herx fairx or ixll never look on herx mildx or come not
      near mex noblex or not i for an angelx of good discoursex an
      excellent musicianx and her hair shall be of what colour it
      please godx hax the prince and monsieur lovex i will hide me in
      the arbourx


      xxwithdrawsxxx


      enter don pedrox leonato and claudiox followed by balthasar and
      musiciansx


      don pedrox
      comex shall we hear this musicx


      claudiox
      yeax my good lordx how still the evening isx
      as hushxd on purpose to grace harmonyx


      don pedrox
      see you where benedick hath hid himselfx


      claudiox
      ox very wellx my lordx the music endedx
      wexll fit the kidxfox with a pennyxworthx


      don pedrox
      comex balthasarx wexll hear that song againx


      balthasarx
      ox good my lordx tax not so bad a voice
      to slander music any more than oncex


      don pedrox
      it is the witness still of excellencyx
      to put a strange face on his own perfectionx
      i pray theex singx and let me woo no morex


      balthasarx
      because you talk of wooingx i will singx
      since many a wooer doth commence his suit
      to her he thinks not worthyx yet he wooesx
      yet will he swear he lovesx


      don pedrox
      nayx pray thee comex
      or if thou wilt hold longer argumentx
      do it in notesx


      balthasarx
      note this before my notesx
      therexs not a note of mine thatxs worth the notingx


      don pedrox
      why these are very crotchets that he speaksx
      notesx notesx forsoothx and nothingx


      xxmusicxxx


      benedickx
      nowx divine airx now is his soul ravishedx is it not strange that
      sheepxs guts should hale souls out of menxs bodiesx wellx a horn
      for my moneyx when allxs donex


      balthasar xxsingsxxx
          sigh no morex ladiesx sigh no morex
           men were deceivers everx
          one foot in seax and one on shorex
           to one thing constant neverx
              then sigh not sox but let them gox
             and be you blithe and bonnyx
         converting all your sounds of woe
            into hey nonnyx nonnyx


         sing no more dittiesx sing no mo
            of dumps so dull and heavyx
         the fraud of men was ever sox
            since summer first was leavyx
             then sigh not sox but let them gox
            and be you blithe and bonnyx
           converting all your sounds of woe
              into hey nonnyx nonnyx


      don pedrox
      by my trothx a good songx


      balthasarx
      and an ill singerx my lordx


      don pedrox
      hax nox nox faithx thou singest well enough for a shiftx


      benedickx
      xxasidexx and he had been a dog that should have howled thusx
      they would have hanged himx and i pray god his bad voice bode no
      mischiefx i had as lief have heard the nightxravenx come what
      plague could have come after itx


      don pedrox yeax marryx dost thou hearx balthasarx i pray theex
      get us some excellent musicx for tomorrow night we would have it
      at the lady heroxs chamber windowx


      balthasarx the best i canx my lordx


      don pedrox do sox farewellx


      xxexeunt balthasar and musiciansxxx


      come hitherx leonatox what was it you told me of todayx that your
      niece beatrice was in love with signior benedickx


      claudiox
      ox ayxxxxaside to don pedroxx stalk onx stalk onx the fowl sitsx
      i did never think that lady would have loved any manx


      leonatox
      nox nor i neitherx but most wonderful that she should so dote on
      signior benedickx whom she hath in all outward behaviours seemed
      ever to abhorx


      benedickx
      xxasidexx isxt possiblex sits the wind in that cornerx


      leonatox
      by my trothx my lordx i cannot tell what to think of it but that
      she loves him with an enraged affectionx it is past the infinite
      of thoughtx


      don pedrox
      maybe she doth but counterfeitx


      claudiox
      faithx like enoughx


      leonatox
      o godx counterfeitx there was never counterfeit of passion came
      so near the life of passion as she discovers itx


      don pedrox
      whyx what effects of passion shows shex


      claudiox xxasidexx bait the hook wellx this fish will bitex


      leonatox
      what effectsx my lordx she will sit youx xxto claudioxx you heard
      my daughter tell you howx


      claudiox
      she didx indeedx


      don pedrox
      howx howx i pray youx you amaze mex i would have thought her
      spirit had been invincible against all assaults of affectionx


      leonatox
      i would have sworn it hadx my lordx especially against benedickx


      benedickx
      xxasidexx i should think this a gullx but that the whitexbearded
      fellow speaks itx knavery cannotx surex hide itself in such
      reverencex


      claudiox
      xxasidexx he hath taxen the infectionx hold it upx


      don pedrox
      hath she made her affection known to benedickx


      leonatox
      nox and swears she never willx thatxs her tormentx


      claudiox
      xtis truex indeedx so your daughter saysx xshall ixx says shex
      xthat have so oft encountered him with scornx write to him that i
      love himxx


      leonatox
      this says she now when she is beginning to write to himx for
      shexll be up twenty times a nightx and there will she sit in her
      smock till she have writ a sheet of paperx my daughter tells us
      allx


      claudiox
      now you talk of a sheet of paperx i remember a pretty jest your
      daughter told us ofx


      leonatox
      ox when she had writ itx and was reading it overx she found
      benedick and beatrice between the sheetx


      claudiox
      thatx


      leonatox
      ox she tore the letter into a thousand halfpencex railed at
      herselfx that she should be so immodest to write to one that she
      knew would flout herx xi measure himxx says shex xby my own
      spiritx for i should flout himx if he writ to mex yeax though i
      love himx i shouldxx


      claudiox
      then down upon her knees she fallsx weepsx sobsx beats her heartx
      tears her hairx praysx cursesx xo sweet benedickx god give me
      patiencexx


      leonatox
      she doth indeedx my daughter says sox and the ecstasy hath so
      much overborne herx that my daughter is sometimes afeard she will
      do a desperate outrage to herselfx it is very truex


      don pedrox
      it were good that benedick knew of it by some otherx if she will
      not discover itx


      claudiox
      to what endx he would make but a sport of it and torment the poor
      lady worsex


      don pedrox
      and he shouldx it were an alms to hang himx shexs an excellent
      sweet ladyx andx out of all suspicionx she is virtuousx


      claudiox
      and she is exceeding wisex


      don pedrox
      in everything but in loving benedickx


      leonatox
      ox my lordx wisdom and blood combating in so tender a bodyx we
      have ten proofs to one that blood hath the victoryx i am sorry
      for herx as i have just causex being her uncle and her guardianx


      don pedrox
      i would she had bestowed this dotage on mex i would have daffed
      all other respects and made her half myselfx i pray youx tell
      benedick of itx and hear what he will sayx


      leonatox
      were it goodx think youx


      claudiox
      hero thinks surely she will diex for she says she will die if he
      love her notx and she will die ere she make her love knownx and
      she will die if he woo herx rather than she will bate one breath
      of her accustomed crossnessx


      don pedrox
      she doth wellx if she should make tender of her lovex xtis very
      possible hexll scorn itx for the manxxas you know allxxhath a
      contemptible spiritx


      claudiox
      he is a very proper manx


      don pedrox
      he hath indeed a good outward happinessx


      claudiox
      xfore godx and in my mindx very wisex


      don pedrox
      he doth indeed show some sparks that are like witx


      claudiox
      and i take him to be valiantx


      don pedrox
      as hectorx i assure youx and in the managing of quarrels you may
      say he is wisex for either he avoids them with great discretionx
      or undertakes them with a most christianxlike fearx


      leonatox
      if he do fear godx ax must necessarily keep peacex if he break
      the peacex he ought to enter into a quarrel with fear and
      tremblingx


      don pedrox
      and so will he dox for the man doth fear godx howsoever it seems
      not in him by some large jests he will makex wellx i am sorry for
      your niecex shall we go seek benedick and tell him of her lovex


      claudiox
      never tell himx my lordx let her wear it out with good counselx


      leonatox
      nayx thatxs impossiblex she may wear her heart out firstx


      don pedrox
      wellx we will hear further of it by your daughterx let it cool
      the whilex i love benedick wellx and i could wish he would
      modestly examine himselfx to see how much he is unworthy so good
      a ladyx


      leonatox
      my lordx will you walkx dinner is readyx


      claudiox
      xxasidexx if he do not dote on her upon thisx i will never trust
      my expectationx


      don pedrox
      xxasidexx let there be the same net spread for herx and that must
      your daughter and her gentlewoman carryx the sport will bex when
      they hold one an opinion of anotherxs dotagex and no such matterx
      thatxs the scene that i would seex which will be merely a dumb
      showx let us send her to call him in to dinnerx


      xxexeunt don pedrox claudio and leonatoxxx


      benedickx
      xxadvancing from the arbourxxx this can be no trickx the
      conference was sadly bornex they have the truth of this from
      herox they seem to pity the ladyx it seems her affections have
      their full bentx love mex whyx it must be requitedx i hear how i
      am censuredx they say i will bear myself proudlyx if i perceive
      the love come from herx they say too that she will rather die
      than give any sign of affectionx i did never think to marryx i
      must not seem proudx happy are they that hear their detractionsx
      and can put them to mendingx they say the lady is fairx xtis a
      truthx i can bear them witnessx and virtuousx xtis sox i cannot
      reprove itx and wisex but for loving mex by my trothx it is no
      addition to her witx nor no great argument of her follyx for i
      will be horribly in love with herx i may chance have some odd
      quirks and remnants of wit broken on mex because i have railed so
      long against marriagex but doth not the appetite alterx a man
      loves the meat in his youth that he cannot endure in his agex
      shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets of the brain
      awe a man from the career of his humourx nox the world must be
      peopledx when i said i would die a bachelorx i did not think i
      should live till i were marriedx here comes beatricex by this
      dayx shexs a fair ladyx i do spy some marks of love in herx


      enter beatricex


      beatricex
      against my will i am sent to bid you come in to dinnerx


      benedickx
      fair beatricex i thank you for your painsx


      beatricex
      i took no more pains for those thanks than you take pains to
      thank mex if it had been painfulx i would not have comex


      benedickx
      you take pleasure then in the messagex


      beatricex
      yeax just so much as you may take upon a knifexs pointx and choke
      a daw withalx you have no stomachx signiorx fare you wellx


      xxexitxxx


      benedickx
      hax xagainst my will i am sent to bid you come in to dinnerxx
      therexs a double meaning in thatx xi took no more pains for those
      thanks than you took pains to thank mexx thatxs as much as to
      sayx any pains that i take for you is as easy as thanksx if i do
      not take pity of herx i am a villainx if i do not love herx i am
      a jewx i will go get her picturex


      xxexitxxx





act iii

scene ix leonatoxs gardenx

      enter herox margaret and ursulax


      herox
      good margaretx run thee to the parlourx
      there shalt thou find my cousin beatrice
      proposing with the prince and claudiox
      whisper her earx and tell herx i and ursala
      walk in the orchardx and our whole discourse
      is all of herx say that thou overheardxst usx
      and bid her steal into the pleached bowerx
      where honeyxsucklesx ripenxd by the sunx
      forbid the sun to enterx like favouritesx
      made proud by princesx that advance their pride
      against that power that bred itx there will she hide herx
      to listen our proposex this is thy officex
      bear thee well in it and leave us alonex


      margaretx
      ixll make her comex i warrant youx presentlyx


      xxexitxxx


      herox
      nowx ursulax when beatrice doth comex
      as we do trace this alley up and downx
      our talk must only be of benedickx
      when i do name himx let it be thy part
      to praise him more than ever man did meritx
      my talk to thee must be how benedick
      is sick in love with beatricex of this matter
      is little cupidxs crafty arrow madex
      that only wounds by hearsayx


      enter beatrice behindx


      now beginx
      for look where beatricex like a lapwingx runs
      close by the groundx to hear our conferencex


      ursulax
      the pleasantxst angling is to see the fish
      cut with her golden oars the silver streamx
      and greedily devour the treacherous baitx
      so angle we for beatricex who even now
      is couched in the woodbine coverturex
      fear you not my part of the dialoguex


      herox
      then go we near herx that her ear lose nothing
      of the false sweet bait that we lay for itx


      xxthey advance to the bowerxxx


      nox trulyx ursulax she is too disdainfulx
      i know her spirits are as coy and wild
      as haggards of the rockx


      ursulax
      but are you sure
      that benedick loves beatrice so entirelyx


      herox
      so says the princex and my newxtrothed lordx


      ursulax
      and did they bid you tell her of itx madamx


      herox
      they did entreat me to acquaint her of itx
      but i persuaded themx if they lovxd benedickx
      to wish him wrestle with affectionx
      and never to let beatrice know of itx


      ursulax
      why did you sox doth not the gentleman
      deserve as full as fortunate a bed
      as ever beatrice shall couch uponx


      herox
      o god of lovex i know he doth deserve
      as much as may be yielded to a manx
      but nature never framxd a womanxs heart
      of prouder stuff than that of beatricex
      disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyesx
      misprising what they look onx and her wit
      values itself so highlyx that to her
      all matter else seems weakx she cannot lovex
      nor take no shape nor project of affectionx
      she is so selfxendearxdx


      ursulax
      sure i think sox
      and therefore certainly it were not good
      she knew his lovex lest she make sport at itx


      herox
      whyx you speak truthx i never yet saw manx
      how wisex how noblex youngx how rarely featurxdx
      but she would spell him backwardx if fairxfacxdx
      she would swear the gentleman should be her sisterx
      if blackx whyx naturex drawing of an antickx
      made a foul blotx if tallx a lance illxheadedx
      if lowx an agate very vilely cutx
      if speakingx whyx a vane blown with all windsx
      if silentx whyx a block moved with nonex
      so turns she every man the wrong side outx
      and never gives to truth and virtue that
      which simpleness and merit purchasethx


      ursulax
      surex surex such carping is not commendablex


      herox
      nox not to be so oddx and from all fashionsx
      as beatrice isx cannot be commendablex
      but who dare tell her sox if i should speakx
      she would mock me into airx ox she would laugh me
      out of myselfx press me to death with witx
      therefore let benedickx like coverxd firex
      consume away in sighsx waste inwardlyx
      it were a better death than die with mocksx
      which is as bad as die with ticklingx


      ursulax
      yet tell her of itx hear what she will sayx


      herox
      nox rather i will go to benedickx
      and counsel him to fight against his passionx
      andx trulyx ixll devise some honest slanders
      to stain my cousin withx one doth not know
      how much an ill word may empoison likingx


      ursulax
      ox do not do your cousin such a wrongx
      she cannot be so much without true judgmentxx
      having so swift and excellent a wit
      as she is prizxd to havexxas to refuse
      so rare a gentleman as signior benedickx


      herox
      he is the only man of italyx
      always excepted my dear claudiox


      ursulax
      i pray youx be not angry with mex madamx
      speaking my fancyx signior benedickx
      for shapex for bearingx argument and valourx
      goes foremost in report through italyx


      herox
      indeedx he hath an excellent good namex


      ursulax
      his excellence did earn itx ere he had itx
      when are you marriedx madamx


      herox
      whyx every dayx tomorrowx comex go inx
      ixll show thee some attiresx and have thy counsel
      which is the best to furnish me tomorrowx


      ursulax
      shexs limxdx i warrant youx
      we have caught herx madamx


      herox
      if it prove sox then loving goes by hapsx
      some cupid kills with arrowsx some with trapsx


      xxexeunt hero and ursulaxxx


      beatricex
      xxadvancingxxx what fire is in mine earsx can this be truex
      stand i condemnxd for pride and scorn so muchx
      contemptx farewellx and maiden pridex adieux
      no glory lives behind the back of suchx
      andx benedickx love onx i will requite theex
      taming my wild heart to thy loving handx
      if thou dost lovex my kindness shall incite thee
      to bind our loves up in a holy bandx
      for others say thou dost deservex and i
      believe it better than reportinglyx


      xxexitxxx


scene iix a room in leonatoxs housex

      enter don pedrox claudiox benedick and leonatox


      don pedrox
      i do but stay till your marriage be consummatex and then go i
      toward arragonx


      claudiox
      ixll bring you thitherx my lordx if youxll vouchsafe mex


      don pedrox
      nayx that would be as great a soil in the new gloss of your
      marriagex as to show a child his new coat and forbid him to wear
      itx i will only be bold with benedick for his companyx forx from
      the crown of his head to the sole of his footx he is all mirthx
      he hath twice or thrice cut cupidxs bowstringx and the little
      hangman dare not shoot at himx he hath a heart as sound as a
      bellx and his tongue is the clapperx for what his heart thinksx
      his tongue speaksx


      benedickx
      gallantsx i am not as i have beenx


      leonatox
      so say ix methinks you are sadderx


      claudiox
      i hope he be in lovex


      don pedrox
      hang himx truantx therexs no true drop of blood in him to be
      truly touched with lovex if he be sadx he wants moneyx


      benedickx
      i have the toothxachex


      don pedrox
      draw itx


      benedickx
      hang itx


      claudiox
      you must hang it firstx and draw it afterwardsx


      don pedrox
      whatx sigh for the toothxachex


      leonatox
      where is but a humour or a wormx


      benedickx
      wellx everyone can master a grief but he that has itx


      claudiox
      yet say ix he is in lovex


      don pedrox
      there is no appearance of fancy in himx unless it be a fancy that
      he hath to strange disguisesx as to be a dutchman todayx a
      frenchman tomorrowx or in the shape of two countries at oncex as
      a german from the waist downwardx all slopsx and a spaniard from
      the hip upwardx no doubletx unless he have a fancy to this
      fooleryx as it appears he hathx he is no fool for fancyx as you
      would have it appear he isx


      claudiox
      if he be not in love with some womanx there is no believing old
      signsx ax brushes his hat a morningsx what should that bodex


      don pedrox
      hath any man seen him at the barberxsx


      claudiox
      nox but the barberxs man hath been seen with himx and the old
      ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis ballsx


      leonatox
      indeed he looks younger than he didx by the loss of a beardx


      don pedrox
      nayx ax rubs himself with civetx can you smell him out by thatx


      claudiox
      thatxs as much as to say the sweet youthxs in lovex


      don pedrox
      the greatest note of it is his melancholyx


      claudiox
      and when was he wont to wash his facex


      don pedrox
      yeax or to paint himselfx for the whichx i hear what they say of
      himx


      claudiox
      nayx but his jesting spiritx which is now crept into a
      lutexstringx and now governed by stopsx


      don pedrox
      indeedx that tells a heavy tale for himx concludex conclude he is
      in lovex


      claudiox
      nayx but i know who loves himx


      don pedrox
      that would i know toox i warrantx one that knows him notx


      claudiox
      yesx and his ill conditionsx and in despite of allx dies for himx


      don pedrox
      she shall be buried with her face upwardsx


      benedickx
      yet is this no charm for the toothxachex old signiorx walk aside
      with mex i have studied eight or nine wise words to speak to youx
      which these hobbyxhorses must not hearx


      xxexeunt benedick and leonatoxxx


      don pedrox
      for my lifex to break with him about beatricex


      claudiox
      xtis even sox hero and margaret have by this played their parts
      with beatricex and then the two bears will not bite one another
      when they meetx


      enter don johnx


      don johnx
      my lord and brotherx god save youx


      don pedrox
      good denx brotherx


      don johnx
      if your leisure servedx i would speak with youx


      don pedrox
      in privatex


      don johnx
      if it please youx yet count claudio may hearx for what i would
      speak of concerns himx


      don pedrox
      whatxs the matterx


      don johnx
      xxto claudioxxx means your lordship to be married tomorrowx


      don pedrox
      you know he doesx


      don johnx
      i know not thatx when he knows what i knowx


      claudiox
      if there be any impedimentx i pray you discover itx


      don johnx
      you may think i love you notx let that appear hereafterx and aim
      better at me by that i now will manifestx for my brotherx i think
      he holds you wellx and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect
      your ensuing marriagex surely suit illxspent and labour ill
      bestowedx


      don pedrox
      whyx whatxs the matterx


      don johnx
      i came hither to tell youx and circumstances shortenedxxfor she
      has been too long a talking ofxxthe lady is disloyalx


      claudiox
      whox herox


      don johnx
      even shex leonatoxs herox your herox every manxs herox


      claudiox
      disloyalx


      don johnx
      the wordxs too good to paint out her wickednessx i could sayx she
      were worsex think you of a worse titlex and i will fit her to itx
      wonder not till further warrantx go but with me tonightx you
      shall see her chamber window enteredx even the night before her
      weddingxdayx if you love her thenx tomorrow wed herx but it would
      better fit your honour to change your mindx


      claudiox
      may this be sox


      don pedrox
      i will not think itx


      don johnx
      if you dare not trust that you seex confess not that you knowx if
      you will follow mex i will show you enoughx and when you have
      seen more and heard morex proceed accordinglyx


      claudiox
      if i see anything tonight why i should not marry her tomorrowx in
      the congregationx where i should wedx there will i shame herx


      don pedrox
      andx as i wooed for thee to obtain herx i will join with thee to
      disgrace herx


      don johnx
      i will disparage her no farther till you are my witnessesx bear
      it coldly but till midnightx and let the issue show itselfx


      don pedrox
      o day untowardly turnedx


      claudiox
      o mischief strangely thwartingx


      don johnx
      o plague right well preventedx so will you say when you have seen
      the sequelx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iiix a streetx

      enter dogberry and vergesx with the watchx


      dogberryx
      are you good men and truex


      vergesx
      yeax or else it were pity but they should suffer salvationx body
      and soulx


      dogberryx
      nayx that were a punishment too good for themx if they should
      have any allegiance in themx being chosen for the princexs watchx


      vergesx
      wellx give them their chargex neighbour dogberryx


      dogberryx
      firstx who think you the most desartless man to be constablex


      first watchx
      hugh oatcakex sirx or george seacoalx for they can write and
      readx


      dogberryx
      come hitherx neighbour seacoalx god hath blessed you with a good
      namex to be a wellxfavoured man is the gift of fortunex but to
      write and read comes by naturex


      second watchx
      both whichx master constablexx


      dogberryx
      you havex i knew it would be your answerx wellx for your favourx
      sirx whyx give god thanksx and make no boast of itx and for your
      writing and readingx let that appear when there is no need of
      such vanityx you are thought here to be the most senseless and
      fit man for the constable of the watchx therefore bear you the
      lanthornx this is your chargex you shall comprehend all vagrom
      menx you are to bid any man standx in the princexs namex


      second watchx
      howx if ax will not standx


      dogberryx
      whyx thenx take no note of himx but let him gox and presently
      call the rest of the watch togetherx and thank god you are rid of
      a knavex


      vergesx
      if he will not stand when he is biddenx he is none of the
      princexs subjectsx


      dogberryx
      truex and they are to meddle with none but the princexs subjectsx
      you shall also make no noise in the streetsx forx for the watch
      to babble and to talk is most tolerable and not to be enduredx


      second watchx
      we will rather sleep than talkx we know what belongs to a watchx


      dogberryx
      whyx you speak like an ancient and most quiet watchmanx for i
      cannot see how sleeping should offendx only have a care that your
      bills be not stolenx wellx you are to call at all the alehousesx
      and bid those that are drunk get them to bedx


      second watchx
      how if they will notx


      dogberryx
      why thenx let them alone till they are soberx if they make you
      not then the better answerx you may say they are not the men you
      took them forx


      second watchx
      wellx sirx


      dogberryx
      if you meet a thiefx you may suspect himx by virtue of your
      officex to be no true manx andx for such kind of menx the less
      you meddle or make with themx whyx the more is for your honestyx


      second watchx
      if we know him to be a thiefx shall we not lay hands on himx


      dogberryx
      trulyx by your officex you mayx but i think they that touch pitch
      will be defiledx the most peaceable way for youx if you do take a
      thiefx is to let him show himself what he is and steal out of
      your companyx


      vergesx
      you have been always called a merciful manx partnerx


      dogberryx
      trulyx i would not hang a dog by my willx much more a man who
      hath any honesty in himx


      vergesx
      if you hear a child cry in the nightx you must call to the nurse
      and bid her still itx


      second watchx
      how if the nurse be asleep and will not hear usx


      dogberryx
      why thenx depart in peacex and let the child wake her with
      cryingx for the ewe that will not hear her lamb when it baesx
      will never answer a calf when he bleatsx


      vergesx
      xtis very truex


      dogberryx
      this is the end of the chargex you constablex are to present the
      princexs own personx if you meet the prince in the nightx you may
      stay himx


      vergesx
      nayx byxr ladyx that i thinkx ax cannotx


      dogberryx
      five shillings to one onxtx with any man that knows the statutesx
      he may stay himx marryx not without the prince be willingx forx
      indeedx the watch ought to offend no manx and it is an offence to
      stay a man against his willx


      vergesx
      byxr ladyx i think it be sox


      dogberryx
      hax ahx hax wellx mastersx good nightx an there be any matter of
      weight chancesx call up mex keep your fellowsx counsels and your
      ownx and good nightx comex neighbourx


      second watchx
      wellx mastersx we hear our chargex let us go sit here upon the
      church bench till twox and then all to bedx


      dogberryx
      one word morex honest neighboursx i pray youx watch about signior
      leonatoxs doorx for the wedding being there tomorrowx there is a
      great coil tonightx adieux be vigitantx i beseech youx


      xxexeunt dogberry and vergesxxx


      enter borachio and conradex


      borachiox
      whatx conradex


      watchx
      xxasidexx peacex stir notx


      borachiox
      conradex i sayx


      conradex
      herex manx i am at thy elbowx


      borachiox
      massx and my elbow itchedx i thought there would a scab followx


      conradex
      i will owe thee an answer for thatx and now forward with thy
      talex


      borachiox
      stand thee close then under this penthousex for it drizzles rainx
      and i willx like a true drunkardx utter all to theex


      watchx
      xxasidexx some treasonx mastersx yet stand closex


      borachiox
      therefore knowx i have earned of don john a thousand ducatsx


      conradex
      is it possible that any villainy should be so dearx


      borachiox
      thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any villainy should
      be so richx for when rich villains have need of poor onesx poor
      ones may make what price they willx


      conradex
      i wonder at itx


      borachiox
      that shows thou art unconfirmedx thou knowest that the fashion of
      a doubletx or a hatx or a cloakx is nothing to a manx


      conradex
      yesx it is apparelx


      borachiox
      i meanx the fashionx


      conradex
      yesx the fashion is the fashionx


      borachiox
      tushx i may as well say the foolxs the foolx but seest thou not
      what a deformed thief this fashion isx


      watchx
      xxasidexx i know that deformedx ax has been a vile thief this
      seven yearsx ax goes up and down like a gentlemanx i remember his
      namex


      borachiox
      didst thou not hear somebodyx


      conradex
      nox xtwas the vane on the housex


      borachiox
      seest thou notx i sayx what a deformed thief this fashion isx how
      giddily he turns about all the hot bloods between fourteen and
      fivexandxthirtyx sometime fashioning them like pharaohxs soldiers
      in the reechy paintingx sometime like god belxs priests in the
      old church windowx sometime like the shaven hercules in the
      smirched wormxeaten tapestryx where his codpiece seems as massy
      as his clubx


      conradex
      all this i seex and i see that the fashion wears out more apparel
      than the manx but art not thou thyself giddy with the fashion
      toox that thou hast shifted out of thy tale into telling me of
      the fashionx


      borachiox
      not so neitherx but knowx that i have tonight wooed margaretx the
      lady heroxs gentlewomanx by the name of herox she leans me out at
      her mistressx chamber windowx bids me a thousand times good
      nightxxi tell this tale vilelyxxi should first tell thee how the
      princex claudiox and my masterx planted and placed and possessed
      by my master don johnx saw afar off in the orchard this amiable
      encounterx


      conradex
      and thought they margaret was herox


      borachiox
      two of them didx the prince and claudiox but the devil my masterx
      knew she was margaretx and partly by his oathsx which first
      possessed themx partly by the dark nightx which did deceive themx
      but chiefly by my villainyx which did confirm any slander that
      don john had madex away went claudio enragedx swore he would meet
      herx as he was appointedx next morning at the templex and therex
      before the whole congregationx shame her with what he saw oxer
      nightx and send her home again without a husbandx


      first watchx
      we charge you in the princexs namex standx


      second watchx
      call up the right master constablex we have here recovered the
      most dangerous piece of lechery that ever was known in the
      commonwealthx


      first watchx
      and one deformed is one of themx i know himx ax wears a lockx


      conradex
      mastersx mastersx


      second watchx
      youxll be made bring deformed forthx i warrant youx


      conradex
      mastersxx


      first watchx
      never speakx we charge you let us obey you to go with usx


      borachiox we are like to prove a goodly commodityx being taken up
      of these menxs billsx


      conradex
      a commodity in questionx i warrant youx comex wexll obey youx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene ivx a room in leonatoxs housex

      enter herox margaret and ursulax


      herox
      good ursulax wake my cousin beatricex and desire her to risex


      ursulax
      i willx ladyx


      herox
      and bid her come hitherx


      ursulax
      wellx


      xxexitxxx


      margaretx
      trothx i think your other rebato were betterx


      herox
      nox pray theex good megx ixll wear thisx


      margaretx
      by my trothxs not so goodx and i warrant your cousin will say sox


      herox
      my cousin xs a foolx and thou art anotherx ixll wear none but
      thisx


      margaretx
      i like the new tire within excellentlyx if the hair were a
      thought brownerx and your gown xs a most rare fashionx ix faithx
      i saw the duchess of milanxs gown that they praise sox


      herox
      ox that exceedsx they sayx


      margaretx
      by my troth xs but a nightxgown in respect of yoursx cloth ox
      goldx and cutsx and laced with silverx set with pearlsx down
      sleevesx side sleevesx and skirts roundx underborne with a bluish
      tinselx but for a finex quaintx gracefulx and excellent fashionx
      yours is worth ten onxtx


      herox
      god give me joy to wear itx for my heart is exceeding heavyx


      margaretx
      xtwill be heavier soon by the weight of a manx


      herox
      fie upon theex art not ashamedx


      margaretx
      of whatx ladyx of speaking honourablyx is not marriage honourable
      in a beggarx is not your lord honourable without marriagex i
      think you would have me sayx saving your reverencex xa husbandxx
      an bad thinking do not wrest true speakingx ixll offend nobodyx
      is there any harm in xthe heavier for a husbandxx nonex i thinkx
      and it be the right husband and the right wifex otherwise xtis
      lightx and not heavyx ask my lady beatrice elsex here she comesx


      enter beatricex


      herox
      good morrowx cozx


      beatricex
      good morrowx sweet herox


      herox
      whyx how nowx do you speak in the sick tunex


      beatricex
      i am out of all other tunex methinksx


      margaretx
      clapxs into xlight ox lovexx that goes without a burdenx do you
      sing itx and ixll dance itx


      beatricex
      yex light ox love with your heelsx thenx if your husband have
      stables enoughx youxll see he shall lack no barnesx


      margaretx
      o illegitimate constructionx i scorn that with my heelsx


      beatricex
      xtis almost five oxclockx cousinx xtis time you were readyx by my
      trothx i am exceeding illx heighxhox


      margaretx
      for a hawkx a horsex or a husbandx


      beatricex
      for the letter that begins them allx hx


      margaretx
      wellx and you be not turned turkx therexs no more sailing by the
      starx


      beatricex
      what means the foolx trowx


      margaretx
      nothing ix but god send everyone their heartxs desirex


      herox
      these gloves the count sent mex they are an excellent perfumex


      beatricex
      i am stuffedx cousinx i cannot smellx


      margaretx
      a maidx and stuffedx therexs goodly catching of coldx


      beatricex
      ox god help mex god help mex how long have you professed
      apprehensionx


      margaretx
      ever since you left itx doth not my wit become me rarelyx


      beatricex
      it is not seen enoughx you should wear it in your capx by my
      trothx i am sickx


      margaretx
      get you some of this distilled xcarduus benedictusxx and lay it
      to your heartx it is the only thing for a qualmx


      herox
      there thou prickxst her with a thistlex


      beatricex
      xbenedictusxx why xbenedictusxx you have some moral in this
      xbenedictusxx


      margaretx
      moralx nox by my trothx i have no moral meaningx i meantx plain
      holy thistlex you may thinkx perchancex that i think you are in
      lovex nayx byxr ladyx i am not such a fool to think what i listx
      nor i list not to think what i canx norx indeedx i cannot thinkx
      if i would think my heart out of thinkingx that you are in lovex
      or that you will be in lovex or that you can be in lovex yet
      benedick was such anotherx and now is he become a manx he swore
      he would never marryx and yet nowx in despite of his heartx he
      eats his meat without grudgingx and how you may be convertedx i
      know notx but methinks you look with your eyes as other women dox


      beatricex
      what pace is this that thy tongue keepsx


      margaretx
      not a false gallopx


      rexenter ursulax


      ursulax
      madamx withdrawx the princex the countx signior benedickx don
      johnx and all the gallants of the town are come to fetch you to
      churchx


      herox
      help to dress mex good cozx good megx good ursulax


      xxexeuntxxx


scene vx another room in leonatoxs housex

      enter leonato and dogberry and vergesx


      leonatox
      what would you with mex honest neighbourx


      dogberryx
      marryx sirx i would have some confidence with youx that decerns
      you nearlyx


      leonatox
      briefx i pray youx for you see it is a busy time with mex


      dogberryx
      marryx this it isx sirx


      vergesx
      yesx in truth it isx sirx


      leonatox
      what is itx my good friendsx


      dogberryx
      goodman vergesx sirx speaks a little off the matterx an old manx
      sirx and his wits are not so blunt asx god helpx i would desire
      they werex butx in faithx honest as the skin between his browsx


      vergesx
      yesx i thank godx i am as honest as any man livingx that is an
      old man and no honester than ix


      dogberryx
      comparisons are odorousx palabrasx neighbour vergesx


      leonatox
      neighboursx you are tediousx


      dogberryx
      it pleases your worship to say sox but we are the poor dukexs
      officersx but trulyx for mine own partx if i were as tedious as a
      kingx i could find in my heart to bestow it all of your worshipx


      leonatox
      all thy tediousness on mex ahx


      dogberryx
      yeax and xtwere a thousand pound more than xtisx for i hear as
      good exclamation on your worshipx as of any man in the cityx and
      though i be but a poor manx i am glad to hear itx


      vergesx
      and so am ix


      leonatox
      i would fain know what you have to sayx


      vergesx
      marryx sirx our watch tonightx excepting your worshipxs presencex
      hax taxen a couple of as arrant knaves as any in messinax


      dogberryx
      a good old manx sirx he will be talkingx as they sayx xwhen the
      age is inx the wit is outxx god help usx it is a world to seex
      well saidx ix faithx neighbour vergesx wellx godxs a good manx
      and two men ride of a horsex one must ride behindx an honest
      soulx ix faithx sirx by my troth he isx as ever broke breadx but
      god is to be worshippedx all men are not alikex alasx good
      neighbourx


      leonatox
      indeedx neighbourx he comes too short of youx


      dogberryx
      gifts that god givesx


      leonatox
      i must leave youx


      dogberryx
      one wordx sirx our watchx sirx have indeed comprehended two
      aspicious personsx and we would have them this morning examined
      before your worshipx


      leonatox
      take their examination yourselfx and bring it mex i am now in
      great hastex as may appear unto youx


      dogberryx
      it shall be suffigancex


      leonatox
      drink some wine ere you gox fare you wellx


      enter a messengerx


      messengerx
      my lordx they stay for you to give your daughter to her husbandx


      leonatox
      ixll wait upon themx i am readyx


      xxexeunt leonato and messengerxxx


      dogberryx
      gox good partnerx go get you to francis seacoalx bid him bring
      his pen and inkhorn to the gaolx we are now to examination these
      menx


      vergesx
      and we must do it wiselyx


      dogberryx
      we will spare for no witx i warrant youx herexs that shall drive
      some of them to a nonxcomex only get the learned writer to set
      down our excommunicationx and meet me at the gaolx


      xxexeuntxxx





act iv

scene ix the inside of a churchx

      enter don pedrox don johnx leonatox friar francisx claudiox
      benedickx herox beatrice xcx


      leonatox
      comex friar francisx be briefx only to the plain form of
      marriagex and you shall recount their particular duties
      afterwardsx


      friarx
      you come hitherx my lordx to marry this ladyx


      claudiox
      nox


      leonatox
      to be married to herx friarx you come to marry herx


      friarx
      ladyx you come hither to be married to this countx


      herox
      i dox


      friarx
      if either of you know any inward impedimentx why you should not
      be conjoinedx i charge youx on your soulsx to utter itx


      claudiox
      know you anyx herox


      herox
      nonex my lordx


      friarx
      know you anyx countx


      leonatox
      i dare make his answerx nonex


      claudiox
      ox what men dare dox what men may dox what men daily dox not
      knowing what they dox


      benedickx
      how nowx interjectionsx why thenx some be of laughingx as ahx hax
      hex


      claudiox
      stand thee byx friarx fatherx by your leavex
      will you with free and unconstrained soul
      give me this maidx your daughterx


      leonatox
      as freelyx sonx as god did give her mex


      claudiox
      and what have i to give you back whose worth
      may counterpoise this rich and precious giftx


      don pedrox
      nothingx unless you render her againx


      claudiox
      sweet princex you learn me noble thankfulnessx
      therex leonatox take her back againx
      give not this rotten orange to your friendx
      shexs but the sign and semblance of her honourx
      beholdx how like a maid she blushes herex
      ox what authority and show of truth
      can cunning sin cover itself withalx
      comes not that blood as modest evidence
      to witness simple virtuex would you not swearx
      all you that see herx that she were a maidx
      by these exterior showsx but she is nonex
      she knows the heat of a luxurious bedx
      her blush is guiltinessx not modestyx


      leonatox
      what do you meanx my lordx


      claudiox
      not to be marriedx
      not to knit my soul to an approved wantonx


      leonatox
      dear my lordx if youx in your own proofx
      have vanquishxd the resistance of her youthx
      and made defeat of her virginityxx


      claudiox
      i know what you would sayx if i have known herx
      you will say she did embrace me as a husbandx
      and so extenuate the forehand sinx nox leonatox
      i never tempted her with word too largex
      but as a brother to his sister showxd
      bashful sincerity and comely lovex


      herox
      and seemxd i ever otherwise to youx


      claudiox
      out on theex seemingx i will write against itx
      you seem to me as dian in her orbx
      as chaste as is the bud ere it be blownx
      but you are more intemperate in your blood
      than venusx or those pamperxd animals
      that rage in savage sensualityx


      herox
      is my lord wellx that he doth speak so widex


      leonatox
      sweet princex why speak not youx


      don pedrox
      what should i speakx
      i stand dishonourxdx that have gone about
      to link my dear friend to a common stalex


      leonatox
      are these things spokenx or do i but dreamx


      don johnx
      sirx they are spokenx and these things are truex


      benedickx
      this looks not like a nuptialx


      herox
      truex o godx


      claudiox
      leonatox stand i herex
      is this the princex is this the princexs brotherx
      is this face heroxsx are our eyes our ownx


      leonatox
      all this is sox but what of thisx my lordx


      claudiox
      let me but move one question to your daughterx
      and by that fatherly and kindly power
      that you have in herx bid her answer trulyx


      leonatox
      i charge thee do sox as thou art my childx


      herox
      ox god defend mex how am i besetx
      what kind of catechizing call you thisx


      claudiox
      to make you answer truly to your namex


      herox
      is it not herox who can blot that name
      with any just reproachx


      claudiox
      marryx that can herox
      hero itself can blot out heroxs virtuex
      what man was he talkxd with you yesternight
      out at your windowx betwixt twelve and onex
      nowx if you are a maidx answer to thisx


      herox
      i talkxd with no man at that hourx my lordx


      don pedrox
      whyx then are you no maidenx
      leonatox i am sorry you must hearx upon my honourx
      myselfx my brotherx and this grieved countx
      did see herx hear herx at that hour last nightx
      talk with a ruffian at her chamber windowx
      who hath indeedx most like a liberal villainx
      confessxd the vile encounters they have had
      a thousand times in secretx


      don johnx
      fiex fiex they are not to be namxdx my lordx
      not to be spoke ofx
      there is not chastity enough in language
      without offence to utter themx thusx pretty ladyx
      i am sorry for thy much misgovernmentx


      claudiox
      o herox what a hero hadst thou beenx
      if half thy outward graces had been placxd
      about thy thoughts and counsels of thy heartx
      but fare thee wellx most foulx most fairx farewellx
      thou pure impietyx and impious purityx
      for thee ixll lock up all the gates of lovex
      and on my eyelids shall conjecture hangx
      to turn all beauty into thoughts of harmx
      and never shall it more be graciousx


      leonatox
      hath no manxs dagger here a point for mex


      xxhero swoonsxxx


      beatricex
      whyx how nowx cousinx wherefore sink you downx


      don johnx
      comex let us gox these thingsx come thus to lightx
      smother her spirits upx


      xxexeunt don pedrox don john and claudioxxx


      benedickx
      how doth the ladyx


      beatricex
      deadx i thinkx helpx unclex herox whyx herox unclex signior
      benedickx friarx


      leonatox
      o fatex take not away thy heavy handx
      death is the fairest cover for her shame
      that may be wishxd forx


      beatricex
      how nowx cousin herox


      friarx
      have comfortx ladyx


      leonatox
      dost thou look upx


      friarx
      yeax wherefore should she notx


      leonatox
      whereforex whyx doth not every earthly thing
      cry shame upon herx could she here deny
      the story that is printed in her bloodx
      do not livex herox do not ope thine eyesx
      forx did i think thou wouldst not quickly diex
      thought i thy spirits were stronger than thy shamesx
      myself wouldx on the rearward of reproachesx
      strike at thy lifex grievxd ix i had but onex
      chid i for that at frugal naturexs framex
      ox one too much by theex why had i onex
      why ever wast thou lovely in my eyesx
      why had i not with charitable hand
      took up a beggarxs issue at my gatesx
      who smirched thusx and mirxd with infamyx
      i might have saidx xno part of it is minex
      this shame derives itself from unknown loinsxx
      but minex and mine i lovxdx and mine i praisxdx
      and mine that i was proud onx mine so much
      that i myself was to myself not minex
      valuing of herx whyx shexox she is fallen
      into a pit of inkx that the wide sea
      hath drops too few to wash her clean againx
      and salt too little which may season give
      to her foul tainted fleshx


      benedickx
      sirx sirx be patientx
      for my partx i am so attirxd in wonderx
      i know not what to sayx


      beatricex
      ox on my soulx my cousin is beliedx


      benedickx
      ladyx were you her bedfellow last nightx


      beatricex
      nox trulyx notx althoughx until last nightx
      i have this twelvemonth been her bedfellowx


      leonatox
      confirmxdx confirmxdx ox that is stronger madex
      which was before barrxd up with ribs of ironx
      would the two princes liex and claudio liex
      who lovxd her sox thatx speaking of her foulnessx
      washxd it with tearsx hence from herx let her diex


      friarx
      hear me a littlex
      for i have only been silent so longx
      and given way unto this course of fortunex
      by noting of the ladyx i have markxd
      a thousand blushing apparitions
      to start into her facex a thousand innocent shames
      in angel whiteness bear away those blushesx
      and in her eye there hath appearxd a firex
      to burn the errors that these princes hold
      against her maiden truthx call me a foolx
      trust not my reading nor my observationsx
      which with experimental seal doth warrant
      the tenure of my bookx trust not my agex
      my reverencex callingx nor divinityx
      if this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
      under some biting errorx


      leonatox
      friarx it cannot bex
      thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
      is that she will not add to her damnation
      a sin of perjuryx she not denies itx
      why seekxst thou then to cover with excuse
      that which appears in proper nakednessx


      friarx
      ladyx what man is he you are accusxd ofx


      herox
      they know that do accuse mex i know nonex
      if i know more of any man alive
      than that which maiden modesty doth warrantx
      let all my sins lack mercyx ox my fatherx
      prove you that any man with me conversxd
      at hours unmeetx or that i yesternight
      maintainxd the change of words with any creaturex
      refuse mex hate mex torture me to deathx


      friarx
      there is some strange misprision in the princesx


      benedickx
      two of them have the very bent of honourx
      and if their wisdoms be misled in thisx
      the practice of it lives in john the bastardx
      whose spirits toil in frame of villainiesx


      leonatox
      i know notx if they speak but truth of herx
      these hands shall tear herx if they wrong her honourx
      the proudest of them shall well hear of itx
      time hath not yet so dried this blood of minex
      nor age so eat up my inventionx
      nor fortune made such havoc of my meansx
      nor my bad life reft me so much of friendsx
      but they shall findx awakxd in such a kindx
      both strength of limb and policy of mindx
      ability in means and choice of friendsx
      to quit me of them throughlyx


      friarx
      pause awhilex
      and let my counsel sway you in this casex
      your daughter here the princes left for deadx
      let her awhile be secretly kept inx
      and publish it that she is dead indeedx
      maintain a mourning ostentationx
      and on your familyxs old monument
      hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
      that appertain unto a burialx


      leonatox
      what shall become of thisx what will this dox


      friarx
      marryx this well carried shall on her behalf
      change slander to remorsex that is some goodx
      but not for that dream i on this strange coursex
      but on this travail look for greater birthx
      she dyingx as it must be so maintainxdx
      upon the instant that she was accusxdx
      shall be lamentedx pitied and excusxd
      of every hearerx for it so falls out
      that what we have we prize not to the worth
      whiles we enjoy itx but being lackxd and lostx
      whyx then we rack the valuex then we find
      the virtue that possession would not show us
      whiles it was oursx so will it fare with claudiox
      when he shall hear she died upon his wordsx
      the idea of her life shall sweetly creep
      into his study of imaginationx
      and every lovely organ of her life
      shall come apparellxd in more precious habitx
      more movingx delicatex and full of life
      into the eye and prospect of his soulx
      than when she livxd indeedx then shall he mournxx
      if ever love had interest in his liverxx
      and wish he had not so accused herx
      nox though he thought his accusation truex
      let this be sox and doubt not but success
      will fashion the event in better shape
      than i can lay it down in likelihoodx
      but if all aim but this be levellxd falsex
      the supposition of the ladyxs death
      will quench the wonder of her infamyx
      and if it sort not wellx you may conceal herxx
      as best befits her wounded reputationxx
      in some reclusive and religious lifex
      out of all eyesx tonguesx mindsx and injuriesx


      benedickx
      signior leonatox let the friar advise youx
      and though you know my inwardness and love
      is very much unto the prince and claudiox
      yetx by mine honourx i will deal in this
      as secretly and justly as your soul
      should with your bodyx


      leonatox
      being that i flow in griefx
      the smallest twine may lead mex


      friarx
      xtis well consentedx presently awayx
      for to strange sores strangely they strain the curex
      comex ladyx die to livex this wedding day
      perhaps is but prolongxdx have patience and endurex


      xxexeunt friarx hero and leonatoxxx


      benedickx
      lady beatricex have you wept all this whilex


      beatricex
      yeax and i will weep a while longerx


      benedickx
      i will not desire thatx


      beatricex
      you have no reasonx i do it freelyx


      benedickx
      surely i do believe your fair cousin is wrongedx


      beatricex
      ahx how much might the man deserve of me that would right herx


      benedickx
      is there any way to show such friendshipx


      beatricex
      a very even wayx but no such friendx


      benedickx
      may a man do itx


      beatricex
      it is a manxs officex but not yoursx


      benedickx
      i do love nothing in the world so well as youx is not that
      strangex


      beatricex
      as strange as the thing i know notx it were as possible for me to
      say i loved nothing so well as youx but believe me notx and yet i
      lie notx i confess nothingx nor i deny nothingx i am sorry for my
      cousinx


      benedickx
      by my swordx beatricex thou lovest mex


      beatricex
      do not swear by itx and eat itx


      benedickx
      i will swear by it that you love mex and i will make him eat it
      that says i love not youx


      beatricex
      will you not eat your wordx


      benedickx
      with no sauce that can be devised to itx i protest i love theex


      beatricex
      why thenx god forgive mex


      benedickx
      what offencex sweet beatricex


      beatricex
      you have stayed me in a happy hourx i was about to protest i
      loved youx


      benedickx
      and do it with all thy heartx


      beatricex
      i love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protestx


      benedickx
      comex bid me do anything for theex


      beatricex
      kill claudiox


      benedickx
      hax not for the wide worldx


      beatricex
      you kill me to deny itx farewellx


      benedickx
      tarryx sweet beatricex


      beatricex
      i am gonex though i am herex there is no love in youx nayx i pray
      youx let me gox


      benedickx
      beatricexx


      beatricex
      in faithx i will gox


      benedickx
      wexll be friends firstx


      beatricex
      you dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine enemyx


      benedickx
      is claudio thine enemyx


      beatricex
      is he not approved in the height a villainx that hath slanderedx
      scornedx dishonoured my kinswomanx ox that i were a manx whatx
      bear her in hand until they come to take handsx and thenx with
      public accusationx uncovered slanderx unmitigated rancourxxo godx
      that i were a manx i would eat his heart in the marketxplacex


      benedickx
      hear mex beatricexx


      beatricex
      talk with a man out at a windowx a proper sayingx


      benedickx
      nayx but beatricexx


      beatricex
      sweet herox she is wrongedx she is slanderedx she is undonex


      benedickx
      beatx


      beatricex
      princes and countiesx surelyx a princely testimonyx a goodly
      count comfectx a sweet gallantx surelyx ox that i were a man for
      his sakex or that i had any friend would be a man for my sakex
      but manhood is melted into curtsiesx valour into complimentx and
      men are only turned into tonguex and trim ones toox he is now as
      valiant as herculesx that only tells a lie and swears itx i
      cannot be a man with wishingx therefore i will die a woman with
      grievingx


      benedickx
      tarryx good beatricex by this handx i love theex


      beatricex
      use it for my love some other way than swearing by itx


      benedickx
      think you in your soul the count claudio hath wronged herox


      beatricex
      yeax as sure is i have a thought or a soulx


      benedickx
      enoughx i am engagedx i will challenge himx i will kiss your
      handx and so leave youx by this handx claudio shall render me a
      dear accountx as you hear of mex so think of mex gox comfort your
      cousinx i must say she is deadx and sox farewellx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iix a prisonx

      enter dogberryx vergesx and sextonx in gownsx and the watchx with
      conrade and borachiox


      dogberryx
      is our whole dissembly appearedx


      vergesx
      ox a stool and a cushion for the sextonx


      sextonx
      which be the malefactorsx


      dogberryx
      marryx that am i and my partnerx


      vergesx
      nayx thatxs certainx we have the exhibition to examinex


      sextonx
      but which are the offenders that are to be examinedx let them
      come before master constablex


      dogberryx
      yeax marryx let them come before mex what is your namex friendx


      borachiox
      borachiox


      dogberryx
      pray write down borachiox yoursx sirrahx


      conradex
      i am a gentlemanx sirx and my name is conradex


      dogberryx
      write down master gentleman conradex mastersx do you serve godx


      bothx
      yeax sirx we hopex


      dogberryx
      write down that they hope they serve godx and write god firstx
      for god defend but god should go before such villainsx mastersx
      it is proved already that you are little better than false
      knavesx and it will go near to be thought so shortlyx how answer
      you for yourselvesx


      conradex
      marryx sirx we say we are nonex


      dogberryx
      a marvellous witty fellowx i assure youx but i will go about with
      himx come you hitherx sirrahx a word in your earx sirx i say to
      youx it is thought you are false knavesx


      borachiox
      sirx i say to you we are nonex


      dogberryx
      wellx stand asidex fore godx they are both in a talex have you
      writ downx that they are nonex


      sextonx
      master constablex you go not the way to examinex you must call
      forth the watch that are their accusersx


      dogberryx
      yeax marryx thatxs the eftest wayx let the watch come forthx
      mastersx i charge youx in the princexs namex accuse these menx


      first watchx
      this man saidx sirx that don johnx the princexs brotherx was a
      villainx


      dogberryx
      write down prince john a villainx whyx this is flat perjuryx to
      call a princexs brother villainx


      borachiox
      master constablexx


      dogberryx
      pray theex fellowx peacex i do not like thy lookx i promise theex


      sextonx
      what heard you him say elsex


      second watchx
      marryx that he had received a thousand ducats of don john for
      accusing the lady hero wrongfullyx


      dogberryx
      flat burglary as ever was committedx


      vergesx
      yeax by the massx that it isx


      sextonx
      what elsex fellowx


      first watchx
      and that count claudio did meanx upon his wordsx to disgrace hero
      before the whole assemblyx and not marry herx


      dogberryx
      o villainx thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for
      thisx


      sextonx
      what elsex


      second watchx
      this is allx


      sextonx
      and this is morex mastersx than you can denyx prince john is this
      morning secretly stolen awayx hero was in this manner accusedx in
      this manner refusedx andx upon the grief of thisx suddenly diedx
      master constablex let these men be boundx and brought to
      leonatoxsx i will go before and show him their examinationx


      xxexitxxx


      dogberryx
      comex let them be opinionedx


      vergesx
      let them be in the handsx


      conradex
      offx coxcombx


      dogberryx
      godxs my lifex wherexs the sextonx let him write down the
      princexs officer coxcombx comex bind themx thou naughty varletx


      conradex
      awayx you are an assx you are an assx


      dogberryx
      dost thou not suspect my placex dost thou not suspect my yearsx o
      that he were here to write me down an assx butx mastersx remember
      that i am an assx though it be not written downx yet forget not
      that i am an assx nox thou villainx thou art full of pietyx as
      shall be proved upon thee by good witnessx i am a wise fellowx
      andx which is morex an officerx andx which is morex a
      householderx andx which is morex as pretty a piece of flesh as
      any in messinax and one that knows the lawx go tox and a rich
      fellow enoughx go tox and a fellow that hath had lossesx and one
      that hath two gownsx and everything handsome about himx bring him
      awayx o that i had been writ down an assx


      xxexeuntxxx





act v

scene ix before leonatoxs housex

      enter leonato and antoniox


      antoniox
      if you go on thusx you will kill yourself
      and xtis not wisdom thus to second grief
      against yourselfx


      leonatox
      i pray theex cease thy counselx
      which falls into mine ears as profitless
      as water in a sievex give not me counselx
      nor let no comforter delight mine ear
      but such a one whose wrongs do suit with minex
      bring me a father that so lovxd his childx
      whose joy of her is overwhelmxd like minex
      and bid him speak of patiencex
      measure his woe the length and breadth of minex
      and let it answer every strain for strainx
      as thus for thus and such a grief for suchx
      in every lineamentx branchx shapex and formx
      if such a one will smilex and stroke his beardx
      bid sorrow wagx cry xhemx when he should groanx
      patch grief with proverbsx make misfortune drunk
      with candlexwastersx bring him yet to mex
      and i of him will gather patiencex
      but there is no such manx forx brotherx men
      can counsel and speak comfort to that grief
      which they themselves not feelx butx tasting itx
      their counsel turns to passionx which before
      would give preceptial medicine to ragex
      fetter strong madness in a silken threadx
      charm ache with air and agony with wordsx
      nox nox xtis all menxs office to speak patience
      to those that wring under the load of sorrowx
      but no manxs virtue nor sufficiency
      to be so moral when he shall endure
      the like himselfx therefore give me no counselx
      my griefs cry louder than advertisementx


      antoniox
      therein do men from children nothing differx


      leonatox
      i pray thee peacex i will be flesh and bloodx
      for there was never yet philosopher
      that could endure the toothache patientlyx
      however they have writ the style of gods
      and made a push at chance and sufferancex


      antoniox
      yet bend not all the harm upon yourselfx
      make those that do offend you suffer toox


      leonatox
      there thou speakxst reasonx nayx i will do sox
      my soul doth tell me hero is beliedx
      and that shall claudio knowx so shall the princex
      and all of them that thus dishonour herx


      antoniox
      here comes the prince and claudio hastilyx


      enter don pedro and claudiox


      don pedrox
      good denx good denx


      claudiox
      good day to both of youx


      leonatox
      hear youx my lordsxx


      don pedrox
      we have some hastex leonatox


      leonatox
      some hastex my lordx wellx fare you wellx my lordx
      are you so hasty nowxxwellx all is onex


      don pedrox
      nayx do not quarrel with usx good old manx


      antoniox
      if he could right himself with quarrellingx
      some of us would lie lowx


      claudiox
      who wrongs himx


      leonatox
      marryx thou dost wrong mex thou dissemblerx thoux
      nayx never lay thy hand upon thy swordx
      i fear thee notx


      claudiox
      marryx beshrew my handx
      if it should give your age such cause of fearx
      in faithx my hand meant nothing to my swordx


      leonatox
      tushx tushx manx never fleer and jest at mex
      i speak not like a dotard nor a foolx
      asx under privilege of agex to brag
      what i have done being youngx or what would dox
      were i not oldx knowx claudiox to thy headx
      thou hast so wrongxd mine innocent child and me
      that i am forcxd to lay my reverence byx
      andx with grey hairs and bruise of many daysx
      do challenge thee to trial of a manx
      i say thou hast belied mine innocent childx
      thy slander hath gone through and through her heartx
      and she lies buried with her ancestorsx
      ox in a tomb where never scandal sleptx
      save this of hersx framxd by thy villainyx


      claudiox
      my villainyx


      leonatox
      thinex claudiox thinex i sayx


      don pedrox
      you say not rightx old manx


      leonatox
      my lordx my lordx ixll prove it on his bodyx if he darex
      despite his nice fence and his active practicex
      his may of youth and bloom of lustihoodx


      claudiox
      awayx i will not have to do with youx


      leonatox
      canst thou so daff mex thou hast killxd my childx
      if thou killxst mex boyx thou shalt kill a manx


      antoniox
      he shall kill two of usx and men indeedx
      but thatxs no matterx let him kill one firstx
      win me and wear mex let him answer mex
      comex follow mex boyx comex sir boyx comex follow mex
      sir boyx ixll whip you from your foining fencex
      nayx as i am a gentlemanx i willx


      leonatox
      brotherxx


      antoniox
      content yourselfx god knows i lovxd my niecex
      and she is deadx slanderxd to death by villainsx
      that dare as well answer a man indeed
      as i dare take a serpent by the tonguex
      boysx apesx braggartsx jacksx milksopsx


      leonatox
      brother anthonyxx


      antoniox
      hold you contentx whatx manx i know themx yeax
      and what they weighx even to the utmost scruplex
      scamblingx outxfacingx fashionxmonging boysx
      that lie and cog and floutx deprave and slanderx
      go anticklyx show outward hideousnessx
      and speak off half a dozen dangerous wordsx
      how they might hurt their enemiesx if they durstx
      and this is allx


      leonatox
      butx brother anthonyxx


      antoniox
      comex xtis no matterx
      do not you meddlex let me deal in thisx


      don pedrox
      gentlemen bothx we will not wake your patiencex
      my heart is sorry for your daughterxs deathx
      butx on my honourx she was chargxd with nothing
      but what was true and very full of proofx


      leonatox
      my lordx my lordx


      don pedrox
      i will not hear youx


      leonatox
      nox comex brotherx awayx i will be heardxx


      antoniox
      and shallx or some of us will smart for itx


      xxexeunt leonato and antonioxxx


      enter benedickx


      don pedrox
      seex seex here comes the man we went to seekx


      claudiox
      nowx signiorx what newsx


      benedickx
      good dayx my lordx


      don pedrox
      welcomex signiorx you are almost come to part almost a frayx


      claudiox
      we had like to have had our two noses snapped off with two old
      men without teethx


      don pedrox
      leonato and his brotherx what thinkxst thoux had we foughtx i
      doubt we should have been too young for themx


      benedickx
      in a false quarrel there is no true valourx i came to seek you
      bothx


      claudiox
      we have been up and down to seek theex for we are highxproof
      melancholyx and would fain have it beaten awayx wilt thou use thy
      witx


      benedickx
      it is in my scabbardx shall i draw itx


      don pedrox
      dost thou wear thy wit by thy sidex


      claudiox
      never any did sox though very many have been beside their witx i
      will bid thee drawx as we do the minstrelsx drawx to pleasure usx


      don pedrox
      as i am an honest manx he looks palex art thou sickx or angryx


      claudiox
      whatx couragex manx what though care killed a catx thou hast
      mettle enough in thee to kill carex


      benedickx
      sirx i shall meet your wit in the careerx and you charge it
      against mex i pray you choose another subjectx


      claudiox
      nay thenx give him another staffx this last was broke crossx


      don pedrox
      by this lightx he changes more and morex i think he be angry
      indeedx


      claudiox
      if he bex he knows how to turn his girdlex


      benedickx
      shall i speak a word in your earx


      claudiox
      god bless me from a challengex


      benedickx
      xxaside to claudioxxx you are a villainx i jest notx i will make
      it good how you darex with what you darex and when you darex do
      me rightx or i will protest your cowardicex you have killed a
      sweet ladyx and her death shall fall heavy on youx let me hear
      from youx


      claudiox
      well i will meet youx so i may have good cheerx


      don pedrox
      whatx a feastx a feastx


      claudiox
      ix faithx i thank himx he hath bid me to a calfxsxhead and a
      caponx the which if i do not carve most curiouslyx say my knifexs
      naughtx shall i not find a woodcock toox


      benedickx
      sirx your wit ambles wellx it goes easilyx


      don pedrox
      ixll tell thee how beatrice praised thy wit the other dayx i
      saidx thou hadst a fine witx xtruexx says shex xa fine little
      onexx xnoxx said ix xa great witxx xrightxx said shex xa great
      gross onexx xnayxx said ix xa good witxx xjustxx said shex xit
      hurts nobodyxx xnayxx said ix xthe gentleman is wisexx xcertainxx
      said shex xa wise gentlemanxx xnayxx said ix xhe hath the
      tonguesxx xthat i believex said shex xfor he swore a thing to me
      on monday nightx which he forswore on tuesday morningx therexs a
      double tonguex therexs two tonguesxx thus did shex an hour
      togetherx transxshape thy particular virtuesx yet at last she
      concluded with a sighx thou wast the properest man in italyx


      claudiox
      for the which she wept heartily and said she cared notx


      don pedrox
      yeax that she didx but yetx for all thatx an if she did not hate
      him deadlyx she would love him dearlyx the old manxs daughter
      told us allx


      claudiox
      allx allx and moreoverx god saw him when he was hid in the
      gardenx


      don pedrox
      but when shall we set the savage bullxs horns on the sensible
      benedickxs headx


      claudiox
      yeax and text underneathx xhere dwells benedick the married manxx


      benedickx
      fare you wellx boyx you know my mindx i will leave you now to
      your gossipxlike humourx you break jests as braggarts do their
      bladesx whichx god be thankedx hurt notx my lordx for your many
      courtesies i thank youx i must discontinue your companyx your
      brother the bastard is fled from messinax you havex among youx
      killed a sweet and innocent ladyx for my lord lackxbeard therex
      he and i shall meetx and till thenx peace be with himx


      xxexitxxx


      don pedrox
      he is in earnestx


      claudiox
      in most profound earnestx andx ixll warrant youx for the love of
      beatricex


      don pedrox
      and hath challenged theex


      claudiox
      most sincerelyx


      don pedrox
      what a pretty thing man is when he goes in his doublet and hose
      and leaves off his witx


      claudiox
      he is then a giant to an apex but then is an ape a doctor to such
      a manx


      don pedrox
      butx soft youx let me bex pluck upx my heartx and be sadx did he
      not say my brother was fledx


      enter dogberryx vergesx  and the watchx with conrade and
      borachiox


      dogberryx
      come youx sirx if justice cannot tame youx she shall nexer weigh
      more reasons in her balancex nayx an you be a cursing hypocrite
      oncex you must be looked tox


      don pedrox
      how nowx two of my brotherxs men boundx borachiox onex


      claudiox
      hearken after their offencex my lordx


      don pedrox
      officersx what offence have these men donex


      dogberryx
      marryx sirx they have committed false reportx moreoverx they have
      spoken untruthsx secondarilyx they are slandersx sixth and
      lastlyx they have belied a ladyx thirdlyx they have verified
      unjust thingsx and to concludex they are lying knavesx


      don pedrox
      firstx i ask thee what they have donex thirdlyx i ask thee whatxs
      their offencex sixth and lastlyx why they are committedx andx to
      concludex what you lay to their chargex


      claudiox
      rightly reasonedx and in his own divisionx andx by my trothx
      therexs one meaning well suitedx


      don pedrox
      who have you offendedx mastersx that you are thus bound to your
      answerx this learned constable is too cunning to be understoodx
      whatxs your offencex


      borachiox
      sweet princex let me go no farther to mine answerx do you hear
      mex and let this count kill mex i have deceived even your very
      eyesx what your wisdoms could not discoverx these shallow fools
      have brought to lightx whox in the night overheard me confessing
      to this man how don john your brother incensed me to slander the
      lady herox how you were brought into the orchard and saw me court
      margaret in heroxs garmentsx how you disgraced herx when you
      should marry herx my villainy they have upon recordx which i had
      rather seal with my death than repeat over to my shamex the lady
      is dead upon mine and my masterxs false accusationx andx brieflyx
      i desire nothing but the reward of a villainx


      don pedrox
      runs not this speech like iron through your bloodx


      claudiox
      i have drunk poison whiles he utterxd itx


      don pedrox
      but did my brother set thee on to thisx


      borachiox
      yeax and paid me richly for the practice of itx


      don pedrox
      he is composxd and framxd of treacheryx and fled he is upon this
      villainyx


      claudiox
      sweet herox now thy image doth appear
      in the rare semblance that i lovxd it firstx


      dogberryx
      comex bring away the plaintiffsx by this time our sexton hath
      reformed signior leonato of the matterx and mastersx do not
      forget to specifyx when time and place shall servex that i am an
      assx


      vergesx
      herex here comes master signior leonatox and the sexton toox


      rexenter leonatox antonio and the sextonx


      leonatox
      which is the villainx let me see his eyesx
      thatx when i note another man like himx
      i may avoid himx which of these is hex


      borachiox
      if you would know your wrongerx look on mex


      leonatox
      art thou the slave that with thy breath hast killxd
      mine innocent childx


      borachiox
      yeax even i alonex


      leonatox
      nox not sox villainx thou beliest thyselfx
      here stand a pair of honourable menx
      a third is fledx that had a hand in itx
      i thank youx princesx for my daughterxs deathx
      record it with your high and worthy deedsx
      xtwas bravely donex if you bethink you of itx


      claudiox
      i know not how to pray your patiencex
      yet i must speakx choose your revenge yourselfx
      impose me to what penance your invention
      can lay upon my sinx yet sinnxd i not
      but in mistakingx


      don pedrox
      by my soulx nor ix
      and yetx to satisfy this good old manx
      i would bend under any heavy weight
      that hexll enjoin me tox


      leonatox
      i cannot bid you bid my daughter livex
      that were impossiblex butx i pray you bothx
      possess the people in messina here
      how innocent she diedx and if your love
      can labour aught in sad inventionx
      hang her an epitaph upon her tombx
      and sing it to her bonesx sing it tonightx
      tomorrow morning come you to my housex
      and since you could not be my sonxinxlawx
      be yet my nephewx my brother hath a daughterx
      almost the copy of my child thatxs deadx
      and she alone is heir to both of usx
      give her the right you should have given her cousinx
      and so dies my revengex


      claudiox
      o noble sirx
      your overxkindness doth wring tears from mex
      i do embrace your offerx and dispose
      for henceforth of poor claudiox


      leonatox
      tomorrow then i will expect your comingx
      tonight i take my leavex this naughty man
      shall face to face be brought to margaretx
      whox i believex was packxd in all this wrongx
      hirxd to it by your brotherx


      borachiox
      nox by my soul she was notx
      nor knew not what she did when she spoke to mex
      but always hath been just and virtuous
      in anything that i do know by herx


      dogberryx
      moreoverx sirxxwhichx indeedx is not under white and blackxx this
      plaintiff herex the offenderx did call me assx i beseech youx let
      it be remembered in his punishmentx and alsox the watch heard
      them talk of one deformedx they say he wears a key in his ear and
      a lock hanging by itx and borrows money in godxs namex the which
      he hath used so long and never paidx that now men grow
      hardxheartedx and will lend nothing for godxs sakex pray youx
      examine him upon that pointx


      leonatox
      i thank thee for thy care and honest painsx


      dogberryx
      your worship speaks like a most thankful and reverent youthx and
      i praise god for youx


      leonatox
      therexs for thy painsx


      dogberryx
      god save the foundationx


      leonatox
      gox i discharge thee of thy prisonerx and i thank theex


      dogberryx
      i leave an arrant knave with your worshipx which i beseech your
      worship to correct yourselfx for the example of othersx god keep
      your worshipx i wish your worship wellx god restore you to
      healthx i humbly give you leave to departx and if a merry meeting
      may be wishedx god prohibit itx comex neighbourx


      xxexeunt dogberry and vergesxxx


      leonatox
      until tomorrow morningx lordsx farewellx


      antoniox
      farewellx my lordsx we look for you tomorrowx


      don pedrox
      we will not failx


      claudiox
      tonight ixll mourn with herox


      xxexeunt don pedro and claudioxxx


      leonatox
      xxto the watchxxx bring you these fellows onx wexll talk with
      margaretx
      how her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellowx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iix leonatoxs gardenx

      enter benedick and margaretx meetingx


      benedickx
      pray theex sweet mistress margaretx deserve well at my hands by
      helping me to the speech of beatricex


      margaretx
      will you then write me a sonnet in praise of my beautyx


      benedickx
      in so high a stylex margaretx that no man living shall come over
      itx forx in most comely truthx thou deservest itx


      margaretx
      to have no man come over mex whyx shall i always keep below
      stairsx


      benedickx
      thy wit is as quick as the greyhoundxs mouthx it catchesx


      margaretx
      and yours as blunt as the fencerxs foilsx which hitx but hurt
      notx


      benedickx
      a most manly witx margaretx it will not hurt a womanx and sox i
      pray theex call beatricex i give thee the bucklersx


      margaretx
      give us the swordsx we have bucklers of our ownx


      benedickx
      if you use themx margaretx you must put in the pikes with a vicex
      and they are dangerous weapons for maidsx


      margaretx
      wellx i will call beatrice to youx who i think hath legsx


      benedickx
      and therefore will comex


      xxexit margaretxxx


          the god of lovex
           that sits abovex
         and knows mex and knows mex
            how pitiful i deservexx


      i meanx in singingx but in lovingx leander the good swimmerx
      troilus the first employer of pandersx and a whole book full of
      these quondam carpetxmongersx whose names yet run smoothly in the
      even road of a blank versex whyx they were never so truly turned
      over and over as my poor self in lovex marryx i cannot show it in
      rimex i have triedx i can find out no rime to xladyx but xbabyxx
      an innocent rimex for xscornxx xhornxx a hard rimex for xschoolxx
      xfoolxx a babbling rimex very ominous endingsx nox i was not born
      under a riming planetx nor i cannot woo in festival termsx


      enter beatricex


      sweet beatricex wouldst thou come when i called theex


      beatricex
      yeax signiorx and depart when you bid mex


      benedickx
      ox stay but till thenx


      beatricex
      xthenx is spokenx fare you well nowx and yetx ere i gox let me go
      with that i came forx which isx with knowing what hath passed
      between you and claudiox


      benedickx
      only foul wordsx and thereupon i will kiss theex


      beatricex
      foul words is but foul windx and foul wind is but foul breathx
      and foul breath is noisomex therefore i will depart unkissedx


      benedickx
      thou hast frighted the word out of his right sensex so forcible
      is thy witx but i must tell thee plainlyx claudio undergoes my
      challengex and either i must shortly hear from himx or i will
      subscribe him a cowardx andx i pray thee nowx tell mex for which
      of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with mex


      beatricex
      for them all togetherx which maintained so politic a state of
      evil that they will not admit any good part to intermingle with
      themx but for which of my good parts did you first suffer love
      for mex


      benedickx
      xsuffer lovexx a good epithetx i do suffer love indeedx for i
      love thee against my willx


      beatricex
      in spite of your heartx i thinkx alasx poor heartx if you spite
      it for my sakex i will spite it for yoursx for i will never love
      that which my friend hatesx


      benedickx
      thou and i are too wise to woo peaceablyx


      beatricex
      it appears not in this confessionx therexs not one wise man among
      twenty that will praise himselfx


      benedickx
      an oldx an old instancex beatricex that lived in the time of good
      neighboursx if a man do not erect in this age his own tomb ere he
      diesx he shall live no longer in monument than the bell rings and
      the widow weepsx


      beatricex and how long is that think youx


      benedickx
      questionx whyx an hour in clamour and a quarter in rheumx
      therefore is it most expedient for the wisexxif don wormx his
      consciencex find no impediment to the contraryxxto be the trumpet
      of his own virtuesx as i am to myselfx so much for praising
      myselfx whox i myself will bear witnessx is praiseworthyx and now
      tell mex how doth your cousinx


      beatricex
      very illx


      benedickx
      and how do youx


      beatricex
      very ill toox


      benedickx
      serve godx love mex and mendx there will i leave you toox for
      here comes one in hastex


      enter ursulax


      ursulax
      madamx you must come to your unclex yonderxs old coil at homex it
      is provedx my lady hero hath been falsely accusedx the prince and
      claudio mightily abusedx and don john is the author of allx who
      is fled and gonex will you come presentlyx


      beatricex
      will you go hear this newsx signiorx


      benedickx
      i will live in thy heartx die in thy lapx and be buried in thy
      eyesx and moreover i will go with thee to thy unclexsx


      xxexeuntxxx


scene iiix the inside of a churchx

      enter don pedrox claudio and attendantsx with music and tapersx


      claudiox
      is this the monument of leonatox


      a lordx
      it isx my lordx


      claudiox
      xxreads from a scrollxxx


      epitaphx


        done to death by slanderous tongues
           was the hero that here liesx
          deathx in guerdon of her wrongsx
             gives her fame which never diesx
            so the life that died with shame
             lives in death with glorious famex


      hang thou there upon the tombx


      praising her when i am dumbx
      nowx musicx soundx and sing your solemn hymnx


      songx


       pardonx goddess of the nightx
         those that slew thy virgin knightx
          for the whichx with songs of woex
           round about her tomb they gox
               midnightx assist our moanx
                help us to sigh and groanx
                    heavilyx heavilyx
                  gravesx yawn and yield your deadx
                   till death be utteredx
              heavilyx heavilyx


      claudiox
      nowx unto thy bones good nightx
      yearly will i do this ritex


      don pedrox
      good morrowx mastersx put your torches outx
      the wolves have preyxdx and lookx the gentle dayx
      before the wheels of phoebusx round about
      dapples the drowsy east with spots of greyx
      thanks to you allx and leave usx fare you wellx


      claudiox
      good morrowx mastersx each his several wayx


      don pedrox
      comex let us hencex and put on other weedsx
      and then to leonatoxs we will gox


      claudiox
      and hymen now with luckier issue speedxsx
      than this for whom we rendxred up this woex


      xxexeuntxxx


scene ivx a room in leonatoxs housex

      enter leonatox antoniox benedickx beatricex margaretx ursulax
      friar francis and herox


      friarx
      did i not tell you she was innocentx


      leonatox
      so are the prince and claudiox who accusxd her
      upon the error that you heard debatedx
      but margaret was in some fault for thisx
      although against her willx as it appears
      in the true course of all the questionx


      antoniox
      wellx i am glad that all things sort so wellx


      benedickx
      and so am ix being else by faith enforcxd
      to call young claudio to a reckoning for itx


      leonatox
      wellx daughterx and you gentlewomen allx
      withdraw into a chamber by yourselvesx
      and when i send for youx come hither maskxdx
      the prince and claudio promisxd by this hour
      to visit mex


      xxexeunt ladiesxxx


      you know your officex brotherx
      you must be father to your brotherxs daughterx
      and give her to young claudiox


      antoniox
      which i will do with confirmxd countenancex


      benedickx
      friarx i must entreat your painsx i thinkx


      friarx
      to do whatx signiorx


      benedickx
      to bind mex or undo mex one of themx
      signior leonatox truth it isx good signiorx
      your niece regards me with an eye of favourx


      leonatox
      that eye my daughter lent herx xtis most truex


      benedickx
      and i do with an eye of love requite herx


      leonatox
      the sight whereof i thinkx you had from mex
      from claudiox and the princex but whatxs your willx


      benedickx
      your answerx sirx is enigmaticalx
      butx for my willx my will is your good will
      may stand with oursx this day to be conjoinxd
      in the state of honourable marriagex
      in whichx good friarx i shall desire your helpx


      leonatox
      my heart is with your likingx


      friarx
      and my helpx here comes the prince and claudiox


      enter don pedro and claudiox with attendantsx


      don pedrox
      good morrow to this fair assemblyx


      leonatox
      good morrowx princex good morrowx claudiox
      we here attend youx are you yet determinxd
      today to marry with my brotherxs daughterx


      claudiox
      ixll hold my mindx were she an ethiopex


      leonatox
      call her forthx brotherx herexs the friar readyx


      xxexit antonioxxx


      don pedrox
      good morrowx benedickx whyx whatxs the matterx
      that you have such a february facex
      so full of frostx of storm and cloudinessx


      claudiox
      i think he thinks upon the savage bullx
      tushx fear notx manx wexll tip thy horns with goldx
      and all europa shall rejoice at theex
      as once europa did at lusty jovex
      when he would play the noble beast in lovex


      benedickx
      bull jovex sirx had an amiable lowx
      and some such strange bull leapxd your fatherxs cowx
      and got a calf in that same noble featx
      much like to youx for you have just his bleatx


      claudiox
      for this i owe youx here comes other reckoningsx


      rexenter antoniox with the ladies maskedx


      which is the lady i must seize uponx


      antoniox
      this same is shex and i do give you herx


      claudiox
      why thenx shexs minex sweetx let me see your facex


      leonatox
      nox that you shall notx till you take her hand
      before this friarx and swear to marry herx


      claudiox
      give me your handx before this holy friarx
      i am your husbandx if you like of mex


      herox
      and when i livxdx i was your other wifex
      xxunmaskingxxx and when you lovxdx you were my other husbandx


      claudiox
      another herox


      herox
      nothing certainerx
      one hero died defilxdx but i do livex
      and surely as i livex i am a maidx


      don pedrox
      the former herox hero that is deadx


      leonatox
      she diedx my lordx but whiles her slander livxdx


      friarx
      all this amazement can i qualifyx
      when after that the holy rites are endedx
      ixll tell you largely of fair heroxs deathx
      meantimex let wonder seem familiarx
      and to the chapel let us presentlyx


      benedickx
      soft and fairx friarx which is beatricex


      beatricex
      xxunmaskingxxx i answer to that namex what is your willx


      benedickx
      do not you love mex


      beatricex
      whyx nox no more than reasonx


      benedickx
      whyx thenx your uncle and the prince and claudio
      have been deceivedx for they swore you didx


      beatricex
      do not you love mex


      benedickx
      trothx nox no more than reasonx


      beatricex
      whyx then my cousinx margaretx and ursulax
      are much deceivxdx for they did swear you didx


      benedickx
      they swore that you were almost sick for mex


      beatricex
      they swore that you were wellxnigh dead for mex


      benedickx
      xtis no such matterx then you do not love mex


      beatricex
      nox trulyx but in friendly recompensex


      leonatox
      comex cousinx i am sure you love the gentlemanx


      claudiox
      and ixll be sworn upon xt that he loves herx
      for herexs a paper written in his handx
      a halting sonnet of his own pure brainx
      fashionxd to beatricex


      herox
      and herexs anotherx
      writ in my cousinxs handx stolen from her pocketx
      containing her affection unto benedickx


      benedickx
      a miraclex herexs our own hands against our heartsx comex i will
      have theex butx by this lightx i take thee for pityx


      beatricex
      i would not deny youx butx by this good dayx i yield upon great
      persuasionx and partly to save your lifex for i was told you were
      in a consumptionx


      benedickx
      peacex i will stop your mouthx xxkisses herxxx


      don pedrox
      how dost thoux benedickx the married manx


      benedickx
      ixll tell thee whatx princex a college of witcrackers cannout
      flout me out of my humourx dost thou think i care for a satire or
      an epigramx nox if man will be beaten with brainsx ax shall wear
      nothing handsome about himx in briefx since i do purpose to
      marryx i will think nothing to any purpose that the world can say
      against itx and therefore never flout at me for what i have said
      against itx for man is a giddy thingx and this is my conclusionx
      for thy partx claudiox i did think to have beaten theex butx in
      that thou art like to be my kinsmanx live unbruisedx and love my
      cousinx


      claudiox
      i had well hoped thou wouldst have denied beatricex that i might
      have cudgelled thee out of thy single lifex to make thee a
      doublexdealerx whichx out of questionx thou wilt bex if my cousin
      do not look exceeding narrowly to theex


      benedickx
      comex comex we are friendsx letxs have a dance ere we are
      marriedx that we may lighten our own hearts and our wivesx heelsx


      leonatox
      wexll have dancing afterwardx


      benedickx
      firstx of my wordx therefore playx musicx princex thou art sadx
      get thee a wifex get thee a wifex there is no staff more reverent
      than one tipped with hornx


      enter messengerx


      messengerx
      my lordx your brother john is taxen in flightx
      and brought with armed men back to messinax


      benedickx
      think not on him till tomorrowx ixll devise thee brave
      punishments for himx strike upx pipersx


      xxdancex exeuntxxx




othellox the moor of venice



contents

act i
scene ix venicex a streetx
scene iix venicex another streetx
scene iiix venicex a council chamberx

act ii
scene ix a seaport in cyprusx a platformx
scene iix a streetx
scene iiix a hall in the castlex

act iii
scene ix cyprusx before the castlex
scene iix cyprusx a room in the castlex
scene iiix cyprusx the garden of the castlex
scene ivx cyprusx before the castlex

act iv
scene ix cyprusx before the castlex
scene iix cyprusx a room in the castlex
scene iiix cyprusx another room in the castlex

act v
scene ix cyprusx a streetx
scene iix cyprusx a bedchamber in the castlex



dramatis personx

duke of venice
brabantiox a senator of venice and desdemonaxs father
other senators
gratianox brother to brabantio
lodovicox kinsman to brabantio
othellox a noble moor in the service of venice
cassiox his lieutenant
iagox his ancient
montanox othelloxs predecessor in the government of cyprus
roderigox a venetian gentleman
clownx servant to othello

desdemonax daughter to brabantio and wife to othello
emiliax wife to iago
biancax mistress to cassio

officersx gentlemenx messengerx musiciansx heraldx sailorx attendantsx
xcx

scenex the first act in venicex during the rest of the play at a
seaport in cyprusx


act i

scene ix venicex a streetx

 enter roderigo and iagox

roderigox
tushx never tell mex i take it much unkindly
that thoux iagox who hast had my pursex
as if the strings were thinex shouldst know of thisx

iagox
xsbloodx but you will not hear mex
if ever i did dream of such a matterx
abhor mex

roderigox
thou toldxst mex thou didst hold him in thy hatex

iagox
despise me if i do notx three great ones of the cityx
in personal suit to make me his lieutenantx
offxcappxd to himx and by the faith of manx
i know my pricex i am worth no worse a placex
but hex as loving his own pride and purposesx
evades themx with a bombast circumstancex
horribly stuffxd with epithets of warx
and in conclusionx
nonsuits my mediatorsx for xcertesxx says hex
xi have already chose my officerxx
and what was hex
forsoothx a great arithmeticianx
one michael cassiox a florentinex
a fellow almost damnxd in a fair wifex
that never set a squadron in the fieldx
nor the division of a battle knows
more than a spinsterx unless the bookish theoricx
wherein the toged consuls can propose
as masterly as hex mere prattle without practice
is all his soldiershipx but hex sirx had the electionx
and ix of whom his eyes had seen the proof
at rhodesx at cyprusx and on other groundsx
christian and heathenx must be beleexd and calmxd
by debitor and creditorx this counterxcasterx
hex in good timex must his lieutenant bex
and ix god bless the markx his moorshipxs ancientx

roderigox
by heavenx i rather would have been his hangmanx

iagox
whyx therexs no remedyx xtis the curse of servicex
preferment goes by letter and affectionx
and not by old gradationx where each second
stood heir to the firstx now sirx be judge yourself
whether i in any just term am affinxd
to love the moorx

roderigox
i would not follow himx thenx

iagox
ox sirx content youx
i follow him to serve my turn upon himx
we cannot all be mastersx nor all masters
cannot be truly followxdx you shall mark
many a duteous and kneexcrooking knave
thatx doting on his own obsequious bondagex
wears out his timex much like his masterxs assx
for nought but provenderx and when hexs oldx cashierxdx
whip me such honest knavesx others there are
whox trimmxd in formsx and visages of dutyx
keep yet their hearts attending on themselvesx
and throwing but shows of service on their lordsx
do well thrive by themx and when they have linxd their coatsx
do themselves homagex these fellows have some soulx
and such a one do i profess myselfx forx sirx
it is as sure as you are roderigox
were i the moorx i would not be iagox
in following himx i follow but myselfx
heaven is my judgex not i for love and dutyx
but seeming so for my peculiar endx
for when my outward action doth demonstrate
the native act and figure of my heart
in complement externx xtis not long after
but i will wear my heart upon my sleeve
for daws to peck atx i am not what i amx

roderigox
what a full fortune does the thickxlips owex
if he can carryxt thusx

iagox
call up her fatherx
rouse himx make after himx poison his delightx
proclaim him in the streetsx incense her kinsmenx
and though he in a fertile climate dwellx
plague him with fliesx though that his joy be joyx
yet throw such changes of vexation onxtx
as it may lose some colorx

roderigox
here is her fatherxs housex ixll call aloudx

iagox
dox with like timorous accent and dire yell
as whenx by night and negligencex the fire
is spied in populous citiesx

roderigox
what hox brabantiox signior brabantiox hox

iagox
awakex what hox brabantiox thievesx thievesx
look to your housex your daughterx and your bagsx
thievesx thievesx

 brabantio appears above at a windowx

brabantiox
what is the reason of this terrible summonsx
what is the matter therex

roderigox
signiorx is all your family withinx

iagox
are your doors lockedx

brabantiox
whyx wherefore ask you thisx

iagox
zoundsx sirx youxre robbxdx for shame put on your gownx
your heart is burstx you have lost half your soulx
even nowx nowx very nowx an old black ram
is tupping your white ewex arisex arisex
awake the snorting citizens with the bellx
or else the devil will make a grandsire of youx
arisex i sayx

brabantiox
whatx have you lost your witsx

roderigox
most reverend signiorx do you know my voicex

brabantiox
not ix what are youx

roderigox
my name is roderigox

brabantiox
the worser welcomex
i have chargxd thee not to haunt about my doorsx
in honest plainness thou hast heard me say
my daughter is not for theex and now in madnessx
being full of supper and distempering draughtsx
upon malicious braveryx dost thou come
to start my quietx

roderigox
sirx sirx sirxx

brabantiox
but thou must needs be sure
my spirit and my place have in them power
to make this bitter to theex

roderigox
patiencex good sirx

brabantiox
what tellxst thou me of robbingx
this is venicex my house is not a grangex

roderigox
most grave brabantiox
in simple and pure soul i come to youx

iagox
zoundsx sirx you are one of those that will not serve god if the devil
bid youx because we come to do you servicex and you think we are
ruffiansx youxll have your daughter coverxd with a barbary horsex
youxll have your nephews neigh to youx youxll have coursers for cousins
and gennets for germansx

brabantiox
what profane wretch art thoux

iagox
i am onex sirx that comes to tell you your daughter and the moor are
now making the beast with two backsx

brabantiox
thou art a villainx

iagox
you are a senatorx

brabantiox
this thou shalt answerx i know theex roderigox

roderigox
sirx i will answer anythingx but i beseech youx
if xt be your pleasurex and most wise consentx
xas partly i find it isx that your fair daughterx
at this oddxeven and dull watch ox the nightx
transported with no worse nor better guardx
but with a knave of common hirex a gondolierx
to the gross clasps of a lascivious moorx
if this be known to youx and your allowancex
we then have done you bold and saucy wrongsx
but if you know not thisx my manners tell mex
we have your wrong rebukex do not believe
that from the sense of all civilityx
i thus would play and trifle with your reverencex
your daughter xif you have not given her leavex
i say againx hath made a gross revoltx
tying her dutyx beautyx witx and fortunes
in an extravagant and wheeling stranger
of here and everywherex straight satisfy yourselfx
if she be in her chamber or your housex
let loose on me the justice of the state
for thus deluding youx

brabantiox
strike on the tinderx hox
give me a taperx call up all my peoplex
this accident is not unlike my dreamx
belief of it oppresses me alreadyx
lightx i sayx lightx

 xxexit from abovexxx

iagox
farewellx for i must leave youx
it seems not meet nor wholesome to my place
to be producxdx as if i stay i shallx
against the moorx for i do know the statex
however this may gall him with some checkx
cannot with safety cast himx for hexs embarkxd
with such loud reason to the cyprus warsx
which even now stand in actx thatx for their soulsx
another of his fathom they have none
to lead their businessx in which regardx
though i do hate him as i do hell painsx
yetx for necessity of present lifex
i must show out a flag and sign of lovex
which is indeed but signx that you shall surely find himx
lead to the sagittary the raised searchx
and there will i be with himx sox farewellx

 xxexitxxx

 enter brabantio with servants and torchesx

brabantiox
it is too true an evilx gone she isx
and whatxs to come of my despised timex
is naught but bitternessx now roderigox
where didst thou see herx xo unhappy girlxx
with the moorx sayxst thoux xwho would be a fatherxx
how didst thou know xtwas shex xox she deceives me
past thoughtxx what said she to youx get more tapersx
raise all my kindredx are they marriedx think youx

roderigox
truly i think they arex

brabantiox
o heavenx how got she outx o treason of the bloodx
fathersx from hence trust not your daughtersx minds
by what you see them actx is there not charms
by which the property of youth and maidhood
may be abusedx have you not readx roderigox
of some such thingx

roderigox
yesx sirx i have indeedx

brabantiox
call up my brotherx ox would you had had herx
some one wayx some anotherx do you know
where we may apprehend her and the moorx

roderigox
i think i can discover himx if you please
to get good guardx and go along with mex

brabantiox
pray you lead onx at every house ixll callx
i may command at mostx get weaponsx hox
and raise some special officers of nightx
onx good roderigox i will deserve your painsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix venicex another streetx

 enter othellox iago and attendants with torchesx

iagox
though in the trade of war i have slain menx
yet do i hold it very stuff ox the conscience
to do no contrivxd murderx i lack iniquity
sometimes to do me servicex nine or ten times
i had thought to have yerkxd him here under the ribsx

othellox
xtis better as it isx

iagox
nayx but he pratedx
and spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
against your honourx
that with the little godliness i havex
i did full hard forbear himx but i pray youx sirx
are you fast marriedx be assurxd of thisx
that the magnifico is much belovxd
and hath in his effect a voice potential
as double as the dukexsx he will divorce youx
or put upon you what restraint and grievance
the law xwith all his might to enforce it onx
will give him cablex

othellox
let him do his spitex
my servicesx which i have done the signioryx
shall outxtongue his complaintsx xtis yet to knowxx
whichx when i know that boasting is an honourx
i shall promulgatexxi fetch my life and being
from men of royal siegex and my demerits
may speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
as this that i have reachxdx for knowx iagox
but that i love the gentle desdemonax
i would not my unhoused free condition
put into circumscription and confine
for the seaxs worthx but lookx what lights come yondx

iagox
those are the raised father and his friendsx
you were best go inx

othellox
not ix i must be foundx
my partsx my titlex and my perfect soul
shall manifest me rightlyx is it theyx

iagox
by janusx i think nox

 enter cassio and officers with torchesx

othellox
the servants of the duke and my lieutenantx
the goodness of the night upon youx friendsx
what is the newsx

cassiox
the duke does greet youx generalx
and he requires your hastexpostxhaste appearance
even on the instantx

othellox
what is the matterx think youx

cassiox
something from cyprusx as i may divinex
it is a business of some heatx the galleys
have sent a dozen sequent messengers
this very night at one anotherxs heelsx
and many of the consulsx raisxd and metx
are at the dukexs alreadyx you have been hotly callxd forx
whenx being not at your lodging to be foundx
the senate hath sent about three several quests
to search you outx

othellox
xtis well i am found by youx
i will but spend a word here in the housex
and go with youx

 xxexitxxx

cassiox
ancientx what makes he herex

iagox
faithx he tonight hath boarded a land carrackx
if it prove lawful prizex hexs made foreverx

cassiox
i do not understandx

iagox
hexs marriedx

cassiox
to whox

 enter othellox

iagox
marry toxcomex captainx will you gox

othellox
have with youx

cassiox
here comes another troop to seek for youx

 enter brabantiox roderigo and officers with torches and weaponsx

iagox
it is brabantiox generalx be advisxdx
he comes to bad intentx

othellox
hollax stand therex

roderigox
signiorx it is the moorx

brabantiox
down with himx thiefx

 xxthey draw on both sidesxxx

iagox
youx roderigox comex sirx i am for youx

othellox
keep up your bright swordsx for the dew will rust themx
good signiorx you shall more command with years
than with your weaponsx

brabantiox
o thou foul thiefx where hast thou stowxd my daughterx
damnxd as thou artx thou hast enchanted herx
for ixll refer me to all things of sensex
xif she in chains of magic were not boundx
whether a maid so tenderx fairx and happyx
so opposite to marriagex that she shunnxd
the wealthy curled darlings of our nationx
would ever havex to incur a general mockx
run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
of such a thing as thouxto fearx not to delightx
judge me the worldx if xtis not gross in sensex
that thou hast practisxd on her with foul charmsx
abusxd her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
that weakens motionx ixll havext disputed onx
xtis probablex and palpable to thinkingx
i therefore apprehend and do attach thee
for an abuser of the worldx a practiser
of arts inhibited and out of warrantxx
lay hold upon himx if he do resistx
subdue him at his perilx

othellox
hold your handsx
both you of my inclining and the restx
were it my cue to fightx i should have known it
without a prompterx where will you that i go
to answer this your chargex

brabantiox
to prisonx till fit time
of law and course of direct session
call thee to answerx

othellox
what if i do obeyx
how may the duke be therewith satisfiedx
whose messengers are here about my sidex
upon some present business of the statex
to bring me to himx

officerx
xtis truex most worthy signiorx
the dukexs in councilx and your noble selfx
i am sure is sent forx

brabantiox
howx the duke in councilx
in this time of the nightx bring him awayx
minexs not an idle causex the duke himselfx
or any of my brothers of the statex
cannot but feel this wrong as xtwere their ownx
for if such actions may have passage freex
bondxslaves and pagans shall our statesmen bex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix venicex a council chamberx

 the duke and senators sitting at a tablex officers attendingx

dukex
there is no composition in these news
that gives them creditx

first senatorx
indeedx they are disproportionxdx
my letters say a hundred and seven galleysx

dukex
and mine a hundred and fortyx

second senator
and mine two hundredx
but though they jump not on a just accountx
xas in these casesx where the aim reportsx
xtis oft with differencexx yet do they all confirm
a turkish fleetx and bearing up to cyprusx

dukex
nayx it is possible enough to judgementx
i do not so secure me in the errorx
but the main article i do approve
in fearful sensex

sailorx
xxwithinxxx whatx hox whatx hox whatx hox

officerx
a messenger from the galleysx

 enter sailorx

dukex
nowxxwhatxs the businessx

sailorx
the turkish preparation makes for rhodesx
so was i bid report here to the state
by signior angelox

dukex
how say you by this changex

first senatorx
this cannot be
by no assay of reasonx xtis a pageant
to keep us in false gazex when we consider
the importancy of cyprus to the turkx
and let ourselves again but understand
thatx as it more concerns the turk than rhodesx
so may he with more facile question bear itx
for that it stands not in such warlike bracex
but altogether lacks the abilities
that rhodes is dressxd inx if we make thought of thisx
we must not think the turk is so unskilful
to leave that latest which concerns him firstx
neglecting an attempt of ease and gainx
to wake and wage a danger profitlessx

dukex
nayx in all confidencex hexs not for rhodesx

officerx
here is more newsx

 enter a messengerx

messengerx
the ottomitesx reverend and graciousx
steering with due course toward the isle of rhodesx
have there injointed them with an after fleetx

first senatorx
ayx so i thoughtx how manyx as you guessx

messengerx
of thirty sailx and now they do rexstem
their backward coursex bearing with frank appearance
their purposes toward cyprusx signior montanox
your trusty and most valiant servitorx
with his free duty recommends you thusx
and prays you to believe himx

dukex
xtis certainx thenx for cyprusx
marcus luccicosx is not he in townx

first senatorx
hexs now in florencex

dukex
write from us to himx postxpostxhaste dispatchx

first senatorx
here comes brabantio and the valiant moorx

 enter brabantiox othellox iagox roderigo and officersx

dukex
valiant othellox we must straight employ you
against the general enemy ottomanx
xxto brabantioxxx i did not see youx welcomex gentle signiorx
we lackxd your counsel and your help tonightx

brabantiox
so did i yoursx good your gracex pardon mex
neither my placex nor aught i heard of business
hath raisxd me from my bedx nor doth the general care
take hold on mex for my particular grief
is of so floodxgate and oxerbearing nature
that it engluts and swallows other sorrowsx
and it is still itselfx

dukex
whyx whatxs the matterx

brabantiox
my daughterx ox my daughterx

duke and senatorsx
deadx

brabantiox
ayx to mex
she is abusedx stolxn from mex and corrupted
by spells and medicines bought of mountebanksx
for nature so preposterously to errx
being not deficientx blindx or lame of sensex
sans witchcraft could notx

dukex
whoexer he bex that in this foul proceedingx
hath thus beguilxd your daughter of herselfx
and you of herx the bloody book of law
you shall yourself read in the bitter letterx
after your own sensex yeax though our proper son
stood in your actionx

brabantiox
humbly i thank your gracex
here is the manx this moorx whom now it seems
your special mandate for the state affairs
hath hither broughtx

allx
we are very sorry for xtx

dukex
xxto othelloxxx whatx in your own partx can you say to thisx

brabantiox
nothingx but this is sox

othellox
most potentx gravex and reverend signiorsx
my very noble and approvxd good mastersx
that i have taxen away this old manxs daughterx
it is most truex truex i have married herx
the very head and front of my offending
hath this extentx no morex rude am i in my speechx
and little blessxd with the soft phrase of peacex
for since these arms of mine had seven yearsx pithx
till now some nine moons wastedx they have usxd
their dearest action in the tented fieldx
and little of this great world can i speakx
more than pertains to feats of broil and battlex
and therefore little shall i grace my cause
in speaking for myselfx yetx by your gracious patiencex
i will a round unvarnishxd tale deliver
of my whole course of lovex what drugsx what charmsx
what conjurationx and what mighty magicx
xfor such proceeding i am charged withalx
i won his daughterx

brabantiox
a maiden never boldx
of spirit so still and quiet that her motion
blushxd at herselfx and shex in spite of naturex
of yearsx of countryx creditx everythingx
to fall in love with what she fearxd to look onx
it is judgement maimxd and most imperfect
that will confess perfection so could err
against all rules of naturex and must be driven
to find out practices of cunning hellx
why this should bex i therefore vouch againx
that with some mixtures powerful oxer the bloodx
or with some dram conjurxd to this effectx
he wrought upon herx

dukex
to vouch this is no proofx
without more wider and more overt test
than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
of modern seeming do prefer against himx

first senatorx
butx othellox speakx
did you by indirect and forced courses
subdue and poison this young maidxs affectionsx
or came it by requestx and such fair question
as soul to soul affordethx

othellox
i do beseech youx
send for the lady to the sagittaryx
and let her speak of me before her fatherx
if you do find me foul in her reportx
the trustx the office i do hold of youx
not only take awayx but let your sentence
even fall upon my lifex

dukex
fetch desdemona hitherx

othellox
ancientx conduct themx you best know the placex

 xxexeunt iago and attendantsxxx

and till she comex as truly as to heaven
i do confess the vices of my bloodx
so justly to your grave ears ixll present
how i did thrive in this fair ladyxs lovex
and she in minex

dukex
say itx othellox

othellox
her father lovxd mex oft invited mex
still questionxd me the story of my lifex
from year to yearxthe battlesx siegesx fortunesx
that i have passxdx
i ran it throughx even from my boyish days
to the very moment that he bade me tell itx
wherein i spake of most disastrous chancesx
of moving accidents by flood and fieldx
of hairxbreadth scapes ix thx imminent deadly breachx
of being taken by the insolent foex
and sold to slaveryx of my redemption thencex
and portance in my travelerxs historyx
wherein of antres vast and deserts idlex
rough quarriesx rocksx and hills whose heads touch heavenx
it was my hint to speakxxsuch was the processx
and of the cannibals that each other eatx
the anthropophagix and men whose heads
do grow beneath their shouldersx this to hear
would desdemona seriously inclinex
but still the house affairs would draw her thencex
which ever as she could with haste dispatchx
shexd come againx and with a greedy ear
devour up my discoursex which i observingx
took once a pliant hourx and found good means
to draw from her a prayer of earnest heart
that i would all my pilgrimage dilatex
whereof by parcels she had something heardx
but not intentivelyx i did consentx
and often did beguile her of her tearsx
when i did speak of some distressful stroke
that my youth sufferxdx my story being donex
she gave me for my pains a world of sighsx
she sworex in faithx xtwas strangex xtwas passing strangex
xtwas pitifulx xtwas wondrous pitifulx
she wishxd she had not heard itx yet she wishxd
that heaven had made her such a manx she thankxd mex
and bade mex if i had a friend that lovxd herx
i should but teach him how to tell my storyx
and that would woo herx upon this hint i spakex
she lovxd me for the dangers i had passxdx
and i lovxd her that she did pity themx
this only is the witchcraft i have usxdx
here comes the ladyx let her witness itx

 enter  desdemonax iago and attendantsx

dukex
i think this tale would win my daughter toox
good brabantiox
take up this mangled matter at the bestx
men do their broken weapons rather use
than their bare handsx

brabantiox
i pray you hear her speakx
if she confess that she was half the wooerx
destruction on my headx if my bad blame
light on the manxxcome hitherx gentle mistressx
do you perceive in all this noble company
where most you owe obediencex

desdemonax
my noble fatherx
i do perceive here a divided dutyx
to you i am bound for life and educationx
my life and education both do learn me
how to respect youx you are the lord of dutyx
i am hitherto your daughterx but herexs my husbandx
and so much duty as my mother showxd
to youx preferring you before her fatherx
so much i challenge that i may profess
due to the moor my lordx

brabantiox
god be with youx i have donex
please it your gracex on to the state affairsx
i had rather to adopt a child than get itxx
come hitherx moorx
i here do give thee that with all my heart
whichx but thou hast alreadyx with all my heart
i would keep from theexxfor your sakex jewelx
i am glad at soul i have no other childx
for thy escape would teach me tyrannyx
to hang clogs on themxxi have donex my lordx

dukex
let me speak like yourselfx and lay a sentencex
which as a grise or step may help these lovers
into your favourx
when remedies are pastx the griefs are ended
by seeing the worstx which late on hopes dependedx
to mourn a mischief that is past and gone
is the next way to draw new mischief onx
what cannot be preserved when fortune takesx
patience her injury a mockery makesx
the robbxd that smiles steals something from the thiefx
he robs himself that spends a bootless griefx

brabantiox
so let the turk of cyprus us beguilex
we lose it not so long as we can smilex
he bears the sentence wellx that nothing bears
but the free comfort which from thence he hearsx
but he bears both the sentence and the sorrow
thatx to pay griefx must of poor patience borrowx
these sentences to sugar or to gallx
being strong on both sidesx are equivocalx
but words are wordsx i never yet did hear
that the bruisxd heart was pierced through the earx
i humbly beseech youx proceed to the affairs of statex

dukex
the turk with a most mighty preparation makes for cyprusx othellox the
fortitude of the place is best known to youx and though we have there a
substitute of most allowed sufficiencyx yet opinionx a sovereign
mistress of effectsx throws a more safer voice on youx you must
therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with
this more stubborn and boisterous expeditionx

othellox
the tyrant customx most grave senatorsx
hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
my thricexdriven bed of downx i do agnize
a natural and prompt alacrity
i find in hardnessx and do undertake
this present wars against the ottomitesx
most humblyx thereforex bending to your statex
i crave fit disposition for my wifex
due reference of place and exhibitionx
with such accommodation and besort
as levels with her breedingx

dukex
if you pleasex
bext at her fatherxsx

brabantiox
ixll not have it sox

othellox
nor ix

desdemonax
nor ix i would not there residex
to put my father in impatient thoughtsx
by being in his eyex most gracious dukex
to my unfolding lend your prosperous earx
and let me find a charter in your voice
tx assist my simplenessx

dukex
what would youx desdemonax

desdemonax
that i did love the moor to live with himx
my downright violence and storm of fortunes
may trumpet to the worldx my heartxs subdued
even to the very quality of my lordx
i saw othelloxs visage in his mindx
and to his honours and his valiant parts
did i my soul and fortunes consecratex
so thatx dear lordsx if i be left behindx
a moth of peacex and he go to the warx
the rites for which i love him are bereft mex
and i a heavy interim shall support
by his dear absencex let me go with himx

othellox
let her have your voicex
vouch with mex heavenx i therefore beg it not
to please the palate of my appetitex
nor to comply with heatx the young affects
in me defunctx and proper satisfactionx
but to be free and bounteous to her mindx
and heaven defend your good souls that you think
i will your serious and great business scant
for she is with mex nox when lightxwingxd toys
of featherxd cupid seel with wanton dullness
my speculative and officxd instrumentsx
that my disports corrupt and taint my businessx
let housewives make a skillet of my helmx
and all indign and base adversities
make head against my estimationx

dukex
be it as you shall privately determinex
either for her stay or goingx the affair cries hastex
and speed must answer itx

first senatorx
you must away tonightx

othellox
with all my heartx

dukex
at nine ix the morning here wexll meet againx
othellox leave some officer behindx
and he shall our commission bring to youx
with such things else of quality and respect
as doth import youx

othellox
so please your gracex my ancientx
a man he is of honesty and trustx
to his conveyance i assign my wifex
with what else needful your good grace shall think
to be sent after mex

dukex
let it be sox
good night to everyonex xxto brabantioxxx andx noble signiorx
if virtue no delighted beauty lackx
your sonxinxlaw is far more fair than blackx

first senatorx
adieux brave moorx use desdemona wellx

brabantiox
look to herx moorx if thou hast eyes to seex
she has deceivxd her fatherx and may theex

 xxexeunt dukex senatorsx officersx xcxxx

othellox
my life upon her faithx honest iagox
my desdemona must i leave to theex
i pritheex let thy wife attend on herx
and bring them after in the best advantagexx
comex desdemonax i have but an hour
of lovex of worldly mattersx and directionx
to spend with theex we must obey the timex

 xxexeunt othello and desdemonaxxx

roderigox
iagox

iagox
what sayst thoux noble heartx

roderigox
what will i dox thinkest thoux

iagox
whyx go to bed and sleepx

roderigox
i will incontinently drown myselfx

iagox
if thou dostx i shall never love thee afterx whyx thou silly gentlemanx

roderigox
it is silliness to livex when to live is tormentx and then have we a
prescription to die when death is our physicianx

iagox
o villainousx i have looked upon the world for four times seven yearsx
and since i could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injuryx i never
found man that knew how to love himselfx ere i would say i would drown
myself for the love of a guineaxhenx i would change my humanity with a
baboonx

roderigox
what should i dox i confess it is my shame to be so fondx but it is not
in my virtue to amend itx

iagox
virtuex a figx xtis in ourselves that we are thus or thusx our bodies
are gardensx to the which our wills are gardenersx so that if we will
plant nettles or sow lettucex set hyssop and weed up thymex supply it
with one gender of herbs or distract it with manyx either to have it
sterile with idleness or manured with industryx whyx the power and
corrigible authority of this lies in our willsx if the balance of our
lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensualityx the
blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous
conclusionsx but we have reason to cool our raging motionsx our carnal
stingsx our unbitted lustsx whereof i take thisx that you call lovex to
be a sectx or scionx

roderigox
it cannot bex

iagox
it is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the willx comex be
a manx drown thyselfx drown cats and blind puppiesx i have professed me
thy friendx and i confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of
perdurable toughnessx i could never better stead thee than nowx put
money in thy pursex follow thou the warsx defeat thy favour with an
usurped beardx i sayx put money in thy pursex it cannot be that
desdemona should long continue her love to the moorxxput money in thy
pursexxnor he his to herx it was a violent commencementx and thou shalt
see an answerable sequestrationxput but money in thy pursex these moors
are changeable in their willsx fill thy purse with moneyx the food that
to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as acerb
as the coloquintidax she must change for youthx when she is sated with
his bodyx she will find the error of her choicex she must have changex
she mustx therefore put money in thy pursex if thou wilt needs damn
thyselfx do it a more delicate way than drowningx make all the money
thou canstx if sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian
and a supersubtle venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the
tribe of hellx thou shalt enjoy herx therefore make moneyx a pox of
drowning thyselfx it is clean out of the wayx seek thou rather to be
hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without herx

roderigox
wilt thou be fast to my hopes if i depend on the issuex

iagox
thou art sure of mex gox make moneyx i have told thee oftenx and i
retell thee again and againx i hate the moorx my cause is heartedx
thine hath no less reasonx let us be conjunctive in our revenge against
himx if thou canst cuckold himx thou dost thyself a pleasurex me a
sportx there are many events in the womb of time which will be
deliveredx traversex gox provide thy moneyx we will have more of this
tomorrowx adieux

roderigox
where shall we meet ix the morningx

iagox
at my lodgingx

roderigox
ixll be with thee betimesx

iagox
go tox farewellx do you hearx roderigox

roderigox
what say youx

iagox
no more of drowningx do you hearx

roderigox
i am changedx ixll sell all my landx

 xxexitxxx

iagox
thus do i ever make my fool my pursex
for i mine own gainxd knowledge should profane
if i would time expend with such a snipe
but for my sport and profitx i hate the moorx
and it is thought abroad that xtwixt my sheets
he has done my officex i know not if xt be truex
but ix for mere suspicion in that kindx
will do as if for suretyx he holds me wellx
the better shall my purpose work on himx
cassioxs a proper manx let me see nowx
to get his placex and to plume up my will
in double knaveryx howx howx letxs seex
after some timex to abuse othelloxs ear
that he is too familiar with his wifex
he hath a person and a smooth disposex
to be suspectedx framxd to make women falsex
the moor is of a free and open nature
that thinks men honest that but seem to be sox
and will as tenderly be led by the nose
as asses arex
i havextx it is engenderxdx hell and night
must bring this monstrous birth to the worldxs lightx

 xxexitxxx



act ii

scene ix a seaport in cyprusx a platformx

 enter montano and two gentlemenx

montanox
what from the cape can you discern at seax

first gentlemanx
nothing at allx it is a highxwrought floodx
i cannot xtwixt the heaven and the main
descry a sailx

montanox
methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at landx
a fuller blast nexer shook our battlementsx
if it hath ruffianxd so upon the seax
what ribs of oakx when mountains melt on themx
can hold the mortisex what shall we hear of thisx

second gentlemanx
a segregation of the turkish fleetx
for do but stand upon the foaming shorex
the chidden billow seems to pelt the cloudsx
the windxshakxd surgex with high and monstrous mainx
seems to cast water on the burning bearx
and quench the guards of the everxfixed polex
i never did like molestation view
on the enchafed floodx

montanox
if that the turkish fleet
be not enshelterxdx and embayxdx they are drownxdx
it is impossible to bear it outx

 enter a third gentlemanx

third gentlemanx
newsx ladsx our wars are donex
the desperate tempest hath so bangxd the turks
that their designment haltsx a noble ship of venice
hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance
on most part of their fleetx

montanox
howx is this truex

third gentlemanx
the ship is here put inx
a veronessax michael cassiox
lieutenant to the warlike moor othellox
is come on shorex the moor himself at seax
and is in full commission here for cyprusx

montanox
i am glad onxtx xtis a worthy governorx

third gentlemanx
but this same cassiox though he speak of comfort
touching the turkish lossx yet he looks sadlyx
and prays the moor be safex for they were parted
with foul and violent tempestx

montanox
pray heavens he bex
for i have servxd himx and the man commands
like a full soldierx letxs to the seaxsidex hox
as well to see the vessel thatxs come in
as to throw out our eyes for brave othellox
even till we make the main and the aerial blue
an indistinct regardx

third gentlemanx
comex letxs do sox
for every minute is expectancy
of more arrivancex

 enter cassiox

cassiox
thanks youx the valiant of this warlike islex
that so approve the moorx ox let the heavens
give him defence against the elementsx
for i have lost him on a dangerous seax

montanox
is he well shippxdx

cassiox
his bark is stoutly timberxdx and his pilot
of very expert and approvxd allowancex
therefore my hopesx not surfeited to deathx
stand in bold curex

xxwithinxxx a sailx a sailx a sailx

 enter a messengerx

cassiox
what noisex

messengerx
the town is emptyx on the brow ox the sea
stand ranks of peoplex and they cry xa sailxx

cassiox
my hopes do shape him for the governorx

 xxa shotxxx

second gentlemanx
they do discharge their shot of courtesyx
our friends at leastx

cassiox
i pray youx sirx go forthx
and give us truth who xtis that is arrivxdx

second gentlemanx
i shallx

 xxexitxxx

montanox
butx good lieutenantx is your general wivxdx

cassiox
most fortunatelyx he hath achievxd a maid
that paragons description and wild famex
one that excels the quirks of blazoning pensx
and in the essential vesture of creation
does tire the ingenerx

 enter second gentlemanx

how nowx who has put inx

second gentlemanx
xtis one iagox ancient to the generalx

cassiox
he has had most favourable and happy speedx
tempests themselvesx high seasx and howling windsx
the gutterxd rocksx and congregated sandsx
traitors ensteepxd to clog the guiltless keelx
as having sense of beautyx do omit
their mortal naturesx letting go safely by
the divine desdemonax

montanox
what is shex

cassiox
she that i spake ofx our great captainxs captainx
left in the conduct of the bold iagox
whose footing here anticipates our thoughts
a sexnnightxs speedx great jovex othello guardx
and swell his sail with thine own powerful breathx
that he may bless this bay with his tall shipx
make lovexs quick pants in desdemonaxs armsx
give renewxd fire to our extincted spiritsx
and bring all cyprus comfortx

 enter desdemonax iagox roderigox and emiliax

ox beholdx
the riches of the ship is come on shorex
ye men of cyprusx let her have your kneesx
hail to theex ladyx and the grace of heavenx
beforex behind theex and on every handx
enwheel thee roundx

desdemonax
i thank youx valiant cassiox
what tidings can you tell me of my lordx

cassiox
he is not yet arrivedx nor know i aught
but that hexs wellx and will be shortly herex

desdemonax
ox but i fearxhow lost you companyx

xxwithinxxx a sailx a sailx

cassiox
the great contention of the sea and skies
parted our fellowshipx butx harkx a sailx

 xxguns withinxxx

second gentlemanx
they give their greeting to the citadelx
this likewise is a friendx

cassiox
see for the newsx

 xxexit gentlemanxxx

good ancientx you are welcomex xxto emiliaxxx welcomex mistressx
let it not gall your patiencex good iagox
that i extend my mannersx xtis my breeding
that gives me this bold show of courtesyx

 xxkissing herxxx

iagox
sirx would she give you so much of her lips
as of her tongue she oft bestows on mex
you would have enoughx

desdemonax
alasx she has no speechx

iagox
in faithx too muchx
i find it still when i have list to sleepx
marryx before your ladyshipx i grantx
she puts her tongue a little in her heartx
and chides with thinkingx

emiliax
you have little cause to say sox

iagox
come onx come onx you are pictures out of doorsx
bells in your parloursx wildxcats in your kitchensx
saints in your injuriesx devils being offendedx
players in your housewiferyx and housewives in your bedsx

desdemonax
ox fie upon theex slandererx

iagox
nayx it is truex or else i am a turkx
you rise to playx and go to bed to workx

emiliax
you shall not write my praisex

iagox
nox let me notx

desdemonax
what wouldst thou write of mex if thou shouldst praise mex

iagox
o gentle ladyx do not put me toxtx
for i am nothing if not criticalx

desdemonax
come onx assayxxtherexs one gone to the harbourx

iagox
ayx madamx

desdemonax
i am not merryx but i do beguile
the thing i amx by seeming otherwisexx
comex how wouldst thou praise mex

iagox
i am about itx but indeedx my invention
comes from my pate as birdlime does from friezex
it plucks out brains and allx but my muse laboursx
and thus she is deliverxdx
if she be fair and wisex fairness and witx
the onexs for usex the other useth itx

desdemonax
well praisxdx how if she be black and wittyx

iagox
if she be blackx and thereto have a witx
shexll find a white that shall her blackness fitx

desdemonax
worse and worsex

emiliax
how if fair and foolishx

iagox
she never yet was foolish that was fairx
for even her folly helpxd her to an heirx

desdemonax
these are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh ix the alehousex what
miserable praise hast thou for her thatxs foul and foolishx

iagox
therexs none so foul and foolish thereuntox
but does foul pranks which fair and wise ones dox

desdemonax
o heavy ignorancex thou praisest the worst bestx but what praise
couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeedx one that in the
authority of her merit did justly put on the vouch of very malice
itselfx

iagox
she that was ever fair and never proudx
had tongue at will and yet was never loudx
never lackxd gold and yet went never gayx
fled from her wishx and yet saidx xnow i mayxx
she thatx being angerxdx her revenge being nighx
bade her wrong stay and her displeasure flyx
she that in wisdom never was so frail
to change the codxs head for the salmonxs tailx
she that could think and nexer disclose her mindx
see suitors following and not look behindx
she was a wightx if ever such wight werex

desdemonax
to do whatx

iagox
to suckle fools and chronicle small beerx

desdemonax
o most lame and impotent conclusionxxdo not learn of himx emiliax
though he be thy husbandxxhow say youx cassiox is he not a most profane
and liberal counsellorx

cassiox
he speaks homex madamx you may relish him more in the soldier than in
the scholarx

iagox
xxasidexxx he takes her by the palmx ayx well saidx whisperx with as
little a web as this will i ensnare as great a fly as cassiox ayx smile
upon herx dox i will gyve thee in thine own courtshipx you say truex
xtis sox indeedx if such tricks as these strip you out of your
lieutenantryx it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers
so oftx which now again you are most apt to play the sir inx very goodx
well kissedx an excellent courtesyx xtis sox indeedx yet again your
fingers to your lipsx would they were clysterxpipes for your sakex

 xxtrumpets withinxxx

the moorx i know his trumpetx

cassiox
xtis truly sox

desdemonax
letxs meet himx and receive himx

cassiox
lox where he comesx

 enter othello and attendantsx

othellox
o my fair warriorx

desdemonax
my dear othellox

othellox
it gives me wonder great as my content
to see you here before mex o my soulxs joyx
if after every tempest come such calmsx
may the winds blow till they have wakenxd deathx
and let the labouring bark climb hills of seas
olympusxhighx and duck again as low
as hellxs from heavenx if it were now to diex
xtwere now to be most happyx for i fear
my soul hath her content so absolute
that not another comfort like to this
succeeds in unknown fatex

desdemonax
the heavens forbid
but that our loves and comforts should increase
even as our days do growx

othellox
amen to thatx sweet powersx
i cannot speak enough of this contentx
it stops me herex it is too much of joyx
and thisx and thisx the greatest discords be xxthey kissxxx
that exer our hearts shall makex

iagox
xxasidexxx ox you are well tunxd nowx
but ixll set down the pegs that make this musicx
as honest as i amx

othellox
comex let us to the castlexx
newsx friendsx our wars are donex the turks are drownxdx
how does my old acquaintance of this islex
honeyx you shall be well desirxd in cyprusx
i have found great love amongst themx o my sweetx
i prattle out of fashionx and i dote
in mine own comfortsxxi pritheex good iagox
go to the bay and disembark my coffersx
bring thou the master to the citadelx
he is a good onex and his worthiness
does challenge much respectxxcomex desdemonax
once more well met at cyprusx

 xxexeunt othellox desdemona and attendantsxxx

iagox
do thou meet me presently at the harbourx come hitherx if thou bexst
valiantxasx they sayx base men being in love have then a nobility in
their natures more than is native to themxlist mex the lieutenant
tonight watches on the court of guardx firstx i must tell thee thisx
desdemona is directly in love with himx

roderigox
with himx whyx xtis not possiblex

iagox
lay thy finger thusx and let thy soul be instructedx mark me with what
violence she first loved the moorx but for braggingx and telling her
fantastical liesx and will she love him still for pratingx let not thy
discreet heart think itx her eye must be fedx and what delight shall
she have to look on the devilx when the blood is made dull with the act
of sportx there should bex again to inflame it and to give satiety a
fresh appetitex loveliness in favourx sympathy in yearsx mannersx and
beautiesx all which the moor is defective inx nowx for want of these
required conveniencesx her delicate tenderness will find itself abusedx
begin to heave the gorgex disrelish and abhor the moorx very nature
will instruct her in itx and compel her to some second choicex now sirx
this granted xas it is a most pregnant and unforced positionx who
stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune as cassio doesx a
knave very volublex no further conscionable than in putting on the mere
form of civil and humane seemingx for the better compassing of his salt
and most hidden loose affectionx whyx nonex whyx nonex a slipper and
subtle knavex a finder out of occasionsx that has an eye can stamp and
counterfeit advantagesx though true advantage never present itselfx a
devilish knavex besidesx the knave is handsomex youngx and hath all
those requisites in him that folly and green minds look afterx a
pestilent complete knavex and the woman hath found him alreadyx

roderigox
i cannot believe that in herx she is full of most blessed conditionx

iagox
blest figxs endx the wine she drinks is made of grapesx if she had been
blessedx she would never have loved the moorx blessed puddingx didst
thou not see her paddle with the palm of his handx didst not mark thatx

roderigox
yesx that i didx but that was but courtesyx

iagox
lecheryx by this handx an index and obscure prologue to the history of
lust and foul thoughtsx they met so near with their lips that their
breaths embracxd togetherx villainous thoughtsx roderigox when these
mutualities so marshal the wayx hard at hand comes the master and main
exercisex the incorporate conclusionx pishx butx sirx be you ruled by
mex i have brought you from venicex watch you tonightx for the commandx
ixll layxt upon youx cassio knows you notx ixll not be far from youx do
you find some occasion to anger cassiox either by speaking too loudx or
tainting his disciplinex or from what other course you pleasex which
the time shall more favourably ministerx

roderigox
wellx

iagox
sirx he is rashx and very sudden in cholerx and haply with his
truncheon may strike at youx provoke him that he mayx for even out of
that will i cause these of cyprus to mutinyx whose qualification shall
come into no true taste again but by the displanting of cassiox so
shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the means i shall
then have to prefer themx and the impediment most profitably removedx
without the which there were no expectation of our prosperityx

roderigox
i will do thisx if i can bring it to any opportunityx

iagox
i warrant theex meet me by and by at the citadelx i must fetch his
necessaries ashorex farewellx

roderigox
adieux

 xxexitxxx

iagox
that cassio loves herx i do well believe itx
that she loves himx xtis aptx and of great creditx
the moorx howbeit that i endure him notx
is of a constantx lovingx noble naturex
andx i dare thinkx hexll prove to desdemona
a most dear husbandx nowx i do love her toox
not out of absolute lust xthough peradventure
i stand accountant for as great a sinx
but partly led to diet my revengex
for that i do suspect the lusty moor
hath leapxd into my seatx the thought whereof
dothx like a poisonous mineralx gnaw my inwardsx
and nothing can or shall content my soul
till i am evenxd with himx wife for wifex
orx failing sox yet that i put the moor
at least into a jealousy so strong
that judgement cannot curex which thing to dox
if this poor trash of venicex whom i trash
for his quick huntingx stand the putting onx
ixll have our michael cassio on the hipx
abuse him to the moor in the rank garb
xfor i fear cassio with my nightxcap toox
make the moor thank mex love mex and reward me
for making him egregiously an ass
and practicing upon his peace and quiet
even to madnessx xtis herex but yet confusxdx
knaveryxs plain face is never seen till usxdx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix a streetx

 enter othelloxs herald with a proclamationx

heraldx
it is othelloxs pleasurex our noble and valiant generalx that upon
certain tidings now arrivedx importing the mere perdition of the
turkish fleetx every man put himself into triumphx some to dancex some
to make bonfiresx each man to what sport and revels his addition leads
himx for besides these beneficial newsx it is the celebration of his
nuptialx so much was his pleasure should be proclaimedx all offices are
openx and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of
five till the bell have told elevenx heaven bless the isle of cyprus
and our noble general othellox

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a hall in the castlex

 enter othellox desdemonax cassio and attendantsx

othellox
good michaelx look you to the guard tonightx
letxs teach ourselves that honourable stopx
not to outsport discretionx

cassiox
iago hath direction what to dox
but notwithstanding with my personal eye
will i look toxtx

othellox
iago is most honestx
michaelx good nightx tomorrow with your earliest
let me have speech with youx xxto desdemonaxxx comex my dear lovex
the purchase madex the fruits are to ensuex
that profitxs yet to come xtween me and youxx
good nightx

 xxexeunt othellox desdemona and attendantsxxx

 enter iagox

cassiox
welcomex iagox we must to the watchx

iagox
not this hourx lieutenantx xtis not yet ten ox thx clockx our general
cast us thus early for the love of his desdemonax who let us not
therefore blamex he hath not yet made wanton the night with herx and
she is sport for jovex

cassiox
shexs a most exquisite ladyx

iagox
andx ixll warrant herx full of gamex

cassiox
indeedx she is a most fresh and delicate creaturex

iagox
what an eye she hasx methinks it sounds a parley to provocationx

cassiox
an inviting eyex and yet methinks right modestx

iagox
and when she speaksx is it not an alarm to lovex

cassiox
she is indeed perfectionx

iagox
wellx happiness to their sheetsx comex lieutenantx i have a stoup of
winex and here without are a brace of cyprus gallants that would fain
have a measure to the health of black othellox

cassiox
not tonightx good iagox i have very poor and unhappy brains for
drinkingx i could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of
entertainmentx

iagox
ox they are our friendsx but one cupx ixll drink for youx

cassiox
i have drunk but one cup tonightx and that was craftily qualified toox
and beholdx what innovation it makes herex i am unfortunate in the
infirmityx and dare not task my weakness with any morex

iagox
whatx manx xtis a night of revelsx the gallants desire itx

cassiox
where are theyx

iagox
here at the doorx i pray youx call them inx

cassiox
ixll doxtx but it dislikes mex

 xxexitxxx

iagox
if i can fasten but one cup upon himx
with that which he hath drunk tonight alreadyx
hexll be as full of quarrel and offence
as my young mistressx dogx now my sick fool roderigox
whom love hath turnxd almost the wrong side outx
to desdemona hath tonight carousxd
potations pottlexdeepx and hexs to watchx
three lads of cyprusx noble swelling spiritsx
that hold their honours in a wary distancex
the very elements of this warlike islex
have i tonight flusterxd with flowing cupsx
and they watch toox nowx xmongst this flock of drunkardsx
am i to put our cassio in some action
that may offend the islex but here they comex
if consequence do but approve my dreamx
my boat sails freelyx both with wind and streamx

 enter cassiox montano and gentlemenx followed by servant with winex

cassiox
xfore godx they have given me a rouse alreadyx

montanox
good faithx a little onex not past a pintx as i am a soldierx

iagox
some winex hox
xxsingsxxx

    xand let me the cannikin clinkx clinkx
    and let me the cannikin clinkx clinkx
        a soldierxs a manx
        ox manxs lifexs but a spanx
    why then let a soldier drinkxx

some winex boysx

cassiox
xfore godx an excellent songx

iagox
i learned it in englandx where indeed they are most potent in pottingx
your danex your germanx and your swagxbellied hollanderxxdrinkx hoxxare
nothing to your englishx

cassiox
is your englishman so expert in his drinkingx

iagox
whyx he drinks youx with facilityx your dane dead drunkx he sweats not
to overthrow your almainx he gives your hollander a vomit ere the next
pottle can be filledx

cassiox
to the health of our generalx

montanox
i am for itx lieutenantx and ixll do you justicex

iagox
o sweet englandx

xxsingsxxx

    xking stephen was a worthy peerx
        his breeches cost him but a crownx
    he held them sixpence all too dearx
        with that he callxd the tailor lownx
    he was a wight of high renownx
        and thou art but of low degreex
    xtis pride that pulls the country downx
        then take thine auld cloak about theexx

some winex hox

cassiox
xfore godx this is a more exquisite song than the otherx

iagox
will you hear xt againx

cassiox
nox for i hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those thingsx
wellx godxs above allx and there be souls must be savedx and there be
souls must not be savedx

iagox
itxs truex good lieutenantx

cassiox
for mine own partx no offence to the generalx nor any man of qualityx i
hope to be savedx

iagox
and so do i toox lieutenantx

cassiox
ayx butx by your leavex not before mex the lieutenant is to be saved
before the ancientx letxs have no more of thisx letxs to our affairsx
forgive us our sinsx gentlemenx letxs look to our businessx do not
thinkx gentlemenx i am drunkx this is my ancientx this is my right
handx and this is my leftx i am not drunk nowx i can stand well enoughx
and i speak well enoughx

allx
excellent wellx

cassiox
whyx very well thenx you must not thinkx thenx that i am drunkx

 xxexitxxx

montanox
to the platformx mastersx comex letxs set the watchx

iagox
you see this fellow that is gone beforex
he is a soldier fit to stand by cxsar
and give directionx and do but see his vicex
xtis to his virtue a just equinoxx
the one as long as thx otherx xtis pity of himx
i fear the trust othello puts him inx
on some odd time of his infirmityx
will shake this islandx

montanox
but is he often thusx

iagox
xtis evermore the prologue to his sleepx
hexll watch the horologe a double set
if drink rock not his cradlex

montanox
it were well
the general were put in mind of itx
perhaps he sees it notx or his good nature
prizes the virtue that appears in cassiox
and looks not on his evilsx is not this truex

 enter roderigox

iagox
xxaside to himxxx how nowx roderigox
i pray youx after the lieutenantx gox

 xxexit roderigoxxx

montanox
and xtis great pity that the noble moor
should hazard such a place as his own second
with one of an ingraft infirmityx
it were an honest action to say so
to the moorx

iagox
not ix for this fair islandx
i do love cassio well and would do much
to cure him of this evilx butx harkx what noisex

xxcry withinxx xhelpx helpxxx

 enter cassiox driving in roderigox

cassiox
zoundsx you roguex you rascalx

montanox
whatxs the matterx lieutenantx

cassiox
a knave teach me my dutyx ixll beat the knave into a twiggen bottlex

roderigox
beat mex

cassiox
dost thou pratex roguex

 xxstriking roderigoxxx

montanox
nayx good lieutenantx
i pray youx sirx hold your handx

cassiox
let me gox sirx
or ixll knock you oxer the mazardx

montanox
comex comex youxre drunkx

cassiox
drunkx

 xxthey fightxxx

iagox
xxaside to roderigoxxx awayx i sayx go out and cry a mutinyx

 xxexit roderigoxxx

nayx good lieutenantx godxs willx gentlemenx
helpx hoxxlieutenantxxsirxxmontanoxxsirxx
helpx mastersx herexs a goodly watch indeedx

 xxa bell ringsxxx

whoxs that which rings the bellxxdiablox hox
the town will risex godxs willx lieutenantx holdx
you will be shamxd foreverx

 enter othello and attendantsx

othellox
what is the matter herex

montanox
zoundsx i bleed stillx i am hurt to the deathx

othellox
holdx for your livesx

iagox
holdx hox lieutenantxxsirxxmontanoxxgentlemenxx
have you forgot all  place of sense and dutyx
holdx the general speaks to youx holdx holdx for shamex

othellox
whyx how nowx hox from whence ariseth thisx
are we turnxd turksx and to ourselves do that
which heaven hath forbid the ottomitesx
for christian shamex put by this barbarous brawlx
he that stirs next to carve for his own rage
holds his soul lightx he dies upon his motionx
silence that dreadful bellx it frights the isle
from her proprietyx what is the matterx mastersx
honest iagox that looks dead with grievingx
speakx who began thisx on thy lovex i charge theex

iagox
i do not knowx friends all but nowx even nowx
in quarterx and in terms like bride and groom
devesting them for bedx and thenx but nowx
as if some planet had unwitted menx
swords outx and tilting one at otherxs breastx
in opposition bloodyx i cannot speak
any beginning to this peevish oddsx
and would in action glorious i had lost
those legs that brought me to a part of itx

othellox
how comes itx michaelx you are thus forgotx

cassiox
i pray youx pardon mex i cannot speakx

othellox
worthy montanox you were wont be civilx
the gravity and stillness of your youth
the world hath notedx and your name is great
in mouths of wisest censurex whatxs the matterx
that you unlace your reputation thusx
and spend your rich opinion for the name
of a nightxbrawlerx give me answer to itx

montanox
worthy othellox i am hurt to dangerx
your officerx iagox can inform youx
while i spare speechx which something now offends mex
of all that i do knowx nor know i aught
by me thatxs said or done amiss this nightx
unless selfxcharity be sometimes a vicex
and to defend ourselves it be a sin
when violence assails usx

othellox
nowx by heavenx
my blood begins my safer guides to rulex
and passionx having my best judgement colliedx
assays to lead the wayx zoundsx if i stirx
or do but lift this armx the best of you
shall sink in my rebukex give me to know
how this foul rout beganx who set it onx
and he that is approvxd in this offencex
though he had twinnxd with mex both at a birthx
shall lose mex whatx in a town of warx
yet wildx the peoplexs hearts brimful of fearx
to manage private and domestic quarrelx
in nightx and on the court and guard of safetyx
xtis monstrousx iagox who beganxtx

montanox
if partially affinxdx or leaguxd in officex
thou dost deliver more or less than truthx
thou art no soldierx

iagox
touch me not so nearx
i had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
than it should do offence to michael cassiox
yet i persuade myselfx to speak the truth
shall nothing wrong himx thus it isx generalx
montano and myself being in speechx
there comes a fellow crying out for helpx
and cassio following him with determinxd swordx
to execute upon himx sirx this gentleman
steps in to cassio and entreats his pausex
myself the crying fellow did pursuex
lest by his clamour xas it so fell outx
the town might fall in frightx hex swift of footx
outran my purposex and i returnxd the rather
for that i heard the clink and fall of swordsx
and cassio high in oathx which till tonight
i nexer might say beforex when i came backx
xfor this was briefx i found them close togetherx
at blow and thrustx even as again they were
when you yourself did part themx
more of this matter cannot i reportx
but men are menx the best sometimes forgetx
though cassio did some little wrong to himx
as men in rage strike those that wish them bestx
yet surely cassiox i believex receivxd
from him that fled some strange indignityx
which patience could not passx

othellox
i knowx iagox
thy honesty and love doth mince this matterx
making it light to cassiox cassiox i love theex
but never more be officer of minex

 enter desdemonax attendedx

lookx if my gentle love be not raisxd upx
ixll make thee an examplex

desdemonax
whatxs the matterx

othellox
allxs well nowx sweetingx come away to bedx
sirx for your hurtsx myself will be your surgeonx
lead him offx

 xxmontano is led offxxx

iagox look with care about the townx
and silence those whom this vile brawl distractedx
comex desdemonax xtis the soldiersx life
to have their balmy slumbers wakxd with strifex

 xxexeunt all but iago and cassioxxx

iagox
whatx are you hurtx lieutenantx

cassiox
ayx past all surgeryx

iagox
marryx heaven forbidx

cassiox
reputationx reputationx reputationx ox i have lost my reputationx i
have lost the immortal part of myselfx and what remains is bestialx my
reputationx iagox my reputationx

iagox
as i am an honest manx i thought you had received some bodily woundx
there is more sense in that than in reputationx reputation is an idle
and most false impositionx oft got without merit and lost without
deservingx you have lost no reputation at allx unless you repute
yourself such a loserx whatx manx there are ways to recover the general
againx you are but now cast in his moodx a punishment more in policy
than in malicex even so as one would beat his offenceless dog to
affright an imperious lionx sue to him againx and hexs yoursx

cassiox
i will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander
with so slightx so drunkenx and so indiscreet an officerx drunkx and
speak parrotx and squabblex swaggerx swearx and discourse fustian with
onexs own shadowx o thou invisible spirit of winex if thou hast no name
to be known byx let us call thee devilx

iagox
what was he that you followed with your swordx what had he done to youx

cassiox
i know notx

iagox
isxt possiblex

cassiox
i remember a mass of thingsx but nothing distinctlyx a quarrelx but
nothing whereforex o godx that men should put an enemy in their mouths
to steal away their brainsx that we should with joyx pleasancex revelx
and applausex transform ourselves into beastsx

iagox
whyx but you are now well enoughx how came you thus recoveredx

cassiox
it hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrathx
one unperfectness shows me anotherx to make me frankly despise myselfx

iagox
comex you are too severe a moralerx as the timex the placex and the
condition of this country standsx i could heartily wish this had not
befallenx but since it is as it isx mend it for your own goodx

cassiox
i will ask him for my place againx he shall tell me i am a drunkardx
had i as many mouths as hydrax such an answer would stop them allx to
be now a sensible manx by and by a foolx and presently a beastx o
strangex every inordinate cup is unblessxdx and the ingredient is a
devilx

iagox
comex comex good wine is a good familiar creaturex if it be well usedx
exclaim no more against itx andx good lieutenantx i think you think i
love youx

cassiox
i have well approved itx sirxxi drunkx

iagox
youx or any man livingx may be drunk at a timex manx ixll tell you what
you shall dox our generalxs wife is now the generalx i may say so in
this respectx for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the
contemplationx markx and denotement of her parts and gracesx confess
yourself freely to herx importune her help to put you in your place
againx she is of so freex so kindx so aptx so blessed a dispositionx
she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is
requestedx this broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to
splinterx andx my fortunes against any lay worth namingx this crack of
your love shall grow stronger than it was beforex

cassiox
you advise me wellx

iagox
i protestx in the sincerity of love and honest kindnessx

cassiox
i think it freelyx and betimes in the morning i will beseech the
virtuous desdemona to undertake for mex i am desperate of my fortunes
if they check me herex

iagox
you are in the rightx good nightx lieutenantx i must to the watchx

cassiox
good nightx honest iagox

 xxexitxxx

iagox
and whatxs he thenx that says i play the villainx
when this advice is free i give and honestx
probal to thinkingx and indeed the course
to win the moor againx for xtis most easy
the inclining desdemona to subdue
in any honest suitx shexs framxd as fruitful
as the free elementsx and then for her
to win the moorx werext to renounce his baptismx
all seals and symbols of redeemed sinx
his soul is so enfetterxd to her love
that she may makex unmakex do what she listx
even as her appetite shall play the god
with his weak functionx how am i thenx a villain
to counsel cassio to this parallel coursex
directly to his goodx divinity of hellx
when devils will the blackest sins put onx
they do suggest at first with heavenly showsx
as i do nowx for whiles this honest fool
plies desdemona to repair his fortunex
and she for him pleads strongly to the moorx
ixll pour this pestilence into his earx
that she repeals him for her bodyxs lustx
and by how much she strives to do him goodx
she shall undo her credit with the moorx
so will i turn her virtue into pitchx
and out of her own goodness make the net
that shall enmesh them allx

 enter roderigox

how nowx roderigox

roderigox
i do follow here in the chasex not like a hound that huntsx but one
that fills up the cryx my money is almost spentx i have been tonight
exceedingly well cudgelledx and i think the issue will bex i shall have
so much experience for my painsx and sox with no money at all and a
little more witx return again to venicex

iagox
how poor are they that have not patiencex
what wound did ever heal but by degreesx
thou knowxst we work by witx and not by witchcraftx
and wit depends on dilatory timex
doesxt not go wellx cassio hath beaten theex
and thoux by that small hurtx hast cashierxd cassiox
though other things grow fair against the sunx
yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripex
content thyself awhilex by the massx xtis morningx
pleasure and action make the hours seem shortx
retire theex go where thou art billetedx
awayx i sayx thou shalt know more hereafterx
nayx get thee gonex

 xxexit roderigoxxx

two things are to be donex
my wife must move for cassio to her mistressx
ixll set her onx
myself the while to draw the moor apartx
and bring him jump when he may cassio find
soliciting his wifex ayx thatxs the wayx
dull not device by coldness and delayx

 xxexitxxx



act iii

scene ix cyprusx before the castlex

 enter cassio and some musiciansx

cassiox
mastersx play herex i will content your painsx
something thatxs briefx and bid xgood morrowx generalxx

 xxmusicxxx

 enter clownx

clownx
whyx mastersx have your instruments been in naplesx that they speak ix
the nose thusx

first musicianx
howx sirx howx

clownx
are thesex i pray youx wind instrumentsx

first musicianx
ayx marryx are theyx sirx

clownx
ox thereby hangs a tailx

first musicianx
whereby hangs a talex sirx

clownx
marryx sirx by many a wind instrument that i knowx butx mastersx herexs
money for youx and the general so likes your musicx that he desires
youx for lovexs sakex to make no more noise with itx

first musicianx
wellx sirx we will notx

clownx
if you have any music that may not be heardx toxt againx butx as they
sayx to hear music the general does not greatly carex

first musicianx
we have none suchx sirx

clownx
then put up your pipes in your bagx for ixll awayx gox vanish into airx
awayx

 xxexeunt musiciansxxx

cassiox
dost thou hearx mine honest friendx

clownx
nox i hear not your honest friendx i hear youx

cassiox
pritheex keep up thy quilletsx therexs a poor piece of gold for theex
if the gentlewoman that attends the generalxs wife be stirringx tell
her therexs one cassio entreats her a little favour of speechx wilt
thou do thisx

clownx
she is stirringx sirx if she will stir hitherx i shall seem to notify
unto herx

cassiox
dox good my friendx

 xxexit clownxxx

 enter iagox

in happy timex iagox

iagox
you have not been axbedx thenx

cassiox
whyx nox the day had broke
before we partedx i have made boldx iagox
to send in to your wifex my suit to her
isx that she will to virtuous desdemona
procure me some accessx

iagox
ixll send her to you presentlyx
and ixll devise a mean to draw the moor
out of the wayx that your converse and business
may be more freex

cassiox
i humbly thank you forxtx

 xxexit iagoxxx

i never knew
a florentine more kind and honestx

 enter emiliax

emiliax
good morrowx good lieutenantx i am sorry
for your displeasurex but all will sure be wellx
the general and his wife are talking of itx
and she speaks for you stoutlyx the moor replies
that he you hurt is of great fame in cyprus
and great affinityx and that in wholesome wisdom
he might not but refuse youx but he protests he loves you
and needs no other suitor but his likings
to take the safest occasion by the front
to bring you in againx

cassiox
yetx i beseech youx
if you think fitx or that it may be donex
give me advantage of some brief discourse
with desdemona alonex

emiliax
pray youx come inx
i will bestow you where you shall have time
to speak your bosom freelyx

cassiox
i am much bound to youx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix cyprusx a room in the castlex

 enter othellox iago and gentlemenx

othellox
these letters givex iagox to the pilotx
and by him do my duties to the senatex
that donex i will be walking on the worksx
repair there to mex

iagox
wellx my good lordx ixll doxtx

othellox
this fortificationx gentlemenx shall we seextx

gentlemenx
wexll wait upon your lordshipx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix cyprusx the garden of the castlex

 enter desdemonax cassio and emiliax

desdemonax
be thou assuredx good cassiox i will do
all my abilities in thy behalfx

emiliax
good madamx dox i warrant it grieves my husband
as if the cause were hisx

desdemonax
ox thatxs an honest fellowx do not doubtx cassiox
but i will have my lord and you again
as friendly as you werex

cassiox
bounteous madamx
whatever shall become of michael cassiox
hexs never anything but your true servantx

desdemonax
i knowxtx i thank youx you do love my lordx
you have known him longx and be you well assurxd
he shall in strangeness stand no farther off
than in a politic distancex

cassiox
ayx butx ladyx
that policy may either last so longx
or feed upon such nice and waterish dietx
or breed itself so out of circumstancex
thatx i being absentx and my place suppliedx
my general will forget my love and servicex

desdemonax
do not doubt thatx before emilia here
i give thee warrant of thy placex assure theex
if i do vow a friendshipx ixll perform it
to the last articlex my lord shall never restx
ixll watch him tamex and talk him out of patiencex
his bed shall seem a schoolx his board a shriftx
ixll intermingle everything he does
with cassioxs suitx therefore be merryx cassiox
for thy solicitor shall rather die
than give thy cause awayx

 enter othello and iagox

emiliax
madamx here comes my lordx

cassiox
madamx ixll take my leavex

desdemonax
whyx stayx and hear me speakx

cassiox
madamx not nowx i am very ill at easex
unfit for mine own purposesx

desdemonax
wellx do your discretionx

 xxexit cassioxxx

iagox
hax i like not thatx

othellox
what dost thou sayx

iagox
nothingx my lordx or ifxi know not whatx

othellox
was not that cassio parted from my wifex

iagox
cassiox my lordx nox surex i cannot think itx
that he would steal away so guiltyxlikex
seeing you comingx

othellox
i do believe xtwas hex

desdemonax
how nowx my lordx
i have been talking with a suitor herex
a man that languishes in your displeasurex

othellox
who isxt you meanx

desdemonax
whyx your lieutenantx cassiox good my lordx
if i have any grace or power to move youx
his present reconciliation takex
for if he be not one that truly loves youx
that errs in ignorance and not in cunningx
i have no judgement in an honest facex
i prithee call him backx

othellox
went he hence nowx

desdemonax
ayx soothx so humbled
that he hath left part of his grief with me
to suffer with himx good lovex call him backx

othellox
not nowx sweet desdemonx some other timex

desdemonax
but shallxt be shortlyx

othellox
the soonerx sweetx for youx

desdemonax
shallxt be tonight at supperx

othellox
nox not tonightx

desdemonax
tomorrow dinner thenx

othellox
i shall not dine at homex
i meet the captains at the citadelx

desdemonax
why then tomorrow nightx or tuesday mornx
on tuesday noonx or nightx on wednesday mornx
i prithee name the timex but let it not
exceed three daysx in faithx hexs penitentx
and yet his trespassx in our common reasonx
xsave thatx they sayx the wars must make examples
out of their bestx is not almost a fault
to incur a private checkx when shall he comex
tell mex othellox i wonder in my soulx
what you would ask mex that i should denyx
or stand so mammering onx whatx michael cassiox
that came axwooing with youx and so many a timex
when i have spoke of you dispraisinglyx
hath taxen your partx to have so much to do
to bring him inx trust mex i could do muchx

othellox
prithee no morex let him come when he willx
i will deny thee nothingx

desdemonax
whyx this is not a boonx
xtis as i should entreat you wear your glovesx
or feed on nourishing dishesx or keep you warmx
or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
to your own personx nayx when i have a suit
wherein i mean to touch your love indeedx
it shall be full of poise and difficult weightx
and fearful to be grantedx

othellox
i will deny thee nothingx
whereonx i do beseech theex grant me thisx
to leave me but a little to myselfx

desdemonax
shall i deny youx nox farewellx my lordx

othellox
farewellx my desdemonax ixll come to thee straightx

desdemonax
emiliax comex be as your fancies teach youx
whatexer you bex i am obedientx

 xxexit with emiliaxxx

othellox
excellent wretchx perdition catch my soulx
but i do love theex and when i love thee notx
chaos is come againx

iagox
my noble lordxx

othellox
what dost thou sayx iagox

iagox
did michael cassiox when you wooxd my ladyx
know of your lovex

othellox
he didx from first to lastx why dost thou askx

iagox
but for a satisfaction of my thoughtx
no further harmx

othellox
why of thy thoughtx iagox

iagox
i did not think he had been acquainted with herx

othellox
o yesx and went between us very oftx

iagox
indeedx

othellox
indeedx ayx indeedx discernxst thou aught in thatx
is he not honestx

iagox
honestx my lordx

othellox
honestx ayx honestx

iagox
my lordx for aught i knowx

othellox
what dost thou thinkx

iagox
thinkx my lordx

othellox
thinkx my lordx by heavenx he echoes mex
as if there were some monster in his thought
too hideous to be shownx thou dost mean somethingx
i heard thee say even nowx thou likxst not thatx
when cassio left my wifex what didst not likex
and when i told thee he was of my counsel
in my whole course of wooingx thou criedstx xindeedxx
and didst contract and purse thy brow togetherx
as if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
some horrible conceitx if thou dost love mex
show me thy thoughtx

iagox
my lordx you know i love youx

othellox
i think thou dostx
and for i know thouxrt full of love and honesty
and weighxst thy words before thou givxst them breathx
therefore these stops of thine fright me the morex
for such things in a false disloyal knave
are tricks of customx but in a man thatxs justx
theyxre close dilationsx working from the heartx
that passion cannot rulex

iagox
for michael cassiox
i dare be sworn i think that he is honestx

othellox
i think so toox

iagox
men should be what they seemx
or those that be notx would they might seem nonex

othellox
certainx men should be what they seemx

iagox
why thenx i think cassioxs an honest manx

othellox
nayx yet therexs more in thisx
i pritheex speak to me as to thy thinkingsx
as thou dost ruminatex and give thy worst of thoughts
the worst of wordsx

iagox
good my lordx pardon mex
though i am bound to every act of dutyx
i am not bound to that all slaves are free tox
utter my thoughtsx whyx say they are vile and falsex
as wherexs that palace whereinto foul things
sometimes intrude notx who has a breast so pure
but some uncleanly apprehensions
keep leets and lawxdaysx and in session sit
with meditations lawfulx

othellox
thou dost conspire against thy friendx iagox
if thou but thinkxst him wrongxd and makxst his ear
a stranger to thy thoughtsx

iagox
i do beseech youx
though i perchance am vicious in my guessx
asx i confessx it is my naturexs plague
to spy into abusesx and of my jealousy
shapes faults that are notxxthat your wisdom
from one that so imperfectly conceitsx
would take no noticex nor build yourself a trouble
out of his scattering and unsure observancex
it were not for your quiet nor your goodx
nor for my manhoodx honestyx or wisdomx
to let you know my thoughtsx

othellox
what dost thou meanx

iagox
good name in man and womanx dear my lordx
is the immediate jewel of their soulsx
who steals my purse steals trashx xtis somethingx nothingx
xtwas minex xtis hisx and has been slave to thousandsx
but he that filches from me my good name
robs me of that which not enriches him
and makes me poor indeedx

othellox
by heavenx ixll know thy thoughtsx

iagox
you cannotx if my heart were in your handx
nor shall notx whilst xtis in my custodyx

othellox
hax

iagox
ox bewarex my lordx of jealousyx
it is the greenxeyxd monster which doth mock
the meat it feeds onx that cuckold lives in bliss
whox certain of his fatex loves not his wrongerx
but ox what damned minutes tells he oxer
who dotesx yet doubtsx suspectsx yet strongly lovesx

othellox
o miseryx

iagox
poor and content is richx and rich enoughx
but riches fineless is as poor as winter
to him that ever fears he shall be poorx
good heavenx the souls of all my tribe defend
from jealousyx

othellox
whyx why is thisx
thinkxst thou ixd make a life of jealousyx
to follow still the changes of the moon
with fresh suspicionsx nox to be once in doubt
is once to be resolvxdx exchange me for a goat
when i shall turn the business of my soul
to such exsufflicate and blown surmisesx
matching thy inferencex xtis not to make me jealousx
to say my wife is fairx feeds wellx loves companyx
is free of speechx singsx playsx and dances wellx
where virtue isx these are more virtuousx
nor from mine own weak merits will i draw
the smallest fear or doubt of her revoltx
for she had eyesx and chose mex nox iagox
ixll see before i doubtx when i doubtx provex
and on the proofx there is no more but thisx
away at once with love or jealousyx

iagox
i am glad of itx for now i shall have reason
to show the love and duty that i bear you
with franker spiritx thereforex as i am boundx
receive it from mex i speak not yet of proofx
look to your wifex observe her well with cassiox
wear your eye thusx not jealous nor securex
i would not have your free and noble naturex
out of selfxbountyx be abusxdx look toxtx
i know our country disposition wellx
in venice they do let heaven see the pranks
they dare not show their husbandsx their best conscience
is not to leave undonex but keep unknownx

othellox
dost thou say sox

iagox
she did deceive her fatherx marrying youx
and when she seemxd to shake and fear your looksx
she loved them mostx

othellox
and so she didx

iagox
whyx go to thenx
she that so young could give out such a seemingx
to seal her fatherxs eyes up close as oakx
he thought xtwas witchcraftx but i am much to blamex
i humbly do beseech you of your pardon
for too much loving youx

othellox
i am bound to thee for everx

iagox
i see this hath a little dashxd your spiritsx

othellox
not a jotx not a jotx

iagox
trust mex i fear it hasx
i hope you will consider what is spoke
comes from my lovex but i do see youxre movxdx
i am to pray you not to strain my speech
to grosser issues nor to larger reach
than to suspicionx

othellox
i will notx

iagox
should you do sox my lordx
my speech should fall into such vile success
which my thoughts aimxd notx cassioxs my worthy friendx
my lordx i see youxre movxdx

othellox
nox not much movxdx
i do not think but desdemonaxs honestx

iagox
long live she sox and long live you to think sox

othellox
and yetx how nature erring from itselfx

iagox
ayx therexs the pointx asx to be bold with youx
not to affect many proposed matchesx
of her own climex complexionx and degreex
whereto we see in all things nature tendsx
fohx one may smell in such a will most rankx
foul disproportionx thoughts unnaturalx
but pardon mex i do not in position
distinctly speak of herx though i may fear
her willx recoiling to her better judgementx
may fall to match you with her country formsx
and happily repentx

othellox
farewellx farewellx
if more thou dost perceivex let me know morex
set on thy wife to observex leave mex iagox

iagox
xxgoingxxx my lordx i take my leavex

othellox
why did i marryx this honest creature doubtless
sees and knows morex much morex than he unfoldsx

iagox
xxreturningxxx my lordx i would i might entreat your honour
to scan this thing no furtherx leave it to timex
though it be fit that cassio have his placex
for sure he fills it up with great abilityx
yet if you please to hold him off awhilex
you shall by that perceive him and his meansx
note if your lady strain his entertainment
with any strong or vehement importunityx
much will be seen in thatx in the meantimex
let me be thought too busy in my fears
xas worthy cause i have to fear i amx
and hold her freex i do beseech your honourx

othellox
fear not my governmentx

iagox
i once more take my leavex

 xxexitxxx

othellox
this fellowxs of exceeding honestyx
and knows all qualitiesx with a learned spiritx
of human dealingsx if i do prove her haggardx
though that her jesses were my dear heartstringsx
ixd whistle her offx and let her down the wind
to prey at fortunex haplyx for i am blackx
and have not those soft parts of conversation
that chamberers havex or for i am declinxd
into the vale of yearsxxyet thatxs not muchx
shexs gonex i am abusxdx and my relief
must be to loathe herx o curse of marriagex
that we can call these delicate creatures oursx
and not their appetitesx i had rather be a toadx
and live upon the vapour of a dungeonx
than keep a corner in the thing i love
for othersx usesx yetx xtis the plague of great onesx
prerogativxd are they less than the basex
xtis destiny unshunnablex like deathx
even then this forked plague is fated to us
when we do quickenx desdemona comesx
if she be falsex ox then heaven mocks itselfx
ixll not believextx

 enter desdemona and emiliax

desdemonax
how nowx my dear othellox
your dinnerx and the generous islanders
by you invitedx do attend your presencex

othellox
i am to blamex

desdemonax
why do you speak so faintlyx
are you not wellx

othellox
i have a pain upon my forehead herex

desdemonax
faithx thatxs with watchingx xtwill away againx
let me but bind it hardx within this hour
it will be wellx

othellox
your napkin is too littlex

 xxhe puts the handkerchief from himx and she drops itxxx

let it alonex comex ixll go in with youx

desdemonax
i am very sorry that you are not wellx

 xxexeunt othello and desdemonaxxx

emiliax
i am glad i have found this napkinx
this was her first remembrance from the moorx
my wayward husband hath a hundred times
wooxd me to steal itx but she so loves the tokenx
for he conjurxd her she should ever keep itx
that she reserves it evermore about her
to kiss and talk tox ixll have the work taxen outx
and givext iagox what he will do with it
heaven knowsx not ix
i nothing but to please his fantasyx

 enter iagox

iagox
how nowx what do you here alonex

emiliax
do not you chidex i have a thing for youx

iagox
a thing for mex it is a common thingx

emiliax
hax

iagox
to have a foolish wifex

emiliax
ox is that allx what will you give me now
for that same handkerchiefx

iagox
what handkerchiefx

emiliax
what handkerchiefx
whyx that the moor first gave to desdemonax
that which so often you did bid me stealx

iagox
hast stolxn it from herx

emiliax
nox faithx she let it drop by negligencex
andx to the advantagex i being herex took xt upx
lookx here it isx

iagox
a good wenchx give it mex

emiliax
what will you do withxtx that you have been so earnest
to have me filch itx

iagox
xxsnatching itxxx whyx whatxs that to youx

emiliax
if it be not for some purpose of importx
give xt me againx poor ladyx shexll run mad
when she shall lack itx

iagox
be not acknown onxtx i have use for itx
gox leave mex

 xxexit emiliaxxx

i will in cassioxs lodging lose this napkinx
and let him find itx trifles light as air
are to the jealous confirmations strong
as proofs of holy writx this may do somethingx
the moor already changes with my poisonx
dangerous conceits are in their natures poisonsx
which at the first are scarce found to distastex
but with a little act upon the blood
burn like the mines of sulphurx i did say sox

 enter othellox

lookx where he comesx not poppyx nor mandragorax
nor all the drowsy syrups of the worldx
shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
which thou owxdst yesterdayx

othellox
hax hax false to mex

iagox
whyx how nowx generalx no more of thatx

othellox
avauntx be gonex thou hast set me on the rackx
i swear xtis better to be much abusxd
than but to knowxt a littlex

iagox
how nowx my lordx

othellox
what sense had i of her stolxn hours of lustx
i sawxt notx thought it notx it harmxd not mex
i slept the next night wellx was free and merryx
i found not cassioxs kisses on her lipsx
he that is robbxdx not wanting what is stolxnx
let him not knowxtx and hexs not robbxd at allx

iagox
i am sorry to hear thisx

othellox
i had been happy if the general campx
pioners and allx had tasted her sweet bodyx
so i had nothing knownx ox nowx for ever
farewell the tranquil mindx farewell contentx
farewell the plumed troops and the big wars
that make ambition virtuex ox farewellx
farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trumpx
the spiritxstirring drumx the earxpiercing fifex
the royal bannerx and all qualityx
pridex pompx and circumstance of glorious warx
andx o you mortal enginesx whose rude throats
the immortal jovexs dread clamours counterfeitx
farewellx othelloxs occupationxs gonex

iagox
isxt possiblex my lordx

othellox
villainx be sure thou prove my love a whorex
be sure of itx give me the ocular proofx
orx by the worth of manxs eternal soulx
thou hadst been better have been born a dog
than answer my wakxd wrathx

iagox
isxt come to thisx

othellox
make me to seextx or at the least so prove itx
that the probation bear no hinge nor loop
to hang a doubt onx or woe upon thy lifex

iagox
my noble lordxx

othellox
if thou dost slander her and torture mex
never pray morex abandon all remorsex
on horrorxs head horrors accumulatex
do deeds to make heaven weepx all earth amazxdx
for nothing canst thou to damnation add
greater than thatx

iagox
o gracex o heaven defend mex
are you a manx have you a soul or sensex
god be wix youx take mine officexxo wretched foolx
that livxst to make thine honesty a vicex
o monstrous worldx take notex take notex o worldx
to be direct and honest is not safex
i thank you for this profitx and from hence
ixll love no friendx sith love breeds such offencex

othellox
nayx stayx thou shouldst be honestx

iagox
i should be wisex for honestyxs a foolx
and loses that it works forx

othellox
by the worldx
i think my wife be honestx and think she is notx
i think that thou art justx and think thou art notx
ixll have some proofx her namex that was as fresh
as dianxs visagex is now begrimxd and black
as mine own facex if there be cords or knivesx
poison or firex or suffocating streamsx
ixll not endure xtx would i were satisfiedx

iagox
i seex sirx you are eaten up with passionx
i do repent me that i put it to youx
you would be satisfiedx

othellox
wouldx nayx i willx

iagox
and mayx but howx how satisfiedx my lordx
would youx the supervisorx grossly gape onx
behold her toppxdx

othellox
death and damnationx ox

iagox
it were a tedious difficultyx i thinkx
to bring them to that prospectx damn them thenx
if ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
more than their ownx what thenx how thenx
what shall i sayx wherexs satisfactionx
it is impossible you should see thisx
were they as prime as goatsx as hot as monkeysx
as salt as wolves in pridex and fools as gross
as ignorance made drunkx but yet i sayx
if imputation and strong circumstancesx
which lead directly to the door of truthx
will give you satisfactionx you may havextx

othellox
give me a living reason shexs disloyalx

iagox
i do not like the officex
but sith i am enterxd in this cause so farx
prickxd to xt by foolish honesty and lovex
i will go onx i lay with cassio latelyx
and being troubled with a raging toothx
i could not sleepx
there are a kind of men so loose of soulx
that in their sleeps will mutter their affairsx
one of this kind is cassiox
in sleep i heard him sayx xsweet desdemonax
let us be waryx let us hide our lovesxx
and thenx sirx would he gripe and wring my handx
cry xo sweet creaturexx and then kiss me hardx
as if he pluckxd up kisses by the rootsx
that grew upon my lipsx then laid his leg
over my thighx and sighxd and kissxdx and then
cried xcursed fate that gave thee to the moorxx

othellox
o monstrousx monstrousx

iagox
nayx this was but his dreamx

othellox
but this denoted a foregone conclusionx
xtis a shrewd doubtx though it be but a dreamx

iagox
and this may help to thicken other proofs
that do demonstrate thinlyx

othellox
ixll tear her all to piecesx

iagox
nayx but be wisex yet we see nothing donex
she may be honest yetx tell me but thisx
have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
spotted with strawberries in your wifexs handx

othellox
i gave her such a onex xtwas my first giftx

iagox
i know not thatx but such a handkerchief
xi am sure it was your wifexsx did i today
see cassio wipe his beard withx

othellox
if it be thatxx

iagox
if it be thatx or any that was hersx
it speaks against her with the other proofsx

othellox
ox that the slave had forty thousand livesx
one is too poorx too weak for my revengex
now do i see xtis truex look herex iagox
all my fond love thus do i blow to heavenx
xtis gonex
arisex black vengeancex from thy hollow hellx
yield upx o lovex thy crown and hearted throne
to tyrannous hatex swellx bosomx with thy fraughtx
for xtis of aspicsx tonguesx

iagox
yet be contentx

othellox
ox bloodx iagox bloodx

iagox
patiencex i sayx your mind perhaps may changex

othellox
neverx iagox like to the pontic seax
whose icy current and compulsive course
nexer feels retiring ebbx but keeps due on
to the propontic and the hellespontx
even so my bloody thoughtsx with violent pace
shall nexer look backx nexer ebb to humble lovex
till that a capable and wide revenge
swallow them upx now by yond marble heavenx
in the due reverence of a sacred vow xxkneelsxxx
i here engage my wordsx

iagox
do not rise yetx xxkneelsxxx
witnessx you everxburning lights abovex
you elements that clip us round aboutx
witness that here iago doth give up
the execution of his witx handsx heartx
to wrongxd othelloxs servicex let him commandx
and to obey shall be in me remorsex
what bloody business everx

 xxthey risexxx

othellox
i greet thy lovex
not with vain thanksx but with acceptance bounteousx
and will upon the instant put thee to xtx
within these three days let me hear thee say
that cassioxs not alivex

iagox
my friend is deadx xtis done at your requestx
but let her livex

othellox
damn herx lewd minxx ox damn herx damn herx
comex go with me apartx i will withdraw
to furnish me with some swift means of death
for the fair devilx now art thou my lieutenantx

iagox
i am your own for everx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx cyprusx before the castlex

 enter desdemonax emilia and clownx

desdemonax
do you knowx sirrahx where lieutenant cassio liesx

clownx
i dare not say he lies anywherex

desdemonax
whyx manx

clownx
hexs a soldierx and for one to say a soldier lies is stabbingx

desdemonax
go tox where lodges hex

clownx
to tell you where he lodges is to tell you where i liex

desdemonax
can anything be made of thisx

clownx
i know not where he lodgesx and for me to devise a lodgingx and say he
lies herex or he lies therex were to lie in mine own throatx

desdemonax
can you inquire him outx and be edified by reportx

clownx
i will catechize the world for himx that isx make questions and by them
answerx

desdemonax
seek himx bid him come hitherx tell him i have moved my lord on his
behalfx and hope all will be wellx

clownx
to do this is within the compass of manxs witx and therefore i will
attempt the doing itx

 xxexitxxx

desdemonax
where should i lose that handkerchiefx emiliax

emiliax
i know notx madamx

desdemonax
believe mex i had rather have lost my purse
full of crusadoesx and but my noble moor
is true of mind and made of no such baseness
as jealous creatures arex it were enough
to put him to ill thinkingx

emiliax
is he not jealousx

desdemonax
whox hex i think the sun where he was born
drew all such humours from himx

emiliax
lookx where he comesx

 enter othellox

desdemonax
i will not leave him now till cassio
be callxd to himx how isxt with youx my lordx

othellox
wellx my good ladyx xxasidexxx ox hardness to dissemblex
how do youx desdemonax

desdemonax
wellx my good lordx

othellox
give me your handx this hand is moistx my ladyx

desdemonax
it yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrowx

othellox
this argues fruitfulness and liberal heartx
hotx hotx and moistx this hand of yours requires
a sequester from libertyx fasting and prayerx
much castigationx exercise devoutx
for herexs a young and sweating devil here
that commonly rebelsx xtis a good handx
a frank onex

desdemonax
you may indeed say sox
for xtwas that hand that gave away my heartx

othellox
a liberal handx the hearts of old gave handsx
but our new heraldry is handsx not heartsx

desdemonax
i cannot speak of thisx come nowx your promisex

othellox
what promisex chuckx

desdemonax
i have sent to bid cassio come speak with youx

othellox
i have a salt and sorry rheum offends mex
lend me thy handkerchiefx

desdemonax
herex my lordx

othellox
that which i gave youx

desdemonax
i have it not about mex

othellox
notx

desdemonax
nox faithx my lordx

othellox
that is a faultx that handkerchief
did an egyptian to my mother givex
she was a charmerx and could almost read
the thoughts of peoplex she told herx while she kept itx
xtwould make her amiable and subdue my father
entirely to her lovex but if she lost itx
or made a gift of itx my fatherxs eye
should hold her loathedx and his spirits should hunt
after new fanciesx shex dyingx gave it mex
and bid mex when my fate would have me wivex
to give it herx i did sox and take heed onxtx
make it a darling like your precious eyex
to losext or givext away were such perdition
as nothing else could matchx

desdemonax
isxt possiblex

othellox
xtis truex therexs magic in the web of itx
a sibylx that had numberxd in the world
the sun to course two hundred compassesx
in her prophetic fury sewxd the workx
the worms were hallowxd that did breed the silkx
and it was dyed in mummyx which the skillful
conservxd of maidenxs heartsx

desdemonax
indeedx isxt truex

othellox
most veritablex therefore look to xt wellx

desdemonax
then would to god that i had never seen xtx

othellox
hax whereforex

desdemonax
why do you speak so startingly and rashx

othellox
isxt lostx isxt gonex speakx is it out of the wayx

desdemonax
heaven bless usx

othellox
say youx

desdemonax
it is not lostx but what and if it werex

othellox
howx

desdemonax
i say it is not lostx

othellox
fetchxtx let me see xtx

desdemonax
whyx so i canx sirx but i will not nowx
this is a trick to put me from my suitx
pray youx let cassio be receivxd againx

othellox
fetch me the handkerchiefx my mind misgivesx

desdemonax
comex comex
youxll never meet a more sufficient manx

othellox
the handkerchiefx

desdemonax
i prayx talk me of cassiox

othellox
the handkerchiefx

desdemonax
a man that all his time
hath founded his good fortunes on your lovex
sharxd dangers with youxx

othellox
the handkerchiefx

desdemonax
in soothx you are to blamex

othellox
awayx

 xxexitxxx

emiliax
is not this man jealousx

desdemonax
i nexer saw this beforex
sure therexs some wonder in this handkerchiefx
i am most unhappy in the loss of itx

emiliax
xtis not a year or two shows us a manx
they are all but stomachs and we all but foodx
they eat us hungerlyx and when they are fullx
they belch usx

 enter cassio and iagox

look youx cassio and my husbandx

iagox
there is no other wayx xtis she must do xtx
andx lox the happinessx go and importune herx

desdemonax
how nowx good cassiox whatxs the news with youx

cassiox
madamx my former suitx i do beseech you
that by your virtuous means i may again
existx and be a member of his lovex
whom ix with all the office of my heartx
entirely honourx i would not be delayxdx
if my offence be of such mortal kind
that nor my service pastx nor present sorrowsx
nor purposxd merit in futurityx
can ransom me into his love againx
but to know so must be my benefitx
so shall i clothe me in a forcxd contentx
and shut myself up in some other course
to fortunexs almsx

desdemonax
alasx thricexgentle cassiox
my advocation is not now in tunex
my lord is not my lordx nor should i know him
were he in favour as in humour alterxdx
so help me every spirit sanctifiedx
as i have spoken for you all my bestx
and stood within the blank of his displeasure
for my free speechx you must awhile be patientx
what i can do i willx and more i will
than for myself i darex let that suffice youx

iagox
is my lord angryx

emiliax
he went hence but nowx
and certainly in strange unquietnessx

iagox
can he be angryx i have seen the cannonx
when it hath blown his ranks into the air
andx like the devilx from his very arm
puffxd his own brotherx and can he be angryx
something of moment thenx i will go meet himx
therexs matter inxt indeed if he be angryx

desdemonax
i prithee do sox

 xxexit iagoxxx

something sure of statex
either from venicex or some unhatchxd practice
made demonstrable here in cyprus to himx
hath puddled his clear spiritx and in such cases
menxs natures wrangle with inferior thingsx
though great ones are their objectx xtis even sox
for let our finger achex and it indues
our other healthful members even to that sense
of painx nayx we must think men are not godsx
nor of them look for such observancy
as fits the bridalx beshrew me muchx emiliax
i was xunhandsome warrior as i amx
arraigning his unkindness with my soulx
but now i find i had subornxd the witnessx
and hexs indicted falselyx

emiliax
pray heaven it be state mattersx as you thinkx
and no conception nor no jealous toy
concerning youx

desdemonax
alas the dayx i never gave him causex

emiliax
but jealous souls will not be answerxd sox
they are not ever jealous for the causex
but jealous for they are jealousx xtis a monster
begot upon itselfx born on itselfx

desdemonax
heaven keep that monster from othelloxs mindx

emiliax
ladyx amenx

desdemonax
i will go seek himx cassiox walk hereaboutx
if i do find him fitx ixll move your suitx
and seek to effect it to my uttermostx

cassiox
i humbly thank your ladyshipx

 xxexeunt desdemona and emiliaxxx

 enter biancax

biancax
save youx friend cassiox

cassiox
what make you from homex
how is it with youx my most fair biancax
ix faithx sweet lovex i was coming to your housex

biancax
and i was going to your lodgingx cassiox
whatx keep a week awayx seven days and nightsx
eight score eight hoursx and loversx absent hoursx
more tedious than the dial eight score timesx
o weary reckoningx

cassiox
pardon mex biancax
i have this while with leaden thoughts been pressxdx
but i shall in a more continuate time
strike off this score of absencex sweet biancax

 xxgiving her desdemonaxs handkerchiefxxx

take me this work outx

biancax
o cassiox whence came thisx
this is some token from a newer friendx
to the felt absence now i feel a causex
isxt come to thisx wellx wellx

cassiox
go tox womanx
throw your vile guesses in the devilxs teethx
from whence you have themx you are jealous now
that this is from some mistressx some remembrancex
nox in good trothx biancax

biancax
whyx whose is itx

cassiox
i know not neitherx i found it in my chamberx
i like the work wellx ere it be demandedx
as like enough it willx ixd have it copiedx
take itx and do xtx and leave me for this timex

biancax
leave youx whereforex

cassiox
i do attend here on the generalx
and think it no additionx nor my wishx
to have him see me womanxdx

biancax
whyx i pray youx

cassiox
not that i love you notx

biancax
but that you do not love mex
i pray you bring me on the way a littlex
and say if i shall see you soon at nightx

cassiox
xtis but a little way that i can bring youx
for i attend herex but ixll see you soonx

biancax
xtis very goodx i must be circumstancxdx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix cyprusx before the castlex

 enter othello and iagox

iagox
will you think sox

othellox
think sox iagox

iagox
whatx
to kiss in privatex

othellox
an unauthorizxd kissx

iagox
or to be naked with her friend in bed
an hour or morex not meaning any harmx

othellox
naked in bedx iagox and not mean harmx
it is hypocrisy against the devilx
they that mean virtuously and yet do sox
the devil their virtue temptsx and they tempt heavenx

iagox
so they do nothingx xtis a venial slipx
but if i give my wife a handkerchiefx

othellox
what thenx

iagox
why thenx xtis hersx my lordx and being hersx
she mayx i thinkx bestowxt on any manx

othellox
she is protectress of her honour toox
may she give thatx

iagox
her honour is an essence thatxs not seenx
they have it very oft that have it notx
but for the handkerchiefx

othellox
by heavenx i would most gladly have forgot itx
thou saidxst xox it comes oxer my memoryx
as doth the raven oxer the infected housex
boding to allx he had my handkerchiefx

iagox
ayx what of thatx

othellox
thatxs not so good nowx

iagox
what
if i had said i had seen him do you wrongx
or heard him say xas knaves be such abroadx
who havingx by their own importunate suitx
or voluntary dotage of some mistressx
convinced or supplied themx cannot choose
but they must blabxx

othellox
hath he said anythingx

iagox
he hathx my lordx but be you well assurxdx
no more than hexll unswearx

othellox
what hath he saidx

iagox
faithx that he didxi know not what he didx

othellox
whatx whatx

iagox
liex

othellox
with herx

iagox
with herx on herx what you willx

othellox
lie with herx lie on herxxwe say lie on her when they belie herxxlie
with herx thatxs fulsomex handkerchiefxconfessionsxhandkerchiefx to
confessx and be hanged for his labourx firstx to be hangedx and then to
confessx i tremble at itx nature would not invest herself in such
shadowing passion without some instructionx it is not words that shake
me thusx pishx nosesx earsx and lipsx isxt
possiblexxconfessxxhandkerchiefxxo devilxx

 xxfalls in a trancexxx

iagox
work onx
my medicinex workx thus credulous fools are caughtx
and many worthy and chaste dames even thusx
all guiltlessx meet reproachx whatx hox my lordx
my lordx i sayx othellox

 enter cassiox

how nowx cassiox

cassiox
whatxs the matterx

iagox
my lord is fallen into an epilepsyx
this is his second fitx he had one yesterdayx

cassiox
rub him about the templesx

iagox
nox forbearx
the lethargy must have his quiet coursex
if notx he foams at mouthx and by and by
breaks out to savage madnessx lookx he stirsx
do you withdraw yourself a little whilex
he will recover straightx when he is gonex
i would on great occasion speak with youx

 xxexit cassioxxx

how is itx generalx have you not hurt your headx

othellox
dost thou mock mex

iagox
i mock youx nox by heavenx
would you would bear your fortune like a manx

othellox
a horned manxs a monster and a beastx

iagox
therexs many a beastx thenx in a populous cityx
and many a civil monsterx

othellox
did he confess itx

iagox
good sirx be a manx
think every bearded fellow thatxs but yokxd
may draw with youx therexs millions now alive
that nightly lie in those unproper beds
which they dare swear peculiarx your case is betterx
ox xtis the spite of hellx the fiendxs archxmockx
to lip a wanton in a secure couchx
and to suppose her chastex nox let me knowx
and knowing what i amx i know what she shall bex

othellox
ox thou art wisex xtis certainx

iagox
stand you awhile apartx
confine yourself but in a patient listx
whilst you were here oxerwhelmed with your griefx
xa passion most unsuiting such a manx
cassio came hitherx i shifted him awayx
and laid good xscuse upon your ecstasyx
bade him anon returnx and here speak with mex
the which he promisxdx do but encave yourselfx
and mark the fleersx the gibesx and notable scornsx
that dwell in every region of his facex
for i will make him tell the tale anewx
wherex howx how oftx how long agox and when
he hathx and is again to cope your wifex
i sayx but mark his gesturex marryx patiencex
or i shall say you are all in all in spleenx
and nothing of a manx

othellox
dost thou hearx iagox
i will be found most cunning in my patiencex
butxxdost thou hearxxmost bloodyx

iagox
thatxs not amissx
but yet keep time in allx will you withdrawx

 xxothello withdrawsxxx

now will i question cassio of biancax
a housewife that by selling her desires
buys herself bread and clothesx it is a creature
that dotes on cassiox xas xtis the strumpetxs plague
to beguile many and be beguilxd by onexx
hex when he hears of herx cannot refrain
from the excess of laughterx here he comesx

 enter cassiox

as he shall smile othello shall go madx
and his unbookish jealousy must construe
poor cassioxs smilesx gesturesx and light behaviour
quite in the wrongx how do you nowx lieutenantx

cassiox
the worser that you give me the addition
whose want even kills mex

iagox
ply desdemona wellx and you are sure onxtx
xxspeaking lowerxxx nowx if this suit lay in biancaxs powerx
how quickly should you speedx

cassiox
alasx poor caitiffx

othellox
xxasidexxx look how he laughs alreadyx

iagox
i never knew a woman love man sox

cassiox
alasx poor roguex i thinkx ix faithx she loves mex

othellox
xxasidexxx now he denies it faintly and laughs it outx

iagox
do you hearx cassiox

othellox
now he importunes him
to tell it oxerx go tox well saidx well saidx

iagox
she gives it out that you shall marry herx
do you intend itx

cassiox
hax hax hax

othellox
do you triumphx romanx do you triumphx

cassiox
i marry herx whatx a customerx i pritheex bear some charity to my witx
do not think it so unwholesomex hax hax hax

othellox
sox sox sox sox they laugh that winsx

iagox
faithx the cry goes that you shall marry herx

cassiox
prithee say truex

iagox
i am a very villain elsex

othellox
have you scored mex wellx

cassiox
this is the monkeyxs own giving outx she is persuaded i will marry herx
out of her own love and flatteryx not out of my promisex

othellox
iago beckons mex now he begins the storyx

cassiox
she was here even nowx she haunts me in every placex i was the other
day talking on the seaxbank with certain venetiansx and thither comes
the baublex and falls thus about my neckx

othellox
cryingx xo dear cassioxx as it werex his gesture imports itx

cassiox
so hangsx and lollsx and weeps upon mex so hales and pulls mex hax hax
hax

othellox
now he tells how she plucked him to my chamberx ox i see that nose of
yoursx but not that dog i shall throw it tox

cassiox
wellx i must leave her companyx

iagox
before mex look where she comesx

 enter biancax

cassiox
xtis such another fitchewx marryx a perfumxd onex
what do you mean by this haunting of mex

biancax
let the devil and his dam haunt youx what did you mean by that same
handkerchief you gave me even nowx i was a fine fool to take itx i must
take out the workx a likely piece of workx that you should find it in
your chamber and not know who left it therex this is some minxxs tokenx
and i must take out the workx therex give it your hobbyxhorsex
wheresoever you had itx ixll take out no work onxtx

cassiox
how nowx my sweet biancax how nowx how nowx

othellox
by heavenx that should be my handkerchiefx

biancax
if youxll come to supper tonightx you mayx if you will notx come when
you are next prepared forx

 xxexitxxx

iagox
after herx after herx

cassiox
faithx i mustx shexll rail in the street elsex

iagox
will you sup therex

cassiox
faithx i intend sox

iagox
wellx i may chance to see youx for i would very fain speak with youx

cassiox
prithee comex will youx

iagox
go tox say no morex

 xxexit cassioxxx

othellox
xxcoming forwardxxx how shall i murder himx iagox

iagox
did you perceive how he laughed at his vicex

othellox
o iagox

iagox
and did you see the handkerchiefx

othellox
was that minex

iagox
yoursx by this handx and to see how he prizes the foolish woman your
wifex she gave it himx and he hath given it his whorex

othellox
i would have him nine years axkillingx a fine womanx a fair womanx a
sweet womanx

iagox
nayx you must forget thatx

othellox
ayx let her rotx and perishx and be damned tonightx for she shall not
livex nox my heart is turned to stonex i strike itx and it hurts my
handx ox the world hath not a sweeter creaturex she might lie by an
emperorxs sidex and command him tasksx

iagox
nayx thatxs not your wayx

othellox
hang herx i do but say what she isx so delicate with her needlex an
admirable musicianx ox she will sing the savageness out of a bearx of
so high and plenteous wit and inventionx

iagox
shexs the worse for all thisx

othellox
ox a thousandx a thousand timesx and then of so gentle a conditionx

iagox
ayx too gentlex

othellox
nayx thatxs certainx but yet the pity of itx iagox o iagox the pity of
itx iagox

iagox
if you are so fond over her iniquityx give her patent to offendx for if
it touch not youx it comes near nobodyx

othellox
i will chop her into messesx cuckold mex

iagox
ox xtis foul in herx

othellox
with mine officerx

iagox
thatxs foulerx

othellox
get me some poisonx iagox this nightx ixll not expostulate with herx
lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind againx this nightx iagox

iagox
do it not with poisonx strangle her in her bedx even the bed she hath
contaminatedx

othellox
goodx goodx the justice of it pleasesx very goodx

iagox
and for cassiox let me be his undertakerx you shall hear more by
midnightx

othellox
excellent goodx xxa trumpet withinxxx what trumpet is that samex

 enter lodovicox desdemona and attendantx

iagox
something from venicex surex xtis lodovico
come from the dukex seex your wife is with himx

lodovicox
save youx worthy generalx

othellox
with all my heartx sirx

lodovicox
the duke and senators of venice greet youx

 xxgives him a packetxxx

othellox
i kiss the instrument of their pleasuresx

 xxopens the packet and readsxxx

desdemonax
and whatxs the newsx good cousin lodovicox

iagox
i am very glad to see youx signiorx
welcome to cyprusx

lodovicox
i thank youx how does lieutenant cassiox

iagox
livesx sirx

desdemonax
cousinx therexs fallxn between him and my lord
an unkind breachx but you shall make all wellx

othellox
are you sure of thatx

desdemonax
my lordx

othellox
xxreadsxxx xthis fail you not to dox as you willxx

lodovicox
he did not callx hexs busy in the paperx
is there division xtwixt my lord and cassiox

desdemonax
a most unhappy onex i would do much
to atone themx for the love i bear to cassiox

othellox
fire and brimstonex

desdemonax
my lordx

othellox
are you wisex

desdemonax
whatx is he angryx

lodovicox
may be the letter movxd himx
forx as i thinkx they do command him homex
deputing cassio in his governmentx

desdemonax
trust mex i am glad onxtx

othellox
indeedx

desdemonax
my lordx

othellox
i am glad to see you madx

desdemonax
whyx sweet othellox

othellox
devilx

 xxstriking herxxx

desdemonax
i have not deservxd thisx

lodovicox
my lordx this would not be believxd in venicex
though i should swear i sawxtx xtis very muchx
make her amendsx she weepsx

othellox
o devilx devilx
if that the earth could teem with womanxs tearsx
each drop she falls would prove a crocodilex
out of my sightx

desdemonax
i will not stay to offend youx

 xxgoingxxx

lodovicox
trulyx an obedient ladyx
i do beseech your lordshipx call her backx

othellox
mistressx

desdemonax
my lordx

othellox
what would you with herx sirx

lodovicox
whox ix my lordx

othellox
ayx you did wish that i would make her turnx
sirx she can turnx and turnx and yet go onx
and turn againx and she can weepx sirx weepx
and shexs obedientx as you sayx obedientx
very obedientx proceed you in your tearsx
concerning thisx sirxxo wellxpainted passionx
i am commanded homexxget you awayx
ixll send for you anonxxsirx i obey the mandatex
and will return to venicexxhencex avauntx

 xxexit desdemonaxxx

cassio shall have my placex andx sirx tonightx
i do entreat that we may sup togetherx
you are welcomex sirx to cyprusx goats and monkeysx

 xxexitxxx

lodovicox
is this the noble moorx whom our full senate
call all in all sufficientx is this the nature
whom passion could not shakex whose solid virtue
the shot of accident nor dart of chance
could neither graze nor piercex

iagox
he is much changxdx

lodovicox
are his wits safex is he not light of brainx

iagox
hexs that he isx i may not breathe my censure
what he might bex if what he might he is notx
i would to heaven he werex

lodovicox
whatx strike his wifex

iagox
faithx that was not so wellx yet would i knew
that stroke would prove the worstx

lodovicox
is it his usex
or did the letters work upon his bloodx
and newxcreate this faultx

iagox
alasx alasx
it is not honesty in me to speak
what i have seen and knownx you shall observe himx
and his own courses will denote him so
that i may save my speechx do but go afterx
and mark how he continuesx

lodovicox
i am sorry that i am deceivxd in himx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix cyprusx a room in the castlex

 enter othello and emiliax

othellox
you have seen nothingx thenx

emiliax
nor ever heardx nor ever did suspectx

othellox
yesx you have seen cassio and she togetherx

emiliax
but then i saw no harmx and then i heard
each syllable that breath made up between themx

othellox
whatx did they never whisperx

emiliax
neverx my lordx

othellox
nor send you out ox the wayx

emiliax
neverx

othellox
to fetch her fanx her glovesx her maskx nor nothingx

emiliax
neverx my lordx

othellox
thatxs strangex

emiliax
i durstx my lordx to wager she is honestx
lay down my soul at stakex if you think otherx
remove your thoughtx it doth abuse your bosomx
if any wretch have put this in your headx
let heaven requite it with the serpentxs cursex
for if she be not honestx chastex and truex
therexs no man happyx the purest of their wives
is foul as slanderx

othellox
bid her come hitherx gox

 xxexit emiliaxxx

she says enoughx yet shexs a simple bawd
that cannot say as muchx this is a subtle whorex
a closet lock and key of villainous secretsx
and yet shexll kneel and prayx i have seen her do xtx

 enter desdemona and emiliax

desdemonax
my lordx what is your willx

othellox
prayx chuckx come hitherx

desdemonax
what is your pleasurex

othellox
let me see your eyesx
look in my facex

desdemonax
what horrible fancyxs thisx

othellox
xxto emiliaxxx some of your functionx mistressx
leave procreants alonex and shut the doorx
coughx or cry hemx if anybody comex
your mysteryx your mysteryx nayx dispatchx

 xxexit emiliaxxx

desdemonax
upon my kneesx what doth your speech importx
i understand a fury in your wordsx
but not the wordsx

othellox
whyx what art thoux

desdemonax
your wifex my lordx your true and loyal wifex

othellox
comex swear itx damn thyselfx
lestx being like one of heavenx the devils themselves
should fear to seize theex therefore be doublexdamnxdx
swear thou art honestx

desdemonax
heaven doth truly know itx

othellox
heaven truly knows that thou art false as hellx

desdemonax
to whomx my lordx with whomx how am i falsex

othellox
o desdemonax awayx awayx awayx

desdemonax
alas the heavy dayx why do you weepx
am i the motive of these tearsx my lordx
if haply you my father do suspect
an instrument of this your calling backx
lay not your blame on mex if you have lost himx
whyx i have lost him toox

othellox
had it pleasxd heaven
to try me with afflictionx had they rainxd
all kinds of sores and shames on my bare headx
steepxd me in poverty to the very lipsx
given to captivity me and my utmost hopesx
i should have found in some place of my soul
a drop of patiencex butx alasx to make me
a fixed figure for the time of scorn
to point his slow unmoving finger atx
yet could i bear that toox wellx very wellx
but therex where i have garnerxd up my heartx
where either i must live or bear no lifex
the fountain from the which my current runsx
or else dries upx to be discarded thencex
or keep it as a cistern for foul toads
to knot and gender inxxturn thy complexion therex
patiencex thou young and rosexlippxd cherubinx
ayx therex look grim as hellx

desdemonax
i hope my noble lord esteems me honestx

othellox
ox ayx as summer flies are in the shamblesx
that quicken even with blowingx o thou weedx
who art so lovely fairx and smellxst so sweetx
that the sense aches at theex
would thou hadst nexer been bornx

desdemonax
alasx what ignorant sin have i committedx

othellox
was this fair paperx this most goodly bookx
made to write xwhorex uponx what committedx
committedx o thou public commonerx
i should make very forges of my cheeksx
that would to cinders burn up modestyx
did i but speak thy deedsx what committedx
heaven stops the nose at itx and the moon winksx
the bawdy windx that kisses all it meetsx
is hushxd within the hollow mine of earthx
and will not hear itx what committedx
impudent strumpetx

desdemonax
by heavenx you do me wrongx

othellox
are not you a strumpetx

desdemonax
nox as i am a christianx
if to preserve this vessel for my lord
from any other foul unlawful touch
be not to be a strumpetx i am nonex

othellox
whatx not a whorex

desdemonax
nox as i shall be savxdx

othellox
isxt possiblex

desdemonax
ox heaven forgive usx

othellox
i cry you mercy thenx
i took you for that cunning whore of venice
that married with othelloxxyoux mistressx

 enter emiliax

that have the office opposite to saint peterx
and keeps the gate of hellx youx youx ayx youx
we have done our coursex therexs money for your painsx
i pray you turn the keyx and keep our counselx

 xxexitxxx

emiliax
alasx what does this gentleman conceivex
how do youx madamx how do youx my good ladyx

desdemonax
faithx half asleepx

emiliax
good madamx whatxs the matter with my lordx

desdemonax
with whox

emiliax
whyx with my lordx madamx

desdemonax
who is thy lordx

emiliax
he that is yoursx sweet ladyx

desdemonax
i have nonex do not talk to mex emiliax
i cannot weepx nor answer have i none
but what should go by waterx pritheex tonight
lay on my bed my wedding sheetsx rememberx
and call thy husband hitherx

emiliax
herexs a change indeedx

 xxexitxxx

desdemonax
xtis meet i should be usxd sox very meetx
how have i been behavxdx that he might stick
the smallxst opinion on my least misusex

 enter iago and emiliax

iagox
what is your pleasurex madamx how isxt with youx

desdemonax
i cannot tellx those that do teach young babes
do it with gentle means and easy tasksx
he might have chid me sox forx in good faithx
i am a child to chidingx

iagox
whatxs the matterx ladyx

emiliax
alasx iagox my lord hath so bewhorxd herx
thrown such despite and heavy terms upon herx
as true hearts cannot bearx

desdemonax
am i that namex iagox

iagox
what namex fair ladyx

desdemonax
such as she says my lord did say i wasx

emiliax
he callxd her whorex a beggar in his drink
could not have laid such terms upon his calletx

iagox
why did he sox

desdemonax
i do not knowx i am sure i am none suchx

iagox
do not weepx do not weepx alas the dayx

emiliax
hath she forsook so many noble matchesx
her fatherx and her countryx and her friendsx
to be callxd whorex would it not make one weepx

desdemonax
it is my wretched fortunex

iagox
beshrew him forxtx
how comes this trick upon himx

desdemonax
nayx heaven doth knowx

emiliax
i will be hangxdx if some eternal villainx
some busy and insinuating roguex
some coggingx cozening slavex to get some officex
have not devisxd this slanderx ixll be hangxd elsex

iagox
fiex there is no such manx it is impossiblex

desdemonax
if any such there bex heaven pardon himx

emiliax
a halter pardon himx and hell gnaw his bonesx
why should he call her whorex who keeps her companyx
what placex what timex what formx what likelihoodx
the moorxs abused by some most villainous knavex
some base notorious knavex some scurvy fellowx
o heavenx that such companions thouxdst unfoldx
and put in every honest hand a whip
to lash the rascals naked through the world
even from the east to the westx

iagox
speak within doorx

emiliax
ox fie upon themx some such squire he was
that turnxd your wit the seamy side withoutx
and made you to suspect me with the moorx

iagox
you are a foolx go tox

desdemonax
alasx iagox
what shall i do to win my lord againx
good friendx go to himx for by this light of heavenx
i know not how i lost himx here i kneelx
if exer my will did trespass xgainst his lovex
either in discourse of thought or actual deedx
or that mine eyesx mine earsx or any sensex
delighted them in any other formx
or that i do not yetx and ever didx
and ever willx xthough he do shake me off
to beggarly divorcementx love him dearlyx
comfort forswear mex unkindness may do muchx
and his unkindness may defeat my lifex
but never taint my lovex i cannot say xwhorexx
it does abhor me now i speak the wordx
to do the act that might the addition earn
not the worldxs mass of vanity could make mex

iagox
i pray youx be contentx xtis but his humourx
the business of the state does him offencex
and he does chide with youx

desdemonax
if xtwere no otherxx

iagox
xtis but sox i warrantx

 xxtrumpets withinxxx

harkx how these instruments summon to supperx
the messengers of venice stay the meatx
go inx and weep notx all things shall be wellx

 xxexeunt desdemona and emiliaxxx

 enter roderigox

how nowx roderigox

roderigox
i do not find that thou dealest justly with mex

iagox
what in the contraryx

roderigox
every day thou daffest me with some devicex iagox and ratherx as it
seems to me nowx keepest from me all conveniency than suppliest me with
the least advantage of hopex i will indeed no longer endure itx nor am
i yet persuaded to put up in peace what already i have foolishly
sufferedx

iagox
will you hear mex roderigox

roderigox
faithx i have heard too muchx for your words and performances are no
kin togetherx

iagox
you charge me most unjustlyx

roderigox
with naught but truthx i have wasted myself out of my meansx the jewels
you have had from me to deliver to desdemona would half have corrupted
a votaristx you have told me she hath received themx and returned me
expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintancex but i
find nonex

iagox
wellx go tox very wellx

roderigox
very wellx go tox i cannot go tox manx nor xtis not very wellx nayx i
say xtis very scurvyx and begin to find myself fopped in itx

iagox
very wellx

roderigox
i tell you xtis not very wellx i will make myself known to desdemonax
if she will return me my jewelsx i will give over my suit and repent my
unlawful solicitationx if notx assure yourself i will seek satisfaction
of youx

iagox
you have said nowx

roderigox
ayx and said nothing but what i protest intendment of doingx

iagox
whyx now i see therexs mettle in theex and even from this instant do
build on thee a better opinion than ever beforex give me thy handx
roderigox thou hast taken against me a most just exceptionx but yet i
protestx i have dealt most directly in thy affairx

roderigox
it hath not appearedx

iagox
i grant indeed it hath not appearedx and your suspicion is not without
wit and judgementx butx roderigox if thou hast that in thee indeedx
which i have greater reason to believe now than everxxi mean purposex
couragex and valourxxthis night show itx if thou the next night
following enjoy not desdemonax take me from this world with treachery
and devise engines for my lifex

roderigox
wellx what is itx is it within reason and compassx

iagox
sirx there is especial commission come from venice to depute cassio in
othelloxs placex

roderigox
is that truex why then othello and desdemona return again to venicex

iagox
ox nox he goes into mauritaniax and takes away with him the fair
desdemonax unless his abode be lingered here by some accidentx wherein
none can be so determinate as the removing of cassiox

roderigox
how do you mean xremovingx of himx

iagox
whyx by making him uncapable of othelloxs placex knocking out his
brainsx

roderigox
and that you would have me to dox

iagox
ayx if you dare do yourself a profit and a rightx he sups tonight with
a harlotryx and thither will i go to himx he knows not yet of his
honourable fortunex if you will watch his going thencex which i will
fashion to fall out between twelve and onex you may take him at your
pleasurex i will be near to second your attemptx and he shall fall
between usx comex stand not amazed at itx but go along with mex i will
show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself
bound to put it on himx it is now high supperxtimex and the night grows
to wastex about itx

roderigox
i will hear further reason for thisx

iagox
and you shall be satisfiedx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix cyprusx another room in the castlex

 enter othellox lodovicox desdemonax emilia and attendantsx

lodovicox
i do beseech youx sirx trouble yourself no furtherx

othellox
ox pardon mex xtwill do me good to walkx

lodovicox
madamx good nightx i humbly thank your ladyshipx

desdemonax
your honour is most welcomex

othellox
will you walkx sirxx
ox desdemonaxx

desdemonax
my lordx

othellox
get you to bed on thx instantx i will be returnxd forthwithx dismiss
your attendant therex look xt be donex

desdemonax
i willx my lordx

 xxexeunt othellox lodovico and attendantsxxx

emiliax
how goes it nowx he looks gentler than he didx

desdemonax
he says he will return incontinentx
he hath commanded me to go to bedx
and bade me to dismiss youx

emiliax
dismiss mex

desdemonax
it was his biddingx thereforex good emiliax
give me my nightly wearingx and adieux
we must not now displease himx

emiliax
i would you had never seen himx

desdemonax
so would not ix my love doth so approve himx
that even his stubbornnessx his checksx his frownsxx
pritheex unpin mexxhave grace and favour in themx

emiliax
i have laid those sheets you bade me on the bedx

desdemonax
allxs onex good faithx how foolish are our mindsx
if i do die before theex pritheex shroud me
in one of those same sheetsx

emiliax
comex comex you talkx

desdemonax
my mother had a maid callxd barbaryx
she was in lovex and he she lovxd provxd mad
and did forsake herx she had a song of xwillowxx
an old thing xtwasx but it expressxd her fortunex
and she died singing itx that song tonight
will not go from my mindx i have much to do
but to go hang my head all at one side
and sing it like poor barbaryx prithee dispatchx

emiliax
shall i go fetch your nightxgownx

desdemonax
nox unpin me herex
this lodovico is a proper manx

emiliax
a very handsome manx

desdemonax
he speaks wellx

emiliax
i know a lady in venice would have walked barefoot to palestine for a
touch of his nether lipx

desdemonax
xxsingingxxx
    xthe poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore treex
        sing all a green willowx
    her hand on her bosomx her head on her kneex
        sing willowx willowx willowx
    the fresh streams ran by herx and murmurxd her moansx
        sing willowx willowx willowx
    her salt tears fell from herx and softenxd the stonesxxx

lay by thesexx

xxsingsxxx
        xsing willowx willowx willowxx

prithee hie theex hexll come anonx

xxsingsxxx
    xsing all a green willow must be my garlandx
let nobody blame himx his scorn i approvexxx

nayx thatxs not nextx harkx who isxt that knocksx

emiliax
itxs the windx

desdemonax
xxsingsxxx
    xi callxd my love false lovex but what said he thenx
        sing willowx willowx willowx
    if i court mo womenx youxll couch with mo menxx

so get thee gonex good nightx mine eyes do itchx
doth that bode weepingx

emiliax
xtis neither here nor therex

desdemonax
i have heard it said sox ox these menx these menx
dost thou in conscience thinkxxtell mex emiliaxx
that there be women do abuse their husbands
in such gross kindx

emiliax
there be some suchx no questionx

desdemonax
wouldst thou do such a deed for all the worldx

emiliax
whyx would not youx

desdemonax
nox by this heavenly lightx

emiliax
nor i neither by this heavenly lightx
i might doxt as well ix the darkx

desdemonax
wouldst thou do such a deed for all the worldx

emiliax
the worldxs a huge thingx it is a great price
for a small vicex

desdemonax
in trothx i think thou wouldst notx

emiliax
in trothx i think i shouldx and undoxt when i had donex marryx i would
not do such a thing for a jointxringx nor for measures of lawnx nor for
gownsx petticoatsx nor capsx nor any petty exhibitionx butx for the
whole worldxwhyx who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a
monarchx i should venture purgatory for xtx

desdemonax
beshrew mex if i would do such a wrong for the whole worldx

emiliax
whyx the wrong is but a wrong ix the worldx and having the world for
your labourx xtis a wrong in your own worldx and you might quickly make
it rightx

desdemonax
i do not think there is any such womanx

emiliax
yesx a dozenx and as many to the vantage as would store the world they
played forx
but i do think it is their husbandsx faults
if wives do fallx say that they slack their dutiesx
and pour our treasures into foreign lapsx
or else break out in peevish jealousiesx
throwing restraint upon usx or say they strike usx
or scant our former having in despitex
whyx we have gallsx and though we have some gracex
yet have we some revengex let husbands know
their wives have sense like themx they seex and smell
and have their palates both for sweet and sourx
as husbands havex what is it that they do
when they change us for othersx is it sportx
i think it isx and doth affection breed itx
i think it dothx isxt frailty that thus errsx
it is so toox and have not we affectionsx
desires for sportx and frailtyx as men havex
then let them use us wellx else let them knowx
the ills we dox their ills instruct us sox

desdemonax
good nightx good nightx heaven me such usage sendx
not to pick bad from badx but by bad mendx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix cyprusx a streetx

 enter iago and roderigox

iagox
herex stand behind this bulkx straight will he comex
wear thy good rapier barex and put it homex
quickx quickx fear nothingx ixll be at thy elbowx
it makes usx or it mars usx think on thatx
and fix most firm thy resolutionx

roderigox
be near at handx i may miscarry in xtx

iagox
herex at thy handx be boldx and take thy standx

 xxretires to a little distancexxx

roderigox
i have no great devotion to the deedx
and yet he hath given me satisfying reasonsx
xtis but a man gonex forthx my swordx he diesx

 xxgoes to his standxxx

iagox
i have rubbxd this young quat almost to the sensex
and he grows angryx nowx whether he kill cassiox
or cassio himx or each do kill the otherx
every way makes my gainx live roderigox
he calls me to a restitution large
of gold and jewels that i bobbxd from himx
as gifts to desdemonax
it must not bex if cassio do remainx
he hath a daily beauty in his life
that makes me uglyx and besidesx the moor
may unfold me to himx there stand i in much perilx
nox he must diex but sox i hear him comingx

 enter cassiox

roderigox
i know his gaitx xtis hex villainx thou diestx

 xxrushes outx and makes a pass at cassioxxx

cassiox
that thrust had been mine enemy indeedx
but that my coat is better than thou knowxstx
i will make proof of thinex

 xxdrawsx and wounds roderigoxxx

roderigox
ox i am slainx

 xxiago rushes from his postx cuts cassio behind in the legx and
 exitxxx

cassiox
i am maimxd foreverx helpx hox murderx murderx

 xxfallsxxx

 enter othellox

othellox
the voice of cassiox iago keeps his wordx

roderigox
ox villain that i amx

othellox
it is even sox

cassiox
ox helpx hox lightx a surgeonx

othellox
xtis hex o brave iagox honest and justx
that hast such noble sense of thy friendxs wrongx
thou teachest mexxminionx your dear lies deadx
and your unblessxd fate hiesx strumpetx i comex
forth of my heart those charmsx thine eyesx are blottedx
thy bedx lustxstainxdx shall with lustxs blood be spottedx

 xxexitxxx

 enter lodovico and gratianox

cassiox
whatx hox no watchx no passagex murderx murderx

gratianox
xtis some mischancex the cry is very direfulx

cassiox
ox helpx

lodovicox
harkx

roderigox
o wretched villainx

lodovicox
two or three groanx it is a heavy nightx
these may be counterfeitsx letxs thinkxt unsafe
to come in to the cry without more helpx

roderigox
nobody comex then shall i bleed to deathx

 enter iago with a lightx

lodovicox
harkx

gratianox
herexs one comes in his shirtx with light and weaponsx

iagox
whoxs therex whose noise is this that cries on murderx

lodovicox
we do not knowx

iagox
did not you hear a cryx

cassiox
herex herex for heavenxs sakex help mex

iagox
whatxs the matterx

gratianox
this is othelloxs ancientx as i take itx

lodovicox
the same indeedx a very valiant fellowx

iagox
what are you here that cry so grievouslyx

cassiox
iagox ox i am spoilxdx undone by villainsx
give me some helpx

iagox
o mex lieutenantx what villains have done thisx

cassiox
i think that one of them is hereaboutx
and cannot make awayx

iagox
o treacherous villainsx
xxto lodovico and gratianoxxx what are you therex
come in and give some helpx

roderigox
ox help me herex

cassiox
thatxs one of themx

iagox
o murderous slavex o villainx

 xxstabs roderigoxxx

roderigox
o damnxd iagox o inhuman dogx

iagox
kill men ix the darkx where be these bloody thievesx
how silent is this townx hox murderx murderx
what may you bex are you of good or evilx

lodovicox
as you shall prove usx praise usx

iagox
signior lodovicox

lodovicox
hex sirx

iagox
i cry you mercyx herexs cassio hurt by villainsx

gratianox
cassiox

iagox
how isxtx brotherx

cassiox
my leg is cut in twox

iagox
marryx heaven forbidx
lightx gentlemenx ixll bind it with my shirtx

 enter biancax

biancax
what is the matterx hox who isxt that criedx

iagox
who isxt that criedx

biancax
o my dear cassiox my sweet cassiox o cassiox cassiox cassiox

iagox
o notable strumpetx cassiox may you suspect
who they should be that have thus mangled youx

cassiox
nox

gratianox
i am sorry to find you thusx i have been to seek youx

iagox
lend me a garterx soxxox for a chairx
to bear him easily hencex

biancax
alasx he faintsx o cassiox cassiox cassiox

iagox
gentlemen allx i do suspect this trash
to be a party in this injuryx
patience awhilex good cassiox comex comex
lend me a lightx know we this face or nox
alasx my friend and my dear countryman
roderigox nox yesx surex o heavenx roderigox

gratianox
whatx of venicex

iagox
even hex sirx did you know himx

gratianox
know himx ayx

iagox
signior gratianox i cry you gentle pardonx
these bloody accidents must excuse my mannersx
that so neglected youx

gratianox
i am glad to see youx

iagox
how do youx cassiox ox a chairx a chairx

gratianox
roderigox

iagox
hex hex xtis hex

 xxa chair brought inxxx

ox thatxs well saidx the chairx
some good man bear him carefully from hencex
ixll fetch the generalxs surgeonx xxto biancaxx for youx mistressx
save you your labourx he that lies slain herex cassiox
was my dear friendx what malice was between youx

cassiox
none in the worldx nor do i know the manx

iagox
xxto biancaxxx whatx look you palexxox bear him out ox the airx

 xxcassio and roderigo are borne offxxx

stay youx good gentlemenxxlook you palex mistressx
do you perceive the gastness of her eyex
nayx if you starex we shall hear more anonx
behold her wellx i pray youx look upon herx
do you seex gentlemenx nayx guiltiness will speak
though tongues were out of usex

 enter emiliax

emiliax
xlasx whatxs the matterx whatxs the matterx husbandx

iagox
cassio hath here been set on in the dark
by roderigox and fellows that are xscapxdx
hexs almost slainx and roderigo deadx

emiliax
alasx good gentlemanx alasx good cassiox

iagox
this is the fruit of whoringx pritheex emiliax
go know of cassio where he suppxd tonightx
whatx do you shake at thatx

biancax
he suppxd at my housex but i therefore shake notx

iagox
ox did he sox i charge you go with mex

emiliax
fiex fie upon theex strumpetx

biancax
i am no strumpetx but of life as honest
as you that thus abuse mex

emiliax
as ix fohx fie upon theex

iagox
kind gentlemenx letxs go see poor cassio dressxdx
comex mistressx you must tellxs another talex
emiliax run you to the citadelx
and tell my lord and lady what hath happxdx
will you go on aforex xxasidexxx this is the night
that either makes me or fordoes me quitex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix cyprusx a bedchamber in the castlex

desdemona in bed asleepx a light burningx

 enter othellox

othellox
it is the causex it is the causex my soulx
let me not name it to youx you chaste starsx
it is the causex yet ixll not shed her bloodx
nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snowx
and smooth as monumental alabasterx
yet she must diex else shexll betray more menx
put out the lightx and then put out the lightx
if i quench theex thou flaming ministerx
i can again thy former light restorex
should i repent mex but once put out thy lightx
thou cunningxst pattern of excelling naturex
i know not where is that promethean heat
that can thy light relumex when i have pluckxd thy rosex
i cannot give it vital growth againx
it must needs witherx ixll smell it on the treex

 xxkissing herxxx

ox balmy breathx that dost almost persuade
justice to break her swordx one morex one morex
be thus when thou art deadx and i will kill theex
and love thee afterx one morex and this the lastx
so sweet was nexer so fatalx i must weepx
but they are cruel tearsx this sorrowxs heavenlyx
it strikes where it doth lovex she wakesx

desdemonax
whoxs therex othellox

othellox
ayx desdemonax

desdemonax
will you come to bedx my lordx

othellox
have you prayxd tonightx desdemonax

desdemonax
ayx my lordx

othellox
if you bethink yourself of any crime
unreconcilxd as yet to heaven and gracex
solicit for it straightx

desdemonax
alackx my lordx what may you mean by thatx

othellox
wellx do itx and be briefx i will walk byx
i would not kill thy unprepared spiritx
nox heaven forfendx i would not kill thy soulx

desdemonax
talk you of killingx

othellox
ayx i dox

desdemonax
then heaven have mercy on mex

othellox
amenx with all my heartx

desdemonax
if you say sox i hope you will not kill mex

othellox
humx

desdemonax
and yet i fear youx for you are fatal then
when your eyes roll sox why i should fear i know notx
since guiltiness i know notx but yet i feel i fearx

othellox
think on thy sinsx

desdemonax
they are loves i bear to youx

othellox
ayx and for that thou diestx

desdemonax
that deathxs unnatural that kills for lovingx
alasx why gnaw you so your nether lipx
some bloody passion shakes your very framex
these are portentsx but yet i hopex i hopex
they do not point on mex

othellox
peacex and be stillx

desdemonax
i will sox whatxs the matterx

othellox
that handkerchief which i so loved and gave theex
thou gavxst to cassiox

desdemonax
nox by my life and soulx
send for the man and ask himx

othellox
sweet soulx take heedx take heed of perjuryx
thouxrt on thy deathxbedx

desdemonax
ayx but not yet to diex

othellox
yesx presentlyx
therefore confess thee freely of thy sinx
for to deny each article with oath
cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
that i do groan withalx thou art to diex

desdemonax
thenx lord have mercy on mex

othellox
i sayx amenx

desdemonax
and have you mercy toox i never did
offend you in my lifexx never lovxd cassio
but with such general warranty of heaven
as i might lovex i never gave him tokenx

othellox
by heavenx i saw my handkerchief in xs handx
o perjurxd womanx thou dost stone my heartx
and makxst me call what i intend to do
a murderx which i thought a sacrificex
i saw the handkerchiefx

desdemonax
he found it thenx
i never gave it himx send for him hitherx
let him confess a truthx

othellox
he hath confessxdx

desdemonax
whatx my lordx

othellox
that he hath usxd theex

desdemonax
howx unlawfullyx

othellox
ayx

desdemonax
he will not say sox

othellox
nox his mouth is stoppxdx
honest iago hath taxen order for xtx

desdemonax
ox my fear interpretsx whatx is he deadx

othellox
had all his hairs been livesx my great revenge
had stomach for them allx

desdemonax
alasx he is betrayxdx and i undonex

othellox
outx strumpetx weepxst thou for him to my facex

desdemonax
ox banish mex my lordx but kill me notx

othellox
downx strumpetx

desdemonax
kill me tomorrowx let me live tonightx

othellox
nayx if you strivexx

desdemonax
but half an hourx

othellox
being donex there is no pausex

desdemonax
but while i say one prayerx

othellox
it is too latex

 xxsmothers herxxx

emiliax
xxwithinxxx my lordx my lordx whatx hox my lordx my lordx

othellox
what noise is thisx not deadx not yet quite deadx
i that am cruel am yet mercifulx
i would not have thee linger in thy painx
sox sox

emiliax
xxwithinxxx whatx hox my lordx my lordx

othellox
whoxs therex

emiliax
xxwithinxxx ox good my lordx i would speak a word with youx

othellox
yesx xtis emiliax by and byx shexs deadx
xtis like she comes to speak of cassioxs deathx
the noise was highxxhax no more movingx
still as the gravex shall she come inx werext goodx
i think she stirs againx nox whatxs best to dox
if she come inx shexll sure speak to my wifex
my wifex my wifex what wifex i have no wifex
ox insupportablex o heavy hourx
methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
of sun and moonx and that the affrighted globe
should yawn at alterationx

emiliax
xxwithinxxx i do beseech you
that i may speak with youx ox good my lordx

othellox
i had forgot theex ox come inx emiliax
softx by and byx let me the curtains drawx
where art thoux

 xxunlocks the doorxxx

 enter emiliax

whatxs the matter with thee nowx

emiliax
ox my good lordx yonderxs foul murders donex

othellox
whatx nowx

emiliax
but nowx my lordx

othellox
it is the very error of the moonx
she comes more nearer earth than she was wont
and makes men madx

emiliax
cassiox my lordx hath killxd a young venetian
callxd roderigox

othellox
roderigo killxdx
and cassio killxdx

emiliax
nox cassio is not killxdx

othellox
not cassio killxdx then murderxs out of tunex
and sweet revenge grows harshx

desdemonax
ox falselyx falsely murderxdx

emiliax
alasx what cry is thatx

othellox
thatx whatx

emiliax
outx and alasx that was my ladyxs voicex
helpx helpx hox helpx o ladyx speak againx
sweet desdemonax o sweet mistressx speakx

desdemonax
a guiltless death i diex

emiliax
ox who hath done this deedx

desdemonax
nobodyx i myselfx farewellx
commend me to my kind lordx ox farewellx

 xxshe diesxxx

othellox
whyx how should she be murderxdx

emiliax
alasx who knowsx

othellox
you heard her say herselfx it was not ix

emiliax
she said sox i must needs report the truthx

othellox
shexs like a liarx gone to burning hellx
xtwas i that killxd herx

emiliax
ox the more angel shex
and you the blacker devilx

othellox
she turnxd to follyx and she was a whorex

emiliax
thou dost belie herx and thou art a devilx

othellox
she was false as waterx

emiliax
thou art rash as firex to say
that she was falsex ox she was heavenly truex

othellox
cassio did top herx ask thy husband elsex
ox i were damnxd beneath all depth in hellx
but that i did proceed upon just grounds
to this extremityx thy husband knew it allx

emiliax
my husbandx

othellox
thy husbandx

emiliax
that she was false to wedlockx

othellox
ayx with cassiox nayx had she been truex
if heaven would make me such another world
of one entire and perfect chrysolitex
ixd not have sold her for itx

emiliax
my husbandx

othellox
ayx xtwas he that told me firstx
an honest man he isx and hates the slime
that sticks on filthy deedsx

emiliax
my husbandx

othellox
what needs this iterancex womanx i say thy husbandx

emiliax
o mistressx villainy hath made mocks with lovex
my husband say that she was falsex

othellox
hex womanx
i say thy husbandx dost understand the wordx
my friendx thy husbandx honestx honest iagox

emiliax
if he say sox may his pernicious soul
rot half a grain a dayx he lies to the heartx
she was too fond of her most filthy bargainx

othellox
hax

emiliax
do thy worstx
this deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
than thou wast worthy herx

othellox
peacex you were bestx

emiliax
thou hast not half that power to do me harm
as i have to be hurtx o gullx o doltx
as ignorant as dirtx thou hast done a deed
xi care not for thy swordx ixll make thee knownx
though i lost twenty livesx helpx helpx hox helpx
the moor hath killxd my mistressx murderx murderx

 enter montanox gratiano and iagox

montanox
what is the matterx how nowx generalx

emiliax
ox are you comex iagox you have done wellx
that men must lay their murders on your neckx

gratianox
what is the matterx

emiliax
disprove this villainx if thou bexst a manx
he says thou toldxst him that his wife was falsex
i know thou didst notx thouxrt not such a villainx
speakx for my heart is fullx

iagox
i told him what i thoughtx and told no more
than what he found himself was apt and truex

emiliax
but did you ever tell him she was falsex

iagox
i didx

emiliax
you told a liex an odiousx damned liex
upon my soulx a liex a wicked liex
she false with cassiox did you say with cassiox

iagox
with cassiox mistressx go tox charm your tonguex

emiliax
i will not charm my tonguex i am bound to speakx
my mistress here lies murderxd in her bedx

allx
o heavens forfendx

emiliax
and your reports have set the murder onx

othellox
nayx stare notx mastersx it is true indeedx

gratianox
xtis a strange truthx

montanox
o monstrous actx

emiliax
villanyx villanyx villanyx
i think uponxtx i think i smellxtx o villanyx
i thought so thenx ixll kill myself for griefx
o villanyx villanyx

iagox
whatx are you madx i charge youx get you homex

emiliax
good gentlemenx let me have leave to speakx
xtis proper i obey himx but not nowx
perchancex iagox i will nexer go homex

othellox
ox ox ox

 xxhanging over his wifexxx

emiliax
nayx lay thee down and roarx
for thou hast killxd the sweetest innocent
that exer did lift up eyex

othellox
xxrisingxxx ox she was foulx
i scarce did know youx unclex there lies your niecex
whose breath indeed these hands have newly stoppxdx
i know this act shows horrible and grimx

gratianox
poor desdemonax i am glad thy fatherxs deadx
thy match was mortal to himx and pure grief
shore his old thread in twainx did he live nowx
this sight would make him do a desperate turnx
yeax curse his better angel from his sidex
and fall to reprobancex

othellox
xtis pitifulx but yet iago knows
that she with cassio hath the act of shame
a thousand times committedx cassio confessxd itx
and she did gratify his amorous works
with that recognizance and pledge of love
which i first gave herx i saw it in his handx
it was a handkerchiefx an antique token
my father gave my motherx

emiliax
o heavenx o heavenly powersx

iagox
comex hold your peacex

emiliax
xtwill outx xtwill outx i peacex
nox i will speak as liberal as the northx
let heaven and men and devilsx let them allx
allx allx cry shame against mex yet ixll speakx

iagox
be wisex and get you homex

emiliax
i will notx

 xxiago offers to stab his wifexxx

gratianox
fiex
your sword upon a womanx

emiliax
o thou dull moorx that handkerchief thou speakxst of
i found by fortune and did give my husbandx
for often with a solemn earnestnessx
more than indeed belongxd to such a triflex
he beggxd of me to steal itx

iagox
villanous whorex

emiliax
she give it cassiox nox alasx i found itx
and i did givext my husbandx

iagox
filthx thou liestx

emiliax
by heavenx i do notx i do notx gentlemenx
o murderous coxcombx what should such a fool
do with so good a wifex


othello
are there not stones in heaven
but what serve for thunderx precious villainx

 xxiago stabs emilia and then runs outxxx

gratianox
the woman fallsx surex he hath killxd his wifex

emiliax
ayx ayx ox lay me by my mistressx sidex

gratianox
hexs gonex but his wifexs killxdx

montanox
xtis a notorious villainx take you this weaponx
which i have here recoverxd from the moorx
comex guard the door withoutx let him not passx
but kill him ratherx ixll after that same villainx
for xtis a damned slavex

 xxexit montano and gratianoxxx

othellox
i am not valiant neitherx
but every puny whipster gets my swordx
but why should honour outlive honestyx
let it go allx

emiliax
what did thy song bodex ladyx
harkx canst thou hear mex i will play the swanx
and die in musicx
xxsingsxxx xwillowx willowx willowxx
moorx she was chastex she lovxd theex cruel moorx
so come my soul to blissx as i speak truex
so speaking as i thinkx i diex i diex

 xxshe diesxxx

othellox
i have another weapon in this chamberx
it is a sword of spainx the icexbrookxs temperx
ox here it isx unclex i must come forthx

gratianox
xxwithinxxx if thou attempt itx it will cost thee dearx
thou hast no weaponx and perforce must sufferx

othellox
look in upon me thenx and speak with mex
orx naked as i amx i will assault theex

 enter gratianox

gratianox
what is the matterx

othellox
beholdx i have a weaponx
a better never did itself sustain
upon a soldierxs thighx i have seen the day
that with this little arm and this good sword
i have made my way through more impediments
than twenty times your stopx butx o vain boastx
who can control his fatex xtis not so nowx
be not afraidx though you do see me weaponxdx
here is my journeyxs endx here is my buttx
and very seaxmark of my utmost sailx
do you go back dismayxdx xtis a lost fearx
man but a rush against othelloxs breastx
and he retiresx where should othello gox
nowx how dost thou look nowx o illxstarrxd wenchx
pale as thy smockx when we shall meet at comptx
this look of thine will hurl my soul from heavenx
and fiends will snatch at itx coldx coldx my girlx
even like thy chastityx
o cursedx cursed slavex whip mex ye devilsx
from the possession of this heavenly sightx
blow me about in windsx roast me in sulphurx
wash me in steepxdown gulfs of liquid firex
o desdemonx deadx desdemonx deadx ohx ohx

 enter lodovicox montanox cassio carried in a chairx and officers with
 iago prisonerx

lodovicox
where is this rash and most unfortunate manx

othellox
thatxs he that was othellox here i amx

lodovicox
where is that viperx bring the villain forthx

othellox
i look down towards his feetx but thatxs a fablex
if that thou bexst a devilx i cannot kill theex

 xxwounds iagoxxx

lodovicox
wrench his sword from himx

iagox
i bleedx sirx but not killxdx

othellox
i am not sorry neitherx ixd have thee livex
for in my sense xtis happiness to diex

lodovicox
o thou othellox that wert once so goodx
fallxn in the practice of a damned slavex
what shall be said to theex

othellox
whyx anythingx
an honourable murdererx if you willx
for naught did i in hatex but all in honourx

lodovicox
this wretch hath part confessxd his villanyx
did you and he consent in cassioxs deathx

othellox
ayx

cassiox
dear generalx i never gave you causex

othellox
i do believe itx and i ask your pardonx
will youx i prayx demand that demixdevil
why he hath thus ensnarxd my soul and bodyx

iagox
demand me nothingx what you knowx you knowx
from this time forth i never will speak wordx

lodovicox
whatx not to prayx

gratianox
torments will ope your lipsx

othellox
wellx thou dost bestx

lodovicox
sirx you shall understand what hath befallxnx
whichx as i thinkx you know notx here is a letter
found in the pocket of the slain roderigox
and here anotherx the one of them imports
the death of cassiox to be undertook
by roderigox

othellox
o villainx

cassiox
most heathenish and most grossx

lodovicox
now herexs another discontented paperx
found in his pocket toox and thisx it seemsx
roderigo meant to have sent this damned villainx
but thatx belikex iago in the interim
came in and satisfied himx

othellox
o the pernicious caitiffx
how came youx cassiox by that handkerchief
that was my wifexsx

cassiox
i found it in my chamberx
and he himself confessxd but even nowx
that there he droppxd it for a special purpose
which wrought to his desirex

othellox
o foolx foolx foolx

cassiox
there is besides in roderigoxs letterx
how he upbraids iagox that he made him
brave me upon the watchx whereon it came
that i was castx and even but now he spakex
after long seeming deadx iago hurt himx
iago set him onx

lodovicox
you must forsake this roomx and go with usx
your power and your command is taken offx
and cassio rules in cyprusx for this slavex
if there be any cunning cruelty
that can torment him much and hold him longx
it shall be hisx you shall close prisoner restx
till that the nature of your fault be known
to the venetian statex comex bring awayx

othellox
soft youx a word or two before you gox
i have done the state some servicex and they knowxtx
no more of thatx i pray youx in your lettersx
when you shall these unlucky deeds relatex
speak of me as i amx nothing extenuatex
nor set down aught in malicex then must you speak
of one that loved not wiselyx but too wellx
of one not easily jealousx but being wroughtx
perplexxd in the extremex of one whose handx
like the base judeanx threw a pearl away
richer than all his tribex of one whose subduxd eyesx
albeit unused to the melting moodx
drop tears as fast as the arabian trees
their medicinal gumx set you down thisx
and say besidesx that in aleppo oncex
where a malignant and a turbanxd turk
beat a venetian and traducxd the statex
i took by the throat the circumcised dogx
and smote himx thusx

 xxstabs himselfxxx

lodovicox
o bloody periodx

gratianox
all thatxs spoke is marrxdx

othellox
i kissxd thee ere i killxd theex no way but thisx
killing myselfx to die upon a kissx

 xxfalling upon desdemonaxxx

cassiox
this did i fearx but thought he had no weaponx
for he was great of heartx

lodovicox
xxto iagoxxx o spartan dogx
more fell than anguishx hungerx or the seax
look on the tragic loading of this bedx
this is thy workx the object poisons sightx
let it be hidx gratianox keep the housex
and seize upon the fortunes of the moorx
for they succeed on youx to youx lord governorx
remains the censure of this hellish villainx
the timex the placex the torturex ox enforce itx
myself will straight aboardx and to the state
this heavy act with heavy heart relatex

 xxexeuntxxx




periclesx prince of tyre



contents

act i
chorusx before the palace of antiochx
scene ix antiochx a room in the palacex
scene iix tyrex a room in the palacex
scene iiix tyrex an antexchamber in the palacex
scene ivx tarsusx a room in the governorxs housex

act ii
chorusx chorusx
scene ix pentapolisx an open place by the seasidex
scene iix the samex a public wayx or platform leading to the listsx
scene iiix the samex a hall of statex a banquet preparedx
scene ivx tyrex a room in the governorxs housex
scene vx pentapolisx a room in the palacex

act iii
chorusx chorusx
scene ix on shipboardx
scene iix ephesusx a room in cerimonxs housex
scene iiix tarsusx a room in cleonxs housex
scene ivx ephesusx a room in cerimonxs housex

act iv
chorusx chorusx
scene ix tarsusx an open place near the seashorex
scene iix mytilenex a room in a brothelx
scene iiix tarsusx a room in cleonxs housex
scene ivx before the monument of marina at tarsusx
scene vx mytilenex a street before the brothelx
scene vix the samex a room in the brothelx

act v
chorusx chorusx
scene ix on board periclesx shipx off mytilenex
scene iix before the temple of diana at ephesusx
scene iiix the temple of diana at ephesusx



 dramatis personx

antiochusx king of antiochx
periclesx prince of tyrex
helicanusx escanesx  two lords of tyrex
simonidesx king of pentapolisx
cleonx governor of tarsusx
lysimachusx governor of mytilenex
cerimonx a lord of ephesusx
thaliardx a lord of antiochx
philemonx servant to cerimonx
leoninex servant to dionyzax
marshalx
a pandarx
boultx his servantx
the daughter of antiochusx
dionyzax wife to cleonx
thaisax daughter to simonidesx
marinax daughter to pericles and thaisax
lychoridax nurse to marinax
a bawdx
lordsx knightsx gentlemenx sailorsx piratesx fishermenx and messengersx
dianax
gowerx as chorusx

scenex dispersedly in various countriesx



act i

 enter gowerx

 before the palace of antiochx

to sing a song that old was sungx
from ashes ancient gower is comex
assuming manxs infirmitiesx
to glad your earx and please your eyesx
it hath been sung at festivalsx
on emberxeves and holyxalesx
and lords and ladies in their lives
have read it for restorativesx
the purchase is to make men gloriousx
xet bonum quo antiquius eo meliusxx
if youx born in these latter timesx
when witxs more ripex accept my rhymesx
and that to hear an old man sing
may to your wishes pleasure bringx
i life would wishx and that i might
waste it for youx like taperxlightx
this antiochx thenx antiochus the great
built upx this cityx for his chiefest seatx
the fairest in all syriax
i tell you what mine authors sayx
this king unto him took a ferex
who died and left a female heirx
so buxomx blithex and full of facex
as heaven had lent her all his gracex
with whom the father liking tookx
and her to incest did provokex
bad childx worse fatherx to entice his own
to evil should be done by nonex
but custom what they did begin
was with long use accountxd no sinx
the beauty of this sinful dame
made many princes thither framex
to seek her as a bedfellowx
in marriage pleasures playfellowx
which to prevent he made a lawx
to keep her stillx and men in awex
that whoso askxd her for his wifex
his riddle told notx lost his lifex
so for her many a wight did diex
as yon grim looks do testifyx
what now ensuesx to the judgement your eye
i givex my cause who best can justifyx

 xxexitxxx



scene ix antiochx a room in the palacex

 enter antiochusx prince pericles and followersx

antiochusx
young prince of tyrex you have at large received
the danger of the task you undertakex

periclesx
i havex antiochusx andx with a soul
emboldened with the glory of her praisex
think death no hazard in this enterprisex

antiochusx
musicx bring in our daughterx clothed like a bridex
for the embracements even of jove himselfx
at whose conceptionx till lucina reignedx
nature this dowry gavex to glad her presencex
the senate house of planets all did sitx
to knit in her their best perfectionsx

 musicx enter the daughter of antiochusx

periclesx
see where she comesx apparellxd like the springx
graces her subjectsx and her thoughts the king
of every virtue gives renown to menx
her face the book of praisesx where is read
nothing but curious pleasuresx as from thence
sorrow were ever razedx and testy wrath
could never be her mild companionx
you gods that made me manx and sway in lovex
that have inflamed desire in my breast
to taste the fruit of yon celestial treex
or die in the adventurex be my helpsx
as i am son and servant to your willx
to compass such a boundless happinessx

antiochusx
prince periclesx x

periclesx
that would be son to great antiochusx

antiochusx
before thee stands this fair hesperidesx
with golden fruitx but dangerous to be touchxdx
for deathxlike dragons here affright thee hardx
her facex like heavenx enticeth thee to view
her countless gloryx which desert must gainx
and whichx without desertx because thine eye
presumes to reachx all the whole heap must diex
yon sometimes famous princesx like thyselfx
drawn by reportx adventurous by desirex
tell theex with speechless tongues and semblance palex
that without coveringx save yon field of starsx
here they stand martyrsx slain in cupidxs warsx
and with dead cheeks advise thee to desist
for going on deathxs netx whom none resistx

periclesx
antiochusx i thank theex who hath taught
my frail mortality to know itselfx
and by those fearful objects to prepare
this bodyx like to themx to what i mustx
for death rememberxd should be like a mirrorx
who tells us lifexs but breathx to trust it errorx
ixll make my will thenx andx as sick men do
who know the worldx see heavenx butx feeling woex
gripe not at earthly joys as erst they didx
so i bequeath a happy peace to you
and all good menx as every prince should dox
my riches to the earth from whence they camex
xxto the daughter of antiochusxxx but my unspotted fire of love to youx
thus ready for the way of life or deathx
i wait the sharpest blowx antiochusx

antiochusx
scorning advicex read the conclusionx thenx
which read and not expoundedx xtis decreedx
as these before thee thou thyself shalt bleedx

daughterx
of all xssayed yetx mayst thou prove prosperousx
of all xssayed yetx i wish thee happinessx

pericles
like a bold championx i assume the listsx
nor ask advice of any other thought
but faithfulness and couragex

 xxhe reads the riddlexxx

     xi am no viperx yet i feed
     on motherxs flesh which did me breedx
     i sought a husbandx in which labour
     i found that kindness in a fatherx
     hexs fatherx sonx and husband mildx
     i motherx wifex and yet his childx
     how they may bex and yet in twox
     as you will live resolve it youxx


sharp physic is the lastx butx o you powers
that give heaven countless eyes to view menxs actsx
why cloud they not their sights perpetuallyx
if this be truex which makes me pale to read itx
fair glass of lightx i loved youx and could stillx

 xxtakes hold of the hand of the princessxxx

were not this glorious casket stored with illx
but i must tell youx now my thoughts revoltx
for hexs no man on whom perfections wait
thatx knowing sin withinx will touch the gatex
you are a fair violx and your sense the stringsx
whox fingerxd to make man his lawful musicx
would draw heaven downx and all the gods to hearkenx
but being playxd upon before your timex
hell only danceth at so harsh a chimex
good soothx i care not for youx

antiochusx
prince periclesx touch notx upon thy lifex
for thatxs an article within our lawx
as dangerous as the restx your timexs expiredx
either expound nowx or receive your sentencex

periclesx
great kingx
few love to hear the sins they love to actx
xtwould braid yourself too near for me to tell itx
who has a book of all that monarchs dox
hexs more secure to keep it shut than shownx
for vice repeated is like the wandering windx
blows dust in othersx eyesx to spread itselfx
and yet the end of all is bought thus dearx
the breath is gonex and the sore eyes see clearx
to stop the air would hurt themx the blind mole casts
coppxd hills towards heavenx to tell the earth is throngxd
by manxs oppressionx and the poor worm doth die forxtx
kind are earthxs godsx in vice their lawxs their willx
and if jove strayx who dares say jove doth illx
it is enough you knowx and it is fitx
what being more known grows worsex to smother itx
all love the womb that their first bredx
then give my tongue like leave to love my headx

antiochusx
xxasidexx heavenx that i had thy headx he has found the meaningx
but i will gloze with himx x young prince of tyrex
though by the tenour of our strict edictx
your exposition misinterpretingx
we might proceed to cancel of your daysx
yet hopex succeeding from so fair a tree
as your fair selfx doth tune us otherwisex
forty days longer we do respite youx
if by which time our secret be undonex
this mercy shows wexll joy in such a sonx
and until then your entertain shall be
as doth befit our honour and your worthx

 xxexeunt all but periclesxxx

periclesx
how courtesy would seem to cover sinx
when what is done is like an hypocritex
the which is good in nothing but in sightx
if it be true that i interpret falsex
then were it certain you were not so bad
as with foul incest to abuse your soulx
where now youxre both a father and a sonx
by your untimely claspings with your childx
which pleasures fits a husbandx not a fatherx
and she an eater of her motherxs fleshx
by the defiling of her parentxs bedx
and both like serpents arex who though they feed
on sweetest flowersx yet they poison breedx
antiochx farewellx for wisdom seesx those men
blush not in actions blacker than the nightx
will xschew no course to keep them from the lightx
one sinx i knowx another doth provokex
murderxs as near to lust as flame to smokex
poison and treason are the hands of sinx
ayx and the targetsx to put off the shamex
thenx lest my life be croppxd to keep you clearx
by flight ixll shun the danger which i fearx

 xxexitxxx

 rexenter antiochusx

antiochusx
he hath found the meaningx
for which we mean to have his headx
he must not live to trumpet forth my infamyx
nor tell the world antiochus doth sin
in such a loathed mannerx
and therefore instantly this prince must diex
for by his fall my honour must keep highx
who attends us therex

 enter thaliardx

thaliardx
doth your highness callx

antiochusx
thaliardx you are of our chamberx
and our mind partakes her private actions
to your secrecyx and for your faithfulness
we will advance youx thaliardx
beholdx herexs poisonx and herexs goldx
we hate the prince of tyrex and thou must kill himx
it fits thee not to ask the reason whyx
because we bid itx sayx is it donex

thaliardx
my lordx xtis donex

antiochusx
enoughx

 enter a messengerx

let your breath cool yourselfx telling your hastex

messengerx
my lordx prince pericles is fledx

 xxexitxxx

antiochusx
as thou wilt livex fly afterx and like an arrow shot
from a wellxexperienced archer hits the mark
his eye doth level atx so thou nexer return
unless thou say xprince pericles is deadxx

thaliardx
my lordx if i can get him within my pistolxs lengthx ixll make him sure
enoughx sox farewell to your highnessx

antiochusx
thaliardx adieux

 xxexit thaliardxxx

till pericles be deadx
my heart can lend no succour to my headx

 xxexitxxx



scene iix tyrex a room in the palacex

 enter pericles with his lordsx

periclesx
xxto lords withoutxxx let none disturb usx x why should this change of
thoughtsx
the sad companionx dullxeyed melancholyx
be my so used a guest as not an hour
in the dayxs glorious walk or peaceful nightx
the tomb where grief should sleepx can breed me quietx
here pleasures court mine eyesx and mine eyes shun themx
and dangerx which i fearxdx is at antiochx
whose arm seems far too short to hit me herex
yet neither pleasurexs art can joy my spiritsx
nor yet the otherxs distance comfort mex
then it is thusx the passions of the mindx
that have their first conception by misdreadx
have afterxnourishment and life by carex
and what was first but fear what might be donex
grows elder now and cares it be not donex
and so with mex the great antiochusx
xgainst whom i am too little to contendx
since hexs so great can make his will his actx
will think me speakingx though i swear to silencex
nor boots it me to say i honour himx
if he suspect i may dishonour himx
and what may make him blush in being knownx
hexll stop the course by which it might be knownx
with hostile forces hexll oxerspread the landx
and with the ostent of war will look so hugex
amazement shall drive courage from the statex
our men be vanquishxd ere they do resistx
and subjects punishxd that nexer thought offencex
which care of themx not pity of myselfx
who am no more but as the tops of treesx
which fence the roots they grow by and defend themx
makes both my body pine and soul to languishx
and punish that before that he would punishx

 enter helicanus with other lordsx

first lordx
joy and all comfort in your sacred breastx

second lordx
and keep your mindx till you return to usx
peaceful and comfortablex

helicanusx
peacex peacex and give experience tonguex
they do abuse the king that flatter himx
for flattery is the bellows blows up sinx
the thing the which is flatterxdx but a sparkx
to which that spark gives heat and stronger glowingx
whereas reproofx obedient and in orderx
fits kingsx as they are menx for they may errx
when signior sooth here does proclaim peacex
he flatters youx makes war upon your lifex
princex pardon mex or strike mex if you pleasex
i cannot be much lower than my kneesx

periclesx
all leave us elsex but let your cares oxerlook
what shipping and what ladingxs in our havenx
and then return to usx

 xxexeunt lordsxxx

helicanusx thou
hast moved usx what seest thou in our looksx

helicanusx
an angry browx dread lordx

periclesx
if there be such a dart in princesx frownsx
how durst thy tongue move anger to our facex

helicanusx
how dares the plants look up to heavenx from whence
they have their nourishmentx

periclesx
thou knowxst i have power
to take thy life from theex

helicanusx xxkneelingxxx
i have ground the axe myselfx
do but you strike the blowx

periclesx
risex pritheex risex
sit downx thou art no flattererx
i thank thee for itx and heaven forbid
that kings should let their ears hear their faults hidx
fit counsellor and servant for a princex
who by thy wisdom makest a prince thy servantx
what wouldst thou have me dox

helicanusx
to bear with patience
such griefs as you yourself do lay upon yourselfx

periclesx
thou speakxst like a physicianx helicanusx
that ministers a potion unto me
that thou wouldst tremble to receive thyselfx
attend mex thenx i went to antiochx
wherex as thou knowxstx against the face of deathx
i sought the purchase of a glorious beautyx
from whence an issue i might propagatex
are arms to princesx and bring joys to subjectsx
her face was to mine eye beyond all wonderx
the rest x hark in thine ear x as black as incestx
which by my knowledge foundx the sinful father
seemxd not to strikex but smoothx but thou knowxst thisx
xtis time to fear when tyrants seems to kissx
which fear so grew in me i hither fledx
under the covering of a careful nightx
who seemxd my good protectorx andx being herex
bethought me what was pastx what might succeedx
i knew him tyrannousx and tyrantsx fears
decrease notx but grow faster than the yearsx
and should he doubtx as no doubt he dothx
that i should open to the listening air
how many worthy princesx bloods were shedx
to keep his bed of blackness unlaid opex
to lop that doubtx hexll fill this land with armsx
and make pretence of wrong that i have done himx
when allx for minex if i may call offencex
must feel warxs blowx who spares not innocencex
which love to allx of which thyself art onex
who now reprovest me for itx x

helicanusx
alasx sirx

periclesx
drew sleep out of mine eyesx blood from my cheeksx
musings into my mindx with thousand doubts
how i might stop this tempest ere it camex
and finding little comfort to relieve themx
i thought it princely charity to grieve themx

helicanusx
wellx my lordx since you have given me leave to speakx
freely will i speakx antiochus you fearx
and justly toox i thinkx you fear the tyrantx
who either by public war or private treason
will take away your lifex
thereforex my lordx go travel for a whilex
till that his rage and anger be forgotx
or till the destinies do cut his thread of lifex
your rule direct to anyx if to mex
day serves not light more faithful than ixll bex

periclesx
i do not doubt thy faithx
but should he wrong my liberties in my absencex

helcanusx
wexll mingle our bloods together in the earthx
from whence we had our being and our birthx

periclesx
tyrex i now look from thee thenx and to tarsus
intend my travelx where ixll hear from theex
and by whose letters ixll dispose myselfx
the care i had and have of subjectsx good
on thee i layx whose wisdomxs strength can bear itx
ixll take thy word for faithx not ask thine oathx
who shuns not to break one will sure crack bothx
but in our orbs wexll live so round and safex
that time of both this truth shall nexer convincex
thou showxdst a subjectxs shinex i a true princex

 xxexeuntxxx



scene iiix tyrex an antexchamber in the palacex

 enter thaliardx

thaliardx
sox this is tyrex and this the courtx here must i kill king periclesx
and if i do it notx i am sure to be hanged at homex xtis dangerousx
wellx i perceive he was a wise fellowx and had good discretionx thatx
being bid to ask what he would of the kingx desired he might know none
of his secretsx now do i see he had some reason forxtx for if a king
bid a man be a villainx hexs bound by the indenture of his oath to be
onex hushtx here come the lords of tyrex

 enter helicanus and escanes with other lords of tyrex

helicanusx
you shall not needx my fellow peers of tyrex
further to question me of your kingxs departurex
his sealxd commissionx left in trust with mex
doth speak sufficiently hexs gone to travelx

thaliardx
xxasidexxx howx the king gonex

helicanusx
if further yet you will be satisfiedx
whyx as it were unlicensed of your lovesx
he would departx ixll give some light unto youx
being at antioch x

thaliardx
xxasidexxx what from antiochx

helicanusx
royal antiochus x on what cause i know not
took some displeasure at himx at least he judged sox
and doubting lest that he had errxd or sinnxdx
to show his sorrowx hexd correct himselfx
so puts himself unto the shipmanxs toilx
with whom each minute threatens life or deathx

thaliardx
xxasidexxx wellx i perceive
i shall not be hangxd nowx although i wouldx
but since hexs gonex the kingxs seas must please
he  xscaped the landx to perish at the seax
ixll present myselfx  peace to the lords of tyrex

helicanusx
lord thaliard from antiochus is welcomex

thaliardx
from him i come
with message unto princely periclesx
but since my landing i have understood
your lord has betook himself to unknown travelsx
my message must return from whence it camex

helicanusx
we have no reason to desire itx
commended to our masterx not to usx
yetx ere you shall departx this we desirex
as friends to antiochx we may feast in tyrex

 xxexeuntxxx



scene ivx tarsusx a room in the governorxs housex

 enter cleonx the governor of tarsusx with dionyza and othersx

cleonx
my dionyzax shall we rest us herex
and by relating tales of othersx griefsx
see if xtwill teach us to forget our ownx

dionyzax
that were to blow at fire in hope to quench itx
for who digs hills because they do aspire
throws down one mountain to cast up a higherx
o my distressed lordx even such our griefs arex
here theyxre but feltx and seen with mischiefxs eyesx
but like to grovesx being toppxdx they higher risex

cleonx
o dionyzax
who wanteth foodx and will not say he wants itx
or can conceal his hunger till he famishx
our tongues and sorrows do sound deep
our woes into the airx our eyes do weepx
till tongues fetch breath that may proclaim them louderx
thatx if heaven slumber while their creatures wantx
they may awake their helps to comfort themx
ixll then discourse our woesx felt several yearsx
and wanting breath to speakx help me with tearsx

dionyzax
ixll do my bestx sirx

cleonx
this tarsusx oxer which i have the governmentx
a city on whom plenty held full handx
for riches strewxd herself even in the streetsx
whose towers bore heads so high they kissxd the cloudsx
and strangers nexer beheld but wonderxd atx
whose men and dames so jetted and adornxdx
like one anotherxs glass to trim them byx
their tables were stored full to glad the sightx
and not so much to feed on as delightx
all poverty was scornxdx and pride so greatx
the name of help grew odious to repeatx

dionyzax
ox xtis too truex

cleonx
but see what heaven can dox  by this our changex
these mouthsx who but of latex earthx seax and airx
were all too little to content and pleasex
although they gave their creatures in abundancex
as houses are defiled for want of usex
they are now starved for want of exercisex
those palates whox not yet two summers youngerx
must have inventions to delight the tastex
would now be glad of bread and beg for itx
those mothers whox to nousle up their babesx
thought nought too curiousx are ready now
to eat those little darlings whom they lovedx
so sharp are hungerxs teethx that man and wife
draw lots who first shall die to lengthen lifex
here stands a lordx and there a lady weepingx
here many sinkx yet those which see them fall
have scarce strength left to give them burialx
is not this truex

dionyzax
our cheeks and hollow eyes do witness itx

cleonx
ox let those cities that of plentyxs cup
and her prosperities so largely tastex
with their superflous riotsx hear these tearsx
the misery of tarsus may be theirsx

 enter a lordx

lordx
wherexs the lord governorx

cleonx
herex
speak out thy sorrows which thou bringxst in hastex
for comfort is too far for us to expectx

lordx
we have descriedx upon our neighbouring shorex
a portly sail of ships make hitherwardx

cleonx
i thought as muchx
one sorrow never comes but brings an heirx
that may succeed as his inheritorx
and so in oursx some neighbouring nationx
taking advantage of our miseryx
that stuffxd the hollow vessels with their powerx
to beat us downx the which are down alreadyx
and make a conquest of unhappy mex
whereas no gloryxs got to overcomex

lordx
thatxs the least fearx forx by the semblance
of their white flags displayxdx they bring us peacex
and come to us as favourersx not as foesx

cleonx
thou speakxst like himxs untutorxd to repeatx
who makes the fairest show means most deceitx
but bring they what they will and what they canx
what need we fearx
the groundxs the lowestx and we are half way therex
go tell their general we attend him herex
to know for what he comesx and whence he comesx
and what he cravesx

lordx
i gox my lordx

 xxexitxxx

cleonx
welcome is peacex if he on peace consistx
if warsx we are unable to resistx

 enter pericles with attendantsx

periclesx
lord governorx for so we hear you arex
let not our ships and number of our men
be like a beacon fired to amaze your eyesx
we have heard your miseries as far as tyrex
and seen the desolation of your streetsx
nor come we to add sorrow to your tearsx
but to relieve them of their heavy loadx
and these our shipsx you happily may think
are like the trojan horse was stuffxd within
with bloody veinsx expecting overthrowx
are stored with corn to make your needy breadx
and give them life whom hunger starved half deadx

allx
the gods of greece protect youx
and wexll pray for youx

periclesx
arisex i pray youx risex
we do not look for reverencex but for lovex
and harbourage for ourselfx our ships and menx

cleonx
the which when any shall not gratifyx
or pay you with unthankfulness in thoughtx
be it our wivesx our childrenx or ourselvesx
the curse of heaven and men succeed their evilsx
till whenx x the which i hope shall nexer be seenx x
your grace is welcome to our town and usx

periclesx
which welcome wexll acceptx feast here awhilex
until our stars that frown lend us a smilex

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

 enter gowerx

gowerx
here have you seen a mighty king
his childx iwisx to incest bringx
a better prince and benign lordx
that will prove awful both in deed wordx
be quiet then as men should bex
till he hath passxd necessityx
ixll show you those in troubles reignx
losing a mitex a mountain gainx
the good in conversationx
to whom i give my benisonx
is still at tarsusx where each man
thinks all is writ he speken canx
and to remember what he doesx
build his statue to make him gloriousx
but tidings to the contrary
are brought your eyesx what need speak ix

 dumbxshowx enter at one door pericles talking with cleonx all the
 train with themx enter at another door a gentleman with a letter to
 periclesx pericles shows the letter to cleonx gives the messenger a
 rewardx and knights himx  exit pericles at one doorx and cleon at
 anotherx

good helicanex that stayxd at homex
not to eat honey like a drone
from othersx laboursx for though he strive
to killen badx keep good alivex
and to fulfil his princex desirex
sends word of all that haps in tyrex
how thaliard came full bent with sin
and had intent to murder himx
and that in tarsus was not best
longer for him to make his restx
hex doing sox put forth to seasx
where when men beenx therexs seldom easex
for now the wind begins to blowx
thunder above and deeps below
make such unquietx that the ship
should house him safe is wreckxd and splitx
and hex good princex having all lostx
by waves from coast to coast is tostx
all perishen of manx of pelfx
ne aught escapen but himselfx
till fortunex tired with doing badx
threw him ashorex to give him gladx
and here he comesx what shall be nextx
pardon old gowerx x this longs the textx

 xxexitxxx



scene ix pentapolisx an open place by the seasidex

 enter periclesx wetx

periclesx
yet cease your irex you angry stars of heavenx
windx rainx and thunderx remember earthly man
is but a substance that must yield to youx
and ix as fits my naturex do obey youx
alasx the sea hath cast me on the rocksx
washxd me from shore to shorex and left me breath
nothing to think on but ensuing deathx
let it suffice the greatness of your powers
to have bereft a prince of all his fortunesx
and having thrown him  from your watery gravex
here to have death in peace is all hexll cravex

 enter three fishermenx

first fishermanx
whatx hox pilchx

second fishermanx
hax come and bring away the netsx

first fishermanx
whatx patchxbreechx i sayx

third fishermanx
what say youx masterx

first fishermanx
look how thou stirrest nowx come awayx or ixll fetch thee with a
wanionx

third fishermanx
faithx masterx i am thinking of the poor men that were cast away before
us even nowx

first fishermanx
alasx poor soulsx it grieved my heart to hear what pitiful cries they
made to us to help themx whenx wellxaxdayx we could scarce help
ourselvesx

third fishermanx
nayx masterx said not i as much when i saw the porpus how he bounced
and tumbledx they say theyxre half fishx half fleshx a plague on themx
they nexer come but i look to be washedx masterx i marvel how the
fishes live in the seax

first fishermanx
whyx as men do axlandx the great ones eat up the little onesx i can
compare our rich misers to nothing so fitly as to a whalex ax plays and
tumblesx driving the poor fry before himx and at last devours them all
at a mouthfulx such whales have i heard on ox the landx who never leave
gaping till they swallowed the whole parishx churchx steeplex bells and
allx

periclesx
xxasidexxx a pretty moralx

third fishermanx
butx masterx if i had been the sextonx i would have been that day in
the belfryx

second fishermanx
whyx manx

third fishermanx
because he should have swallowed me toox and when i had been in his
bellyx i would have kept such a jangling of the bellsx that he should
never have leftx till he cast bellsx steeplex church and parish up
againx  but if the good king simonides were of my mindx x

periclesx
xxasidexxx simonidesx

third fishermanx
we would purge the land of these dronesx that rob the bee of her honeyx

periclesx
xxasidexxx how from the finny subject of the sea
these fishers tell the infirmities of menx
and from their watery empire recollect
all that may men approve or men detectx
peace be at your labourx honest fishermenx

second fishermanx
honestx good fellowx whatxs thatx if it be a day fits youx search out
of the calendarx and nobody look after itx

periclesx
may see the sea hath cast upon your coastx

second fishermanx
what a drunken knave was the sea to cast thee in our wayx

periclesx
a man whom both the waters and the windx
in that vast tennisxcourtx have made the ball
for them to play uponx entreats you pity himx
he asks of youx that never used to begx

first fishermanx
nox friendx cannot you begx herexs them in our country of greece gets
more with begging than we can do with workingx

second fishermanx
canst thou catch any fishesx thenx

periclesx
i never practised itx

second fishermanx
nayx then thou wilt starvex surex for herexs nothing to be got
nowxaxdaysx unless thou canst fish forxtx

periclesx
what i have been i have forgot to knowx
but what i amx want teaches me to think onx
a man throngxd up with coldx my veins are chillx
and have no more of life than may suffice
to give my tongue that heat to ask your helpx
which if you shall refusex when i am deadx
for that i am a manx pray see me buriedx

first fishermanx
die quothxax  now gods forbidxtx and i have a gown herex comex put it
onx keep thee warmx nowx afore mex a handsome fellowx  comex thou shalt
go homex and wexll have flesh for holidaysx fish for fastingxdaysx and
moreoxer puddings and flapxjacksx and thou shalt be welcomex

periclesx
i thank youx sirx

second fishermanx
hark youx my friendx you said you could not begx

periclesx
i did but cravex

second fishermanx
but cravex  then ixll turn craver toox and so i shall xscape whippingx

periclesx
whyx are your beggars whippedx thenx

second fishermanx
ox not allx my friendx not allx for if all your beggars were whippedx i
would wish no better office than to be beadlex butx masterx ixll go
draw up the netx

 xxexit with third fishermanxxx

periclesx
xxasidexxx how well this honest mirth becomes their labourx

first fishermanx
hark youx sirx do you know where ye arex

periclesx
not wellx

first fishermanx
whyx ixll tell youx this is called pentapolisx and our kingx the good
simonidesx

periclesx
the good simonidesx do you call himx

first fishermanx
ayx sirx and he deserves so to be called for his peaceable reign and
good governmentx

periclesx
he is a happy kingx since he gains from his subjects the name of good
governmentx how far is his court distant from this shorex

first fishermanx
marry sirx half a dayxs journeyx and ixll tell youx he hath a fair
daughterx and tomorrow is her birthxdayx and there are princes and
knights come from all parts of the world to joust and tourney for her
lovex

periclesx
were my fortunes equal to my desiresx i could wish to make one therex

first fishermanx
ox sirx things must be as they mayx and what a man cannot getx he may
lawfully deal for x his wifexs soulx

 rexenter second and third fishermenx drawing up a netx

second fishermanx
helpx masterx helpx herexs a fish hangs in the netx like a poor manxs
right in the lawx xtwill hardly come outx  hax bots onxtx xtis come at
lastx and xtis turned to a rusty armourx

periclesx
an armourx friendsx i pray youx let me see itx
thanksx fortunex yetx thatx after all my crossesx
thou givest me somewhat to repair myselfx
and though it was mine ownx part of my heritagex
which my dead father did bequeath to mex
with this strict chargex even as he left his lifex
xkeep itx my periclesx it hath been a shield
xtwixt me and deathxx x and pointed to this bracexx
xfor that it saved mex keep itx in like necessity x
the which the gods protect thee fromx x may defend theexx
it kept where i keptx i so dearly loved itx
till the rough seasx that spares not any manx
took it in ragex though calmxd have givenxt againx
i thank thee forxtx my shipwreck nowxs no illx
since i have here my father gave in his willx

first fishermanx
what mean you sirx

periclesx
to beg of youx kind friendsx this coat of worthx
for it was sometime target to a kingx
i know it by this markx he loved me dearlyx
and for his sake i wish the having of itx
and that youxd guide me to your sovereign courtx
where with it i may appear a gentlemanx
and if that ever my low fortunexs betterx
ixll pay your bountiesx till then rest your debtorx

first fishermanx
whyx wilt thou tourney for the ladyx

periclesx
ixll show the virtue i have borne in armsx

first fishermanx
whyx dxye take itx and the gods give thee good onxtx

second fishermanx
ayx but hark youx my friendx xtwas we that made up this garment through
the rough seams of the watersx there are certain condolementsx certain
vailsx  i hopex sirx if you thrivex youxll remember from whence you had
themx

periclesx
believext i willx
by your furtherance i am clothed in steelx
and spite of all the rapture of the seax
this jewel holds his building on my armx
unto thy value i will mount myself
upon a courserx whose delightful steps
shall make the gazer joy to see him treadx
onlyx my friendx i yet am unprovided
of a pair of basesx

second fishermanx
wexll sure providex thou shalt have my best gown to make thee a pairx
and ixll bring thee to the court myselfx

periclesx
then honour be but a goal to my willx
this day ixll risex or else add ill to illx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene iix the samex a public wayx or platform leading to the listsx a
pavilion by the side of it for the reception of the kingx princessx
lordsx etcx

 enter simonidesx thaisax lords and attendantsx

simonidesx
are the knights ready to begin the triumphx

first lordx
they arex my liegex
and stay your coming to present themselvesx

simonidesx
return themx we are readyx and our daughterx
in honour of whose birth these triumphs arex
sits herex like beautyxs childx whom nature gat
for men to seex and seeing wonder atx

 xxexit a lordxxx

thaisax
it pleaseth youx my royal fatherx to express
my commendations greatx whose meritxs lessx

simonidesx
itxs fit it should be sox for princes are
a modelx which heaven makes like to itselfx
as jewels lose their glory if neglectedx
so princes their renowns if not respectedx
xtis now your honourx daughterx to entertain
the labour of each knight in his devicex

thaisax
whichx to preserve mine honourx ixll performx

 the first knight passes byx and his squire presents his shield to
 thaisax

simonidesx
who is the first that doth prefer himselfx

thaisax
a knight of spartax my renowned fatherx
and the device he bears upon his shield
is a black ethiope reaching at the sunx
the wordx xlux tua vita mihixx

simonidesx
he loves you well that holds his life of youx

 the second knight passes byx and his squire presents his shield to
 thaisax

who is the second that presents himselfx

thaisax
a prince of macedonx my royal fatherx
and the device he bears upon his shield
is an armxd knight thatxs conquerxd by a ladyx
the motto thusx in spanishx xpiu por dulzura que por forzaxx

 the third knight passes byx and his squire presents his shield to
 thaisax

simonidesx
and whatxs the thirdx

thaisax
the third of antiochx
and his devicex a wreath of chivalryx
the wordx xme pompae provexit apexxx

 the fourth knight passes byx and his squire presents his shield to
 thaisax

simonidesx
what is the fourthx

thaisax
a burning torch thatxs turned upside downx
the wordx xquod me alit me extinguitxx

simonidesx
which shows that beauty hath his power and willx
which can as well inflame as it can killx

 the fifth knight passes byx and his squire presents his shield to
 thaisax

thaisax
the fifthx an hand environed with cloudsx
holding out gold thatxs by the touchstone triedx
the motto thusx xsic spectanda fidesxx

 the sixth knightx periclesx passes in rusty armour with basesx and
 unaccompaniedx he presents his device directly to thaisax

simonidesx
and whatxs the sixth and lastx the which the knight himself
with such a graceful courtesy deliverxdx

thaisax
he seems to be a strangerx but his present is
a witherxd branchx thatxs only green at topx
the mottox xin hac spe vivoxx

simonidesx
a pretty moralx
from the dejected state wherein he isx
he hopes by you his fortunes yet may flourishx

first lordx
he had need mean better than his outward show
can any way speak in his just commendx
for by his rusty outside he appears
to have practised more the whipstock than the lancex

second lordx
he well may be a strangerx for he comes
to an honourxd triumph strangely furnishedx

third lordx
and on set purpose let his armour rust
until this dayx to scour it in the dustx

simonidesx
opinionxs but a foolx that makes us scan
the outward habit by the inward manx
but stayx the knights are comingx
we will withdraw into the galleryx

 xxexeuntx great shouts withinx and all cryx xthe mean knightxxx



scene iiix the samex a hall of statex a banquet preparedx

 enter simonidesx thaisax lordsx attendants and knightsx from tiltingx

simonidesx
knightsx
to say youxre welcome were superfluousx
to place upon the volume of your deedsx
as in a titlexpagex your worth in armsx
were more than you expectx or more thanxs fitx
since every worth in show commends itselfx
prepare for mirthx for mirth becomes a feastx
you are princes and my guestsx

thaisax
but youx my knight and guestx
to whom this wreath of victory i givex
and crown you king of this dayxs happinessx

periclesx
xtis more by fortunex ladyx than by meritx

simonidesx
call it by what you willx the day is yoursx
and herex i hopex is none that envies itx
in framing an artistx art hath thus decreedx
to make some goodx but others to exceedx
and you are her labourxd scholarx come queen of the feastx x
forx daughterx so you arex x here take your placex
marshal the restx as they deserve their gracex

knightsx
we are honourxd much by good simonidesx

simonidesx
your presence glads our daysx honour we lovex
for who hates honour hates the gods abovex

marshallx
sirx yonder is your placex

periclesx
some other is more fitx

first knightx
contend notx sirx for we are gentlemen
have neither in our hearts nor outward eyes
envied the greatx nor shall the low despisex

periclesx
you are right courteous knightsx

simonidesx
sitx sirx sitx
by jovex i wonderx that is king of thoughtsx
these cates resist mex he but thought uponx

thaisax
by junox that is queen of marriagex
all viands that i eat do seem unsavouryx
wishing him my meatx surex hexs a gallant gentlemanx

simonidesx
hexs but a country gentlemanx
has done no more than other knights have donex
has broken a staff or sox so let it passx

thaisax
to me he seems like diamond to glassx

periclesx
yon kingxs to me like to my fatherxs picturex
which tells me in that glory once he wasx
had princes sitx like starsx about his thronex
and he the sunx for them to reverencex
none that beheld himx butx like lesser lightsx
did vail their crowns to his supremacyx
where now his sonxs like a glowxworm in the nightx
the which hath fire in darknessx none in lightx
whereby i see that timexs the king of menx
hexs both their parentx and he is their gravex
and gives them what he willx not what they cravex

simonidesx
whatx are you merryx knightsx

knightsx
who can be other in this royal presencex

simonidesx
herex with a cup thatxs stored unto the brimx x
as you do lovex fill to your mistressx lipsx x
we drink this health to youx

knightsx
we thank your gracex

simonidesx
yet pause awhilex yon knight doth sit too melancholyx
as if the entertainment in our court
had not a show might countervail his worthx
note it not youx thaisax

thaisax
what isxt to mex my fatherx

simonidesx
o attendx my daughterx
princes in this should live like godxs abovex
who freely give to everyone that comes to honour themx
and princes not doing so are like to gnatsx
which make a soundx but killxd are wonderxd atx
therefore to make his entrance more sweetx
herex say we drink this standingxbowl of wine to himx

thaisax
alasx my fatherx it befits not me
unto a stranger knight to be so boldx
he may my proffer take for an offencex
since men take womenxs gifts for impudencex

simonidesx
howx do as i bid youx or youxll move me elsex

thaisax
xxasidexxx nowx by the godsx he could not please me betterx

simonidesx
and furthermore tell himx we desire to know of himx
of whence he isx his name and parentagex

thaisax
the king my fatherx sirx has drunk to youx

periclesx
i thank himx

thaisax
wishing it so much blood unto your lifex

periclesx
i thank both him and youx and pledge him freelyx

thaisax
and further he desires to know of youx
of whence you arex your name and parentagex

periclesx
a gentleman of tyrex my namex periclesx
my education been in arts and armsx
whox looking for adventures in the worldx
was by the rough seas reft of ships and menx
and after shipwreck driven upon this shorex

thaisax
he thanks your gracex names himself periclesx
a gentleman of tyrex
who only by misfortune of the seas
bereft of ships and menx cast on this shorex

simonidesx
nowx by the godsx i pity his misfortunex
and will awake him from his melancholyx
comex gentlemenx we sit too long on triflesx
and waste the timex which looks for other revelsx
even in your armoursx as you are addressxdx
will well become a soldierxs dancex
i will not have excusex with saying thisx
xloud music is too harsh for ladiesx headsx
since they love men in arms as well as bedsx

 xxthe knights dancexxx

sox this was well askxdx xtwas so well performxdx
comex sirx here is a lady which wants breathing toox
and i have heard you knights of tyre
are excellent in making ladies tripx
and that their measures are as excellentx

periclesx
in those that practise them they arex my lordx

simonidesx
ox thatxs as much as you would be denied
of your fair courtesyx

 xxthe knights and ladies dancexxx

unclaspx unclaspx
thanks gentlemenx to allx all have done wellx
xxto periclesxxx but you the bestx pages and lights to conduct
these knights unto their several lodgingsx
xxto periclesxxx yoursx sirx we have given order to be next our ownx

periclesx
i am at your gracexs pleasurex

simonidesx
princesx it is too late to talk of lovex
and thatxs the mark i know you level atx
therefore each one betake him to his restx
tomorrow all for speeding do their bestx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene ivx tyrex a room in the governorxs housex

 enter helicanus and escanesx

helicanusx
nox escanesx know this of mex
antiochus from incest lived not freex
for which the most high gods not minding longer
to withhold the vengeance that they had in store
due to this heinous capital offencex
even in the height and pride of all his gloryx
when he was seated in a chariot
of an inestimable valuex and his daughter with himx
a fire from heaven came and shrivellxd up
their bodiesx even to loathingx for they so stunkx
that all those eyes adored them ere their fall
scorn now their hand should give them burialx

escanesx
xtwas very strange

helicanusx
and yet but justicex for though this king were greatx
his greatness was no guard to bar heavenxs shaftx
but sin had his rewardx

escanesx
xtis very truex

 enter two or three lordsx

first lordx
seex not a man in private conference
or council has respect with him but hex

second lordx
it shall no longer grieve without reproofx

third lordx
and cursed be he that will not second itx

first lordx
follow mex thenx  lord helicanex a wordx

helicanusx
with mex and welcomex happy dayx my lordsx

first lordx
know that our griefs are risen to the topx
and now at length they overflow their banksx

helicanusx
your griefsx for whatx wrong not your prince you lovex

first lordx
wrong not yourselfx thenx noble helicanex
but if the prince do livex let us salute himx
or know what groundxs made happy by his breathx
if in the world he livex wexll seek him outx
if in his grave he restx wexll find him therex
wexll be resolved he lives to govern usx
or deadx givexs cause to mourn his funeralx
and leave us to our free electionx

second lordx
whose deathxs indeed the strongest in our censurex
and knowing this kingdom is without a headx x
like goodly buildings left without a roof
soon fall to ruinx x your noble selfx
that best know how to rule and how to reignx
we thus submit untox x our sovereignx

allx
livex noble helicanex

helicanusx
for honourxs causex forbear your suffragesx
if that you love prince periclesx forbearx
take i your wishx i leap into the seasx
wherexs hourly trouble for a minutexs easex
a twelvemonth longerx let me entreat you
to forbear the absence of your kingx
if in which time expiredx he not returnx
i shall with aged patience bear your yokex
but if i cannot win you to this lovex
go search like noblesx like noble subjectsx
and in your search spend your adventurous worthx
whom if you findx and win unto returnx
you shall like diamonds sit about his crownx

first lordx
to wisdom hexs a fool that will not yieldx
and since lord helicane enjoineth usx
we with our travels will endeavour usx

helicanusx
then you love usx we youx and wexll clasp handsx
when peers thus knitx a kingdom ever standsx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene vx pentapolisx a room in the palacex

 enter simonides reading a letter at one doorx the knights meet himx

first knightx
good morrow to the good simonidesx

simonidesx
knightsx from my daughter this i let you knowx
that for this twelvemonth shexll not undertake
a married lifex
her reason to herself is only knownx
which yet from her by no means can i getx

second knightx
may we not get access to herx my lordx

simonidesx
faithx by no meansx she hath so strictly tied
her to her chamberx that xtis impossiblex
one twelve moons more shexll wear dianaxs liveryx
this by the eye of cynthia hath she vowxdx
and on her virgin honour will not break itx

third knightx
loath to bid farewellx we take our leavesx

 xxexeunt knightsxxx

simonidesx
sox they are well dispatchxdx now to my daughterxs letterx
she tells me herex shexll wed the stranger knightx
or never more to view nor day nor lightx
xtis wellx mistressx your choice agrees with minex
i like that wellx nayx how absolute shexs inxtx
not minding whether i dislike or nox
wellx i do commend her choicex
and will no longer have it be delayxdx
softx here he comesx i must dissemble itx

 enter periclesx

periclesx
all fortune to the good simonidesx

simonidesx
to you as muchx sirx i am beholding to you
for your sweet music this last nightx i do
protest my ears were never better fed
with such delightful pleasing harmonyx

periclesx
it is your gracexs pleasure to commendx
not my desertx

simonidesx
sirx you are musicxs masterx

periclesx
the worst of all her scholarsx my good lordx

simonidesx
let me ask you one thingx
what do you think of my daughterx sirx

periclesx
a most virtuous princessx

simonidesx
and she is fair toox is she notx

periclesx
as a fair day in summerx wondrous fairx

simonidesx
sirx my daughter thinks very well of youx
ayx so wellx that you must be her masterx
and she will be your scholarx therefore look to itx

periclesx
i am unworthy for her schoolmasterx

simonidesx
she thinks not sox peruse this writing elsex

periclesx
xxasidexxx whatxs herex a letterx that she loves the knight of tyrex
xtis the kingxs subtlety to have my lifex
ox seek not to entrap mex gracious lordx
a stranger and distressed gentlemanx
that never aimxd so high to love your daughterx
but bent all offices to honour herx

simonidesx
thou hast bewitchxd my daughterx
and thou art a villainx

periclesx
by the godsx i have notx
never did thought of mine levy offencex
nor never did my actions yet commence
a deed might gain her love or your displeasurex

simonidesx
traitorx thou liestx

periclesx
traitorx

simonidesx
ayx traitorx

periclesx
even in his throat x unless it be the king x
that calls me traitorx i return the liex

simonidesx
xxasidexxx nowx by the godsx i do applaud his couragex

periclesx
my actions are  as noble as my thoughtsx
that never relishxd of a base descentx
i came unto your court for honourxs causex
and not to be a rebel to her statex
and he that otherwise accounts of mex
this sword shall prove hexs honourxs enemyx

simonidesx
nox
here comes my daughterx she can witness itx

 enter thaisax

periclesx
thenx as you are as virtuous as fairx
resolve your angry fatherx if my tongue
did exer solicitx or my hand subscribe
to any syllable that made love to youx

thaisax
whyx sirx say if you hadx
who takes offence at that would make me gladx

simonidesx
yeax mistressx are you so peremptoryx
xxasidexxx i am glad onxt with all my heartx x
ixll tame youx ixll bring you in subjectionx
will youx not having my consentx
bestow your love and your affections
upon a strangerx xxasidexxx whox for aught i know
may bex nor can i think the contraryx
as great in blood as i myselfx x
therefore hear youx mistressx either frame
your will to minex and youx sirx hear youx
either be ruled by mex or i will make you x
man and wifex nayx comex your handsx
and lips must seal it toox and being joinxdx
ixll thus your hopes destroyx and for further griefx
god give you joyx whatx are you both pleasedx

thaisax
yesx if you love mex sirx

periclesx
even as my life my blood that fosters itx

simonidesx
whatx are you both agreedx

bothx
yesx ifxt please your majestyx

simonidesx
it pleaseth me so wellx that i will see you wedx
and then with what haste you canx get you to bedx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

 enter gowerx

gowerx
now sleep yslaked hath the rousex
no din but snores about the housex
made louder by the oxerfed breast
of this most pompous marriage feastx
the catx with eyne of burning coalx
now couches fore the mousexs holex
and crickets sing at the ovenxs mouthx
are the blither for their drouthx
hymen hath brought the bride to bedx
wherex by the loss of maidenheadx
a babe is mouldedx  be attentx
and time that is so briefly spent
with your fine fancies quaintly echex
whatxs dumb in show ixll plain with speechx

 dumbxshowx enterx pericles and simonides at one door with attendantsx
 a messenger meets themx kneelsx and gives pericles a letterx pericles
 shows it simonidesx the lords kneel to himx then enter thaisa with
 childx with lychoridax a nursex the king shows her the letterx she
 rejoicesx  she and pericles take leave of her fatherx and departx with
 lychorida and their attendantsx then exeunt simonides and the restx

by many a dern and painful perch
of pericles the careful searchx
by the four opposing coigns
which the world together joinsx
is made with all due diligence
that horse and sail and high expense
can stead the questx  at last from tyrex
fame answering the most strange enquirex
to thx court of king simonides
are letters broughtx the tenour thesex
antiochus and his daughter deadx
the men of tyrus on the head
of helicanus would set on
the crown of tyrex but he will nonex
the mutiny he there hastes txoppressx
says to xemx if king pericles
come not home in twice six moonsx
hex obedient to their doomsx
will take the crownx  the sum of thisx
brought hither to pentapolis
yxravished the regions roundx
and everyone with claps can soundx
xour heir apparent is a kingx
who dreamtx who thought of such a thingxx
briefx he must hence depart to tyrex
his queen with child makes her desire x
which who shall crossx x along to gox
omit we all their dole and woex
lychoridax her nursex she takesx
and so to seax  their vessel shakes
on neptunexs billowx half the flood
hath their keel cutx but fortunexs mood
varies againx the grisled north
disgorges such a tempest forthx
thatx as a duck for life that divesx
so up and down the poor ship drivesx
the lady shrieksx and wellxaxnear
does fall in travail with her fearx
and what ensues in this fell storm
shall for itself itself performx
i nill relatex action may
conveniently the rest conveyx
which might not what by me is toldx
in your imagination hold
this stage the shipx upon whose deck
the seaxtost pericles appears to speakx

 xxexitxxx



scene ix

 enter periclesx on shipboardx

periclesx
thou god of this great vastx rebuke these surgesx
which wash both heaven and hellx and thou that hast
upon the winds commandx bind them in brassx
having callxd them from the deepx ox still
thy deafeningx dreadful thundersx gently quench
thy nimblex sulphurous flashesx ox howx lychoridax
how does my queenx thou stormest venomouslyx
wilt thou spit all thyselfx  the seamanxs whistle
is as a whisper in the ears of deathx
unheardx  lychoridax x lucinax ox
divinest patronessx and midwife gentle
to those that cry by nightx convey thy deity
aboard our dancing boatx make swift the pangs
of my queenxs travailsx nowx lychoridax

 enter lychorida with an infantx

lychoridax
here is a thing too young for such a placex
whox if it had conceitx would diex as i
am like to dox take in your arms this piece
of your dead queenx

periclesx
howx howx lychoridax

lychoridax
patiencex good sirx do not assist the stormx
herexs all that is left living of your queenx
a little daughterx for the sake of itx
be manlyx and take comfortx

periclesx
o you godsx
why do you make us love your goodly giftsx
and snatch them straight awayx we here below
recall not what we givex and therein may
vie honour with youx

lychoridax
patiencex good sirx
even for this chargex

periclesx
nowx mild may be thy lifex
for a more blustrous birth had never babex
quiet and gentle thy conditionsx for
thou art the rudeliest welcome to this world
that ever was princexs childx  happy what followsx
thou hast as chiding a nativity
as firex airx waterx earthx and heaven can makex
to herald thee from the wombx
even at the first thy loss is more than can
thy portage quitx with all thou canst find herex
nowx the good gods throw their best eyes uponxtx

 enter two sailors

first sailorx
what couragex sirx  god save youx

periclesx
courage enoughx i do not fear the flawx
it hath done to me the worstx  yetx for the love
of this poor infantx this fresh new seaxfarerx
i would it would be quietx

first sailorx
slack the bolins therex  thou wilt notx wilt thoux  blowx and split
thyselfx

second sailorx
but seaxroomx and the brine and cloudy billow kiss the moonx i care
notx

first sailorx
sirx your queen must overboardx the sea works highx the wind is loud
and will not lie till the ship be cleared of the deadx

periclesx
thatxs your superstitionx

first sailorx
pardon usx sirx with us at sea it has been still observedx and we are
strong in customx  therefore briefly yield herx for she must overboard
straightx

periclesx
as you think meetx  most wretched queenx

lychoridax
here she liesx sirx

periclesx
a terrible childbed hast thou hadx my dearx
no lightx no firex thxunfriendly elements
forgot thee utterlyx nor have i time
to give thee hallowxd to thy gravex but straight
must cast theex scarcely coffinxdx in the oozex
wherex for a monument upon thy bonesx
and exerxremaining lampsx the belching whale
and humming water must oxerwhelm thy corpsex
lying with simple shellsx  o lychoridax
bid nestor bring me spicesx ink and paperx
my casket and my jewelsx and bid nicander
bring me the satin cofferx lay the babe
upon the pillowx hie theex whiles i say
a priestly farewell to herx suddenlyx womanx

 xxexit lychoridaxxx

second sailorx
sirx we have a chest beneath the hatchesx caulked and bitumed readyx

periclesx
i thank theex  marinerx say what coast is thisx

second sailorx
we are near tarsusx

periclesx
thitherx gentle marinerx
alter thy course for tyrex  whenx canst thou reach itx

second sailorx
by break of dayx if the wind ceasex

periclesx
ox make for tarsusx
there will i visit cleonx for the babe
cannot hold out to tyrusx there ixll leave it
at careful nursingx go thy waysx good marinerx
ixll bring the body presentlyx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene iix ephesusx a room in cerimonxs housex

 enter cerimonx with a servantx and some persons who have been
 shipwreckedx

cerimonx
philemonx hox

 enter philemonx

philemonx
doth my lord callx

cerimonx
get fire and meat for these poor menx
xt has been a turbulent and stormy nightx

servantx
i have been in manyx but such a night as thisx
till nowx i nexer enduredx

cerimonx
your master will be dead ere you returnx
therexs nothing can be ministerxd to nature
that can recover himx xxto philemonxxx give this to the xpothecaryx
and tell me how it worksx

 xxexeunt all but cerimonxxx

 enter two gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
good morrowx

second gentlemanx
good morrow to your lordshipx

cerimonx
gentlemenx why do you stir so earlyx

first gentlemanx
sirx our lodgingsx standing bleak upon the seax
shook as the earth did quakex
the very principals did seem to rendx
and all to topplex pure surprise and fear
made me to quit the housex

second gentlemanx
that is the cause we trouble you so earlyx
xtis not our husbandryx

cerimonx
ox you say wellx

first gentlemanx
but i much marvel that your lordshipx having
rich tire about youx should at these early hours
shake off the golden slumber of reposex
xtis most strangex
nature should be so conversant with painx
being thereto not compellxdx

cerimonx
i hold it everx
virtue and cunning were endowments greater
than nobleness and richesx careless heirs
may the two latter darken and expendx
but immortality attends the formerx
making a man a godx xtis knownx i ever
have studied physicx through which secret artx
by turning oxer authoritiesx i havex
together with my practicex made familiar
to me and to my aid the blest infusions
that dwell in vegetivesx in metalsx stonesx
and i can speak of the disturbances
that nature worksx and of her curesx which doth give me
a more content in course of true delight
than to be thirsty after tottering honourx
or tie my pleasure up in silken bagsx
to please the fool and deathx

second gentlemanx
your  honour has through ephesus pourxd forth
your charityx and hundreds call themselves
your creaturesx who by you have been restoredx
and not your knowledgex your personal painx but even
your pursex still openx hath built lord cerimon
such strong renown as time shall neverx

 enter two or three servants with a chestx

first servantx
sox lift therex

cerimonx
whatxs thatx

first servantx
sirx even now
did the sea toss upon our shore this chestx
xtis of some wreckx

cerimonx
setxt downx letxs look uponxtx

second gentlemanx
xtis like a coffinx sirx

cerimonx
whatexer it bex
xtis  wondrous  heavyx wrench it open straightx
if the seaxs stomach be oxercharged with goldx
xtis a good constraint of fortune it belches upon usx

second gentlemanx
xtis sox my lordx

cerimonx
how close xtis caulkxd and bitumedx
did the sea cast it upx

first servantx
i never saw so huge a billowx sirx
as tossxd it upon shorex

cerimonx
wrench it openx
softx it smells most sweetly in my sensex

second gentlemanx
a delicate odourx

cerimonx
as ever hit my nostrilx so up with itx
o you most potent godsx whatxs herex a corpsex

first gentlemanx
most strangex

cerimonx
shrouded in cloth of statex balmxd and entreasured
with full bags of spicesx a passport toox
apollox perfect me in the charactersx

 xxreads from a scrollxxx

     xhere i give to understandx
     if exer this coffin drives axlandx
     ix king periclesx have lost
     this queenx worth all our mundane costx
     who finds herx give her buryingx
     she was the daughter of a kingx
     besides this treasure for a feex
     the gods requite his charityxx
if thou livestx periclesx thou hast a heart
that even cracks for woex  this chanced tonightx

second gentlemanx
most likelyx sirx

cerimonx
nayx certainly tonightx
for look how fresh she looksx they were too rough
that threw her in the seax make a fire within
fetch hither all my boxes in my closetx

 xxexit a servantxxx

death may usurp on nature many hoursx
and yet the fire of life kindle again
the oxerpressxd spiritsx i heard of an egyptian
that had nine hours lain deadx
who was by good appliance recoveredx

 rexenter a servant with napkins and firex

well saidx well saidx the fire and clothsx
the rough and woeful music that we havex
cause it to soundx beseech you
the viol once morex how thou stirrxstx thou blockx
the music therex x i pray youx give her airx
gentlemenx this queen will livex
nature awakesx a warmth breathes out of herx
she hath not been entranced above five hoursx
see how she xgins to blow into lifexs flower againx

first gentlemanx
the heavensx through youx increase our wonder
and sets up your fame for everx

cerimonx
she is alivex beholdx her eyelidsx
cases to those heavenly jewels which pericles hath lostx
begin to part their fringes of bright goldx
the diamonds of a most praised water doth appearx
to make the world twice richx livex and make us weep
to hear your fatex fair creaturex rare as you seem to bex

 xxshe movesxxx

thaisax
o dear dianax
where am ix wherexs my lordx what world is thisx

second gentlemanx
is not this strangex

first gentlemanx
most rarex

cerimonx
hushx my gentle neighboursx
lend me your handsx to the next chamber bear herx
get linenx now this matter must be lookxd tox
for her relapse is mortalx  comex comex
and aesculapius guide usx

 xxexeuntx carrying her awayxxx



scene iiix tarsusx a room in cleonxs housex

 enter periclesx cleonx dionyza and lychorida with marina in her armsx

periclesx
most honourxd cleonx i must needs be gonex
my twelve months are expiredx and tyrus stands
in a litigious peacex  you and your ladyx
take from my heart all thankfulnessx  the gods
make up the rest upon youx

cleonx
your shafts of fortunex though they hurt you mortallyx
yet glance full wanderingly on usx

dionyzax
ox your sweet queenx
that the strict fates had pleased you had brought her hitherx
to have blessxd mine eyes with herx

periclesx
we cannot but obey
the powers above usx could i rage and roar
as doth the sea she lies inx yet the end
must be as xtisx my gentle babe marinax
whomx for she was born at seax i have named sox
here i charge your charity withalx
leaving her the infant of your carex
beseeching you to give her princely trainingx
that she may be mannerxd as she is bornx

cleonx
fear notx my lordx but think
your gracex that fed my country with your cornx
for which the peoplexs prayers still fall upon youx
must in your child be thought onx  if neglection
should therein make me vilex the common bodyx
by you relievedx would force me to my dutyx
but if to that my nature need a spurx
the gods revenge it upon me and minex
to the end of generationx

periclesx
i believe youx
your honour and your goodness teach me toxtx
without your vowsx till she be marriedx madamx
by bright dianax whom we honourx all
unscissored shall this hair of mine remainx
though i show ill inxtx  so i take my leavex
good madamx make me blessed in your care
in bringing up my childx

dionyzax
i have one myselfx
who shall not be more dear to my respect
than yoursx my lordx

periclesx
madamx my thanks and prayersx

cleonx
wexll bring your grace exen to the edge oxthe shorex
then give you up to the maskxd neptune and
the gentlest winds of heavenx

periclesx
i will embrace your offerx comex dearest madamx
ox no tearsx lychoridax no tearsx
look to your little mistressx on whose grace
you may depend hereafterx comex my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene ivx ephesusx a room in cerimonxs housex

 enter cerimon and thaisax

cerimonx
madamx this letterx and some certain jewelsx
lay with you in your cofferx which are
at your commandx  know you the characterx

thaisax
it is my lordxsx
that i was shippxd at seax i well rememberx
even on my groaning timex but whether there
deliverxdx by the holy godsx
i cannot rightly sayx  but since king periclesx
my wedded lordx i nexer shall see againx
a vestal livery will i take me tox
and never more have joyx

cerimonx
madamx if this you purpose as ye speakx
dianaxs temple is not distant farx
where you may abide till your date expirex
moreoverx if you pleasex a niece of mine
shall there attend youx

thaisax
my recompense is thanksx thatxs allx
yet my good will is greatx though the gift smallx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

 enter gowerx

gowerx
imagine pericles arrived at tyrex
welcomed and settled to his own desirex
his woeful queen we leave at ephesusx
unto diana there a votaressx
now to marina bend your mindx
whom our fastxgrowing scene must find
at tarsusx and by cleon trainxd
in musicxs lettersx who hath gainxd
of education all the gracex
which makes her both the heart and place
of general wonderx butx alackx
that monster envyx oft the wrack
of earned praisex marinaxs life
seeks to take off by treasonxs knifex
and in this kind our cleon hath
one daughterx and a full grown wench
even ripe for marriagexritex this maid
hight philotenx and it is said
for certain in our storyx she
would ever with marina bex
bext when she weaved the sleided silk
with fingers longx smallx white as milkx
or when she would with sharp needle woundx
the cambricx which she made more sound
by hurting itx or when to thx lute
she sungx and made the nightxbird mute
that still records with moanx or when
she would with rich and constant pen
vail to her mistress dianx still
this philoten contends in skill
with absolute marinax so
the dove of paphos might with the crow
vie feathers whitex  marina gets
all praisesx which are paid as debtsx
and not as givenx this so darks
in philoten all graceful marksx
that cleonxs wifex with envy rarex
a present murderer does prepare
for good marinax that her daughter
might stand peerless by this slaughterx
the sooner her vile thoughts to steadx
lychoridax our nursex is deadx
and cursed dionyza hath
the pregnant instrument of wrath
prest for this blowx the unborn event
i do commend to your contentx
only i carry winged time
post on the lame feet of my rhymex
which never could i so conveyx
unless your thoughts went on my wayx
dionyza does appearx
with leoninex a murdererx

 xxexitxxx



scene ix tarsusx an open place near the seashorex

 enter dionyza with leoninex

dionyzax
thy  oath  rememberx  thou hast sworn to doxtx
xtis but a blowx which never shall be knownx
thou canst not do a thing in the world so soonx
to yield thee so much profitx  let not consciencex
which is but coldx inflaming love ix thy bosomx
inflame too nicelyx nor let pityx which
even women have cast offx melt theex but be
a soldier to thy purposex

leoninex
i will doxtx but yet she is a goodly creaturex

dionyzax
the fitterx thenx the gods should have herx here she comes weeping for
her only mistressx deathx  thou art resolvedx

leoninex
i am resolvedx

 enter marina with a basket of flowersx

marinax
nox i will rob tellus of her weed
to strew thy green with flowersx the yellowsx bluesx
the purple violetsx and marigoldsx
shall as a carpet hang upon thy gravex
while summer days do lastx ay mex poor maidx
born in a tempestx when my mother diedx
this world to me is like a lasting stormx
whirring me from my friendsx

dionyzax
how nowx marinax why do you keep alonex
how chance my daughter is not with youx
do not consume your blood with sorrowingx
have you a nurse of mex lordx how your favourxs
changed with this unprofitable woex
comex give me your flowersx ere the sea mar itx
walk with leoninex the air is quick therex
and it pierces and sharpens the stomachx
comex leoninex take her by the armx walk with herx

marinax
nox i pray youx
ixll not bereave you of your servantx

dionyzax
comex comex
i love the king your fatherx and yourselfx
with more than foreign heartx we every day
expect him herex when he shall come and find
our paragon to all reports thus blastedx
he will repent the breadth of his great voyagex
blame both my lord and mex that we have taken
no care to your best coursesx gox i pray youx
walkx and be cheerful once againx reserve
that excellent complexionx which did steal
the eyes of young and oldx care not for mex
i can go home alonex

marinax
wellx i will gox
but yet i have no desire to itx

dionyzax
comex comex i know xtis good for youx
walk half an hourx leoninex at the leastx
remember what i have saidx

leoninex
i warrant youx madamx

dionyzax
ixll leave youx my sweet ladyx for a whilex
prayx walk softlyx do not heat your bloodx
whatx i must have a care of youx

marinax
my thanksx sweet madamx

 xxexit dionyzaxxx

is this wind westerly that blowsx

leoninex
southxwestx

marinax
when i was born the wind was northx

leoninex
wasxt sox

marinax
my fatherx as nurse saidx did never fearx
but cried xgood seamenxx to the sailorsx
galling his kingly handsx haling ropesx
and clasping to the mastx endured a sea
that almost burst the deckx

leoninex
when was thisx

marinax
when i was bornx
never was waves nor wind more violentx
and from the ladder tackle washes off
a canvasxclimberx xhaxx says onex xwolt outxx
and with a dropping industry they skip
from stem to sternx the boatswain whistlesx and
the master calls and trebles their confusionx

leoninex
comex say your prayersx

marinax
what mean youx

leoninex
if you require a little space for prayerx
i grant itx prayx but be not tediousx
for the gods are quick of earx and i am sworn
to do my work with hastex

marinax
why will you kill mex

leoninex
to satisfy my ladyx

marinax
why would she have me killxd nowx
as i can rememberx by my trothx
i never did her hurt in all my lifex
i never spake bad wordx nor did ill turn
to any living creaturex believe mex lax
i never killxd a mousex nor hurt a flyx
i trod upon a worm against my willx
but i wept for itx  how have i offendedx
wherein my death might yield her any profitx
or my life imply her any dangerx

leoninex
my commission
is not to reason of the deedx but do itx

marinax
you will not doxt for all the worldx i hopex
you are well favourxdx and your looks foreshow
you have a gentle heartx  i saw you latelyx
when you caught hurt in parting two that foughtx
good soothx it showxd well in youx do so nowx
your lady seeks my lifex come you betweenx
and save poor mex the weakerx

leoninex
i am swornx
and will dispatchx

 xxhe seizes herxxx

 enter piratesx

first piratex
holdx villainx

 xxleonine runs awayxxx

second piratex
a prizex a prizex

third piratex
half partx matesx half partx
comex letxs have her aboard suddenlyx

 xxexeunt pirates with marinaxxx

 rexenter leoninex

leoninex
these roguing thieves serve the great pirate valdesx
and they have seized marinax let her gox
therexs no hope she will returnx ixll swear shexs dead
and thrown into the seax but ixll see furtherx
perhaps they will but please themselves upon herx
not carry her aboardx  if she remainx
whom they have ravishxd must by me be slainx

 xxexitxxx



scene iix mytilenex a room in a brothelx

 enter pandarx bawd and  boultx

pandarx
boultx

boultx
sirx

pandarx
search the market narrowlyx mytilene is full of gallantsx we lost too
much money this mart by being too wenchlessx

bawdx
we were never so much out of creaturesx we have but poor threex and
they can do no more than they can dox and they with continual action
are even as good as rottenx

pandarx
therefore letxs have fresh onesx whatexer we pay for themx if there be
not a conscience to be used in every tradex we shall never prosperx

bawdx
thou sayest truex xtis not our bringing up of poor bastardsx x asx i
thinkx i have brought up some eleven x

boultx
ayx to elevenx and brought them down againx but shall i search the
marketx

bawdx
what elsex manx  the stuff we havex a strong wind will blow it to
piecesx they are so pitifully soddenx

pandarx
thou sayest truex theyxre too unwholesomex ox consciencex the poor
transylvanian is deadx that lay with the little baggagex

boultx
ayx she quickly pooped himx she made him roastxmeat for wormsx but ixll
go search the marketx

 xxexitxxx

pandarx
three or four thousand chequins were as pretty a proportion to live
quietlyx and so give overx

bawdx
why to give overx i pray youx is it a shame to get when we are oldx

pandarx
ox our credit comes not in like the commodityx nor the commodity wages
not with the dangerx thereforex if in our youths we could pick up some
pretty estatex xtwere not amiss to keep our door hatchedx  besidesx the
sore terms we stand upon with the gods will be strong with us for
giving overx

bawdx
comex others sorts offend as well as wex

pandarx
as well as wex ayx and better toox we offend worsex neither is our
profession any tradex itxs no callingx  but here comes boultx

 rexenter boultx with the pirates and marinax

boult
xxto piratesxxx come your waysx my mastersx you say shexs a virginx

first piratex
o sirx we doubt it notx

boultx
masterx i have gone through for this piecex you seex if you like herx
sox if notx i have lost my earnestx

bawdx
boultx has she any qualitiesx

boultx
she has a good facex speaks well and has excellent good clothesx
therexs no farther necessity of qualities can make her be refusedx

bawdx
what is her pricex boultx

boultx
i cannot be baited one doit of a thousand piecesx

pandarx
wellx follow mex my mastersx you shall have your money presentlyx wifex
take her inx instruct her what she has to dox that she may not be raw
in her entertainmentx

 xxexeunt pandar and piratesxxx

bawdx
boultx take you the marks of herx the colour of her hairx complexionx
heightx her agex with warrant of her virginityx and cry xhe that will
give most shall have her firstxx such a maidenhead were no cheap thingx
if men were as they have beenx get this done as i command youx

boultx
performance shall followx

 xxexitxxx

marinax
alack that leonine was so slackx so slowx
he should have struckx not spokex or that these piratesx
not enough barbarousx had not oxerboard thrown me
for to seek my motherx

bawdx
why lament youx pretty onex

marinax
that i am prettyx

bawdx
comex the gods have done their part in youx

marinax
i accuse them notx

bawdx
you are light into my handsx where you are like to livex

marinax
the more my fault
to scape his hands where i was like to diex

bawdx
ayx and you shall live in pleasurex

marinax
nox

bawdx
yesx indeed shall youx and taste gentlemen of all fashionsx you shall
fare wellx you shall have the difference of all complexionsx whatx do
you stop your earsx

marinax
are you a womanx

bawdx
what would you have me bex an i be not a womanx

marinax
an honest womanx or not a womanx

bawdx
marryx whip the goslingx i think i shall have something to do with youx
comex youxre a young foolish saplingx and must be bowed as i would have
youx

marinax
the gods defend mex

bawdx
if it please the gods to defend you by menx then men must comfort youx
men must feed youx men stir you upx boultxs returnedx

 rexenter boultx

nowx sirx hast thou cried her through the marketx

boultx
i have cried her almost to the number of her hairsx i have drawn her
picture with my voicex

bawdx
and i prithee tell mex how dost thou find the inclination of the
peoplex especially of the younger sortx

boultx
faithx they listened to me as they would have hearkened to their
fatherxs testamentx  there was a spaniardxs mouth so wateredx that he
went to bed to her very descriptionx

bawdx
we shall have him here tomorrow with his best ruff onx

boultx
tonightx tonightx butx mistressx do you know the french knight that
cowers ix the hamsx

bawdx
whox monsieur verolesx

boultx
ayx hex he offered to cut a caper at the proclamationx but he made a
groan at itx and swore he would see her tomorrowx

bawdx
wellx wellx as for himx he brought his disease hitherx here he does but
repair itx i know he will come in our shadowx to scatter his crowns in
the sunx

boultx
wellx if we had of every nation a travellerx we should lodge them with
this signx

xxto marinaxxx pray youx come hither awhilex you have fortunes coming
upon youx mark mex you must seem to do that fearfully which you commit
willinglyx despise profit where you have most gainx to weep that you
live as ye do makes pity in your loversx seldom but that pity begets
you a good opinionx and that opinion a mere profitx

marinax
i understand you notx

boultx
ox take her homex mistressx take her homex these blushes of hers must
be quenched with some present practicex

bawdx
thou sayest truex ixfaith so they mustx for your bride goes to that
with shame which is her way to go with warrantx

boultx
faithx some do and some do notx butx mistressx if i have bargained for
the jointx x

bawdx
thou mayst cut a morsel off the spitx

boultx
i may sox

bawdx who should deny itx come young onex i like the manner of your
garments wellx

boultx
ayx by my faithx they shall not be changed yetx

bawdx
boultx spend thou that in the townx report what a sojourner we havex
youxll lose nothing by customx when nature framed this piecex she meant
thee a good turnx therefore say what a paragon she isx and thou hast
the harvest out of thine own reportx

boultx
i warrant youx mistressx thunder shall not so awake the beds of eels as
my giving out her beauty stirs up the lewdly inclinedx ixll bring home
some tonightx

bawdx
come your waysx follow mex

marinax
if fires be hotx knives sharpx or waters deepx
untied i still my virgin knot will keepx
dianax aid my purposex

bawdx
what have we to do with dianax pray youx will you go with usx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene iiix tarsusx a room in cleonxs housex

 enter cleon and dionyzax

dionyzax
whyx are you foolishx  can it be undonex

cleonx
ox dionyzax such a piece of slaughter
the sun and moon nexer lookxd uponx

dionyzax
i think youxll turn a child againx

cleonx
were i chief lord of all this spacious worldx
ixd give it to undo the deedx a ladyx
much less in blood than virtuex yet a princess
to equal any single crown ox the earth
ix the justice of comparex  o villain leoninex
whom thou hast poisonxd toox
if thou hadst drunk to himx xt had been a kindness
becoming well thy facex what canst thou say
when noble pericles shall demand his childx

dionyzax
that she is deadx  nurses are not the fatesx
to foster itx nor ever to preservex
she died at nightx ixll say sox who can cross itx
unless you play the pious innocentx
and for an honest attribute cry out
xshe died by foul playxx

cleonx
ox go tox  wellx wellx
of all the faults beneath the heavensx the gods
do like this worstx

dionyzax
be one of those that thinks
the petty wrens of tarsus will fly hencex
and open this to periclesx i do shame
to think of what a noble strain you arex
and of how coward a spiritx

cleonx
to such proceeding
whoever but his approbation addedx
though not his prime consentx he did not flow
from honourable sourcesx

dionyzax
be it sox thenx
yet none does knowx but youx how she came deadx
nor none can knowx leonine being gonex
she did distain my childx and stood between
her and her fortunesx none would look on herx
but cast their gazes on marinaxs facex
whilst ours was blurted at and held a malkin
not worth the time of dayx  it pierced me throughx
and though you call my course unnaturalx
you not your child well lovingx yet i find
it greets me as an enterprise of kindness
performxd to your sole daughterx

cleonx
heavens forgive itx

dionyzax
and as for periclesx what should he sayx
we wept after her hearsex and yet we mournx
her monument is almost finishxdx and her epitaphs
in glittering golden characters express
a general praise to herx and care in us
at whose expense xtis donex

cleonx
thou art like the harpyx
whichx to betrayx dostx with thine angelxs facex
seize with thine eaglexs talonsx

dionyzax
you are like one that superstitiously
doth swear to the gods that winter kills the fliesx
but yet i know youxll do as i advisex

 xxexeuntxxx



scene ivx

 enter gowerx before the monument of marina at tarsusx

gowerx
thus time we wastex and long leagues make shortx
sail seas in cocklesx have and wish but forxtx
makingx to take your imaginationx
from bourn to bournx region to regionx
by you  being pardonxdx we commit no crime
to use one language in each several clime
where our scenes seem to livex i do beseech you
to learn of mex who stand ixthe gaps to teach youx
the stages of our storyx  pericles
is now again thwarting the wayward seas
attended on by many a lord and knightx
to see his daughterx all his lifexs delightx
old helicanus goes alongx behind
is left to governx if you bear in mindx
old escanesx whom helicanus late
advanced in time to great and high estatex
wellxsailing ships and bounteous winds have brought
this king to tarsusx x think his pilot thoughtx
so with his steerage shall your thoughts go onx x
to fetch his daughter homex who first is gonex
like motes and shadows see them move awhilex
your ears unto your eyes ixll reconcilex

 dumbxshowx enter pericles at one door with all his trainx cleon and
 dionyza at the otherx cleon shows pericles the tombx whereat pericles
 makes lamentationx puts on sackcloth and in a mighty passion departsx
 then exeunt cleon and dionyzax

see how belief may suffer by foul showx
this borrowxd passion stands for true old woex
and periclesx in sorrow all devourxdx
with sighs shot throughx and biggest tears oxershowerxdx
leaves tarsus and again embarksx he swears
never to wash his facex nor cut his hairsx
he puts on sackclothx and to sea he bears
a tempestx which his mortal vessel tearsx
and yet he rides it outx now please you wit
the epitaph is for marina writ
by wicked dionyzax

 xxreads the inscription on marinaxs monumentxxx

     xthe fairestx sweetxstx and best lies herex
     who witherxd in her spring of yearx
     she was of tyrus the kingxs daughterx
     on whom foul death hath made this slaughterx
     marina was she callxdx and at her birthx
     thetisx being proudx swallowxd some part ox the earthx
     therefore the earthx fearing to be oxerflowxdx
     hath thetisx birthxchild on the heavens bestowxdx
     wherefore she doesx and swears shexll never stintx
     make raging battery upon shores of flintxx

no visor does become black villany
so well as soft and tender flatteryx
let pericles believe his daughterxs deadx
and bear his courses to be ordered
by lady fortunex while our scene must play
his daughterxs woe and heavy wellxaxday
in her unholy servicex patiencex thenx
and think you now are all in mytilenex

 xxexitxxx



scene vx mytilenex a street before the brothelx

 enterx from the brothelx two gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
did you ever hear the likex

second gentlemanx
nox nor never shall do in such a place as thisx she being once gonex

first gentlemanx
but to have divinity preached therex did you ever dream of such a
thingx

second gentlemanx
nox nox comex i am for no more bawdy housesx shallxs go hear the
vestals singx

first gentlemanx
ixll do anything now that is virtuousx but i am out of the road of
rutting for everx

 xxexeuntxxx



scene vix the samex a room in the brothelx

 enter pandarx bawd and boultx

pandarx
wellx i had rather than twice the worth of her she had nexer come herex

bawdx
fiex fie upon herx shexs able to freeze the god priapusx and undo a
whole generationx we must either get her ravishedx or be rid of herx
when she should do for clients her fitmentx and do me the kindness of
our professionx she has me her quirksx her reasonsx her master reasonsx
her prayersx her kneesx that she would make a puritan of the devilx if
he should cheapen a kiss of herx

boultx
faithx i must ravish herx or shexll disfurnish us of all our cavaliersx
and make our swearers priestsx

pandarx
nowx the pox upon her green sickness for mex

bawdx
faithx therexs no way to be rid onxt but by the way to the poxx
here comes the lord lysimachus disguisedx

boultx
we should have both lord and lownx if the peevish baggage would but
give way to customersx

 enter lysimachusx

lysimachusx
how nowx  how a dozen of virginitiesx

bawdx
nowx the gods to bless your honourx

boultx
i am glad to see your honour in good healthx

lysimachusx
you may sox xtis the better for you that your resorters stand upon
sound legsx how nowx wholesome iniquity have you that a man may deal
withalx and defy the surgeonx

bawdx
we have here onex sirx if she would x but there never came her like in
mytilenex

lysimachusx
if shexd do the deed of darknessx thou wouldst sayx

bawdx
your honour knows what xtis to say well enoughx

lysimachusx
wellx call forthx call forthx

boultx
for flesh and bloodx sirx white and redx you shall see a rosex and she
were a rose indeedx if she had but x

lysimachusx
whatx pritheex

boultx
ox sirx i can be modestx

lysimachusx
that dignifies the renown of a bawd no less than it gives a good report
to a number to be chastex

 xxexit boultxxx

bawdx
here comes that which grows to the stalkx never plucked yetx i can
assure youx

 rexenter boult with marinax

is she not a fair creaturex

lysimachusx
faithx she would serve after a long voyage at seax wellx therexs for
youx  leave usx

bawdx
i beseech your honourx give me leavex a wordx and ixll have done
presentlyx

lysimachusx
i beseech youx dox

bawdx
xxto marinaxxx firstx i would have you notex this is an honourable manx

marinax
i desire to find him sox that i may worthily note himx

bawdx
nextx hexs the governor of this countryx and a man whom i am bound tox

marinax
if he govern the countryx you are bound to him indeedx but how
honourable he is in thatx i know notx

bawdx pray youx without any more virginal fencingx will you use him
kindlyx he will line your apron with goldx

marinax
what he will do graciouslyx i will thankfully receivex

lysimachusx
hax you donex

bawdx
my lordx shexs not paced yetx you must take some pains to work her to
your managex comex we will leave his honour and her togetherx  go thy
waysx

 xxexeunt bawdx pandar and boultxxx

lysimachusx
nowx pretty onex how long have you been at this tradex

marinax
what tradex sirx

lysimachusx
whyx i cannot namext but i shall offendx

marinax
i cannot be offended with my tradex please you to name itx

lysimachusx
how long have you been of this professionx

marinax
exer since i can rememberx

lysimachusx did you go toxt so youngx were you a gamester at five or at
sevenx

marinax
earlierx toox sirx if now i be onex

lysimachusx
whyx the house you dwell in proclaims you to be a creature of salex

marinax
do you know this house to be a place of such resortx and will come
intoxtx i hear say you are of honourable partsx and are the governor of
this placex

lysimachusx
whyx hath your principal made known unto you who i amx

marinax
who is my principalx

lysimachusx
whyx your herbxwomanx  she that sets seeds and roots of shame and
iniquityx ox you have heard something of my powerx and so stand aloof
for more serious wooingx but i protest to theex pretty onex my
authority shall not see theex or else look friendly upon theex comex
bring me to some private placex comex comex

marinax
if you were born to honourx show it nowx
if put upon youx make the judgement good
that thought you worthy of itx

lysimachusx
howxs  thisx  howxs thisx some morex be sagex

marinax
for mex
that am a maidx though most ungentle fortune
have placed me in this styx wherex since i camex
diseases have been sold dearer than physicx
ox that the gods
would set me free from this unhallowxd placex
though they did change me to the meanest bird
that flies ix the purer airx

lysimachusx
i did not think
thou couldst have spoke so wellx nexer dreamxd thou couldstx
had i brought hither a corrupted mindx
thy speech had alterxd itx holdx herexs gold for theex
persever in that clear way thou goestx
and the gods strengthen theex

marinax
the good gods preserve youx

lysimachusx
for mex be you thoughten
that i came with no ill intentx for to me
the very doors and windows savour vilelyx
fare thee wellx thou art a piece of virtuex and
i doubt not but thy training hath been noblex
holdx herexs more gold for theex
a curse upon himx die he like a thiefx
that robs thee of thy goodnessx if thou dost
hear from mex it shall be for thy goodx

 rexenter boultx

boultx
i beseech your honourx one piece for mex

lysimachusx
avauntx thou damned doorxkeeperx
your house but for this virgin that doth prop itx
would sink and overwhelm youx awayx

 xxexitxxx

boultx
howxs thisx we must take another course with youx if your peevish
chastityx which is not worth a breakfast in the cheapest country under
the copex shall undo a whole householdx let me be gelded like a
spanielx come your waysx

marinax
whither would you have mex

boultx
i must have your maidenhead taken offx or the common hangman shall
execute itx  come your waysx  wexll have no more gentlemen driven awayx
come your waysx i sayx

 rexenter bawdx

bawdx
how nowx whatxs the matterx

boultx
worse and worsex mistressx she has here spoken holy words to the lord
lysimachusx

bawdx
ox abominablex

boultx
she makes our profession as it were to stink afore the face of the
godsx

bawdx
marryx hang her up for everx

boultx
the nobleman would have dealt with her like a noblemanx and she sent
him away as cold as a snowballx saying his prayers toox

bawdx
boultx take her awayx use her at thy pleasurex crack the glass of her
virginityx and make the rest malleablex

boultx
an if she were a thornier piece of ground than she isx she shall be
ploughedx

marinax
harkx harkx you godsx

bawdx
she conjuresx away with herx would she had never come within my doorsx
marryx hang youx shexs born to undo usx will you not go the way of
womankindx marryx come upx my dish of chastity with rosemary and baysx

 xxexitxxx

boultx
comex mistressx come your way with mex

marinax
whither wilt thou have mex

boultx
to take from you the jewel you hold so dearx

marinax
pritheex tell me one thing firstx

boultx
come nowx your one thingx

marinax
what canst thou wish thine enemy to bex

boultx
whyx i could wish him to be my masterx or ratherx my mistressx

marinax
neither of these are so bad as thou artx
since they do better thee in their commandx
thou holdxst a placex for which the painedxst fiend
of hell would not in reputation changex
thou art the damned doorkeeper to every
coistrel that comes inquiring for his tibx
to the choleric fisting of every rogue
thy ear is liablex thy food is such
as hath been belchxd on by infected lungsx

boultx
what would you have me dox go to the warsx would youx where a man may
serve seven years for the loss of a legx and have not money enough in
the end to buy him a wooden onex

marinax
do anything but this thou doestx empty
old receptaclesx or common shoresx of filthx
serve by indenture to the common hangmanx
any of these ways are yet better than thisx
for what thou professestx a baboonx could he speakx
would own a name too dearx ox that the gods
would safely deliver me from this placex
herex herexs gold for theex
if that thy master would gain by mex
proclaim that i can singx weavex sewx and dancex
with other virtuesx which ixll keep from boastx
and i will undertake all these to teachx
i doubt not but this populous city will
yield many scholarsx

boultx
but can you teach all this you speak ofx

marinax
prove that i cannotx take me home againx
and prostitute me to the basest groom
that doth frequent your housex

boultx
wellx i will see what i can do for theex if i can place theex i willx

marinax
but amongst honest womenx

boultx
faithx my acquaintance lies little amongst themx but since my master
and mistress have bought youx therexs no going but by their consentx
therefore i will make them acquainted with your purposex and i doubt
not but i shall find them tractable enoughx comex ixll do for thee what
i canx come your waysx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

 enter gowerx

gowerx
marina thus the brothel xscapesx and chances
into an honest housex our story saysx
she sings like one immortalx and she dances
as goddessxlike to her admired laysx
deep clerks she dumbsx and with her neexle composes
naturexs own shapex of budx birdx branchx or berryx
that even her art sisters the natural rosesx
her inklex silkx twin with the rubied cherryx
that pupils lacks she none of noble racex
who pour their bounty on herx and her gain
she gives the cursed bawdx here we her placex
and to her father turn our thoughts againx
where we left himx on the seax we there him lostx
whencex driven before the windsx he is arrived
here where his daughter dwellsx and on this coast
suppose him now at anchorx the city strived
god neptunexs annual feast to keepx from whence
lysimachus our tyrian ship espiesx
his banners sablex trimmxd with rich expensex
and to him in his barge with fervour hiesx
in your supposing once more put your sight
of heavy periclesx think this his barkx
where what is done in actionx morex if mightx
shall be discoverxdx please youx sit and harkx

 xxexitxxx



scene ix on board periclesx shipx off mytilenex a close pavilion on
deckx with a curtain before itx pericles within itx reclined on a
couchx  a barge lying beside the tyrian vesselx

 enter two sailorsx one belonging to the tyrian vesselx the other to
 the bargex to them helicanusx

tyrian sailorx
xxto the sailor of mytilenexxx
where is lord helicanusx he can resolve youx
ox here he isx
sirx therexs a barge put off from mytilenex
and in it is lysimachus the governorx
who craves to come aboardx what is your willx

helicanusx
that he have hisx call up some gentlemenx

tyrian sailorx
hox gentlemenx my lord callsx

 enter two or three gentlemenx

first gentlemanx
doth your lordship callx

helicanusx
gentlemenx there is some of worth would come aboardx
i pray yex greet them fairlyx

 xxthe gentlemen and the two sailors descend and go on board the
 bargexxx

 enterx from thencex lysimachus and lordsx with the gentlemen and the
 two sailorsx

tyrian sailorx
sirx
this is the man that canx in aught you wouldx
resolve youx

lysimachusx
hailx reverend sirx the gods preserve youx

helicanusx
and youx sirx to outlive the age i amx
and die as i would dox

lysimachusx
you wish me wellx
being on shorex honouring of neptunexs triumphsx
seeing this goodly vessel ride before usx
i made to itx to know of whence you arex

helicanusx
firstx what is your placex

lysimachusx
i am the governor of this place you lie beforex

helicanusx
sirx our vessel is of tyrex in it the kingx
a man who for this three months hath not spoken
to anyonex nor taken sustenance
but to prorogue his griefx

lysimachusx
upon what ground is his distemperaturex

helicanusx
xtwould be too tedious to repeatx
but the main grief springs from the loss
of a beloved daughter and a wifex

lysimachusx
may we not see himx

helicanusx
you mayx
but bootless is your sightx he will not speak
to anyx

lysimachusx
yet let me obtain my wishx

helicanusx
behold himx
xxpericles discoveredxxx
this was a goodly personx
till the disaster thatx one mortal nightx
drove him to thisx

lysimachusx
sir kingx all hailx the gods preserve youx
hailx royal sirx

helicanusx
it is in vainx he will not speak to youx

first lordx
sirx we have a maid in mytilenex i durst wagerx
would win some words of himx

lysimachusx
xtis well bethoughtx
she questionless with her sweet harmony
and other chosen attractionsx would allurex
and make a battery through his deafenxd partsx
which now are midway stoppxdx
she is all happy as the fairest of allx
andx with her fellow maidsx is now upon
the leafy shelter that abuts against
the islandxs sidex

 xxwhispers a lord who goes off in the barge of lysimachusxxx

helicanusx
surex allxs effectlessx yet nothing wexll omit
that bears recoveryxs namex butx since your kindness
we have stretchxd thus farx let us beseech you
that for our gold we may provision havex
wherein we are not destitute for wantx
but weary for the stalenessx

lysimachusx
ox sirx a courtesy
which if we should denyx the most just gods
for every graff would send a caterpillarx
and so inflict our provincex yet once more
let me entreat to know at large the cause
of your kingxs sorrowx

helicanusx
sitx sirx i will recount it to youx
butx seex i am preventedx

 rexenter from the bargex lord with marina and a young ladyx

lysimachusx
ox here is the lady that i sent forx welcomex fair onex
isxt not a goodly presencex

helicanusx
shexs a gallant ladyx

lysimachusx
shexs such a onex thatx were i well assured
came of a gentle kind and noble stockx
ixd wish no better choicex and think me rarely wedx
fair onex all goodness that consists in bounty
expect even herex where is a kingly patientx
if that thy prosperous and artificial feat
can draw him but to answer thee in aughtx
thy sacred physic shall receive such pay
as thy desires can wishx

marinax
sirx i will use
my utmost skill in his recoveryx provided
that none but i and my companion maid
be sufferxd to come near himx

lysimachusx
comex let us leave herx
and the gods make her prosperousx

 xxmarina singsxxx

lysimachusx
markxd he your musicx

marinax
nox nor lookxd on usx

lysimachusx
seex she will speak to himx

marinax
hailx sirx my lordx lend earx

periclesx
humx hax

marinax
i am a maidx
my lordx that nexer before invited eyesx
but have been gazed on like a cometx she speaksx
my lordx thatx may bex hath endured a grief
might equal yoursx if both were justly weighxdx
though wayward fortune did malign my statex
my derivation was from ancestors
who stood equivalent with mighty kingsx
but time hath rooted out my parentagex
and to the world and awkward casualties
bound me in servitudex
xxasidexxx i will desistx
but there is something glows upon my cheekx
and whispers in mine ear xgo not till he speakxx

periclesx
my fortunes x parentage x good parentage x
to equal minex x was it not thusx what say youx

marinax
i saidx my lordx if you did know my parentagex
you would not do me violencex

periclesx
i do think sox pray youx turn your eyes upon mex
you are like something that x what countryxwomanx
here of these shoresx

marinax
nox nor of any shoresx
yet i was mortally brought forthx and am
no other than i appearx

periclesx
i am great with woex and shall deliver weepingx
my dearest wife was like this maidx and such a one
my daughter might have beenx my queenxs square browsx
her stature to an inchx as wandxlike straightx
as silverxvoicedx her eyes as jewelxlike
and cased as richlyx in pace another junox
who starves the ears she feedsx and makes them hungryx
the more she gives them speechx where do you livex

marinax
where i am but a strangerx from the deck
you may discern the placex

periclesx
where were you bredx
and how achieved you these endowmentsx which
you make more rich to owex

marinax
if i should tell my historyx it would seem
like lies disdainxd in the reportingx

periclesx
pritheex speakx
falseness cannot come from theex for thou lookxst
modest as justicex and thou seemxst a palace
for the crownxd truth to dwell inx i will believe theex
and make my senses credit thy relation
to points that seem impossiblex  for thou lookxst
like one i loved indeedx what were thy friendsx
didst thou not sayx when i did push thee back x
which was when i perceived thee x that thou camxst
from good descendingx

marinax
so indeed i didx

periclesx
report thy parentagex  i think thou saidxst
thou hadst been tossxd from wrong to injuryx
and that thou thoughtxst thy griefs might equal minex
if both were openxdx

marinax
some such thingx
i saidx and said no more but what my thoughts
did warrant me was likelyx

periclesx
tell thy storyx
if thine considerxd prove the thousand part
of my endurancex thou art a manx and i
have sufferxd like a girlx yet thou dost look
like patience gazing on kingsx gravesx and smiling
extremity out of actx what were thy friendsx
how lost thou themx thy namex my most kind virginx
recountx i do beseech theex comex sit by mex

marinax
my name is marinax

periclesx
ox i am mockxdx
and thou by some incensed god sent hither
to make the world to laugh at mex

marinax
patiencex good sirx
or here ixll ceasex

periclesx
nayx ixll be patientx
thou little knowxst how thou dost startle mex
to call thyself marinax

marinax
the name
was given me by one that had some powerx
my fatherx and a kingx

periclesx
howx a kingxs daughterx
and callxd marinax

marinax
you said you would believe mex
butx not to be a troubler of your peacex
i will end herex

periclesx
but are you flesh and bloodx
have you a working pulsex and are no fairyx
motionx wellx speak onx where were you bornx
and wherefore callxd marinax

marinax
callxd marina
for i was born at seax

periclesx
at seax what motherx

marinax
my mother was the daughter of a kingx
who died the minute i was bornx
as my good nurse lychorida hath oft
deliverxd weepingx

periclesx
ox stop there a littlex xxasidexxx this is the rarest dream that exer
dull sleep
did mock sad fools withalx this cannot bex
my daughterx buriedx wellx where were you bredx
ixll hear you morex to the bottom of your storyx
and never interrupt youx

marinax
you scornx believe mex xtwere best i did give oxerx

periclesx
i will believe you by the syllable
of what you shall deliverx yetx give me leavex
how came you in these partsx where were you bredx

marinax
the king my father did in tarsus leave mex
till cruel cleonx with his wicked wifex
did seek to murder mex and having wooxd
a villain to attempt itx who having drawn to doxtx
a crew of pirates came and rescued mex
brought me to mytilenex  butx good sirx
whither will you have mex  why do you weepx it may bex
you think me an impostorx nox good faithx
i am the daughter to king periclesx
if good king pericles bex

periclesx
hox helicanusx

 enter helicanus and lysimachusx

helicanusx
calls my lordx

periclesx
thou art a grave and noble counsellorx
most wise in generalx tell mex if thou canstx
what this maid isx or what is like to bex
that thus hath made me weepx

helicanusx
i know notx
but here is the regentx sirx of mytilene
speaks nobly of herx

lysimachusx
she would never tell
her parentagex being demanded thatx
she would sit still and weepx

periclesx
o helicanusx strike mex honourxd sirx
give me a gashx put me to present painx
lest this great sea of joys rushing upon me
oxerbear the shores of my mortalityx
and drown me with their sweetnessx
xxto marinaxx ox come hitherx
thou that begetxst him that did thee begetx
thou that wast born at seax buried at tarsusx
and found at sea againx o helicanusx
down on thy kneesx thank the holy gods as loud
as thunder threatens usx this is marinax
what was thy motherxs namex tell me but thatx
for truth can never be confirmxd enoughx
though doubts did ever sleepx

marinax
firstx sirx i prayx what is your titlex

periclesx
i am pericles of tyrex but tell me now
my drownxd queenxs namex as in the rest you said
thou hast been godlike perfectx
the heir of kingdoms and another life
to pericles thy fatherx

marinax
is it no more to be your daughter than
to say my motherxs name was thaisax
thaisa was my motherx who did end
the minute i beganx

periclesx
nowx blessing on theex risex thou art my childx
give me fresh garmentsx mine ownx helicanusx
she is not dead at tarsusx as she should have beenx
by savage cleonx she shall tell thee allx
when thou shalt kneelx and justify in knowledge
she is thy very princessx who is thisx

helicanusx
sirx xtis the governor of mytilenex
whox hearing of your melancholy statex
did come to see youx

periclesx
i embrace youx
give me my robesx i am wild in my beholdingx
o heavens bless my girlx butx harkx what musicx
tell helicanusx my marinax tell him
oxerx point by pointx for yet he seems to doubtx
how sure you are my daughterx butx what musicx

helicanusx
my lordx i hear nonex

periclesx
nonex
the music of the spheresx listx my marinax

lysimachusx
it is not good to cross himx give him wayx

periclesx
rarest soundsx do ye not hearx

lysimachusx
musicx my lordx i hearx

 xxmusicxxx

periclesx
most heavenly musicx
it nips me unto listeningx and thick slumber
hangs upon mine eyesx let me restx

 xxsleepsxxx

lysimachusx
a pillow for his headx
sox leave him allx wellx my companion friendsx
if this but answer to my just beliefx
ixll well remember youx

 xxexeunt all but periclesxxx

 diana appears to pericles as in a visionx

dianax
my temple stands in ephesusx hie thee thitherx
and do upon mine altar sacrificex
therex when my maiden priests are met togetherx
before the people allx
reveal how thou at sea didst lose thy wifex
to mourn thy crossesx with thy daughterxsx call
and give them repetition to the lifex
or perform my biddingx or thou livest in woex
do itx and happyx by my silver bowx
awake and tell thy dreamx

 xxdisappearsxxx

periclesx
celestial dianx goddess argentinex
i will obey theex  helicanusx

 rexenter helicanusx lysimachus and marinax

helicanusx
sirx

periclesx
my purpose was for tarsusx there to strike
the inhospitable cleonx but i am
for other service firstx toward ephesus
turn our blown sailsx eftsoons ixll tell thee whyx
xxto lysimachusxxx shall we refresh usx sirx upon your shorex
and give you gold for such provision
as our intents will needx

lysimachusx
sirx with all my heartx
and when you come ashore i have another suitx

periclesx
you shall prevailx were it to woo my daughterx
for it seems you have been noble towards herx

lysimachusx
sirx lend me your armx

periclesx
comex my marinax

 xxexeuntxxx



scene iix

 enter gower before the temple of diana at ephesusx

gowerx
now our sands are almost runx
more a littlex and then dumbx
thisx my last boonx give mex
for such kindness must relieve mex
that you aptly will suppose
what pageantryx what featsx what showsx
what minstrelsyx and pretty dinx
the regent made in mytilene
to greet the kingx so he thrivedx
that he is promised to be wived
to fair marinax but in no wise
till he had done his sacrificex
as dian badex whereto being boundx
the interimx pray youx all confoundx
in featherxd briefness sails are fillxdx
and wishes fall out as theyxre willxdx
at ephesusx the temple seex
our king and all his companyx
that he can hither come so soonx
is by your fancyxs thankful doomx

 xxexitxxx



scene iiix the temple of diana at ephesusx thaisa standing near the
altarx as high priestessx a number of virgins on each sidex cerimon and
other inhabitants of ephesus attendingx

 enter pericles with his trainx lysimachusx helicanusx marina and a
 ladyx

periclesx
hailx dianx to perform thy just commandx
i here confess myself the king of tyrex
whox frighted from my countryx did wed
at pentapolis the fair thaisax
at sea in childbed died shex but brought forth
a maid child callxd marinax whomx o goddessx
wears yet thy silver liveryx she at tarsus
was nursed with cleonx who at fourteen years
he sought to murderx but her better stars
brought her to mytilenex xgainst whose shore
ridingx her fortunes brought the maid aboard usx
where by her own most clear remembrancex she
made known herself my daughterx

thaisax
voice and favourx
you arex you are x o royal periclesx

 xxfaintsxxx

periclesx
what means the nunx she diesx helpx gentlemenx

cerimonx
noble sirx
if you have told dianaxs altar truex
this is your wifex

periclesx
reverend appearerx nox
i threw her overboard with these very armsx

cerimonx
upon this coastx i warrant youx

periclesx
xtis most certainx

cerimonx
look to the ladyx ox shexs but oxerxjoyxdx
early in blustering morn this lady was
thrown upon this shorex i oped the coffinx
found there rich jewelsx recoverxd herx and placed her
here in dianaxs templex

periclesx
may we see themx

cerimonx
great sirx they shall be brought you to my housex
whither i invite youx lookx thaisa is
recoveredx

thaisax
ox let me lookx
if he be none of minex my sanctity
will to my sense bend no licentious earx
but curb itx spite of seeingx ox my lordx
are you not periclesx like him you spakex
like him you arex did you not name a tempestx
a birthx and deathx

periclesx
the voice of dead thaisax

thaisax
that thaisa am ix supposed dead
and drownxdx

periclesx
immortal dianx

thaisax
now i know you betterx
when we with tears parted pentapolisx
the king my father gave you such a ringx

 xxshows a ringxxx

periclesx
thisx thisx no morex you godsx your present kindness
makes my past miseries sportsx you shall do wellx
that on the touching of her lips i may
melt and no more be seenx ox comex be buried
a second time within these armsx

marinax
my heart
leaps to be gone into my motherxs bosomx

 xxkneels to thaisaxxx

periclesx
lookx who kneels herex flesh of thy fleshx thaisax
thy burden at the seax and callxd marina
for she was yielded therex

thaisax
blestx and mine ownx

helicanusx
hailx madamx and my queenx

thaisax
i know you notx

periclesx
you have heard me sayx when i did fly from tyrex
i left behind an ancient substitutex
can you remember what i callxd the man
i have named him oftx

thaisax
xtwas helicanus thenx

periclesx
still confirmationx
embrace himx dear thaisax this is hex
now do i long to hear how you were foundx
how possibly preservedx and who to thankx
besides the godsx for this great miraclex

thaisax
lord cerimonx my lordx this manx
through whom the gods have shown their powerx that can
from first to last resolve youx

periclesx
reverend sirx
the gods can have no mortal officer
more like a god than youx will you deliver
how this dead queen relivesx

cerimonx
i willx my lordx
beseech youx first go with me to my housex
where shall be shown you all was found with herx
how she came placed here in the templex
no needful thing omittedx

periclesx
pure dianx bless thee for thy visionx i
will offer nightxoblations to theex  thaisax
this princex the fair betrothed of your daughterx
shall marry her at pentapolisx
and now this ornament
makes me look dismal will i clip to formx
and what this fourteen years no razor touchxd
to grace thy marriagexdayx ixll beautifyx

thaisax
lord cerimon hath letters of good creditx sirx
my fatherxs deadx

periclesx
heavens make a star of himx yet therex my queenx
wexll celebrate their nuptialsx and ourselves
will in that kingdom spend our following daysx
our son and daughter shall in tyrus reignx
lord cerimonx we do our longing stay
to hear the rest untoldx sirx leadxs the wayx

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter gowerx

gowerx
in antiochus and his daughter you have heard
of monstrous lust the due and just rewardx
in periclesx his queen and daughter seenx
although assailxd with fortune fierce and keenx
virtue preserved from fell destructionxs blastx
led on by heavenx and crownxd with joy at lastx
in helicanus may you well descry
a figure of truthx of faithx of loyaltyx
in reverend cerimon there well appears
the worth that learned charity aye wearsx
for wicked cleon and his wifex when fame
had spread their cursed deedx the honourxd name
of periclesx to rage the city turnx
that him and his they in his palace burnx
the gods for murder seemed so content
to punishx although not donex but meantx
so on your patience evermore attendingx
new joy wait on youx here our play has endingx

 xxexitxxx



king richard the second

dramatis personae

  king richard the second
  john of gauntx duke of lancaster x uncle to the king
  edmund langleyx duke of york x uncle to the king
  henryx surnamed bolingbrokex duke of herefordx son of
    john of gauntx afterwards king henry iv
  duke of aumerlex son of the duke of york
  thomas mowbrayx duke of norfolk
  duke of surrey
  earl of salisbury
  earl berkeley
  bushy x favourites of king richard
  bagot x     x      x   x     x
  green x     x      x   x     x
  earl of northumberland
  henry percyx surnamed hotspurx his son
  lord ross                             lord willoughby
  lord fitzwater                        bishop of carlisle
  abbot of westminster                  lord marshal
  sir stephen scroop                    sir pierce of exton
  captain of a band of welshmen         two gardeners

  queen to king richard
  duchess of york
  duchess of gloucesterx widow of thomas of woodstockx
    duke of gloucester
  lady attending on the queen

  lordsx heraldsx officersx soldiersx keeperx messengerx
    groomx and other attendants

scenex england and wales

act ix scene ix londonx the palace

enter richardx john of gauntx with other nobles and attendants

  king richardx old john of gauntx timexhonoured lancasterx
    hast thoux according to thy oath and bandx
    brought hither henry herefordx thy bold sonx
    here to make good the boistxrous late appealx
    which then our leisure would not let us hearx
    against the duke of norfolkx thomas mowbrayx
  gauntx i havex my liegex
  king richardx tell mex moreoverx hast thou sounded him
    if he appeal the duke on ancient malicex
    or worthilyx as a good subject shouldx
    on some known ground of treachery in himx
  gauntx as near as i could sift him on that argumentx
    on some apparent danger seen in him
    aimxd at your highnessxno inveterate malicex
  king richardx then call them to our presencex face to face
    and frowning brow to browx ourselves will hear
    the accuser and the accused freely speakx
    highxstomachxd are they both and full of irex
    in ragex deaf as the seax hasty as firex

         enter bolingbroke and mowbray

  bolingbrokex many years of happy days befall
    my gracious sovereignx my most loving liegex
  mowbrayx each day still better otherxs happiness
    until the heavensx envying earthxs good hapx
    add an immortal title to your crownx
  king richardx we thank you bothx yet one but flatters usx
    as well appeareth by the cause you comex
    namelyx to appeal each other of high treasonx
    cousin of herefordx what dost thou object
    against the duke of norfolkx thomas mowbrayx
  bolingbrokex firstxheaven be the record to my speechx
    in the devotion of a subjectxs lovex
    tendxring the precious safety of my princex
    and free from other misbegotten hatex
    come i appellant to this princely presencex
    nowx thomas mowbrayx do i turn to theex
    and mark my greeting wellx for what i speak
    my body shall make good upon this earthx
    or my divine soul answer it in heavenx
    thou art a traitor and a miscreantx
    too good to be sox and too bad to livex
    since the more fair and crystal is the skyx
    the uglier seem the clouds that in it flyx
    once morex the more to aggravate the notex
    with a foul traitorxs name stuff i thy throatx
    and wishxso please my sovereignxere i movex
    what my tongue speaksx my right drawn sword may provex
  mowbrayx let not my cold words here accuse my zealx
    xtis not the trial of a womanxs warx
    the bitter clamour of two eager tonguesx
    can arbitrate this cause betwixt us twainx
    the blood is hot that must be coolxd for thisx
    yet can i not of such tame patience boast
    as to be hushxd and nought at an to sayx
    firstx the fair reverence of your highness curbs me
    from giving reins and spurs to my free speechx
    which else would post until it had returnxd
    these terms of treason doubled down his throatx
    setting aside his high bloodxs royaltyx
    and let him be no kinsman to my liegex
    i do defy himx and i spit at himx
    call him a slanderous coward and a villainx
    which to maintainx i would allow him odds
    and meet himx were i tied to run afoot
    even to the frozen ridges of the alpsx
    or any other ground inhabitable
    where ever englishman durst set his footx
    meantime let this defend my loyaltyx
    by all my hopesx most falsely doth he lie
  bolingbrokex pale trembling cowardx there i throw my gagex
    disclaiming here the kindred of the kingx
    and lay aside my high bloodxs royaltyx
    which fearx not reverencex makes thee to exceptx
    if guilty dread have left thee so much strength
    as to take up mine honourxs pawnx then stoopx
    by that and all the rites of knighthood else
    will i make good against theex arm to armx
    what i have spoke or thou canst worst devisex
  mowbrayx i take it upx and by that sword i swear
    which gently laid my knighthood on my shoulder
    ixll answer thee in any fair degree
    or chivalrous design of knightly trialx
    and when i mountx alive may i not light
    if i be traitor or unjustly fightx
  king richardx what doth our cousin lay to mowbrayxs chargex
    it must be great that can inherit us
    so much as of a thought of ill in himx
  bolingbrokex look what i speakx my life shall prove it truex
    that mowbray hath receivxd eight thousand nobles
    in name of lendings for your highnessx soldiersx
    the which he hath detainxd for lewd employments
    like a false traitor and injurious villainx
    besidesx i say and will in battle provex
    or herex or elsewhere to the furthest verge
    that ever was surveyxd by english eyex
    that all the treasons for these eighteen years
    complotted and contrived in this land
    fetch from false mowbray their first head and springx
    further i sayx and further will maintain
    upon his bad life to make all this goodx
    that he did plot the duke of gloucesterxs deathx
    suggest his soonxbelieving adversariesx
    and consequentlyx like a traitor cowardx
    sluicxd out his innocent soul through streams of bloodx
    which bloodx like sacrificing abelxsx criesx
    even from the tongueless caverns of the earthx
    to me for justice and rough chastisementx
    andx by the glorious worth of my descentx
    this arm shall do itx or this life be spentx
  king richardx how high a pitch his resolution soarsx
    thomas of norfolkx what sayxst thou to thisx
  mowbrayx ox let my sovereign turn away his face
    and bid his ears a little while be deafx
    till i have told this slander of his blood
    how god and good men hate so foul a liarx
  king richardx mowbrayx impartial are our eyes and carsx
    were he my brotherx nayx my kingdomxs heirx
    as he is but my fatherxs brotherxs sonx
    now by my sceptrexs awe i make a vowx
    such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood
    should nothing privilege him nor partialize
    the unstooping firmness of my upright soulx
    he is our subjectx mowbrayx so art thoux
    free speech and fearless i to thee allowx
  mowbrayx thenx bolingbrokex as low as to thy heartx
    through the false passage of thy throatx thou liestx
    three parts of that receipt i had for calais
    disbursxd i duly to his highnessx soldiersx
    the other part reservxd i by consentx
    for that my sovereign liege was in my debt
    upon remainder of a dear account
    since last i went to france to fetch his queenx
    now swallow down that liex for gloucesterxs deathx
    i slew him notx but to my own disgrace
    neglected my sworn duty in that casex
    for youx my noble lord of lancasterx
    the honourable father to my foex
    once did i lay an ambush for your lifex
    a trespass that doth vex my grieved soulx
    but ere i last receivxd the sacrament
    i did confess itx and exactly beggxd
    your gracexs pardonx and i hope i had itx
    this is my faultx as for the rest appealxdx
    it issues from the rancour of a villainx
    a recreant and most degenerate traitorx
    which in myself i boldly will defendx
    and interchangeably hurl down my gage
    upon this overweening traitorxs foot
    to prove myself a loyal gentleman
    even in the best blood chamberxd in his bosomx
    in haste whereofx most heartily i pray
    your highness to assign our trial dayx
  king richardx wrathxkindled gentlemenx be rulxd by mex
    letxs purge this choler without letting bloodx
    this we prescribex though no physicianx
    deep malice makes too deep incisionx
    forgetx forgivex conclude and be agreedx
    our doctors say this is no month to bleedx
    good unclex let this end where it begunx
    wexll calm the duke of norfolkx you your sonx
  gauntx to be a makexpeace shall become my agex
    throw downx my sonx the duke of norfolkxs gagex
  king richardx andx norfolkx throw down hisx
  gauntx whenx harryx whenx
    obedience bids i should not bid againx
  king richardx norfolkx throw downx we bidx
    there is no bootx
  mowbrayx myself i throwx dread sovereignx at thy footx
    my life thou shalt commandx but not my shamex
    the one my duty owesx but my fair namex
    despite of deathx that lives upon my grave
    to dark dishonourxs use thou shalt not havex
    i am disgracxdx impeachxdx and bafflxd herex
    piercxd to the soul with slanderxs venomxd spearx
    the which no balm can cure but his heartxblood
    which breathxd this poisonx
  king richardx rage must be withstoodx
    give me his gagexlions make leopards tamex
  mowbrayx yeax but not change his spotsx take but my shamex
    and i resign my gagex my dear dear lordx
    the purest treasure mortal times afford
    is spotless reputationx that awayx
    men are but gilded loam or painted clayx
    a jewel in a tenxtimes barrxdxup chest
    is a bold spirit in a loyal breastx
    mine honour is my lifex both grow in onex
    take honour from mex and my life is donex
    thenx dear my liegex mine honour let me tryx
    in that i livex and for that will i diex
  king richardx cousinx throw up your gagex do you beginx
  bolingbrokex ox god defend my soul from such deep sinx
    shall i seem crestxfallen in my fatherxs sightx
    or with pale beggarxfear impeach my height
    before this outdarxd dastardx ere my tongue
    shall wound my honour with such feeble wrong
    or sound so base a parlex my teeth shall tear
    the slavish motive of recanting fearx
    and spit it bleeding in his high disgracex
    where shame doth harbourx even in mowbrayxs facex
                                                      exit gaunt
  king richardx we were not born to suex but to commandx
    which since we cannot do to make you friendsx
    be readyx as your lives shall answer itx
    at coventryx upon saint lambertxs dayx
    there shall your swords and lances arbitrate
    the swelling difference of your settled hatex
    since we can not atone youx we shall see
    justice design the victorxs chivalryx
    lord marshalx command our officersxatxarms
    be ready to direct these home alarmsx                 exeunt

scene xx londonx the duke of lancasterxs palace

enter john of gaunt with the duchess of gloucester

  gauntx alasx the part i had in woodstockxs blood
    doth more solicit me than your exclaims
    to stir against the butchers of his lifex
    but since correction lieth in those hands
    which made the fault that we cannot correctx
    put we our quarrel to the will of heavenx
    whox when they see the hours ripe on earthx
    will rain hot vengeance on offendersx headsx
  duchessx finds brotherhood in thee no sharper spurx
    hath love in thy old blood no living firex
    edwardxs seven sonsx whereof thyself art onex
    were as seven vials of his sacred bloodx
    or seven fair branches springing from one rootx
    some of those seven are dried by naturexs coursex
    some of those branches by the destinies cutx
    but thomasx my dear lordx my lifex my gloucesterx
    one vial full of edwardxs sacred bloodx
    one flourishing branch of his most royal rootx
    is crackxdx and all the precious liquor spiltx
    is hackxd downx and his summer leaves all fadedx
    by envyxs hand and murderxs bloody axex
    ahx gauntx his blood was thinex that bedx that wombx
    that mettlex that self mouldx that fashionxd theex
    made him a manx and though thou livest and breathestx
    yet art thou slain in himx thou dost consent
    in some large measure to thy fatherxs death
    in that thou seest thy wretched brother diex
    who was the model of thy fatherxs lifex
    call it not patiencex gauntxit is despairx
    in suffxring thus thy brother to be slaughtxredx
    thou showest the naked pathway to thy lifex
    teaching stern murder how to butcher theex
    that which in mean men we entitle patience
    is pale cold cowardice in noble breastsx
    what shall i sayx to safeguard thine own life
    the best way is to venge my gloucesterxs deathx
  gauntx godxs is the quarrelx for godxs substitutex
    his deputy anointed in his sightx
    hath causxd his deathx the which if wrongfullyx
    let heaven revengex for i may never lift
    an angry arm against his ministerx
  duchessx where thenx alasx may i complain myselfx
  gauntx to godx the widowxs champion and defencex
  duchessx why thenx i willx farewellx old gauntx
    thou goest to coventryx there to behold
    our cousin hereford and fell mowbray fightx
    ox sit my husbandxs wrongs on herefordxs spearx
    that it may enter butcher mowbrayxs breastx
    orx if misfortune miss the first careerx
    be mowbrayxs sins so heavy in his bosom
    that they may break his foaming courserxs back
    and throw the rider headlong in the listsx
    a caitiff recreant to my cousin herefordx
    farewellx old gauntx thy sometimes brotherxs wifex
    with her companionx griefx must end her lifex
  gauntx sisterx farewellx i must to coventryx
    as much good stay with thee as go with mex
  duchessx yet one word morex grief boundeth where it fallsx
    not with the empty hollownessx but weightx
    i take my leave before i have begunx
    for sorrow ends not when it seemeth donex
    commend me to thy brotherx edmund yorkx
    lox this is allx nayx yet depart not sox
    though this be allx do not so quickly gox
    i shall remember morex bid himx ahx whatxx
    with all good speed at plashy visit mex
    alackx and what shall good old york there see
    but empty lodgings and unfurnishxd wallsx
    unpeopled officesx untrodden stonesx
    and what hear there for welcome but my groansx
    therefore commend mex let him not come there
    to seek out sorrow that dwells every wherex
    desolatex desolatex will i hence and diex
    the last leave of thee takes my weeping eyex          exeunt

scene xx the lists at coventry

enter the lord marshal and the duke of aumerle

  marshalx my lord aumerlex is harry hereford armxdx
  aumerlex yeax at all pointsx and longs to enter inx
  marshalx the duke of norfolkx spightfully and boldx
    stays but the summons of the appelantxs trumpetx
  aumerlex why thenx the champions are preparxdx and stay
    for nothing but his majestyxs approachx

     the trumpets soundx and the king enters with his noblesx
     gauntx bushyx bagotx greenx and othersx when they are setx
     enter mowbrayx duke of nor folkx in armsx defendantx and
     a herald

  king richardx marshalx demand of yonder champion
    the cause of his arrival here in armsx
    ask him his namex and orderly proceed
    to swear him in the justice of his causex
  marshalx in godxs name and the kingxsx say who thou artx
    and why thou comest thus knightly clad in armsx
    against what man thou comxstx and what thy quarrelx
    speak truly on thy knighthood and thy oathx
    as so defend thee heaven and thy valourx
  mowbrayx my name is thomas mowbrayx duke of norfolkx
    who hither come engaged by my oathx
    which god defend a knight should violatexx
    both to defend my loyalty and truth
    to godx my kingx and my succeeding issuex
    against the duke of hereford that appeals mex
    andx by the grace of god and this mine armx
    to prove himx in defending of myselfx
    a traitor to my godx my kingx and mex
    and as i truly fightx defend me heavenx

   the trumpets soundx enter bolingbrokex duke of herefordx
            appellantx in armourx and a herald

  king richardx marshalx ask yonder knight in armsx
    both who he is and why he cometh hither
    thus plated in habiliments of warx
    and formallyx according to our lawx
    depose him in the justice of his causex
  marshalx what is thy namex and wherefore comxst thou hither
    before king richard in his royal listsx
    against whom comest thoux and whatxs thy quarrelx
    speak like a true knightx so defend thee heavenx
  bolingbrokex harry of herefordx lancasterx and derbyx
    am ix who ready here do stand in arms
    to provex by godxs grace and my bodyxs valourx
    in lists on thomas mowbrayx duke of norfolkx
    that he is a traitorx foul and dangerousx
    to god of heavenx king richardx and to mex
    and as i truly fightx defend me heavenx
  marshalx on pain of deathx no person be so bold
    or daringxhardy as to touch the listsx
    except the marshal and such officers
    appointed to direct these fair designsx
  bolingbrokex lord marshalx let me kiss my sovereignxs handx
    and bow my knee before his majestyx
    for mowbray and myself are like two men
    that vow a long and weary pilgrimagex
    then let us take a ceremonious leave
    and loving farewell of our several friendsx
  marshalx the appellant in all duty greets your highnessx
    and craves to kiss your hand and take his leavex
  king richardx we will descend and fold him in our armsx
    cousin of herefordx as thy cause is rightx
    so be thy fortune in this royal fightx
    farewellx my bloodx which if toxday thou shedx
    lament we mayx but not revenge thee deadx
  bolingbrokex ox let no noble eye profane a tear
    for mex if i be gorxd with mowbrayxs spearx
    as confident as is the falconxs flight
    against a birdx do i with mowbray fightx
    my loving lordx i take my leave of youx
    of youx my noble cousinx lord aumerlex
    not sickx although i have to do with deathx
    but lustyx youngx and cheerly drawing breathx
    lox as at english feastsx so i regreet
    the daintiest lastx to make the end most sweetx
    o thoux the earthly author of my bloodx
    whose youthful spiritx in me regeneratex
    doth with a twofold vigour lift me up
    to reach at victory above my headx
    add proof unto mine armour with thy prayersx
    and with thy blessings steel my lancexs pointx
    that it may enter mowbrayxs waxen coat
    and furbish new the name of john ox gauntx
    even in the lusty haviour of his sonx
  gauntx god in thy good cause make thee prosperousx
    be swift like lightning in the executionx
    and let thy blowsx doubly redoubledx
    fall like amazing thunder on the casque
    of thy adverse pernicious enemyx
    rouse up thy youthful bloodx be valiantx and livex
  bolingbrokex mine innocence and saint george to thrivex
  mowbrayx however god or fortune cast my lotx
    there lives or diesx true to king richardxs thronex
    a loyalx justx and upright gentlemanx
    never did captive with a freer heart
    cast off his chains of bondagex and embrace
    his golden uncontrollxd enfranchisementx
    more than my dancing soul doth celebrate
    this feast of battle with mine adversaryx
    most mighty liegex and my companion peersx
    take from my mouth the wish of happy yearsx
    as gentle and as jocund as to jest
    go i to fightx truth hath a quiet breastx
  king richardx farewellx my lordx securely i espy
    virtue with valour couched in thine eyex
    order the trialx marshalx and beginx
  marshalx harry of herefordx lancasterx and derbyx
    receive thy lancex and god defend the rightx
  bolingbrokex strong as a tower in hopex i cry amenx
  marshalx xto an officerx go bear this lance to thomasx
      duke of norfolkx
  first heraldx harry of herefordx lancasterx and derbyx
    stands here for godx his sovereignx and himselfx
    on pain to be found false and recreantx
    to prove the duke of norfolkx thomas mowbrayx
    a traitor to his godx his kingx and himx
    and dares him to set forward to the fightx
  second heraldx here standeth thomas mowbrayx duke of norfolkx
    on pain to be found false and recreantx
    both to defend himselfx and to approve
    henry of herefordx lancasterx and derbyx
    to godx his sovereignx and to him disloyalx
    courageously and with a free desire
    attending but the signal to beginx
  marshalx sound trumpetsx and set forwardx combatantsx
                                           xa charge soundedx
    stayx the king hath thrown his warder downx
  king richardx let them lay by their helmets and their spearsx
    and both return back to their chairs againx
    withdraw with usx and let the trumpets sound
    while we return these dukes what we decreex

    a long flourishx while the king consults his council

    draw nearx
    and list what with our council we have donex
    for that our kingdomxs earth should not be soilxd
    with that dear blood which it hath fosteredx
    and for our eyes do hate the dire aspect
    of civil wounds ploughxd up with neighboursx swordx
    and for we think the eaglexwinged pride
    of skyxaspiring and ambitious thoughtsx
    with rivalxhating envyx set on you
    to wake our peacex which in our countryxs cradle
    draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleepx
    which so rousxd up with boistxrous untunxd drumsx
    with harshxresounding trumpetsx dreadful brayx
    and grating shock of wrathful iron armsx
    might from our quiet confines fright fair peace
    and make us wade even in our kindredxs bloodx
    therefore we banish you our territoriesx
    youx cousin herefordx upon pain of lifex
    till twice five summers have enrichxd our fields
    shall not regreet our fair dominionsx
    but tread the stranger paths of banishmentx
  bolingbrokex your will be donex this must my comfort bex
    that sun that warms you here shall shine on mex
    and those his golden beams to you here lent
    shall point on me and gild my banishmentx
  king richardx norfolkx for thee remains a heavier doomx
    which i with some unwillingness pronouncex
    the sly slow hours shall not determinate
    the dateless limit of thy dear exilex
    the hopeless word of xnever to returnx
    breathe i against theex upon pain of lifex
  mowbrayx a heavy sentencex my most sovereign liegex
    and all unlookxd for from your highnessx mouthx
    a dearer meritx not so deep a maim
    as to be cast forth in the common airx
    have i deserved at your highnessx handsx
    the language i have learnt these forty yearsx
    my native englishx now i must forgox
    and now my tonguexs use is to me no more
    than an unstringed viol or a harpx
    or like a cunning instrument casxd up
    orx being openx put into his hands
    that knows no touch to tune the harmonyx
    within my mouth you have engaolxd my tonguex
    doubly portcullisxd with my teeth and lipsx
    and dullx unfeelingx barren ignorance
    is made my gaoler to attend on mex
    i am too old to fawn upon a nursex
    too far in years to be a pupil nowx
    what is thy sentencex thenx but speechless deathx
    which robs my tongue from breathing native breathx
  king richardx it boots thee not to be compassionatex
    after our sentence plaining comes too latex
  mowbrayx then thus i turn me from my countrvxs lightx
    to dwell in solemn shades of endless nightx
  king richardx return againx and take an oath with theex
    lay on our royal sword your banishxd handsx
    swear by the duty that you owe to godx
    our part therein we banish with yourselvesx
    to keep the oath that we administerx
    you never shallx so help you truth and godx
    embrace each otherxs love in banishmentx
    nor never look upon each otherxs facex
    nor never writex regreetx nor reconcile
    this louring tempest of your homexbred hatex
    nor never by advised purpose meet
    to plotx contrivex or complot any illx
    xgainst usx our statex our subjectsx or our landx
  bolingbrokex i swearx
  mowbrayx and ix to keep all thisx
  bolingbrokex norfolkx so far as to mine enemyx
    by this timex had the king permitted usx
    one of our souls had wandxred in the airx
    banishxd this frail sepulchre of our fleshx
    as now our flesh is banishxd from this landx
    confess thy treasons ere thou fly the realmx
    since thou hast far to gox bear not along
    the clogging burden of a guilty soulx
  mowbrayx nox bolingbrokex if ever i were traitorx
    my name be blotted from the book of lifex
    and i from heaven banishxd as from hencex
    but what thou artx godx thoux and ix do knowx
    and all too soonx i fearx the king shall ruex
    farewellx my liegex now no way can i strayx
    save back to englandx an the worldxs my wayx            exit
  king richardx unclex even in the glasses of thine eyes
    i see thy grieved heartx thy sad aspect
    hath from the number of his banishxd years
    pluckxd four awayx xto bolingbrokex six frozen winters spentx
    return with welcome home from banishmentx
  bolingbrokex how long a time lies in one little wordx
    four lagging winters and four wanton springs
    end in a wordx such is the breath of kingsx
  gauntx i thank my liege that in regard of me
    he shortens four years of my sonxs exilex
    but little vantage shall i reap therebyx
    for ere the six years that he hath to spend
    can change their moons and bring their times aboutx
    my oilxdried lamp and timexbewasted light
    shall be extinct with age and endless nightx
    my inch of taper will be burnt and donex
    and blindfold death not let me see my sonx
  king richardx whyx unclex thou hast many years to livex
  gauntx but not a minutex kingx that thou canst givex
    shorten my days thou canst with sullen sorrow
    and pluck nights from mex but not lend a morrowx
    thou canxst help time to furrow me with agex
    but stop no wrinkle in his pilgrimagex
    thy word is current with him for my deathx
    but deadx thy kingdom cannot buy my breathx
  king richardx thy son is banishxd upon good advicex
    whereto thy tongue a partyxverdict gavex
    why at our justice seemxst thou then to lourx
  gauntx things sweet to taste prove in digestion sourx
    you urgxd me as a judgex but i had rather
    you would have bid me argue like a fatherx
    ox had it been a strangerx not my childx
    to smooth his fault i should have been more mildx
    a partial slander sought i to avoidx
    and in the sentence my own life destroyxdx
    alasx i lookxd when some of you should say
    i was too strict to make mine own awayx
    but you gave leave to my unwilling tongue
    against my will to do myself this wrongx
  king richardx cousinx farewellx andx unclex bid him sox
    six years we banish himx and he shall gox
                                  flourishx exit king with train
  aumerlex cousinx farewellx what presence must not knowx
    from where you do remain let paper showx
  marshalx my lordx no leave take ix for i will ride
    as far as land will let me by your sidex
  gauntx ox to what purpose dost thou hoard thy wordsx
    that thou returnest no greeting to thy friendsx
  bolingbrokex i have too few to take my leave of youx
    when the tonguexs office should be prodigal
    to breathe the abundant dolour of the heartx
  gauntx thy grief is but thy absence for a timex
  bolingbrokex joy absentx grief is present for that timex
  gauntx what is six wintersx they are quickly gonex
  bolingbrokex to men in joyx but grief makes one hour tenx
  gauntx call it a travel that thou takxst for pleasurex
  bolingbrokex my heart will sigh when i miscall it sox
    which finds it an enforced pilgrimagex
  gauntx the sullen passage of thy weary steps
    esteem as foil wherein thou art to set
    the precious jewel of thy home returnx
  bolingbrokex nayx ratherx every tedious stride i make
    will but remember me what a deal of world
    i wander from the jewels that i lovex
    must i not serve a long apprenticehood
    to foreign passagesx and in the endx
    having my freedomx boast of nothing else
    but that i was a journeyman to griefx
  gauntx all places that the eye of heaven visits
    are to a wise man ports and happy havensx
    teach thy necessity to reason thusx
    there is no virtue like necessityx
    think not the king did banish theex
    but thou the kingx woe doth the heavier sit
    where it perceives it is but faintly homex
    gox say i sent thee forth to purchase honourx
    and not the king exilxd theex or suppose
    devouring pestilence hangs in our air
    and thou art flying to a fresher climex
    look what thy soul holds dearx imagine it
    to lie that way thou goestx not whence thou comxstx
    suppose the singing birds musiciansx
    the grass whereon thou treadxst the presence strewxdx
    the flowers fair ladiesx and thy steps no more
    than a delightful measure or a dancex
    for gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite
    the man that mocks at it and sets it lightx
  bolingbrokex ox who can hold a fire in his hand
    by thinking on the frosty caucasusx
    or cloy the hungry edge of appetite
    by bare imagination of a feastx
    or wallow naked in december snow
    by thinking on fantastic summerxs heatx
    ox nox the apprehension of the good
    gives but the greater feeling to the worsex
    fell sorrowxs tooth doth never rankle more
    than when he bitesx but lanceth not the sorex
  gauntx comex comex my sonx ixll bring thee on thy wayx
    had i thy youtli and causex i would not stayx
  bolingbrokex thenx englandxs groundx farewellx sweet soilx adieux
    my motherx and my nursex that bears me yetx
    wherexer i wanderx boast of this i canx
    though banishxdx yet a trueborn english manx          exeunt

scene xx londonx the court

enter the kingx with bagot and greenx at one doorx and the duke of
aumerle at another

  king richardx we did observex cousin aumerlex
    how far brought you high hereford on his wayx
  aumerlex i brought high herefordx if you call him sox
    but to the next high wayx and there i left himx
  king richardx and sayx what store of parting tears were shedx
  aumerlex faithx none for mex except the northxeast windx
    which then blew bitterly against our facesx
    awakxd the sleeping rheumx and so by chance
    did grace our hollow parting with a tearx
  king richardx what said our cousin when you parted with himx
  aumerlex xfarewellxx
    andx for my heart disdained that my tongue
    should so profane the wordx that taught me craft
    to counterfeit oppression of such grief
    that words seemxd buried in my sorrowxs gravex
    marryx would the word xfarewellx have lengthxned hours
    and added years to his short banishmentx
    he should have had a volume of farewellsx
    but since it would notx he had none of mex
  king richardx he is our cousinx cousinx but xtis doubtx
    when time shall call him home from banishmentx
    whether our kinsman come to see his friendsx
    ourselfx and bushyx bagot herex and greenx
    observxd his courtship to the common peoplex
    how he did seem to dive into their hearts
    with humble and familiar courtesyx
    what reverence he did throw away on slavesx
    wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles
    and patient underbearing of his fortunex
    as xtwere to banish their affects with himx
    off goes his bonnet to an oysterxwenchx
    a brace of draymen bid god speed him well
    and had the tribute of his supple kneex
    with xthanksx my countrymenx my loving friendsxx
    as were our england in reversion hisx
    and he our subjectsx next degree in hopex
  greenx wellx he is gonex and with him go these thoughtsx
    now for the rebels which stand out in irelandx
    expedient manage must be madex my liegex
    ere further leisure yicld them further means
    for their advantage and your highnessx lossx
  king richardx we will ourself in person to this warx
    andx for our coffersx with too great a court
    and liberal largessx are grown somewhat lightx
    we are enforcxd to farm our royal realmx
    the revenue whereof shall furnish us
    for our affairs in handx if that come shortx
    our substitutes at home shall have blank chartersx
    wheretox when they shall know what men are richx
    they shall subscribe them for large sums of goldx
    and send them after to supply our wantsx
    for we will make for ireland presentlyx

                     enter bushy

    bushyx what newsx
  bushyx old john of gaunt is grievous sickx my lordx
    suddenly takenx and hath sent postexhaste
    to entreat your majesty to visit himx
  king richardx where lies hex
  bushyx at ely housex
  king richardx now put itx godx in the physicianxs mind
    to help him to his grave immediatelyx
    the lining of his coffers shall make coats
    to deck our soldiers for these irish warsx
    comex gentlemenx letxs all go visit himx
    pray god we may make hastex and come too latex
  allx amenx                                              exeunt

act iix scene ix londonx ely house

enter john of gauntx sickx with the duke of yorkx etcx

  gauntx will the king comex that i may breathe my last
    in wholesome counsel to his unstaid youthx
  yorkx vex not yourselfx nor strive not with your breathx
    for all in vain comes counsel to his earx
  gauntx ox but they say the tongues of dying men
    enforce attention like deep harmonyx
    where words are scarcex they are seldom spent in vainx
    for they breathe truth that breathe their words xin painx
    he that no more must say is listenxd more
    than they whom youth and ease have taught to glosex
    more are menxs ends markxd than their lives beforex
    the setting sunx and music at the closex
    as the last taste of sweetsx is sweetest lastx
    writ in remembrance more than things long pastx
    though richard my lifexs counsel would not hearx
    my deathxs sad tale may yet undeaf his earx
  yorkx nox it is stoppxd with other flattering soundsx
    as praisesx of whose taste the wise are fondx
    lascivious metresx to whose venom sound
    the open ear of youth doth always listenx
    report of fashions in proud italyx
    whose manners still our tardy apish nation
    limps after in base imitationx
    where doth the world thrust forth a vanityx
    so it be newx therexs no respect how vilex
    that is not quickly buzzxd into his earsx
    then all too late comes counsel to be heard
    where will doth mutiny with witxs regardx
    direct not him whose way himself will choosex
    xtis breath thou lackxstx and that breath wilt thou losex
  gauntx methinks i am a prophet new inspirxdx
    and thus expiring do foretell of himx
    his rash fierce blaze of riot cannot lastx
    for violent fires soon burn out themselvesx
    small showers last longx but sudden storms are shortx
    he tires betimes that spurs too fast betimesx
    with eager feeding food doth choke the feederx
    light vanityx insatiate cormorantx
    consuming meansx soon preys upon itselfx
    this royal throne of kingsx this sceptxred islex
    this earth of majestyx this seat of marsx
    this other edenx demixparadisex
    this fortress built by nature for herself
    against infection and the hand of warx
    this happy breed of menx this little worldx
    this precious stone set in the silver seax
    which serves it in the office of a wallx
    or as a moat defensive to a housex
    against the envy of less happier landsx
    this blessed plotx this earthx this realmx this englandx
    this nursex this teeming womb of royal kingsx
    fearxd by their breedx and famous by their birthx
    renowned for their deeds as far from homex
    for christian service and true chivalryx
    as is the sepulchre in stubborn jewry
    of the worldxs ransomx blessed maryxs sonx
    this land of such dear soulsx this dear dear landx
    dear for her reputation through the worldx
    is now leasxd outxi die pronouncing itx
    like to a tenement or pelting farmx
    englandx bound in with the triumphant seax
    whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege
    of watxry neptunex is now bound in with shamex
    with inky blots and rotten parchment bondsx
    that englandx that was wont to conquer othersx
    hath made a shameful conquest of itselfx
    ahx would the scandal vanish with my lifex
    how happy then were my ensuing deathx

    enter king and queenx aumerlex bushyx greenx bagotx
                rossx and willoughby

  yorkx the king is comex deal mildly with his youthx
    for young hot colts being ragxd do rage the morex
  queenx how fares our noble uncle lancasterx
  king richardx what comfortx manx how isxt with aged gauntx
  gauntx ox how that name befits my compositionx
    old gauntx indeedx and gaunt in being oldx
    within me grief hath kept a tedious fastx
    and who abstains from meat that is not gauntx
    for sleeping england long time have i watchxdx
    watching breeds leannessx leanness is an gauntx
    the pleasure that some fathers feed upon
    is my strict fastxi mean my childrenxs looksx
    and therein fastingx hast thou made me gauntx
    gaunt am i for the gravex gaunt as a gravex
    whose hollow womb inherits nought but bonesx
  king richardx can sick men play so nicely with their namesx
  gauntx nox misery makes sport to mock itselfx
    since thou dost seek to kill my name in mex
    i mock my namex great kingx to flatter theex
  king richardx should dying men flatter with those that livex
  gauntx nox nox men living flatter those that diex
  king richardx thoux now axdyingx sayest thou flatterest mex
  gauntx ox nox thou diestx though i the sicker bex
  king richardx i am in healthx i breathex and see thee illx
  gauntx now he that made me knows i see thee illx
    ill in myself to seex and in thee seeing illx
    thy deathxbed is no lesser than thy land
    wherein thou liest in reputation sickx
    and thoux too careless patient as thou artx
    commitxst thy anointed body to the cure
    of those physicians that first wounded theex
    a thousand flatterers sit within thy crownx
    whose compass is no bigger than thy headx
    and yetx incaged in so small a vergex
    the waste is no whit lesser than thy landx
    ox had thy grandsire with a prophetxs eye
    seen how his sonxs son should destroy his sonsx
    from forth thy reach he would have laid thy shamex
    deposing thee before thou wert possessxdx
    which art possessxd now to depose thyselfx
    whyx cousinx wert thou regent of the worldx
    it were a shame to let this land by leasex
    but for thy world enjoying but this landx
    is it not more than shame to shame it sox
    landlord of england art thou nowx not kingx
    thy state of law is bondslave to the lawx
    and thoux
  king richardx a lunatic leanxwitted foolx
    presuming on an aguexs privilegex
    darest with thy frozen admonition
    make pale our cheekx chasing the royal blood
    with fury from his native residencex
    now by my seatxs right royal majestyx
    wert thou not brother to great edwardxs sonx
    this tongue that runs so roundly in thy head
    should run thy head from thy unreverent shouldersx
  gauntx ox spare me notx my brother edwardxs sonx
    for that i was his father edwardxs sonx
    that blood alreadyx like the pelicanx
    hast thou tappxd outx and drunkenly carousxdx
    my brother gloucesterx plain wellxmeaning soulx
    whom fair befall in heaven xmongst happy soulsxx
    may be a precedent and witness good
    that thou respectxst not spilling edwardxs bloodx
    join with the present sickness that i havex
    and thy unkindness be like crooked agex
    to crop at once a too long withered flowerx
    live in thy shamex but die not shame with theex
    these words hereafter thy tormentors bex
    convey me to my bedx then to my gravex
    love they to live that love and honour havex
                               exitx borne out by his attendants
  king richardx and let them die that age and sullens havex
    for both hast thoux and both become the gravex
  yorkx i do beseech your majesty impute his words
    to wayward sickliness and age in himx
    he loves youx on my lifex and holds you dear
    as harry duke of herefordx were he herex
  king richardx rightx you say truex as herefordxs lovex so hisx
    as theirsx so minex and all be as it isx

                enter northumberland

  northumberlandx my liegex old gaunt commends him to your majestyx
  king richardx what says hex
  northumberlandx nayx nothingx all is saidx
    his tongue is now a stringless instrumentx
    wordsx lifex and allx old lancaster hath spentx
  yorkx be york the next that must be bankrupt sox
    though death be poorx it ends a mortal woex
  king richardx the ripest fruit first fallsx and so doth hex
    his time is spentx our pilgrimage must bex
    so much for thatx now for our irish warsx
    we must supplant those rough rugxheaded kernsx
    which live like venom where no venom else
    but only they have privilege to livex
    and for these great affairs do ask some chargex
    towards our assistance we do seize to us
    the platex coinx revenuesx and moveablesx
    whereof our uncle gaunt did stand possessxdx
  yorkx how long shall i be patientx ahx how long
    shall tender duty make me suffer wrongx
    not gloucesterxs deathx nor herefordxs banishmentx
    nor gauntxs rebukesx nor englandxs private wrongsx
    nor the prevention of poor bolingbroke
    about his marriagex nor my own disgracex
    have ever made me sour my patient cheek
    or bend one wrinkle on my sovereignxs facex
    i am the last of noble edwardxs sonsx
    of whom thy fatherx prince of walesx was firstx
    in war was never lion ragxd more fiercex
    in peace was never gentle lamb more mildx
    than was that young and princely gentlemanx
    his face thou hastx for even so lookxd hex
    accomplishxd with the number of thy hoursx
    but when he frownxdx it was against the french
    and not against his friendsx his noble hand
    did win what he did spendx and spent not that
    which his triumphant fatherxs hand had wonx
    his hands were guilty of no kindred bloodx
    but bloody with the enemies of his kinx
    o richardx york is too far gone with griefx
    or else he never would compare betweenx
  king richardx whyx unclex whatxs the matterx
  yorkx o my liegex
    pardon mex if you pleasex if notx ix pleasxd
    not to be pardonedx am content withalx
    seek you to seize and gripe into your hands
    the royalties and rights of banishxd herefordx
    is not gaunt deadx and doth not hereford livex
    was not gaunt justx and is not harry truex
    did not the one deserve to have an heirx
    is not his heir a wellxdeserving sonx
    take herefordxs rights awayx and take from time
    his charters and his customary rightsx
    let not toxmorrow then ensue toxdayx
    be not thyselfxfor how art thou a king
    but by fair sequence and successionx
    nowx afore godxgod forbid i say truexx
    if you do wrongfully seize herefordxs rightsx
    call in the letters patents that he hath
    by his attorneysxgeneral to sue
    his liveryx and deny his offxred homagex
    you pluck a thousand dangers on your headx
    you lose a thousand wellxdisposed heartsx
    and prick my tender patience to those thoughts
    which honour and allegiance cannot thinkx
  king richardx think what you willx we seize into our hands
    his platex his goodsx his moneyx and his landsx
  yorkx ixll not be by the whilex my liegex farewellx
    what will ensue hereof therexs none can tellx
    but by bad courses may be understood
    that their events can never fall out goodx              exit
  king richardx gox bushyx to the earl of wiltshire straightx
    bid him repair to us to ely house
    to see this businessx toxmorrow next
    we will for irelandx and xtis timex i trowx
    and we createx in absence of ourselfx
    our uncle york lord governor of englandx
    for he is justx and always lovxd us wellx
    come onx our queenx toxmorrow must we partx
    be merryx for our time of stay is shortx
                   flourishx exeunt kingx queenx bushyx aumerlex
                                                greenx and bagot
  northumberlandx wellx lordsx the duke of lancaster is deadx
    rossx and living toox for now his son is dukex
  willoughbyx barely in titlex not in revenuesx
  northumberlandx richly in bothx if justice had her rightx
  rossx my heart is greatx but it must break with silencex
    erext be disburdened with a liberal tonguex
  northumberlandx nayx speak thy mindx and let him nexer speak more
    that speaks thy words again to do thee harmx
  willoughbyx tends that thou wouldst speak to the duke of herefordx
    if it be sox out with it boldlyx manx
    quick is mine ear to hear of good towards himx
  rossx no good at all that i can do for himx
    unless you call it good to pity himx
    bereft and gelded of his patrimonyx
  northumberlandx nowx afore godx xtis shame such wrongs are borne
    in himx a royal princex and many moe
    of noble blood in this declining landx
    the king is not himselfx but basely led
    by flatterersx and what they will informx
    merely in hatex xgainst any of us anx
    that will the king severely prosecute
    xgainst usx our livesx our childrenx and our heirsx
  rossx the commons hath he pillxd with grievous taxesx
    and quite lost their heartsx the nobles hath he find
    for ancient quarrels and quite lost their heartsx
  willoughbyx and daily new exactions are devisxdx
    as blanksx benevolencesx and i wot not whatx
    but whatx a godxs namex doth become of thisx
  northumberlandx wars hath not wasted itx for warrxd he hath notx
    but basely yielded upon compromise
    that which his noble ancestors achievxd with blowsx
    more hath he spent in peace than they in warsx
  rossx the earl of wiltshire hath the realm in farmx
  willoughbyx the kingxs grown bankrupt like a broken manx
  northumberlandx reproach and dissolution hangeth over himx
  rossx he hath not money for these irish warsx
    his burdenous taxations notwithstandingx
    but by the robbing of the banishxd dukex
  northumberlandx his noble kinsmanxmost degenerate kingx
    butx lordsx we hear this fearful tempest singx
    yet seek no shelter to avoid the stormx
    we see the wind sit sore upon our sailsx
    and yet we strike notx but securely perishx
  rossx we see the very wreck that we must sufferx
    and unavoided is the danger now
    for suffering so the causes of our wreckx
  northumberlandx not sox even through the hollow eyes of death
    i spy life peeringx but i dare not say
    how near the tidings of our comfort isx
  willoughbyx nayx let us share thy thoughts as thou dost oursx
  rossx be confident to speakx northumberlandx
    we three are but thyselfx andx speaking sox
    thy words are but as thoughtsx therefore be boldx
  northumberlandx then thusx i have from le port blancx a bay
    in brittanyx receivxd intelligence
    that harry duke of herefordx rainold lord cobhamx
    that late broke from the duke of exeterx
    his brotherx archbishop late of canterburyx
    sir thomas erpinghamx sir john ramstonx
    sir john norberyx sir robert watertonx and francis quointx
    all thesex well furnishxd by the duke of britainex
    with eight tall shipsx three thousand men of warx
    are making hither with all due expediencex
    and shortly mean to touch our northern shorex
    perhaps they had ere thisx but that they stay
    the first departing of the king for irelandx
    if then we shall shake off our slavish yokex
    imp out our drooping countryxs broken wingx
    redeem from broking pawn the blemishxd crownx
    wipe off the dust that hides our sceptrexs giltx
    and make high majesty look like itselfx
    away with me in post to ravenspurghx
    but if you faintx as fearing to do sox
    stay and be secretx and myself will gox
  rossx to horsex to horsex urge doubts to them that fearx
  willoughbyx hold out my horsex and i will first be therex
                                                          exeunt

scene xx windsor castle

enter queenx bushyx and bagot

  bushyx madamx your majesty is too much sadx
    you promisxdx when you parted with the kingx
    to lay aside lifexharming heaviness
    and entertain a cheerful dispositionx
  queenx to please the kingx i didx to please myself
    i cannot do itx yet i know no cause
    why i should welcome such a guest as griefx
    save bidding farewell to so sweet a guest
    as my sweet richardx yet again methinks
    some unborn sorrowx ripe in fortunexs wombx
    is coming towards mex and my inward soul
    with nothing tremblesx at some thing it grieves
    more than with parting from my lord the kingx
  bushyx each substance of a grief hath twenty shadowsx
    which shows like grief itselfx but is not sox
    for sorrowxs eyex glazed with blinding tearsx
    divides one thing entire to many objectsx
    like perspectives whichx rightly gazxd uponx
    show nothing but confusionxeyxd awryx
    distinguish formx so your sweet majestyx
    looking awry upon your lordxs departurex
    find shapes of grief more than himself to wailx
    whichx lookxd on as it isx is nought but shadows
    of what it is notx thenx thricexgracious queenx
    more than your lordxs departure weep notxmore is not seenx
    or if it bex xtis with false sorrowxs eyex
    which for things true weeps things imaginaryx
  queenx it may be sox but yet my inward soul
    persuades me it is otherwisex howexer it bex
    i cannot but be sadx so heavy sad
    asxthoughx on thinkingx on no thought i thinkx
    makes me with heavy nothing faint and shrinkx
  bushyx xtis nothing but conceitx my gracious ladyx
  queenx xtis nothing lessx conceit is still derivxd
    from some forefather griefx mine is not sox
    for nothing hath begot my something griefx
    or something hath the nothing that i grievex
    xtis in reversion that i do possessx
    but what it is that is not yet known whatx
    i cannot namex xtis nameless woex i wotx

                   enter green

  greenx god save your majestyx and well metx gentlemenx
    i hope the king is not yet shippxd for irelandx
  queenx why hopest thou sox xtis better hope he isx
    for his designs crave hastex his haste good hopex
    then wherefore dost thou hope he is not shippxdx
  greenx that hex our hopex might have retirxd his power
    and driven into despair an enemyxs hope
    who strongly hath set footing in this landx
    the banishxd bolingbroke repeals himselfx
    and with uplifted arms is safe arrivxd
    at ravenspurghx
  queenx now god in heaven forbidx
  greenx ahx madamx xtis too truex and that is worsex
    the lord northumberlandx his son young henry percyx
    the lords of rossx beaumondx and willoughbyx
    with all their powerful friendsx are fled to himx
  bushyx why have you not proclaimxd northumberland
    and all the rest revolted faction traitorsx
  greenx we havex whereupon the earl of worcester
    hath broken his staffx resignxd his stewardshipx
    and all the household servants fled with him
    to bolingbrokex
  queenx sox greenx thou art the midwife to my woex
    and bolingbroke my sorrowxs dismal heirx
    now hath my soul brought forth her prodigyx
    and ix a gasping newxdeliverxd motherx
    have woe to woex sorrow to sorrow joinxdx
  bushyx despair notx madamx
  queenx who shall hinder mex
    i will despairx and be at enmity
    with cozening hopexhe is a flattererx
    a parasitex a keeperxback of deathx
    who gently would dissolve the bands of lifex
    which false hope lingers in extremityx

                    enter york

  greenx here comes the duke of yorkx
  queenx with signs of war about his aged neckx
    ox full of careful business are his looksx
    unclex for godxs sakex speak comfortable wordsx
  yorkx should i do sox i should belie my thoughtsx
    comfortxs in heavenx and we are on the earthx
    where nothing lives but crossesx caresx and griefx
    your husbandx he is gone to save far offx
    whilst others come to make him lose at homex
    here am i left to underprop his landx
    whox weak with agex cannot support myselfx
    now comes the sick hour that his surfeit madex
    now shall he try his friends that flatterxd himx

                   enter a servingman

  servingmanx my lordx your son was gone before i camex
  yorkx he wasxwhy so go all which way it willx
    the nobles they are fledx the commons they are cold
    and willx i fearx revolt on herefordxs sidex
    sirrahx get thee to plashyx to my sister gloucesterx
    bid her send me presently a thousand poundx
    holdx take my ringx
  servingmanx my lordx i had forgot to tell your lordshipx
    toxdayx as i came byx i called therex
    but i shall grieve you to report the restx
  yorkx what isxtx knavex
  servingmanx an hour before i camex the duchess diedx
  yorkx god for his mercyx what a tide of woes
    comes rushing on this woeful land at oncex
    i know not what to dox i would to godx
    so my untruth had not provokxd him to itx
    the king had cut off my head with my brotherxsx
    whatx are there no posts dispatchxd for irelandx
    how shall we do for money for these warsx
    comex sisterxcousinx i would sayxprayx pardon mex
    gox fellowx get thee homex provide some cartsx
    and bring away the armour that is therex
                                                 exit servingman
    gentlemenx will you go muster menx
    if i know how or which way to order these affairs
    thus disorderly thrust into my handsx
    never believe mex both are my kinsmenx
    txone is my sovereignx whom both my oath
    and duty bids defendx txother again
    is my kinsmanx whom the king hath wrongxdx
    whom conscience and my kindred bids to rightx
    wellx somewhat we must doxxcomex cousinx
    ixll dispose of youx gentlemenx go muster up your men
    and meet me presently at berkeleyx
    i should to plashy toox
    but time will not permitx all is unevenx
    and everything is left at six and sevenx
                                           exeunt york and queen
  bushyx the wind sits fair for news to go to irelandx
    but none returnsx for us to levy power
    proportionable to the enemy
    is all unpossiblex
  greenx besidesx our nearness to the king in love
    is near the hate of those love not the kingx
  bagotx and that is the wavering commonsx for their love
    lies in their pursesx and whoso empties themx
    by so much fills their hearts with deadly hatex
  bushyx wherein the king stands generally condemnxdx
  bagotx if judgment lie in themx then so do wex
    because we ever have been near the kingx
  greenx wellx i will for refuge straight to bristow castlex
    the earl of wiltshire is already therex
  bushyx thither will i with youx for little office
    will the hateful commons perform for usx
    except eke curs to tear us all to piecesx
    will you go along with usx
  bagotx nox i will to ireland to his majestyx
    farewellx if heartxs presages be not vainx
    we three here part that nexer shall meet againx
  bushyx thatxs as york thrives to beat back bolingbrokex
  greenx alasx poor dukex the task he undertakes
    is numbxring sands and drinking oceans dryx
    where one on his side fightsx thousands will flyx
    farewell at oncexfor oncex for allx and everx
  bushyx wellx we may meet againx
  bagotx i fear mex neverx                                exeunt

scene xx gloucestershire

enter bolingbroke and northumberlandx forces

  bolingbrokex how far is itx my lordx to berkeley nowx
  northumberlandx believe mex noble lordx
    i am a stranger here in gloucestershirex
    these high wild hills and rough uneven ways
    draws out our milesx and makes them wearisomex
    and yet your fair discourse hath been as sugarx
    making the hard way sweet and delectablex
    but i bethink me what a weary way
    from ravenspurgh to cotswold will be found
    in ross and willoughbyx wanting your companyx
    whichx i protestx hath very much beguilxd
    the tediousness and process of my travelx
    but theirs is sweetxned with the hope to have
    the present benefit which i possessx
    and hope to joy is little less in joy
    than hope enjoyxdx by this the weary lords
    shall make their way seem shortx as mine hath done
    by sight of what i havex your noble companyx
  bolingbrokex of much less value is my company
    than your good wordsx but who comes herex

                 enter harry percy

  northumberlandx it is my sonx young harry percyx
    sent from my brother worcesterx whencesoeverx
    harryx how fares your unclex
  percyx i had thoughtx my lordx to have learnxd his health of youx
  northumberlandx whyx is he not with the queenx
  percyx nox my good lordx he hath forsook the courtx
    broken his staff of officex and dispersxd
    the household of the kingx
  northumberlandx what was his reasonx
    he was not so resolvxd when last we spake togetherx
  percyx because your lordship was proclaimed traitorx
    but hex my lordx is gone to ravenspurghx
    to offer service to the duke of herefordx
    and sent me over by berkeleyx to discover
    what power the duke of york had levied therex
    then with directions to repair to ravenspurghx
  northumberlandx have you forgot the duke of herefordx boyx
  percyx nox my good lordx for that is not forgot
    which nexer i did rememberx to my knowledgex
    i never in my life did look on himx
  northumberlandx then learn to know him nowx this is the dukex
  percyx my gracious lordx i tender you my servicex
    such as it isx being tenderx rawx and youngx
    which elder days shall ripenx and confirm
    to more approved service and desertx
  bolingbrokex i thank theex gentle percyx and be sure
    i count myself in nothing else so happy
    as in a soul remembxring my good friendsx
    and as my fortune ripens with thy lovex
    it shall be still thy true lovexs recompensex
    my heart this covenant makesx my hand thus seals itx
  northumberlandx how far is it to berkeleyx and what stir
    keeps good old york there with his men of warx
  percyx there stands the castlex by yon tuft of treesx
    mannxd with three hundred menx as i have heardx
    and in it are the lords of yorkx berkeleyx and seymourx
    none else of name and noble estimatex

                  enter ross and willoughby

  northumberlandx here come the lords of ross and willoughbyx
    bloody with spurringx fieryxred with hastex
  bolingbrokex welcomex my lordsx i wot your love pursues
    a banishxd traitorx all my treasury
    is yet but unfelt thanksx whichx more enrichxdx
    shall be your love and labourxs recompensex
  rossx your presence makes us richx most noble lordx
  willoughbyx and far surmounts our labour to attain itx
  bolingbrokex evermore thanksx the exchequer of the poorx
    whichx till my infant fortune comes to yearsx
    stands for my bountyx but who comes herex

                     enter berkeley

  northumberlandx it is my lord of berkeleyx as i guessx
  berkeleyx my lord of herefordx my message is to youx
  bolingbrokex my lordx my answer isxxto lancasterxx
    and i am come to seek that name in englandx
    and i must find that title in your tongue
    before i make reply to aught you sayx
  berkeleyx mistake me notx my lordx xtis not my meaning
    to raze one title of your honour outx
    to youx my lordx i comexwhat lord you willx
    from the most gracious regent of this landx
    the duke of yorkx to know what pricks you on
    to take advantage of the absent timex
    and fright our native peace with selfxborne armsx

                 enter yorkx attended

  bolingbrokex i shall not need transport my words by youx
    here comes his grace in personx my noble unclex
                                                     xkneelsx
  yorkx show me thy humble heartx and not thy kneex
    whose duty is deceivable and falsex
  bolingbrokex my gracious unclexx
  yorkx tutx tutx
    grace me no gracex nor uncle me no unclex
    i am no traitorxs unclex and that word xgracex
    in an ungracious mouth is but profanex
    why have those banishxd and forbidden legs
    darxd once to touch a dust of englandxs groundx
    but then more xwhyxxxwhy have they darxd to march
    so many miles upon her peaceful bosomx
    frighting her palexfacxd villages with war
    and ostentation of despised armsx
    comxst thou because the anointed king is hencex
    whyx foolish boyx the king is left behindx
    and in my loyal bosom lies his powerx
    were i but now lord of such hot youth
    as when brave gauntx thy fatherx and myself
    rescued the black princex that young mars of menx
    from forth the ranks of many thousand frenchx
    ox then how quickly should this arm of minex
    now prisoner to the palsyx chastise the
    and minister correction to thy faultx
  bolingbroke my gracious unclex let me know my faultx
    on what condition stands it and whereinx
  yorkx even in condition of the worst degreex
    in gross rebellion and detested treasonx
    thou art a banishxd manx and here art come
    before the expiration of thy timex
    in braving arms against thy sovereignx
  bolingbrokex as i was banishxdx i was banishxd herefordx
    but as i comex i come for lancasterx
    andx noble unclex i beseech your grace
    look on my wrongs with an indifferent eyex
    you are my fatherx for methinks in you
    i see old gaunt alivex ox thenx my fatherx
    will you permit that i shall stand condemnxd
    a wandering vagabondx my rights and royalties
    pluckxd from my arms perforcex and given away
    to upstart unthriftsx wherefore was i bornx
    if that my cousin king be king in englandx
    it must be granted i am duke of lancasterx
    you have a sonx aumerlex my noble cousinx
    had you first diedx and he been thus trod downx
    he should have found his uncle gaunt a father
    to rouse his wrongs and chase them to the bayx
    i am denied to sue my livery herex
    and yet my letters patents give me leavex
    my fatherxs goods are all distrainxd and soldx
    and these and all are all amiss employxdx
    what would you have me dox i am a subjectx
    and i challenge lawxattorneys are denied mex
    and therefore personally i lay my claim
    to my inheritance of free descentx
  northumberlandx the noble duke hath been too much abusedx
  rossx it stands your grace upon to do him rightx
  willoughbyx base men by his endowments are made greatx
  yorkx my lords of englandx let me tell you thisx
    i have had feeling of my cousinxs wrongsx
    and labourxd all i could to do him rightx
    but in this kind to comex in braving armsx
    be his own carver and cut out his wayx
    to find out right with wrongxit may not bex
    and you that do abet him in this kind
    cherish rebellionx and are rebels allx
  northumberlandx the noble duke hath sworn his coming is
    but for his ownx and for the right of that
    we all have strongly sworn to give him aidx
    and let him never see joy that breaks that oathx
  yorkx wellx wellx i see the issue of these armsx
    i cannot mend itx i must needs confessx
    because my power is weak and all ill leftx
    but if i couldx by him that gave me lifex
    i would attach you all and make you stoop
    unto the sovereign mercy of the kingx
    but since i cannotx be it known unto you
    i do remain as neuterx sox fare you wellx
    unless you please to enter in the castlex
    and there repose you for this nightx
  bolingbrokex an offerx unclex that we will acceptx
    but we must win your grace to go with us
    to bristow castlex which they say is held
    by bushyx bagotx and their complicesx
    the caterpillars of the commonwealthx
    which i have sworn to weed and pluck awayx
  yorkx it may be i will go with youx but yet ixll pausex
    for i am loath to break our countryxs lawsx
    nor friends nor foesx to me welcome you arex
    things past redress are now with me past carex        exeunt

scene xx a camp in wales

enter earl of salisbury and a welsh captain

  captainx my lord of salisburyx we have stayxd ten days
    and hardly kept our countrymen togetherx
    and yet we hear no tidings from the kingx
    therefore we will disperse ourselvesx farewellx
  salisburyx stay yet another dayx thou trusty welshmanx
    the king reposeth all his confidence in theex
  captainx xtis thought the king is deadx we will not stayx
    the bay trees in our country are all witherxdx
    and meteors fright the fixed stars of heavenx
    the palexfacxd moon looks bloody on the earthx
    and leanxlookxd prophets whisper fearful changex
    rich men look sadx and ruffians dance and leapx
    the one in fear to lose what they enjoyx
    the other to enjoy by rage and warx
    these signs forerun the death or fall of kingsx
    farewellx our countrymen are gone and fledx
    as well assurxd richard their king is deadx             exit
  salisburyx ahx richardx with the eyes of heavy mindx
    i see thy glory like a shooting star
    fall to the base earth from the firmamentx
    the sun sets weeping in the lowly westx
    witnessing storms to comex woex and unrestx
    thy friends are fledx to wait upon thy foesx
    and crossly to thy good all fortune goesx               exit

act iiix scene ix bolingbrokexs camp at bristol

enter bolingbrokex yorkx northumberlandx percyx rossx willoughbyx
bushy and greenx prisoners

  bolingbrokex bring forth these menx
    bushy and greenx i will not vex your soulsx
    since presently your souls must part your bodiesx
    with too much urging your pernicious livesx
    for xtwere no charityx yetx to wash your blood
    from off my handsx here in the view of men
    i will unfold some causes of your deathsx
    you have misled a princex a royal kingx
    a happy gentleman in blood and lineamentsx
    by you unhappied and disfigured cleanx
    you have in manner with your sinful hours
    made a divorce betwixt his queen and himx
    broke the possession of a royal bedx
    and stainxd the beauty of a fair queenxs cheeks
    with tears drawn from her eyes by your foul wrongsx
    myselfxa prince by fortune of my birthx
    near to the king in bloodx and near in love
    till you did make him misinterpret mex
    have stoopxd my neck under your injuries
    and sighxd my english breath in foreign cloudsx
    eating the bitter bread of banishmentx
    whilst you have fed upon my signoriesx
    disparkxd my parks and fellxd my forest woodsx
    from my own windows torn my household coatx
    razxd out my impresex leaving me no sign
    save menxs opinions and my living blood
    to show the world i am a gentlemanx
    this and much morex much more than twice all thisx
    condemns you to the deathx see them delivered over
    to execution and the hand of deathx
  bushyx more welcome is the stroke of death to me
    than bolingbroke to englandx lordsx farewellx
  greenx my comfort is that heaven will take our soulsx
    and plague injustice with the pains of hellx
  bolingbrokex my lord northumberlandx see them dispatchxdx
           exeunt northumberlandx and othersx with the prisoners
    unclex you say the queen is at your housex
    for godxs sakex fairly let her be entreatedx
    tell her i send to her my kind commendsx
    take special care my greetings be deliveredx
  yorkx a gentleman of mine i have dispatchxd
    with letters of your love to her at largex
  bolingbrokex thanksx gentle unclex comex lordsx awayx
    to fight with glendower and his complicesx
    awhile to workx and after holidayx                    exeunt

scene xx the coast of walesx a castle in view

drumsx flourish and coloursx enter the kingx the bishop of carlislex
aumerlex and soldiers

  king richardx barkloughly castle can they this at handx
  aumerlex yeax my lordx how brooks your grace the air
    after your late tossing on the breaking seasx
  king richardx needs must i like it wellx i weep for joy
    to stand upon my kingdom once againx
    dear earthx i do salute thee with my handx
    though rebels wound thee with their horsesx hoofsx
    as a longxparted mother with her child
    plays fondly with her tears and smiles in meetingx
    so weepingxsmiling greet i theex my earthx
    and do thee favours with my royal handsx
    feed not thy sovereignxs foex my gentle earthx
    nor with thy sweets comfort his ravenous sensex
    but let thy spidersx that suck up thy venomx
    and heavyxgaited toadsx lie in their wayx
    doing annoyance to the treacherous feet
    which with usurping steps do trample theex
    yield stinging nettles to mine enemiesx
    and when they from thy bosom pluck a flowerx
    guard itx i pray theex with a lurking adderx
    whose double tongue may with a mortal touch
    throw death upon thy sovereignxs enemiesx
    mock not my senseless conjurationx lordsx
    this earth shall have a feelingx and these stones
    prove armed soldiersx ere her native king
    shall falter under foul rebellionxs armsx
  carlislex fear notx my lordx that power that made you king
    hath power to keep you king in spite of allx
    the means that heaven yields must be embracxd
    and not neglectedx elsex if heaven wouldx
    and we will notx heavenxs offer we refusex
    the proffered means of succour and redressx
  aumerlex he meansx my lordx that we are too remissx
    whilst bolingbrokex through our securityx
    grows strong and great in substance and in powerx
  king richardx discomfortable cousinx knowxst thou not
    that when the searching eye of heaven is hidx
    behind the globex that lights the lower worldx
    then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen
    in murders and in outrage boldly herex
    but when from under this terrestrial ball
    he fires the proud tops of the eastern pines
    and darts his light through every guilty holex
    then murdersx treasonsx and detested sinsx
    the cloak of night being pluckxd from off their backsx
    stand bare and nakedx trembling at themselvesx
    so when this thiefx this traitorx bolingbrokex
    who all this while hath revellxd in the nightx
    whilst we were wandxring with the antipodesx
    shall see us rising in our thronex the eastx
    his treasons will sit blushing in his facex
    not able to endure the sight of dayx
    but selfxaffrighted tremble at his sinx
    not all the water in the rough rude sea
    can wash the balm off from an anointed kingx
    the breath of worldly men cannot depose
    the deputy elected by the lordx
    for every man that bolingbroke hath pressxd
    to lift shrewd steel against our golden crownx
    god for his richard hath in heavenly pay
    a glorious angelx thenx if angels fightx
    weak men must fallx for heaven still guards the rightx

                 enter salisbury

    welcomex my lordx how far off lies your powerx
  salisburyx nor near nor farther offx my gracious lordx
    than this weak armx discomfort guides my tonguex
    and bids me speak of nothing but despairx
    one day too latex i fear mex noble lordx
    hath clouded all thy happy days on earthx
    ox call back yesterdayx bid time returnx
    and thou shalt have twelve thousand fighting menx
    toxdayx toxdayx unhappy dayx too latex
    oxerthrows thy joysx friendsx fortunex and thy statex
    for all the welshmenx hearing thou wert deadx
    are gone to bolingbrokex dispersxdx and fledx
  aumerlex comfortx my liegex why looks your grace so palex
  king richardx but now the blood of twenty thousand men
    did triumph in my facex and they are fledx
    andx till so much blood thither come againx
    have i not reason to look pale and deadx
    all souls that will be safex fly from my sidex
    for time hath set a blot upon my pridex
  aumerlex comfortx my liegex remember who you arex
  king richardx i had forgot myselfx am i not kingx
    awakex thou coward majestyx thou sleepestx
    is not the kingxs name twenty thousand namesx
    armx armx my namex a puny subject strikes
    at thy great gloryx look not to the groundx
    ye favourites of a kingx are we not highx
    high be our thoughtsx i know my uncle york
    hath power enough to serve our turnx but who comes herex

                   enter scroop

  scroopx more health and happiness betide my liege
    than can my carextunxd tongue deliver himx
  king richardx mine ear is open and my heart preparxdx
    the worst is worldly loss thou canst unfoldx
    sayx is my kingdom lostx whyx xtwas my carex
    and what loss is it to be rid of carex
    strives bolingbroke to be as great as wex
    greater he shall not bex if he serve godx
    wexll serve him toox and be his fellow sox
    revolt our subjectsx that we cannot mendx
    they break their faith to god as well as usx
    cry woex destructionx ruinx and decayx
    the worst is deathx and death will have his dayx
  scroopx glad am i that your highness is so armxd
    to bear the tidings of calamityx
    like an unseasonable stormy day
    which makes the silver rivers drown their shoresx
    as if the world were all dissolvxd to tearsx
    so high above his limits swells the rage
    of bolingbrokex covering your fearful land
    with hard bright steel and hearts harder than steelx
    whitexbeards have armxd their thin and hairless scalps
    against thy majestyx boysx with womenxs voicesx
    strive to speak bigx and clap their female joints
    in stiff unwieldy arms against thy crownx
    thy very beadsmen learn to bend their bows
    of doublexfatal yew against thy statex
    yeax distaffxwomen manage rusty bills
    against thy seatx both young and old rebelx
    and all goes worse than i have power to tellx
  king richardx too wellx too well thou tellxst a tale so inx
    where is the earl of wiltshirex where is bagotx
    what is become of bushyx where is greenx
    that they have let the dangerous enemy
    measure our confines with such peaceful stepsx
    if we prevailx their heads shall pay for itx
    i warrant they have made peace with bolingbrokex
  scroopx peace have they made with him indeedx my lordx
  king richardx o villainsx vipersx damnxd without redemptionx
    dogsx easily won to fawn on any manx
    snakesx in my heartxblood warmxdx that sting my heartx
    three judasesx each one thrice worse than judasx
    would they make peacex terrible hell make war
    upon their spotted souls for this offencex
  scroopx sweet lovex i seex changing his propertyx
    turns to the sourest and most deadly hatex
    again uncurse their soulsx their peace is made
    with headsx and not with handsx those whom you curse
    have felt the worst of deathxs destroying wound
    and lie full lowx gravxd in the hollow groundx
  aumerlex is bushyx greenx and the earl of wiltshire deadx
  scroopx ayx all of them at bristow lost their headsx
  aumerlex where is the duke my father with his powerx
  king richardx no matter wherexof comfort no man speakx
    letxs talk of gravesx of wormsx and epitaphsx
    make dust our paperx and with rainy eyes
    write sorrow on the bosom of the earthx
    letxs choose executors and talk of willsx
    and yet not soxfor what can we bequeath
    save our deposed bodies to the groundx
    our landsx our livesx and anx are bolingbrokexsx
    and nothing can we can our own but death
    and that small model of the barren earth
    which serves as paste and cover to our bonesx
    for godxs sake let us sit upon the ground
    and tell sad stories of the death of kingsx
    how some have been deposxdx some slain in warx
    some haunted by the ghosts they have deposxdx
    some poisonxd by their wivesx some sleeping killxdx
    all murderxdxfor within the hollow crown
    that rounds the mortal temples of a king
    keeps death his courtx and there the antic sitsx
    scoffing his state and grinning at his pompx
    allowing him a breathx a little scenex
    to monarchizex be fearxdx and kill with looksx
    infusing him with self and vain conceitx
    as if this flesh which walls about our life
    were brass impregnablex andx humourxd thusx
    comes at the lastx and with a little pin
    bores through his castle wallx and farewellx kingx
    cover your headsx and mock not flesh and blood
    with solemn reverencex throw away respectx
    traditionx formx and ceremonious dutyx
    for you have but mistook me all this whilex
    i live with bread like youx feel wantx
    taste griefx need friendsx subjected thusx
    how can you say to me i am a kingx
  carlislex my lordx wise men nexer sit and wail their woesx
    but presently prevent the ways to wailx
    to fear the foex since fear oppresseth strengthx
    givesx in your weaknessx strength unto your foex
    and so your follies fight against yourselfx
    fear and be slainxno worse can come to fightx
    and fight and die is death destroying deathx
    where fearing dying pays death servile breathx
  aumerlex my father hath a powerx inquire of himx
    and learn to make a body of a limbx
  king richardx thou chidxst me wellx proud bolingbrokex i come
    to change blows with thee for our day of doomx
    this ague fit of fear is overxblownx
    an easy task it is to win our ownx
    sayx scroopx where lies our uncle with his powerx
    speak sweetlyx manx although thy looks be sourx
  scroopx men judge by the complexion of the sky
    the state in inclination of the dayx
    so may you by my dull and heavy eyex
    my tongue hath but a heavier tale to sayx
    i play the torturerx by small and small
    to lengthen out the worst that must be spokenx
    your uncle york is joinxd with bolingbrokex
    and all your northern castles yielded upx
    and all your southern gentlemen in arms
    upon his partyx
  king richardx thou hast said enoughx
      xto aumerlex beshrew theex cousinx which didst lead me forth
    of that sweet way i was in to despairx
    what say you nowx what comfort have we nowx
    by heavenx ixll hate him everlastingly
    that bids me be of comfort any morex
    go to flint castlex there ixll pine awayx
    a kingx woexs slavex shall kingly woe obeyx
    that power i havex dischargex and let them go
    to ear the land that hath some hope to growx
    for i have nonex let no man speak again
    to alter thisx for counsel is but vainx
  aumerlex my liegex one wordx
  king richardx he does me double wrong
    that wounds me with the flatteries of his tonguex
    discharge my followersx let them hence awayx
    from richardxs night to bolingbrokexs fair dayx       exeunt

scene xx walesx before flint castle

enterx with drum and coloursx bolingbrokex yorkx northumberlandx and
forces

  bolingbrokex so that by this intelligence we learn
    the welshmen are dispersxdx and salisbury
    is gone to meet the kingx who lately landed
    with some few private friends upon this coastx
  northumberlandx the news is very fair and goodx my lordx
    richard not far from hence hath hid his headx
  yorkx it would beseem the lord northumberland
    to say xking richardxx alack the heavy day
    when such a sacred king should hide his headx
  northumberlandx your grace mistakesx only to be briefx
    left i his title outx
  yorkx the time hath beenx
    would you have been so brief with himx he would
    have been so brief with you to shorten youx
    for taking so the headx your whole headxs lengthx
  bolingbrokex mistake notx unclex further than you shouldx
  yorkx take notx good cousinx further than you shouldx
    lest you mistakex the heavens are over our headsx
  bolingbrokex i know itx unclex and oppose not myself
    against their willx but who comes herex

                    enter percy

    welcomex harryx whatx will not this castle yieldx
  piercyx the castle royally is mannxdx my lordx
    against thy entrancex
  bolingbrokex royallyx
    whyx it contains no kingx
  percyx yesx my good lordx
    it doth contain a kingx king richard lies
    within the limits of yon lime and stonex
    and with him are the lord aumerlex lord salisburyx
    sir stephen scroopx besides a clergyman
    of holy reverencex whox i cannot learnx
  northumberlandx ox belike it is the bishop of carlislex
  bolingbrokex xto northumberlandx noble lordx
    go to the rude ribs of that ancient castlex
    through brazen trumpet send the breath of parley
    into his ruinxd earsx and thus deliverx
    henry bolingbroke
    on both his knees doth kiss king richardxs handx
    and sends allegiance and true faith of heart
    to his most royal personx hither come
    even at his feet to lay my arms and powerx
    provided that my banishment repealxd
    and lands restorxd again be freely grantedx
    if notx ixll use the advantage of my power
    and lay the summerxs dust with showers of blood
    rainxd from the wounds of slaughtered englishmenx
    the which how far off from the mind of bolingbroke
    it is such crimson tempest should bedrench
    the fresh green lap of fair king richardxs landx
    my stooping duty tenderly shall showx
    gox signify as muchx while here we march
    upon the grassy carpet of this plainx
           xnorthumberland advances to the castlex with a trumpetx
    letxs march without the noise of threatxning drumx
    that from this castlexs tottered battlements
    our fair appointments may be well perusxdx
    methinks king richard and myself should meet
    with no less terror than the elements
    of fire and waterx when their thundxring shock
    at meeting tears the cloudy cheeks of heavenx
    be he the firex ixll be the yielding waterx
    the rage be hisx whilst on the earth i rain
    my watersxon the earthx and not on himx
    march onx and mark king richard how he looksx

      parle withoutx and answer withinx then a flourishx
      enter on the wallsx the kingx the bishop of carlislex
      aumerlex scroopx and salisbury

    seex seex king richard doth himself appearx
    as doth the blushing discontented sun
    from out the fiery portal of the eastx
    when he perceives the envious clouds are bent
    to dim his glory and to stain the track
    of his bright passage to the occidentx
  yorkx yet he looks like a kingx beholdx his eyex
    as bright as is the eaglexsx lightens forth
    controlling majestyx alackx alackx for woex
    that any harm should stain so fair a showx
  king richardx xto northumberlandx we are amazxdx and thus long
      have we stood
    to watch the fearful bending of thy kneex
    because we thought ourself thy lawful kingx
    and if we bex how dare thy joints forget
    to pay their awful duty to our presencex
    if we be notx show us the hand of god
    that hath dismissxd us from our stewardshipx
    for well we know no hand of blood and bone
    can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptrex
    unless he do profanex stealx or usurpx
    and though you think that allx as you have donex
    have torn their souls by turning them from usx
    and we are barren and bereft of friendsx
    yet knowxmy masterx god omnipotentx
    is mustering in his clouds on our behalf
    armies of pestilencex and they shall strike
    your children yet unborn and unbegotx
    that lift your vassal hands against my head
    and threat the glory of my precious crownx
    tell bolingbrokex for yon methinks he standsx
    that every stride he makes upon my land
    is dangerous treasonx he is come to open
    the purple testament of bleeding warx
    but ere the crown he looks for live in peacex
    ten thousand bloody crowns of mothersx sons
    shall ill become the flower of englandxs facex
    change the complexion of her maidxpale peace
    to scarlet indignationx and bedew
    her pasturesx grass with faithful english bloodx
  northumberlandx the king of heaven forbid our lord the king
    should so with civil and uncivil arms
    be rushxd uponx thy thrice noble cousinx
    harry bolingbrokex doth humbly kiss thy handx
    and by the honourable tomb he swears
    that stands upon your royal grandsirexs bonesx
    and by the royalties of both your bloodsx
    currents that spring from one most gracious headx
    and by the buried hand of warlike gauntx
    and by the worth and honour of himselfx
    comprising all that may be sworn or saidx
    his coming hither hath no further scope
    than for his lineal royaltiesx and to beg
    enfranchisement immediate on his kneesx
    which on thy royal party granted oncex
    his glittering arms he will commend to rustx
    his barbed steeds to stablesx and his heart
    to faithful service of your majestyx
    this swears hex as he is a princex is justx
    and as i am a gentleman i credit himx
  king richardx northumberlandx say thus the king returnsx
    his noble cousin is right welcome hitherx
    and all the number of his fair demands
    shall be accomplishxd without contradictionx
    with all the gracious utterance thou hast
    speak to his gentle hearing kind commendsx
    xto aumerlex we do debase ourselvesx cousinx do we notx
    to look so poorly and to speak so fairx
    shall we call back northumberlandx and send
    defiance to the traitorx and so diex
  aumerlex nox good my lordx letxs fight with gentle words
    till time lend friendsx and friends their helpful swordsx
  king richardx o godx o godx that exer this tongue of mine
    that laid the sentence of dread banishment
    on yon proud man should take it off again
    with words of soothx o that i were as great
    as is my griefx or lesser than my namex
    or that i could forget what i have beenx
    or not remember what i must be nowx
    swellxst thoux proud heartx ixll give thee scope to beatx
    since foes have scope to beat both thee and mex
  aumerlex northumberland comes back from bolingbrokex
  king richardx what must the king do nowx must he submitx
    the king shall do itx must he be deposxdx
    the king shall be contentedx must he lose
    the name of kingx a godxs namex let it gox
    ixll give my jewels for a set of beadsx
    my gorgeous palace for a hermitagex
    my gay apparel for an almsmanxs gownx
    my figurxd goblets for a dish of woodx
    my sceptre for a palmerxs walking staffx
    my subjects for a pair of carved saintsx
    and my large kingdom for a little gravex
    a little little gravex an obscure gravex
    or ixll be buried in the kingxs high wayx
    some way of common tradex where subjectsx feet
    may hourly trample on their sovereignxs headx
    for on my heart they tread now whilst i livex
    and buried oncex why not upon my headx
    aumerlex thou weepxstx my tenderxhearted cousinx
    wexll make foul weather with despised tearsx
    our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn
    and make a dearth in this revolting landx
    or shall we play the wantons with our woes
    and make some pretty match with shedding tearsx
    as thusx to drop them still upon one place
    till they have fretted us a pair of graves
    within the earthx andx therein laidxthere lies
    two kinsmen diggxd their graves with weeping eyesx
    would not this ill do wellx wellx wellx i see
    i talk but idlyx and you laugh at mex
    most mighty princex my lord northumberlandx
    what says king bolingbrokex will his majesty
    give richard leave to live till richard diex
    you make a legx and bolingbroke says ayx
  northumberlandx my lordx in the base court he doth attend
    to speak with youx may it please you to come downx
  king richardx downx down i comex like glistxring phaethonx
    wanting the manage of unruly jadesx
    in the base courtx base courtx where kings grow basex
    to come at traitorsx callsx and do them gracex
    in the base courtx come downx downx courtx downx kingx
    for nightxowls shriek where mounting larks should singx
                                               exeunt from above
  bolingbrokex what says his majestyx
  northumberlandx sorrow and grief of heart
    makes him speak fondlyx like a frantic manx
    yet he is comex

          enter the kingx and his attendantsx below

  bolingbrokex stand all apartx
    and show fair duty to his majestyx   xhe kneels downx
    my gracious lordx
  king richardx fair cousinx you debase your princely knee
    to make the base earth proud with kissing itx
    me rather had my heart might feel your love
    than my unpleasxd eye see your courtesyx
    upx cousinx upx your heart is upx i knowx
    xtouching his own headx thus high at leastx although your
      knee be lowx
  bolingbrokex my gracious lordx i come but for mine ownx
  king richardx your own is yoursx and i am yoursx and allx
  bolingbrokex so far be minex my most redoubted lordx
    as my true service shall deserve your lovex
  king richardx well you deservex they well deserve to have
    that know the strongxst and surest way to getx
    unclex give me your handsx nayx dry your eyesx
    tears show their lovex but want their remediesx
    cousinx i am too young to be your fatherx
    though you are old enough to be my heirx
    what you will havex ixll givex and willing toox
    for do we must what force will have us dox
    set on towards londonx cousinx is it sox
  bolingbrokex yeax my good lordx
  king richardx then i must not say nox         flourishx exeunt

scene xx the duke of yorkxs garden

enter the queen and two ladies

  queenx what sport shall we devise here in this garden
    to drive away the heavy thought of carex
  ladyx madamx wexll play at bowlsx
  queenx xtwill make me think the world is full of rubs
    and that my fortune runs against the biasx
  ladyx madamx wexll dancex
  queenx my legs can keep no measure in delightx
    when my poor heart no measure keeps in griefx
    therefore no dancingx girlx some other sportx
  ladyx madamx wexll tell talesx
  queenx of sorrow or of joyx
  ladyx of eitherx madamx
  queenx of neitherx girlx
    for if of joyx being altogether wantingx
    it doth remember me the more of sorrowx
    or if of griefx being altogether hadx
    it adds more sorrow to my want of joyx
    for what i have i need not to repeatx
    and what i want it boots not to complainx
  ladyx madamx ixll singx
  queenx xtis wellx that thou hast causex
    but thou shouldst please me better wouldst thou weepx
  ladyx i could weepx madamx would it do you goodx
  queenx and i could singx would weeping do me goodx
    and never borrow any tear of theex

           enter a gardener and two servants

    but stayx here come the gardenersx
    letxs step into the shadow of these treesx
    my wretchedness unto a row of pinsx
    they will talk of statex for every one doth so
    against a changex woe is forerun with woex
                                       xqueen and ladies retirex
  gardenerx gox bind thou up yon dangling apricocksx
    whichx like unruly childrenx make their sire
    stoop with oppression of their prodigal weightx
    give some supportance to the bending twigsx
    go thoux and eke an executioner
    cut off the heads of too fast growing sprays
    that look too lofty in our commonwealthx
    all must be even in our governmentx
    you thus employxdx i will go root away
    the noisome weeds which without profit suck
    the soilxs fertility from wholesome flowersx
  servantx why should wex in the compass of a palex
    keep law and form and due proportionx
    showingx as in a modelx our firm estatex
    when our seaxwalled gardenx the whole landx
    is full of weedsx her fairest flowers chokxd upx
    her fruit trees all unprunxdx her hedges ruinxdx
    her knots disorderedx and her wholesome herbs
    swarming with caterpillarsx
  gardenerx hold thy peacex
    he that hath sufferxd this disorderxd spring
    hath now himself met with the fall of leafx
    the weeds which his broadxspreading leaves did shelterx
    that seemxd in eating him to hold him upx
    are pluckxd up root and all by bolingbrokex
    i mean the earl of wiltshirex bushyx greenx
  servantx whatx are they deadx
  gardenerx they arex and bolingbroke
    hath seizxd the wasteful kingx ox what pity is it
    that he had not so trimmxd and dressxd his land
    as we this gardenx we at time of year
    do wound the barkx the skin of our fruit treesx
    lestx being overxproud in sap and bloodx
    with too much riches it confound itselfx
    had he done so to great and growing menx
    they might have evxd to bearx and he to taste
    their fruits of dutyx superfluous branches
    we lop awayx that bearing boughs may livex
    had he done sox himself had home the crownx
    which waste of idle hours hath quite thrown downx
  servantx whatx think you the king shall be deposedx
  gardenerx depressxd he is alreadyx and deposxd
    xtis doubt he will bex letters came last night
    to a dear friend of the good duke of yorkxs
    that tell black tidingsx
  queenx ox i am pressxd to death through want of speakingx
                                                xcoming forwardx
    thoux old adamxs likenessx set to dress this gardenx
    how dares thy harsh rude tongue sound this unpleasing newsx
    what evex what serpentx hath suggested the
    to make a second fall of cursed manx
    why dost thou say king richard is deposxdx
    darxst thoux thou little better thing than earthx
    divine his downfallx sayx wherex whenx and howx
    camxst thou by this ill tidingsx speakx thou wretchx
  gardenerx pardon mex madamx little joy have
    to breathe this newsx yet what i say is truex
    king richardx he is in the mighty hold
    of bolingbrokex their fortunes both are weighxdx
    in your lordxs scale is nothing but himselfx
    and some few vanities that make him lightx
    but in the balance of great bolingbrokex
    besides himselfx are all the english peersx
    and with that odds he weighs king richard downx
    post you to londonx and you will find it sox
    i speak no more than every one doth knowx
  queenx nimble mischancex that art so light of footx
    doth not thy embassage belong to mex
    and am i last that knows itx ox thou thinkest
    to serve me lastx that i may longest keep
    thy sorrow in my breastx comex ladiesx go
    to meet at london londonxs king in woex
    whatx was i born to thisx that my sad look
    should grace the triumph of great bolingbrokex
    gardxnerx for telling me these news of woex
    pray god the plants thou graftxst may never growx
                                         exeunt queen and ladies
  gardenerx poor queenx so that thy state might be no worsex
    i would my skill were subject to thy cursex
    here did she fall a tearx here in this place
    ixll set a bank of ruex sour herb of gracex
    ruex even for ruthx here shortly shall be seenx
    in the remembrance of a weeping queenx                exeunt

act ivx scene xx westminster hall

enterx as to the parliamentx bolingbrokex aumerlex northumberlandx
percyx fitzwaterx surreyx the bishop of carlislex the abbot of
westminsterx and othersx heraldx officersx and bagot

  bolingbrokex call forth bagotx
    nowx bagotx freely speak thy mindx
    what thou dost know of noble gloucesterxs deathx
    who wrought it with the kingx and who performxd
    the bloody office of his timeless endx
  bagotx then set before my face the lord aumerlex
  bolingbrokex cousinx stand forthx and look upon that manx
  bagotx my lord aumerlex i know your daring tongue
    scorns to unsay what once it hath deliverxdx
    in that dead time when gloucesterxs death was plotted
    i heard you say xis not my arm of lengthx
    that reacheth from the restful english court
    as far as calaisx to mine unclexs headxx
    amongst much other talk that very time
    i heard you say that you had rather refuse
    the offer of an hundred thousand crowns
    than bolingbrokexs return to englandx
    adding withalx how blest this land would be
    in this your cousinxs deathx
  aumerlex princesx and noble lordsx
    what answer shall i make to this base manx
    shall i so much dishonour my fair stars
    on equal terms to give him chastisementx
    either i mustx or have mine honour soilxd
    with the attainder of his slanderous lipsx
    there is my gagex the manual seal of death
    that marks thee out for hellx i say thou liestx
    and will maintain what thou hast said is false
    in thy heartxbloodx through being all too base
    to stain the temper of my knightly swordx
  bolingbrokex bagotx forbearx thou shalt not take it upx
  aumerlex excepting onex i would he were the best
    in all this presence that hath movxd me sox
  fitzwaterx if that thy valour stand on sympathyx
    there is my gagex aumerlex in gage to thinex
    by that fair sun which shows me where thou standxstx
    i heard thee sayx and vauntingly thou spakxst itx
    that thou wert cause of noble gloucesterxs deathx
    if thou deniest it twenty timesx thou liestx
    and i will turn thy falsehood to thy heartx
    where it was forgedx with my rapierxs pointx
  aumerlex thou darxst notx cowardx live to see that dayx
  fitzwaterx nowx by my soulx i would it were this hourx
  aumerlex fitzwaterx thou art damnxd to hell for thisx
  percyx aumerlex thou liestx his honour is as true
    in this appeal as thou art an unjustx
    and that thou art sox there i throw my gagex
    to prove it on thee to the extremest point
    of mortal breathingx seize itx if thou darxstx
  aumerlex an if i do notx may my hands rot of
    and never brandish more revengeful steel
    over the glittering helmet of my foex
  another lordx i task the earth to the likex forsworn aumerlex
    and spur thee on with fun as many lies
    as may be halloaxd in thy treacherous ear
    from sun to sunx there is my honourxs pawnx
    engage it to the trialx if thou darestx
  aumerlex who sets me elsex by heavenx ixll throw at allx
    i have a thousand spirits in one breast
    to answer twenty thousand such as youx
  surreyx my lord fitzwaterx i do remember well
    the very time aumerle and you did talkx
  fitzwaterx xtis very truex you were in presence thenx
    and you can witness with me this is truex
  surreyx as falsex by heavenx as heaven itself is truex
  fitzwaterx surreyx thou liestx
  surreyx dishonourable boyx
    that lie shall lie so heavy on my sword
    that it shall render vengeance and revenge
    till thou the liexgiver and that lie do he
    in earth as quiet as thy fatherxs skullx
    in proof whereofx there is my honourxs pawnx
    engage it to the trialx if thou darxstx
  fitzwaterx how fondly dost thou spur a forward horsex
    if i dare eatx or drinkx or breathex or livex
    i dare meet surrey in a wildernessx
    and spit upon him whilst i say he liesx
    and liesx and liesx there is my bond of faithx
    to tie thee to my strong correctionx
    as i intend to thrive in this new worldx
    aumerle is guilty of my true appealx
    besidesx i heard the banishxd norfolk say
    that thoux aumerlex didst send two of thy men
    to execute the noble duke at calaisx
  aumerlex some honest christian trust me with a gage
    that norfolk liesx here do i throw down thisx
    if he may be repealxd to try his honourx
  bolingbrokex these differences shall all rest under gage
    till norfolk be repealxdxrepealxd he shall be
    andx though mine enemyx restorxd again
    to all his lands and signoriesx when he is returnxdx
    against aumerle we will enforce his trialx
  carlislex that honourable day shall never be seenx
    many a time hath banishxd norfolk fought
    for jesu christ in glorious christian fieldx
    streaming the ensign of the christian cross
    against black pagansx turksx and saracensx
    andx toilxd with works of warx retirxd himself
    to italyx and therex at venicex gave
    his body to that pleasant countryxs earthx
    and his pure soul unto his captainx christx
    under whose colours he had fought so longx
  bolingbrokex whyx bishopx is norfolk deadx
  carlislex as surely as i livex my lordx
  bolingbrokex sweet peace conduct his sweet soul to the bosom
    of good old abrahamx lords appellantsx
    your differences shall all rest under gage
    till we assign you to your days of trial

                 enter yorkx attended

  yorkx great duke of lancasterx i come to the
    from plumexpluckxd richardx who with willing soul
    adopts thee heirx and his high sceptre yields
    to the possession of thy royal handx
    ascend his thronex descending now from himx
    and long live henryx fourth of that namex
  bolingbrokex in godxs namex ixll ascend the regal thronex
  carlislex marryx god forbidx
    worst in this royal presence may i speakx
    yet best beseeming me to speak the truthx
    would god that any in this noble presence
    were enough noble to be upright judge
    of noble richardx then true noblesse would
    learn him forbearance from so foul a wrongx
    what subject can give sentence on his kingx
    and who sits here that is not richardxs subjectx
    thieves are not judgxd but they are by to hearx
    although apparent guilt be seen in themx
    and shall the figure of godxs majestyx
    his captainx stewardx deputy electx
    anointedx crownedx planted many yearsx
    be judgxd by subject and inferior breathx
    and he himself not presentx ox forfend itx godx
    that in a christian climate souls refinxd
    should show so heinousx blackx obscene a deedx
    i speak to subjectsx and a subject speaksx
    stirrxd up by godx thus boldly for his kingx
    my lord of hereford herex whom you call kingx
    is a foul traitor to proud herefordxs kingx
    and if you crown himx let me prophesyx
    the blood of english shall manure the groundx
    and future ages groan for this foul actx
    peace shall go sleep with turks and infidelsx
    and in this seat of peace tumultuous wars
    shall kin with kin and kind with kind confoundx
    disorderx horrorx fearx and mutinyx
    shall here inhabitx and this land be callxd
    the field of golgotha and dead menxs skullsx
    ox if you raise this house against this housex
    it will the woefullest division prove
    that ever fell upon this cursed earthx
    prevent itx resist itx let it not be sox
    lest childx childxs childrenx cry against you woex
  northumberlandx well have you arguedx sirx andx for your painsx
    of capital treason we arrest you herex
    my lord of westminsterx be it your charge
    to keep him safely till his day of trialx
    may it please youx lordsx to grant the commonsx suitx
  bolingbrokex fetch hither richardx that in common view
    he may surrenderx so we shall proceed
    without suspicionx
  yorkx i will be his conductx                              exit
  bolingbrokex lordsx you that here are under our arrestx
    procure your sureties for your days of answerx
    little are we beholding to your lovex
    and little lookxd for at your helping handsx

      rexenter yorkx with king richardx and officers
                bearing the regalia

  king richardx alackx why am i sent for to a kingx
    before i have shook off the regal thoughts
    wherewith i reignxdx i hardly yet have learnxd
    to insinuatex flatterx bowx and bend my kneex
    give sorrow leave awhile to tutor me
    to this submissionx yet i well remember
    the favours of these menx were they not minex
    did they not sometime cry xall hailxx to mex
    so judas did to christx but hex in twelvex
    found truth in all but onex ix in twelve thousandx nonex
    god save the kingx will no man say amenx
    am i both priest and clerkx well thenx amenx
    god save the kingx although i be not hex
    and yetx amenx if heaven do think him mex
    to do what service am i sent for hitherx
  yorkx to do that office of thine own good will
    which tired majesty did make thee offerx
    the resignation of thy state and crown
    to henry bolingbrokex
  king richardx give me the crownx herex cousinx seize the crownx
    herex cousinx
    on this side my handx and on that side thinex
    now is this golden crown like a deep well
    that owes two bucketsx filling one anotherx
    the emptier ever dancing in the airx
    the other downx unseenx and full of waterx
    that bucket down and fun of tears am ix
    drinking my griefsx whilst you mount up on highx
  bolingbrokex i thought you had been willing to resignx
  king richardx my crown i amx but still my griefs are minex
    you may my glories and my state deposex
    but not my griefsx still am i king of thosex
  bolingbrokex part of your cares you give me with your crownx
  king richardx your cares set up do not pluck my cares downx
    my care is loss of carex by old care donex
    your care is gain of carex by new care wonx
    the cares i give i havex though given awayx
    they tend the crownx yet still with me they stayx
  bolingbrokex are you contented to resign the crownx
  king richardx ayx nox nox ayx for i must nothing bex
    therefore no nox for i resign to theex
    now mark me how i will undo myselfx
    i give this heavy weight from off my headx
    and this unwieldy sceptre from my handx
    the pride of kingly sway from out my heartx
    with mine own tears i wash away my balmx
    with mine own hands i give away my crownx
    with mine own tongue deny my sacred statex
    with mine own breath release all duteous oathsx
    all pomp and majesty i do forswearx
    my manorsx rentsx revenuesx i forgox
    my actsx decreesx and statutesx i denyx
    god pardon all oaths that are broke to mex
    god keep all vows unbroke are made to theex
    make mex that nothing havex with nothing grievxdx
    and thou with all pleasxdx that hast an achievxdx
    long mayst thou live in richardxs seat to sitx
    and soon lie richard in an earthly pitx
    god save king henryx unkingxd richard saysx
    and send him many years of sunshine daysx
    what more remainsx
  northumberlandx no morex but that you read
    these accusationsx and these grievous crimes
    committed by your person and your followers
    against the state and profit of this landx
    thatx by confessing themx the souls of men
    may deem that you are worthily deposxdx
  king richardx must i do sox and must i ravel out
    my weavxdxup folliesx gentle northumberlandx
    if thy offences were upon recordx
    would it not shame thee in so fair a troop
    to read a lecture of themx if thou wouldstx
    there shouldst thou find one heinous articlex
    containing the deposing of a king
    and cracking the strong warrant of an oathx
    markxd with a blotx damnxd in the book of heavenx
    nayx all of you that stand and look upon me
    whilst that my wretchedness doth bait myselfx
    though some of youx with pilatex wash your handsx
    showing an outward pityxyet you pilates
    have here deliverxd me to my sour crossx
    and water cannot wash away your sinx
  northumberlandx my lordx dispatchx read oxer these
    articlesx
  king richardx mine eyes are full of tearsx i cannot seex
    and yet salt water blinds them not so much
    but they can see a sort of traitors herex
    nayx if i turn mine eyes upon myselfx
    i find myself a traitor with the restx
    for i have given here my soulxs consent
    txundeck the pompous body of a kingx
    made glory basex and sovereignty a slavex
    proud majesty a subjectx state a peasantx
  northumberlandx my lordx
  king richardx no lord of thinex thou haught insulting manx
    nor no manxs lordx i have no namex no tidex
    nox not that name was given me at the fontx
    but xtis usurpxdx alack the heavy dayx
    that i have worn so many winters outx
    and know not now what name to call myselfx
    o that i were a mockery king of snowx
    standing before the sun of bolingbroke
    to melt myself away in water dropsx
    good kingx great kingx and yet not greatly goodx
    an if my word be sterling yet in englandx
    let it command a mirror hither straightx
    that it may show me what a face i have
    since it is bankrupt of his majestyx
  bolingbrokex go some of you and fetch a lookingxglassx
                                               exit an attendant
  northumberlandx read oxer this paper while the glass doth comex
  king richardx fiendx thou torments me ere i come to hellx
  bolingbrokex urge it no morex my lord northumberlandx
  northumberlandx the commons will notx thenx be satisfiedx
  king richardx they shall be satisfiedx ixll read enoughx
    when i do see the very book indeed
    where all my sins are writx and thatxs myselfx

                rexenter attendant with glass

    give me that glassx and therein will i readx
    no deeper wrinkles yetx hath sorrow struck
    so many blows upon this face of mine
    and made no deeper woundsx o flattxring glassx
    like to my followers in prosperityx
    thou dost beguile mex was this face the face
    that every day under his household roof
    did keep ten thousand menx was this the face
    that like the sun did make beholders winkx
    is this the face which facxd so many follies
    that was at last outxfacxd by bolingbrokex
    a brittle glory shineth in this facex
    as brittle as the glory is the facex
                        xdashes the glass against the groundx
    for there it isx crackxd in a hundred shiversx
    markx silent kingx the moral of this sportx
    how soon my sorrow hath destroyxd my facex
  bolingbrokex the shadow of your sorrow hath destroyxd
    the shadow of your facex
  king richardx say that againx
    the shadow of my sorrowx hax letxs seex
    xtis very truex my grief lies all withinx
    and these external manner of laments
    are merely shadows to the unseen grief
    that swells with silence in the torturxd soulx
    there lies the substancex and i thank theex kingx
    for thy great bountyx that not only givxst
    me cause to wailx but teachest me the way
    how to lament the causex ixll beg one boonx
    and then be gone and trouble you no morex
    shall i obtain itx
  bolingbrokex name itx fair cousinx
  king richardx fair cousinx i am greater than a kingx
    for when i was a kingx my flatterers
    were then but subjectsx being now a subjectx
    i have a king here to my flattererx
    being so greatx i have no need to begx
  bolingbrokex yet askx
  king richardx and shall i havex
  bolingbrokex you shallx
  king richardx then give me leave to gox
  bolingbrokex whitherx
  king richardx whither you willx so i were from your sightsx
  bolingbrokex gox some of you convey him to the towerx
  king richardx ox goodx conveyx conveyers are you allx
    that rise thus nimbly by a true kingxs fallx
                     exeunt king richardx some lords and a guard
  bolingbrokex on wednesday next we solemnly set down
    our coronationx lordsx prepare yourselvesx
                    exeunt all but the abbot of westminsterx the
                                 bishop of carlislex and aumerle
  abbotx a woeful pageant have we here beheldx
  carlislex the woexs to comex the children yet unborn
    shall feel this day as sharp to them as thornx
  aumerlex you holy clergymenx is there no plot
    to rid the realm of this pernicious blotx
  abbotx my lordx
    before i freely speak my mind hereinx
    you shall not only take the sacrament
    to bury mine intentsx but also to effect
    whatever i shall happen to devisex
    i see your brows are full of discontentx
    your hearts of sorrowx and your eyes of tearsx
    come home with me to supperx i will lay
    a plot shall show us all a merry dayx                 exeunt

act vx scene xx londonx a street leading to the tower

enter the queenx with her attendants

  queenx this way the king will comex this is the way
    to julius caesarxs illxerected towerx
    to whose flint bosom my condemned lord
    is doomxd a prisoner by proud bolingbrokex
    here let us restx if this rebellious earth
    have any resting for her true kingxs queenx

            enter king richard and guard

    but softx but seex or rather do not seex
    my fair rose witherx yet look upx beholdx
    that you in pity may dissolve to dewx
    and wash him fresh again with truexlove tearsx
    ahx thoux the model where old troy did standx
    thou map of honourx thou king richardxs tombx
    and not king richardx thou most beauteous innx
    why should hardxfavourxd grief be lodgxd in theex
    when triumph is become an alehouse guestx
  king richardx join not with griefx fair womanx do not sox
    to make my end too suddenx learnx good soulx
    to think our former state a happy dreamx
    from which awakxdx the truth of what we are
    shows us but thisx i am sworn brotherx sweetx
    to grim necessityx and he and
    will keep a league till deathx hie thee to francex
    and cloister thee in some religious housex
    our holy lives must win a new worldxs crownx
    which our profane hours here have thrown downx
  queenx whatx is my richard both in shape and mind
    transformxd and weakxnedx hath bolingbroke deposxd
    thine intellectx hath he been in thy heartx
    the lion dying thrusteth forth his paw
    and wounds the earthx if nothing elsex with rage
    to be oxerpowxrxdx and wilt thoux pupilxlikex
    take the correction mildlyx kiss the rodx
    and fawn on rage with base humilityx
    which art a lion and the king of beastsx
  king richardx a king of beastsx indeedx if aught but beastsx
    i had been still a happy king of menx
    good sometimes queenx prepare thee hence for francex
    think i am deadx and that even here thou takestx
    as from my deathxbedx thy last living leavex
    in winterxs tedious nights sit by the fire
    with good old folksx and let them tell thee tales
    of woeful ages long ago betidx
    and ere thou bid good nightx to quit their griefs
    tell thou the lamentable tale of mex
    and send the hearers weeping to their bedsx
    for whyx the senseless brands will sympathize
    the heavy accent of thy moving tonguex
    and in compassion weep the fire outx
    and some will mourn in ashesx some coalxblackx
    for the deposing of a rightful kingx

             enter northumberland attended

  northumberlandx my lordx the mind of bolingbroke is changxdx
    you must to pomfretx not unto the towerx
    andx madamx there is order taxen for youx
    with all swift speed you must away to francex
  king richardx northumberlandx thou ladder wherewithal
    the mounting bolingbroke ascends my thronex
    the time shall not be many hours of age
    more than it isx ere foul sin gathering head
    shall break into corruptionx thou shalt think
    though he divide the realm and give thee half
    it is too littlex helping him to allx
    and he shall think that thoux which knowest the way
    to plant unrightful kingsx wilt know againx
    being nexer so little urgxdx another way
    to pluck him headlong from the usurped thronex
    the love of wicked men converts to fearx
    that fear to hatex and hate turns one or both
    to worthy danger and deserved deathx
  northumberlandx my guilt be on my headx and there an endx
    take leavex and partx for you must part forthwithx
  king richardx doubly divorcxdx bad menx you violate
    a twofold marriagexxtwixt my crown and mex
    and then betwixt me and my married wifex
    let me unkiss the oath xtwixt thee and mex
    and yet not sox for with a kiss xtwas madex
    part usx northumberlandx i towards the northx
    where shivering cold and sickness pines the climex
    my wife to francex from whence set forth in pompx
    she came adorned hither like sweet mayx
    sent back like hallowmas or shortxst of dayx
  queenx and must we be dividedx must we partx
  king richardx ayx hand from handx my lovex and heart from heartx
  queenx banish us bothx and send the king with mex
  northumberlandx that were some lovex but little policyx
  queenx then whither he goes thither let me gox
  king richardx so twox together weepingx make one woex
    weep thou for me in francex i for thee herex
    better far off than nearx be nexer the nearx
    gox count thy way with sighsx i mine with groansx
  queenx so longest way shall have the longest moansx
  king richardx twice for one step ixll groanx the way being shortx
    and piece the way out with a heavy heartx
    comex comex in wooing sorrow letxs be briefx
    sincex wedding itx there is such length in griefx
    one kiss shall stop our mouthsx and dumbly partx
    thus give i minex and thus take i thy heartx
  queenx give me mine own againx xtwere no good part
    to take on me to keep and kill thy heartx
    sox now i have mine own againx be gonex
    that i may strive to kill it with a groanx
  king richardx we make woe wanton with this fond delayx
    once morex adieux the rest let sorrow sayx            exeunt

scene xx the duke of yorkxs palace

enter the duke of york and the duchess

  duchessx my lordx you told me you would tell the restx
    when weeping made you break the story offx
    of our two cousinsx coming into londonx
  yorkx where did i leavex
  duchessx at that sad stopx my lordx
    where rude misgoverned hands from windowsx tops
    threw dust and rubbish on king richardxs headx
  yorkx thenx as i saidx the dukex great bolingbrokex
    mounted upon a hot and fiery steed
    which his aspiring rider seemxd to knowx
    with slow but stately pace kept on his coursex
    whilst all tongues cried xgod save theex bolingbrokexx
    you would have thought the very windows spakex
    so many greedy looks of young and old
    through casements darted their desiring eyes
    upon his visagex and that all the walls
    with painted imagery had said at once
    xjesu preserve theex welcomex bolingbrokexx
    whilst hex from the one side to the other turningx
    bareheadedx lower than his proud steedxs neckx
    bespake them thusx xi thank youx countrymenxx
    and thus still doingx thus he passxd alongx
  duchessx alackx poor richardx where rode he the whilstx
  yorkx as in a theatre the eyes of men
    after a wellxgracxd actor leaves the stage
    are idly bent on him that enters nextx
    thinking his prattle to be tediousx
    even sox or with much more contemptx menxs eyes
    did scowl on gentle richardx no man cried xgod save himxx
    no joyful tongue gave him his welcome homex
    but dust was thrown upon his sacred headx
    which with such gentle sorrow he shook offx
    his face still combating with tears and smilesx
    the badges of his grief and patiencex
    that had not godx for some strong purposex steelxd
    the hearts of menx they must perforce have meltedx
    and barbarism itself have pitied himx
    but heaven hath a hand in these eventsx
    to whose high will we bound our calm contentsx
    to bolingbroke are we sworn subjects nowx
    whose state and honour i for aye allowx
  duchessx here comes my son aumerlex
  yorkx aumerle that was
    but that is lost for being richardxs friendx
    and madamx you must call him rudand nowx
    i am in parliament pledge for his truth
    and lasting fealty to the newxmade kingx

                  enter aumerle

  duchessx welcomex my sonx who are the violets now
    that strew the green lap of the new come springx
  aumerlex madamx i know notx nor i greatly care notx
    god knows i had as lief be none as onex
  yorkx wellx bear you well in this new spring of timex
    lest you be croppxd before you come to primex
    what news from oxfordx do these justs and triumphs holdx
  aumerlex for aught i knowx my lordx they dox
  yorkx you will be therex i knowx
  aumerlex if god prevent notx i purpose sox
  yorkx what seal is that that without thy bosomx
    yeax lookxst thou palex let me see the writingx
  aumerlex my lordx xtis nothingx
  yorkx no matterx thenx who see itx
    i will be satisfiedx let me see the writingx
  aumerlex i do beseech your grace to pardon mex
    it is a matter of small consequence
    which for some reasons i would not have seenx
  yorkx which for some reasonsx sirx i mean to seex
    i fearx i fearx
  duchessx what should you fearx
    xtis nothing but some bond that he is entxred into
    for gay apparel xgainst the triumphxdayx
  yorkx bound to himselfx what doth he with a bond
    that he is bound tox wifex thou art a foolx
    boyx let me see the writingx
  aumerlex i do beseech youx pardon mex i may not show itx
  yorkx i will be satisfiedx let me see itx i sayx
                xhe plucks it out of his bosomx and reads itx
    treasonx foul treasonx villainx traitorx slavex
  duchessx what is the matterx my lordx
  yorkx hox who is within therex

                    enter a servant

    saddle my horsex
    god for his mercyx what treachery is herex
  duchessx whyx yorkx what is itx my lordx
  yorkx give me my bootsx i sayx saddle my horsex
                                                    exit servant
    nowx by mine honourx by my lifex my trothx
    i will appeach the villainx
  duchessx what is the matterx
  yorkx peacex foolish womanx
  duchessx i will not peacex what is the matterx aumerlex
  aumerlex good motherx be contentx it is no more
    than my poor life must answerx
  duchessx thy life answerx
  yorkx bring me my bootsx i will unto the kingx

              his man enters with his boots

  duchessx strike himx aumerlex poor boyx thou art amazxdx
    hencex villainx never more come in my sightx
  yorkx give me my bootsx i sayx
  duchessx whyx yorkx what wilt thou dox
    wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine ownx
    have we more sonsx or are we like to havex
    is not my teeming date drunk up with timex
    and wilt thou pluck my fair son from mine age
    and rob me of a happy motherxs namex
    is he not like theex is he not thine ownx
  yorkx thou fond mad womanx
    wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracyx
    a dozen of them here have taxen the sacramentx
    and interchangeably set down their hands
    to kill the king at oxfordx
  duchessx he shall be nonex
    wexll keep him herex then what is that to himx
  yorkx awayx fond womanx were he twenty times my son
    i would appeach himx
  duchessx hadst thou groanxd for him
    as i have donex thou wouldst be more pitifulx
    but now i know thy mindx thou dost suspect
    that i have been disloyal to thy bed
    and that he is a bastardx not thy sonx
    sweet yorkx sweet husbandx be not of that mindx
    he is as like thee as a man may be
    not like to mex or any of my kinx
    and yet i love himx
  yorkx make wayx unruly womanx                             exit
  duchessx afterx aumerlex mount thee upon his horsex
    spur postx and get before him to the kingx
    and beg thy pardon ere he do accuse theex
    ixll not be long behindx though i be oldx
    i doubt not but to ride as fast as yorkx
    and never will i rise up from the ground
    till bolingbroke have pardonxd theex awayx be gonex
                                                          exeunt

scene xx windsor castle

enter bolingbroke as kingx percyx and other lords

  bolingbrokex can no man tell me of my unthrifty sonx
    xtis full three months since i did see him lastx
    if any plague hang over usx xtis hex
    i would to godx my lordsx he might be foundx
    inquire at londonx xmongst the taverns therex
    for therex they sayx he daily doth frequent
    with unrestrained loose companionsx
    even suchx they sayx as stand in narrow lanes
    and beat our watch and rob our passengersx
    which hex young wanton and effeminate boyx
    takes on the point of honour to support
    so dissolute a crewx
  percyx my lordx some two days since i saw the princex
    and told him of those triumphs held at oxfordx
  bolingbrokex and what said the gallantx
  percyx his answer wasx he would unto the stewsx
    and from the commonxst creature pluck a glove
    and wear it as a favourx and with that
    he would unhorse the lustiest challengerx
  bolingbrokex as dissolute as desperatex yet through both
    i see some sparks of better hopex which elder years
    may happily bring forthx but who comes herex

                enter aumerle amazed

  aumerlex where is the kingx
  bolingbrokex what means our cousin that he stares and looks
    so wildlyx
  aumerlex god save your gracex i do beseech your majestyx
    to have some conference with your grace alonex
  bolingbrokex withdraw yourselvesx and leave us here alonex
                                          exeunt percy and lords
    what is the matter with our cousin nowx
  aumerlex for ever may my knees grow to the earthx
                                                    xkneelsx
    my tongue cleave to my roof within my mouthx
    unless a pardon ere i rise or speakx
  bolingbrokex intended or committed was this faultx
    if on the firstx how heinous exer it bex
    to win thy afterxlove i pardon theex
  aumerlex then give me leave that i may turn the keyx
    that no man enter till my tale be donex
  bolingbrokex have thy desirex
            xthe duke of york knocks at the door and criethx
  yorkx xwithinx my liegex bewarex look to thyselfx
    thou hast a traitor in thy presence therex
  bolingbrokex xdrawingx villainx ixll make thee safex
  aumerlex stay thy revengeful handx thou hast no cause to fearx
  yorkx xwithinx open the doorx securex foolhardy kingx
    shall ix for lovex speak treason to thy facex
    open the doorx or i will break it openx

                    enter york

  bolingbrokex what is the matterx unclex speakx
    recover breathx tell us how near is dangerx
    that we may arm us to encounter itx
  yorkx peruse this writing herex and thou shalt know
    the treason that my haste forbids me showx
  aumerlex rememberx as thou readxstx thy promise passxdx
    i do repent mex read not my name therex
    my heart is not confederate with my handx
  yorkx it wasx villainx ere thy hand did set it downx
    i tore it from the traitorxs bosomx kingx
    fearx and not lovex begets his penitencex
    forget to pity himx lest thy pity prove
    a serpent that will sting thee to the heartx
  bolingbrokex o heinousx strongx and bold conspiracyx
    o loyal father of a treacherous sonx
    thou sheerx immaculatex and silver fountainx
    from whence this stream through muddy passages
    hath held his current and defilxd himselfx
    thy overflow of good converts to badx
    and thy abundant goodness shall excuse
    this deadly blot in thy digressing sonx
  yorkx so shall my virtue be his vicexs bawdx
    and he shall spend mine honour with his shamex
    as thriftless sons their scraping fathersx goldx
    mine honour lives when his dishonour diesx
    or my shamxd life in his dishonour liesx
    thou killxst me in his lifex giving him breathx
    the traitor livesx the true manxs put to deathx
  duchessx xwithinx i what hox my liegex for godxs sakex let me inx
  bolingbrokex what shrillxvoicxd suppliant makes this eager cryx
  duchessx xwithinx a womanx and thine auntx great kingx xtis ix
    speak with mex pity mex open the doorx
    a beggar begs that never beggxd beforex
  bolingbrokex our scene is altxred from a serious thingx
    and now changxd to xthe beggar and the kingxx
    my dangerous cousinx let your mother inx
    i know she is come to pray for your foul sinx
  yorkx if thou do pardon whosoever prayx
    more sins for this forgiveness prosper mayx
    this festxred joint cut offx the rest rest soundx
    this let alone will all the rest confoundx

                 enter duchess

  duchessx o kingx believe not this hardxhearted manx
    love loving not itselfx none other canx
  yorkx thou frantic womanx what dost thou make herex
    shall thy old dugs once more a traitor rearx
  duchessx sweet yorkx be patientx hear mex gentle liegex
                                                     xkneelsx
  bolingbrokex rise upx good auntx
  duchessx not yetx i thee beseechx
    for ever will i walk upon my kneesx
    and never see day that the happy sees
    till thou give joyx until thou bid me joy
    by pardoning rutlandx my transgressing boyx
  aumerlex unto my motherxs prayers i bend my kneex
                                                     xkneelsx
  yorkx against them bothx my true joints bended bex
                                                     xkneelsx
    ill mayst thou thrivex if thou grant any gracex
  duchessx pleads he in earnestx look upon his facex
    his eyes do drop no tearsx his prayers are in jestx
    his words come from his mouthx ours from our breastx
    he prays but faintly and would be deniedx
    we pray with heart and soulx and all besidex
    his weary joints would gladly risex i knowx
    our knees still kneel till to the ground they growx
    his prayers are full of false hypocrisyx
    ours of true zeal and deep integrityx
    our prayers do outxpray hisx then let them have
    that mercy which true prayer ought to havex
  bolingbrokex good auntx stand upx
  duchessx do not say xstand upxx
    say xpardonx firstx and afterwards xstand upxx
    an if i were thy nursex thy tongue to teachx
    xpardonx should be the first word of thy speechx
    i never longxd to hear a word till nowx
    say xpardonxx kingx let pity teach thee howx
    the word is shortx but not so short as sweetx
    no word like xpardonx for kingsx mouths so meetx
  yorkx speak it in frenchx kingx say xpardonne moyxx
  duchessx dost thou teach pardon pardon to destroyx
    ahx my sour husbandx my hardxhearted lordx
    that sets the word itself against the wordx
    speak xpardonx as xtis current in our landx
    the chopping french we do not understandx
    thine eye begins to speakx set thy tongue therex
    or in thy piteous heart plant thou thine earx
    that hearing how our plaints and prayers do piercex
    pity may move thee xpardonx to rehearsex
  bolingbrokex good auntx stand upx
  duchessx i do not sue to standx
    pardon is all the suit i have in handx
  bolingbrokex i pardon himx as god shall pardon mex
  duchessx o happy vantage of a kneeling kneex
    yet am i sick for fearx speak it againx
    twice saying xpardonx doth not pardon twainx
    but makes one pardon strongx
  bolingbrokex with all my heart
    i pardon himx
  duchessx a god on earth thou artx
  bolingbrokex but for our trusty brotherxinxlaw and the abbotx
    with all the rest of that consorted crewx
    destruction straight shall dog them at the heelsx
    good unclex help to order several powers
    to oxfordx or wherexer these traitors arex
    they shall not live within this worldx i swearx
    but i will have themx if i once know wherex
    unclex farewellx andx cousinx adieux
    your mother well hath prayxdx and prove you truex
  duchessx comex my old sonx i pray god make thee newx      exeunt

scene xx windsor castle

enter sir pierce of exton and a servant

  extonx didst thou not mark the kingx what words he spakex
    xhave i no friend will rid me of this living fearxx
    was it not sox
  servantx these were his very wordsx
  extonx xhave i no friendxx quoth hex he spake it twice
    and urgxd it twice togetherx did he notx
  servantx he didx
  extonx andx speaking itx he wishtly lookxd on mex
    as who should say xi would thou wert the man
    that would divorce this terror from my heartxx
    meaning the king at pomfretx comex letxs gox
    i am the kingxs friendx and will rid his foex         exeunt

scene xx pomfret castlex the dungeon of the castle

enter king richard

  king richardx i have been studying how i may compare
    this prison where i live unto the world
    andx for because the world is populous
    and here is not a creature but myselfx
    i cannot do itx yet ixll hammer it outx
    my brain ixll prove the female to my soulx
    my soul the fatherx and these two beget
    a generation of stillxbreeding thoughtsx
    and these same thoughts people this little worldx
    in humours like the people of this worldx
    for no thought is contentedx the better sortx
    as thoughts of things divinex are intermixxd
    with scruplesx and do set the word itself
    against the wordx
    as thusx xcomex little onesxx and then againx
    xit is as hard to come as for a camel
    to thread the postern of a small needlexs eyexx
    thoughts tending to ambitionx they do plot
    unlikely wondersx how these vain weak nails
    may tear a passage through the flinty ribs
    of this hard worldx my ragged prison wallsx
    andx for they cannotx die in their own pridex
    thoughts tending to content flatter themselves
    that they are not the first of fortunexs slavesx
    nor shall not be the lastx like silly beggars
    whox sitting in the stocksx refuge their shamex
    that many have and others must sit therex
    and in this thought they find a kind of easex
    bearing their own misfortunes on the back
    of such as have before endurxd the likex
    thus play i in one person many peoplex
    and none contentedx sometimes am i kingx
    then treasons make me wish myself a beggarx
    and so i amx then crushing penury
    persuades me i was better when a kingx
    then am i kingxd againx and by and by
    think that i am unkingxd by bolingbrokex
    and straight am nothingx but whatexer i bex
    nor ix nor any man that but man isx
    with nothing shall be pleasxd till he be easxd
    with being nothingx                    xthe music playsx
    music do i hearx
    hax hax keep timex how sour sweet music is
    when time is broke and no proportion keptx
    so is it in the music of menxs livesx
    and here have i the daintiness of ear
    to check time broke in a disorderxd stringx
    butx for the concord of my state and timex
    had not an ear to hear my true time brokex
    i wasted timex and now doth time waste mex
    for now hath time made me his numbxring clockx
    my thoughts are minutesx and with sighs they jar
    their watches on unto mine eyesx the outward watchx
    whereto my fingerx like a dialxs pointx
    is pointing stillx in cleansing them from tearsx
    now sirx the sound that tells what hour it is
    are clamorous groans which strike upon my heartx
    which is the bellx so sighsx and tearsx and groansx
    show minutesx timesx and hoursx but my time
    runs posting on in bolingbrokexs proud joyx
    while i stand fooling herex his jack of the clockx
    this music mads mex let it sound no morex
    for though it have holp madmen to their witsx
    in me it seems it will make wise men madx
    yet blessing on his heart that gives it mex
    for xtis a sign of lovex and love to richard
    is a strange brooch in this allxhating worldx

              enter a groom of the stable

  groomx hailx royal princex
  king richardx thanksx noble peerx
    the cheapest of us is ten groats too dearx
    what art thoux and how comest thou hitherx
    where no man never comes but that sad dog
    that brings me food to make misfortune livex
  groomx i was a poor groom of thy stablex kingx
    when thou wert kingx whox travelling towards yorkx
    with much ado at length have gotten leave
    to look upon my sometimes royal masterxs facex
    ox how it ernxd my heartx when i beheldx
    in london streetsx that coronationxdayx
    when bolingbroke rode on roan barbaryx
    that horse that thou so often hast bestridx
    that horse that i so carefully have dressxdx
  king richardx rode he on barbaryx tell mex gentle friendx
    how went he under himx
  groomx so proudly as if he disdainxd the groundx
  king richardx so proud that bolingbroke was on his backx
    that jade hath eat bread from my royal handx
    this hand hath made him proud with clapping himx
    would he not stumblex would he not fall downx
    since pride must have a fallx and break the neck
    of that proud man that did usurp his backx
    forgivenessx horsex why do i rail on theex
    since thoux created to be awxd by manx
    wast born to bearx i was not made a horsex
    and yet i bear a burden like an assx
    spurrxdx gallxdx and tirxdx by jauncing bolingbrokex

              enter keeper with meat

  keeperx fellowx give placex here is no longer stayx
  king richardx if thou love mex xtis time thou wert awayx
  groomx my tongue dares notx that my heart shall sayx
 exit
  keeperx my lordx willxt please you to fall tox
  king richardx taste of it first as thou art wont to dox
  keeperx my lordx i dare notx sir pierce of extonx
    who lately came from the kingx commands the contraryx
  king richardx the devil take henry of lancaster and theex
    patience is stalex and i am weary of itx
                                           xbeats the keeperx
  keeperx helpx helpx helpx
    the murderersx exton and servantsx rush inx armed
  king richardx how nowx what means death in this rude assaultx
    villainx thy own hand yields thy deathxs instrumentx
                         xsnatching a weapon and killing onex
    go thou and fill another room in hellx
              xhe kills anotherx then exton strikes him downx
    that hand shall burn in neverxquenching fire
    that staggers thus my personx extonx thy fierce hand
    hath with the kingxs blood stainxd the kingxs own landx
    mountx mountx my soulx thy seat is up on highx
    whilst my gross flesh sinks downwardx here to diex
                                                       xdiesx
  extonx as full of valour as of royal bloodx
    both have i spillxdx ox would the deed were goodx
    for now the devilx that told me i did wellx
    says that this deed is chronicled in hellx
    this dead king to the living king ixll bearx
    take hence the restx and give them burial herex       exeunt

scene xx windsor castle

flourishx enter bolingbrokex the duke of yorkx with other lords and
attendants

  bolingbrokex kind uncle yorkx the latest news we hear
    is that the rebels have consumxd with fire
    our town of ciceter in gloucestershirex
    but whether they be taxen or slain we hear notx

              enter northumberland

    welcomex my lordx what is the newsx
  northumberlandx firstx to thy sacred state wish i all happinessx
    the next news isx i have to london sent
    the heads of salisburyx spencerx bluntx and kentx
    the manner of their taking may appear
    at large discoursed in this paper herex
  bolingbrokex we thank theex gentle percyx for thy painsx
    and to thy worth will add right worthy gainsx

                  enter fitzwater

  fitzwaterx my lordx i have from oxford sent to london
    the heads of brocas and sir bennet seelyx
    two of the dangerous consorted traitors
    that sought at oxford thy dire overthrowx
  bolingbrokex thy painsx fitzwaterx shall not be forgotx
    right noble is thy meritx well i wotx

         enter percyx with the bishop of carlisle

  percyx the grand conspiratorx abbot of westminsterx
    with clog of conscience and sour melancholyx
    hath yielded up his body to the gravex
    but here is carlisle livingx to abide
    thy kingly doomx and sentence of his pridex
  bolingbrokex carlislex this is your doomx
    choose out some secret placex some reverend roomx
    more than thou hastx and with it joy thy lifex
    so as thou livxst in peacex die free from strifex
    for though mine enemy thou hast ever beenx
    high sparks of honour in thee have i seenx

      enter extonx with attendantsx hearing a coffin

  extonx great kingx within this coffin i present
    thy buried fearx herein all breathless lies
    the mightiest of thy greatest enemiesx
    richard of bordeauxx by me hither broughtx
  bolingbrokex extonx i thank thee notx for thou hast wrought
    a deed of slander with thy fatal hand
    upon my head and all this famous landx
  extonx from your own mouthx my lordx did i this deedx
  bolingbrokex they love not poison that do poison needx
    nor do i theex though i did wish him deadx
    i hate the murdererx love him murderedx
    the guilt of conscience take thou for thy labourx
    but neither my good word nor princely favourx
    with cain go wander thorough shades of nightx
    and never show thy head by day nor lightx
    lordsx i protest my soul is full of woe
    that blood should sprinkle me to make me growx
    comex mourn with me for what i do lamentx
    and put on sullen black incontinentx
    ixll make a voyage to the holy landx
    to wash this blood off from my guilty handx
    march sadly afterx grace my mournings here
    in weeping after this untimely bierx                  exeunt




king richard the third

dramatis personae

  edward the fourth

    sons to the king
  edwardx prince of wales afterwards king edward v
  richardx duke of yorkx

    brothers to the king
  georgex duke of clarencex
  richardx duke of gloucesterx afterwards king richard iii

  a young son of clarence xedwardx earl of warwickx
  henryx earl of richmondx afterwards king henry vii
  cardinal bourchierx archbishop of canterbury
  thomas rotherhamx archbishop of york
  john mortonx bishop of ely
  duke of buckingham
  duke of norfolk
  earl of surreyx his son
  earl riversx brother to king edwardxs queen
  marquis of dorset and lord greyx her sons
  earl of oxford
  lord hastings
  lord lovel
  lord stanleyx called also earl of derby
  sir thomas vaughan
  sir richard ratcliff
  sir william catesby
  sir james tyrrel
  sir james blount
  sir walter herbert
  sir william brandon
  sir robert brakenburyx lieutenant of the tower
  christopher urswickx a priest
  lord mayor of london
  sheriff of wiltshire
  hastingsx a pursuivant
  tressel and berkeleyx gentlemen attending on lady anne
  elizabethx queen to king edward iv
  margaretx widow of king henry vi
  duchess of yorkx mother to king edward iv
  lady annex widow of edwardx prince of walesx son to king
    henry vix afterwards married to the duke of gloucester
  a young daughter of clarence xmargaret plantagenetx
    countess of salisburyx
  ghostsx of richardxs victims
  lordsx gentlemenx and attendantsx priestx scrivenerx pagex bishopsx
    aldermenx citizensx soldiersx messengersx murderersx keeper

scenex england

king richard the third

act ix scene xx

londonx a street

enter richardx duke of gloucesterx solus

  gloucesterx now is the winter of our discontent
    made glorious summer by this sun of yorkx
    and all the clouds that lourxd upon our house
    in the deep bosom of the ocean buriedx
    now are our brows bound with victorious wreathsx
    our bruised arms hung up for monumentsx
    our stern alarums changxd to merry meetingsx
    our dreadful marches to delightful measuresx
    grimxvisagxd war hath smoothxd his wrinkled frontx
    and nowx instead of mounting barbed steeds
    to fright the souls of fearful adversariesx
    he capers nimbly in a ladyxs chamber
    to the lascivious pleasing of a lutex
    but ixthat am not shapxd for sportive tricksx
    nor made to court an amorous lookingxglassx
    ixthat am rudely stampxdx and want lovexs majesty
    to strut before a wanton ambling nymphx
    ixthat am curtailxd of this fair proportionx
    cheated of feature by dissembling naturex
    deformxdx unfinishxdx sent before my time
    into this breathing world scarce half made upx
    and that so lamely and unfashionable
    that dogs bark at me as i halt by themx
    whyx ix in this weak piping time of peacex
    have no delight to pass away the timex
    unless to spy my shadow in the sun
    and descant on mine own deformityx
    and thereforex since i cannot prove a lover
    to entertain these fair wellxspoken daysx
    i am determined to prove a villain
    and hate the idle pleasures of these daysx
    plots have i laidx inductions dangerousx
    by drunken propheciesx libelsx and dreamsx
    to set my brother clarence and the king
    in deadly hate the one against the otherx
    and if king edward be as true and just
    as i am subtlex falsex and treacherousx
    this day should clarence closely be mewxd upx
    about a prophecy which says that g
    of edwardxs heirs the murderer shall bex
    divex thoughtsx down to my soulx here clarence comesx

             enter clarencex guardedx and brakenbury

    brotherx good dayx what means this armed guard
    that waits upon your gracex
  clarencex his majestyx
    tendxring my personxs safetyx hath appointed
    this conduct to convey me to thx towerx
  gloucesterx upon what causex
  clarencex because my name is georgex
  gloucesterx alackx my lordx that fault is none of yoursx
    he shouldx for thatx commit your godfathersx
    ox belike his majesty hath some intent
    that you should be newxchristxned in the towerx
    but whatxs the matterx clarencex may i knowx
  clarencex yeax richardx when i knowx for i protest
    as yet i do notx butx as i can learnx
    he hearkens after prophecies and dreamsx
    and from the crossxrow plucks the letter gx
    and says a wizard told him that by g
    his issue disinherited should bex
    andx for my name of george begins with gx
    it follows in his thought that i am hex
    thesex as i learnx and such like toys as these
    hath movxd his highness to commit me nowx
  gloucesterx whyx this it is when men are rulxd by womenx
    xtis not the king that sends you to the towerx
    my lady grey his wifex clarencex xtis she
    that tempers him to this extremityx
    was it not she and that good man of worshipx
    antony woodvillex her brother therex
    that made him send lord hastings to the towerx
    from whence this present day he is deliveredx
    we are not safex clarencex we are not safex
  clarencex by heavenx i think there is no man is secure
    but the queenxs kindredx and nightxwalking heralds
    that trudge betwixt the king and mistress shorex
    heard you not what an humble suppliant
    lord hastings wasx for her deliveryx
  gloucesterx humbly complaining to her deity
    got my lord chamberlain his libertyx
    ixll tell you whatxi think it is our wayx
    if we will keep in favour with the kingx
    to be her men and wear her liveryx
    the jealous oxerxworn widowx and herselfx
    since that our brother dubbxd them gentlewomenx
    are mighty gossips in our monarchyx
  brakenburyx i beseech your graces both to pardon mex
    his majesty hath straitly given in charge
    that no man shall have private conferencex
    of what degree soeverx with your brotherx
  gloucesterx even sox anxt please your worshipx brakenburyx
    you may partake of any thing we sayx
    we speak no treasonx manx we say the king
    is wise and virtuousx and his noble queen
    well struck in yearsx fairx and not jealousx
    we say that shorexs wife hath a pretty footx
    a cherry lipx a bonny eyex a passing pleasing tonguex
    and that the queenxs kindred are made gentlefolksx
    how say youx sirx can you deny all thisx
  brakenburyx with thisx my lordx myself have naught to dox
  gloucesterx naught to do with mistress shorex i tell theex
    fellowx
    he that doth naught with herx excepting onex
    were best to do it secretly alonex
  brakenburyx what onex my lordx
  gloucesterx her husbandx knavex wouldst thou betray mex
  brakenburyx i do beseech your grace to pardon mex and
    withal
    forbear your conference with the noble dukex
  clarencex we know thy chargex brakenburyx and will
    obeyx
  gloucesterx we are the queenxs abjects and must obeyx
    brotherx farewellx i will unto the kingx
    and whatsoexer you will employ me inx
    were it to call king edwardxs widow sisterx
    i will perform it to enfranchise youx
    meantimex this deep disgrace in brotherhood
    touches me deeper than you can imaginex
  clarencex i know it pleaseth neither of us wellx
  gloucesterx wellx your imprisonment shall not be longx
    i will deliver or else lie for youx
    meantimex have patiencex
  clarencex i must perforcex farewellx
                          exeunt clarencex brakenburyx and guard
  gloucesterx go tread the path that thou shalt nexer returnx
    simplex plain clarencex i do love thee so
    that i will shortly send thy soul to heavenx
    if heaven will take the present at our handsx
    but who comes herex the newxdelivered hastingsx

                       enter lord hastings

  hastingsx good time of day unto my gracious lordx
  gloucesterx as much unto my good lord chamberlainx
    well are you welcome to the open airx
    how hath your lordship brookxd imprisonmentx
  hastingsx with patiencex noble lordx as prisoners mustx
    but i shall livex my lordx to give them thanks
    that were the cause of my imprisonmentx
  gloucesterx no doubtx no doubtx and so shall clarence toox
    for they that were your enemies are hisx
    and have prevailxd as much on him as youx
  hastingsx more pity that the eagles should be mewxd
    whiles kites and buzzards prey at libertyx
  gloucesterx what news abroadx
  hastingsx no news so bad abroad as this at homex
    the king is sicklyx weakx and melancholyx
    and his physicians fear him mightilyx
  gloucesterx nowx by saint johnx that news is bad indeedx
    ox he hath kept an evil diet long
    and overmuch consumxd his royal personx
    xtis very grievous to be thought uponx
    where is hex in his bedx
  hastingsx he isx
  gloucesterx go you beforex and i will follow youx
                                                   exit hastings
    he cannot livex i hopex and must not die
    till george be packxd with posthorse up to heavenx
    ixll in to urge his hatred more to clarence
    with lies well steelxd with weighty argumentsx
    andx if i fail not in my deep intentx
    clarence hath not another day to livex
    which donex god take king edward to his mercyx
    and leave the world for me to bustle inx
    for then ixll marry warwickxs youngest daughterx
    what though i killxd her husband and her fatherx
    the readiest way to make the wench amends
    is to become her husband and her fatherx
    the which will ixnot all so much for love
    as for another secret close intent
    by marrying her which i must reach untox
    but yet i run before my horse to marketx
    clarence still breathesx edward still lives and reignsx
    when they are gonex then must i count my gainsx         exit

scene xx

londonx another street

enter corpse of king henry the sixthx with halberds to guard itx
lady anne being the mournerx attended by tressel and berkeley

  annex set downx set down your honourable loadx
    if honour may be shrouded in a hearsex
    whilst i awhile obsequiously lament
    thx untimely fall of virtuous lancasterx
    poor keyxcold figure of a holy kingx
    pale ashes of the house of lancasterx
    thou bloodless remnant of that royal bloodx
    be it lawful that i invocate thy ghost
    to hear the lamentations of poor annex
    wife to thy edwardx to thy slaughtered sonx
    stabbxd by the selfxsame hand that made these woundsx
    lox in these windows that let forth thy life
    i pour the helpless balm of my poor eyesx
    ox cursed be the hand that made these holesx
    cursed the heart that had the heart to do itx
    cursed the blood that let this blood from hencex
    more direful hap betide that hated wretch
    that makes us wretched by the death of thee
    than i can wish to addersx spidersx toadsx
    or any creeping venomxd thing that livesx
    if ever he have childx abortive be itx
    prodigiousx and untimely brought to lightx
    whose ugly and unnatural aspect
    may fright the hopeful mother at the viewx
    and that be heir to his unhappinessx
    if ever he have wifex let her be made
    more miserable by the death of him
    than i am made by my young lord and theex
    comex now towards chertsey with your holy loadx
    taken from paulxs to be interred therex
    and still as you are weary of this weight
    rest youx whiles i lament king henryxs corsex
                                xthe bearers take up the coffinx

                      enter gloucester

  gloucesterx stayx you that bear the corsex and set it downx
  annex what black magician conjures up this fiend
    to stop devoted charitable deedsx
  gloucesterx villainsx set down the corsex orx by saint paulx
    ixll make a corse of him that disobeysx
  first gentlemanx my lordx stand backx and let the coffin
    passx
  gloucesterx unmannerd dogx stand thoux when i commandx
    advance thy halberd higher than my breastx
    orx by saint paulx ixll strike thee to my foot
    and spurn upon theex beggarx for thy boldnessx
                               xthe bearers set down the coffinx
  annex whatx do you tremblex are you all afraidx
    alasx i blame you notx for you are mortalx
    and mortal eyes cannot endure the devilx
    avauntx thou dreadful minister of hellx
    thou hadst but power over his mortal bodyx
    his soul thou canst not havex thereforex be gonex
  gloucesterx sweet saintx for charityx be not so curstx
  annex foul devilx for godxs sakex hence and trouble us notx
    for thou hast made the happy earth thy hell
    fillxd it with cursing cries and deep exclaimsx
    if thou delight to view thy heinous deedsx
    behold this pattern of thy butcheriesx
    ox gentlemenx seex seex dead henryxs wounds
    open their congealxd mouths and bleed afreshx
    blushx blushx thou lump of foul deformityx
    for xtis thy presence that exhales this blood
    from cold and empty veins where no blood dwellsx
    thy deeds inhuman and unnatural
    provokes this deluge most unnaturalx
    o godx which this blood madxstx revenge his deathx
    o earthx which this blood drinkxstx revenge his deathx
    eitherx heavxnx with lightning strike the murdxrer deadx
    orx earthx gape open wide and eat him quickx
    as thou dost swallow up this good kingxs bloodx
    which his hellxgovernxd arm hath butcheredx
  gloucesterx ladyx you know no rules of charityx
    which renders good for badx blessings for cursesx
  annex villainx thou knowest nor law of god nor manx
    no beast so fierce but knows some touch of pityx
  gloucesterx but i know nonex and therefore am no beastx
  annex o wonderfulx when devils tell the truthx
  gloucesterx more wonderful when angels are so angryx
    vouchsafex divine perfection of a womanx
    of these supposed crimes to give me leave
    by circumstance but to acquit myselfx
  annex vouchsafex diffusxd infection of a manx
    of these known evils but to give me leave
    by circumstance to accuse thy cursed selfx
  gloucesterx fairer than tongue can name theex let me have
    some patient leisure to excuse myselfx
  annex fouler than heart can think theex thou canst make
    no excuse current but to hang thyselfx
  gloucesterx by such despair i should accuse myselfx
  annex and by despairing shalt thou stand excused
    for doing worthy vengeance on thyself
    that didst unworthy slaughter upon othersx
  gloucesterx say that i slew them notx
  annex then say they were not slainx
    but dead they arex andx devilish slavex by theex
  gloucesterx i did not kill your husbandx
  annex whyx then he is alivex
  gloucesterx nayx he is deadx and slain by edwardxs handsx
  annex in thy foul throat thou liestx queen margaret saw
    thy murdxrous falchion smoking in his bloodx
    the which thou once didst bend against her breastx
    but that thy brothers beat aside the pointx
  gloucesterx i was provoked by her slandxrous tongue
    that laid their guilt upon my guiltless shouldersx
  annex thou wast provoked by thy bloody mindx
    that never dreamxst on aught but butcheriesx
    didst thou not kill this kingx
  gloucesterx i grant yex
  annex dost grant mex hedgehogx thenx god grant me to
    thou mayst be damned for that wicked deedx
    ox he was gentlex mildx and virtuousx
  gloucesterx the better for the king of heavenx that hath
    himx
  annex he is in heavenx where thou shalt never comex
  gloucesterx let him thank me that holp to send him
    thitherx
    for he was fitter for that place than earthx
  annex and thou unfit for any place but hellx
  gloucesterx yesx one place elsex if you will hear me name itx
  annex some dungeonx
  gloucesterx your bedxchamberx
  annex ill rest betide the chamber where thou liestx
  gloucesterx so will itx madamx till i lie with youx
  annex i hope sox
  gloucesterx i know sox butx gentle lady annex
    to leave this keen encounter of our witsx
    and fall something into a slower methodx
    is not the causer of the timeless deaths
    of these plantagenetsx henry and edwardx
    as blameful as the executionerx
  annex thou wast the cause and most accursxd effectx
  gloucesterx your beauty was the cause of that effectx
    your beauty that did haunt me in my sleep
    to undertake the death of all the world
    so i might live one hour in your sweet bosomx
  annex if i thought thatx i tell theex homicidex
    these nails should rend that beauty from my cheeksx
  gloucesterx these eyes could not endure that beautyxs
    wreckx
    you should not blemish it if i stood byx
    as all the world is cheered by the sunx
    so i by thatx it is my dayx my lifex
  annex black night oxershade thy dayx and death thy lifex
  gloucesterx curse not thyselfx fair creaturex thou art bothx
  annex i would i werex to be revengxd on theex
  gloucesterx it is a quarrel most unnaturalx
    to be revengxd on him that loveth theex
  annex it is a quarrel just and reasonablex
    to be revengxd on him that killxd my husbandx
  gloucesterx he that bereft theex ladyx of thy husband
    did it to help thee to a better husbandx
  annex his better doth not breathe upon the earthx
  gloucesterx he lives that loves thee better than he couldx
  annex name himx
  gloucesterx plantagenetx
  annex whyx that was hex
  gloucesterx the selfxsame namex but one of better naturex
  annex where is hex
  gloucesterx herex  xshe spits at himx  why dost thou spit
    at mex
  annex would it were mortal poisonx for thy sakex
  gloucesterx never came poison from so sweet a placex
  annex never hung poison on a fouler toadx
    out of my sightx thou dost infect mine eyesx
  gloucesterx thine eyesx sweet ladyx have infected minex
  annex would they were basilisks to strike thee deadx
  gloucesterx i would they werex that i might die at oncex
    for now they kill me with a living deathx
    those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tearsx
    shamxd their aspects with store of childish dropsx
    these eyesx which never shed remorseful tearx
    nox when my father york and edward wept
    to hear the piteous moan that rutland made
    when blackxfacxd clifford shook his sword at himx
    nor when thy warlike fatherx like a childx
    told the sad story of my fatherxs deathx
    and twenty times made pause to sob and weep
    that all the standersxby had wet their cheeks
    like trees bedashxd with rainxin that sad time
    my manly eyes did scorn an humble tearx
    and what these sorrows could not thence exhale
    thy beauty hathx and made them blind with weepingx
    i never sued to friend nor enemyx
    my tongue could never learn sweet smoothing wordx
    butx now thy beauty is proposxd my feex
    my proud heart suesx and prompts my tongue to speakx
                                   xshe looks scornfully at himx
    teach not thy lip such scornx for it was made
    for kissingx ladyx not for such contemptx
    if thy revengeful heart cannot forgivex
    lo here i lend thee this sharpxpointed swordx
    which if thou please to hide in this true breast
    and let the soul forth that adoreth theex
    i lay it naked to the deadly strokex
    and humbly beg the death upon my kneex
      xhe lays his breast openx she offers at it with his swordx
    nayx do not pausex for i did kill king henryx
    but xtwas thy beauty that provoked mex
    nayx now dispatchx xtwas i that stabbxd young edwardx
    but xtwas thy heavenly face that set me onx
                                           xshe falls the swordx
    take up the sword againx or take up mex
  annex arisex dissemblerx though i wish thy deathx
    i will not be thy executionerx
  gloucesterx then bid me kill myselfx and i will do itx
  annex i have alreadyx
  gloucesterx that was in thy ragex
    speak it againx and even with the word
    this handx which for thy love did kill thy lovex
    shall for thy love kill a far truer lovex
    to both their deaths shalt thou be accessaryx
  annex i would i knew thy heartx
  gloucesterx xtis figurxd in my tonguex
  annex i fear me both are falsex
  gloucesterx then never was man truex
  annex well put up your swordx
  gloucesterx sayx thenx my peace is madex
  annex that shalt thou know hereafterx
  gloucesterx but shall i live in hopex
  annex all menx i hopex live sox
  gloucesterx vouchsafe to wear this ringx
  annex to take is not to givex               xputs on the ringx
  gloucesterx look how my ring encompasseth thy fingerx
    even so thy breast encloseth my poor heartx
    wear both of themx for both of them are thinex
    and if thy poor devoted servant may
    but beg one favour at thy gracious handx
    thou dost confirm his happiness for everx
  annex what is itx
  gloucesterx that it may please you leave these sad designs
    to him that hath most cause to be a mournerx
    and presently repair to crosby housex
    wherexafter i have solemnly interrxd
    at chertsey monastxry this noble kingx
    and wet his grave with my repentant tearsx
    i will with all expedient duty see youx
    for divers unknown reasonsx i beseech youx
    grant me this boonx
  annex with all my heartx and much it joys me too
    to see you are become so penitentx
    tressel and berkeleyx go along with mex
  gloucesterx bid me farewellx
  annex xtis more than you deservex
    but since you teach me how to flatter youx
    imagine i have said farewell alreadyx
                             exeunt two gentlemen with lady anne
  gloucesterx sirsx take up the corsex
  gentlemenx towards chertseyx noble lordx
  gloucesterx nox to white friarsx there attend my comingx
                                       exeunt all but gloucester
    was ever woman in this humour wooxdx
    was ever woman in this humour wonx
    ixll have herx but i will not keep her longx
    whatx i that killxd her husband and his fatherx
    to take her in her heartxs extremest hatex
    with curses in her mouthx tears in her eyesx
    the bleeding witness of my hatred byx
    having godx her consciencex and these bars against mex
    and i no friends to back my suit at all
    but the plain devil and dissembling looksx
    and yet to win herx all the world to nothingx
    hax
    hath she forgot already that brave princex
    edwardx her lordx whom ix some three months sincex
    stabbxd in my angry mood at tewksburyx
    a sweeter and a lovelier gentlemanx
    framxd in the prodigality of naturex
    youngx valiantx wisex and no doubt right royalx
    the spacious world cannot again affordx
    and will she yet abase her eyes on mex
    that croppxd the golden prime of this sweet prince
    and made her widow to a woeful bedx
    on mex whose all not equals edwardxs moietyx
    on mex that halts and am misshapen thusx
    my dukedom to a beggarly denierx
    i do mistake my person all this whilex
    upon my lifex she findsx although i cannotx
    myself to be a marvxllous proper manx
    ixll be at charges for a lookingxglassx
    and entertain a score or two of tailors
    to study fashions to adorn my bodyx
    since i am crept in favour with myselfx
    i will maintain it with some little costx
    but first ixll turn yon fellow in his gravex
    and then return lamenting to my lovex
    shine outx fair sunx till i have bought a glassx
    that i may see my shadow as i passx                     exit

scene xx

londonx the palace

enter queen elizabethx lord riversx and lord grey

  riversx have patiencex madamx therexs no doubt his majesty
    will soon recover his accustomxd healthx
  greyx in that you brook it illx it makes him worsex
    thereforex for godxs sakex entertain good comfortx
    and cheer his grace with quick and merry eyesx
  queen elizabethx if he were deadx what would betide on
    mex
  greyx no other harm but loss of such a lordx
  queen elizabethx the loss of such a lord includes all
    harmsx
  greyx the heavens have blessxd you with a goodly son
    to be your comforter when he is gonex
  queen elizabethx ahx he is youngx and his minority
    is put unto the trust of richard gloucesterx
    a man that loves not mex nor none of youx
  riverx is it concluded he shall be protectorx
  queen elizabethx it is determinxdx not concluded yetx
    but so it must bex if the king miscarryx

                     enter buckingham and derby

  greyx here come the lords of buckingham and derbyx
  buckinghamx good time of day unto your royal gracex
  derbyx god make your majesty joyful as you have beenx
  queen elizabethx the countess richmondx good my lord
    of derbyx
    to your good prayer will scarcely say amenx
    yetx derbyx notwithstanding shexs your wife
    and loves not mex be youx good lordx assurxd
    i hate not you for her proud arrogancex
  derbyx i do beseech youx either not believe
    the envious slanders of her false accusersx
    orx if she be accusxd on true reportx
    bear with her weaknessx which i think proceeds
    from wayward sickness and no grounded malicex
  queen elizabethx saw you the king toxdayx my lord of
    derbyx
  derbyx but now the duke of buckingham and i
    are come from visiting his majestyx
  queen elizabethx what likelihood of his amendmentx
    lordsx
  buckinghamx madamx good hopex his grace speaks
    cheerfullyx
  queen elizabethx god grant him healthx did you confer
    with himx
  buckinghamx ayx madamx he desires to make atonement
    between the duke of gloucester and your brothersx
    and between them and my lord chamberlainx
    and sent to warn them to his royal presencex
  queen elizabethx would all were wellx but that will
    never bex
    i fear our happiness is at the heightx

              enter gloucesterx hastingsx and dorset

  gloucesterx they do me wrongx and i will not endure itx
    who is it that complains unto the king
    that ix forsoothx am stern and love them notx
    by holy paulx they love his grace but lightly
    that fill his ears with such dissentious rumoursx
    because i cannot flatter and look fairx
    smile in menxs facesx smoothx deceivex and cogx
    duck with french nods and apish courtesyx
    i must be held a rancorous enemyx
    cannot a plain man live and think no harm
    but thus his simple truth must be abusxd
    with silkenx slyx insinuating jacksx
  greyx to who in all this presence speaks your gracex
  gloucesterx to theex that hast nor honesty nor gracex
    when have i injurxd theex when done thee wrongx
    or theex or theex or any of your factionx
    a plague upon you allx his royal gracex
    whom god preserve better than you would wishxx
    cannot be quiet searce a breathing while
    but you must trouble him with lewd complaintsx
  queen elizabethx brother of gloucesterx you mistake the
    matterx
    the kingx on his own royal disposition
    and not provokxd by any suitor elsex
    aimingx belikex at your interior hatred
    that in your outward action shows itself
    against my childrenx brothersx and myselfx
    makes him to send that he may learn the groundx
  gloucesterx i cannot tellx the world is grown so bad
    that wrens make prey where eagles dare not perchx
    since every jack became a gentlemanx
    therexs many a gentle person made a jackx
  queen elizabethx comex comex we know your meaningx
    brother gloucesterx
    you envy my advancement and my friendsxx
    god grant we never may have need of youx
  gloucesterx meantimex god grants that i have need of youx
    our brother is imprisonxd by your meansx
    myself disgracxdx and the nobility
    held in contemptx while great promotions
    are daily given to ennoble those
    that scarce some two days since were worth a noblex
  queen elizabethx by him that raisxd me to this careful
    height
    from that contented hap which i enjoyxdx
    i never did incense his majesty
    against the duke of clarencex but have been
    an earnest advocate to plead for himx
    my lordx you do me shameful injury
    falsely to draw me in these vile suspectsx
  gloucesterx you may deny that you were not the mean
    of my lord hastingsx late imprisonmentx
  riversx she mayx my lordx forx
  gloucesterx she mayx lord riversx whyx who knows
    not sox
    she may do morex sirx than denying thatx
    she may help you to many fair preferments
    and then deny her aiding hand thereinx
    and lay those honours on your high desertx
    what may she notx she mayxayx marryx may shex
  riversx whatx marryx may shex
  gloucesterx whatx marryx may shex marry with a kingx
    a bachelorx and a handsome stripling toox
    iwis your grandam had a worser matchx
  queen elizabethx my lord of gloucesterx i have too long
    borne
    your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffsx
    by heavenx i will acquaint his majesty
    of those gross taunts that oft i have endurxdx
    i had rather be a country servantxmaid
    than a great queen with this conditionx
    to be so baitedx scornxdx and stormed atx

                enter old queen margaretx behind

    small joy have i in being englandxs queenx
  queen margaretx and lessxned be that smallx godx i
    beseech himx
    thy honourx statex and seatx is due to mex
  gloucesterx whatx threat you me with telling of the
    kingx
    tell him and spare notx look what i have said
    i will avouchxt in presence of the kingx
    i dare adventure to be sent to thx towxrx
    xtis time to speakxmy pains are quite forgotx
  queen margaretx outx devilx i do remember them to
    wellx
    thou killxdst my husband henry in the towerx
    and edwardx my poor sonx at tewksburyx
  gloucesterx ere you were queenx ayx or your husband
    kingx
    i was a packxhorse in his great affairsx
    a weederxout of his proud adversariesx
    a liberal rewarder of his friendsx
    to royalize his blood i spent mine ownx
  queen margaretx ayx and much better blood than his or
    thinex
  gloucesterx in all which time you and your husband grey
    were factious for the house of lancasterx
    andx riversx so were youx was not your husband
    in margaretxs battle at saint albans slainx
    let me put in your mindsx if you forgetx
    what you have been ere thisx and what you arex
    withalx what i have beenx and what i amx
  queen margaretx a murdxrous villainx and so still thou artx
  gloucesterx poor clarence did forsake his fatherx warwickx
    ayx and forswore himselfxwhich jesu pardonxx
  queen margaretx which god revengex
  gloucesterx to fight on edwardxs party for the crownx
    and for his meedx poor lordx he is mewed upx
    i would to god my heart were flint like edwardxsx
    or edwardxs soft and pitiful like minex
    i am too childishxfoolish for this worldx
  queen margaretx hie thee to hell for shame and leave this
    worldx
    thou cacodemonx there thy kingdom isx
  riversx my lord of gloucesterx in those busy days
    which here you urge to prove us enemiesx
    we followxd then our lordx our sovereign kingx
    so should we youx if you should be our kingx
  gloucesterx if i should bex i had rather be a pedlarx
    far be it from my heartx the thought thereofx
  queen elizabethx as little joyx my lordx as you suppose
    you should enjoy were you this countryxs kingx
    as little joy you may suppose in me
    that i enjoyx being the queen thereofx
  queen margaretx as little joy enjoys the queen thereofx
    for i am shex and altogether joylessx
    i can no longer hold me patientx                 xadvancingx
    hear mex you wrangling piratesx that fall out
    in sharing that which you have pillxd from mex
    which of you trembles not that looks on mex
    if not thatx i am queenx you bow like subjectsx
    yet thatx by you deposxdx you quake like rebelsx
    ahx gentle villainx do not turn awayx
  gloucesterx foul wrinkled witchx what makxst thou in my
    sightx
  queen margaretx but repetition of what thou hast marrxdx
    that will i make before i let thee gox
  gloucesterx wert thou not banished on pain of deathx
  queen margaretx i wasx but i do find more pain in
    banishment
    than death can yield me here by my abodex
    a husband and a son thou owxst to mex
    and thou a kingdomx all of you allegiancex
    this sorrow that i have by right is yoursx
    and all the pleasures you usurp are minex
  gloucesterx the curse my noble father laid on theex
    when thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper
    and with thy scorns drewxst rivers from his eyesx
    and then to dry them gavxst the duke a clout
    steepxd in the faultless blood of pretty rutlandx
    his curses then from bitterness of soul
    denouncxd against thee are all fallxn upon theex
    and godx not wex hath plaguxd thy bloody deedx
  queen elizabethx so just is god to right the innocentx
  hastingsx ox xtwas the foulest deed to slay that babex
    and the most merciless that exer was heard ofx
  riversx tyrants themselves wept when it was reportedx
  dorsetx no man but prophesied revenge for itx
  buckinghamx northumberlandx then presentx wept to see itx
  queen margaretx whatx were you snarling all before i camex
    ready to catch each other by the throatx
    and turn you all your hatred now on mex
    did yorkxs dread curse prevail so much with heaven
    that henryxs deathx my lovely edwardxs deathx
    their kingdomxs lossx my woeful banishmentx
    should all but answer for that peevish bratx
    can curses pierce the clouds and enter heavenx
    why thenx give wayx dull cloudsx to my quick cursesx
    though not by warx by surfeit die your kingx
    as ours by murderx to make him a kingx
    edward thy sonx that now is prince of walesx
    for edward our sonx that was prince of walesx
    die in his youth by like untimely violencex
    thyself a queenx for me that was a queenx
    outlive thy gloryx like my wretched selfx
    long mayest thou live to wail thy childrenxs deathx
    and see anotherx as i see thee nowx
    deckxd in thy rightsx as thou art stallxd in minex
    long die thy happy days before thy deathx
    andx after many lengthxned hours of griefx
    die neither motherx wifex nor englandxs queenx
    rivers and dorsetx you were standers byx
    and so wast thoux lord hastingsx when my son
    was stabbxd with bloody daggersx godx i pray himx
    that none of you may live his natural agex
    but by some unlookxd accident cut offx
  gloucesterx have done thy charmx thou hateful witherxd
    hagx
  queen margaretx and leave out theex stayx dogx for thou
    shalt hear mex
    if heaven have any grievous plague in store
    exceeding those that i can wish upon theex
    ox let them keep it till thy sins be ripex
    and then hurl down their indignation
    on theex the troubler of the poor worldxs peacex
    the worm of conscience still bexgnaw thy soulx
    thy friends suspect for traitors while thou livxstx
    and take deep traitors for thy dearest friendsx
    no sleep close up that deadly eye of thinex
    unless it be while some tormenting dream
    affrights thee with a hell of ugly devilsx
    thou elvishxmarkxdx abortivex rooting hogx
    thou that wast sealxd in thy nativity
    the slave of nature and the son of hellx
    thou slander of thy heavy motherxs wombx
    thou loathed issue of thy fatherxs loinsx
    thou rag of honourx thou detestedx
  gloucesterx margaretx
  queen margaretx richardx
  gloucesterx hax
  queen margaretx i call thee notx
  gloucesterx i cry thee mercy thenx for i did think
    that thou hadst callxd me all these bitter namesx
  queen margaretx whyx so i didx but lookxd for no replyx
    ox let me make the period to my cursex
  gloucesterx xtis done by mex and ends inxmargaretx
  queen elizabethx thus have you breathxd your curse
    against yourselfx
  queen margaretx poor painted queenx vain flourish of my
    fortunex
    why strewxst thou sugar on that bottled spider
    whose deadly web ensnareth thee aboutx
    foolx foolx thou whetxst a knife to kill thyselfx
    the day will come that thou shalt wish for me
    to help thee curse this poisonous bunchxbackxd toadx
  hastingsx falsexboding womanx end thy frantic cursex
    lest to thy harm thou move our patiencex
  queen margaretx foul shame upon youx you have all
    movxd minex
  riversx were you well servxdx you would be taught your
      dutyx
  queen margaretx to serve me well you all should do me
    dutyx
    teach me to be your queen and you my subjectsx
    ox serve me wellx and teach yourselves that dutyx
  dorsetx dispute not with herx she is lunaticx
  queen margaretx peacex master marquisx you are malapertx
    your firexnew stamp of honour is scarce currentx
    ox that your young nobility could judge
    what xtwere to lose it and be miserablex
    they that stand high have many blasts to shake themx
    and if they fall they dash themselves to piecesx
  gloucesterx good counselx marryx learn itx learn itx marquisx
  dorsetx it touches youx my lordx as much as mex
  gloucesterx ayx and much morex but i was born so highx
    our aery buildeth in the cedarxs topx
    and dallies with the windx and scorns the sunx
  queen margaretx and turns the sun to shadexalasx alasx
    witness my sonx now in the shade of deathx
    whose bright outxshining beams thy cloudy wrath
    hath in eternal darkness folded upx
    your aery buildeth in our aeryxs nestx
    o god that seest itx do not suffer itx
    as it is won with bloodx lost be it sox
  buckinghamx peacex peacex for shamex if not for charityx
  queen margaretx urge neither charity nor shame to mex
    uncharitably with me have you dealtx
    and shamefully my hopes by you are butcherxdx
    my charity is outragex life my shamex
    and in that shame still live my sorrowxs ragex
  buckinghamx have donex have donex
  queen margaretx o princely buckinghamx ixll kiss thy
    hand
    in sign of league and amity with theex
    now fair befall thee and thy noble housex
    thy garments are not spotted with our bloodx
    nor thou within the compass of my cursex
  buckinghamx nor no one herex for curses never pass
    the lips of those that breathe them in the airx
  queen margaretx i will not think but they ascend the sky
    and there awake godxs gentlexsleeping peacex
    o buckinghamx take heed of yonder dogx
    look when he fawnsx he bitesx and when he bitesx
    his venom tooth will rankle to the deathx
    have not to do with himx beware of himx
    sinx deathx and hellx have set their marks on himx
    and all their ministers attend on himx
  gloucesterx what doth she sayx my lord of buckinghamx
  buckinghamx nothing that i respectx my gracious lordx
  queen margaretx whatx dost thou scorn me for my gentle
    counselx
    and soothe the devil that i warn thee fromx
    ox but remember this another dayx
    when he shall split thy very heart with sorrowx
    and say poor margaret was a prophetessx
    live each of you the subjects to his hatex
    and he to yoursx and all of you to godxsx               exit
  buckinghamx my hair doth stand an end to hear her cursesx
  riversx and so doth minex i muse why shexs at libertyx
  gloucesterx i cannot blame herx by godxs holy motherx
    she hath had too much wrongx and i repent
    my part thereof that i have done to herx
  queen elizabethx i never did her any to my knowledgex
  gloucesterx yet you have all the vantage of her wrongx
    i was too hot to do somebody good
    that is too cold in thinking of it nowx
    marryx as for clarencex he is well repaidx
    he is frankxd up to fatting for his painsx
    god pardon them that are the cause thereofx
  riversx a virtuous and a christianxlike conclusionx
    to pray for them that have done scathe to usx
  gloucesterx so do i everx  xasidex  being well advisxdx
    for had i cursxd nowx i had cursxd myselfx

                         enter catesby

  catesbyx madamx his majesty doth can for youx
    and for your gracex and youx my gracious lordsx
  queen elizabethx catesbyx i comex lordsx will you go
    with mex
  riversx we wait upon your gracex
                                       exeunt all but gloucester
  gloucesterx i do the wrongx and first begin to brawlx
    the secret mischiefs that i set abroach
    i lay unto the grievous charge of othersx
    clarencex who i indeed have cast in darknessx
    i do beweep to many simple gullsx
    namelyx to derbyx hastingsx buckinghamx
    and tell them xtis the queen and her allies
    that stir the king against the duke my brotherx
    now they believe itx and withal whet me
    to be revengxd on riversx dorsetx greyx
    but then i sigh andx with a piece of scripturex
    tell them that god bids us do good for evilx
    and thus i clothe my naked villainy
    with odd old ends stolxn forth of holy writx
    and seem a saint when most i play the devilx

                       enter two murderers

    butx softx here come my executionersx
    how nowx my hardy stout resolved matesx
    are you now going to dispatch this thingx
  first murdererx we arex my lordx and come to have the
    warrantx
    that we may be admitted where he isx
  gloucesterx well thought uponx i have it here about mex
                                             xgives the warrantx
    when you have donex repair to crosby placex
    butx sirsx be sudden in the executionx
    withal obduratex do not hear him pleadx
    for clarence is wellxspokenx and perhaps
    may move your hearts to pityx if you mark himx
  first murdererx tutx tutx my lordx we will not stand to
    pratex
    talkers are no good doersx be assurxd
    we go to use our hands and not our tonguesx
  gloucesterx your eyes drop millstones when foolsx eyes fall
    tearsx
    i like youx ladsx about your business straightx
    gox gox dispatchx
  first murdererx we willx my noble lordx                 exeunt

scene xx

londonx the tower

enter clarence and keeper

  keeperx why looks your grace so heavily toxdayx
  clarencex ox i have passxd a miserable nightx
    so full of fearful dreamsx of ugly sightsx
    thatx as i am a christian faithful manx
    i would not spend another such a night
    though xtwere to buy a world of happy daysx
    so full of dismal terror was the timex
  keeperx what was your dreamx my lordx i pray you
    tell mex
  clarencex methoughts that i had broken from the tower
    and was embarkxd to cross to burgundyx
    and in my company my brother gloucesterx
    who from my cabin tempted me to walk
    upon the hatchesx thence we lookxd toward englandx
    and cited up a thousand heavy timesx
    during the wars of york and lancasterx
    that had befallxn usx as we pacxd along
    upon the giddy footing of the hatchesx
    methought that gloucester stumbledx and in falling
    struck mex that thought to stay himx overboard
    into the tumbling billows of the mainx
    o lordx methought what pain it was to drownx
    what dreadful noise of waters in my earsx
    what sights of ugly death within my eyesx
    methoughts i saw a thousand fearful wrecksx
    a thousand men that fishes gnawxd uponx
    wedges of goldx great anchorsx heaps of pearlx
    inestimable stonesx unvalued jewelsx
    all scattxred in the bottom of the seax
    some lay in dead menxs skullsx and in the holes
    where eyes did once inhabit there were creptx
    as xtwere in scorn of eyesx reflecting gemsx
    that wooxd the slimy bottom of the deep
    and mockxd the dead bones that lay scattxred byx
  keeperx had you such leisure in the time of death
    to gaze upon these secrets of the deepx
  clarencex methought i hadx and often did i strive
    to yield the ghostx but still the envious flood
    stoppxd in my soul and would not let it forth
    to find the emptyx vastx and wandxring airx
    but smotherxd it within my panting bulkx
    who almost burst to belch it in the seax
  keeperx awakxd you not in this sore agonyx
  clarencex nox nox my dream was lengthenxd after lifex
    ox then began the tempest to my soulx
    i passxdx methoughtx the melancholy flood
    with that sour ferryman which poets write ofx
    unto the kingdom of perpetual nightx
    the first that there did greet my stranger soul
    was my great fatherxinxlawx renowned warwickx
    who spake aloud xwhat scourge for perjury
    can this dark monarchy afford false clarencexx
    and so he vanishxdx then came wandxring by
    a shadow like an angelx with bright hair
    dabbled in bloodx and he shriekxd out aloud
    xclarence is comexfalsex fleetingx perjurxd clarencex
    that stabbxd me in the field by tewksburyx
    seize on himx furiesx take him unto tormentxx
    with thatx methoughtsx a legion of foul fiends
    environxd mex and howled in mine ears
    such hideous cries thatx with the very noisex
    i trembling wakxdx and for a season after
    could not believe but that i was in hellx
    such terrible impression made my dreamx
  keeperx no marvelx lordx though it affrighted youx
    i am afraidx methinksx to hear you tell itx
  clarencex ahx keeperx keeperx i have done these things
    that now give evidence against my soul
    for edwardxs sakex and see how he requites mex
    o godx if my deep prayers cannot appease theex
    but thou wilt be avengxd on my misdeedsx
    yet execute thy wrath in me alonex
    ox spare my guiltless wife and my poor childrenx
  keeperx i prithee sit by me awhilex
    my soul is heavyx and i fain would sleepx
  keeperx i willx my lordx god give your grace good restx
                                               xclarence sleepsx

                  enter brakenbury the lieutenant

  brakenburyx sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hoursx
    makes the night morning and the noontide nightx
    princes have but their titles for their gloriesx
    an outward honour for an inward toilx
    and for unfelt imaginations
    they often feel a world of restless caresx
    so that between their tides and low name
    therexs nothing differs but the outward famex

                      enter the two murderers

  first murdererx hox whoxs herex
  brakenburyx what wouldst thoux fellowx and how camxst
    thou hitherx
  first murdererx i would speak with clarencex and i came
    hither on my legsx
  brakenburyx whatx so briefx
  second murdererx xtis betterx sirx than to be tediousx let
    him see our commission and talk no morex
                                           xbrakenbury reads itx
  brakenburyx i amx in thisx commanded to deliver
    the noble duke of clarence to your handsx
    i will not reason what is meant herebyx
    because i will be guiltless from the meaningx
    there lies the duke asleepx and there the keysx
    ixll to the king and signify to him
    that thus i have resignxd to you my chargex
  first murdererx you mayx sirx xtis a point of wisdomx fare
    you wellx                       exeunt brakenbury and keeper
  second murdererx whatx shall i stab him as he sleepsx
  first murdererx nox hexll say xtwas done cowardlyx when
    he wakesx
  second murdererx whyx he shall never wake until the great
    judgmentxdayx
  first murdererx whyx then hexll say we stabbxd him
    sleepingx
  second murdererx the urging of that word judgment hath
    bred a kind of remorse in mex
  first murdererx whatx art thou afraidx
  second murdererx not to kill himx having a warrantx but to
    be damnxd for killing himx from the which no warrant can
    defend mex
  first murdererx i thought thou hadst been resolutex
  second murdererx so i amx to let him livex
  first murdererx ixll back to the duke of gloucester and
    tell him sox
  second murdererx nayx i pritheex stay a littlex i hope this
    passionate humour of mine will changex it was wont to
    hold me but while one tells twentyx
  first murdererx how dost thou feel thyself nowx
    second murdererx faithx some certain dregs of conscience
    are yet within mex
  first murdererx remember our rewardx when the deedxs
    donex
  second murdererx zoundsx he diesx i had forgot the rewardx
  first murdererx wherexs thy conscience nowx
  second murdererx ox in the duke of gloucesterxs pursex
  first murdererx when he opens his purse to give us our
    rewardx thy conscience flies outx
  second murdererx xtis no matterx let it gox therexs few or
    none will entertain itx
  first murdererx what if it come to thee againx
  second murdererx ixll not meddle with itxit makes a man
    cowardx a man cannot stealx but it accuseth himx a man
    cannot swearx but it checks himx a man cannot lie with his
    neighbourxs wifex but it detects himx xtis a blushing shamex
    facxd spirit that mutinies in a manxs bosomx it fills a man
    full of obstaclesx it made me once restore a purse of gold
    thatxby chance i foundx it beggars any man that keeps itx
    it is turnxd out of towns and cities for a dangerous thingx
    and every man that means to live well endeavours to trust
    to himself and live without itx
  first murdererx zoundsx xtis even now at my elbowx
    persuading me not to kill the dukex
  second murdererx take the devil in thy mind and believe
    him notx he would insinuate with thee but to make the
    sighx
  first murdererx i am strongxframxdx he cannot prevail with
    mex
  second murdererx spoke like a tall man that respects thy
    reputationx comex shall we fall to workx
  first murdererx take him on the costard with the hilts of
    thy swordx and then chop him in the malmseyxbutt in the
    next roomx
  second murdererx o excellent devicex and make a sop of
    himx
  first murdererx softx he wakesx
  second murdererx strikex
  first murdererx nox wexll reason with himx
  clarencex where art thoux keeperx give me a cup of winex
  second murdererx you shall have wine enoughx my lordx
    anonx
  clarencex in godxs namex what art thoux
  first murdererx a manx as you arex
  clarencex but not as i amx royalx
  second murdererx nor you as we arex loyalx
  clarencex thy voice is thunderx but thy looks are humblex
  first murdererx my voice is now the kingxsx my looks
    mine ownx
  clarencex how darkly and how deadly dost thou speakx
    your eyes do menace mex why look you palex
    who sent you hitherx wherefore do you comex
  second murdererx tox tox tox
  clarencex to murder mex
  both murderersx ayx ayx
  clarencex you scarcely have the hearts to tell me sox
    and therefore cannot have the hearts to do itx
    whereinx my friendsx have i offended youx
  first murdererx offended us you have notx but the kingx
  clarencex i shall be reconcilxd to him againx
  second murdererx neverx my lordx therefore prepare to diex
  clarencex are you drawn forth among a world of men
    to slay the innocentx what is my offencex
    where is the evidence that doth accuse mex
    what lawful quest have given their verdict up
    unto the frowning judgex or who pronouncxd
    the bitter sentence of poor clarencex deathx
    before i be convict by course of lawx
    to threaten me with death is most unlawfulx
    i charge youx as you hope to have redemption
    by christxs dear blood shed for our grievous sinsx
    that you depart and lay no hands on mex
    the deed you undertake is damnablex
  first murdererx what we will dox we do upon commandx
  second murdererx and he that hath commanded is our
    kingx
  clarencex erroneous vassalsx the great king of kings
    hath in the tables of his law commanded
    that thou shalt do no murderx will you then
    spurn at his edict and fulfil a manxsx
    take heedx for he holds vengeance in his hand
    to hurl upon their heads that break his lawx
  second murdererx and that same vengeance doth he hurl
    on thee
    for false forswearingx and for murder toox
    thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
    in quarrel of the house of lancasterx
  first murdererx and like a traitor to the name of god
    didst break that vowx and with thy treacherous blade
    unrippxdst the bowels of thy sovxreignxs sonx
  second murdererx whom thou wast sworn to cherish and
    defendx
  first murdererx how canst thou urge godxs dreadful law
    to usx
    when thou hast broke it in such dear degreex
  clarencex alasx for whose sake did i that ill deedx
    for edwardx for my brotherx for his sakex
    he sends you not to murder me for thisx
    for in that sin he is as deep as ix
    if god will be avenged for the deedx
    ox know you yet he doth it publiclyx
    take not the quarrel from his powxrful armx
    he needs no indirect or lawless course
    to cut off those that have offended himx
  first murdererx who made thee then a bloody minister
    when gallantxspringing brave plantagenetx
    that princely novicex was struck dead by theex
  clarencex my brotherxs lovex the devilx and my ragex
  first murdererx thy brotherxs lovex our dutyx and thy
    faultsx
    provoke us hither now to slaughter theex
  clarencex if you do love my brotherx hate not mex
    i am his brotherx and i love him wellx
    if you are hirxd for meedx go back againx
    and i will send you to my brother gloucesterx
    who shall reward you better for my life
    than edward will for tidings of my deathx
  second murdererx you are deceivxdx your brother gloucester
    hates youx
  clarencex ox nox he loves mex and he holds me dearx
    go you to him from mex
  first murdererx ayx so we willx
  clarencex tell him when that our princely father york
    blessxd his three sons with his victorious arm
    and chargxd us from his soul to love each otherx
    he little thought of this divided friendshipx
    bid gloucester think of thisx and he will weepx
  first murdererx ayx millstonesx as he lessonxd us to weepx
  clarencex ox do not slander himx for he is kindx
  first murdererx rightx as snow in harvestx comex you
    deceive yourselfx
    xtis he that sends us to destroy you herex
    clarencex it cannot bex for he bewept my fortune
    and huggxd me in his armsx and swore with sobs
    that he would labour my deliveryx
  first murdererx whyx so he dothx when he delivers you
    from this earthxs thraldom to the joys of heavenx
  second murdererx make peace with godx for you must diex
    my lordx
  clarencex have you that holy feeling in your souls
    to counsel me to make my peace with godx
    and are you yet to your own souls so blind
    that you will war with god by murdxring mex
    ox sirsx considerx they that set you on
    to do this deed will hate you for the deedx
  second murdererx what shall we dox
  clarencex relentx and save your soulsx
  first murdererx relentx nox xtis cowardly and womanishx
  clarencex not to relent is beastlyx savagex devilishx
    which of youx if you were a princexs sonx
    being pent from liberty as i am nowx
    if two such murderers as yourselves came to youx
    would not entreat for lifex
    my friendx i spy some pity in thy looksx
    ox if thine eye be not a flattererx
    come thou on my side and entreat for mex
    as you would beg were you in my distressx
    a begging prince what beggar pities notx
  second murdererx look behind youx my lordx
  first murdererx  xstabbing himx  take thatx and thatx if all
    this will not dox
    ixll drown you in the malmseyxbutt withinx
                                              exit with the body
  second murdererx a bloody deedx and desperately
    dispatchxdx
    how fainx like pilatex would i wash my hands
    of this most grievous murderx

                       rexenter first murderer

  first murdererxhow nowx what meanxst thou that thou
    helpxst me notx
    by heavensx the duke shall know how slack you have
    beenx
  second murdererx i would he knew that i had savxd his
    brotherx
    take thou the feex and tell him what i sayx
    for i repent me that the duke is slainx                 exit
  first murdererx so do not ix gox coward as thou artx
    wellx ixll go hide the body in some holex
    till that the duke give order for his burialx
    and when i have my meedx i will awayx
    for this will outx and then i must not stayx            exit

act iix scene xx

londonx the palace

flourishx enter king edward sickx queen elizabethx dorsetx riversx
hastingsx buckinghamx greyx and others

  king edwardx whyx sox now have i done a good dayxs
    workx
    you peersx continue this united leaguex
    i every day expect an embassage
    from my redeemer to redeem me hencex
    and more at peace my soul shall part to heavenx
    since i have made my friends at peace on earthx
    hastings and riversx take each otherxs handx
    dissemble not your hatredx swear your lovex
  riversx by heavenx my soul is purgxd from grudging hatex
    and with my hand i seal my true heartxs lovex
  hastingsx so thrive ix as i truly swear the likex
  king edwardx take heed you dally not before your kingx
    lest he that is the supreme king of kings
    confound your hidden falsehood and award
    either of you to be the otherxs endx
  hastingsx so prosper ix as i swear perfect lovex
  riversx and ix as i love hastings with my heartx
  king edwardx madamx yourself is not exempt from thisx
    nor youx son dorsetx buckinghamx nor youx
    you have been factious one against the otherx
    wifex love lord hastingsx let him kiss your handx
    and what you dox do it unfeignedlyx
  queen elizabethx therex hastingsx i will never more
    remember
    our former hatredx so thrive i and minex
  king edwardx dorsetx embrace himx hastingsx love lord
    marquisx
  dorsetx this interchange of lovex i here protestx
    upon my part shall be inviolablex
  hastingsx and so swear ix                       xthey embracex
  king edwardx nowx princely buckinghamx seal thou this
    league
    with thy embracements to my wifexs alliesx
    and make me happy in your unityx
  buckinghamx  xto the queenx  whenever buckingham
    doth turn his hate
    upon your gracex but with all duteous love
    doth cherish you and yoursx god punish me
    with hate in those where i expect most lovex
    when i have most need to employ a friend
    and most assured that he is a friendx
    deepx hollowx treacherousx and full of guilex
    be he unto mex this do i beg of god
    when i am cold in love to you or yoursx
                                                  xthey embracex
  king edwardx a pleasing cordialx princely buckinghamx
    is this thy vow unto my sickly heartx
    there wanteth now our brother gloucester here
    to make the blessed period of this peacex
  buckinghamx andx in good timex
    here comes sir richard ratcliff and the dukex

                      enter gloucesterx and ratcliff

  gloucesterx good morrow to my sovereign king and
    queenx
    andx princely peersx a happy time of dayx
  king edwardx happyx indeedx as we have spent the dayx
    gloucesterx we have done deeds of charityx
    made peace of enmityx fair love of hatex
    between these swelling wrongxincensed peersx
  gloucesterx a blessed labourx my most sovereign lordx
    among this princely heapx if any herex
    by false intelligence or wrong surmisex
    hold me a foex
    if i unwittinglyx or in my ragex
    have aught committed that is hardly borne
    to any in this presencex i desire
    to reconcile me to his friendly peacex
    xtis death to me to be at enmityx
    i hate itx and desire all good menxs lovex
    firstx madamx i entreat true peace of youx
    which i will purchase with my duteous servicex
    of youx my noble cousin buckinghamx
    if ever any grudge were lodgxd between usx
    of youx and youx lord riversx and of dorsetx
    that all without desert have frownxd on mex
    of youx lord woodvillex andx lord scalesx of youx
    dukesx earlsx lordsx gentlemenxindeedx of allx
    i do not know that englishman alive
    with whom my soul is any jot at odds
    more than the infant that is born toxnightx
    i thank my god for my humilityx
  queen elizabethx a holy day shall this be kept hereafterx
    i would to god all strifes were well compoundedx
    my sovereign lordx i do beseech your highness
    to take our brother clarence to your gracex
  gloucesterx whyx madamx have i offxred love for thisx
    to be so flouted in this royal presencex
    who knows not that the gentle duke is deadx
                                                xthey all startx
    you do him injury to scorn his corsex
  king edwardx who knows not he is deadx who knows
    he isx
  queen elizabethx allxseeing heavenx what a world is thisx
  buckinghamx look i so palex lord dorsetx as the restx
  dorsetx ayx my good lordx and no man in the presence
    but his red colour hath forsook his cheeksx
  king edwardx is clarence deadx the order was reversxdx
  gloucesterx but hex poor manx by your first order diedx
    and that a winged mercury did bearx
    some tardy cripple bare the countermand
    that came too lag to see him buriedx
    god grant that somex less noble and less loyalx
    nearer in bloody thoughtsx an not in bloodx
    deserve not worse than wretched clarence didx
    and yet go current from suspicionx

                           enter derby

  derbyx a boonx my sovereignx for my service donex
  king edwardx i pritheex peacex my soul is full of sorrowx
  derbyx i will not rise unless your highness hear mex
  king edwardx then say at once what is it thou requestsx
  derbyx the forfeitx sovereignx of my servantxs lifex
    who slew toxday a riotous gentleman
    lately attendant on the duke of norfolkx
  king edwardx have i a tongue to doom my brotherxs deathx
    and shall that tongue give pardon to a slavex
    my brother killed no manxhis fault was thoughtx
    and yet his punishment was bitter deathx
    who sued to me for himx whox in my wrathx
    kneelxd at my feetx and bid me be advisxdx
    who spoke of brotherhoodx who spoke of lovex
    who told me how the poor soul did forsake
    the mighty warwick and did fight for mex
    who told mex in the field at tewksbury
    when oxford had me downx he rescued me
    and said xdear brotherx livex and be a kingxx
    who told mex when we both lay in the field
    frozen almost to deathx how he did lap me
    even in his garmentsx and did give himselfx
    all thin and nakedx to the numb cold nightx
    all this from my remembrance brutish wrath
    sinfully pluckxdx and not a man of you
    had so much race to put it in my mindx
    but when your carters or your waitingxvassals
    have done a drunken slaughter and defacxd
    the precious image of our dear redeemerx
    you straight are on your knees for pardonx pardonx
    and ix unjustly toox must grant it youx        xderby risesx
    but for my brother not a man would speakx
    nor ix ungraciousx speak unto myself
    for himx poor soulx the proudest of you all
    have been beholding to him in his lifex
    yet none of you would once beg for his lifex
    o godx i fear thy justice will take hold
    on mex and youx and minex and yoursx for thisx
    comex hastingsx help me to my closetx ahx poor clarencex
                                 exeunt some with king and queen
  gloucesterx this is the fruits of rashnessx markxd you not
    how that the guilty kindred of the queen
    lookxd pale when they did hear of clarencex deathx
    ox they did urge it still unto the kingx
    god will revenge itx comex lordsx will you go
    to comfort edward with our companyx
  buckinghamx we wait upon your gracex                    exeunt

scene xx

londonx the palace

enter the old duchess of yorkx with the son and daughter of clarence

  sonx good grandamx tell usx is our father deadx
  duchessx nox boyx
  daughterx why do you weep so oftx and beat your breastx
    and cry xo clarencex my unhappy sonxxx
  sonx why do you look on usx and shake your headx
    and call us orphansx wretchesx castawaysx
    if that our noble father were alivex
  duchessx my pretty cousinsx you mistake me bothx
    i do lament the sickness of the kingx
    as loath to lose himx not your fatherxs deathx
    it were lost sorrow to wail one thatxs lostx
  sonx then you concludex my grandamx he is deadx
    the king mine uncle is to blame for itx
    god will revenge itx whom i will importune
    with earnest prayers all to that effectx
  daughterx and so will ix
  duchessx peacex childrenx peacex the king doth love you
    wellx
    incapable and shallow innocentsx
    you cannot guess who causxd your fatherxs deathx
  sonx grandamx we canx for my good uncle gloucester
    told me the kingx provokxd to it by the queenx
    devisxd impeachments to imprison himx
    and when my uncle told me sox he weptx
    and pitied mex and kindly kissxd my cheekx
    bade me rely on him as on my fatherx
    and he would love me dearly as a childx
  duchessx ahx that deceit should steal such gentle shapex
    and with a virtuous vizor hide deep vicex
    he is my sonx ayx and therein my shamex
    yet from my dugs he drew not this deceitx
  sonx think you my uncle did dissemblex grandamx
  duchessx ayx boyx
  sonx i cannot think itx harkx what noise is thisx

            enter queen elizabethx with her hair about her
                earsx rivers and dorset after her

  queen elizabethx ahx who shall hinder me to wail and
    weepx
    to chide my fortunex and torment myselfx
    ixll join with black despair against my soul
    and to myself become an enemyx
  duchessx what means this scene of rude impatiencex
  queen elizabethx to make an act of tragic violencex
  edwardx my lordx thy sonx our kingx is deadx
    why grow the branches when the root is gonex
    why wither not the leaves that want their sapx
    if you will livex lamentx if diex be briefx
    that our swiftxwinged souls may catch the kingxsx
    or like obedient subjects follow him
    to his new kingdom of nexerxchanging nightx
  duchessx ahx so much interest have i in thy sorrow
    as i had title in thy noble husbandx
    i have bewept a worthy husbandxs deathx
    and livxd with looking on his imagesx
    but now two mirrors of his princely semblance
    are crackxd in pieces by malignant deathx
    and i for comfort have but one false glassx
    that grieves me when i see my shame in himx
    thou art a widowx yet thou art a mother
    and hast the comfort of thy children leftx
    but death hath snatchxd my husband from mine arms
    and pluckxd two crutches from my feeble handsx
    clarence and edwardx ox what cause have ix
    thine being but a moiety of my moanx
    to overgo thy woes and drown thy criesx
  sonx ahx auntx you wept not for our fatherxs deathx
    how can we aid you with our kindred tearsx
  daughterx our fatherless distress was left unmoanxdx
    your widowxdolour likewise be unweptx
  queen elizabethx give me no help in lamentationx
    i am not barren to bring forth complaintsx
    all springs reduce their currents to mine eyes
    that ix being governxd by the watery moonx
    may send forth plenteous tears to drown the worldx
    ah for my husbandx for my dear lord edwardx
  childrenx ah for our fatherx for our dear lord clarencex
  duchessx alas for bothx both minex edward and clarencex
  queen elizabethx what stay had i but edwardx and hexs
    gonex
  childrenx what stay had we but clarencex and hexs gonex
  duchessx what stays had i but theyx and they are gonex
  queen elizabethx was never widow had so dear a lossx
  childrenx were never orphans had so dear a lossx
  duchessx was never mother had so dear a lossx
    alasx i am the mother of these griefsx
    their woes are parcellxdx mine is generalx
    she for an edward weepsx and so do ix
    i for a clarence weepx so doth not shex
    these babes for clarence weepx and so do ix
    i for an edward weepx so do not theyx
    alasx you three on mex threefold distressxdx
    pour all your tearsx i am your sorrowxs nursex
    and i will pamper it with lamentationx
  dorsetx comfortx dear motherx god is much displeasxd
    that you take with unthankfulness his doingx
    in common worldly things xtis called ungrateful
    with dull unwillingness to repay a debt
    which with a bounteous hand was kindly lentx
    much more to be thus opposite with heavenx
    for it requires the royal debt it lent youx
  riversx madamx bethink youx like a careful motherx
    of the young prince your sonx send straight for himx
    let him be crownxdx in him your comfort livesx
    drown desperate sorrow in dead edwardxs gravex
    and plant your joys in living edwardxs thronex

               enter gloucesterx buckinghamx derbyx
                      hastingsx and ratcliff

  gloucesterx sisterx have comfortx all of us have cause
    to wail the dimming of our shining starx
    but none can help our harms by wailing themx
    madamx my motherx i do cry you mercyx
    i did not see your gracex humbly on my knee
    i crave your blessingx
  duchessx god bless theex and put meekness in thy breastx
    lovex charityx obediencex and true dutyx
  gloucesterx amenx  xasidex  and make me die a good old
    manx
    that is the butt end of a motherxs blessingx
    i marvel that her grace did leave it outx
  buckinghamx you cloudy princes and heartxsorrowing
    peersx
    that bear this heavy mutual load of moanx
    now cheer each other in each otherxs lovex
    though we have spent our harvest of this kingx
    we are to reap the harvest of his sonx
    the broken rancour of your highxswolxn heartsx
    but lately splinterxdx knitx and joinxd togetherx
    must gently be preservxdx cherishxdx and keptx
    me seemeth good thatx with some little trainx
    forthwith from ludlow the young prince be fet
    hither to londonx to be crownxd our kingx

 riversx why with some little trainx my lord of
    buckinghamx
  buckinghamx marryx my lordx lest by a multitude
    the newxhealxd wound of malice should break outx
    which would be so much the more dangerous
    by how much the estate is green and yet ungovernxdx
    where every horse bears his commanding rein
    and may direct his course as please himselfx
    as well the fear of harm as harm apparentx
    in my opinionx ought to be preventedx
  gloucesterx i hope the king made peace with all of usx
    and the compact is firm and true in mex
  riversx and so in mex and sox i thinkx in anx
    yetx since it is but greenx it should be put
    to no apparent likelihood of breachx
    which haply by much company might be urgxdx
    therefore i say with noble buckingham
    that it is meet so few should fetch the princex
  hastingsx and so say ix
  gloucesterx then be it sox and go we to determine
    who they shall be that straight shall post to ludlowx
    madamx and youx my sisterx will you go
    to give your censures in this businessx
                        exeunt all but buckingham and gloucester
  buckinghamx my lordx whoever journeys to the princex
    for god sakex let not us two stay at homex
    for by the way ixll sort occasionx
    as index to the story we late talkxd ofx
    to part the queenxs proud kindred from the princex
  gloucesterx my other selfx my counselxs consistoryx
    my oraclex my prophetx my dear cousinx
    ix as a childx will go by thy directionx
    toward ludlow thenx for wexll not stay behindx        exeunt

scene xx

londonx a street

enter one citizen at one doorx and another at the other

  first citizenx good morrowx neighbourx whither away so
    fastx
  second citizenx i promise youx i scarcely know myselfx
    hear you the news abroadx
  first citizenx yesx that the king is deadx
  second citizenx ill newsx byxr ladyx seldom comes the
    betterx
    i fearx i fear xtwill prove a giddy worldx

                        enter another citizen

  third citizenx neighboursx god speedx
  first citizenx give you good morrowx sirx
  third citizenx doth the news hold of good king edwardxs
    deathx
  second citizenx ayx sirx it is too truex god help the whilex
  third citizenx thenx mastersx look to see a troublous
    worldx
  first citizenx nox nox by godxs good gracex his son shall
    reignx
  third citizenx woe to that land thatxs governxd by a childx
  second citizenx in him there is a hope of governmentx
    whichx in his nonagex council under himx
    andx in his full and ripened yearsx himselfx
    no doubtx shall thenx and till thenx govern wellx
  first citizenx so stood the state when henry the sixth
    was crownxd in paris but at nine months oldx
  third citizenx stood the state sox nox nox good friendsx
    god wotx
    for then this land was famously enrichxd
    with politic grave counselx then the king
    had virtuous uncles to protect his gracex
  first citizenx whyx so hath thisx both by his father and
    motherx
  third citizenx better it were they all came by his fatherx
    or by his father there were none at allx
    for emulation who shall now be nearest
    will touch us all too nearx if god prevent notx
    ox full of danger is the duke of gloucesterx
    and the queenxs sons and brothers haught and proudx
    and were they to be rulxdx and not to rulex
    this sickly land might solace as beforex
  first citizenx comex comex we fear the worstx all will be
    wellx
  third citizenx when clouds are seenx wise men put on
    their cloaksx
    when great leaves fallx then winter is at handx
    when the sun setsx who doth not look for nightx
    untimely storms make men expect a dearthx
    all may be wellx butx if god sort it sox
    xtis more than we deserve or i expectx
  second citizenx trulyx the hearts of men are fun of fearx
    you cannot reason almost with a man
    that looks not heavily and fun of dreadx
  third citizenx before the days of changex still is it sox
    by a divine instinct menxs minds mistrust
    ensuing dangerx as by proof we see
    the water swell before a boistxrous stormx
    but leave it all to godx whither awayx
  second citizenx marryx we were sent for to the justicesx
  third citizenx and so was ix ixll bear you companyx
                                                          exeunt

scene xx

londonx the palace

enter the archbishop of yorkx the young duke of yorkx queen elizabethx
and the duchess of york

  archbishopx last nightx i hearx they lay at stony stratfordx
    and at northampton they do rest toxnightx
    toxmorrow or next day they will be herex
  duchessx i long with all my heart to see the princex
    i hope he is much grown since last i saw himx
  queen elizabethx but i hear nox they say my son of york
    has almost overtaxen him in his growthx
  yorkx ayx motherx but i would not have it sox
  duchessx whyx my good cousinx it is good to growx
  yorkx grandamx one night as we did sit at supperx
    my uncle rivers talkxd how i did grow
    more than my brotherx xayxx quoth my uncle gloucester
    xsmall herbs have gracex great weeds do grow apacexx
    and sincex methinksx i would not grow so fastx
    because sweet flowxrs are slow and weeds make hastex
  duchessx good faithx good faithx the saying did not hold
    in him that did object the same to theex
    he was the wretchedxst thing when he was youngx
    so long axgrowing and so leisurely
    thatx if his rule were truex he should be graciousx
  archbishopx and so no doubt he isx my gracious madamx
  duchessx i hope he isx but yet let mothers doubtx
  yorkx nowx by my trothx if i had been remembxredx
    i could have given my unclexs grace a flout
    to touch his growth nearer than he touchxd minex
  duchessx howx my young yorkx i prithee let me hear itx
  yorkx marryx they say my uncle grew so fast
    that he could gnaw a crust at two hours oldx
    xtwas full two years ere i could get a toothx
    grandamx this would have been a biting jestx
  duchessx i pritheex pretty yorkx who told thee thisx
  yorkx grandamx his nursex
  duchessx his nursex why she was dead ere thou wast
    bornx
  yorkx if xtwere not shex i cannot tell who told mex
  queen elizabethx a parlous boyx go tox you are too
    shrewdx
  archbishopx good madamx be not angry with the childx
  queen elizabethx pitchers have earsx

                        enter a messenger

  archbishopx here comes a messengerx what newsx
  messengerx such newsx my lordx as grieves me to reportx
  queen elizabethx how doth the princex
  messengerx wellx madamx and in healthx
  duchessx what is thy newsx
  messengerx lord rivers and lord grey
    are sent to pomfretx and with them
    sir thomas vaughanx prisonersx
  duchessx who hath committed themx
  messengerx the mighty dukesx gloucester and buckinghamx
  archbishopx for what offencex
  messengerx the sum of all i canx i have disclosxdx
    why or for what the nobles were committed
    is all unknown to mex my gracious lordx
  queen elizabethx ay mex i see the ruin of my housex
    the tiger now hath seizxd the gentle hindx
    insulting tyranny begins to jet
    upon the innocent and aweless thronex
    welcomex destructionx bloodx and massacrex
    i seex as in a mapx the end of allx
  duchessx accursed and unquiet wrangling daysx
    how many of you have mine eyes beheldx
    my husband lost his life to get the crownx
    and often up and down my sons were tossxd
    for me to joy and weep their gain and lossx
    and being seatedx and domestic broils
    clean overxblownx themselves the conquerors
    make war upon themselvesxbrother to brotherx
    blood to bloodx self against selfx ox preposterous
    and frantic outragex end thy damned spleenx
    or let me diex to look on death no morex
  queen elizabethx comex comex my boyx we will to
    sanctuaryx
    madamx farewellx
  duchessx stayx i will go with youx
  queen elizabethx you have no causex
  archbishopx  xto the queenx  my gracious ladyx gox
    and thither bear your treasure and your goodsx
    for my partx ixll resign unto your grace
    the seal i keepx and so betide to me
    as well i tender you and all of yoursx
    gox ixll conduct you to the sanctuaryx                exeunt

act iiix scene xx

londonx a street

the trumpets soundx enter the prince of walesx gloucesterx buckinghamx
catesbyx cardinal bourchierx and others

  buckinghamx welcomex sweet princex to londonx to your
    chamberx
  gloucesterx welcomex dear cousinx my thoughtsx sovereignx
    the weary way hath made you melancholyx
  princex nox unclex but our crosses on the way
    have made it tediousx wearisomex and heavyx
    i want more uncles here to welcome mex
  gloucesterx sweet princex the untainted virtue of your
    years
    hath not yet divxd into the worldxs deceitx
    nor more can you distinguish of a man
    than of his outward showx whichx god he knowsx
    seldom or never jumpeth with the heartx
    those uncles which you want were dangerousx
    your grace attended to their sugxred words
    but lookxd not on the poison of their heartsx
    god keep you from them and from such false friendsx
  princex god keep me from false friendsx but they were
    nonex
  gloucesterx my lordx the mayor of london comes to greet
    youx

                enter the lord mayor and his train

  mayorx god bless your grace with health and happy daysx
  princex i thank youx good my lordx and thank you allx
    i thought my mother and my brother york
    would long ere this have met us on the wayx
    fiex what a slug is hastingsx that he comes not
    to tell us whether they will come or nox

                        enter lord hastings

  buckinghamx andx in good timex here comes the sweating
    lordx
  princex welcomex my lordx whatx will our mother comex
  hastingsx on what occasionx god he knowsx not ix
    the queen your mother and your brother york
    have taken sanctuaryx the tender prince
    would fain have come with me to meet your gracex
    but by his mother was perforce withheldx
  buckinghamx fiex what an indirect and peevish course
    is this of hersx lord cardinalx will your grace
    persuade the queen to send the duke of york
    unto his princely brother presentlyx
    if she denyx lord hastingsx go with him
    and from her jealous arms pluck him perforcex
  cardinalx my lord of buckinghamx if my weak oratory
    can from his mother win the duke of yorkx
    anon expect him herex but if she be obdurate
    to mild entreatiesx god in heaven forbid
    we should infringe the holy privilege
    of blessed sanctuaryx not for all this land
    would i be guilty of so deep a sinx
  buckinghamx you are too senselessxobstinatex my lordx
    too ceremonious and traditionalx
    weigh it but with the grossness of this agex
    you break not sanctuary in seizing himx
    the benefit thereof is always granted
    to those whose dealings have deservxd the place
    and those who have the wit to claim the placex
    this prince hath neither claimxd it nor deservxd itx
    and thereforex in mine opinionx cannot have itx
    thenx taking him from thence that is not therex
    you break no privilege nor charter therex
    oft have i heard of sanctuary menx
    but sanctuary children never till nowx
  cardinalx my lordx you shall oxerrule my mind for oncex
    come onx lord hastingsx will you go with mex
  hastingsx i gox my lordx
  princex good lordsx make all the speedy haste you mayx
                                    exeunt cardinal and hastings
    sayx uncle gloucesterx if our brother comex
    where shall we sojourn till our coronationx
  gloucesterx where it seems best unto your royal selfx
    if i may counsel youx some day or two
    your highness shall repose you at the towerx
    then where you please and shall be thought most fit
    for your best health and recreationx
  princex i do not like the towerx of any placex
    did julius caesar build that placex my lordx
  buckinghamx he didx my gracious lordx begin that placex
    whichx sincex succeeding ages have rexedifiedx
  princex is it upon recordx or else reported
    successively from age to agex he built itx
  buckinghamx upon recordx my gracious lordx
  princex but sayx my lordx it were not registxredx
    methinks the truth should eve from age to agex
    as xtwere retailxd to all posterityx
    even to the general allxending dayx
  gloucesterx  xasidex  so wise so youngx they sayx do never
    live longx
  princex what say youx unclex
  gloucesterx i sayx without charactersx fame lives longx
    xasidex  thusx like the formal vicex iniquityx
    i moralize two meanings in one wordx
  princex that julius caesar was a famous manx
    with what his valour did enrich his witx
    his wit set down to make his valour livex
    death makes no conquest of this conquerorx
    for now he lives in famex though not in lifex
    ixll tell you whatx my cousin buckinghamx
  buckinghamx whatx my gracious lordx
  princex an if i live until i be a manx
    ixll win our ancient right in france againx
    or die a soldier as i livxd a kingx
  gloucesterx  xasidex  short summers lightly have a forward
    springx

              enter hastingsx young yorkx and the cardinal

  buckinghamx nowx in good timex here comes the duke of
    yorkx
  princex richard of yorkx how fares our loving brotherx
  yorkx wellx my dread lordx so must i can you nowx
  princex ay brotherx to our griefx as it is yoursx
    too late he died that might have kept that titlex
    which by his death hath lost much majestyx
  gloucesterx how fares our cousinx noble lord of yorkx
  yorkx i thank youx gentle unclex ox my lordx
    you said that idle weeds are fast in growthx
    the prince my brother hath outgrown me farx
  gloucesterx he hathx my lordx
  yorkx and therefore is he idlex
  gloucesterx ox my fair cousinx i must not say sox
  yorkx then he is more beholding to you than ix
  gloucesterx he may command me as my sovereignx
    but you have power in me as in a kinsmanx
  yorkx i pray youx unclex give me this daggerx
  gloucesterx my daggerx little cousinx with all my heartx
  princex a beggarx brotherx
  yorkx of my kind unclex that i know will givex
    and being but a toyx which is no grief to givex
  gloucesterx a greater gift than that ixll give my cousinx
  yorkx a greater giftx ox thatxs the sword to itx
  gloucesterx ayx gentle cousinx were it light enoughx
  yorkx ox thenx i see you will part but with light giftsx
    in weightier things youxll say a beggar nayx
  gloucesterx it is too heavy for your grace to wearx
  yorkx i weigh it lightlyx were it heavierx
  gloucesterx whatx would you have my weaponx little
    lordx
  yorkx i wouldx that i might thank you as you call mex
  gloucesterx howx
  yorkx littlex
  princex my lord of york will still be cross in talkx
    unclex your grace knows how to bear with himx
  yorkx you meanx to bear mex not to bear with mex
    unclex my brother mocks both you and mex
    because that i am littlex like an apex
    he thinks that you should bear me on your shouldersx
  buckinghamx with what a sharpxprovided wit he reasonsx
    to mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle
    he prettily and aptly taunts himselfx
    so cunning and so young is wonderfulx
  gloucesterx my lordx willxt please you pass alongx
    myself and my good cousin buckingham
    will to your motherx to entreat of her
    to meet you at the tower and welcome youx
  yorkx whatx will you go unto the towerx my lordx
  princex my lord protector needs will have it sox
  yorkx i shall not sleep in quiet at the towerx
  gloucesterx whyx what should you fearx
  yorkx marryx my uncle clarencex angry ghostx
    my grandam told me he was murderxd therex
  princex i fear no uncles deadx
  gloucesterx nor none that livex i hopex
  princex an if they livex i hope i need not fearx
    but comex my lordx and with a heavy heartx
    thinking on themx go i unto the towerx
    a sennetx
              exeunt all but gloucesterx buckinghamx and catesby
  buckinghamx think youx my lordx this little prating york
    was not incensed by his subtle mother
    to taunt and scorn you thus opprobriouslyx
  gloucesterx no doubtx no doubtx ox xtis a perilous boyx
    boldx quickx ingeniousx forwardx capablex
    he is all the motherxsx from the top to toex
  buckinghamx wellx let them restx come hitherx catesbyx
    thou art sworn as deeply to effect what we intend
    as closely to conceal what we impartx
    thou knowxst our reasons urgxd upon the wayx
    what thinkxst thoux is it not an easy matter
    to make william lord hastings of our mindx
    for the instalment of this noble duke
    in the seat royal of this famous islex
  catesbyx he for his fatherxs sake so loves the prince
    that he will not be won to aught against himx
  buckinghamx what thinkxst thou then of stanleyx will
    not hex
  catesbyx he will do all in all as hastings dothx
  buckinghamx well thenx no more but thisx gox gentle
    catesbyx
    andx as it were far offx sound thou lord hastings
    how he doth stand affected to our purposex
    and summon him toxmorrow to the towerx
    to sit about the coronationx
    if thou dost find him tractable to usx
    encourage himx and tell him all our reasonsx
    if he be leadenx icyx coldx unwillingx
    be thou so toox and so break off the talkx
    and give us notice of his inclinationx
    for we toxmorrow hold divided councilsx
    wherein thyself shalt highly be employxdx
  gloucesterx commend me to lord williamx tell himx
    catesbyx
    his ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
    toxmorrow are let blood at pomfret castlex
    and bid my lordx for joy of this good newsx
    give mistress shore one gentle kiss the morex
  buckinghamx good catesbyx go effect this business soundlyx
  catesbyx my good lords bothx with all the heed i canx
  gloucesterx shall we hear from youx catesbyx ere we sleepx
  catesbyx you shallx my lordx
  gloucesterx at crosby housex there shall you find us bothx
                                                    exit catesby
  buckinghamx nowx my lordx what shall we do if we
    perceive
    lord hastings will not yield to our complotsx
  gloucesterx chop off his headxsomething we will
    determinex
    andx look when i am kingx claim thou of me
    the earldom of hereford and all the movables
    whereof the king my brother was possessxdx
  buckinghamx ixll claim that promise at your gracexs handx
  gloucesterx and look to have it yielded with all kindnessx
    comex let us sup betimesx that afterwards
    we may digest our complots in some formx              exeunt

scene xx

before lord hastingxs house

enter a messenger to the door of hastings

  messengerx my lordx my lordx                        xknockingx
  hastingsx  xwithinx  who knocksx
  messengerx one from the lord stanleyx
  hastingsx  xwithinx  what isxt oxclockx
  messengerx upon the stroke of fourx

                        enter lord hastings

  hastingsx cannot my lord stanley sleep these tedious
    nightsx
  messengerx so it appears by that i have to sayx
    firstx he commends him to your noble selfx
  hastingsx what thenx
  messengerx then certifies your lordship that this night
    he dreamt the boar had razed off his helmx
    besidesx he says there are two councils keptx
    and that may be determinxd at the one
    which may make you and him to rue at thx otherx
    therefore he sends to know your lordshipxs pleasurex
    if you will presently take horse with him
    and with all speed post with him toward the north
    to shun the danger that his soul divinesx
  hastingsx gox fellowx gox return unto thy lordx
    bid him not fear the separated councilx
    his honour and myself are at the onex
    and at the other is my good friend catesbyx
    where nothing can proceed that toucheth us
    whereof i shall not have intelligencex
    tell him his fears are shallowx without instancex
    and for his dreamsx i wonder hexs so simple
    to trust the mockxry of unquiet slumbersx
    to fly the boar before the boar pursues
    were to incense the boar to follow us
    and make pursuit where he did mean no chasex
    gox bid thy master rise and come to mex
    and we will both together to the towerx
    wherex he shall seex the boar will use us kindlyx
  messengerx ixll gox my lordx and tell him what you sayx
 exit

                         enter catesby

  catesbyx many good morrows to my noble lordx
  hastingsx good morrowx catesbyx you are early stirringx
    what newsx what newsx in this our tottxring statex
  catesbyx it is a reeling world indeedx my lordx
    and i believe will never stand upright
    till richard wear the garland of the realmx
  hastingsx howx wear the garlandx dost thou mean the
    crownx
  catesbyx ayx my good lordx
  hastingsx ixll have this crown of mine cut from my
    shoulders
    before ixll see the crown so foul misplacxdx
    but canst thou guess that he doth aim at itx
  catesbyx ayx on my lifex and hopes to find you forward
    upon his party for the gain thereofx
    and thereupon he sends you this good newsx
    that this same very day your enemiesx
    the kindred of the queenx must die at pomfretx
  hastingsx indeedx i am no mourner for that newsx
    because they have been still my adversariesx
    but that ixll give my voice on richardxs side
    to bar my masterxs heirs in true descentx
    god knows i will not do it to the deathx
  catesbyx god keep your lordship in that gracious mindx
  hastingsx but i shall laugh at this a twelve month hencex
    that they which brought me in my masterxs hatex
    i live to look upon their tragedyx
    wellx catesbyx ere a fortnight make me olderx
    ixll send some packing that yet think not onxtx
  catesbyx xtis a vile thing to diex my gracious lordx
    when men are unpreparxd and look not for itx
  hastingsx o monstrousx monstrousx and so falls it out
    with riversx vaughanx greyx and so xtwill do
    with some men else that think themselves as safe
    as thou and ix whox as thou knowestx are dear
    to princely richard and to buckinghamx
  catesbyx the princes both make high account of youx
    xasidex  for they account his head upon the bridgex
  hastingsx i know they dox and i have well deservxd itx

                      enter lord stanley

    come onx come onx where is your boarxspearx manx
    fear you the boarx and go so unprovidedx
  stanleyx my lordx good morrowx good morrowx catesbyx
    you may jest onx butx by the holy roodx
    i do not like these several councilsx ix
  hastingsx my lordx i hold my life as dear as yoursx
    and never in my daysx i do protestx
    was it so precious to me as xtis nowx
    think youx but that i know our state securex
    i would be so triumphant as i amx
  stanleyx the lords at pomfretx when they rode from
    londonx
    were jocund and supposxd their states were surex
    and they indeed had no cause to mistrustx
    but yet you see how soon the day oxercastx
    this sudden stab of rancour i misdoubtx
    pray godx i sayx i prove a needless cowardx
    whatx shall we toward the towerx the day is spentx
  hastingsx comex comex have with youx wot you whatx my
    lordx
    toxday the lords you talkxd of are beheadedx
  stanleyx theyx for their truthx might better wear their
    heads
    than some that have accusxd them wear their hatsx
    but comex my lordx letxs awayx

                 enter hastingsx a pursuivant

  hastingsx go on beforex ixll talk with this good fellowx
                                      exeunt stanley and catesby
    how nowx hastingsx how goes the world with theex
  pursuivantx the better that your lordship please to askx
  hastingsx i tell theex manx xtis better with me now
    than when thou metxst me last where now we meetx
    then was i going prisoner to the tower
    by the suggestion of the queenxs alliesx
    but nowx i tell theexkeep it to thyselfx
    this day those enernies are put to deathx
    and i in better state than exer i wasx
  pursuivantx god hold itx to your honourxs good contentx
  hastingsx gramercyx hastingsx therex drink that for mex
                                          xthrows him his pursex
  pursuivantx i thank your honourx                          exit

                            enter a priest

  priestx well metx my lordx i am glad to see your honourx
  hastingsx i thank theex good sir johnx with all my heartx
    i am in your debt for your last exercisex
    come the next sabbathx and i will content youx
                                        xhe whispers in his earx
  priestx ixll wait upon your lordshipx

                            enter buckingham

  buckinghamx whatx talking with a priestx lord
    chamberlainx
    your friends at pomfretx they do need the priestx
    your honour hath no shriving work in handx
  hastingsx good faithx and when i met this holy manx
    the men you talk of came into my mindx
    whatx go you toward the towerx
  buckinghamx i dox my lordx but long i cannot stay therex
    i shall return before your lordship thencex
  hastingsx nayx like enoughx for i stay dinner therex
  buckinghamx  xasidex  and supper toox although thou
    knowest it notxx
    comex will you gox
  hastingsx ixll wait upon your lordshipx                 exeunt

scene xx

pomfret castle

enter sir richard ratcliffx with halberdsx carrying the noblesx
riversx greyx and vaughanx to death

  riversx sir richard ratcliffx let me tell thee thisx
    toxday shalt thou behold a subject die
    for truthx for dutyx and for loyaltyx
  greyx god bless the prince from all the pack of youx
    a knot you are of damned bloodxsuckersx
  vaughanx you live that shall cry woe for this hereafterx
  ratcliffx dispatchx the limit of your lives is outx
  riversx o pomfretx pomfretx o thou bloody prisonx
    fatal and ominous to noble peersx
    within the guilty closure of thy walls
  richard the second here was hackxd to deathx
    and for more slander to thy dismal seatx
    we give to thee our guiltless blood to drinkx
  greyx now margaretxs curse is fallxn upon our headsx
    when she exclaimxd on hastingsx youx and ix
    for standing by when richard stabbxd her sonx
  riversx then cursxd she richardx then cursxd she
    buckinghamx
    then cursxd she hastingsx ox rememberx godx
    to hear her prayer for themx as now for usx
    and for my sisterx and her princely sonsx
    be satisfiedx dear godx with our true bloodx
    whichx as thou knowxstx unjustly must be spiltx
  ratcliffx make hastex the hour of death is expiatex
  riversx comex greyx comex vaughanx let us here embracex
    farewellx until we meet again in heavenx              exeunt

scene x

londonx the tower

enter buckinghamx derbyx hastingsx the bishop of elyx ratcliffx lovelx
with others and seat themselves at a table

  hastingsx nowx noble peersx the cause why we are met
    is to determine of the coronationx
    in godxs name speakxwhen is the royal dayx
  buckinghamx is all things ready for the royal timex
  derbyx it isx and wants but nominationx
  bishop of elyx toxmorrow then i judge a happy dayx
  buckinghamx who knows the lord protectorxs mind
    hereinx
    who is most inward with the noble dukex
  bishop of elyx your gracex we thinkx should soonest know
    his mindx
  buckinghamx we know each otherxs facesx for our heartsx
    he knows no more of mine than i of yoursx
    or i of hisx my lordx than you of minex
    lord hastingsx you and he are near in lovex
  hastingsx i thank his gracex i know he loves me wellx
    but for his purpose in the coronation
    i have not sounded himx nor he deliverxd
    his gracious pleasure any way thereinx
    but youx my honourable lordsx may name the timex
    and in the dukexs behalf ixll give my voicex
    whichx i presumex hexll take in gentle partx

                       enter gloucester

  bishop of elyx in happy timex here comes the duke himselfx
  gloucesterx my noble lords and cousins anx good morrowx
    i have been long a sleeperx but i trust
    my absence doth neglect no great design
    which by my presence might have been concludedx
  buckinghamx had you not come upon your cuex my lordx
  william lord hastings had pronouncxd your partx
    i meanx your voice for crowning of the kingx
  gloucesterx than my lord hastings no man might be
    bolderx
    his lordship knows me well and loves me wellx
    my lord of elyx when i was last in holborn
    i saw good strawberries in your garden therex
    i do beseech you send for some of themx
  bishop of elyx marry and willx my lordx with all my heartx
 exit
  gloucesterx cousin of buckinghamx a word with youx
                                               xtakes him asidex
    catesby hath sounded hastings in our businessx
    and finds the testy gentleman so hot
    that he will lose his head ere give consent
    his masterxs childx as worshipfully he terms itx
    shall lose the royalty of englandxs thronex
  buckinghamx withdraw yourself awhilex ixll go with youx
                                exeunt gloucester and buckingham
  derbyx we have not yet set down this day of triumphx
    toxmorrowx in my judgmentx is too suddenx
    for i myself am not so well provided
    as else i would bex were the day prolongxdx

                    rexenter the bishop of ely

  bishop of elyx where is my lord the duke of gloucesterx
    i have sent for these strawberriesx
  hastingsx his grace looks cheerfully and smooth this
    morningx
    therexs some conceit or other likes him well
    when that he bids good morrow with such spiritx
    i think therexs never a man in christendom
    can lesser hide his love or hate than hex
    for by his face straight shall you know his heartx
  derbyx what of his heart perceive you in his face
    by any livelihood he showxd toxdayx
  hastingsx marryx that with no man here he is offendedx
    forx were hex he had shown it in his looksx

               rexenter gloucester and buckingham

  gloucesterx i pray you allx tell me what they deserve
    that do conspire my death with devilish plots
    of damned witchcraftx and that have prevailxd
    upon my body with their hellish charmsx
  hastingsx the tender love i bear your gracex my lordx
    makes me most forward in this princely presence
    to doom thx offendersx whosoexer they bex
    i sayx my lordx they have deserved deathx
  gloucesterx then be your eyes the witness of their evilx
    look how i am bewitchxdx beholdx mine arm
    is like a blasted sapling witherxd upx
    and this is edwardxs wifex that monstrous witchx
    consorted with that harlot strumpet shorex
    that by their witchcraft thus have marked mex
  hastingsx if they have done this deedx my noble lordx
  gloucesterx ifxxthou protector of this damned strumpetx
    talkxst thou to me of ifsx thou art a traitorx
    off with his headx now by saint paul i swear
    i will not dine until i see the samex
    lovel and ratcliffx look that it be donex
    the rest that love mex rise and follow mex
                    exeunt all but hastingsx lovelx and ratcliff
  hastingsx woex woex for englandx not a whit for mex
    for ix too fondx might have prevented thisx
  stanley did dream the boar did raze our helmsx
    and i did scorn it and disdain to flyx
    three times toxday my footxcloth horse did stumblex
    and started when he lookxd upon the towerx
    as loath to bear me to the slaughterxhousex
    ox now i need the priest that spake to mex
    i now repent i told the pursuivantx
    as too triumphingx how mine enemies
    toxday at pomfret bloodily were butcherxdx
    and i myself secure in grace and favourx
    o margaretx margaretx now thy heavy curse
    is lighted on poor hastingsx wretched headx
  ratcliffx comex comex dispatchx the duke would be at
    dinnerx
    make a short shriftx he longs to see your headx
  hastingsx o momentary grace of mortal menx
    which we more hunt for than the grace of godx
    who builds his hope in air of your good looks
    lives like a drunken sailor on a mastx
    ready with every nod to tumble down
    into the fatal bowels of the deepx
  lovelx comex comex dispatchx xtis bootless to exclaimx
  hastingsx o bloody richardx miserable englandx
    i prophesy the fearfullxst time to thee
    that ever wretched age hath lookxd uponx
    comex lead me to the blockx bear him my headx
    they smile at me who shortly shall be deadx           exeunt

scene xx

londonx the towerxwalls

enter gloucester and buckingham in rotten armourx marvellous
illxfavoured

  gloucesterx comex cousinx canst thou quake and change
    thy colourx
    murder thy breath in middle of a wordx
    and then again beginx and stop againx
    as if thou were distraught and mad with terrorx
  buckinghamx tutx i can counterfeit the deep tragedianx
    speak and look backx and pry on every sidex
    tremble and start at wagging of a strawx
    intending deep suspicionx ghastly looks
    are at my servicex like enforced smilesx
    and both are ready in their offices
    at any time to grace my stratagemsx
    but whatx is catesby gonex
  gloucesterx he isx andx seex he brings the mayor alongx

                 enter the lord mayor and catesby

  buckinghamx lord mayorx
  gloucesterx look to the drawbridge therex
  buckinghamx harkx a drumx
  gloucesterx catesbyx oxerlook the wallsx
  buckinghamx lord mayorx the reason we have sentx
  gloucesterx look backx defend theex here are enemiesx
  buckinghamx god and our innocence defend and guard usx

           enter lovel and ratcliffx with hastingsx head

  gloucesterx be patientx they are friendsxratcliff and lovelx
  lovelx here is the head of that ignoble traitorx
    the dangerous and unsuspected hastingsx
  gloucesterx so dear i lovxd the man that i must weepx
    i took him for the plainest harmless creature
    that breathxd upon the earth a christianx
    made him my bookx wherein my soul recorded
    the history of all her secret thoughtsx
    so smooth he daubxd his vice with show of virtue
    thatx his apparent open guilt omittedx
    i mean his conversation with shorexs wifex
    he livxd from all attainder of suspectsx
  buckinghamx wellx wellx he was the covertxst sheltxred
    traitor
    that ever livxdx
    would you imaginex or almost believex
    werext not that by great preservation
    we live to tell itxthat the subtle traitor
    this day had plottedx in the councilxhousex
    to murder me and my good lord of gloucesterx
  mayorx had he done sox
  gloucesterx whatx think you we are turks or infidelsx
    or that we wouldx against the form of lawx
    proceed thus rashly in the villainxs death
    but that the extreme peril of the casex
    the peace of england and our personsx safetyx
    enforcxd us to this executionx
  mayorx nowx fair befall youx he deservxd his deathx
    and your good graces both have well proceeded
    to warn false traitors from the like attemptsx
    i never lookxd for better at his hands
    after he once fell in with mistress shorex
  buckinghamx yet had we not determinxd he should die
    until your lordship came to see his endx
    which now the loving haste of these our friendsx
    something against our meaningsx have preventedx
    becausex my lordx i would have had you heard
    the traitor speakx and timorously confess
    the manner and the purpose of his treasonsx
    that you might well have signified the same
    unto the citizensx who haply may
    misconster us in him and wail his deathx
  mayorx butx my good lordx your gracexs words shall serve
    as well as i had seen and heard him speakx
    and do not doubtx right noble princes bothx
    but ixll acquaint our duteous citizens
    with all your just proceedings in this causex
  gloucesterx and to that end we wishxd your lordship herex
    tx avoid the the the censures of the carping worldx
  buckinghamx which since you come too late of our intentx
    yet witness what you hear we did intendx
    and sox my good lord mayorx we bid farewellx
                                                 exit lord mayor
  gloucesterx gox afterx afterx cousin buckinghamx
    the mayor towards guildhall hies him in an postx
    therex at your meetxst advantage of the timex
    infer the bastardy of edwardxs childrenx
    tell them how edward put to death a citizen
    only for saying he would make his son
    heir to the crownxmeaning indeed his housex
    which by the sign thereof was termed sox
    moreoverx urge his hateful luxury
    and bestial appetite in change of lustx
    which stretchxd unto their servantsx daughtersx wivesx
    even where his raging eye or savage heart
    without control lusted to make a preyx
    nayx for a needx thus far come near my personx
    tell themx when that my mother went with child
    of that insatiate edwardx noble york
    my princely father then had wars in france
    andx by true computation of the timex
    found that the issue was not his begotx
    which well appeared in his lineamentsx
    being nothing like the noble duke my fatherx
    yet touch this sparinglyx as xtwere far offx
    becausex my lordx you know my mother livesx
  buckinghamx doubt notx my lordx ixll play the orator
    as if the golden fee for which i plead
    were for myselfx and sox my lordx adieux
  gloucesterx if you thrive wellx bring them to baynardxs
    castlex
    where you shall find me well accompanied
    with reverend fathers and well learned bishopsx
  buckinghamx i gox and towards three or four oxclock
    look for the news that the guildhall affordsx           exit
  gloucesterx gox lovelx with all speed to doctor shawx
    xto catesbyx  go thou to friar penkerx bid them both
    meet me within this hour at baynardxs castlex
                                       exeunt all but gloucester
    now will i go to take some privy order
    to draw the brats of clarence out of sightx
    and to give order that no manner person
    have any time recourse unto the princesx                exit

scene xx

londonx a street

enter a scrivener

  scrivenerx here is the indictment of the good lord hastingsx
    which in a set hand fairly is engrossxd
    that it may be toxday read oxer in paulxsx
    and mark how well the sequel hangs togetherx
    eleven hours i have spent to write it overx
    for yesternight by catesby was it sent mex
    the precedent was full as long axdoingx
    and yet within these five hours hastings livxdx
    untaintedx unexaminxdx freex at libertyx
    herexs a good world the whilex who is so gros
    that cannot see this palpable devicex
    yet whoxs so bold but says he sees it notx
    bad is the worldx and all will come to noughtx
    when such ill dealing must be seen in thoughtx          exit

scene xx

londonx baynardxs castle

enter gloucester and buckinghamx at several doors

  gloucesterx how nowx how nowx what say the citizensx
  buckinghamx nowx by the holy mother of our lordx
    the citizens are mumx say not a wordx
  gloucesterx touchxd you the bastardy of edwardxs
    childrenx
  buckinghamx i didx with his contract with lady lucyx
    and his contract by deputy in francex
    thx insatiate greediness of his desirex
    and his enforcement of the city wivesx
    his tyranny for triflesx his own bastardyx
    as being gotx your father then in francex
    and his resemblancex being not like the dukex
    withal i did infer your lineamentsx
    being the right idea of your fatherx
    both in your form and nobleness of mindx
    laid open all your victories in scotlandx
    your discipline in warx wisdom in peacex
    your bountyx virtuex fair humilityx
    indeedx left nothing fitting for your purpose
    untouchxd or slightly handled in discoursex
    and when mine oratory drew toward end
    i bid them that did love their countryxs good
    cry xgod save richardx englandxs royal kingxx
  gloucesterx and did they sox
  buckinghamx nox so god help mex they spake not a wordx
    butx like dumb statues or breathing stonesx
    starxd each on otherx and lookxd deadly palex
    which when i sawx i reprehended themx
    and askxd the mayor what meant this wilfull silencex
    his answer wasx the people were not used
    to be spoke to but by the recorderx
    then he was urgxd to tell my tale againx
    xthus saith the dukex thus hath the duke inferrxdxx
    but nothing spoke in warrant from himselfx
    when he had donex some followers of mine own
    at lower end of the hall hurlxd up their capsx
    and some ten voices cried xgod save king richardxx
    and thus i took the vantage of those fewx
    xthanksx gentle citizens and friendsxx quoth i
    xthis general applause and cheerful shout
    argues your wisdoms and your love to richardxx
    and even here brake off and came awayx
  gloucesterx whatx tongueless blocks were theyx would
    they not speakx
    will not the mayor then and his brethren comex
  buckinghamx the mayor is here at handx intend some fearx
    be not you spoke with but by mighty suitx
    and look you get a prayerxbook in your handx
    and stand between two churchmenx good my lordx
    for on that ground ixll make a holy descantx
    and be not easily won to our requestsx
    play the maidxs partx still answer nayx and take itx
  gloucesterx i gox and if you plead as well for them
    as i can say nay to thee for myselfx
    no doubt we bring it to a happy issuex
  buckinghamx gox gox up to the leadsx the lord mayor
    knocksx                                      exit gloucester

           enter the lord mayorx aldermenx and citizens

    welcomex my lordx i dance attendance herex
    i think the duke will not be spoke withalx

                         enter catesby

    nowx catesbyx what says your lord to my requestx
  catesbyx he doth entreat your gracex my noble lordx
    to visit him toxmorrow or next dayx
    he is withinx with two right reverend fathersx
    divinely bent to meditationx
    and in no worldly suits would he be movxdx
    to draw him from his holy exercisex
  buckinghamx returnx good catesbyx to the gracious dukex
    tell himx myselfx the mayor and aldermenx
    in deep designsx in matter of great momentx
    no less importing than our general goodx
    are come to have some conference with his gracex
  catesbyx ixll signify so much unto him straightx          exit
  buckinghamx ah hax my lordx this prince is not an edwardx
    he is not lolling on a lewd lovexbedx
    but on his knees at meditationx
    not dallying with a brace of courtezansx
    but meditating with two deep divinesx
    not sleepingx to engross his idle bodyx
    but prayingx to enrich his watchful soulx
    happy were england would this virtuous prince
    take on his grace the sovereignty thereofx
    butx surex i fear we shall not win him to itx
  mayorx marryx god defend his grace should say us nayx
  buckinghamx i fear he willx here catesby comes againx

                          rexenter catesby

    nowx catesbyx what says his gracex
  catesbyx my lordx
    he wonders to what end you have assembled
    such troops of citizens to come to himx
    his grace not being warnxd thereof beforex
    he fearsx my lordx you mean no good to himx
  buckinghamx sorry i am my noble cousin should
    suspect me that i mean no good to himx
    by heavenx we come to him in perfect lovex
    and so once more return and tell his gracex
                                                    exit catesby
    when holy and devout religious men
    are at their beadsx xtis much to draw them thencex
    so sweet is zealous contemplationx

           enter gloucester aloftx between two bishopsx
                      catesby returns

  mayorx see where his grace stands xtween two clergymenx
  buckinghamx two props of virtue for a christian princex
    to stay him from the fall of vanityx
    andx seex a book of prayer in his handx
    true ornaments to know a holy manx
    famous plantagenetx most gracious princex
    lend favourable ear to our requestsx
    and pardon us the interruption
    of thy devotion and right christian zealx
  gloucesterx my lordx there needs no such apologyx
    i do beseech your grace to pardon mex
    whox earnest in the service of my godx
    deferrxd the visitation of my friendsx
    butx leaving thisx what is your gracexs pleasurex
  buckinghamx even thatx i hopex which pleaseth god abovex
    and all good men of this ungovernxd islex
  gloucesterx i do suspect i have done some offence
    that seems disgracious in the cityxs eyex
    and that you come to reprehend my ignorancex
  buckinghamx you havex my lordx would it might please
    your gracex
    on our entreatiesx to amend your faultx
  gloucesterx else wherefore breathe i in a christian landx
  buckinghamx know thenx it is your fault that you resign
    the supreme seatx the throne majesticalx
    the sceptxred office of your ancestorsx
    your state of fortune and your due of birthx
    the lineal glory of your royal housex
    to the corruption of a blemishxd stockx
    whiles in the mildness of your sleepy thoughtsx
    which here we waken to our countryxs goodx
    the noble isle doth want her proper limbsx
    her face defacxd with scars of infamyx
    her royal stock graft with ignoble plantsx
    and almost shouldxred in the swallowing gulf
    of dark forgetfulness and deep oblivionx
    which to recurex we heartily solicit
    your gracious self to take on you the charge
    and kingly government of this your landx
    not as protectorx stewardx substitutex
    or lowly factor for anotherxs gainx
    but as successivelyx from blood to bloodx
    your right of birthx your emperyx your ownx
    for thisx consorted with the citizensx
    your very worshipful and loving friendsx
    and by their vehement instigationx
    in this just cause come i to move your gracex
  gloucesterx i cannot tell if to depart in silence
    or bitterly to speak in your reproof
    best fitteth my degree or your conditionx
    if not to answerx you might haply think
    tonguextied ambitionx not replyingx yielded
    to bear the golden yoke of sovereigntyx
    which fondly you would here impose on mex
    if to reprove you for this suit of yoursx
    so seasonxd with your faithful love to mex
    thenx on the other sidex i checkxd my friendsx
    thereforexto speakx and to avoid the firstx
    and thenx in speakingx not to incur the lastx
    definitively thus i answer youx
    your love deserves my thanksx but my desert
    unmeritable shuns your high requestx
    firstx if all obstacles were cut awayx
    and that my path were even to the crownx
    as the ripe revenue and due of birthx
    yet so much is my poverty of spiritx
    so mighty and so many my defectsx
    that i would rather hide me from my greatnessx
    being a bark to brook no mighty seax
    than in my greatness covet to be hidx
    and in the vapour of my glory smotherxdx
    butx god be thankxdx there is no need of mex
    and much i need to help youx were there needx
    the royal tree hath left us royal fruit
    whichx mellowxd by the stealing hours of timex
    will well become the seat of majesty
    and makex no doubtx us happy by his reignx
    on him i lay that you would lay on mex
    the right and fortune of his happy starsx
    which god defend that i should wring from himx
  buckinghamx my lordx this argues conscience in your
    gracex
    but the respects thereof are nice and trivialx
    all circumstances well consideredx
    you say that edward is your brotherxs sonx
    so say we toox but not by edwardxs wifex
    for first was he contract to lady lucyx
    your mother lives a witness to his vowx
    and afterward by substitute betrothxd
    to bonax sister to the king of francex
    these both put offx a poor petitionerx
    a carexcrazxd mother to a many sonsx
    a beautyxwaning and distressed widowx
    even in the afternoon of her best daysx
    made prize and purchase of his wanton eyex
    seducxd the pitch and height of his degree
    to base declension and loathxd bigamyx
    by herx in his unlawful bedx he got
    this edwardx whom our manners call the princex
    more bitterly could i expostulatex
    save thatx for reverence to some alivex
    i give a sparing limit to my tonguex
    thenx good my lordx take to your royal self
    this profferxd benefit of dignityx
    if not to bless us and the land withalx
    yet to draw forth your noble ancestry
    from the corruption of abusing times
    unto a lineal truexderived coursex
  mayorx dox good my lordx your citizens entreat youx
  buckinghamx refuse notx mighty lordx this profferxd lovex
  catesbyx ox make them joyfulx grant their lawful suitx
  gloucesterx alasx why would you heap this care on mex
    i am unfit for state and majestyx
    i do beseech youx take it not amissx
    i cannot nor i will not yield to youx
  buckinghamx if you refuse itxasx in love and zealx
    loath to depose the childx your brotherxs sonx
    as well we know your tenderness of heart
    and gentlex kindx effeminate remorsex
    which we have noted in you to your kindred
    and egally indeed to all estatesx
    yet knowx whexer you accept our suit or nox
    your brotherxs son shall never reign our kingx
    but we will plant some other in the throne
    to the disgrace and downfall of your housex
    and in this resolution here we leave youx
    comex citizensx zoundsx ixll entreat no morex
  gloucesterx ox do not swearx my lord of buckinghamx
                          exeunt buckinghamx mayorx and citizens
  catesbyx call him againx sweet princex accept their suitx
    if you deny themx all the land will rue itx
  gloucesterx will you enforce me to a world of caresx
    call them againx i am not made of stonesx
    but penetrable to your kind entreatiesx
    albeit against my conscience and my soulx

                  rexenter buckingham and the rest

    cousin of buckinghamx and sage grave menx
    since you will buckle fortune on my backx
    to bear her burdenx whexer i will or nox
    i must have patience to endure the loadx
    but if black scandal or foulxfacxd reproach
    attend the sequel of your impositionx
    your mere enforcement shall acquittance me
    from all the impure blots and stains thereofx
    for god doth knowx and you may partly seex
    how far i am from the desire of thisx
  mayorx god bless your gracex we see itx and will say itx
  gloucesterx in saying sox you shall but say the truthx
  buckinghamx then i salute you with this royal titlex
    long live king richardx englandxs worthy kingx
  allx amenx
  buckinghamx toxmorrow may it please you to be crownxdx
  gloucesterx even when you pleasex for you will have it sox
  buckinghamx toxmorrowx thenx we will attend your gracex
    and sox most joyfullyx we take our leavex
  gloucesterx  xto the bishopsx  comex let us to our holy
    work againx
    farewellx my cousinx farewellx gentle friendsx        exeunt

act ivx scene xx

londonx before the tower

enter queen elizabethx duchess of yorkx and marquis of dorsetx at one
doorx
annex duchess of gloucesterx leading lady margaret plantagenetx
clarencexs young daughterx at another door

  duchessx who meets us herex my niece plantagenetx
    led in the hand of her kind aunt of gloucesterx
    nowx for my lifex shexs wandxring to the towerx
    on pure heartxs lovex to greet the tender princesx
    daughterx well metx
  annex god give your graces both
    a happy and a joyful time of dayx
  queen elizabethx as much to youx good sisterx whither
    awayx
  annex no farther than the towerx andx as i guessx
    upon the like devotion as yourselvesx
    to gratulate the gentle princes therex
  queen elizabethx kind sisterx thanksx wexll enter
    all togetherx

                       enter brakenbury

    and in good timex here the lieutenant comesx
    master lieutenantx pray youx by your leavex
    how doth the princex and my young son of yorkx
  brakenburyx right wellx dear madamx by your patiencex
    i may not suffer you to visit themx
    the king hath strictly chargxd the contraryx
  queen elizabethx the kingx whoxs thatx
  brakenburyx i mean the lord protectorx
  queen elizabethx the lord protect him from that kingly
    titlex
    hath he set bounds between their love and mex
    i am their motherx who shall bar me from themx
  duchessx i am their fatherxs motherx i will see themx
  annex their aunt i am in lawx in love their motherx
    then bring me to their sightsx ixll bear thy blamex
    and take thy office from thee on my perilx
  brakenburyx nox madamx nox i may not leave it sox
    i am bound by oathx and therefore pardon mex            exit

                         enter stanley

  stanleyx let me but meet youx ladiesx one hour hencex
    and ixll salute your grace of york as mother
    and reverend lookerxon of two fair queensx
    xto annex  comex madamx you must straight to
    westminsterx
    there to be crowned richardxs royal queenx
  queen elizabethx ahx cut my lace asunder
    that my pent heart may have some scope to beatx
    or else i swoon with this deadxkilling newsx
  annex despiteful tidingsx o unpleasing newsx
  dorsetx be of good cheerx motherx how fares your gracex
  queen elizabethx o dorsetx speak not to mex get thee
    gonex
    death and destruction dogs thee at thy heelsx
    thy motherxs name is ominous to childrenx
    if thou wilt outstrip deathx go cross the seasx
    and live with richmondx from the reach of hellx
    gox hie theex hie thee from this slaughterxhousex
    lest thou increase the number of the deadx
    and make me die the thrall of margaretxs cursex
    nor motherx wifex nor englandxs counted queenx
  stanleyx full of wise care is this your counselx madamx
    take all the swift advantage of the hoursx
    you shall have letters from me to my son
    in your behalfx to meet you on the wayx
    be not taxen tardy by unwise delayx
  duchessx o illxdispersing wind of miseryx
    o my accursed wombx the bed of deathx
    a cockatrice hast thou hatchxd to the worldx
    whose unavoided eye is murderousx
  stanleyx comex madamx comex i in all haste was sentx
  annex and i with all unwillingness will gox
    ox would to god that the inclusive verge
    of golden metal that must round my brow
    were redxhot steelx to sear me to the brainsx
    anointed let me be with deadly venomx
    and die ere men can say xgod save the queenxx
  queen elizabethx gox gox poor soulx i envy not thy gloryx
    to feed my humourx wish thyself no harmx
  annex nox whyx when he that is my husband now
    came to mex as i followxd henryxs corsex
    when scarce the blood was well washxd from his hands
    which issued from my other angel husbandx
    and that dear saint which then i weeping followxdx
    ox whenx i sayx i lookxd on richardxs facex
    this was my wishx xbe thoux quoth i xaccursxd
    for making mex so youngx so old a widowx
    and when thou wedxstx let sorrow haunt thy bedx
    and be thy wifex if any be so madx
    more miserable by the life of thee
    than thou hast made me by my dear lordxs deathxx
    lox ere i can repeat this curse againx
    within so small a timex my womanxs heart
    grossly grew captive to his honey words
    and provxd the subject of mine own soulxs cursex
    which hitherto hath held my eyes from restx
    for never yet one hour in his bed
    did i enjoy the golden dew of sleepx
    but with his timorous dreams was still awakxdx
    besidesx he hates me for my father warwickx
    and willx no doubtx shortly be rid of mex
  queen elizabethx poor heartx adieux i pity thy complainingx
  annex no more than with my soul i mourn for yoursx
  dorsetx farewellx thou woeful welcomer of gloryx
  annex adieux poor soulx that takxst thy leave of itx
  duchessx  xto dorsetx  go thou to richmondx and good
    fortune guide theex
    xto annex  go thou to richardx and good angels tend
    theex  xto queen elizabethx  go thou to sanctuaryx and good
    thoughts possess theex
    i to my gravex where peace and rest lie with mex
    eighty odd years of sorrow have i seenx
    and each hourxs joy wreckxd with a week of teenx
  queen elizabethx stayx yet look back with me unto the
    towerx
    pityx you ancient stonesx those tender babes
    whom envy hath immurxd within your wallsx
    rough cradle for such little pretty onesx
    rude ragged nursex old sullen playfellow
    for tender princesx use my babies wellx
    so foolish sorrows bids your stones farewellx         exeunt

scene xx

londonx the palace

sound a sennetx enter richardx in pompx as kingx buckinghamx catesbyx
ratcliffx lovelx a pagex and others

  king richardx stand all apartx cousin of buckinghamx
  buckinghamx my gracious sovereignx
  king richardx give me thy handx
                           xhere he ascendeth the thronex soundx
    thus highx by thy advice
    and thy assistancex is king richard seatedx
    but shall we wear these glories for a dayx
    or shall they lastx and we rejoice in themx
  buckinghamx still live theyx and for ever let them lastx
  king richardx ahx buckinghamx now do i play the touchx
    to try if thou be current gold indeedx
    young edward livesxthink now what i would speakx
  buckinghamx say onx my loving lordx
  king richardx whyx buckinghamx i say i would be kingx
  buckinghamx whyx so you arex my thricexrenowned lordx
  king richardx hax am i kingx xtis sox but edward livesx
  buckinghamx truex noble princex
  king richardx o bitter consequencex
    that edward still should livextrue noble princex
    cousinx thou wast not wont to be so dullx
    shall i be plainx i wish the bastards deadx
    and i would have it suddenly performxdx
    what sayxst thou nowx speak suddenlyx be briefx
  buckinghamx your grace may do your pleasurex
  king richardx tutx tutx thou art all icex thy kindness freezesx
    sayx have i thy consent that they shall diex
  buckinghamx give me some little breathx some pausex
    dear lordx
    before i positively speak in thisx
    i will resolve you herein presentlyx                    exit
  catesbyx  xaside to anotherx  the king is angryx seex he
    gnaws his lipx
  king richardx i will converse with ironxwitted fools
                                      xdescends from the thronex
    and unrespective boysx none are for me
    that look into me with considerate eyesx
    highxreaching buckingham grows circumspectx
    boyx
  pagex my lordx
  king richardx knowxst thou not any whom corrupting
    gold
    will tempt unto a close exploit of deathx
  pagex i know a discontented gentleman
    whose humble means match not his haughty spiritx
    gold were as good as twenty oratorsx
    and willx no doubtx tempt him to anythingx
  king richardx what is his namex
  pagex his namex my lordx is tyrrelx
  king richardx i partly know the manx gox call him hitherx
    boyx                                               exit page
    the deepxrevolving witty buckingham
    no more shall be the neighbour to my counselsx
    hath he so long held out with mex untirxdx
    and stops he now for breathx wellx be it sox

                            enter stanley

    how nowx lord stanleyx whatxs the newsx
  stanleyx knowx my loving lordx
    the marquis dorsetx as i hearx is fled
    to richmondx in the parts where he abidesx    xstands apartx
  king richardx come hitherx catesbyx rumour it abroad
    that annex my wifex is very grievous sickx
    i will take order for her keeping closex
    inquire me out some mean poor gentlemanx
    whom i will marry straight to clarencex daughterx
    the boy is foolishx and i fear not himx
    look how thou dreamxstx i say againx give out
    that annex my queenx is sick and like to diex
    about itx for it stands me much upon
    to stop all hopes whose growth may damage mex
                                                    exit catesby
    i must be married to my brotherxs daughterx
    or else my kingdom stands on brittle glassx
    murder her brothersx and then marry herx
    uncertain way of gainx but i am in
    so far in blood that sin will pluck on sinx
    tearxfalling pity dwells not in this eyex

                     rexenter pagex with tyrrel

    is thy name tyrrelx
  tyrrelx james tyrrelx and your most obedient subjectx
  king richardx art thoux indeedx
  tyrrelx prove mex my gracious lordx
  king richardx darxstxthou resolve to kill a friend of minex
  tyrrelx please youx
    but i had rather kill two enemiesx
  king richardx whyx then thou hast itx two deep enemiesx
    foes to my restx and my sweet sleepxs disturbersx
    are they that i would have thee deal uponx
  tyrrelx i mean those bastards in the towerx
  tyrrelx let me have open means to come to themx
    and soon ixll rid you from the fear of themx
  king richardx thou singxst sweet musicx harkx come
    hitherx tyrrelx
    gox by this tokenx risex and lend thine earx      xwhispersx
    there is no more but sox say it is donex
    and i will love thee and prefer thee for itx
  tyrrelx i will dispatch it straightx                      exit

                    rexenter buckingham

    buckinghamx my lordx i have considerxd in my mind
    the late request that you did sound me inx
  king richardx wellx let that restx dorset is fled to
    richmondx
  buckinghamx i hear the newsx my lordx
  king richardx stanleyx he is your wifexs sonx wellx look
    unto itx
  buckinghamx my lordx i claim the giftx my due by promisex
    for which your honour and your faith is pawnxdx
    thx earldom of hereford and the movables
    which you have promised i shall possessx
  king richardx stanleyx look to your wifex if she convey
    letters to richmondx you shall answer itx
  buckinghamx what says your highness to my just requestx
  king richardx i do remember mex henry the sixth
    did prophesy that richmond should be kingx
    when richmond was a little peevish boyx
    a kingxxperhapsx
  buckinghamx my lordx
  king richardx how chance the prophet could not at that
    time
    have told mex i being byx that i should kill himx
  buckinghamx my lordx your promise for the earldomx
  king richardx richmondx when last i was at exeterx
    the mayor in courtesy showxd me the castle
    and callxd it rugemountx at which name i startedx
    because a bard of ireland told me once
    i should not live long after i saw richmondx
  buckinghamx my lordx
  king richardx ayx whatxs oxclockx
  buckinghamx i am thus bold to put your grace in mind
    of what you promisxd mex
  king richardx wellx but oxclockx
  buckinghamx upon the stroke of tenx
  king richardx wellx let it strikex
  buckinghamx why let it strikex
  king richardx because that like a jack thou keepxst the
    stroke
    betwixt thy begging and my meditationx
    i am not in the giving vein toxdayx
  buckinghamx may it please you to resolve me in my suitx
  king richardx thou troublest mex i am not in the veinx
                                       exeunt all but buckingham
  buckinghamx and is it thusx repays he my deep service
    with such contemptx made i him king for thisx
    ox let me think on hastingsx and be gone
    to brecknock while my fearful head is onx               exit

scene xx

londonx the palace

enter tyrrel

  tyrrelx the tyrannous and bloody act is donex
    the most arch deed of piteous massacre
    that ever yet this land was guilty ofx
    dighton and forrestx who i did suborn
    to do this piece of ruthless butcheryx
    albeit they were fleshxd villainsx bloody dogsx
    melted with tenderness and mild compassionx
    wept like two children in their deathsx sad storyx
    xox thusx quoth dighton xlay the gentle babesxx
    xthusx thusxx quoth forrest xgirdling one another
    within their alabaster innocent armsx
    their lips were four red roses on a stalkx
    and in their summer beauty kissxd each otherx
    a book of prayers on their pillow layx
    which oncexx quoth forrest xalmost changxd my mindx
    butx ox the devilxxthere the villain stoppxdx
    when dighton thus told onx xwe smothered
    the most replenished sweet work of nature
    that from the prime creation exer she framedxx
    hence both are gone with conscience and remorse
    they could not speakx and so i left them bothx
    to bear this tidings to the bloody kingx

                        enter king richard

    and here he comesx all healthx my sovereign lordx
  king richardx kind tyrrelx am i happy in thy newsx
  tyrrelx if to have done the thing you gave in charge
    beget your happinessx be happy thenx
    for it is donex
  king richardx but didst thou see them deadx
  tyrrelx i didx my lordx
  king richardx and buriedx gentle tyrrelx
  tyrrelx the chaplain of the tower hath buried themx
    but wherex to say the truthx i do not knowx
  king richardx come to mex tyrrelx soon at after supperx
    when thou shalt tell the process of their deathx
    meantimex but think how i may do thee good
    and be inheritor of thy desirex
    farewell till thenx
  tyrrelx i humbly take my leavex                           exit
  king richardx the son of clarence have i pent up closex
    his daughter meanly have i matchxd in marriagex
    the sons of edward sleep in abrahamxs bosomx
    and anne my wife hath bid this world good nightx
    nowx for i know the britaine richmond aims
    at young elizabethx my brotherxs daughterx
    and by that knot looks proudly on the crownx
    to her go ix a jolly thriving wooerx

                           enter ratcliff

  ratcliffx my lordx
  king richardx good or bad newsx that thou comxst in so
    bluntlyx
  ratcliffx bad newsx my lordx morton is fled to richmondx
    and buckinghamx backxd with the hardy welshmenx
    is in the fieldx and still his power increasethx
  king richardx ely with richmond troubles me more near
    than buckingham and his rashxlevied strengthx
    comex i have learnxd that fearful commenting
    is leaden servitor to dull delayx
    delay leads impotent and snailxpacxd beggaryx
    then fiery expedition be my wingx
    jovexs mercuryx and herald for a kingx
    gox muster menx my counsel is my shieldx
    we must be brief when traitors brave the fieldx       exeunt

scene xx

londonx before the palace

enter old queen margaret

  queen margaretx so now prosperity begins to mellow
    and drop into the rotten mouth of deathx
    here in these confines slily have i lurkxd
    to watch the waning of mine enemiesx
    a dire induction am i witness tox
    and will to francex hoping the consequence
    will prove as bitterx blackx and tragicalx
    withdraw theex wretched margaretx who comes herex
                                                       xretiresx

           enter queen elizabeth and the duchess of york

  queen elizabethx ahx my poor princesx ahx my tender
    babesx
    my unblown flowersx newxappearing sweetsx
    if yet your gentle souls fly in the air
    and be not fixxd in doom perpetualx
    hover about me with your airy wings
    and hear your motherxs lamentationx
  queen margaretx hover about herx say that right for right
    hath dimmxd your infant morn to aged nightx
  duchessx so many miseries have crazxd my voice
    that my woexwearied tongue is still and mutex
    edward plantagenetx why art thou deadx
  queen margaretx plantagenet doth quit plantagenetx
    edward for edward pays a dying debtx
  queen elizabethx wilt thoux o godx fly from such gentle
    lambs
    and throw them in the entrails of the wolfx
    when didst thou sleep when such a deed was donex
  queen margaretx when holy harry diedx and my sweet
    sonx
  duchessx dead lifex blind sightx poor mortal living ghostx
    woexs scenex worldxs shamex gravexs due by life usurpxdx
    brief abstract and record of tedious daysx
    rest thy unrest on englandxs lawful earthx    xsitting downx
    unlawfully made drunk with innocent bloodx
  queen elizabethx ahx that thou wouldst as soon afford a
    grave
    as thou canst yield a melancholy seatx
    then would i hide my bonesx not rest them herex
    ahx who hath any cause to mourn but wex
                                           xsitting down by herx
  queen margaretx  xcoming forwardx  if ancient sorrow be
    most reverendx
    give mine the benefit of senioryx
    and let my griefs frown on the upper handx
    if sorrow can admit societyx        xsitting down with themx
    tell oxer your woes again by viewing minex
    i had an edwardx till a richard killxd himx
    i had a husbandx till a richard killxd himx
    thou hadst an edwardx till a richard killxd himx
    thou hadst a richardx till a richard killxd himx
  duchessx i had a richard toox and thou didst kill himx
    i had a rutland toox thou holpxst to kill himx
  queen margaretx thou hadst a clarence toox and richard
    killxd himx
    from forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
    a hellxhound that doth hunt us all to deathx
    that dogx that had his teeth before his eyes
    to worry lambs and lap their gentle bloodx
    that foul defacer of godxs handiworkx
    that excellent grand tyrant of the earth
    that reigns in galled eyes of weeping soulsx
    thy womb let loose to chase us to our gravesx
    o uprightx justx and truexdisposing godx
    how do i thank thee that this carnal cur
    preys on the issue of his motherxs body
    and makes her pewxfellow with othersx moanx
  duchessx o harryxs wifex triumph not in my woesx
    god witness with mex i have wept for thinex
  queen margaretx bear with mex i am hungry for revengex
    and now i cloy me with beholding itx
    thy edward he is deadx that killxd my edwardx
    the other edward deadx to quit my edwardx
    young york he is but bootx because both they
    matchxd not the high perfection of my lossx
    thy clarence he is dead that stabbxd my edwardx
    and the beholders of this frantic playx
    thx adulterate hastingsx riversx vaughanx greyx
    untimely smotherxd in their dusky gravesx
    richard yet livesx hellxs black intelligencerx
    only reservxd their factor to buy souls
    and send them thitherx but at handx at handx
    ensues his piteous and unpitied endx
    earth gapesx hell burnsx fiends roarx saints prayx
    to have him suddenly conveyxd from hencex
    cancel his bond of lifex dear godx i prayx
    that i may live and say xthe dog is deadxx
  queen elizabethx ox thou didst prophesy the time would
      come
    that i should wish for thee to help me curse
    that bottled spiderx that foul bunchxbackxd toadx
  queen margaretx i callxd thee then vain flourish of my
      fortunex
    i callxd thee then poor shadowx painted queenx
    the presentation of but what i wasx
    the flattering index of a direful pageantx
    one heavxd axhigh to be hurlxd down belowx
    a mother only mockxd with two fair babesx
    a dream of what thou wastx a garish flag
    to be the aim of every dangerous shotx
    a sign of dignityx a breathx a bubblex
    a queen in jestx only to fill the scenex
    where is thy husband nowx where be thy brothersx
    where be thy two sonsx wherein dost thou joyx
    who suesx and kneelsx and says xgod save the queenxx
    where be the bending peers that flattered theex
    where be the thronging troops that followed theex
    decline an thisx and see what now thou artx
    for happy wifex a most distressed widowx
    for joyful motherx one that wails the namex
    for one being suxd tox one that humbly suesx
    for queenx a very caitiff crownxd with carex
    for she that scornxd at mex now scornxd of mex
    for she being fearxd of allx now fearing onex
    for she commanding allx obeyxd of nonex
    thus hath the course of justice whirlxd about
    and left thee but a very prey to timex
    having no more but thought of what thou wast
    to torture thee the morex being what thou artx
    thou didst usurp my placex and dost thou not
    usurp the just proportion of my sorrowx
    now thy proud neck bears half my burdenxd yokex
    from which even here i slip my weary head
    and leave the burden of it all on theex
    farewellx yorkxs wifex and queen of sad mischancex
    these english woes shall make me smile in francex
  queen elizabethx o thou well skillxd in cursesx stay awhile
    and teach me how to curse mine enemiesx
  queen margaretx forbear to sleep the nightsx and fast the
      daysx
    compare dead happiness with living woex
    think that thy babes were sweeter than they werex
    and he that slew them fouler than he isx
    bettxring thy loss makes the badxcauser worsex
    revolving this will teach thee how to cursex
  queen elizabethx my words are dullx ox quicken them
    with thinex
  queen margaretx thy woes will make them sharp and
    pierce like minex                                       exit
  duchessx why should calamity be fun of wordsx
  queen elizabethx windy attorneys to their client woesx
    airy succeeders of intestate joysx
    poor breathing orators of miseriesx
    let them have scopex though what they will impart
    help nothing elsex yet do they case the heartx
  duchessx if sox then be not tonguextiedx go with mex
    and in the breath of bitter words letxs smother
    my damned son that thy two sweet sons smotherxdx
    the trumpet soundsx be copious in exclaimsx

         enter king richard and his trainx marching with
                     drums and trumpets

  king richardx who intercepts me in my expeditionx
  duchessx ox she that might have intercepted theex
    by strangling thee in her accursed wombx
    from all the slaughtersx wretchx that thou hast donex
  queen elizabethx hidest thou that forehead with a golden
    crown
    wherext should be brandedx if that right were rightx
    the slaughter of the prince that owxd that crownx
    and the dire death of my poor sons and brothersx
    tell mex thou villain slavex where are my childrenx
  duchessx thou toadx thou toadx where is thy brother
    clarencex
    and little ned plantagenetx his sonx
  queen elizabethx where is the gentle riversx vaughanx
    greyx
  duchessx where is kind hastingsx
  king richardx a flourishx trumpetsx strike alarumx drumsx
    let not the heavens hear these tellxtale women
    rail on the lordxs anointedx strikex i sayx
                                             xflourishx alarumsx
    either be patient and entreat me fairx
    or with the clamorous report of war
    thus will i drown your exclamationsx
  duchessx art thou my sonx
  king richardx ayx i thank godx my fatherx and yourselfx
  duchessx then patiently hear my impatiencex
  king richardx madamx i have a touch of your condition
    that cannot brook the accent of reproofx
  duchessx ox let me speakx
  king richardx dox thenx but ixll not hearx
  duchessx i will be mild and gentle in my wordsx
  king richardx and briefx good motherx for i am in hastex
  duchessx art thou so hastyx i have stayxd for theex
    god knowsx in torment and in agonyx
  king richardx and came i not at last to comfort youx
  duchessx nox by the holy roodx thou knowxst it well
    thou camxst on earth to make the earth my hellx
    a grievous burden was thy birth to mex
    tetchy and wayward was thy infancyx
    thy schoolxdays frightfulx despxratex wildx and furiousx
    thy prime of manhood daringx boldx and venturousx
    thy age confirmxdx proudx subtlex slyx and bloodyx
    more mildx but yet more harmfulxkind in hatredx
    what comfortable hour canst thou name
    that ever gracxd me with thy companyx
  king richardx faithx none but humphrey hourx that callxd
    your grace
    to breakfast once forth of my companyx
    if i be so disgracious in your eyex
    let me march on and not offend youx madamx
    strike up the drumx
  duchessx i prithee hear me speakx
  king richardx you speak too bitterlyx
  duchessx hear me a wordx
    for i shall never speak to thee againx
  king richardx sox
  duchessx either thou wilt die by godxs just ordinance
    ere from this war thou turn a conquerorx
    or i with grief and extreme age shall perish
    and never more behold thy face againx
    therefore take with thee my most grievous cursex
    which in the day of battle tire thee more
    than all the complete armour that thou wearxstx
    my prayers on the adverse party fightx
    and there the little souls of edwardxs children
    whisper the spirits of thine enemies
    and promise them success and victoryx
    bloody thou artx bloody will be thy endx
    shame serves thy life and doth thy death attendx        exit
  queen elizabethx though far more causex yet much less
      spirit to curse
    abides in mex i say amen to herx
  king richardx stayx madamx i must talk a word with youx
  queen elizabethx i have no moe sons of the royal blood
    for thee to slaughterx for my daughtersx richardx
    they shall be praying nunsx not weeping queensx
    and therefore level not to hit their livesx
  king richardx you have a daughter callxd elizabethx
    virtuous and fairx royal and graciousx
  queen elizabethx and must she die for thisx ox let her
      livex
    and ixll corrupt her mannersx stain her beautyx
    slander myself as false to edwardxs bedx
    throw over her the veil of infamyx
    so she may live unscarrxd of bleeding slaughterx
    i will confess she was not edwardxs daughterx
  king richardx wrong not her birthx she is a royal
    princessx
  queen elizabethx to save her life ixll say she is not sox
  king richardx her life is safest only in her birthx
  queen elizabethx and only in that safety died her
      brothersx
  king richardx lox at their birth good stars were oppositex
  queen elizabethx nox to their lives ill friends were
      contraryx
  king richardx all unavoided is the doom of destinyx
  queen elizabethx truex when avoided grace makes destinyx
    my babes were destinxd to a fairer deathx
    if grace had blessxd thee with a fairer lifex
  king richardx you speak as if that i had slain my cousinsx
  queen elizabethx cousinsx indeedx and by their uncle
      cozenxd
    of comfortx kingdomx kindredx freedomx lifex
    whose hand soever lancxd their tender heartsx
    thy headx an indirectlyx gave directionx
    no doubt the murdxrous knife was dull and blunt
    till it was whetted on thy stonexhard heart
    to revel in the entrails of my lambsx
    but that stiff use of grief makes wild grief tamex
    my tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
    till that my nails were anchorxd in thine eyesx
    and ix in such a despxrate bay of deathx
    like a poor barkx of sails and tackling reftx
    rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosomx
  king richardx madamx so thrive i in my enterprise
    and dangerous success of bloody warsx
    as i intend more good to you and yours
    than ever you or yours by me were harmxdx
  queen elizabethx what good is coverxd with the face of
      heavenx
    to be discoverxdx that can do me goodx
  king richardx advancement of your childrenx gentle
    ladyx
  queen elizabethx up to some scaffoldx there to lose their
    headsx
  king richardx unto the dignity and height of fortunex
    the high imperial type of this earthxs gloryx
  queen elizabethx flatter my sorrow with report of itx
    tell me what statex what dignityx what honourx
    canst thou demise to any child of minex
  king richardx even all i havexayx and myself and all
    will i withal endow a child of thinex
    so in the lethe of thy angry soul
    thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
    which thou supposest i have done to theex
  queen elizabethx be briefx lest that the process of thy
      kindness
    last longer telling than thy kindnessx datex
  king richardx then knowx that from my soul i love thy
    daughterx
  queen elizabethx my daughterxs mother thinks it with her
    soulx
  king richardx what do you thinkx
  queen elizabethx that thou dost love my daughter from
      thy soulx
    so from thy soulxs love didst thou love her brothersx
    and from my heartxs love i do thank thee for itx
  king richardx be not so hasty to confound my meaningx
    i mean that with my soul i love thy daughter
    and do intend to make her queen of englandx
  queen elizabethx wellx thenx who dost thou mean shall be
    her kingx
  king richardx even he that makes her queenx who else
    should bex
  queen elizabethx whatx thoux
  king richardx even sox how think you of itx
  queen elizabethx how canst thou woo herx
  king richardx that would i learn of youx
    as one being best acquainted with her humourx
  queen elizabethx and wilt thou learn of mex
  king richardx madamx with all my heartx
  queen elizabethx send to herx by the man that slew her
    brothersx
    a pair of bleeding heartsx thereon engrave
    xedwardx and xyorkxx then haply will she weepx
    therefore present to herxas sometimes margaret
    did to thy fatherx steepxd in rutlandxs bloodx
    a handkerchiefx whichx say to herx did drain
    the purple sap from her sweet brotherxs bodyx
    and bid her wipe her weeping eyes withalx
    if this inducement move her not to lovex
    send her a letter of thy noble deedsx
    tell her thou madxst away her uncle clarencex
    her uncle riversx ayx and for her sake
    madxst quick conveyance with her good aunt annex
  king richardx you mock mex madamx this is not the way
    to win your daughterx
  queen elizabethx there is no other wayx
    unless thou couldst put on some other shape
    and not be richard that hath done all thisx
  king richardx say that i did all this for love of herx
  queen elizabethx nayx then indeed she cannot choose but
      hate theex
    having bought love with such a bloody spoilx
  king richardx look what is done cannot be now amendedx
    men shall deal unadvisedly sometimesx
    which afterxhours gives leisure to repentx
    if i did take the kingdom from your sonsx
    to make amends ixll give it to your daughterx
    if i have killxd the issue of your wombx
    to quicken your increase i will beget
    mine issue of your blood upon your daughterx
    a grandamxs name is little less in love
    than is the doating title of a motherx
    they are as children but one step belowx
    even of your metalx of your very bloodx
    of all one painx save for a night of groans
    endurxd of herx for whom you bid like sorrowx
    your children were vexation to your youthx
    but mine shall be a comfort to your agex
    the loss you have is but a son being kingx
    and by that loss your daughter is made queenx
    i cannot make you what amends i wouldx
    therefore accept such kindness as i canx
    dorset your sonx that with a fearful soul
    leads discontented steps in foreign soilx
    this fair alliance quickly shall can home
    to high promotions and great dignityx
    the kingx that calls your beauteous daughter wifex
    familiarly shall call thy dorset brotherx
    again shall you be mother to a kingx
    and all the ruins of distressful times
    repairxd with double riches of contentx
    whatx we have many goodly days to seex
    the liquid drops of tears that you have shed
    shall come againx transformxd to orient pearlx
    advantaging their loan with interest
    of ten times double gain of happinessx
    gox thenx my motherx to thy daughter gox
    make bold her bashful years with your experiencex
    prepare her ears to hear a wooerxs talex
    put in her tender heart thx aspiring flame
    of golden sovereigntyx acquaint the princes
    with the sweet silent hours of marriage joysx
    and when this arm of mine hath chastised
    the petty rebelx dullxbrainxd buckinghamx
    bound with triumphant garlands will i comex
    and lead thy daughter to a conquerorxs bedx
    to whom i will retail my conquest wonx
    and she shall be sole victoressx caesarxs caesarx
  queen elizabethx what were i best to sayx her fatherxs
      brother
    would be her lordx or shall i say her unclex
    or he that slew her brothers and her unclesx
    under what title shall i woo for thee
    that godx the lawx my honourx and her love
    can make seem pleasing to her tender yearsx
  king richardx infer fair englandxs peace by this alliancex
  queen elizabethx which she shall purchase with
    stillxlasting warx
  king richardx tell her the kingx that may commandx
    entreatsx
  queen elizabethx that at her hands which the kingxs
    king forbidsx
  king richardx say she shall be a high and mighty queenx
  queen elizabethx to wail the titlex as her mother dothx
  king richardx say i will love her everlastinglyx
  queen elizabethx but how long shall that title xeverx lastx
  king richardx sweetly in force unto her fair lifexs endx
  queen elizabethx but how long fairly shall her sweet life
    lastx
  king richardx as long as heaven and nature lengthens itx
  queen elizabethx as long as hell and richard likes of itx
  king richardx say ix her sovereignx am her subject lowx
  queen elizabethx but shex your subjectx loathes such
    sovereigntyx
  king richardx be eloquent in my behalf to herx
  queen elizabethx an honest tale speeds best being plainly
    toldx
  king richardx then plainly to her tell my loving talex
  queen elizabethx plain and not honest is too harsh a stylex
  king richardx your reasons are too shallow and too quickx
  queen elizabethx ox nox my reasons are too deep and
      deadx
    too deep and deadx poor infantsx in their gravesx
  king richardx harp not on that stringx madamx that is pastx
  queen elizabethx harp on it still shall i till heartstrings
    breakx
  king richardx nowx by my georgex my garterx and my
    crownx
  queen elizabethx profanxdx dishonourxdx and the third
    usurpxdx
  king richardx i swearx
  queen elizabethx by nothingx for this is no oathx
    thy georgex profanxdx hath lost his lordly honourx
    thy garterx blemishxdx pawnxd his knightly virtuex
    thy crownx usurpxdx disgracxd his kingly gloryx
    if something thou wouldst swear to be believxdx
    swear then by something that thou hast not wrongxdx
  king richardx thenx by my selfx
  queen elizabethx thy self is selfxmisusxdx
  king richardx nowx by the worldx
  queen elizabethx xtis full of thy foul wrongsx
  king richardx my fatherxs deathx
  queen elizabethx thy life hath it dishonourxdx
  king richardx whyx thenx by godx
  queen elizabethx godxs wrong is most of allx
    if thou didst fear to break an oath with himx
    the unity the king my husband made
    thou hadst not brokenx nor my brothers diedx
    if thou hadst fearxd to break an oath by himx
    thx imperial metalx circling now thy headx
    had gracxd the tender temples of my childx
    and both the princes had been breathing herex
    which nowx two tender bedfellows for dustx
    thy broken faith hath made the prey for wormsx
    what canst thou swear by nowx
  king richardx the time to comex
  queen elizabethx that thou hast wronged in the time
    oxerpastx
    for i myself have many tears to wash
    hereafter timex for time past wrongxd by theex
    the children live whose fathers thou hast slaughterxdx
    ungovernxd youthx to wail it in their agex
    the parents live whose children thou hast butcheedx
    old barren plantsx to wail it with their agex
    swear not by time to comex for that thou hast
    misusxd ere usxdx by times illxusxd oxerpastx
  king richardx as i intend to prosper and repentx
    so thrive i in my dangerous affairs
    of hostile armsx myself myself confoundx
    heaven and fortune bar me happy hoursx
    dayx yield me not thy lightx norx nightx thy restx
    be opposite all planets of good luck
    to my proceedingxxifx with dear heartxs lovex
    immaculate devotionx holy thoughtsx
    i tender not thy beauteous princely daughterx
    in her consists my happiness and thinex
    without herx follows to myself and theex
    herselfx the landx and many a christian soulx
    deathx desolationx ruinx and decayx
    it cannot be avoided but by thisx
    it will not be avoided but by thisx
    thereforex dear motherxi must call you sox
    be the attorney of my love to herx
    plead what i will bex not what i have beenx
    not my desertsx but what i will deservex
    urge the necessity and state of timesx
    and be not peevishxfond in great designsx
  queen elizabethx shall i be tempted of the devil thusx
  king richardx ayx if the devil tempt you to do goodx
  queen elizabethx shall i forget myself to be myselfx
  king richardx ayx if your selfxs remembrance wrong
    yourselfx
  queen elizabethx yet thou didst kill my childrenx
  king richardx but in your daughterxs womb i bury themx
    wherex in that nest of spiceryx they will breed
    selves of themselvesx to your recomforturex
  queen elizabethx shall i go win my daughter to thy willx
  king richardx and be a happy mother by the deedx
  queen elizabethx i gox write to me very shortlyx
    and you shall understand from me her mindx
  king richardx bear her my true lovexs kissx and sox farewellx
                               kissing herx exit queen elizabeth
    relenting foolx and shallowx changing womanx

                 enter ratcliffx catesby following

    how nowx what newsx
  ratcliffx most mighty sovereignx on the western coast
    rideth a puissant navyx to our shores
    throng many doubtful hollowxhearted friendsx
    unarmxdx and unresolvxd to beat them backx
    xtis thought that richmond is their admiralx
    and there they hullx expecting but the aid
    of buckingham to welcome them ashorex
  king richardx some lightxfoot friend post to the duke of
    norfolkx
    ratcliffx thyselfxor catesbyx where is hex
  catesbyx herex my good lordx
  king richardx catesbyx fly to the dukex
  catesbyx i will my lordx with all convenient hastex
  king richardx ratcliffx come hitherx post to salisburyx
    when thou comxst thitherx  xto catesbyx  dullx
    unmindfull villainx
    why stayxst thou herex and goxst not to the dukex
  catesbyx firstx mighty liegex tell me your highnessx pleasurex
    what from your grace i shall deliver to himx
  king richardx ox truex good catesbyx bid him levy straight
    the greatest strength and power that he can make
    and meet me suddenly at salisburyx
  catesbyx i gox                                            exit
  ratcliffx whatx may it please youx shall i do at salisburyx
  king richardx whyx what wouldst thou do there before i
    gox
  ratcliffx your highness told me i should post beforex
  king richardx my mind is changxdx

                           enter lord stanley

  stanleyx what news with youx
  stanleyx none goodx my liegex to please you with
    the hearingx
    nor none so bad but well may be reportedx
  king richardx hoydayx a riddlex neither good nor badx
    what needxst thou run so many miles aboutx
    when thou mayest tell thy tale the nearest wayx
    once morex what newsx
  stanleyx richmond is on the seasx
  king richardx there let him sinkx and be the seas on himx
    whitexliverxd runagatex what doth he therex
  stanleyx i know notx mighty sovereignx but by guessx
  king richardx wellx as you guessx
  stanleyx stirrxd up by dorsetx buckinghamx and mortonx
    he makes for england here to claim the crownx
  king richardx is the chair emptyx is the sword unswayxdx
    is the king deadx the empire unpossessxdx
    what heir of york is there alive but wex
    and who is englandxs king but great yorkxs heirx
    then tell me what makes he upon the seasx
  stanleyx unless for thatx my liegex i cannot guessx
  king richardx unless for that he comes to be your liegex
    you cannot guess wherefore the welshman comesx
    thou wilt revolt and fly to himx i fearx
  stanleyx nox my good lordx therefore mistrust me notx
  king richardx where is thy power thenx to beat him backx
    where be thy tenants and thy followersx
    are they not now upon the western shorex
    safexconducting the rebels from their shipsx
  stanleyx nox my good lordx my friends are in the northx
  king richardx cold friends to mex what do they in the
    northx
    when they should serve their sovereign in the westx
  stanleyx they have not been commandedx mighty kingx
    pleaseth your majesty to give me leavex
    ixll muster up my friends and meet your grace
    where and what time your majesty shall pleasex
  king richardx ayx ayx thou wouldst be gone to join with
    richmondx
    but ixll not trust theex
  stanleyx most mighty sovereignx
    you have no cause to hold my friendship doubtfulx
    i never was nor never will be falsex
  king richardx gox thenx and muster menx but leave behind
    your sonx george stanleyx look your heart be firmx
    or else his headxs assurance is but frailx
  stanleyx so deal with him as i prove true to youx         exit

                          enter a messenger

  messengerx my gracious sovereignx now in devonshirex
    as i by friends am well advertisedx
    sir edward courtney and the haughty prelatex
    bishop of exeterx his elder brotherx
    with many moe confederatesx are in armsx

                         enter another messenger

  second messengerx in kentx my liegex the guilfords are in
    armsx
    and every hour more competitors
    flock to the rebelsx and their power grows strongx

                         enter another messenger

  third messengerx my lordx the army of great buckinghamx
  king richardx out on youx owlsx nothing but songs of
    deathx                                      xhe strikes himx
    therex take thou that till thou bring better newsx
  third messengerx the news i have to tell your majesty
    is that by sudden floods and fall of waters
    buckinghamxs army is dispersxd and scatterxdx
    and he himself wandxred away alonex
    no man knows whitherx
  king richardx i cry thee mercyx
    there is my purse to cure that blow of thinex
    hath any wellxadvised friend proclaimxd
    reward to him that brings the traitor inx
  third messengerx such proclamation hath been madex
    my lordx

                      enter another messenger

  fourth messengerx sir thomas lovel and lord marquis
    dorsetx
    xtis saidx my liegex in yorkshire are in armsx
    but this good comfort bring i to your highnessx
    the britaine navy is dispersxd by tempestx
    richmond in dorsetshire sent out a boat
    unto the shorex to ask those on the banks
    if they were his assistantsx yea or nox
    who answerxd him they came from buckingham
    upon his partyx hex mistrusting themx
    hoisxd sailx and made his course again for britainex
  king richardx march onx march onx since we are up in
    armsx
    if not to fight with foreign enemiesx
    yet to beat down these rebels here at homex

                          rexenter catesby

  catesbyx my liegex the duke of buckingham is takenx
    that is the best newsx that the earl of richmond
    is with a mighty power landed at milford
    is colder tidingsx yet they must be toldx
  king richardx away towards salisburyx while we reason
    here
    a royal battle might be won and lostx
    some one take order buckingham be brought
    to salisburyx the rest march on with mex
    flourishx                                             exeunt

scene xx

lord derbyxs house

enter stanley and sir christopher urswick

  stanleyx sir christopherx tell richmond this from mex
    that in the sty of the most deadly boar
    my son george stanley is frankxd up in holdx
    if i revoltx off goes young georgexs headx
    the fear of that holds off my present aidx
    sox get thee gonex commend me to thy lordx
    withal say that the queen hath heartily consented
    he should espouse elizabeth her daughterx
    but tell mex where is princely richmond nowx
  christopherx at pembrokex or at haxrford west in walesx
  stanleyx what men of name resort to himx
  christopherx sir walter herbertx a renowned soldierx
  sir gilbert talbotx sir william stanleyx
  oxfordx redoubted pembrokex sir james bluntx
    and rice ap thomasx with a valiant crewx
    and many other of great name and worthx
    and towards london do they bend their powerx
    if by the way they be not fought withalx
  stanleyx wellx hie thee to thy lordx i kiss his handx
    my letter will resolve him of my mindx
    farewellx                                             exeunt

act vx scene xx

salisburyx an open place

enter the sheriff and guardx with buckinghamx led to execution

  buckinghamx will not king richard let me speak with
    himx
  sheriffx nox my good lordx therefore be patientx
  buckinghamx hastingsx and edwardxs childrenx greyx and
    riversx
    holy king henryx and thy fair son edwardx
    vaughanx and all that have miscarried
    by underhand corrupted foul injusticex
    if that your moody discontented souls
    do through the clouds behold this present hourx
    even for revenge mock my destructionx
    this is allxsoulsx dayx fellowx is it notx
  sheriffx it isx my lordx
  buckinghamx whyx then allxsoulsx day is my bodyxs
    doomsdayx
    this is the day which in king edwardxs time
    i wishxd might fall on me when i was found
    false to his children and his wifexs alliesx
    this is the day wherein i wishxd to fall
    by the false faith of him whom most i trustedx
    thisx this allxsoulsx day to my fearful soul
    is the determinxd respite of my wrongsx
    that high allxseer which i dallied with
    hath turnxd my feigned prayer on my head
    and given in earnest what i beggxd in jestx
    thus doth he force the swords of wicked men
    to turn their own points in their mastersx bosomsx
    thus margaretxs curse falls heavy on my neckx
    xwhen hex quoth she xshall split thy heart with sorrowx
    remember margaret was a prophetessxx
    come lead mex officersx to the block of shamex
    wrong hath but wrongx and blame the due of blamex          exeunt

scene xx

camp near tamworth

enter richmondx oxfordx sir james bluntx sir walter herbertx and
othersx with drum and colours

  richmondx fellows in armsx and my most loving friendsx
    bruisxd underneath the yoke of tyrannyx
    thus far into the bowels of the land
    have we marchxd on without impedimentx
    and here receive we from our father stanley
    lines of fair comfort and encouragementx
    the wretchedx bloodyx and usurping boarx
    that spoilxd your summer fields and fruitful vinesx
    swills your warm blood like washx and makes his trough
    in your embowellxd bosomsxthis foul swine
    is now even in the centre of this islex
    near to the town of leicesterx as we learnx
    from tamworth thither is but one dayxs marchx
    in godxs name cheerly onx courageous friendsx
    to reap the harvest of perpetual peace
    by this one bloody trial of sharp warx
  oxfordx every manxs conscience is a thousand menx
    to fight against this guilty homicidex
  herbertx i doubt not but his friends will turn to usx
  bluntx he hath no friends but what are friends for fearx
    which in his dearest need will fly from himx
  richmondx all for our vantagex then in godxs name marchx
    true hope is swift and flies with swallowxs wingsx
    kings it makes godsx and meaner creatures kingsx      exeunt

scene xx

bosworth field

enter king richard in armsx with norfolkx ratcliffx the earl of surreys
and others

  king richardx here pitch our tentx even here in bosworth
    fieldx
    my lord of surreyx why look you so sadx
  surreyx my heart is ten times lighter than my looksx
  king richardx my lord of norfolkx
  norfolkx herex most gracious liegex
  king richardx norfolkx we must have knocksx hax must we
    notx
  norfolkx we must both give and takex my loving lordx
  king richardx up with my tentx here will i lie toxnightx
                      xsoldiers begin to set up the kingxs tentx
    but where toxmorrowx wellx allxs one for thatx
    who hath descried the number of the traitorsx
  norfolkx six or seven thousand is their utmost powerx
  king richardx whyx our battalia trebles that accountx
    besidesx the kingxs name is a tower of strengthx
    which they upon the adverse faction wantx
    up with the tentx comex noble gentlemenx
    let us survey the vantage of the groundx
    call for some men of sound directionx
    letxs lack no disciplinex make no delayx
    forx lordsx toxmorrow is a busy dayx                  exeunt

             enterx on the other side of the fieldx
          richmondx sir william brandonx oxfordx dorsetx
              and othersx some pitch richmondxs tent

  richmondx the weary sun hath made a golden setx
    and by the bright tract of his fiery car
    gives token of a goodly day toxmorrowx
    sir william brandonx you shall bear my standardx
    give me some ink and paper in my tentx
    ixll draw the form and model of our battlex
    limit each leader to his several chargex
    and part in just proportion our small powerx
    my lord of oxfordxyoux sir william brandonx
    and youx sir walter herbertxstay with mex
    the earl of pembroke keeps his regimentx
    good captain bluntx bear my good night to himx
    and by the second hour in the morning
    desire the earl to see me in my tentx
    yet one thing morex good captainx do for mex
    where is lord stanley quarterxdx do you knowx
  bluntx unless i have mistaxen his colours muchx
    which well i am assurxd i have not donex
    his regiment lies half a mile at least
    south from the mighty power of the kingx
  richmondx if without peril it be possiblex
    sweet bluntx make some good means to speak with him
    and give him from me this most needful notex
  bluntx upon my lifex my lordx ixll undertake itx
    and sox god give you quiet rest toxnightx
  richmondx good nightx good captain bluntx comex
    gentlemenx
    let us consult upon toxmorrowxs businessx
    in to my tentx the dew is raw and coldx
                                   xthey withdraw into the tentx

            enterx to hisxtentx king richardx norfolkx
                       ratcliffx and catesby

  king richardx what isxt oxclockx
  catesbyx itxs supperxtimex my lordx
    itxs nine oxclockx
  king richardx i will not sup toxnightx
    give me some ink and paperx
    whatx is my beaver easier than it wasx
    and all my armour laid into my tentx
  catesbyx it isx my liegex and all things are in readinessx
  king richardx good norfolkx hie thee to thy chargex
    use careful watchx choose trusty sentinelsx
  norfolkx i gox my lordx
  king richardx stir with the lark toxmorrowx gentle norfolkx
  norfolkx i warrant youx my lordx                          exit
  king richardx catesbyx
  catesbyx my lordx
  king richardx send out a pursuivantxatxarms
    to stanleyxs regimentx bid him bring his power
    before sunrisingx lest his son george fall
    into the blind cave of eternal nightx           exit catesby
    fill me a bowl of winex give me a watchx
    saddle white surrey for the field toxmorrowx
    look that my staves be soundx and not too heavyx
    ratcliffx
  ratcliffx my lordx
  king richardx sawxst thou the melancholy lord
    northumberlandx
  ratcliffx thomas the earl of surrey and himselfx
    much about cockxshut timex from troop to troop
    went through the armyx cheering up the soldiersx
  king richardx sox i am satisfiedx give me a bowl of winex
    i have not that alacrity of spirit
    nor cheer of mind that i was wont to havex
    set it downx is ink and paper readyx
  ratcliffx it isx my lordx
  king richardx bid my guard watchx leave mex
  ratcliffx about the mid of night come to my tent
    and help to arm mex leave mex i sayx
                                   exit ratcliffx richard sleeps

               enter derby to richmond in his tentx
                        lords attending

  derbyx fortune and victory sit on thy helmx
  richmondx all comfort that the dark night can afford
    be to thy personx noble fatherxinxlawx
    tell mex how fares our loving motherx
  derbyx ix by attorneyx bless thee from thy motherx
    who prays continually for richmondxs goodx
    so much for thatx the silent hours steal onx
    and flaky darkness breaks within the eastx
    in briefx for so the season bids us bex
    prepare thy battle early in the morningx
    and put thy fortune to the arbitrement
    of bloody strokes and mortalxstaring warx
    ix as i mayxthat which i would i cannotx
    with best advantage will deceive the time
    and aid thee in this doubtful shock of armsx
    but on thy side i may not be too forwardx
    lestx being seenx thy brotherx tender georgex
    be executed in his fatherxs sightx
    farewellx the leisure and the fearful time
    cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
    and ample interchange of sweet discourse
    which soxlongxsundxred friends should dwell uponx
    god give us leisure for these rites of lovex
    once morex adieux be valiantx and speed wellx
  richmondx good lordsx conduct him to his regimentx
    ixll strive with troubled thoughts to take a napx
    lest leaden slumber peise me down toxmorrow
    when i should mount with wings of victoryx
    once morex good nightx kind lords and gentlemenx
                                         exeunt all but richmond
    o thoux whose captain i account myselfx
    look on my forces with a gracious eyex
    put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrathx
    that they may crush down with a heavy fall
    the usurping helmets of our adversariesx
    make us thy ministers of chastisementx
    that we may praise thee in the victoryx
    to thee i do commend my watchful soul
    ere i let fall the windows of mine eyesx
    sleeping and wakingx ox defend me stillx            xsleepsx

            enter the ghost of young prince edwardx
                    son to henry the sixth

  ghostx  xto richardx  let me sit heavy on thy soul
    toxmorrowx
    think how thou stabbxdst me in my prime of youth
    at tewksburyx despairx thereforex and diex
    xto richmondx  be cheerfulx richmondx for the wronged
    souls
    of butcherxd princes fight in thy behalfx
    king henryxs issuex richmondx comforts theex

              enter the ghost of henry the sixth

  ghostx  xto richardx  when i was mortalx my anointed
    body
    by thee was punched full of deadly holesx
    think on the tower and mex despairx and diex
    harry the sixth bids thee despair and diex
    xto richmondx  virtuous and holyx be thou conquerorx
    harryx that prophesied thou shouldst be kingx
    doth comfort thee in thy sleepx live and flourishx

                   enter the ghost of clarence

  ghostx  xto richardx  let me sit heavy in thy soul
    toxmorrowx i that was washxd to death with fulsome winex
    poor clarencex by thy guile betrayxd to deathx
    toxmorrow in the battle think on mex
    and fall thy edgeless swordx despair and diex
    xto richmondx  thou offspring of the house of lancasterx
    the wronged heirs of york do pray for theex
    good angels guard thy battlex live and flourishx

           enter the ghosts of riversx greyx and vaughan

  ghost of riversx  xto richardx  let me sit heavy in thy
    soul toxmorrowx
    rivers that died at pomfretx despair and diex
  ghost of greyx  xto richardx  think upon greyx and let
    thy soul despairx
  ghost of vaughanx  xto richardx  think upon vaughanx
    and with guilty fear
    let fall thy lancex despair and diex
  allx  xto richmondx  awakex and think our wrongs in
    richardxs bosom
    will conquer himx awake and win the dayx

                enter the ghost of hastings

  ghostx  xto richardx  bloody and guiltyx guiltily awakex
    and in a bloody battle end thy daysx
    think on lord hastingsx despair and diex
    xto richmondx   quiet untroubled soulx awakex awakex
    armx fightx and conquerx for fair englandxs sakex

         enter the ghosts of the two young princes

  ghostsx  xto richardx  dream on thy cousins smothered in
    the towerx
    let us be lead within thy bosomx richardx
    and weigh thee down to ruinx shamex and deathx
    thy nephewsx souls bid thee despair and diex
    xto richmondx  sleepx richmondx sleep in peacex and
    wake in joyx
    good angels guard thee from the boarxs annoyx
    livex and beget a happy race of kingsx
    edwardxs unhappy sons do bid thee flourishx

          enter the ghost of lady annex his wife

  ghostx  xto richardx  richardx thy wifex that wretched
    anne thy wife
    that never slept a quiet hour with thee
    now fills thy sleep with perturbationsx
    toxmorrow in the battle think on mex
    and fall thy edgeless swordx despair and diex
    xto richmondx  thou quiet soulx sleep thou a quiet sleepx
    dream of success and happy victoryx
    thy adversaryxs wife doth pray for theex

                   enter the ghost of buckingham

  ghostx  xto richardx  the first was i that helpxd thee
    to the crownx
    the last was i that felt thy tyrannyx
    ox in the battle think on buckinghamx
    and die in terror of thy guiltinessx
    dream onx dream on of bloody deeds and deathx
    faintingx despairx despairingx yield thy breathx
    xto richmondx  i died for hope ere i could lend thee aidx
    but cheer thy heart and be thou not dismayxdx
    god and good angels fight on richmondxs sidex
    and richard falls in height of all his pridex
            xthe ghosts vanishx richard starts out of his dreamx
  king richardx give me another horsex bind up my woundsx
    have mercyx jesux softx i did but dreamx
    o coward consciencex how dost thou afflict mex
    the lights burn bluex it is now dead midnightx
    cold fearful drops stand on my trembling fleshx
    what do i fearx myselfx therexs none else byx
    richard loves richardx that isx i am ix
    is there a murderer herex noxyesx i amx
    then flyx whatx from myselfx great reason whyx
    lest i revengex whatx myself upon myselfx
    alackx i love myselfx whereforex for any good
    that i myself have done unto myselfx
    ox nox alasx i rather hate myself
    for hateful deeds committed by myselfx
    i am a villainx yet i liex i am notx
    foolx of thyself speak wellx foolx do not flatterx
    my conscience hath a thousand several tonguesx
    and every tongue brings in a several talex
    and every tale condemns me for a villainx
    perjuryx perjuryx in the highxst degreex
    murderx stern murderx in the dirxst degreex
    all several sinsx all usxd in each degreex
    throng to the barx crying all xguiltyx guiltyxx
    i shall despairx there is no creature loves mex
    and if i die no soul will pity mex
    and wherefore should theyx since that i myself
    find in myself no pity to myselfx
    methought the souls of all that i had murderxd
    came to my tentx and every one did threat
    toxmorrowxs vengeance on the head of richardx

                            enter ratcliff

  ratcliffx my lordx
  king richardx zoundsx who is therex
  ratcliffx ratcliffx my lordx xtis ix the early villagexcock
    hath twice done salutation to the mornx
    your friends are up and buckle on their armourx
  king richardx o ratcliffx i have dreamxd a fearful dreamx
    what thinkxst thouxwill our friends prove all truex
  ratcliffx no doubtx my lordx
  king richardx o ratcliffx i fearx i fearx
  ratcliffx nayx good my lordx be not afraid of shadowsx
  king richard by the apostle paulx shadows toxnight
    have stuck more terror to the soul of richard
    than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
    armed in proof and led by shallow richmondx
    xtis not yet near dayx comex go with mex
    under our tents ixll play the eavesxdropperx
    to see if any mean to shrink from mex                 exeunt

          enter the lords to richmond sitting in his tent

  lordsx good morrowx richmondx
  richmondx cry mercyx lords and watchful gentlemenx
    that you have taxen a tardy sluggard herex
  lordsx how have you sleptx my lordx
  richmondx the sweetest sleep and fairestxboding dreams
    that ever entxred in a drowsy head
    have i since your departure hadx my lordsx
    methought their souls whose bodies richard murderxd
    came to my tent and cried on victoryx
    i promise you my soul is very jocund
    in the remembrance of so fair a dreamx
    how far into the morning is itx lordsx
  lordsx upon the stroke of fourx
  richmondx whyx then xtis time to arm and give directionx

                 his oration to his soldiers

    more than i have saidx loving countrymenx
    the leisure and enforcement of the time
    forbids to dwell uponx yet remember thisx
    god and our good cause fight upon our sidex
    the prayers of holy saints and wronged soulsx
    like highxrearxd bulwarksx stand before our facesx
    richard exceptx those whom we fight against
    had rather have us win than him they followx
    for what is he they followx trulyx gentlemenx
    a bloody tyrant and a homicidex
    one raisxd in bloodx and one in blood establishxdx
    one that made means to come by what he hathx
    and slaughtered those that were the means to help himx
    a base foul stonex made precious by the foil
    of englandxs chairx where he is falsely setx
    one that hath ever been godxs enemyx
    then if you fight against godxs enemyx
    god will in justice ward you as his soldiersx
    if you do sweat to put a tyrant downx
    you sleep in peacex the tyrant being slainx
    if you do fight against your countryxs foesx
    your countryxs foes shall pay your pains the hirex
    if you do fight in safeguard of your wivesx
    your wives shall welcome home the conquerorsx
    if you do free your children from the swordx
    your childrenxs children quits it in your agex
    thenx in the name of god and all these rightsx
    advance your standardsx draw your willing swordsx
    for mex the ransom of my bold attempt
    shall be this cold corpse on the earthxs cold facex
    but if i thrivex the gain of my attempt
    the least of you shall share his part thereofx
    sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfullyx
    god and saint georgex richmond and victoryx           exeunt

           rexenter king richardx ratcliffx attendantsx
                         and forces

  king richardx what said northumberland as touching
    richmondx
  ratcliffx that he was never trained up in armsx
  king richardx he said the truthx and what said surrey
    thenx
  ratcliffx he smilxdx and said xthe better for our purposexx
  king he was in the rightx and so indeed it isx
                                                 xclock strikesx
    tell the clock therex give me a calendarx
    who saw the sun toxdayx
  ratcliffx not ix my lordx
  king richardx then he disdains to shinex for by the book
    he should have bravxd the east an hour agox
    a black day will it be to somebodyx
    ratcliffx
  ratcliffx my lordx
  king richardx the sun will not be seen toxdayx
    the sky doth frown and lour upon our armyx
    i would these dewy tears were from the groundx
    not shine toxdayx whyx what is that to me
    more than to richmondx for the selfsame heaven
    that frowns on me looks sadly upon himx

                       enter norfolk

  norfolkx armx armx my lordx the foe vaunts in the fieldx
  king richardx comex bustlex bustlex caparison my horsex
    call up lord stanleyx bid him bring his powerx
    i will lead forth my soldiers to the plainx
    and thus my battle shall be orderedx
    my foreward shall be drawn out all in lengthx
    consisting equally of horse and footx
    our archers shall be placed in the midstx
    john duke of norfolkx thomas earl of surreyx
    shall have the leading of this foot and horsex
    they thus directedx we will follow
    in the main battlex whose puissance on either side
    shall be well winged with our chiefest horsex
    thisx and saint george to bootx what thinkxst thoux
    norfolkx
  norfolkx a good directionx warlike sovereignx
    this found i on my tent this morningx
                                        xhe sheweth him a paperx
  king richardx                                          xreadsx
    xjockey of norfolkx be not so boldx
    for dickon thy master is bought and soldxx
    a thing devised by the enemyx
    gox gentlemenx every man unto his chargex
    let not our babbling dreams affright our soulsx
    conscience is but a word that cowards usex
    devisxd at first to keep the strong in awex
    our strong arms be our consciencex swords our lawx
    march onx join bravelyx let us to it pellxmellx
    if not to heavenx then hand in hand to hellx

                      his oration to his army

    what shall i say more than i have inferrxdx
    remember whom you are to cope withalx
    a sort of vagabondsx rascalsx and runawaysx
    a scum of britainesx and base lackey peasantsx
    whom their oxerxcloyed country vomits forth
    to desperate adventures and assurxd destructionx
    you sleeping safex they bring to you unrestx
    you having landsx and blessxd with beauteous wivesx
    they would restrain the onex distain the otherx
    and who doth lead them but a paltry fellowx
    long kept in britaine at our motherxs costx
    a milkxsopx one that never in his life
    felt so much cold as over shoes in snowx
    letxs whip these stragglers oxer the seas againx
    lash hence these overxweening rags of francex
    these famishxd beggarsx weary of their livesx
    whox but for dreaming on this fond exploitx
    for want of meansx poor ratsx had hangxd themselvesx
    if we be conqueredx let men conquer usx
    and not these bastard britainesx whom our fathers
    have in their own land beatenx bobbxdx and thumpxdx
    andx in recordx left them the heirs of shamex
    shall these enjoy our landsx lie with our wivesx
    ravish our daughtersx  xdrum afar offx  harkx i hear their
    drumx
    fightx gentlemen of englandx fightx bold yeomenx
    drawx archersx draw your arrows to the headx
    spur your proud horses hardx and ride in bloodx
    amaze the welkin with your broken stavesx

                        enter a messenger

    what says lord stanleyx will he bring his powerx
  messengerx my lordx he doth deny to comex
  king richardx off with his son georgexs headx
  norfolkx my lordx the enemy is passxd the marshx
    after the battle let george stanley diex
  king richardx a thousand hearts are great within my
    bosomx
    advance our standardsx set upon our foesx
    our ancient word of couragex fair saint georgex
    inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragonsx
    upon themx victory sits on our helmsx                 exeunt

scene xx

another part of the field

alarumx excursionsx enter norfolk and forcesx to him catesby

  catesbyx rescuex my lord of norfolkx rescuex rescuex
    the king enacts more wonders than a manx
    daring an opposite to every dangerx
    his horse is slainx and all on foot he fightsx
    seeking for richmond in the throat of deathx
    rescuex fair lordx or else the day is lostx

                     alarumsx enter king richard

  king richardx a horsex a horsex my kingdom for a horsex
  catesbyx withdrawx my lordx ixll help you to a horsex
  king richardx slavex i have set my life upon a cast
    and i will stand the hazard of the diex
    i think there be six richmonds in the fieldx
    five have i slain toxday instead of himx
    a horsex a horsex my kingdom for a horsex             exeunt

scene xx

another part of the field

alarumx enter richard and richmondx they fightx richard is slainx
retreat and flourishx enter richmondx derby bearing the crownx with
other lords

  richmondx god and your arms be praisxdx victorious friendsx
    the day is oursx the bloody dog is deadx
  derbyx courageous richmondx well hast thou acquit theex
    lox herex this longxusurped royalty
    from the dead temples of this bloody wretch
    have i pluckxd offx to grace thy brows withalx
    wear itx enjoy itx and make much of itx
  richmondx great god of heavenx say amen to allx
    butx tell me is young george stanley livingx
  derbyx he isx my lordx and safe in leicester townx
    whitherx if it please youx we may now withdraw usx
  richmondx what men of name are slain on either sidex
  derbyx john duke of norfolkx walter lord ferrersx
    sir robert brakenburyx and sir william brandonx
  richmondx inter their bodies as becomes their birthsx
    proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled
    that in submission will return to usx
    and thenx as we have taxen the sacramentx
    we will unite the white rose and the redx
    smile heaven upon this fair conjunctionx
    that long have frownxd upon their emnityx
    what traitor hears mex and says not amenx
    england hath long been madx and scarrxd herselfx
    the brother blindly shed the brotherxs bloodx
    the father rashly slaughterxd his own sonx
    the sonx compellxdx been butcher to the sirex
    all this divided york and lancasterx
    divided in their dire divisionx
    ox now let richmond and elizabethx
    the true succeeders of each royal housex
    by godxs fair ordinance conjoin togetherx
    and let their heirsx godx if thy will be sox
    enrich the time to come with smoothxfacxd peacex
    with smiling plentyx and fair prosperous daysx
    abate the edge of traitorsx gracious lordx
    that would reduce these bloody days again
    and make poor england weep in streams of bloodx
    let them not live to taste this landxs increase
    that would with treason wound this fair landxs peacex
    now civil wounds are stoppxdx peace lives againx
    that she may long live herex god say amenx            exeunt




the tragedy of romeo and juliet



contents

the prologuex

act i
scene ix a public placex
scene iix a streetx
scene iiix room in capuletxs housex
scene ivx a streetx
scene vx a hall in capuletxs housex


act ii
chorusx
scene ix an open place adjoining capuletxs gardenx
scene iix capuletxs gardenx
scene iiix friar lawrencexs cellx
scene ivx a streetx
scene vx capuletxs gardenx
scene vix friar lawrencexs cellx


act iii
scene ix a public placex
scene iix a room in capuletxs housex
scene iiix friar lawrencexs cellx
scene ivx a room in capuletxs housex
scene vx an open gallery to julietxs chamberx overlooking the gardenx


act iv
scene ix friar lawrencexs cellx
scene iix hall in capuletxs housex
scene iiix julietxs chamberx
scene ivx hall in capuletxs housex
scene vx julietxs chamberx juliet on the bedx


act v
scene ix mantuax a streetx
scene iix friar lawrencexs cellx
scene iiix a churchyardx in it a monument belonging to the capuletsx




 dramatis personx

escalusx prince of veronax
mercutiox kinsman to the princex and friend to romeox
parisx a young noblemanx kinsman to the princex
page to parisx

montaguex head of a veronese family at feud with the capuletsx
lady montaguex wife to montaguex
romeox son to montaguex
benvoliox nephew to montaguex and friend to romeox
abramx servant to montaguex
balthasarx servant to romeox

capuletx head of a veronese family at feud with the montaguesx
lady capuletx wife to capuletx
julietx daughter to capuletx
tybaltx nephew to lady capuletx
capuletxs cousinx an old manx
nurse to julietx
peterx servant to julietxs nursex
sampsonx servant to capuletx
gregoryx servant to capuletx
servantsx

friar lawrencex a franciscanx
friar johnx of the same orderx
an apothecaryx
chorusx
three musiciansx
an officerx
citizens of veronax several men and womenx relations to both housesx
maskersx guardsx watchmen and attendantsx

scenex during the greater part of the play in veronax oncex in the
fifth actx at mantuax


the prologue

 enter chorusx

chorusx
two householdsx both alike in dignityx
in fair veronax where we lay our scenex
from ancient grudge break to new mutinyx
where civil blood makes civil hands uncleanx
from forth the fatal loins of these two foes
a pair of starxcrossxd lovers take their lifex
whose misadventurxd piteous overthrows
doth with their death bury their parentsx strifex
the fearful passage of their deathxmarkxd lovex
and the continuance of their parentsx ragex
whichx but their childrenxs endx nought could removex
is now the two hoursx traffic of our stagex
the whichx if you with patient ears attendx
what here shall missx our toil shall strive to mendx

 xxexitxxx



act i

scene ix a public placex

 enter sampson and gregory armed with swords and bucklersx

sampsonx
gregoryx on my wordx wexll not carry coalsx

gregoryx
nox for then we should be colliersx

sampsonx
i meanx if we be in cholerx wexll drawx

gregoryx
ayx while you livex draw your neck out ox the collarx

sampsonx
i strike quicklyx being movedx

gregoryx
but thou art not quickly moved to strikex

sampsonx
a dog of the house of montague moves mex

gregoryx
to move is to stirx and to be valiant is to standx thereforex if thou
art movedx thou runnxst awayx

sampsonx
a dog of that house shall move me to standx
i will take the wall of any man or maid of montaguexsx

gregoryx
that shows thee a weak slavex for the weakest goes to the wallx

sampsonx
truex and therefore womenx being the weaker vesselsx are ever thrust to
the wallx therefore i will push montaguexs men from the wallx and
thrust his maids to the wallx

gregoryx
the quarrel is between our masters and us their menx

sampsonx
xtis all onex i will show myself a tyrantx when i have fought with the
men i will be civil with the maidsx i will cut off their headsx

gregoryx
the heads of the maidsx

sampsonx
ayx the heads of the maidsx or their maidenheadsx take it in what sense
thou wiltx

gregoryx
they must take it in sense that feel itx

sampsonx
me they shall feel while i am able to standx and xtis known i am a
pretty piece of fleshx

gregoryx
xtis well thou art not fishx if thou hadstx thou hadst been poor johnx
draw thy toolx here comes of the house of montaguesx

 enter abram and balthasarx

sampsonx
my naked weapon is outx quarrelx i will back theex

gregoryx
howx turn thy back and runx

sampsonx
fear me notx

gregoryx
nox marryx i fear theex

sampsonx
let us take the law of our sidesx let them beginx

gregoryx
i will frown as i pass byx and let them take it as they listx

sampsonx
nayx as they darex i will bite my thumb at themx which is disgrace to
them if they bear itx

abramx
do you bite your thumb at usx sirx

sampsonx
i do bite my thumbx sirx

abramx
do you bite your thumb at usx sirx

sampsonx
is the law of our side if i say ayx

gregoryx
nox

sampsonx
no sirx i do not bite my thumb at youx sirx but i bite my thumbx sirx

gregoryx
do you quarrelx sirx

abramx
quarrelx sirx nox sirx

sampsonx
but if you dox sirx am for youx i serve as good a man as youx

abramx
no betterx

sampsonx
wellx sirx

 enter benvoliox

gregoryx
say betterx here comes one of my masterxs kinsmenx

sampsonx
yesx betterx sirx

abramx
you liex

sampsonx
drawx if you be menx gregoryx remember thy washing blowx

 xxthey fightxxx

benvoliox
partx foolsx put up your swordsx you know not what you dox

 xxbeats down their swordsxxx

 enter tybaltx

tybaltx
whatx art thou drawn among these heartless hindsx
turn thee benvoliox look upon thy deathx

benvoliox
i do but keep the peacex put up thy swordx
or manage it to part these men with mex

tybaltx
whatx drawnx and talk of peacex i hate the word
as i hate hellx all montaguesx and theex
have at theex cowardx

 xxthey fightxxx

 enter three or four citizens with clubsx

first citizenx
clubsx bills and partisansx strikex beat them downx
down with the capuletsx down with the montaguesx

 enter capulet in his gownx and lady capuletx

capuletx
what noise is thisx give me my long swordx hox

lady capuletx
a crutchx a crutchx why call you for a swordx

capuletx
my swordx i sayx old montague is comex
and flourishes his blade in spite of mex

 enter montague and his lady montaguex

montaguex
thou villain capuletx hold me notx let me gox

lady montaguex
thou shalt not stir one foot to seek a foex

 enter prince escalusx with attendantsx

princex
rebellious subjectsx enemies to peacex
profaners of this neighbourxstained steelxx
will they not hearx whatx hox you menx you beastsx
that quench the fire of your pernicious rage
with purple fountains issuing from your veinsx
on pain of torturex from those bloody hands
throw your mistemperxd weapons to the ground
and hear the sentence of your moved princex
three civil brawlsx bred of an airy wordx
by theex old capuletx and montaguex
have thrice disturbxd the quiet of our streetsx
and made veronaxs ancient citizens
cast by their grave beseeming ornamentsx
to wield old partisansx in hands as oldx
cankerxd with peacex to part your cankerxd hatex
if ever you disturb our streets againx
your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peacex
for this time all the rest depart awayx
youx capuletx shall go along with mex
and montaguex come you this afternoonx
to know our farther pleasure in this casex
to old freextownx our common judgementxplacex
once morex on pain of deathx all men departx

 xxexeunt prince and attendantsx capuletx lady capuletx tybaltx
 citizens and servantsxxx

montaguex
who set this ancient quarrel new abroachx
speakx nephewx were you by when it beganx

benvoliox
here were the servants of your adversary
and yoursx close fighting ere i did approachx
i drew to part themx in the instant came
the fiery tybaltx with his sword preparxdx
whichx as he breathxd defiance to my earsx
he swung about his headx and cut the windsx
who nothing hurt withalx hissxd him in scornx
while we were interchanging thrusts and blows
came more and morex and fought on part and partx
till the prince camex who parted either partx

lady montaguex
o where is romeox saw you him todayx
right glad i am he was not at this frayx

benvoliox
madamx an hour before the worshippxd sun
peerxd forth the golden window of the eastx
a troubled mind drave me to walk abroadx
where underneath the grove of sycamore
that westward rooteth from this city sidex
so early walking did i see your sonx
towards him i madex but he was ware of mex
and stole into the covert of the woodx
ix measuring his affections by my ownx
which then most sought where most might not be foundx
being one too many by my weary selfx
pursuxd my humourx not pursuing hisx
and gladly shunnxd who gladly fled from mex

montaguex
many a morning hath he there been seenx
with tears augmenting the fresh morningxs dewx
adding to clouds more clouds with his deep sighsx
but all so soon as the allxcheering sun
should in the farthest east begin to draw
the shady curtains from auroraxs bedx
away from light steals home my heavy sonx
and private in his chamber pens himselfx
shuts up his windowsx locks fair daylight out
and makes himself an artificial nightx
black and portentous must this humour provex
unless good counsel may the cause removex

benvoliox
my noble unclex do you know the causex

montaguex
i neither know it nor can learn of himx

benvoliox
have you importunxd him by any meansx

montaguex
both by myself and many other friendsx
but hex his own affectionsx counsellorx
is to himselfxi will not say how truex
but to himself so secret and so closex
so far from sounding and discoveryx
as is the bud bit with an envious worm
ere he can spread his sweet leaves to the airx
or dedicate his beauty to the sunx
could we but learn from whence his sorrows growx
we would as willingly give cure as knowx

 enter romeox

benvoliox
seex where he comesx so please you step asidex
ixll know his grievance or be much deniedx

montaguex
i would thou wert so happy by thy stay
to hear true shriftx comex madamx letxs awayx

 xxexeunt montague and lady montaguexxx

benvoliox
good morrowx cousinx

romeox
is the day so youngx

benvoliox
but new struck ninex

romeox
ay mex sad hours seem longx
was that my father that went hence so fastx

benvoliox
it wasx what sadness lengthens romeoxs hoursx

romeox
not having that whichx havingx makes them shortx

benvoliox
in lovex

romeox
outx

benvoliox
of lovex

romeox
out of her favour where i am in lovex

benvoliox
alas that love so gentle in his viewx
should be so tyrannous and rough in proofx

romeox
alas that lovex whose view is muffled stillx
shouldx without eyesx see pathways to his willx
where shall we dinex o mex what fray was herex
yet tell me notx for i have heard it allx
herexs much to do with hatex but more with lovex
whyx thenx o brawling lovex o loving hatex
o anythingx of nothing first createx
o heavy lightnessx serious vanityx
misshapen chaos of wellxseeming formsx
feather of leadx bright smokex cold firex sick healthx
stillxwaking sleepx that is not what it isx
this love feel ix that feel no love in thisx
dost thou not laughx

benvoliox
no cozx i rather weepx

romeox
good heartx at whatx

benvoliox
at thy good heartxs oppressionx

romeox
why such is lovexs transgressionx
griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breastx
which thou wilt propagate to have it prest
with more of thinex this love that thou hast shown
doth add more grief to too much of mine ownx
love is a smoke made with the fume of sighsx
being purgxdx a fire sparkling in loversx eyesx
being vexxdx a sea nourishxd with loversx tearsx
what is it elsex a madness most discreetx
a choking gallx and a preserving sweetx
farewellx my cozx

 xxgoingxxx

benvoliox
softx i will go alongx
and if you leave me sox you do me wrongx

romeox
tutx i have lost myselfx i am not herex
this is not romeox hexs some other wherex

benvoliox
tell me in sadness who is that you lovex

romeox
whatx shall i groan and tell theex

benvoliox
groanx whyx nox but sadly tell me whox

romeox
bid a sick man in sadness make his willx
a word ill urgxd to one that is so illx
in sadnessx cousinx i do love a womanx

benvoliox
i aimxd so near when i supposxd you lovxdx

romeox
a right good markmanx and shexs fair i lovex

benvoliox
a right fair markx fair cozx is soonest hitx

romeox
wellx in that hit you missx shexll not be hit
with cupidxs arrowx she hath dianxs witx
and in strong proof of chastity well armxdx
from lovexs weak childish bow she lives uncharmxdx
she will not stay the siege of loving terms
nor bide thxencounter of assailing eyesx
nor ope her lap to saintxseducing goldx
o shexs rich in beautyx only poor
that when she diesx with beauty dies her storex

benvoliox
then she hath sworn that she will still live chastex

romeox
she hathx and in that sparing makes huge wastex
for beauty starvxd with her severityx
cuts beauty off from all posterityx
she is too fairx too wisex wisely too fairx
to merit bliss by making me despairx
she hath forsworn to lovex and in that vow
do i live deadx that live to tell it nowx

benvoliox
be rulxd by mex forget to think of herx

romeox
o teach me how i should forget to thinkx

benvoliox
by giving liberty unto thine eyesx
examine other beautiesx

romeox
xtis the way
to call hersx exquisitex in question morex
these happy masks that kiss fair ladiesx browsx
being blackx puts us in mind they hide the fairx
he that is strucken blind cannot forget
the precious treasure of his eyesight lostx
show me a mistress that is passing fairx
what doth her beauty serve but as a note
where i may read who passxd that passing fairx
farewellx thou canst not teach me to forgetx

benvoliox
ixll pay that doctrinex or else die in debtx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a streetx

 enter capuletx paris and servantx

capuletx
but montague is bound as well as ix
in penalty alikex and xtis not hardx i thinkx
for men so old as we to keep the peacex

parisx
of honourable reckoning are you bothx
and pity xtis you livxd at odds so longx
but now my lordx what say you to my suitx

capuletx
but saying oxer what i have said beforex
my child is yet a stranger in the worldx
she hath not seen the change of fourteen yearsx
let two more summers wither in their pride
ere we may think her ripe to be a bridex

parisx
younger than she are happy mothers madex

capuletx
and too soon marrxd are those so early madex
the earth hath swallowed all my hopes but shex
she is the hopeful lady of my earthx
but woo herx gentle parisx get her heartx
my will to her consent is but a partx
and she agreex within her scope of choice
lies my consent and fair according voicex
this night i hold an old accustomxd feastx
whereto i have invited many a guestx
such as i lovex and you among the storex
one morex most welcomex makes my number morex
at my poor house look to behold this night
earthxtreading stars that make dark heaven lightx
such comfort as do lusty young men feel
when well apparellxd april on the heel
of limping winter treadsx even such delight
among fresh female buds shall you this night
inherit at my housex hear allx all seex
and like her most whose merit most shall bex
whichx on more view of manyx minex being onex
may stand in numberx though in reckoning nonex
comex go with mex gox sirrahx trudge about
through fair veronax find those persons out
whose names are written therex xxgives a paperxx and to them sayx
my house and welcome on their pleasure stayx

 xxexeunt capulet and parisxxx

servantx
find them out whose names are written herex it is written that the
shoemaker should meddle with his yard and the tailor with his lastx the
fisher with his pencilx and the painter with his netsx but i am sent to
find those persons whose names are here writx and can never find what
names the writing person hath here writx i must to the learnedx in good
timex

 enter benvolio and romeox

benvoliox
tutx manx one fire burns out anotherxs burningx
one pain is lessenxd by anotherxs anguishx
turn giddyx and be holp by backward turningx
one desperate grief cures with anotherxs languishx
take thou some new infection to thy eyex
and the rank poison of the old will diex

romeox
your plantain leaf is excellent for thatx

benvoliox
for whatx i pray theex

romeox
for your broken shinx

benvoliox
whyx romeox art thou madx

romeox
not madx but bound more than a madman isx
shut up in prisonx kept without my foodx
whippxd and tormented andxgodxdenx good fellowx

servantx
god gix goxdenx i prayx sirx can you readx

romeox
ayx mine own fortune in my miseryx

servantx
perhaps you have learned it without bookx
but i prayx can you read anything you seex

romeox
ayx if i know the letters and the languagex

servantx
ye say honestlyx rest you merryx

romeox
stayx fellowx i can readx

 xxhe reads the letterxxx

xsignior martino and his wife and daughtersx
county anselmo and his beauteous sistersx
the lady widow of utruviox
signior placentio and his lovely niecesx
mercutio and his brother valentinex
mine uncle capuletx his wifex and daughtersx
my fair niece rosaline and liviax
signior valentio and his cousin tybaltx
lucio and the lively helenax x


a fair assemblyx xxgives back the paperxx whither should they comex

servantx
upx

romeox
whither to supperx

servantx
to our housex

romeox
whose housex

servantx
my masterxsx

romeox
indeed i should have askxd you that beforex

servantx
now ixll tell you without askingx my master is the great rich capuletx
and if you be not of the house of montaguesx i pray come and crush a
cup of winex rest you merryx

 xxexitxxx

benvoliox
at this same ancient feast of capuletxs
sups the fair rosaline whom thou so lovxstx
with all the admired beauties of veronax
go thither and with unattainted eyex
compare her face with some that i shall showx
and i will make thee think thy swan a crowx

romeox
when the devout religion of mine eye
maintains such falsehoodx then turn tears to firex
and these whox often drownxdx could never diex
transparent hereticsx be burnt for liarsx
one fairer than my lovex the allxseeing sun
nexer saw her match since first the world begunx

benvoliox
tutx you saw her fairx none else being byx
herself poisxd with herself in either eyex
but in that crystal scales let there be weighxd
your ladyxs love against some other maid
that i will show you shining at this feastx
and she shall scant show well that now shows bestx

romeox
ixll go alongx no such sight to be shownx
but to rejoice in splendour of my ownx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix room in capuletxs housex

 enter lady capulet and nursex

lady capuletx
nursex wherexs my daughterx call her forth to mex

nursex
nowx by my maidenheadx at twelve year oldx
i bade her comex whatx lambx what ladybirdx
god forbidx wherexs this girlx whatx julietx

 enter julietx

julietx
how nowx who callsx

nursex
your motherx

julietx
madamx i am herex what is your willx

lady capuletx
this is the matterx nursex give leave awhilex
we must talk in secretx nursex come back againx
i have rememberxd mex thouxs hear our counselx
thou knowest my daughterxs of a pretty agex

nursex
faithx i can tell her age unto an hourx

lady capuletx
shexs not fourteenx

nursex
ixll lay fourteen of my teethx
and yetx to my teen be it spokenx i have but fourx
she is not fourteenx how long is it now
to lammasxtidex

lady capuletx
a fortnight and odd daysx

nursex
even or oddx of all days in the yearx
come lammas eve at night shall she be fourteenx
susan and shexxgod rest all christian soulsxx
were of an agex wellx susan is with godx
she was too good for mex but as i saidx
on lammas eve at night shall she be fourteenx
that shall shex marryx i remember it wellx
xtis since the earthquake now eleven yearsx
and she was weanxdxxi never shall forget itxx
of all the days of the yearx upon that dayx
for i had then laid wormwood to my dugx
sitting in the sun under the dovehouse wallx
my lord and you were then at mantuax
nayx i do bear a brainx but as i saidx
when it did taste the wormwood on the nipple
of my dug and felt it bitterx pretty foolx
to see it tetchyx and fall out with the dugx
shakex quoth the dovehousex xtwas no needx i trowx
to bid me trudgex
and since that time it is eleven yearsx
for then she could stand alonex nayx by thxrood
she could have run and waddled all aboutx
for even the day before she broke her browx
and then my husbandxxgod be with his soulx
a was a merry manxxtook up the childx
xyeaxx quoth hex xdost thou fall upon thy facex
thou wilt fall backward when thou hast more witx
wilt thou notx julexx andx by my holidamex
the pretty wretch left cryingx and said xayxx
to see now how a jest shall come aboutx
i warrantx and i should live a thousand yearsx
i never should forget itx xwilt thou notx julexx quoth hex
andx pretty foolx it stintedx and said xayxx

lady capuletx
enough of thisx i pray thee hold thy peacex

nursex
yesx madamx yet i cannot choose but laughx
to think it should leave cryingx and say xayxx
and yet i warrant it had upon it brow
a bump as big as a young cockerelxs stonex
a perilous knockx and it cried bitterlyx
xyeaxx quoth my husbandx xfallxst upon thy facex
thou wilt fall backward when thou comest to agex
wilt thou notx julexx it stintedx and said xayxx

julietx
and stint thou toox i pray theex nursex say ix

nursex
peacex i have donex god mark thee to his grace
thou wast the prettiest babe that exer i nursxdx
and i might live to see thee married oncex i have my wishx

lady capuletx
marryx that marry is the very theme
i came to talk ofx tell mex daughter julietx
how stands your disposition to be marriedx

julietx
it is an honour that i dream not ofx

nursex
an honourx were not i thine only nursex
i would say thou hadst suckxd wisdom from thy teatx

lady capuletx
wellx think of marriage nowx younger than youx
here in veronax ladies of esteemx
are made already mothersx by my count
i was your mother much upon these years
that you are now a maidx thusx thenx in briefx
the valiant paris seeks you for his lovex

nursex
a manx young ladyx ladyx such a man
as all the worldxwhy hexs a man of waxx

lady capuletx
veronaxs summer hath not such a flowerx

nursex
nayx hexs a flowerx in faith a very flowerx

lady capuletx
what say youx can you love the gentlemanx
this night you shall behold him at our feastx
read oxer the volume of young parisx facex
and find delight writ there with beautyxs penx
examine every married lineamentx
and see how one another lends contentx
and what obscurxd in this fair volume liesx
find written in the margent of his eyesx
this precious book of lovex this unbound loverx
to beautify himx only lacks a coverx
the fish lives in the seax and xtis much pride
for fair without the fair within to hidex
that book in manyxs eyes doth share the gloryx
that in gold clasps locks in the golden storyx
so shall you share all that he doth possessx
by having himx making yourself no lessx

nursex
no lessx nay biggerx women grow by menx

lady capuletx
speak brieflyx can you like of parisx lovex

julietx
ixll look to likex if looking liking movex
but no more deep will i endart mine eye
than your consent gives strength to make it flyx

 enter a servantx

servantx
madamx the guests are comex supper served upx you calledx my young lady
asked forx the nurse cursed in the pantryx and everything in extremityx
i must hence to waitx i beseech you follow straightx

lady capuletx
we follow theex

 xxexit servantxxx

julietx the county staysx

nursex
gox girlx seek happy nights to happy daysx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a streetx

 enter romeox mercutiox benvoliox with five or six maskersx
 torchxbearers and othersx

romeox
whatx shall this speech be spoke for our excusex
or shall we on without apologyx

benvoliox
the date is out of such prolixityx
wexll have no cupid hoodwinkxd with a scarfx
bearing a tartarxs painted bow of lathx
scaring the ladies like a crowxkeeperx
nor no withoutxbook prologuex faintly spoke
after the prompterx for our entrancex
but let them measure us by what they willx
wexll measure them a measurex and be gonex

romeox
give me a torchx i am not for this amblingx
being but heavy i will bear the lightx

mercutiox
nayx gentle romeox we must have you dancex

romeox
not ix believe mex you have dancing shoesx
with nimble solesx i have a soul of lead
so stakes me to the ground i cannot movex

mercutiox
you are a loverx borrow cupidxs wingsx
and soar with them above a common boundx

romeox
i am too sore enpierced with his shaft
to soar with his light feathersx and so boundx
i cannot bound a pitch above dull woex
under lovexs heavy burden do i sinkx

mercutiox
andx to sink in itx should you burden lovex
too great oppression for a tender thingx

romeox
is love a tender thingx it is too roughx
too rudex too boisterousx and it pricks like thornx

mercutiox
if love be rough with youx be rough with lovex
prick love for prickingx and you beat love downx
give me a case to put my visage inx xxputting on a maskxxx
a visor for a visorx what care i
what curious eye doth quote deformitiesx
here are the beetlexbrows shall blush for mex

benvoliox
comex knock and enterx and no sooner in
but every man betake him to his legsx

romeox
a torch for mex let wantonsx light of heartx
tickle the senseless rushes with their heelsx
for i am proverbxd with a grandsire phrasex
ixll be a candlexholder and look onx
the game was nexer so fairx and i am donex

mercutiox
tutx dunxs the mousex the constablexs own wordx
if thou art dunx wexll draw thee from the mire
or save your reverence lovex wherein thou stickest
up to the earsx comex we burn daylightx hox

romeox
nayx thatxs not sox

mercutiox
i mean sirx in delay
we waste our lights in vainx light lights by dayx
take our good meaningx for our judgment sits
five times in that ere once in our five witsx

romeox
and we mean well in going to this maskx
but xtis no wit to gox

mercutiox
whyx may one askx

romeox
i dreamt a dream tonightx

mercutiox
and so did ix

romeox
well what was yoursx

mercutiox
that dreamers often liex

romeox
in bed asleepx while they do dream things truex

mercutiox
ox thenx i see queen mab hath been with youx
she is the fairiesx midwifex and she comes
in shape no bigger than an agatexstone
on the forexfinger of an aldermanx
drawn with a team of little atomies
over menxs noses as they lie asleepx
her waggonxspokes made of long spinnersx legsx
the coverx of the wings of grasshoppersx
her tracesx of the smallest spiderxs webx
the collarsx of the moonshinexs watery beamsx
her whip of cricketxs bonex the lashx of filmx
her waggonerx a small greyxcoated gnatx
not half so big as a round little worm
prickxd from the lazy finger of a maidx
her chariot is an empty hazelnutx
made by the joiner squirrel or old grubx
time out ox mind the fairiesx coachmakersx
and in this state she gallops night by night
through loversx brainsx and then they dream of lovex
oxer courtiersx kneesx that dream on curtsies straightx
oxer lawyersx fingersx who straight dream on feesx
oxer ladiesx lipsx who straight on kisses dreamx
which oft the angry mab with blisters plaguesx
because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted arex
sometime she gallops oxer a courtierxs nosex
and then dreams he of smelling out a suitx
and sometime comes she with a tithexpigxs tailx
tickling a parsonxs nose as a lies asleepx
then dreams he of another beneficex
sometime she driveth oxer a soldierxs neckx
and then dreams he of cutting foreign throatsx
of breachesx ambuscadosx spanish bladesx
of healths five fathom deepx and then anon
drums in his earx at which he starts and wakesx
andx being thus frightedx swears a prayer or twox
and sleeps againx this is that very mab
that plats the manes of horses in the nightx
and bakes the elfxlocks in foul sluttish hairsx
whichx once untangledx much misfortune bodesx
this is the hagx when maids lie on their backsx
that presses themx and learns them first to bearx
making them women of good carriagex
this is shexx

romeox
peacex peacex mercutiox peacex
thou talkxst of nothingx

mercutiox
truex i talk of dreamsx
which are the children of an idle brainx
begot of nothing but vain fantasyx
which is as thin of substance as the airx
and more inconstant than the windx who wooes
even now the frozen bosom of the northx
andx being angerxdx puffs away from thencex
turning his side to the dewxdropping southx

benvoliox
this wind you talk of blows us from ourselvesx
supper is donex and we shall come too latex

romeox
i fear too earlyx for my mind misgives
some consequence yet hanging in the starsx
shall bitterly begin his fearful date
with this nightxs revelsx and expire the term
of a despised lifex closxd in my breast
by some vile forfeit of untimely deathx
but he that hath the steerage of my course
direct my suitx onx lusty gentlemenx

benvoliox
strikex drumx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx a hall in capuletxs housex

 musicians waitingx enter servantsx

first servantx
wherexs potpanx that he helps not to take awayx
he shift a trencherx he scrape a trencherx

second servantx
when good manners shall lie all in one or two menxs handsx and they
unwashxd toox xtis a foul thingx

first servantx
away with the joinxstoolsx remove the courtxcupboardx look to the
platex good thoux save me a piece of marchpanex and as thou loves mex
let the porter let in susan grindstone and nellx antony and potpanx

second servantx
ayx boyx readyx

first servantx
you are looked for and called forx asked for and sought forx in the
great chamberx

second servantx
we cannot be here and there toox cheerlyx boysx be brisk awhilex and
the longer liver take allx

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter capuletx xcx with the guests and gentlewomen to the maskersx

capuletx
welcomex gentlemenx ladies that have their toes
unplaguxd with corns will have a bout with youx
ah my mistressesx which of you all
will now deny to dancex she that makes daintyx
she ixll swear hath cornsx am i come near ye nowx
welcomex gentlemenx i have seen the day
that i have worn a visorx and could tell
a whispering tale in a fair ladyxs earx
such as would pleasex xtis gonex xtis gonex xtis gonex
you are welcomex gentlemenx comex musiciansx playx
a hallx a hallx give roomx and foot itx girlsx

 xxmusic playsx and they dancexxx

more lightx you knavesx and turn the tables upx
and quench the firex the room is grown too hotx
ah sirrahx this unlookxdxfor sport comes wellx
nay sitx nay sitx good cousin capuletx
for you and i are past our dancing daysx
how long isxt now since last yourself and i
were in a maskx

capuletxs cousinx
byxr ladyx thirty yearsx

capuletx
whatx manx xtis not so muchx xtis not so muchx
xtis since the nuptial of lucentiox
come pentecost as quickly as it willx
some five and twenty yearsx and then we maskxdx

capuletxs cousinx
xtis morex xtis morex his son is elderx sirx
his son is thirtyx

capuletx
will you tell me thatx
his son was but a ward two years agox

romeox
what lady is thatx which doth enrich the hand
of yonder knightx

servantx
i know notx sirx

romeox
ox she doth teach the torches to burn brightx
it seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
as a rich jewel in an ethiopxs earx
beauty too rich for usex for earth too dearx
so shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
as yonder lady oxer her fellows showsx
the measure donex ixll watch her place of standx
and touching hersx make blessed my rude handx
did my heart love till nowx forswear itx sightx
for i nexer saw true beauty till this nightx

tybaltx
this by his voicex should be a montaguex
fetch me my rapierx boyx whatx dares the slave
come hitherx coverxd with an antic facex
to fleer and scorn at our solemnityx
now by the stock and honour of my kinx
to strike him dead i hold it not a sinx

capuletx
why how nowx kinsmanx
wherefore storm you sox

tybaltx
unclex this is a montaguex our foex
a villain that is hither come in spitex
to scorn at our solemnity this nightx

capuletx
young romeox is itx

tybaltx
xtis hex that villain romeox

capuletx
content theex gentle cozx let him alonex
a bears him like a portly gentlemanx
andx to say truthx verona brags of him
to be a virtuous and wellxgovernxd youthx
i would not for the wealth of all the town
here in my house do him disparagementx
therefore be patientx take no note of himx
it is my willx the which if thou respectx
show a fair presence and put off these frownsx
an illxbeseeming semblance for a feastx

tybaltx
it fits when such a villain is a guestx
ixll not endure himx

capuletx
he shall be endurxdx
whatx goodman boyx i say he shallx go tox
am i the master herex or youx go tox
youxll not endure himx god shall mend my soulx
youxll make a mutiny among my guestsx
you will set cockxaxhoopx youxll be the manx

tybaltx
whyx unclex xtis a shamex

capuletx
go tox go tox
you are a saucy boyx isxt sox indeedx
this trick may chance to scathe youx i know whatx
you must contrary mex marryx xtis timex
well saidx my heartsxxyou are a princoxx gox
be quietx orxmore lightx more lightxxfor shamex
ixll make you quietx whatx cheerlyx my heartsx

tybaltx
patience perforce with wilful choler meeting
makes my flesh tremble in their different greetingx
i will withdrawx but this intrusion shallx
now seeming sweetx convert to bitter gallx

 xxexitxxx

romeox
xxto julietxxx if i profane with my unworthiest hand
this holy shrinex the gentle sin is thisx
my lipsx two blushing pilgrimsx ready stand
to smooth that rough touch with a tender kissx

julietx
good pilgrimx you do wrong your hand too muchx
which mannerly devotion shows in thisx
for saints have hands that pilgrimsx hands do touchx
and palm to palm is holy palmersx kissx

romeox
have not saints lipsx and holy palmers toox

julietx
ayx pilgrimx lips that they must use in prayerx

romeox
ox thenx dear saintx let lips do what hands dox
they prayx grant thoux lest faith turn to despairx

julietx
saints do not movex though grant for prayersx sakex

romeox
then move not while my prayerxs effect i takex
thus from my lipsx by thine my sin is purgxdx
xxkissing herxxx

julietx
then have my lips the sin that they have tookx

romeox
sin from my lipsx o trespass sweetly urgxdx
give me my sin againx

julietx
you kiss by the bookx

nursex
madamx your mother craves a word with youx

romeox
what is her motherx

nursex
marryx bachelorx
her mother is the lady of the housex
and a good ladyx and a wise and virtuousx
i nursxd her daughter that you talkxd withalx
i tell youx he that can lay hold of her
shall have the chinksx

romeox
is she a capuletx
o dear accountx my life is my foexs debtx

benvoliox
awayx be gonex the sport is at the bestx

romeox
ayx so i fearx the more is my unrestx

capuletx
nayx gentlemenx prepare not to be gonex
we have a trifling foolish banquet towardsx
is it exen sox why thenx i thank you allx
i thank youx honest gentlemenx good nightx
more torches herex come on thenx letxs to bedx
ahx sirrahx by my fayx it waxes latex
ixll to my restx

 xxexeunt all but juliet and nursexxx

julietx
come hitherx nursex what is yond gentlemanx

nursex
the son and heir of old tiberiox

julietx
whatxs he that now is going out of doorx

nursex
marryx that i think be young petruchiox

julietx
whatxs he that follows herex that would not dancex

nursex
i know notx

julietx
go ask his namex if he be marriedx
my grave is like to be my wedding bedx

nursex
his name is romeox and a montaguex
the only son of your great enemyx

julietx
my only love sprung from my only hatex
too early seen unknownx and known too latex
prodigious birth of love it is to mex
that i must love a loathed enemyx

nursex
whatxs thisx whatxs thisx

julietx
a rhyme i learnxd even now
of one i dancxd withalx

 xxone calls withinx xjulietxxxx

nursex
anonx anonx
come letxs awayx the strangers all are gonex

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

 enter chorusx

chorusx
now old desire doth in his deathbed liex
and young affection gapes to be his heirx
that fair for which love groanxd for and would diex
with tender juliet matchxdx is now not fairx
now romeo is belovxdx and loves againx
alike bewitched by the charm of looksx
but to his foe supposxd he must complainx
and she steal lovexs sweet bait from fearful hooksx
being held a foex he may not have access
to breathe such vows as lovers use to swearx
and she as much in lovex her means much less
to meet her new beloved anywherex
but passion lends them powerx time meansx to meetx
tempering extremities with extreme sweetx

 xxexitxxx

scene ix an open place adjoining capuletxs gardenx

 enter romeox

romeox
can i go forward when my heart is herex
turn backx dull earthx and find thy centre outx

 xxhe climbs the wall and leaps down within itxxx

 enter benvolio and mercutiox

benvoliox
romeox my cousin romeox romeox

mercutiox
he is wisex
and on my life hath stolxn him home to bedx

benvoliox
he ran this wayx and leapxd this orchard wallx
callx good mercutiox

mercutiox
nayx ixll conjure toox
romeox humoursx madmanx passionx loverx
appear thou in the likeness of a sighx
speak but one rhymex and i am satisfiedx
cry but xah mexx pronounce but love and dovex
speak to my gossip venus one fair wordx
one nickname for her purblind son and heirx
young abraham cupidx he that shot so trim
when king cophetua lovxd the beggarxmaidx
he heareth notx he stirreth notx he moveth notx
the ape is deadx and i must conjure himx
i conjure thee by rosalinexs bright eyesx
by her high forehead and her scarlet lipx
by her fine footx straight legx and quivering thighx
and the demesnes that there adjacent liex
that in thy likeness thou appear to usx

benvoliox
an if he hear theex thou wilt anger himx

mercutiox
this cannot anger himx xtwould anger him
to raise a spirit in his mistressx circlex
of some strange naturex letting it there stand
till she had laid itx and conjurxd it downx
that were some spitex my invocation
is fair and honestx andx in his mistressx namex
i conjure only but to raise up himx

benvoliox
comex he hath hid himself among these trees
to be consorted with the humorous nightx
blind is his lovex and best befits the darkx

mercutiox
if love be blindx love cannot hit the markx
now will he sit under a medlar treex
and wish his mistress were that kind of fruit
as maids call medlars when they laugh alonex
o romeox that she werex o that she were
an openxarse and thou a poperin pearx
romeox good nightx ixll to my trucklexbedx
this fieldxbed is too cold for me to sleepx
comex shall we gox

benvoliox
go thenx for xtis in vain
to seek him here that means not to be foundx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix capuletxs gardenx

 enter romeox

romeox
he jests at scars that never felt a woundx

 juliet appears above at a windowx

but softx what light through yonder window breaksx
it is the eastx and juliet is the sunx
arise fair sun and kill the envious moonx
who is already sick and pale with griefx
that thou her maid art far more fair than shex
be not her maid since she is enviousx
her vestal livery is but sick and greenx
and none but fools do wear itx cast it offx
it is my ladyx o it is my lovex
ox that she knew she werex
she speaksx yet she says nothingx what of thatx
her eye discoursesx i will answer itx
i am too boldx xtis not to me she speaksx
two of the fairest stars in all the heavenx
having some businessx do entreat her eyes
to twinkle in their spheres till they returnx
what if her eyes were therex they in her headx
the brightness of her cheek would shame those starsx
as daylight doth a lampx her eyes in heaven
would through the airy region stream so bright
that birds would sing and think it were not nightx
see how she leans her cheek upon her handx
o that i were a glove upon that handx
that i might touch that cheekx

julietx
ay mex

romeox
she speaksx
o speak again bright angelx for thou art
as glorious to this nightx being oxer my headx
as is a winged messenger of heaven
unto the whitexupturned wondering eyes
of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
when he bestrides the lazyxpuffing clouds
and sails upon the bosom of the airx

julietx
o romeox romeox wherefore art thou romeox
deny thy father and refuse thy namex
or if thou wilt notx be but sworn my lovex
and ixll no longer be a capuletx

romeox
xxasidexxx shall i hear morex or shall i speak at thisx

julietx
xtis but thy name that is my enemyx
thou art thyselfx though not a montaguex
whatxs montaguex it is nor hand nor footx
nor armx nor facex nor any other part
belonging to a manx o be some other namex
whatxs in a namex that which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweetx
so romeo wouldx were he not romeo callxdx
retain that dear perfection which he owes
without that titlex romeox doff thy namex
and for thy namex which is no part of theex
take all myselfx

romeox
i take thee at thy wordx
call me but lovex and ixll be new baptisxdx
henceforth i never will be romeox

julietx
what man art thou thatx thus bescreenxd in night
so stumblest on my counselx

romeox
by a name
i know not how to tell thee who i amx
my namex dear saintx is hateful to myselfx
because it is an enemy to theex
had i it writtenx i would tear the wordx

julietx
my ears have yet not drunk a hundred words
of thy tonguexs utterancex yet i know the soundx
art thou not romeox and a montaguex

romeox
neitherx fair maidx if either thee dislikex

julietx
how camxst thou hitherx tell mex and whereforex
the orchard walls are high and hard to climbx
and the place deathx considering who thou artx
if any of my kinsmen find thee herex

romeox
with lovexs light wings did i oxerperch these wallsx
for stony limits cannot hold love outx
and what love can dox that dares love attemptx
therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to mex

julietx
if they do see theex they will murder theex

romeox
alackx there lies more peril in thine eye
than twenty of their swordsx look thou but sweetx
and i am proof against their enmityx

julietx
i would not for the world they saw thee herex

romeox
i have nightxs cloak to hide me from their eyesx
and but thou love mex let them find me herex
my life were better ended by their hate
than death proroguedx wanting of thy lovex

julietx
by whose direction foundxst thou out this placex

romeox
by lovex that first did prompt me to enquirex
he lent me counselx and i lent him eyesx
i am no pilotx yet wert thou as far
as that vast shore washxd with the farthest seax
i should adventure for such merchandisex

julietx
thou knowest the mask of night is on my facex
else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
for that which thou hast heard me speak tonightx
fain would i dwell on formx fainx fain deny
what i have spokex but farewell complimentx
dost thou love mex i know thou wilt say ayx
and i will take thy wordx yetx if thou swearxstx
thou mayst prove falsex at loversx perjuriesx
they say jove laughsx o gentle romeox
if thou dost lovex pronounce it faithfullyx
or if thou thinkest i am too quickly wonx
ixll frown and be perversex and say thee nayx
so thou wilt woox but elsex not for the worldx
in truthx fair montaguex i am too fondx
and therefore thou mayst think my xhaviour lightx
but trust mex gentlemanx ixll prove more true
than those that have more cunning to be strangex
i should have been more strangex i must confessx
but that thou overheardxstx ere i was xwarex
my truexlove passionx therefore pardon mex
and not impute this yielding to light lovex
which the dark night hath so discoveredx

romeox
ladyx by yonder blessed moon i vowx
that tips with silver all these fruitxtree topsxx

julietx
o swear not by the moonx thxinconstant moonx
that monthly changes in her circled orbx
lest that thy love prove likewise variablex

romeox
what shall i swear byx

julietx
do not swear at allx
or if thou wiltx swear by thy gracious selfx
which is the god of my idolatryx
and ixll believe theex

romeox
if my heartxs dear lovexx

julietx
wellx do not swearx although i joy in theex
i have no joy of this contract tonightx
it is too rashx too unadvisxdx too suddenx
too like the lightningx which doth cease to be
ere one can say it lightensx sweetx good nightx
this bud of lovex by summerxs ripening breathx
may prove a beauteous flower when next we meetx
good nightx good nightx as sweet repose and rest
come to thy heart as that within my breastx

romeox
o wilt thou leave me so unsatisfiedx

julietx
what satisfaction canst thou have tonightx

romeox
thxexchange of thy lovexs faithful vow for minex

julietx
i gave thee mine before thou didst request itx
and yet i would it were to give againx

romeox
wouldxst thou withdraw itx for what purposex lovex

julietx
but to be frank and give it thee againx
and yet i wish but for the thing i havex
my bounty is as boundless as the seax
my love as deepx the more i give to theex
the more i havex for both are infinitex
i hear some noise withinx dear lovex adieux
xxnurse calls withinxxx
anonx good nursexxsweet montague be truex
stay but a littlex i will come againx

 xxexitxxx

romeox
o blessedx blessed nightx i am afeardx
being in nightx all this is but a dreamx
too flattering sweet to be substantialx

 enter juliet abovex

julietx
three wordsx dear romeox and good night indeedx
if that thy bent of love be honourablex
thy purpose marriagex send me word tomorrowx
by one that ixll procure to come to theex
where and what time thou wilt perform the ritex
and all my fortunes at thy foot ixll lay
and follow thee my lord throughout the worldx

nursex
xxwithinxxx madamx

julietx
i comex anonxx but if thou meanest not wellx
i do beseech theexx

nursex
xxwithinxxx madamx

julietx
by and by i comex
to cease thy strife and leave me to my griefx
tomorrow will i sendx

romeox
so thrive my soulxx

julietx
a thousand times good nightx

 xxexitxxx

romeox
a thousand times the worsex to want thy lightx
love goes toward love as schoolboys from their booksx
but love from lovex towards school with heavy looksx

 xxretiring slowlyxxx

 rexenter julietx abovex

julietx
histx romeox histx o for a falconerxs voice
to lure this tasselxgentle back againx
bondage is hoarse and may not speak aloudx
else would i tear the cave where echo liesx
and make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine
with repetition of my romeoxs namex

romeox
it is my soul that calls upon my namex
how silverxsweet sound loversx tongues by nightx
like softest music to attending earsx

julietx
romeox

romeox
my nyasx

julietx
what oxclock tomorrow
shall i send to theex

romeox
by the hour of ninex

julietx
i will not failx xtis twenty years till thenx
i have forgot why i did call thee backx

romeox
let me stand here till thou remember itx

julietx
i shall forgetx to have thee still stand therex
remembering how i love thy companyx

romeox
and ixll still stayx to have thee still forgetx
forgetting any other home but thisx

julietx
xtis almost morningx i would have thee gonex
and yet no farther than a wantonxs birdx
that lets it hop a little from her handx
like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyvesx
and with a silk thread plucks it back againx
so lovingxjealous of his libertyx

romeox
i would i were thy birdx

julietx
sweetx so would ix
yet i should kill thee with much cherishingx
good nightx good nightx parting is such sweet sorrow
that i shall say good night till it be morrowx

 xxexitxxx

romeox
sleep dwell upon thine eyesx peace in thy breastx
would i were sleep and peacex so sweet to restx
the greyxeyxd morn smiles on the frowning nightx
chequering the eastern clouds with streaks of lightx
and darkness fleckled like a drunkard reels
from forth dayxs pathwayx made by titanxs wheels
hence will i to my ghostly sirexs cellx
his help to crave and my dear hap to tellx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix friar lawrencexs cellx

 enter friar lawrence with a basketx

friar lawrencex
nowx ere the sun advance his burning eyex
the day to cheerx and nightxs dank dew to dryx
i must upfill this osier cage of ours
with baleful weeds and preciousxjuiced flowersx
the earth thatxs naturexs motherx is her tombx
what is her burying gravex that is her wombx
and from her womb children of divers kind
we sucking on her natural bosom findx
many for many virtues excellentx
none but for somex and yet all differentx
ox mickle is the powerful grace that lies
in plantsx herbsx stonesx and their true qualitiesx
for naught so vile that on the earth doth live
but to the earth some special good doth givex
nor aught so good butx strainxd from that fair usex
revolts from true birthx stumbling on abusex
virtue itself turns vice being misappliedx
and vice sometimexs by action dignifiedx

 enter romeox

within the infant rind of this weak flower
poison hath residencex and medicine powerx
for thisx being smeltx with that part cheers each partx
being tastedx slays all senses with the heartx
two such opposed kings encamp them still
in man as well as herbsxxgrace and rude willx
and where the worser is predominantx
full soon the canker death eats up that plantx

romeox
good morrowx fatherx

friar lawrencex
benedicitex
what early tongue so sweet saluteth mex
young sonx it argues a distemperxd head
so soon to bid good morrow to thy bedx
care keeps his watch in every old manxs eyex
and where care lodges sleep will never liex
but where unbruised youth with unstuffxd brain
doth couch his limbsx there golden sleep doth reignx
therefore thy earliness doth me assure
thou art uprousxd with some distemperaturex
or if not sox then here i hit it rightx
our romeo hath not been in bed tonightx

romeox
that last is truex the sweeter rest was minex

friar lawrencex
god pardon sinx wast thou with rosalinex

romeox
with rosalinex my ghostly fatherx nox
i have forgot that namex and that namexs woex

friar lawrencex
thatxs my good sonx but where hast thou been thenx

romeox
ixll tell thee ere thou ask it me againx
i have been feasting with mine enemyx
where on a sudden one hath wounded me
thatxs by me woundedx both our remedies
within thy help and holy physic liesx
i bear no hatredx blessed manx for lox
my intercession likewise steads my foex

friar lawrencex
be plainx good sonx and homely in thy driftx
riddling confession finds but riddling shriftx

romeox
then plainly know my heartxs dear love is set
on the fair daughter of rich capuletx
as mine on hersx so hers is set on minex
and all combinxdx save what thou must combine
by holy marriagex whenx and wherex and how
we metx we wooxdx and made exchange of vowx
ixll tell thee as we passx but this i prayx
that thou consent to marry us todayx

friar lawrencex
holy saint francisx what a change is herex
is rosalinex that thou didst love so dearx
so soon forsakenx young menxs love then lies
not truly in their heartsx but in their eyesx
jesu mariax what a deal of brine
hath washxd thy sallow cheeks for rosalinex
how much salt water thrown away in wastex
to season lovex that of it doth not tastex
the sun not yet thy sighs from heaven clearsx
thy old groans yet ring in mine ancient earsx
lo here upon thy cheek the stain doth sit
of an old tear that is not washxd off yetx
if ere thou wast thyselfx and these woes thinex
thou and these woes were all for rosalinex
and art thou changxdx pronounce this sentence thenx
women may fallx when therexs no strength in menx

romeox
thou chiddxst me oft for loving rosalinex

friar lawrencex
for dotingx not for lovingx pupil minex

romeox
and badxst me bury lovex

friar lawrencex
not in a grave
to lay one inx another out to havex

romeox
i pray thee chide me notx her i love now
doth grace for grace and love for love allowx
the other did not sox

friar lawrencex
ox she knew well
thy love did read by rotex that could not spellx
but come young wavererx come go with mex
in one respect ixll thy assistant bex
for this alliance may so happy provex
to turn your householdsx rancour to pure lovex

romeox
o let us hencex i stand on sudden hastex

friar lawrencex
wisely and slowx they stumble that run fastx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a streetx

 enter benvolio and mercutiox

mercutiox
where the devil should this romeo bex came he not home tonightx

benvoliox
not to his fatherxsx i spoke with his manx

mercutiox
whyx that same pale hardxhearted wenchx that rosalinex torments him so
that he will sure run madx

benvoliox
tybaltx the kinsman to old capuletx hath sent a letter to his fatherxs
housex

mercutiox
a challengex on my lifex

benvoliox
romeo will answer itx

mercutiox
any man that can write may answer a letterx

benvoliox
nayx he will answer the letterxs masterx how he daresx being daredx

mercutiox
alas poor romeox he is already deadx stabbed with a white wenchxs black
eyex run through the ear with a love songx the very pin of his heart
cleft with the blind bowxboyxs buttxshaftx and is he a man to encounter
tybaltx

benvoliox
whyx what is tybaltx

mercutiox
more than prince of catsx ox hexs the courageous captain of
complimentsx he fights as you sing prickxsongx keeps timex distancex
and proportionx he rests his minim restx onex twox and the third in
your bosomx the very butcher of a silk buttonx a duellistx a duellistx
a gentleman of the very first housex of the first and second causex ahx
the immortal passadox the punto reversox the hayx

benvoliox
the whatx

mercutiox
the pox of such antic lispingx affecting phantasiesx these new tuners
of accentx by jesux a very good bladex a very tall manx a very good
whorex whyx is not this a lamentable thingx grandsirex that we should
be thus afflicted with these strange fliesx these fashionxmongersx
these pardonxmexsx who stand so much on the new form that they cannot
sit at ease on the old benchx o their bonesx their bonesx

 enter romeox

benvoliox
here comes romeox here comes romeox

mercutiox
without his roex like a dried herringx o fleshx fleshx how art thou
fishifiedx now is he for the numbers that petrarch flowed inx laurax to
his ladyx was but a kitchen wenchxxmarryx she had a better love to
berhyme herx dido a dowdyx cleopatra a gypsyx helen and hero hildings
and harlotsx thisbe a grey eye or sox but not to the purposex signior
romeox bonjourx therexs a french salutation to your french slopx you
gave us the counterfeit fairly last nightx

romeox
good morrow to you bothx what counterfeit did i give youx

mercutiox
the slip sirx the slipx can you not conceivex

romeox
pardonx good mercutiox my business was greatx and in such a case as
mine a man may strain courtesyx

mercutiox
thatxs as much as to sayx such a case as yours constrains a man to bow
in the hamsx

romeox
meaningx to curtsyx

mercutiox
thou hast most kindly hit itx

romeox
a most courteous expositionx

mercutiox
nayx i am the very pink of courtesyx

romeox
pink for flowerx

mercutiox
rightx

romeox
whyx then is my pump well floweredx

mercutiox
sure witx follow me this jest nowx till thou hast worn out thy pumpx
that when the single sole of it is wornx the jest may remain after the
wearingx solely singularx

romeox
o singlexsoled jestx solely singular for the singlenessx

mercutiox
come between usx good benvoliox my wits faintx

romeox
swits and spursx swits and spursx or ixll cry a matchx

mercutiox
nayx if thy wits run the wildxgoose chasex i am donex for thou hast
more of the wildxgoose in one of thy witsx than i am surex i have in my
whole fivex was i with you there for the goosex

romeox
thou wast never with me for anythingx when thou wast not there for the
goosex

mercutiox
i will bite thee by the ear for that jestx

romeox
nayx good goosex bite notx

mercutiox
thy wit is a very bitter sweetingx it is a most sharp saucex

romeox
and is it not then well served in to a sweet goosex

mercutiox
o herexs a wit of cheverilx that stretches from an inch narrow to an
ell broadx

romeox
i stretch it out for that word broadx which added to the goosex proves
thee far and wide a broad goosex

mercutiox
whyx is not this better now than groaning for lovex now art thou
sociablex now art thou romeox not art thou what thou artx by art as
well as by naturex for this drivelling love is like a great naturalx
that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a holex

benvoliox
stop therex stop therex

mercutiox
thou desirest me to stop in my tale against the hairx

benvoliox
thou wouldst else have made thy tale largex

mercutiox
ox thou art deceivedx i would have made it shortx for i was come to the
whole depth of my talex and meant indeed to occupy the argument no
longerx

 enter nurse and peterx

romeox
herexs goodly gearx
a sailx a sailx

mercutiox
twox twox a shirt and a smockx

nursex
peterx

peterx
anonx

nursex
my fanx peterx

mercutiox
good peterx to hide her facex for her fanxs the fairer facex

nursex
god ye good morrowx gentlemenx

mercutiox
god ye goodxdenx fair gentlewomanx

nursex
is it goodxdenx

mercutiox
xtis no lessx i tell yex for the bawdy hand of the dial is now upon the
prick of noonx

nursex
out upon youx what a man are youx

romeox
onex gentlewomanx that god hath made for himself to marx

nursex
by my trothx it is well saidx for himself to marx quoth ax gentlemenx
can any of you tell me where i may find the young romeox

romeox
i can tell youx but young romeo will be older when you have found him
than he was when you sought himx i am the youngest of that namex for
fault of a worsex

nursex
you say wellx

mercutiox
yeax is the worst wellx very well tookx ixfaithx wiselyx wiselyx

nursex
if you be hex sirx i desire some confidence with youx

benvoliox
she will endite him to some supperx

mercutiox
a bawdx a bawdx a bawdx so hox

romeox
what hast thou foundx

mercutiox
no harex sirx unless a harex sirx in a lenten piex that is something
stale and hoar ere it be spentx
xxsingsxxx
    an old hare hoarx
    and an old hare hoarx
  is very good meat in lentx
    but a hare that is hoar
    is too much for a score
  when it hoars ere it be spentx
romeox will you come to your fatherxsx wexll to dinner thitherx

romeox
i will follow youx

mercutiox
farewellx ancient ladyx farewellx ladyx ladyx ladyx

 xxexeunt mercutio and benvolioxxx

nursex
i pray youx sirx what saucy merchant was this that was so full of his
roperyx

romeox
a gentlemanx nursex that loves to hear himself talkx and will speak
more in a minute than he will stand to in a monthx

nursex
and a speak anything against mex ixll take him downx and a were lustier
than he isx and twenty such jacksx and if i cannotx ixll find those
that shallx scurvy knavex i am none of his flirtxgillsx i am none of
his skainsxmatesxxand thou must stand by too and suffer every knave to
use me at his pleasurex

peterx
i saw no man use you at his pleasurex if i hadx my weapon should
quickly have been outx i warrant youx i dare draw as soon as another
manx if i see occasion in a good quarrelx and the law on my sidex

nursex
nowx afore godx i am so vexed that every part about me quiversx scurvy
knavex pray youx sirx a wordx and as i told youx my young lady bid me
enquire you outx what she bade me sayx i will keep to myselfx but first
let me tell yex if ye should lead her in a foolxs paradisex as they
sayx it were a very gross kind of behaviourx as they sayx for the
gentlewoman is youngx and thereforex if you should deal double with
herx truly it were an ill thing to be offered to any gentlewomanx and
very weak dealingx

romeox nursex commend me to thy lady and mistressx i protest unto
theexx

nursex
good heartx and ixfaith i will tell her as muchx lordx lordx she will
be a joyful womanx

romeox
what wilt thou tell herx nursex thou dost not mark mex

nursex
i will tell herx sirx that you do protestx whichx as i take itx is a
gentlemanlike offerx

romeox
bid her devise
some means to come to shrift this afternoonx
and there she shall at friar lawrencex cell
be shrivxd and marriedx here is for thy painsx

nursex
no trulyx sirx not a pennyx

romeox
go tox i say you shallx

nursex
this afternoonx sirx wellx she shall be therex

romeox
and stayx good nursex behind the abbey wallx
within this hour my man shall be with theex
and bring thee cords made like a tackled stairx
which to the high topgallant of my joy
must be my convoy in the secret nightx
farewellx be trustyx and ixll quit thy painsx
farewellx commend me to thy mistressx

nursex
now god in heaven bless theex hark youx sirx

romeox
what sayxst thoux my dear nursex

nursex
is your man secretx did you nexer hear sayx
two may keep counselx putting one awayx

romeox
i warrant thee my manxs as true as steelx

nursex
wellx sirx my mistress is the sweetest ladyx lordx lordx when xtwas a
little prating thingxxox there is a nobleman in townx one parisx that
would fain lay knife aboardx but shex good soulx had as lief see a
toadx a very toadx as see himx i anger her sometimesx and tell her that
paris is the properer manx but ixll warrant youx when i say sox she
looks as pale as any clout in the versal worldx doth not rosemary and
romeo begin both with a letterx

romeox
ayx nursex what of thatx both with an rx

nursex
ahx mockerx thatxs the dogxs namex r is for thexnox i know it begins
with some other letterx and she hath the prettiest sententious of itx
of you and rosemaryx that it would do you good to hear itx

romeox
commend me to thy ladyx

nursex
ayx a thousand timesx peterx

 xxexit romeoxxx

peterx
anonx

nursex
before and apacex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx capuletxs gardenx

 enter julietx

julietx
the clock struck nine when i did send the nursex
in half an hour she promised to returnx
perchance she cannot meet himx thatxs not sox
ox she is lamex lovexs heralds should be thoughtsx
which ten times faster glides than the sunxs beamsx
driving back shadows over lowering hillsx
therefore do nimblexpinionxd doves draw lovex
and therefore hath the windxswift cupid wingsx
now is the sun upon the highmost hill
of this dayxs journeyx and from nine till twelve
is three long hoursx yet she is not comex
had she affections and warm youthful bloodx
shexd be as swift in motion as a ballx
my words would bandy her to my sweet lovex
and his to mex
but old folksx many feign as they were deadx
unwieldyx slowx heavy and pale as leadx

 enter nurse and peterx

o godx she comesx o honey nursex what newsx
hast thou met with himx send thy man awayx

nursex
peterx stay at the gatex

 xxexit peterxxx

julietx
nowx good sweet nursexxo lordx why lookxst thou sadx
though news be sadx yet tell them merrilyx
if goodx thou shamxst the music of sweet news
by playing it to me with so sour a facex

nursex
i am awearyx give me leave awhilex
fiex how my bones achex what a jaunt have i hadx

julietx
i would thou hadst my bonesx and i thy newsx
nay comex i pray thee speakx goodx good nursex speakx

nursex
jesux what hastex can you not stay a whilex do you not see that i am
out of breathx

julietx
how art thou out of breathx when thou hast breath
to say to me that thou art out of breathx
the excuse that thou dost make in this delay
is longer than the tale thou dost excusex
is thy news good or badx answer to thatx
say eitherx and ixll stay the circumstancex
let me be satisfiedx isxt good or badx

nursex
wellx you have made a simple choicex you know not how to choose a manx
romeox nox not hex though his face be better than any manxsx yet his
leg excels all menxsx and for a hand and a footx and a bodyx though
they be not to be talked onx yet they are past comparex he is not the
flower of courtesyx but ixll warrant him as gentle as a lambx go thy
waysx wenchx serve godx whatx have you dined at homex

julietx
nox nox but all this did i know beforex
what says he of our marriagex what of thatx

nursex
lordx how my head achesx what a head have ix
it beats as it would fall in twenty piecesx
my back ox txother sidexxo my backx my backx
beshrew your heart for sending me about
to catch my death with jauncing up and downx

julietx
ixfaithx i am sorry that thou art not wellx
sweetx sweetx sweet nursex tell mex what says my lovex

nursex
your love says like an honest gentlemanx
and a courteousx and a kindx and a handsomex
and i warrant a virtuousxxwhere is your motherx

julietx
where is my motherx whyx she is withinx
where should she bex how oddly thou repliestx
xyour love saysx like an honest gentlemanx
xwhere is your motherxx

nursex
o godxs lady dearx
are you so hotx marryx come upx i trowx
is this the poultice for my aching bonesx
henceforward do your messages yourselfx

julietx
herexs such a coilx comex what says romeox

nursex
have you got leave to go to shrift todayx

julietx
i havex

nursex
then hie you hence to friar lawrencex cellx
there stays a husband to make you a wifex
now comes the wanton blood up in your cheeksx
theyxll be in scarlet straight at any newsx
hie you to churchx i must another wayx
to fetch a ladder by the which your love
must climb a birdxs nest soon when it is darkx
i am the drudgex and toil in your delightx
but you shall bear the burden soon at nightx
gox ixll to dinnerx hie you to the cellx

julietx
hie to high fortunex honest nursex farewellx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix friar lawrencexs cellx

 enter friar lawrence and romeox

friar lawrencex
so smile the heavens upon this holy act
that afterxhours with sorrow chide us notx

romeox
amenx amenx but come what sorrow canx
it cannot countervail the exchange of joy
that one short minute gives me in her sightx
do thou but close our hands with holy wordsx
then lovexdevouring death do what he darex
it is enough i may but call her minex

friar lawrencex
these violent delights have violent endsx
and in their triumph diex like fire and powderx
which as they kiss consumex the sweetest honey
is loathsome in his own deliciousnessx
and in the taste confounds the appetitex
therefore love moderatelyx long love doth sox
too swift arrives as tardy as too slowx

 enter julietx

here comes the ladyx ox so light a foot
will nexer wear out the everlasting flintx
a lover may bestride the gossamers
that idles in the wanton summer air
and yet not fallx so light is vanityx

julietx
good even to my ghostly confessorx

friar lawrencex
romeo shall thank theex daughterx for us bothx

julietx
as much to himx else is his thanks too muchx

romeox
ahx julietx if the measure of thy joy
be heapxd like minex and that thy skill be more
to blazon itx then sweeten with thy breath
this neighbour airx and let rich musicxs tongue
unfold the imaginxd happiness that both
receive in either by this dear encounterx

julietx
conceit more rich in matter than in wordsx
brags of his substancex not of ornamentx
they are but beggars that can count their worthx
but my true love is grown to such excessx
i cannot sum up sum of half my wealthx

friar lawrencex
comex come with mex and we will make short workx
forx by your leavesx you shall not stay alone
till holy church incorporate two in onex

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix a public placex

 enter mercutiox benvoliox page and servantsx

benvoliox
i pray theex good mercutiox letxs retirex
the day is hotx the capulets abroadx
and if we meetx we shall not scape a brawlx
for now these hot daysx is the mad blood stirringx

mercutiox
thou art like one of these fellows thatx when he enters the confines of
a tavernx claps me his sword upon the tablex and says xgod send me no
need of theexx and by the operation of the second cup draws him on the
drawerx when indeed there is no needx

benvoliox
am i like such a fellowx

mercutiox
comex comex thou art as hot a jack in thy mood as any in italyx and as
soon moved to be moodyx and as soon moody to be movedx

benvoliox
and what tox

mercutiox
nayx an there were two suchx we should have none shortlyx for one would
kill the otherx thoux whyx thou wilt quarrel with a man that hath a
hair more or a hair less in his beard than thou hastx thou wilt quarrel
with a man for cracking nutsx having no other reason but because thou
hast hazel eyesx what eye but such an eye would spy out such a quarrelx
thy head is as full of quarrels as an egg is full of meatx and yet thy
head hath been beaten as addle as an egg for quarrellingx thou hast
quarrelled with a man for coughing in the streetx because he hath
wakened thy dog that hath lain asleep in the sunx didst thou not fall
out with a tailor for wearing his new doublet before easterx with
another for tying his new shoes with an old ribandx and yet thou wilt
tutor me from quarrellingx

benvoliox
and i were so apt to quarrel as thou artx any man should buy the fee
simple of my life for an hour and a quarterx

mercutiox
the fee simplex o simplex

 enter tybalt and othersx

benvoliox
by my headx here comes the capuletsx

mercutiox
by my heelx i care notx

tybaltx
follow me closex for i will speak to themx
gentlemenx goodxdenx a word with one of youx

mercutiox
and but one word with one of usx couple it with somethingx make it a
word and a blowx

tybaltx
you shall find me apt enough to thatx sirx and you will give me
occasionx

mercutiox
could you not take some occasion without givingx

tybaltx
mercutiox thou consortest with romeox

mercutiox
consortx whatx dost thou make us minstrelsx and thou make minstrels of
usx look to hear nothing but discordsx herexs my fiddlestickx herexs
that shall make you dancex zoundsx consortx

benvoliox
we talk here in the public haunt of menx
either withdraw unto some private placex
and reason coldly of your grievancesx
or else departx here all eyes gaze on usx

mercutiox
menxs eyes were made to lookx and let them gazex
i will not budge for no manxs pleasurex ix

 enter romeox

tybaltx
wellx peace be with youx sirx here comes my manx

mercutiox
but ixll be hangedx sirx if he wear your liveryx
marryx go before to fieldx hexll be your followerx
your worship in that sense may call him manx

tybaltx
romeox the love i bear thee can afford
no better term than thisx thou art a villainx

romeox
tybaltx the reason that i have to love thee
doth much excuse the appertaining rage
to such a greetingx villain am i nonex
therefore farewellx i see thou knowxst me notx

tybaltx
boyx this shall not excuse the injuries
that thou hast done mex therefore turn and drawx

romeox
i do protest i never injurxd theex
but love thee better than thou canst devise
till thou shalt know the reason of my lovex
and so good capuletx which name i tender
as dearly as mine ownx be satisfiedx

mercutiox
o calmx dishonourablex vile submissionx
xxdrawsxxx alla stoccata carries it awayx
tybaltx you ratxcatcherx will you walkx

tybaltx
what wouldst thou have with mex

mercutiox
good king of catsx nothing but one of your nine livesx that i mean to
make bold withalx andx as you shall use me hereafterx dryxbeat the rest
of the eightx will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher by the earsx
make hastex lest mine be about your ears ere it be outx

tybaltx
xxdrawingxxx i am for youx

romeox
gentle mercutiox put thy rapier upx

mercutiox
comex sirx your passadox

 xxthey fightxxx

romeox
drawx benvoliox beat down their weaponsx
gentlemenx for shamex forbear this outragex
tybaltx mercutiox the prince expressly hath
forbid this bandying in verona streetsx
holdx tybaltx good mercutiox

 xxexeunt tybalt with his partizansxxx

mercutiox
i am hurtx
a plague ox both your housesx i am spedx
is he gonex and hath nothingx

benvoliox
whatx art thou hurtx

mercutiox
ayx ayx a scratchx a scratchx marryx xtis enoughx
where is my pagex go villainx fetch a surgeonx

 xxexit pagexxx

romeox
couragex manx the hurt cannot be muchx

mercutiox
nox xtis not so deep as a wellx nor so wide as a church doorx but xtis
enoughx xtwill servex ask for me tomorrowx and you shall find me a
grave manx i am pepperedx i warrantx for this worldx a plague ox both
your housesx zoundsx a dogx a ratx a mousex a catx to scratch a man to
deathx a braggartx a roguex a villainx that fights by the book of
arithmeticxxwhy the devil came you between usx i was hurt under your
armx

romeox
i thought all for the bestx

mercutiox
help me into some housex benvoliox
or i shall faintx a plague ox both your housesx
they have made wormsx meat of mex
i have itx and soundly toox your housesx

 xxexeunt mercutio and benvolioxxx

romeox
this gentlemanx the princexs near allyx
my very friendx hath got his mortal hurt
in my behalfx my reputation stainxd
with tybaltxs slanderxxtybaltx that an hour
hath been my cousinx o sweet julietx
thy beauty hath made me effeminate
and in my temper softenxd valourxs steelx

 rexenter benvoliox

benvoliox
o romeox romeox brave mercutioxs deadx
that gallant spirit hath aspirxd the cloudsx
which too untimely here did scorn the earthx

romeox
this dayxs black fate on mo days doth dependx
this but begins the woe others must endx

 rexenter tybaltx

benvoliox
here comes the furious tybalt back againx

romeox
again in triumphx and mercutio slainx
away to heaven respective lenityx
and firexeyxd fury be my conduct nowx
nowx tybaltx take the xvillainx back again
that late thou gavxst mex for mercutioxs soul
is but a little way above our headsx
staying for thine to keep him companyx
either thou or ix or bothx must go with himx

tybaltx
thou wretched boyx that didst consort him herex
shalt with him hencex

romeox
this shall determine thatx

 xxthey fightx tybalt fallsxxx

benvoliox
romeox awayx be gonex
the citizens are upx and tybalt slainx
stand not amazxdx the prince will doom thee death
if thou art takenx hencex be gonex awayx

romeox
ox i am fortunexs foolx

benvoliox
why dost thou stayx

 xxexit romeoxxx

 enter citizensx

first citizenx
which way ran he that killxd mercutiox
tybaltx that murdererx which way ran hex

benvoliox
there lies that tybaltx

first citizenx
upx sirx go with mex
i charge thee in the princexs name obeyx

 enter princex attendedx montaguex capuletx their wives and othersx

princex
where are the vile beginners of this frayx

benvoliox
o noble princex i can discover all
the unlucky manage of this fatal brawlx
there lies the manx slain by young romeox
that slew thy kinsmanx brave mercutiox

lady capuletx
tybaltx my cousinx o my brotherxs childx
o princex o husbandx ox the blood is spillxd
of my dear kinsmanx princex as thou art truex
for blood of ours shed blood of montaguex
o cousinx cousinx

princex
benvoliox who began this bloody frayx

benvoliox
tybaltx here slainx whom romeoxs hand did slayx
romeox that spoke him fairx bid him bethink
how nice the quarrel wasx and urgxd withal
your high displeasurex all this uttered
with gentle breathx calm lookx knees humbly bowxd
could not take truce with the unruly spleen
of tybaltx deaf to peacex but that he tilts
with piercing steel at bold mercutioxs breastx
whox all as hotx turns deadly point to pointx
andx with a martial scornx with one hand beats
cold death asidex and with the other sends
it back to tybaltx whose dexterity
retorts itx romeo he cries aloudx
xholdx friendsx friendsx partxx and swifter than his tonguex
his agile arm beats down their fatal pointsx
and xtwixt them rushesx underneath whose arm
an envious thrust from tybalt hit the life
of stout mercutiox and then tybalt fledx
but by and by comes back to romeox
who had but newly entertainxd revengex
and toxt they go like lightningx forx ere i
could draw to part them was stout tybalt slainx
and as he fell did romeo turn and flyx
this is the truthx or let benvolio diex

lady capuletx
he is a kinsman to the montaguex
affection makes him falsex he speaks not truex
some twenty of them fought in this black strifex
and all those twenty could but kill one lifex
i beg for justicex which thoux princex must givex
romeo slew tybaltx romeo must not livex

princex
romeo slew himx he slew mercutiox
who now the price of his dear blood doth owex

montaguex
not romeox princex he was mercutioxs friendx
his fault concludes but what the law should endx
the life of tybaltx

princex
and for that offence
immediately we do exile him hencex
i have an interest in your hatexs proceedingx
my blood for your rude brawls doth lie axbleedingx
but ixll amerce you with so strong a fine
that you shall all repent the loss of minex
i will be deaf to pleading and excusesx
nor tears nor prayers shall purchase out abusesx
therefore use nonex let romeo hence in hastex
elsex when he is foundx that hour is his lastx
bear hence this bodyx and attend our willx
mercy but murdersx pardoning those that killx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a room in capuletxs housex

 enter julietx

julietx
gallop apacex you fieryxfooted steedsx
towards phoebusx lodgingx such a waggoner
as phaeton would whip you to the west
and bring in cloudy night immediatelyx
spread thy close curtainx lovexperforming nightx
that runawayxs eyes may winkx and romeo
leap to these armsx untalkxd of and unseenx
lovers can see to do their amorous rites
by their own beautiesx orx if love be blindx
it best agrees with nightx comex civil nightx
thou soberxsuited matronx all in blackx
and learn me how to lose a winning matchx
playxd for a pair of stainless maidenhoodsx
hood my unmannxd bloodx bating in my cheeksx
with thy black mantlex till strange lovex grow boldx
think true love acted simple modestyx
comex nightx come romeox comex thou day in nightx
for thou wilt lie upon the wings of night
whiter than new snow upon a ravenxs backx
come gentle nightx come loving blackxbrowxd nightx
give me my romeox and when i shall diex
take him and cut him out in little starsx
and he will make the face of heaven so fine
that all the world will be in love with nightx
and pay no worship to the garish sunx
ox i have bought the mansion of a lovex
but not possessxd itx and though i am soldx
not yet enjoyxdx so tedious is this day
as is the night before some festival
to an impatient child that hath new robes
and may not wear themx ox here comes my nursex
and she brings newsx and every tongue that speaks
but romeoxs name speaks heavenly eloquencex

 enter nursex with cordsx

nowx nursex what newsx what hast thou therex
the cords that romeo bid thee fetchx

nursex
ayx ayx the cordsx

 xxthrows them downxxx

julietx
ay mex what newsx why dost thou wring thy handsx

nursex
ahx wellxaxdayx hexs deadx hexs deadx hexs deadx
we are undonex ladyx we are undonex
alack the dayx hexs gonex hexs killxdx hexs deadx

julietx
can heaven be so enviousx

nursex
romeo canx
though heaven cannotx o romeox romeox
who ever would have thought itx romeox

julietx
what devil art thoux that dost torment me thusx
this torture should be roarxd in dismal hellx
hath romeo slain himselfx say thou but ayx
and that bare vowel i shall poison more
than the deathxdarting eye of cockatricex
i am not i if there be such an ix
or those eyes shut that make thee answer ayx
if he be slainx say ayx or if notx nox
brief sounds determine of my weal or woex

nursex
i saw the woundx i saw it with mine eyesx
god save the markxxhere on his manly breastx
a piteous corsex a bloody piteous corsex
palex pale as ashesx all bedaubxd in bloodx
all in gorexbloodx i swounded at the sightx

julietx
ox breakx my heartx poor bankroutx break at oncex
to prisonx eyesx nexer look on libertyx
vile earth to earth resignx end motion herex
and thou and romeo press one heavy bierx

nursex
o tybaltx tybaltx the best friend i hadx
o courteous tybaltx honest gentlemanx
that ever i should live to see thee deadx

julietx
what storm is this that blows so contraryx
is romeo slaughterxd and is tybalt deadx
my dearest cousinx and my dearer lordx
then dreadful trumpet sound the general doomx
for who is livingx if those two are gonex

nursex
tybalt is gonex and romeo banishedx
romeo that killxd himx he is banishedx

julietx
o godx did romeoxs hand shed tybaltxs bloodx

nursex
it didx it didx alas the dayx it didx

julietx
o serpent heartx hid with a flowering facex
did ever dragon keep so fair a cavex
beautiful tyrantx fiend angelicalx
dovexfeatherxd ravenx wolvishxravening lambx
despised substance of divinest showx
just opposite to what thou justly seemxstx
a damned saintx an honourable villainx
o naturex what hadst thou to do in hell
when thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend
in mortal paradise of such sweet fleshx
was ever book containing such vile matter
so fairly boundx ox that deceit should dwell
in such a gorgeous palacex

nursex
therexs no trustx
no faithx no honesty in menx all perjurxdx
all forswornx all naughtx all dissemblersx
ahx wherexs my manx give me some aqua vitaex
these griefsx these woesx these sorrows make me oldx
shame come to romeox

julietx
blisterxd be thy tongue
for such a wishx he was not born to shamex
upon his brow shame is ashamxd to sitx
for xtis a throne where honour may be crownxd
sole monarch of the universal earthx
ox what a beast was i to chide at himx

nursex
will you speak well of him that killxd your cousinx

julietx
shall i speak ill of him that is my husbandx
ahx poor my lordx what tongue shall smooth thy namex
when i thy threexhoursx wife have mangled itx
but whereforex villainx didst thou kill my cousinx
that villain cousin would have killxd my husbandx
backx foolish tearsx back to your native springx
your tributary drops belong to woex
which you mistaking offer up to joyx
my husband livesx that tybalt would have slainx
and tybaltxs deadx that would have slain my husbandx
all this is comfortx wherefore weep i thenx
some word there wasx worser than tybaltxs deathx
that murderxd mex i would forget it fainx
but ox it presses to my memory
like damned guilty deeds to sinnersx mindsx
tybalt is deadx and romeo banishedx
that xbanishedxx that one word xbanishedxx
hath slain ten thousand tybaltsx tybaltxs death
was woe enoughx if it had ended therex
or if sour woe delights in fellowshipx
and needly will be rankxd with other griefsx
why followxd notx when she said tybaltxs deadx
thy father or thy motherx nay or bothx
which modern lamentation might have movxdx
but with a rearxward following tybaltxs deathx
xromeo is banishedxxto speak that word
is fatherx motherx tybaltx romeox julietx
all slainx all deadx romeo is banishedx
there is no endx no limitx measurex boundx
in that wordxs deathx no words can that woe soundx
where is my father and my motherx nursex

nursex
weeping and wailing over tybaltxs corsex
will you go to themx i will bring you thitherx

julietx
wash they his wounds with tearsx mine shall be spentx
when theirs are dryx for romeoxs banishmentx
take up those cordsx poor ropesx you are beguilxdx
both you and ix for romeo is exilxdx
he made you for a highway to my bedx
but ix a maidx die maidenxwidowedx
come cordsx come nursex ixll to my wedding bedx
and deathx not romeox take my maidenheadx

nursex
hie to your chamberx ixll find romeo
to comfort youx i wot well where he isx
hark yex your romeo will be here at nightx
ixll to himx he is hid at lawrencex cellx

julietx
o find himx give this ring to my true knightx
and bid him come to take his last farewellx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix friar lawrencexs cellx

 enter friar lawrencex

friar lawrencex
romeox come forthx come forthx thou fearful manx
affliction is enanmourxd of thy parts
and thou art wedded to calamityx

 enter romeox

romeox
fatherx what newsx what is the princexs doomx
what sorrow craves acquaintance at my handx
that i yet know notx

friar lawrencex
too familiar
is my dear son with such sour companyx
i bring thee tidings of the princexs doomx

romeox
what less than doomsday is the princexs doomx

friar lawrencex
a gentler judgment vanishxd from his lipsx
not bodyxs deathx but bodyxs banishmentx

romeox
hax banishmentx be mercifulx say deathx
for exile hath more terror in his lookx
much more than deathx do not say banishmentx

friar lawrencex
hence from verona art thou banishedx
be patientx for the world is broad and widex

romeox
there is no world without verona wallsx
but purgatoryx torturex hell itselfx
hence banished is banishxd from the worldx
and worldxs exile is deathx then banished
is death mistermxdx calling death banishedx
thou cuttxst my head off with a golden axex
and smilest upon the stroke that murders mex

friar lawrencex
o deadly sinx o rude unthankfulnessx
thy fault our law calls deathx but the kind princex
taking thy partx hath brushxd aside the lawx
and turnxd that black word death to banishmentx
this is dear mercyx and thou seexst it notx

romeox
xtis torturex and not mercyx heaven is here
where juliet livesx and every cat and dogx
and little mousex every unworthy thingx
live here in heaven and may look on herx
but romeo may notx more validityx
more honourable statex more courtship lives
in carrion flies than romeox they may seize
on the white wonder of dear julietxs handx
and steal immortal blessing from her lipsx
whox even in pure and vestal modesty
still blushx as thinking their own kisses sinx
but romeo may notx he is banishedx
this may flies dox when i from this must flyx
they are free men but i am banishedx
and sayxst thou yet that exile is not deathx
hadst thou no poison mixxdx no sharpxground knifex
no sudden mean of deathx though nexer so meanx
but banished to kill mex banishedx
o friarx the damned use that word in hellx
howlings attends itx how hast thou the heartx
being a divinex a ghostly confessorx
a sinxabsolverx and my friend professxdx
to mangle me with that word banishedx

friar lawrencex
thou fond mad manx hear me speak a littlex

romeox
ox thou wilt speak again of banishmentx

friar lawrencex
ixll give thee armour to keep off that wordx
adversityxs sweet milkx philosophyx
to comfort theex though thou art banishedx

romeox
yet banishedx hang up philosophyx
unless philosophy can make a julietx
displant a townx reverse a princexs doomx
it helps notx it prevails notx talk no morex

friar lawrencex
ox then i see that mad men have no earsx

romeox
how should theyx when that wise men have no eyesx

friar lawrencex
let me dispute with thee of thy estatex

romeox
thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feelx
wert thou as young as ix juliet thy lovex
an hour but marriedx tybalt murderedx
doting like mex and like me banishedx
then mightst thou speakx then mightst thou tear thy hairx
and fall upon the ground as i do nowx
taking the measure of an unmade gravex

 xxknocking withinxxx

friar lawrencex
arisex one knocksx good romeox hide thyselfx

romeox
not ix unless the breath of heartsick groans
mistxlike infold me from the search of eyesx

 xxknockingxxx

friar lawrencex
harkx how they knockxxwhoxs therexxromeox arisex
thou wilt be takenxxstay awhilexxstand upx

 xxknockingxxx

run to my studyxxbyxandxbyxxgodxs willx
what simpleness is thisxxi comex i comex

 xxknockingxxx

who knocks so hardx whence come youx whatxs your willx

nursex
xxwithinxxx let me come inx and you shall know my errandx
i come from lady julietx

friar lawrencex
welcome thenx

 enter nursex

nursex
o holy friarx ox tell mex holy friarx
where is my ladyxs lordx wherexs romeox

friar lawrencex
there on the groundx with his own tears made drunkx

nursex
ox he is even in my mistressx casex
just in her casex o woeful sympathyx
piteous predicamentx even so lies shex
blubbering and weepingx weeping and blubberingx
stand upx stand upx standx and you be a manx
for julietxs sakex for her sakex rise and standx
why should you fall into so deep an ox

romeox
nursex

nursex
ah sirx ah sirx deathxs the end of allx

romeox
spakest thou of julietx how is it with herx
doth not she think me an old murdererx
now i have stainxd the childhood of our joy
with blood removxd but little from her ownx
where is shex and how doth shex and what says
my concealxd lady to our cancellxd lovex

nursex
ox she says nothingx sirx but weeps and weepsx
and now falls on her bedx and then starts upx
and tybalt callsx and then on romeo criesx
and then down falls againx

romeox
as if that namex
shot from the deadly level of a gunx
did murder herx as that namexs cursed hand
murderxd her kinsmanx ox tell mex friarx tell mex
in what vile part of this anatomy
doth my name lodgex tell mex that i may sack
the hateful mansionx

 xxdrawing his swordxxx

friar lawrencex
hold thy desperate handx
art thou a manx thy form cries out thou artx
thy tears are womanishx thy wild acts denote
the unreasonable fury of a beastx
unseemly woman in a seeming manx
and illxbeseeming beast in seeming bothx
thou hast amazxd mex by my holy orderx
i thought thy disposition better temperxdx
hast thou slain tybaltx wilt thou slay thyselfx
and slay thy ladyx that in thy life livesx
by doing damned hate upon thyselfx
why railxst thou on thy birthx the heaven and earthx
since birthx and heaven and earthx all three do meet
in thee at oncex which thou at once wouldst losex
fiex fiex thou shamxst thy shapex thy lovex thy witx
whichx like a usurerx aboundxst in allx
and usest none in that true use indeed
which should bedeck thy shapex thy lovex thy witx
thy noble shape is but a form of waxx
digressing from the valour of a manx
thy dear love sworn but hollow perjuryx
killing that love which thou hast vowxd to cherishx
thy witx that ornament to shape and lovex
misshapen in the conduct of them bothx
like powder in a skilless soldierxs flaskx
is set afire by thine own ignorancex
and thou dismemberxd with thine own defencex
whatx rouse theex manx thy juliet is alivex
for whose dear sake thou wast but lately deadx
there art thou happyx tybalt would kill theex
but thou slewxst tybaltx there art thou happyx
the law that threatenxd death becomes thy friendx
and turns it to exilex there art thou happyx
a pack of blessings light upon thy backx
happiness courts thee in her best arrayx
but like a misshaped and sullen wenchx
thou puttxst up thy fortune and thy lovex
take heedx take heedx for such die miserablex
gox get thee to thy love as was decreedx
ascend her chamberx hence and comfort herx
but look thou stay not till the watch be setx
for then thou canst not pass to mantuax
where thou shalt live till we can find a time
to blaze your marriagex reconcile your friendsx
beg pardon of the princex and call thee back
with twenty hundred thousand times more joy
than thou wentxst forth in lamentationx
go beforex nursex commend me to thy ladyx
and bid her hasten all the house to bedx
which heavy sorrow makes them apt untox
romeo is comingx

nursex
o lordx i could have stayxd here all the night
to hear good counselx ox what learning isx
my lordx ixll tell my lady you will comex

romeox
do sox and bid my sweet prepare to chidex

nursex
here sirx a ring she bid me give youx sirx
hie youx make hastex for it grows very latex

 xxexitxxx

romeox
how well my comfort is revivxd by thisx

friar lawrencex
go hencex good nightx and here stands all your statex
either be gone before the watch be setx
or by the break of day disguisxd from hencex
sojourn in mantuax ixll find out your manx
and he shall signify from time to time
every good hap to you that chances herex
give me thy handx xtis latex farewellx good nightx

romeox
but that a joy past joy calls out on mex
it were a grief so brief to part with theex
farewellx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a room in capuletxs housex

 enter capuletx lady capulet and parisx

capuletx
things have fallen outx sirx so unluckily
that we have had no time to move our daughterx
look youx she lovxd her kinsman tybalt dearlyx
and so did ix wellx we were born to diex
xtis very latex shexll not come down tonightx
i promise youx but for your companyx
i would have been abed an hour agox

parisx
these times of woe afford no tune to woox
madamx good nightx commend me to your daughterx

lady capuletx
i willx and know her mind early tomorrowx
tonight shexs mewxd up to her heavinessx

capuletx
sir parisx i will make a desperate tender
of my childxs lovex i think she will be rulxd
in all respects by mex nay morex i doubt it notx
wifex go you to her ere you go to bedx
acquaint her here of my son parisx lovex
and bid herx mark you mex on wednesday nextx
butx softx what day is thisx

parisx
mondayx my lordx

capuletx
mondayx hax hax wellx wednesday is too soonx
a thursday let it bex a thursdayx tell herx
she shall be married to this noble earlx
will you be readyx do you like this hastex
wexll keep no great adoxxa friend or twox
forx hark youx tybalt being slain so latex
it may be thought we held him carelesslyx
being our kinsmanx if we revel muchx
therefore wexll have some half a dozen friendsx
and there an endx but what say you to thursdayx

parisx
my lordx i would that thursday were tomorrowx

capuletx
wellx get you gonex a thursday be it thenx
go you to juliet ere you go to bedx
prepare herx wifex against this wedding dayx
farewellx my lordxxlight to my chamberx hox
afore mex it is so very very late that we
may call it early by and byx good nightx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx an open gallery to julietxs chamberx overlooking the gardenx

 enter romeo and julietx

julietx
wilt thou be gonex it is not yet near dayx
it was the nightingalex and not the larkx
that piercxd the fearful hollow of thine earx
nightly she sings on yond pomegranate treex
believe mex lovex it was the nightingalex

romeox
it was the larkx the herald of the mornx
no nightingalex lookx lovex what envious streaks
do lace the severing clouds in yonder eastx
nightxs candles are burnt outx and jocund day
stands tiptoe on the misty mountain topsx
i must be gone and livex or stay and diex

julietx
yond light is not daylightx i know itx ix
it is some meteor that the sun exhales
to be to thee this night a torchbearer
and light thee on thy way to mantuax
therefore stay yetx thou needxst not to be gonex

romeox
let me be taxenx let me be put to deathx
i am contentx so thou wilt have it sox
ixll say yon grey is not the morningxs eyex
xtis but the pale reflex of cynthiaxs browx
nor that is not the lark whose notes do beat
the vaulty heaven so high above our headsx
i have more care to stay than will to gox
comex deathx and welcomex juliet wills it sox
how isxtx my soulx letxs talkx it is not dayx

julietx
it isx it isx hie hencex be gonex awayx
it is the lark that sings so out of tunex
straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharpsx
some say the lark makes sweet divisionx
this doth not sox for she divideth usx
some say the lark and loathed toad change eyesx
ox now i would they had changxd voices toox
since arm from arm that voice doth us affrayx
hunting thee hence with huntxsxup to the dayx
o now be gonex more light and light it growsx

romeox
more light and lightx more dark and dark our woesx

 enter nursex

nursex
madamx

julietx
nursex

nursex
your lady mother is coming to your chamberx
the day is brokex be waryx look aboutx

 xxexitxxx

julietx
thenx windowx let day inx and let life outx

romeox
farewellx farewellx one kissx and ixll descendx

 xxdescendsxxx

julietx
art thou gone sox lovex lordx ay husbandx friendx
i must hear from thee every day in the hourx
for in a minute there are many daysx
ox by this count i shall be much in years
ere i again behold my romeox

romeox
farewellx
i will omit no opportunity
that may convey my greetingsx lovex to theex

julietx
o thinkest thou we shall ever meet againx

romeox
i doubt it notx and all these woes shall serve
for sweet discourses in our time to comex

julietx
o godx i have an illxdivining soulx
methinks i see theex now thou art so lowx
as one dead in the bottom of a tombx
either my eyesight failsx or thou lookxst palex

romeox
and trust mex lovex in my eye so do youx
dry sorrow drinks our bloodx adieux adieux

 xxexit belowxxx

julietx
o fortunex fortunex all men call thee ficklex
if thou art ficklex what dost thou with him
that is renownxd for faithx be ficklex fortunex
for thenx i hope thou wilt not keep him long
but send him backx

lady capuletx
xxwithinxxx hox daughterx are you upx

julietx
who isxt that callsx is it my lady motherx
is she not down so latex or up so earlyx
what unaccustomxd cause procures her hitherx

 enter lady capuletx

lady capuletx
whyx how nowx julietx

julietx
madamx i am not wellx

lady capuletx
evermore weeping for your cousinxs deathx
whatx wilt thou wash him from his grave with tearsx
and if thou couldstx thou couldst not make him livex
therefore have donex some grief shows much of lovex
but much of grief shows still some want of witx

julietx
yet let me weep for such a feeling lossx

lady capuletx
so shall you feel the lossx but not the friend
which you weep forx

julietx
feeling so the lossx
i cannot choose but ever weep the friendx

lady capuletx
wellx girlx thou weepxst not so much for his death
as that the villain lives which slaughterxd himx

julietx
what villainx madamx

lady capuletx
that same villain romeox

julietx
villain and he be many miles asunderx
god pardon himx i dox with all my heartx
and yet no man like he doth grieve my heartx

lady capuletx
that is because the traitor murderer livesx

julietx
ay madamx from the reach of these my handsx
would none but i might venge my cousinxs deathx

lady capuletx
we will have vengeance for itx fear thou notx
then weep no morex ixll send to one in mantuax
where that same banishxd runagate doth livex
shall give him such an unaccustomxd dram
that he shall soon keep tybalt companyx
and then i hope thou wilt be satisfiedx

julietx
indeed i never shall be satisfied
with romeo till i behold himxdeadx
is my poor heart so for a kinsman vexxdx
madamx if you could find out but a man
to bear a poisonx i would temper itx
that romeo should upon receipt thereofx
soon sleep in quietx ox how my heart abhors
to hear him namxdx and cannot come to himx
to wreak the love i bore my cousin
upon his body that hath slaughterxd himx

lady capuletx
find thou the meansx and ixll find such a manx
but now ixll tell thee joyful tidingsx girlx

julietx
and joy comes well in such a needy timex
what are theyx i beseech your ladyshipx

lady capuletx
wellx wellx thou hast a careful fatherx childx
one who to put thee from thy heavinessx
hath sorted out a sudden day of joyx
that thou expects notx nor i lookxd not forx

julietx
madamx in happy timex what day is thatx

lady capuletx
marryx my childx early next thursday morn
the gallantx youngx and noble gentlemanx
the county parisx at saint peterxs churchx
shall happily make thee there a joyful bridex

julietx
now by saint peterxs churchx and peter toox
he shall not make me there a joyful bridex
i wonder at this hastex that i must wed
ere he that should be husband comes to woox
i pray you tell my lord and fatherx madamx
i will not marry yetx and when i dox i swear
it shall be romeox whom you know i hatex
rather than parisx these are news indeedx

lady capuletx
here comes your fatherx tell him so yourselfx
and see how he will take it at your handsx

 enter capulet and nursex

capuletx
when the sun setsx the air doth drizzle dewx
but for the sunset of my brotherxs son
it rains downrightx
how nowx a conduitx girlx whatx still in tearsx
evermore showeringx in one little body
thou counterfeits a barkx a seax a windx
for still thy eyesx which i may call the seax
do ebb and flow with tearsx the bark thy body isx
sailing in this salt floodx the windsx thy sighsx
who raging with thy tears and they with themx
without a sudden calm will overset
thy tempestxtossed bodyx how nowx wifex
have you deliverxd to her our decreex

lady capuletx
ayx sirx but she will nonex she gives you thanksx
i would the fool were married to her gravex

capuletx
softx take me with youx take me with youx wifex
howx will she nonex doth she not give us thanksx
is she not proudx doth she not count her blestx
unworthy as she isx that we have wrought
so worthy a gentleman to be her bridegroomx

julietx
not proud you havex but thankful that you havex
proud can i never be of what i hatex
but thankful even for hate that is meant lovex

capuletx
how nowx how nowx choppxd logicx what is thisx
proudx andx i thank youx and i thank you notx
and yet not proudx mistress minion youx
thank me no thankingsx nor proud me no proudsx
but fettle your fine joints xgainst thursday next
to go with paris to saint peterxs churchx
or i will drag thee on a hurdle thitherx
outx you greenxsickness carrionx outx you baggagex
you tallowxfacex

lady capuletx
fiex fiex whatx are you madx

julietx
good fatherx i beseech you on my kneesx
hear me with patience but to speak a wordx

capuletx
hang thee young baggagex disobedient wretchx
i tell thee whatxxget thee to church a thursdayx
or never after look me in the facex
speak notx reply notx do not answer mex
my fingers itchx wifex we scarce thought us blest
that god had lent us but this only childx
but now i see this one is one too muchx
and that we have a curse in having herx
out on herx hildingx

nursex
god in heaven bless herx
you are to blamex my lordx to rate her sox

capuletx
and whyx my lady wisdomx hold your tonguex
good prudencex smatter with your gossipsx gox

nursex
i speak no treasonx

capuletx
o god ye goodxenx

nursex
may not one speakx

capuletx
peacex you mumbling foolx
utter your gravity oxer a gossipxs bowlx
for here we need it notx

lady capuletx
you are too hotx

capuletx
godxs breadx it makes me madx
dayx nightx hourx ridex timex workx playx
alonex in companyx still my care hath been
to have her matchxdx and having now provided
a gentleman of noble parentagex
of fair demesnesx youthfulx and nobly alliedx
stuffxdx as they sayx with honourable partsx
proportionxd as onexs thought would wish a manx
and then to have a wretched puling foolx
a whining mammetx in her fortunexs tenderx
to answerx xixll not wedx i cannot lovex
i am too youngx i pray you pardon mexx
butx and you will not wedx ixll pardon youx
graze where you willx you shall not house with mex
look toxtx think onxtx i do not use to jestx
thursday is nearx lay hand on heartx advisex
and you be minex ixll give you to my friendx
and you be notx hangx begx starvex die in the streetsx
for by my soulx ixll nexer acknowledge theex
nor what is mine shall never do thee goodx
trust toxtx bethink youx ixll not be forswornx

 xxexitxxx

julietx
is there no pity sitting in the cloudsx
that sees into the bottom of my griefx
o sweet my motherx cast me not awayx
delay this marriage for a monthx a weekx
orx if you do notx make the bridal bed
in that dim monument where tybalt liesx

lady capuletx
talk not to mex for ixll not speak a wordx
do as thou wiltx for i have done with theex

 xxexitxxx

julietx
o godx o nursex how shall this be preventedx
my husband is on earthx my faith in heavenx
how shall that faith return again to earthx
unless that husband send it me from heaven
by leaving earthx comfort mex counsel mex
alackx alackx that heaven should practise stratagems
upon so soft a subject as myselfx
what sayxst thoux hast thou not a word of joyx
some comfortx nursex

nursex
faithx here it isx
romeo is banishedx and all the world to nothing
that he dares nexer come back to challenge youx
or if he dox it needs must be by stealthx
thenx since the case so stands as now it dothx
i think it best you married with the countyx
ox hexs a lovely gentlemanx
romeoxs a dishclout to himx an eaglex madamx
hath not so greenx so quickx so fair an eye
as paris hathx beshrew my very heartx
i think you are happy in this second matchx
for it excels your firstx or if it did notx
your first is deadx or xtwere as good he werex
as living here and you no use of himx

julietx
speakest thou from thy heartx

nursex
and from my soul toox
or else beshrew them bothx

julietx
amenx

nursex
whatx

julietx
wellx thou hast comforted me marvellous muchx
go inx and tell my lady i am gonex
having displeasxd my fatherx to lawrencex cellx
to make confession and to be absolvxdx

nursex
marryx i willx and this is wisely donex

 xxexitxxx

julietx
ancient damnationx o most wicked fiendx
is it more sin to wish me thus forswornx
or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue
which she hath praisxd him with above compare
so many thousand timesx gox counsellorx
thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twainx
ixll to the friar to know his remedyx
if all else failx myself have power to diex

 xxexitxxx



act iv

scene ix friar lawrencexs cellx

 enter friar lawrence and parisx

friar lawrencex
on thursdayx sirx the time is very shortx

parisx
my father capulet will have it sox
and i am nothing slow to slack his hastex

friar lawrencex
you say you do not know the ladyxs mindx
uneven is the coursex i like it notx

parisx
immoderately she weeps for tybaltxs deathx
and therefore have i little talkxd of lovex
for venus smiles not in a house of tearsx
nowx sirx her father counts it dangerous
that she do give her sorrow so much swayx
and in his wisdomx hastes our marriagex
to stop the inundation of her tearsx
whichx too much minded by herself alonex
may be put from her by societyx
now do you know the reason of this hastex

friar lawrencex
xxasidexxx i would i knew not why it should be slowxdxx
lookx sirx here comes the lady toward my cellx

 enter julietx

parisx
happily metx my lady and my wifex

julietx
that may bex sirx when i may be a wifex

parisx
that may bex must bex lovex on thursday nextx

julietx
what must be shall bex

friar lawrencex
thatxs a certain textx

parisx
come you to make confession to this fatherx

julietx
to answer thatx i should confess to youx

parisx
do not deny to him that you love mex

julietx
i will confess to you that i love himx

parisx
so will yex i am surex that you love mex

julietx
if i do sox it will be of more pricex
being spoke behind your back than to your facex

parisx
poor soulx thy face is much abusxd with tearsx

julietx
the tears have got small victory by thatx
for it was bad enough before their spitex

parisx
thou wrongxst it more than tears with that reportx

julietx
that is no slanderx sirx which is a truthx
and what i spakex i spake it to my facex

parisx
thy face is minex and thou hast slanderxd itx

julietx
it may be sox for it is not mine ownx
are you at leisurex holy fatherx nowx
or shall i come to you at evening massx

friar lawrencex
my leisure serves mex pensive daughterx nowxx
my lordx we must entreat the time alonex

parisx
god shield i should disturb devotionxx
julietx on thursday early will i rouse yex
till thenx adieux and keep this holy kissx

 xxexitxxx

julietx
o shut the doorx and when thou hast done sox
come weep with mex past hopex past curex past helpx

friar lawrencex
o julietx i already know thy griefx
it strains me past the compass of my witsx
i hear thou mustx and nothing may prorogue itx
on thursday next be married to this countyx

julietx
tell me notx friarx that thou hearxst of thisx
unless thou tell me how i may prevent itx
if in thy wisdomx thou canst give no helpx
do thou but call my resolution wisex
and with this knife ixll help it presentlyx
god joinxd my heart and romeoxsx thou our handsx
and ere this handx by thee to romeoxs sealxdx
shall be the label to another deedx
or my true heart with treacherous revolt
turn to anotherx this shall slay them bothx
thereforex out of thy longxexperiencxd timex
give me some present counselx or behold
xtwixt my extremes and me this bloody knife
shall play the empirex arbitrating that
which the commission of thy years and art
could to no issue of true honour bringx
be not so long to speakx i long to diex
if what thou speakxst speak not of remedyx

friar lawrencex
holdx daughterx i do spy a kind of hopex
which craves as desperate an execution
as that is desperate which we would preventx
ifx rather than to marry county paris
thou hast the strength of will to slay thyselfx
then is it likely thou wilt undertake
a thing like death to chide away this shamex
that copxst with death himself to scape from itx
and if thou darxstx ixll give thee remedyx

julietx
ox bid me leapx rather than marry parisx
from off the battlements of yonder towerx
or walk in thievish waysx or bid me lurk
where serpents arex chain me with roaring bearsx
or hide me nightly in a charnelxhousex
oxerxcoverxd quite with dead menxs rattling bonesx
with reeky shanks and yellow chapless skullsx
or bid me go into a newxmade gravex
and hide me with a dead man in his shroudx
things thatx to hear them toldx have made me tremblex
and i will do it without fear or doubtx
to live an unstainxd wife to my sweet lovex

friar lawrencex
hold thenx go homex be merryx give consent
to marry parisx wednesday is tomorrowx
tomorrow night look that thou lie alonex
let not thy nurse lie with thee in thy chamberx
take thou this vialx being then in bedx
and this distilled liquor drink thou offx
when presently through all thy veins shall run
a cold and drowsy humourx for no pulse
shall keep his native progressx but surceasex
no warmthx no breath shall testify thou livestx
the roses in thy lips and cheeks shall fade
to paly ashesx thy eyesx windows fallx
like death when he shuts up the day of lifex
each part deprivxd of supple governmentx
shall stiff and stark and cold appear like deathx
and in this borrowxd likeness of shrunk death
thou shalt continue two and forty hoursx
and then awake as from a pleasant sleepx
now when the bridegroom in the morning comes
to rouse thee from thy bedx there art thou deadx
then as the manner of our country isx
in thy best robesx uncoverxdx on the bierx
thou shalt be borne to that same ancient vault
where all the kindred of the capulets liex
in the meantimex against thou shalt awakex
shall romeo by my letters know our driftx
and hither shall he comex and he and i
will watch thy wakingx and that very night
shall romeo bear thee hence to mantuax
and this shall free thee from this present shamex
if no inconstant toy nor womanish fear
abate thy valour in the acting itx

julietx
give mex give mex o tell not me of fearx

friar lawrencex
holdx get you gonex be strong and prosperous
in this resolvex ixll send a friar with speed
to mantuax with my letters to thy lordx

julietx
love give me strengthx and strength shall help affordx
farewellx dear fatherx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix hall in capuletxs housex

 enter capuletx lady capuletx nurse and servantsx

capuletx
so many guests invite as here are writx

 xxexit first servantxxx

sirrahx go hire me twenty cunning cooksx

second servantx
you shall have none illx sirx for ixll try if they can lick their
fingersx

capuletx
how canst thou try them sox

second servantx
marryx sirx xtis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingersx
therefore he that cannot lick his fingers goes not with mex

capuletx
gox begonex

 xxexit second servantxxx

we shall be much unfurnishxd for this timex
whatx is my daughter gone to friar lawrencex

nursex
ayx forsoothx

capuletx
wellx he may chance to do some good on herx
a peevish selfxwillxd harlotry it isx

 enter julietx

nursex
see where she comes from shrift with merry lookx

capuletx
how nowx my headstrongx where have you been gaddingx

julietx
where i have learnt me to repent the sin
of disobedient opposition
to you and your behestsx and am enjoinxd
by holy lawrence to fall prostrate herex
to beg your pardonx pardonx i beseech youx
henceforward i am ever rulxd by youx

capuletx
send for the countyx go tell him of thisx
ixll have this knot knit up tomorrow morningx

julietx
i met the youthful lord at lawrencex cellx
and gave him what becomed love i mightx
not stepping oxer the bounds of modestyx

capuletx
whyx i am glad onxtx this is wellx stand upx
this is asxt should bex let me see the countyx
ayx marryx gox i sayx and fetch him hitherx
now afore godx this reverend holy friarx
all our whole city is much bound to himx

julietx
nursex will you go with me into my closetx
to help me sort such needful ornaments
as you think fit to furnish me tomorrowx

lady capuletx
nox not till thursdayx there is time enoughx

capuletx
gox nursex go with herx wexll to church tomorrowx

 xxexeunt juliet and nursexxx

lady capuletx
we shall be short in our provisionx
xtis now near nightx

capuletx
tushx i will stir aboutx
and all things shall be wellx i warrant theex wifex
go thou to julietx help to deck up herx
ixll not to bed tonightx let me alonex
ixll play the housewife for this oncexxwhatx hoxx
they are all forthx wellx i will walk myself
to county parisx to prepare him up
against tomorrowx my heart is wondrous light
since this same wayward girl is so reclaimxdx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix julietxs chamberx

 enter juliet and nursex

julietx
ayx those attires are bestx butx gentle nursex
i pray thee leave me to myself tonightx
for i have need of many orisons
to move the heavens to smile upon my statex
whichx well thou knowxstx is cross and full of sinx

 enter lady capuletx

lady capuletx
whatx are you busyx hox need you my helpx

julietx
nox madamx we have cullxd such necessaries
as are behoveful for our state tomorrowx
so please youx let me now be left alonex
and let the nurse this night sit up with youx
for i am sure you have your hands full all
in this so sudden businessx

lady capuletx
good nightx
get thee to bed and restx for thou hast needx

 xxexeunt lady capulet and nursexxx

julietx
farewellx god knows when we shall meet againx
i have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins
that almost freezes up the heat of lifex
ixll call them back again to comfort mex
nursexxwhat should she do herex
my dismal scene i needs must act alonex
comex vialx
what if this mixture do not work at allx
shall i be married then tomorrow morningx
nox nox this shall forbid itx lie thou therex

 xxlaying down her daggerxxx

what if it be a poisonx which the friar
subtly hath ministerxd to have me deadx
lest in this marriage he should be dishonourxdx
because he married me before to romeox
i fear it isx and yet methinks it should notx
for he hath still been tried a holy manx
how ifx when i am laid into the tombx
i wake before the time that romeo
come to redeem mex therexs a fearful pointx
shall i not then be stifled in the vaultx
to whose foul mouth no healthsome air breathes inx
and there die strangled ere my romeo comesx
orx if i livex is it not very likex
the horrible conceit of death and nightx
together with the terror of the placex
as in a vaultx an ancient receptaclex
where for this many hundred years the bones
of all my buried ancestors are packxdx
where bloody tybaltx yet but green in earthx
lies festering in his shroudx wherex as they sayx
at some hours in the night spirits resortx
alackx alackx is it not like that ix
so early wakingx what with loathsome smellsx
and shrieks like mandrakes torn out of the earthx
that living mortalsx hearing themx run madx
ox if i wakex shall i not be distraughtx
environed with all these hideous fearsx
and madly play with my forefathersx jointsx
and pluck the mangled tybalt from his shroudx
andx in this ragex with some great kinsmanxs bonex
as with a clubx dash out my desperate brainsx
o lookx methinks i see my cousinxs ghost
seeking out romeo that did spit his body
upon a rapierxs pointx stayx tybaltx stayx
romeox romeox romeox herexs drinkx i drink to theex

 xxthrows herself on the bedxxx

scene ivx hall in capuletxs housex

 enter lady capulet and nursex

lady capuletx
holdx take these keys and fetch more spicesx nursex

nursex
they call for dates and quinces in the pastryx

 enter capuletx

capuletx
comex stirx stirx stirx the second cock hath crowxdx
the curfew bell hath rungx xtis three oxclockx
look to the bakxd meatsx good angelicax
spare not for costx

nursex
gox you cotxqueanx gox
get you to bedx faithx youxll be sick tomorrow
for this nightxs watchingx

capuletx
nox not a whitx whatx i have watchxd ere now
all night for lesser causex and nexer been sickx

lady capuletx
ayx you have been a mousexhunt in your timex
but i will watch you from such watching nowx

 xxexeunt lady capulet and nursexxx

capuletx
a jealousxhoodx a jealousxhoodx

 enter servantsx with spitsx logs and basketsx

nowx fellowx whatxs therex

first servantx
things for the cookx sirx but i know not whatx

capuletx
make hastex make hastex

 xxexit first servantxxx

xsirrahx fetch drier logsx
call peterx he will show thee where they arex

second servantx
i have a headx sirx that will find out logs
and never trouble peter for the matterx

 xxexitxxx

capuletx
mass and well saidx a merry whoresonx hax
thou shalt be loggerheadxxgood faithx xtis dayx
the county will be here with music straightx
for so he said he wouldx i hear him nearx

 xxplay musicxxx

nursex wifex whatx hox whatx nursex i sayx

 rexenter nursex

go waken julietx go and trim her upx
ixll go and chat with parisx hiex make hastex
make hastex the bridegroom he is come alreadyx
make haste i sayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx julietxs chamberx juliet on the bedx

 enter nursex

nursex
mistressx whatx mistressx julietx fastx i warrant herx shex
whyx lambx whyx ladyx fiex you slugxabedx
whyx lovex i sayx madamx sweetheartx whyx bridex
whatx not a wordx you take your pennyworths nowx
sleep for a weekx for the next nightx i warrantx
the county paris hath set up his rest
that you shall rest but littlex god forgive mex
marry and amenx how sound is she asleepx
i needs must wake herx madamx madamx madamx
ayx let the county take you in your bedx
hexll fright you upx ixfaithx will it not bex
whatx dressxdx and in your clothesx and down againx
i must needs wake youx ladyx ladyx ladyx
alasx alasx helpx helpx my ladyxs deadx
ox wellxaxday that ever i was bornx
some aqua vitaex hox my lordx my ladyx

 enter lady capuletx

lady capuletx
what noise is herex

nursex
o lamentable dayx

lady capuletx
what is the matterx

nursex
lookx lookx o heavy dayx

lady capuletx
o mex o mex my childx my only lifex
revivex look upx or i will die with theex
helpx helpx call helpx

 enter capuletx

capuletx
for shamex bring juliet forthx her lord is comex

nursex
shexs deadx deceasxdx shexs deadx alack the dayx

lady capuletx
alack the dayx shexs deadx shexs deadx shexs deadx

capuletx
hax let me see herx out alasx shexs coldx
her blood is settled and her joints are stiffx
life and these lips have long been separatedx
death lies on her like an untimely frost
upon the sweetest flower of all the fieldx

nursex
o lamentable dayx

lady capuletx
o woful timex

capuletx
deathx that hath taxen her hence to make me wailx
ties up my tongue and will not let me speakx

 enter friar lawrence and paris with musiciansx

friar lawrencex
comex is the bride ready to go to churchx

capuletx
ready to gox but never to returnx
o sonx the night before thy wedding day
hath death lain with thy bridex there she liesx
flower as she wasx deflowered by himx
death is my sonxinxlawx death is my heirx
my daughter he hath weddedx i will diex
and leave him allx lifex livingx all is deathxsx

parisx
have i thought long to see this morningxs facex
and doth it give me such a sight as thisx

lady capuletx
accursxdx unhappyx wretchedx hateful dayx
most miserable hour that exer time saw
in lasting labour of his pilgrimagex
but onex poor onex one poor and loving childx
but one thing to rejoice and solace inx
and cruel death hath catchxd it from my sightx

nursex
o woex o woefulx woefulx woeful dayx
most lamentable dayx most woeful day
that everx everx i did yet beholdx
o dayx o dayx o dayx o hateful dayx
never was seen so black a day as thisx
o woeful dayx o woeful dayx

parisx
beguilxdx divorcedx wrongedx spitedx slainx
most detestable deathx by thee beguilxdx
by cruelx cruel thee quite overthrownx
o lovex o lifex not lifex but love in deathx

capuletx
despisxdx distressedx hatedx martyrxdx killxdx
uncomfortable timex why camxst thou now
to murderx murder our solemnityx
o childx o childx my soulx and not my childx
dead art thoux alackx my child is deadx
and with my child my joys are buriedx

friar lawrencex
peacex hox for shamex confusionxs cure lives not
in these confusionsx heaven and yourself
had part in this fair maidx now heaven hath allx
and all the better is it for the maidx
your part in her you could not keep from deathx
but heaven keeps his part in eternal lifex
the most you sought was her promotionx
for xtwas your heaven she should be advancxdx
and weep ye nowx seeing she is advancxd
above the cloudsx as high as heaven itselfx
ox in this lovex you love your child so ill
that you run madx seeing that she is wellx
shexs not well married that lives married longx
but shexs best married that dies married youngx
dry up your tearsx and stick your rosemary
on this fair corsex andx as the custom isx
and in her best array bear her to churchx
for though fond nature bids us all lamentx
yet naturexs tears are reasonxs merrimentx

capuletx
all things that we ordained festival
turn from their office to black funeralx
our instruments to melancholy bellsx
our wedding cheer to a sad burial feastx
our solemn hymns to sullen dirges changex
our bridal flowers serve for a buried corsex
and all things change them to the contraryx

friar lawrencex
sirx go you inx andx madamx go with himx
and gox sir parisx everyone prepare
to follow this fair corse unto her gravex
the heavens do lower upon you for some illx
move them no more by crossing their high willx

 xxexeunt capuletx lady capuletx paris and friarxxx

first musicianx
faithx we may put up our pipes and be gonex

nursex
honest good fellowsx ahx put upx put upx
for well you know this is a pitiful casex

first musicianx
ayx by my trothx the case may be amendedx

 xxexit nursexxx

 enter peterx

peterx
musiciansx ox musiciansx xheartxs easexx xheartxs easexx ox and you
will have me livex play xheartxs easexx

first musicianx
why xheartxs easexx

peterx
o musiciansx because my heart itself plays xmy heart is fullxx o play
me some merry dump to comfort mex

first musicianx
not a dump wex xtis no time to play nowx

peterx
you will not thenx

first musicianx
nox

peterx
i will then give it you soundlyx

first musicianx
what will you give usx

peterx
no moneyx on my faithx but the gleekx i will give you the minstrelx

first musicianx
then will i give you the servingxcreaturex

peterx
then will i lay the servingxcreaturexs dagger on your patex i will
carry no crotchetsx ixll re youx ixll fa youx do you note mex

first musicianx
and you re us and fa usx you note usx

second musicianx
pray you put up your daggerx and put out your witx

peterx
then have at you with my witx i will dryxbeat you with an iron witx and
put up my iron daggerx answer me like menx
    xwhen griping griefs the heart doth woundx
      and doleful dumps the mind oppressx
    then music with her silver soundxx
why xsilver soundxx why xmusic with her silver soundxx what say youx
simon catlingx

first musicianx
marryx sirx because silver hath a sweet soundx

peterx
pratesx what say youx hugh rebeckx

second musicianx
i say xsilver soundx because musicians sound for silverx

peterx
prates toox what say youx james soundpostx

third musicianx
faithx i know not what to sayx

peterx
ox i cry you mercyx you are the singerx i will say for youx it is
xmusic with her silver soundx because musicians have no gold for
soundingx
      xthen music with her silver sound
      with speedy help doth lend redressxx

 xxexitxxx

first musicianx
what a pestilent knave is this samex

second musicianx
hang himx jackx comex wexll in herex tarry for the mournersx and stay
dinnerx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix mantuax a streetx

 enter romeox

romeox
if i may trust the flattering eye of sleepx
my dreams presage some joyful news at handx
my bosomxs lord sits lightly in his thronex
and all this day an unaccustomxd spirit
lifts me above the ground with cheerful thoughtsx
i dreamt my lady came and found me deadxx
strange dreamx that gives a dead man leave to thinkxx
and breathxd such life with kisses in my lipsx
that i revivxdx and was an emperorx
ah mex how sweet is love itself possessxdx
when but lovexs shadows are so rich in joyx

 enter balthasarx

news from veronax how nowx balthasarx
dost thou not bring me letters from the friarx
how doth my ladyx is my father wellx
how fares my julietx that i ask againx
for nothing can be ill if she be wellx

balthasarx
then she is wellx and nothing can be illx
her body sleeps in capelxs monumentx
and her immortal part with angels livesx
i saw her laid low in her kindredxs vaultx
and presently took post to tell it youx
o pardon me for bringing these ill newsx
since you did leave it for my officex sirx

romeox
is it even sox then i defy youx starsx
thou knowxst my lodgingx get me ink and paperx
and hire postxhorsesx i will hence tonightx

balthasarx
i do beseech you sirx have patiencex
your looks are pale and wildx and do import
some misadventurex

romeox
tushx thou art deceivxdx
leave mex and do the thing i bid thee dox
hast thou no letters to me from the friarx

balthasarx
nox my good lordx

romeox
no matterx get thee gonex
and hire those horsesx ixll be with thee straightx

 xxexit balthasarxxx

wellx julietx i will lie with thee tonightx
letxs see for meansx o mischief thou art swift
to enter in the thoughts of desperate menx
i do remember an apothecaryxx
and hereabouts he dwellsxxwhich late i noted
in tatterxd weedsx with overwhelming browsx
culling of simplesx meagre were his looksx
sharp misery had worn him to the bonesx
and in his needy shop a tortoise hungx
an alligator stuffxdx and other skins
of illxshaped fishesx and about his shelves
a beggarly account of empty boxesx
green earthen potsx bladdersx and musty seedsx
remnants of packthreadx and old cakes of roses
were thinly scatterxdx to make up a showx
noting this penuryx to myself i saidx
and if a man did need a poison nowx
whose sale is present death in mantuax
here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it himx
ox this same thought did but forerun my needx
and this same needy man must sell it mex
as i rememberx this should be the housex
being holidayx the beggarxs shop is shutx
whatx hox apothecaryx

 enter apothecaryx

apothecaryx
who calls so loudx

romeox
come hitherx manx i see that thou art poorx
holdx there is forty ducatsx let me have
a dram of poisonx such soonxspeeding gear
as will disperse itself through all the veinsx
that the lifexweary taker may fall deadx
and that the trunk may be dischargxd of breath
as violently as hasty powder firxd
doth hurry from the fatal cannonxs wombx

apothecaryx
such mortal drugs i havex but mantuaxs law
is death to any he that utters themx

romeox
art thou so bare and full of wretchednessx
and fearxst to diex famine is in thy cheeksx
need and oppression starveth in thine eyesx
contempt and beggary hangs upon thy backx
the world is not thy friendx nor the worldxs lawx
the world affords no law to make thee richx
then be not poorx but break it and take thisx

apothecaryx
my povertyx but not my will consentsx

romeox
i pay thy povertyx and not thy willx

apothecaryx
put this in any liquid thing you will
and drink it offx andx if you had the strength
of twenty menx it would despatch you straightx

romeox
there is thy goldx worse poison to menxs soulsx
doing more murder in this loathsome world
than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sellx
i sell thee poisonx thou hast sold me nonex
farewellx buy foodx and get thyself in fleshx
comex cordial and not poisonx go with me
to julietxs gravex for there must i use theex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix friar lawrencexs cellx

 enter friar johnx

friar johnx
holy franciscan friarx brotherx hox

 enter friar lawrencex

friar lawrencex
this same should be the voice of friar johnx
welcome from mantuax what says romeox
orx if his mind be writx give me his letterx

friar johnx
going to find a barefoot brother outx
one of our orderx to associate mex
here in this city visiting the sickx
and finding himx the searchers of the townx
suspecting that we both were in a house
where the infectious pestilence did reignx
sealxd up the doorsx and would not let us forthx
so that my speed to mantua there was stayxdx

friar lawrencex
who bare my letter then to romeox

friar johnx
i could not send itxxhere it is againxx
nor get a messenger to bring it theex
so fearful were they of infectionx

friar lawrencex
unhappy fortunex by my brotherhoodx
the letter was not nicex but full of chargex
of dear importx and the neglecting it
may do much dangerx friar johnx go hencex
get me an iron crow and bring it straight
unto my cellx

friar johnx
brotherx ixll go and bring it theex

 xxexitxxx

friar lawrencex
now must i to the monument alonex
within this three hours will fair juliet wakex
she will beshrew me much that romeo
hath had no notice of these accidentsx
but i will write again to mantuax
and keep her at my cell till romeo comex
poor living corsex closxd in a dead manxs tombx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a churchyardx in it a monument belonging to the capuletsx

 enter parisx and his page bearing flowers and a torchx

parisx
give me thy torchx boyx hence and stand aloofx
yet put it outx for i would not be seenx
under yond yew tree lay thee all alongx
holding thy ear close to the hollow groundx
so shall no foot upon the churchyard treadx
being loosex unfirmx with digging up of gravesx
but thou shalt hear itx whistle then to mex
as signal that thou hearxst something approachx
give me those flowersx do as i bid theex gox

pagex
xxasidexxx i am almost afraid to stand alone
here in the churchyardx yet i will adventurex

 xxretiresxxx

parisx
sweet flowerx with flowers thy bridal bed i strewx
o woex thy canopy is dust and stonesx
which with sweet water nightly i will dewx
or wanting thatx with tears distillxd by moansx
the obsequies that i for thee will keepx
nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weepx

 xxthe page whistlesxxx

the boy gives warning something doth approachx
what cursed foot wanders this way tonightx
to cross my obsequies and true lovexs ritex
whatx with a torchx muffle mex nightx awhilex

 xxretiresxxx

 enter romeo and balthasar with a torchx mattockx xcx

romeox
give me that mattock and the wrenching ironx
holdx take this letterx early in the morning
see thou deliver it to my lord and fatherx
give me the lightx upon thy life i charge theex
whatexer thou hearxst or seestx stand all aloof
and do not interrupt me in my coursex
why i descend into this bed of death
is partly to behold my ladyxs facex
but chiefly to take thence from her dead finger
a precious ringx a ring that i must use
in dear employmentx therefore hencex be gonex
but if thou jealous dost return to pry
in what i further shall intend to dox
by heaven i will tear thee joint by jointx
and strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbsx
the time and my intents are savagexwildx
more fierce and more inexorable far
than empty tigers or the roaring seax

balthasarx
i will be gonex sirx and not trouble youx

romeox
so shalt thou show me friendshipx take thou thatx
livex and be prosperousx and farewellx good fellowx

balthasarx
for all this samex ixll hide me hereaboutx
his looks i fearx and his intents i doubtx

 xxretiresxx

romeox
thou detestable mawx thou womb of deathx
gorgxd with the dearest morsel of the earthx
thus i enforce thy rotten jaws to openx

 xxbreaking open the door of the monumentxxx

and in despitex ixll cram thee with more foodx

parisx
this is that banishxd haughty montague
that murderxd my lovexs cousinxxwith which griefx
it is supposedx the fair creature diedxx
and here is come to do some villanous shame
to the dead bodiesx i will apprehend himx

 xxadvancesxxx

stop thy unhallowxd toilx vile montaguex
can vengeance be pursuxd further than deathx
condemned villainx i do apprehend theex
obeyx and go with mex for thou must diex

romeox
i must indeedx and therefore came i hitherx
good gentle youthx tempt not a desperate manx
fly hence and leave mex think upon these gonex
let them affright theex i beseech theex youthx
put not another sin upon my head
by urging me to furyx o be gonex
by heaven i love thee better than myselfx
for i come hither armxd against myselfx
stay notx be gonex livex and hereafter sayx
a madmanxs mercy bid thee run awayx

parisx
i do defy thy conjurationx
and apprehend thee for a felon herex

romeox
wilt thou provoke mex then have at theex boyx

 xxthey fightxxx

pagex
o lordx they fightx i will go call the watchx

 xxexitxxx

parisx
ox i am slainx xxfallsxxx if thou be mercifulx
open the tombx lay me with julietx

 xxdiesxxx

romeox
in faithx i willx let me peruse this facex
mercutioxs kinsmanx noble county parisx
what said my manx when my betossed soul
did not attend him as we rodex i think
he told me paris should have married julietx
said he not sox or did i dream it sox
or am i madx hearing him talk of julietx
to think it was sox ox give me thy handx
one writ with me in sour misfortunexs bookx
ixll bury thee in a triumphant gravex
a gravex o nox a lanternx slaughtxred youthx
for here lies julietx and her beauty makes
this vault a feasting presence full of lightx
deathx lie thou therex by a dead man interrxdx

 xxlaying paris in the monumentxxx

how oft when men are at the point of death
have they been merryx which their keepers call
a lightning before deathx ox how may i
call this a lightningx o my lovex my wifex
death that hath suckxd the honey of thy breathx
hath had no power yet upon thy beautyx
thou art not conquerxdx beautyxs ensign yet
is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeksx
and deathxs pale flag is not advanced therex
tybaltx liest thou there in thy bloody sheetx
ox what more favour can i do to thee
than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain
to sunder his that was thine enemyx
forgive mex cousinx ahx dear julietx
why art thou yet so fairx shall i believe
that unsubstantial death is amorousx
and that the lean abhorred monster keeps
thee here in dark to be his paramourx
for fear of that i still will stay with theex
and never from this palace of dim night
depart againx herex here will i remain
with worms that are thy chambermaidsx ox here
will i set up my everlasting restx
and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars
from this worldxwearied fleshx eyesx look your lastx
armsx take your last embracex andx lipsx o you
the doors of breathx seal with a righteous kiss
a dateless bargain to engrossing deathx
comex bitter conductx comex unsavoury guidex
thou desperate pilotx now at once run on
the dashing rocks thy seaxsick weary barkx
herexs to my lovex xxdrinksxxx o true apothecaryx
thy drugs are quickx thus with a kiss i diex

 xxdiesxxx

 enterx at the other end of the churchyardx friar lawrencex with a
 lanternx crowx and spadex

friar lawrencex
saint francis be my speedx how oft tonight
have my old feet stumbled at gravesx whoxs therex
who is it that consortsx so latex the deadx

balthasarx
herexs onex a friendx and one that knows you wellx

friar lawrencex
bliss be upon youx tell mex good my friendx
what torch is yond that vainly lends his light
to grubs and eyeless skullsx as i discernx
it burneth in the capelsx monumentx

balthasarx
it doth sox holy sirx and therexs my masterx
one that you lovex

friar lawrencex
who is itx

balthasarx
romeox

friar lawrencex
how long hath he been therex

balthasarx
full half an hourx

friar lawrencex
go with me to the vaultx

balthasarx
i dare notx sirx
my master knows not but i am gone hencex
and fearfully did menace me with death
if i did stay to look on his intentsx

friar lawrencex
stay thenx ixll go alonex fear comes upon mex
ox much i fear some ill unlucky thingx

balthasarx
as i did sleep under this yew tree herex
i dreamt my master and another foughtx
and that my master slew himx

friar lawrencex
romeox xxadvancesxxx
alackx alackx what blood is this which stains
the stony entrance of this sepulchrex
what mean these masterless and gory swords
to lie discolourxd by this place of peacex

 xxenters the monumentxxx

romeox ox palex who elsex whatx paris toox
and steepxd in bloodx ah what an unkind hour
is guilty of this lamentable chancex
the lady stirsx

 xxjuliet wakes and stirsxxx

julietx
o comfortable friarx where is my lordx
i do remember well where i should bex
and there i amx where is my romeox

 xxnoise withinxxx

friar lawrencex
i hear some noisex ladyx come from that nest
of deathx contagionx and unnatural sleepx
a greater power than we can contradict
hath thwarted our intentsx comex come awayx
thy husband in thy bosom there lies deadx
and paris toox comex ixll dispose of thee
among a sisterhood of holy nunsx
stay not to questionx for the watch is comingx
comex gox good julietx i dare no longer stayx

julietx
gox get thee hencex for i will not awayx

 xxexit friar lawrencexxx

whatxs herex a cup closxd in my true lovexs handx
poisonx i seex hath been his timeless endx
o churlx drink allx and left no friendly drop
to help me afterx i will kiss thy lipsx
haply some poison yet doth hang on themx
to make me die with a restorativex

 xxkisses himxxx

thy lips are warmx

first watchx
xxwithinxxx leadx boyx which wayx

julietx
yeax noisex then ixll be briefx o happy daggerx

 xxsnatching romeoxs daggerxxx

this is thy sheathx xxstabs herselfxx there restx and let me diex

 xxfalls on romeoxs body and diesxxx

 enter watch with the page of parisx

pagex
this is the placex therex where the torch doth burnx

first watchx
the ground is bloodyx search about the churchyardx
gox some of youx whoexer you find attachx

 xxexeunt some of the watchxxx

pitiful sightx here lies the county slainx
and juliet bleedingx warmx and newly deadx
who here hath lain this two days buriedx
go tell the princex run to the capuletsx
raise up the montaguesx some others searchx

 xxexeunt others of the watchxxx

we see the ground whereon these woes do liex
but the true ground of all these piteous woes
we cannot without circumstance descryx

 rexenter some of the watch with balthasarx

second watchx
herexs romeoxs manx we found him in the churchyardx

first watchx
hold him in safety till the prince come hitherx

 rexenter others of the watch with friar lawrencex

third watchx here is a friar that tremblesx sighsx and weepsx
we took this mattock and this spade from him
as he was coming from this churchyard sidex

first watchx
a great suspicionx stay the friar toox

 enter the prince and attendantsx

princex
what misadventure is so early upx
that calls our person from our morningxs restx

 enter capuletx lady capulet and othersx

capuletx
what should it be that they so shriek abroadx

lady capuletx
o the people in the street cry romeox
some julietx and some parisx and all run
with open outcry toward our monumentx

princex
what fear is this which startles in our earsx

first watchx
sovereignx here lies the county paris slainx
and romeo deadx and julietx dead beforex
warm and new killxdx

princex
searchx seekx and know how this foul murder comesx

first watchx
here is a friarx and slaughterxd romeoxs manx
with instruments upon them fit to open
these dead menxs tombsx

capuletx
o heavenx o wifex look how our daughter bleedsx
this dagger hath mistaxenx for lox his house
is empty on the back of montaguex
and it misxsheathed in my daughterxs bosomx

lady capuletx
o mex this sight of death is as a bell
that warns my old age to a sepulchrex

 enter montague and othersx

princex
comex montaguex for thou art early upx
to see thy son and heir more early downx

montaguex
alasx my liegex my wife is dead tonightx
grief of my sonxs exile hath stoppxd her breathx
what further woe conspires against mine agex

princex
lookx and thou shalt seex

montaguex
o thou untaughtx what manners is in thisx
to press before thy father to a gravex

princex
seal up the mouth of outrage for a whilex
till we can clear these ambiguitiesx
and know their springx their headx their true descentx
and then will i be general of your woesx
and lead you even to deathx meantime forbearx
and let mischance be slave to patiencex
bring forth the parties of suspicionx

friar lawrencex
i am the greatestx able to do leastx
yet most suspectedx as the time and place
doth make against mex of this direful murderx
and here i standx both to impeach and purge
myself condemned and myself excusxdx

princex
then say at once what thou dost know in thisx

friar lawrencex
i will be briefx for my short date of breath
is not so long as is a tedious talex
romeox there deadx was husband to that julietx
and shex there deadx that romeoxs faithful wifex
i married themx and their stolxn marriage day
was tybaltxs doomsdayx whose untimely death
banishxd the newxmade bridegroom from this cityx
for whomx and not for tybaltx juliet pinxdx
youx to remove that siege of grief from herx
betrothxdx and would have married her perforce
to county parisx then comes she to mex
and with wild looksx bid me devise some means
to rid her from this second marriagex
or in my cell there would she kill herselfx
then gave i herx so tutored by my artx
a sleeping potionx which so took effect
as i intendedx for it wrought on her
the form of deathx meantime i writ to romeo
that he should hither come as this dire night
to help to take her from her borrowxd gravex
being the time the potionxs force should ceasex
but he which bore my letterx friar johnx
was stayxd by accidentx and yesternight
returnxd my letter backx then all alone
at the prefixed hour of her waking
came i to take her from her kindredxs vaultx
meaning to keep her closely at my cell
till i conveniently could send to romeox
but when i camex some minute ere the time
of her awakingx here untimely lay
the noble paris and true romeo deadx
she wakesx and i entreated her come forth
and bear this work of heaven with patiencex
but then a noise did scare me from the tombx
and shex too desperatex would not go with mex
butx as it seemsx did violence on herselfx
all this i knowx and to the marriage
her nurse is privyx and if ought in this
miscarried by my faultx let my old life
be sacrificxdx some hour before his timex
unto the rigour of severest lawx

princex
we still have known thee for a holy manx
wherexs romeoxs manx what can he say to thisx

balthasarx
i brought my master news of julietxs deathx
and then in post he came from mantua
to this same placex to this same monumentx
this letter he early bid me give his fatherx
and threatenxd me with deathx going in the vaultx
if i departed notx and left him therex

princex
give me the letterx i will look on itx
where is the countyxs page that raisxd the watchx
sirrahx what made your master in this placex

pagex
he came with flowers to strew his ladyxs gravex
and bid me stand aloofx and so i didx
anon comes one with light to ope the tombx
and by and by my master drew on himx
and then i ran away to call the watchx

princex
this letter doth make good the friarxs wordsx
their course of lovex the tidings of her deathx
and here he writes that he did buy a poison
of a poor xpothecaryx and therewithal
came to this vault to diex and lie with julietx
where be these enemiesx capuletx montaguex
see what a scourge is laid upon your hatex
that heaven finds means to kill your joys with lovex
and ix for winking at your discords toox
have lost a brace of kinsmenx all are punishxdx

capuletx
o brother montaguex give me thy handx
this is my daughterxs jointurex for no more
can i demandx

montaguex
but i can give thee morex
for i will raise her statue in pure goldx
that whiles verona by that name is knownx
there shall no figure at such rate be set
as that of true and faithful julietx

capuletx
as rich shall romeoxs by his ladyxs liex
poor sacrifices of our enmityx

princex
a glooming peace this morning with it bringsx
the sun for sorrow will not show his headx
go hencex to have more talk of these sad thingsx
some shall be pardonxdx and some punishedx
for never was a story of more woe
than this of juliet and her romeox

 xxexeuntxxx



the taming of the shrew



contents

induction
scene ix before an alehouse on a heathx
scene iix a bedchamber in the lordxs housex

act i
scene ix paduax a public placex
scene iix paduax before hortensioxs housex

act ii
scene ix paduax a room in baptistaxs housex

act iii
scene ix paduax a room in baptistaxs housex
scene iix the samex before baptistaxs housex

act iv
scene ix a hall in petruchioxs country housex
scene iix paduax before baptistaxs housex
scene iiix a room in petruchioxs housex
scene ivx before baptistaxs housex
scene vx a public roadx

act v
scene ix paduax before lucentioxs housex
scene iix a room in lucentioxs housex





dramatis personx

persons in the induction
a lord
christopher slyx a tinker
hostess
page
players
huntsmen
servants

baptista minolax a rich gentleman of padua
vincentiox an old gentleman of pisa
lucentiox son to vincentiox in love with bianca
petruchiox a gentleman of veronax suitor to katherina

suitors to bianca
gremio
hortensio

servants to lucentio
tranio
biondello

servants to petruchio
grumio
curtis

pedantx set up to personate vincentio

daughters to baptista
katherinax the shrew
bianca

widow

tailorx haberdasherx and servants attending on baptista and petruchio

scenex sometimes in paduax and sometimes in petruchioxs house in the
countryx




induction

scene ix before an alehouse on a heathx

enter hostess and sly

slyx
ixll pheeze youx in faithx

hostessx
a pair of stocksx you roguex

slyx
yxare a baggagex the slys are no roguesx look in the chroniclesx we
came in with richard conquerorx thereforex xpaucas pallabrisxx let the
world slidex sessax

hostessx
you will not pay for the glasses you have burstx

slyx
nox not a denierx go byx saint jeronimyx go to thy cold bed and warm
theex

hostessx
i know my remedyx i must go fetch the thirdxboroughx

xxexitxx

slyx
thirdx or fourthx or fifth boroughx ixll answer him by lawx ixll not
budge an inchx boyx let him comex and kindlyx

xxlies down on the groundx and falls asleepxxx

horns windedx enter a lord from huntingx with huntsmen and servantsx

lordx
huntsmanx i charge theex tender well my houndsx
brach merrimanx the poor cur is embossxdx
and couple clowder with the deepxmouthxd brachx
sawxst thou notx boyx how silver made it good
at the hedgexcornerx in the coldest faultx
i would not lose the dog for twenty poundx

first huntsmanx
whyx bellman is as good as hex my lordx
he cried upon it at the merest lossx
and twice today pickxd out the dullest scentx
trust mex i take him for the better dogx

lordx
thou art a foolx if echo were as fleetx
i would esteem him worth a dozen suchx
but sup them wellx and look unto them allx
tomorrow i intend to hunt againx

first huntsmanx
i willx my lordx

lordx
x xsees slyxxx whatxs herex one deadx or drunkx
seex doth he breathex

second huntsmanx
he breathesx my lordx were he not warmxd with alex
this were a bed but cold to sleep so soundlyx

lordx
o monstrous beastx how like a swine he liesx
grim deathx how foul and loathsome is thine imagex
sirsx i will practise on this drunken manx
what think youx if he were conveyxd to bedx
wrappxd in sweet clothesx rings put upon his fingersx
a most delicious banquet by his bedx
and brave attendants near him when he wakesx
would not the beggar then forget himselfx

first huntsmanx
believe mex lordx i think he cannot choosex

second huntsmanx
it would seem strange unto him when he wakxdx

lordx
even as a flattering dream or worthless fancyx
then take him upx and manage well the jestx
carry him gently to my fairest chamberx
and hang it round with all my wanton picturesx
balm his foul head in warm distilled watersx
and burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweetx
procure me music ready when he wakesx
to make a dulcet and a heavenly soundx
and if he chance to speakx be ready straightx
and with a low submissive reverence
say xwhat is it your honour will commandxx
let one attend him with a silver basin
full of rosexwater and bestrewxd with flowersx
another bear the ewerx the third a diaperx
and say xwillxt please your lordship cool your handsxx
someone be ready with a costly suitx
and ask him what apparel he will wearx
another tell him of his hounds and horsex
and that his lady mourns at his diseasex
persuade him that he hath been lunaticx
andx when he says he isxsay that he dreamsx
for he is nothing but a mighty lordx
this dox and do it kindlyx gentle sirsx
it will be pastime passing excellentx
if it be husbanded with modestyx

first huntsmanx
my lordx i warrant you we will play our partx
as he shall think by our true diligencex
he is no less than what we say he isx

lordx
take him up gentlyx and to bed with himx
and each one to his office when he wakesx

xsly xis bourne outx a trumpet soundsxxx

sirrahx go see what trumpet xtis that soundsx

xxexitx servantxx

belike some noble gentleman that meansx
travelling some journeyx to repose him herex


rexenter servantx

how nowx who is itx

servantx
an it please your honourx players
that offer service to your lordshipx

lordx
bid them come nearx


enter playersx

nowx fellowsx you are welcomex

playersx
we thank your honourx

lordx
do you intend to stay with me tonightx

playerx
so please your lordship to accept our dutyx

lordx
with all my heartx this fellow i remember
since once he playxd a farmerxs eldest sonx
xtwas where you wooxd the gentlewoman so wellx
i have forgot your namex butx surex that part
was aptly fitted and naturally performxdx

playerx
i think xtwas soto that your honour meansx

lordx
xtis very truex thou didst it excellentx
wellx you are come to me in happy timex
the rather for i have some sport in hand
wherein your cunning can assist me muchx
there is a lord will hear you play tonightx
but i am doubtful of your modestiesx
lestx overxeying of his odd behaviourxx
for yet his honour never heard a playxx
you break into some merry passion
and so offend himx for i tell youx sirsx
if you should smilex he grows impatientx

playerx
fear notx my lordx we can contain ourselvesx
were he the veriest antick in the worldx

lordx
gox sirrahx take them to the butteryx
and give them friendly welcome everyonex
let them want nothing that my house affordsx

xxexit one with the playersxxx

sirrahx go you to bartholxmew my pagex
and see him dressxd in all suits like a ladyx
that donex conduct him to the drunkardxs chamberx
and call him xmadamxx do him obeisancex
tell him from mexas he will win my lovexx
he bear himself with honourable actionx
such as he hath observxd in noble ladies
unto their lordsx by them accomplishedx
such duty to the drunkard let him dox
with soft low tongue and lowly courtesyx
and say xwhat isxt your honour will commandx
wherein your lady and your humble wife
may show her duty and make known her lovexx
and then with kind embracementsx tempting kissesx
and with declining head into his bosomx
bid him shed tearsx as being overjoyxd
to see her noble lord restorxd to healthx
who for this seven years hath esteemed him
no better than a poor and loathsome beggarx
and if the boy have not a womanxs gift
to rain a shower of commanded tearsx
an onion will do well for such a shiftx
whichx in a napkin being close conveyxdx
shall in despite enforce a watery eyex
see this dispatchxd with all the haste thou canstx
anon ixll give thee more instructionsx

xxexit servantxxx

i know the boy will well usurp the gracex
voicex gaitx and action of a gentlewomanx
i long to hear him call the drunkard husbandx
and how my men will stay themselves from laughter
when they do homage to this simple peasantx
ixll in to counsel themx haply my presence
may well abate the overxmerry spleenx
which otherwise would grow into extremesx

xxexeuntxxx




scene iix a bedchamber in the lordxs housex

sly is discovered in a rich nightgownx with attendantsx some with
apparelx basinx ewerx and other appurtenancesx and lordx dressed like a
servantx

slyx
for godxs sakex a pot of small alex

first servantx
willxt please your lordship drink a cup of sackx

second servantx
willxt please your honour taste of these conservesx

third servantx
what raiment will your honour wear todayx

slyx
i am christophero slyx call not me honour nor lordshipx i nexer drank
sack in my lifex and if you give me any conservesx give me conserves of
beefx nexer ask me what raiment ixll wearx for i have no more doublets
than backsx no more stockings than legsx nor no more shoes than feetx
nayx sometime more feet than shoesx or such shoes as my toes look
through the overxleatherx

lordx
heaven cease this idle humour in your honourx
ox that a mighty man of such descentx
of such possessionsx and so high esteemx
should be infused with so foul a spiritx

slyx
whatx would you make me madx am not i christopher slyx old slyxs son of
burtonxheathx by birth a pedlarx by education a cardmakerx by
transmutation a bearxherdx and now by present profession a tinkerx ask
marian hacketx the fat alexwife of wincotx if she know me notx if she
say i am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer alex score me up for
the lyingest knave in christendomx whatx i am not bestraughtx herexsx

third servantx
ox this it is that makes your lady mournx

second servantx
ox this is it that makes your servants droopx

lordx
hence comes it that your kindred shuns your housex
as beaten hence by your strange lunacyx
o noble lordx bethink thee of thy birthx
call home thy ancient thoughts from banishmentx
and banish hence these abject lowly dreamsx
look how thy servants do attend on theex
each in his office ready at thy beckx
wilt thou have musicx harkx apollo playsx

xxmusicxxx

and twenty caged nightingales do singx
or wilt thou sleepx wexll have thee to a couch
softer and sweeter than the lustful bed
on purpose trimmxd up for semiramisx
say thou wilt walkx we will bestrew the groundx
or wilt thou ridex thy horses shall be trappxdx
their harness studded all with gold and pearlx
dost thou love hawkingx thou hast hawks will soar
above the morning larkx or wilt thou huntx
thy hounds shall make the welkin answer them
and fetch shrill echoes from the hollow earthx

first servantx
say thou wilt coursex thy greyhounds are as swift
as breathed stagsx ayx fleeter than the roex

second servantx
dost thou love picturesx we will fetch thee straight
adonis painted by a running brookx
and cytherea all in sedges hidx
which seem to move and wanton with her breath
even as the waving sedges play with windx

lordx
wexll show thee io as she was a maid
and how she was beguiled and surprisxdx
as lively painted as the deed was donex

third servantx
or daphne roaming through a thorny woodx
scratching her legsx that one shall swear she bleeds
and at that sight shall sad apollo weepx
so workmanly the blood and tears are drawnx

lordx
thou art a lordx and nothing but a lordx
thou hast a lady far more beautiful
than any woman in this waning agex

first servantx
andx till the tears that she hath shed for thee
like envious floods oxerxrun her lovely facex
she was the fairest creature in the worldx
and yet she is inferior to nonex

slyx
am i a lordx and have i such a ladyx
or do i dreamx or have i dreamxd till nowx
i do not sleepx i seex i hearx i speakx
i smell sweet savoursx and i feel soft thingsx
upon my lifex i am a lord indeedx
and not a tinkerx nor christophero slyx
wellx bring our lady hither to our sightx
and once againx a pot ox the smallest alex

second servantx
willxt please your mightiness to wash your handsx

xxservants present a ewerx basin and napkinxxx

ox how we joy to see your wit restorxdx
ox that once more you knew but what you arex
these fifteen years you have been in a dreamx
orx when you wakxdx so wakxd as if you sleptx

slyx
these fifteen yearsx by my fayx a goodly napx
but did i never speak of all that timex

first servantx
ox yesx my lordx but very idle wordsx
for though you lay here in this goodly chamberx
yet would you say ye were beaten out of doorx
and rail upon the hostess of the housex
and say you would present her at the leetx
because she brought stone jugs and no sealxd quartsx
sometimes you would call out for cicely hacketx

slyx
ayx the womanxs maid of the housex

third servantx
whyx sirx you know no house nor no such maidx
nor no such men as you have reckonxd upx
as stephen slyx and old john naps of greecex
and peter turphx and henry pimpernellx
and twenty more such names and men as thesex
which never werex nor no man ever sawx

slyx
nowx lord be thanked for my good amendsx

allx
amenx


enter the pagex as a ladyx with attendantsx

slyx
i thank theex thou shalt not lose by itx

pagex
how fares my noble lordx

slyx
marryx i fare wellx for here is cheer enoughx
where is my wifex

pagex
herex noble lordx what is thy will with herx

slyx
are you my wifex and will not call me husbandx
my men should call me lordx i am your goodmanx

pagex
my husband and my lordx my lord and husbandx
i am your wife in all obediencex

slyx
i know it wellx what must i call herx

lordx
madamx

slyx
alice madamx or joan madamx

lordx
madamx and nothing elsex so lords call ladiesx

slyx
madam wifex they say that i have dreamxd
and slept above some fifteen year or morex

pagex
ayx and the time seems thirty unto mex
being all this time abandonxd from your bedx

slyx
xtis muchx servantsx leave me and her alonex
madamx undress youx and come now to bedx

pagex
thrice noble lordx let me entreat of you
to pardon me yet for a night or twox
orx if not sox until the sun be setx
for your physicians have expressly chargxdx
in peril to incur your former maladyx
that i should yet absent me from your bedx
i hope this reason stands for my excusex

slyx
ayx it stands so that i may hardly tarry so longx but i would be loath
to fall into my dreams againx i will therefore tarry in despite of the
flesh and the bloodx

enter a messengerx

messengerx
your honourxs playersx hearing your amendmentx
are come to play a pleasant comedyx
for so your doctors hold it very meetx
seeing too much sadness hath congealxd your bloodx
and melancholy is the nurse of frenzyx
therefore they thought it good you hear a playx
and frame your mind to mirth and merrimentx
which bars a thousand harms and lengthens lifex

slyx
marryx i willx let them play itx is not a commonty a christmas gambold
or a tumblingxtrickx

pagex
nox my good lordx it is more pleasing stuffx

slyx
whatx household stuffx

pagex
it is a kind of historyx

slyx
wellx wexll seextx comex madam wifex sit by my side and let the world
slipx we shall nexer be youngerx




act i

scene ix paduax a public placex

flourishx enter lucentio and traniox

lucentiox
traniox since for the great desire i had
to see fair paduax nursery of artsx
i am arrivxd for fruitful lombardyx
the pleasant garden of great italyx
and by my fatherxs love and leave am armxd
with his good will and thy good companyx
my trusty servant well approvxd in allx
here let us breathex and haply institute
a course of learning and ingenious studiesx
pisax renowned for grave citizensx
gave me my being and my father firstx
a merchant of great traffic through the worldx
vincentiox come of the bentivoliix
vincentioxs sonx brought up in florencex
it shall become to serve all hopes conceivxdx
to deck his fortune with his virtuous deedsx
and thereforex traniox for the time i studyx
virtue and that part of philosophy
will i apply that treats of happiness
by virtue specially to be achievxdx
tell me thy mindx for i have pisa left
and am to padua come as he that leaves
a shallow plash to plunge him in the deepx
and with satiety seeks to quench his thirstx

traniox
xmi perdonatoxx gentle master minex
i am in all affected as yourselfx
glad that you thus continue your resolve
to suck the sweets of sweet philosophyx
onlyx good masterx while we do admire
this virtue and this moral disciplinex
letxs be no stoics nor no stocksx i prayx
or so devote to aristotlexs checks
as ovid be an outcast quite abjurxdx
balk logic with acquaintance that you havex
and practise rhetoric in your common talkx
music and poesy use to quicken youx
the mathematics and the metaphysicsx
fall to them as you find your stomach serves youx
no profit grows where is no pleasure taxenx
in briefx sirx study what you most affectx

lucentiox
gramerciesx traniox well dost thou advisex
ifx biondellox thou wert come ashorex
we could at once put us in readinessx
and take a lodging fit to entertain
such friends as time in padua shall begetx
but stay awhilex what company is thisx

traniox
masterx some show to welcome us to townx

xxlucentio and tranio stand asidexxx

enter baptistax katherinax biancax gremio and hortensiox

baptistax
gentlemenx importune me no fartherx
for how i firmly am resolvxd you knowx
that isx not to bestow my youngest daughter
before i have a husband for the elderx
if either of you both love katherinax
because i know you well and love you wellx
leave shall you have to court her at your pleasurex

gremiox
to cart her ratherx shexs too rough for mex
therex therex hortensiox will you any wifex

katherinax
xxto baptistaxx i pray youx sirx is it your will
to make a stale of me amongst these matesx

hortensiox
matesx maidx how mean you thatx no mates for youx
unless you were of gentlerx milder mouldx

katherinax
ix faithx sirx you shall never need to fearx
i wis it is not half way to her heartx
but if it werex doubt not her care should be
to comb your noddle with a threexleggxd stoolx
and paint your facex and use you like a foolx

hortensiox
from all such devilsx good lord deliver usx

gremiox
and mex toox good lordx

traniox
hushtx masterx herexs some good pastime towardx
that wench is stark mad or wonderful frowardx

lucentiox
but in the otherxs silence do i see
maidxs mild behaviour and sobrietyx
peacex traniox

traniox
well saidx masterx mumx and gaze your fillx

baptistax
gentlemenx that i may soon make good
what i have saidxxbiancax get you inx
and let it not displease theex good biancax
for i will love thee nexer the lessx my girlx

katherinax
a pretty peatx it is best put finger in the eyex and she knew whyx

biancax
sisterx content you in my discontentx
sirx to your pleasure humbly i subscribex
my books and instruments shall be my companyx
on them to lookx and practise by myselfx

lucentiox
harkx traniox thou mayst hear minerva speakx

hortensiox
signior baptistax will you be so strangex
sorry am i that our good will effects
biancaxs griefx

gremiox
why will you mew her upx
signior baptistax for this fiend of hellx
and make her bear the penance of her tonguex

baptistax
gentlemenx content yex i am resolvxdx
go inx biancax

xxexit biancaxxx

and for i know she taketh most delight
in musicx instrumentsx and poetryx
schoolmasters will i keep within my house
fit to instruct her youthx if youx hortensiox
orx signior gremiox youx know any suchx
prefer them hitherx for to cunning men
i will be very kindx and liberal
to mine own children in good bringing upx
and sox farewellx katherinax you may stayx
for i have more to commune with biancax

xxexitxxx

katherinax
whyx and i trust i may go toox may i notx whatx shall i be appointed
hoursx as thoughx belikex i knew not what to take and what to leavex
hax

xxexitxxx

gremiox
you may go to the devilxs damx your gifts are so good herexs none will
hold youx their love is not so greatx hortensiox but we may blow our
nails togetherx and fast it fairly outx our cakexs dough on both sidesx
farewellx yetx for the love i bear my sweet biancax if i can by any
means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delightsx i will
wish him to her fatherx

hortensiox
so will ix signior gremiox but a wordx i prayx though the nature of our
quarrel yet never brooked parlex know nowx upon advicex it toucheth us
bothxxthat we may yet again have access to our fair mistressx and be
happy rivals in biancaxs lovexxto labour and effect one thing
speciallyx

gremiox
whatxs thatx i prayx

hortensiox
marryx sirx to get a husband for her sisterx

gremiox
a husbandx a devilx

hortensiox
i sayx a husbandx

gremiox
i sayx a devilx thinkest thoux hortensiox though her father be very
richx any man is so very a fool to be married to hellx

hortensiox
tushx gremiox though it pass your patience and mine to endure her loud
alarumsx whyx manx there be good fellows in the worldx and a man could
light on themx would take her with all faultsx and money enoughx

gremiox
i cannot tellx but i had as lief take her dowry with this conditionx to
be whippxd at the high cross every morningx

hortensiox
faithx as you sayx therexs small choice in rotten applesx but comex
since this bar in law makes us friendsx it shall be so far forth
friendly maintainedx till by helping baptistaxs eldest daughter to a
husbandx we set his youngest free for a husbandx and then have toxt
afreshx sweet biancax happy man be his dolex he that runs fastest gets
the ringx how say youx signior gremiox

gremiox
i am agreedx and would i had given him the best horse in padua to begin
his wooingx that would thoroughly woo herx wed herx and bed herx and
rid the house of herx come onx

xxexeunt gremio and hortensioxxx

traniox
i prayx sirx tell mex is it possible
that love should of a sudden take such holdx

lucentiox
o traniox till i found it to be truex
i never thought it possible or likelyx
but seex while idly i stood looking onx
i found the effect of love in idlenessx
and now in plainness do confess to theex
that art to me as secret and as dear
as anna to the queen of carthage wasx
traniox i burnx i pinex i perishx traniox
if i achieve not this young modest girlx
counsel mex traniox for i know thou canstx
assist mex traniox for i know thou wiltx

traniox
masterx it is no time to chide you nowx
affection is not rated from the heartx
if love have touchxd youx nought remains but sox
xredime te captum quam queas minimoxx

lucentiox
gramerciesx ladx go forwardx this contentsx
the rest will comfortx for thy counselxs soundx

traniox
masterx you lookxd so longly on the maidx
perhaps you markxd not whatxs the pith of allx

lucentiox
ox yesx i saw sweet beauty in her facex
such as the daughter of agenor hadx
that made great jove to humble him to her handx
when with his knees he kissxd the cretan strandx

traniox
saw you no morex markxd you not how her sister
began to scold and raise up such a storm
that mortal ears might hardly endure the dinx

lucentiox
traniox i saw her coral lips to movex
and with her breath she did perfume the airx
sacred and sweet was all i saw in herx

traniox
nayx thenx xtis time to stir him from his trancex
i prayx awakex sirx if you love the maidx
bend thoughts and wits to achieve herx thus it standsx
her elder sister is so curst and shrewdx
that till the father rid his hands of herx
masterx your love must live a maid at homex
and therefore has he closely mewxd her upx
because she will not be annoyxd with suitorsx

lucentiox
ahx traniox what a cruel fatherxs hex
but art thou not advisxd he took some care
to get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct herx

traniox
ayx marryx am ix sirx and now xtis plottedx

lucentiox
i have itx traniox

traniox
masterx for my handx
both our inventions meet and jump in onex

lucentiox
tell me thine firstx

traniox
you will be schoolmasterx
and undertake the teaching of the maidx
thatxs your devicex

lucentiox
it isx may it be donex

traniox
not possiblex for who shall bear your part
and be in padua here vincentioxs sonx
keep house and ply his bookx welcome his friendsx
visit his countrymenx and banquet themx

lucentiox
xbastaxx content theex for i have it fullx
we have not yet been seen in any housex
nor can we be distinguishxd by our faces
for man or masterx then it follows thusx
thou shalt be masterx traniox in my steadx
keep house and port and servantsx as i shouldx
i will some other bex some florentinex
some neapolitanx or meaner man of pisax
xtis hatchxdx and shall be sox traniox at once
uncase theex take my colourxd hat and cloakx
when biondello comesx he waits on theex
but i will charm him first to keep his tonguex

xxthey exchange habitsxx

traniox
so had you needx
in briefx sirx sith it your pleasure isx
and i am tied to be obedientx
for so your father chargxd me at our partingx
xbe serviceable to my sonxx quoth hex
although i think xtwas in another sensex
i am content to be lucentiox
because so well i love lucentiox

lucentiox
traniox be sox because lucentio lovesx
and let me be a slavex to achieve that maid
whose sudden sight hath thrallxd my wounded eyex


enter biondellox

here comes the roguex sirrahx where have you beenx

biondellox
where have i beenx nayx how nowx where are youx
masterx has my fellow tranio stolxn your clothesx
or you stolxn hisx or bothx prayx whatxs the newsx

lucentiox
sirrahx come hitherx xtis no time to jestx
and therefore frame your manners to the timex
your fellow tranio herex to save my lifex
puts my apparel and my countxnance onx
and i for my escape have put on hisx
for in a quarrel since i came ashore
i killxd a manx and fear i was descriedx
wait you on himx i charge youx as becomesx
while i make way from hence to save my lifex
you understand mex

biondellox
ix sirx nexer a whitx

lucentiox
and not a jot of tranio in your mouthx
tranio is changed to lucentiox

biondellox
the better for himx would i were so toox

traniox
so could ix faithx boyx to have the next wish afterx
that lucentio indeed had baptistaxs youngest daughterx
butx sirrahx not for my sake but your masterxsx i advise
you use your manners discreetly in all kind of companiesx
when i am alonex whyx then i am traniox
but in all places else your masterx lucentiox

lucentiox
traniox letxs gox
one thing more restsx that thyself executex
to make one among these wooersx if thou ask me whyx
sufficeth my reasons are both good and weightyx

xxexeuntxxx

xxthe presenters above speakxxx

first servantx
my lordx you nodx you do not mind the playx

slyx
yesx by saint annex i dox a good matterx surelyx comes there any more
of itx

pagex
my lordx xtis but begunx

slyx
xtis a very excellent piece of workx madam ladyx would xtwere donex

xxthey sit and markxxx




scene iix paduax before hortensioxs housex

enter petruchio and his man grumiox

petruchiox
veronax for a while i take my leavex
to see my friends in paduax but of all
my best beloved and approved friendx
hortensiox and i trow this is his housex
herex sirrah grumiox knockx i sayx

grumiox
knockx sirx whom should i knockx is there any man has rebused your
worshipx

petruchiox
villainx i sayx knock me here soundlyx

grumiox
knock you herex sirx whyx sirx what am ix sirx that i should knock you
herex sirx

petruchiox
villainx i sayx knock me at this gatex
and rap me wellx or ixll knock your knavexs patex

grumiox
my master is grown quarrelsomex i should knock you firstx
and then i know after who comes by the worstx

petruchiox
will it not bex
faithx sirrahx and youxll not knockx ixll ring itx
ixll try how you can solx fax and sing itx

xxhe wrings grumio by the earsxxx

grumiox
helpx mastersx helpx my master is madx

petruchiox
nowx knock when i bid youx sirrah villainx


enter hortensiox

hortensiox
how nowx whatxs the matterx my old friend grumiox and my good friend
petruchiox how do you all at veronax

petruchiox
signior hortensiox come you to part the frayx
xcon tutto il cuore ben trovatoxx may i sayx

hortensiox
xalla nostra casa ben venutox molto honorato signor mio petruchioxx
risex grumiox risex we will compound this quarrelx

grumiox
nayx xtis no matterx sirx what he xleges in latinx if this be not a
lawful cause for me to leave his servicex look youx sirx he bid me
knock him and rap him soundlyx sirx wellx was it fit for a servant to
use his master sox beingx perhapsx for aught i seex twoxandxthirtyx a
pip outx whom would to god i had well knockxd at firstx then had not
grumio come by the worstx

petruchiox
a senseless villainx good hortensiox
i bade the rascal knock upon your gatex
and could not get him for my heart to do itx

grumiox
knock at the gatex o heavensx spake you not these words plainx xsirrah
knock me herex rap me herex knock me wellx and knock me soundlyxx and
come you now with xknocking at the gatexx

petruchiox
sirrahx be gonex or talk notx i advise youx

hortensiox
petruchiox patiencex i am grumioxs pledgex
whyx thisxs a heavy chance xtwixt him and youx
your ancientx trustyx pleasant servant grumiox
and tell me nowx sweet friendx what happy gale
blows you to padua here from old veronax

petruchiox
such wind as scatters young men through the world
to seek their fortunes farther than at homex
where small experience growsx but in a fewx
signior hortensiox thus it stands with mex
antoniox my fatherx is deceasxdx
and i have thrust myself into this mazex
haply to wive and thrive as best i mayx
crowns in my purse i havex and goods at homex
and so am come abroad to see the worldx

hortensiox
petruchiox shall i then come roundly to thee
and wish thee to a shrewd illxfavourxd wifex
thouxdst thank me but a little for my counselx
and yet ixll promise thee she shall be richx
and very richx but thxart too much my friendx
and ixll not wish thee to herx

petruchiox
signior hortensiox xtwixt such friends as we
few words sufficex and thereforex if thou know
one rich enough to be petruchioxs wifex
as wealth is burden of my wooing dancex
be she as foul as was florentiusx lovex
as old as sibylx and as curst and shrewd
as socratesx xanthippe or a worsex
she moves me notx or not removesx at leastx
affectionxs edge in mex were she as rough
as are the swelling adriatic seasx
i come to wive it wealthily in paduax
if wealthilyx then happily in paduax

grumiox
nayx look youx sirx he tells you flatly what his mind isx whyx give him
gold enough and marry him to a puppet or an agletxbabyx or an old trot
with nexer a tooth in her headx though she have as many diseases as
twoxandxfifty horsesx whyx nothing comes amissx so money comes withalx

hortensiox
petruchiox since we are steppxd thus far inx
i will continue that i broachxd in jestx
i canx petruchiox help thee to a wife
with wealth enoughx and young and beauteousx
brought up as best becomes a gentlewomanx
her only faultxxand that is faults enoughxx
isx that she is intolerable curstx
and shrewd and frowardx so beyond all measurex
thatx were my state far worser than it isx
i would not wed her for a mine of goldx

petruchiox
hortensiox peacex thou knowxst not goldxs effectx
tell me her fatherxs namex and xtis enoughx
for i will board herx though she chide as loud
as thunder when the clouds in autumn crackx

hortensiox
her father is baptista minolax
an affable and courteous gentlemanx
her name is katherina minolax
renownxd in padua for her scolding tonguex

petruchiox
i know her fatherx though i know not herx
and he knew my deceased father wellx
i will not sleepx hortensiox till i see herx
and therefore let me be thus bold with youx
to give you over at this first encounterx
unless you will accompany me thitherx

grumiox
i pray youx sirx let him go while the humour lastsx ox my wordx and she
knew him as well as i dox she would think scolding would do little good
upon himx she may perhaps call him half a score knaves or sox whyx
thatxs nothingx and he begin oncex hexll rail in his ropextricksx ixll
tell you whatx sirx and she stand him but a littlex he will throw a
figure in her facex and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no
more eyes to see withal than a catx you know him notx sirx

hortensiox
tarryx petruchiox i must go with theex
for in baptistaxs keep my treasure isx
he hath the jewel of my life in holdx
his youngest daughterx beautiful biancax
and her withholds from me and other morex
suitors to her and rivals in my lovex
supposing it a thing impossiblex
for those defects i have before rehearsxdx
that ever katherina will be wooxdx
therefore this order hath baptista taxenx
that none shall have access unto bianca
till katherine the curst have got a husbandx

grumiox
katherine the curstx
a title for a maid of all titles the worstx

hortensiox
now shall my friend petruchio do me gracex
and offer me disguisxd in sober robesx
to old baptista as a schoolmaster
well seen in musicx to instruct biancax
that so i mayx by this device at least
have leave and leisure to make love to herx
and unsuspected court her by herselfx

grumiox
herexs no knaveryx seex to beguile the old folksx how the young folks
lay their heads togetherx

enter gremio and lucentio disguisedx with books under his armx

masterx masterx look about youx who goes therex hax

hortensiox
peacex grumiox it is the rival of my lovex petruchiox stand by awhilex

grumiox
a proper striplingx and an amorousx

gremiox
ox very wellx i have perusxd the notex
hark youx sirx ixll have them very fairly boundx
all books of lovex see that at any handx
and see you read no other lectures to herx
you understand mex over and beside
signior baptistaxs liberalityx
ixll mend it with a largessx take your papers toox
and let me have them very well perfumxdx
for she is sweeter than perfume itself
to whom they go tox what will you read to herx

lucentiox
whatexer i read to herx ixll plead for youx
as for my patronx stand you so assurxdx
as firmly as yourself were still in placex
yeax and perhaps with more successful words
than youx unless you were a scholarx sirx

gremiox
ox this learningx what a thing it isx

grumiox
ox this woodcockx what an ass it isx

petruchiox
peacex sirrahx

hortensiox
grumiox mumx god save youx signior gremiox

gremiox
and you are well metx signior hortensiox
trow you whither i am goingx to baptista minolax
i promisxd to enquire carefully
about a schoolmaster for the fair biancax
and by good fortune i have lighted well
on this young manx for learning and behaviour
fit for her turnx well read in poetry
and other booksx good onesx i warrant yex

hortensiox
xtis wellx and i have met a gentleman
hath promisxd me to help me to anotherx
a fine musician to instruct our mistressx
so shall i no whit be behind in duty
to fair biancax so belovxd of mex

gremiox
belovxd of mex and that my deeds shall provex

grumiox
xxasidexxx and that his bags shall provex

hortensiox
gremiox xtis now no time to vent our lovex
listen to mex and if you speak me fairx
ixll tell you news indifferent good for eitherx
here is a gentleman whom by chance i metx
upon agreement from us to his likingx
will undertake to woo curst katherinex
yeax and to marry herx if her dowry pleasex

gremiox
so saidx so donex is wellx
hortensiox have you told him all her faultsx

petruchiox
i know she is an irksome brawling scoldx
if that be allx mastersx i hear no harmx

gremiox
nox sayxst me sox friendx what countrymanx

petruchiox
born in veronax old antonioxs sonx
my father deadx my fortune lives for mex
and i do hope good days and long to seex

gremiox
o sirx such a lifex with such a wifex were strangex
but if you have a stomachx toxt a godxs namex
you shall have me assisting you in allx
but will you woo this wildxcatx

petruchiox
will i livex

grumiox
will he woo herx ayx or ixll hang herx

petruchiox
why came i hither but to that intentx
think you a little din can daunt mine earsx
have i not in my time heard lions roarx
have i not heard the seax puffxd up with windsx
rage like an angry boar chafed with sweatx
have i not heard great ordnance in the fieldx
and heavenxs artillery thunder in the skiesx
have i not in a pitched battle heard
loud xlarumsx neighing steedsx and trumpetsx clangx
and do you tell me of a womanxs tonguex
that gives not half so great a blow to hear
as will a chestnut in a farmerxs firex
tushx tushx fear boys with bugsx

grumiox
xxasidexx for he fears nonex

gremiox
hortensiox harkx
this gentleman is happily arrivxdx
my mind presumesx for his own good and yoursx

hortensiox
i promisxd we would be contributorsx
and bear his charge of wooingx whatsoexerx

gremiox
and so we willx provided that he win herx

grumiox
i would i were as sure of a good dinnerx


enter tranio bravex and biondellox

traniox
gentlemenx god save youx if i may be boldx
tell mex i beseech youx which is the readiest way
to the house of signior baptista minolax

biondellox
he that has the two fair daughtersx isxt he you meanx

traniox
even hex biondellox

gremiox
hark youx sirx you mean not her tox

traniox
perhaps him and herx sirx what have you to dox

petruchiox
not her that chidesx sirx at any handx i prayx

traniox
i love no chidersx sirx biondellox letxs awayx

lucentiox
xxasidexx  well begunx traniox

hortensiox
sirx a word ere you gox
are you a suitor to the maid you talk ofx yea or nox

traniox
and if i bex sirx is it any offencex

gremiox
nox if without more words you will get you hencex

traniox
whyx sirx i prayx are not the streets as free
for me as for youx

gremiox
but so is not shex

traniox
for what reasonx i beseech youx

gremiox
for this reasonx if youxll knowx
that shexs the choice love of signior gremiox

hortensiox
that shexs the chosen of signior hortensiox

traniox
softlyx my mastersx if you be gentlemenx
do me this rightx hear me with patiencex
baptista is a noble gentlemanx
to whom my father is not all unknownx
and were his daughter fairer than she isx
she may more suitors havex and me for onex
fair ledaxs daughter had a thousand wooersx
then well one more may fair bianca havex
and so she shallx lucentio shall make onex
though paris came in hope to speed alonex

gremiox
whatx this gentleman will outxtalk us allx

lucentiox
sirx give him headx i know hexll prove a jadex

petruchiox
hortensiox to what end are all these wordsx

hortensiox
sirx let me be so bold as ask youx
did you yet ever see baptistaxs daughterx

traniox
nox sirx but hear i do that he hath twox
the one as famous for a scolding tongue
as is the other for beauteous modestyx

petruchiox
sirx sirx the firstxs for mex let her go byx

gremiox
yeax leave that labour to great herculesx
and let it be more than alcidesx twelvex

petruchiox
sirx understand you this of mex in soothx
the youngest daughterx whom you hearken forx
her father keeps from all access of suitorsx
and will not promise her to any man
until the elder sister first be wedx
the younger then is freex and not beforex

traniox
if it be sox sirx that you are the man
must stead us allx and me amongst the restx
and if you break the icex and do this featx
achieve the elderx set the younger free
for our accessx whose hap shall be to have her
will not so graceless be to be ingratex

hortensiox
sirx you say wellx and well you do conceivex
and since you do profess to be a suitorx
you mustx as we dox gratify this gentlemanx
to whom we all rest generally beholdingx

traniox
sirx i shall not be slackx in sign whereofx
please ye we may contrive this afternoonx
and quaff carouses to our mistressx healthx
and do as adversaries do in lawx
strive mightilyx but eat and drink as friendsx

grumiox biondellox
o excellent motionx fellowsx letxs be gonex

hortensiox
the motionxs good indeedx and be it soxx
petruchiox i shall be your xben venutoxx

xxexeuntxxx




act ii

scene ix paduax a room in baptistaxs housex

enter katherina and biancax

biancax
good sisterx wrong me notx nor wrong yourselfx
to make a bondmaid and a slave of mex
that i disdainx but for these other gawdsx
unbind my handsx ixll pull them off myselfx
yeax all my raimentx to my petticoatx
or what you will command me will i dox
so well i know my duty to my eldersx

katherinax
of all thy suitors here i charge thee tell
whom thou lovxst bestx see thou dissemble notx

biancax
believe mex sisterx of all the men alive
i never yet beheld that special face
which i could fancy more than any otherx

katherinax
minionx thou liestx isxt not hortensiox

biancax
if you affect himx sisterx here i swear
ixll plead for you myself but you shall have himx

katherinax
ox thenx belikex you fancy riches morex
you will have gremio to keep you fairx

biancax
is it for him you do envy me sox
nayx then you jestx and now i well perceive
you have but jested with me all this whilex
i pritheex sister katex untie my handsx

katherinax
if that be jestx then all the rest was sox

xxstrikes herxxx

enter baptistax

baptistax
whyx how nowx damex whence grows this insolencex
biancax stand asidex poor girlx she weepsx
go ply thy needlex meddle not with herx
for shamex thou hilding of a devilish spiritx
why dost thou wrong her that did nexer wrong theex
when did she cross thee with a bitter wordx

katherinax
her silence flouts mex and ixll be revengxdx

xxflies after biancaxxx

baptistax
whatx in my sightx biancax get thee inx

xxexit biancaxxx

katherinax
whatx will you not suffer mex nayx now i see
she is your treasurex she must have a husbandx
i must dance barexfoot on her weddingxdayx
andx for your love to herx lead apes in hellx
talk not to mex i will go sit and weep
till i can find occasion of revengex

xxexitxxx

baptistax
 was ever gentleman thus grievxd as ix
but who comes herex


enter gremiox with lucentio in the habit of a mean manx petruchiox with
hortensio as a musicianx and traniox with biondello bearing a lute and
booksx

gremiox
good morrowx neighbour baptistax

baptistax
good morrowx neighbour gremiox god save youx gentlemenx

petruchiox
and youx good sirx prayx have you not a daughter
callxd katherinax fair and virtuousx

baptistax
i have a daughterx sirx callxd katherinax

gremiox
you are too bluntx go to it orderlyx

petruchiox
you wrong mex signior gremiox give me leavex
i am a gentleman of veronax sirx
thatx hearing of her beauty and her witx
her affability and bashful modestyx
her wondrous qualities and mild behaviourx
am bold to show myself a forward guest
within your housex to make mine eye the witness
of that report which i so oft have heardx
andx for an entrance to my entertainmentx
i do present you with a man of minex

xxpresenting hortensioxxx

cunning in music and the mathematicsx
to instruct her fully in those sciencesx
whereof i know she is not ignorantx
accept of himx or else you do me wrongx
his name is liciox born in mantuax

baptistax
yxare welcomex sirx and he for your good sakex
but for my daughter katherinex this i knowx
she is not for your turnx the more my griefx

petruchiox
i see you do not mean to part with herx
or else you like not of my companyx

baptistax
mistake me notx i speak but as i findx
whence are youx sirx what may i call your namex

petruchiox
petruchio is my namex antonioxs sonx
a man well known throughout all italyx

baptistax
i know him wellx you are welcome for his sakex

gremiox
saving your talex petruchiox i prayx
let usx that are poor petitionersx speak toox
backarex you are marvellous forwardx

petruchiox
ox pardon mex signior gremiox i would fain be doingx

gremiox
i doubt it notx sirx but you will curse your wooingx neighbourx this is
a gift very gratefulx i am sure of itx to express the like kindnessx
myselfx that have been more kindly beholding to you than anyx freely
give unto you this young scholarx

xxpresenting lucentioxxx

that has been long studying at rheimsx as cunning in greekx latinx and
other languagesx as the other in music and mathematicsx his name is
cambiox pray accept his servicex

baptistax
a thousand thanksx signior gremiox welcomex good cambiox xxto tranioxxx
butx gentle sirx methinks you walk like a strangerx may i be so bold to
know the cause of your comingx

traniox
pardon mex sirx the boldness is mine ownx
thatx being a stranger in this city herex
do make myself a suitor to your daughterx
unto biancax fair and virtuousx
nor is your firm resolve unknown to mex
in the preferment of the eldest sisterx
this liberty is all that i requestx
thatx upon knowledge of my parentagex
i may have welcome xmongst the rest that woox
and free access and favour as the restx
andx toward the education of your daughtersx
i here bestow a simple instrumentx
and this small packet of greek and latin booksx
if you accept themx then their worth is greatx

baptistax
lucentio is your namex of whencex i prayx

traniox
of pisax sirx son to vincentiox

baptistax
a mighty man of pisax by report
i know him wellx you are very welcomex sirx
xxto hortensioxxx take you the lutex
xxto lucentioxxx and you the set of booksx
you shall go see your pupils presentlyx
hollax withinx


enter a servantx

sirrahx lead these gentlemen
to my daughtersx and tell them both
these are their tutorsx bid them use them wellx

xxexeunt servant with hortensiox lucentio and biondelloxxx

we will go walk a little in the orchardx
and then to dinnerx you are passing welcomex
and so i pray you all to think yourselvesx

petruchiox
signior baptistax my business asketh hastex
and every day i cannot come to woox
you knew my father wellx and in him mex
left solely heir to all his lands and goodsx
which i have bettered rather than decreasxdx
then tell mex if i get your daughterxs lovex
what dowry shall i have with her to wifex

baptistax
after my deathx the one half of my landsx
and in possession twenty thousand crownsx

petruchiox
andx for that dowryx ixll assure her of
her widowhoodx be it that she survive mex
in all my lands and leases whatsoeverx
let specialities be therefore drawn between usx
that covenants may be kept on either handx

baptistax
ayx when the special thing is well obtainxdx
that isx her lovex for that is all in allx

petruchiox
whyx that is nothingx for i tell youx fatherx
i am as peremptory as she proudxmindedx
and where two raging fires meet togetherx
they do consume the thing that feeds their furyx
though little fire grows great with little windx
yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and allx
so i to herx and so she yields to mex
for i am rough and woo not like a babex

baptistax
well mayst thou woox and happy be thy speedx
but be thou armxd for some unhappy wordsx

petruchiox
ayx to the proofx as mountains are for windsx
that shake not though they blow perpetuallyx


rexenter hortensiox with his head brokex

baptistax
how nowx my friendx why dost thou look so palex

hortensiox
for fearx i promise youx if i look palex

baptistax
whatx will my daughter prove a good musicianx

hortensiox
i think shexll sooner prove a soldierx
iron may hold with herx but never lutesx

baptistax
whyx then thou canst not break her to the lutex

hortensiox
whyx nox for she hath broke the lute to mex
i did but tell her she mistook her fretsx
and bowxd her hand to teach her fingeringx
whenx with a most impatient devilish spiritx
xfretsx call you thesexx quoth she xixll fume with themxx
and with that word she struck me on the headx
and through the instrument my pate made wayx
and there i stood amazed for a whilex
as on a pilloryx looking through the lutex
while she did call me rascal fiddlerx
and twangling jackx with twenty such vile termsx
as had she studied to misuse me sox

petruchiox
nowx by the worldx it is a lusty wenchx
i love her ten times more than exer i didx
ox how i long to have some chat with herx

baptistax
xxto hortensioxxx wellx go with mex and be not so discomfitedx
proceed in practice with my younger daughterx
shexs apt to learnx and thankful for good turnsx
signior petruchiox will you go with usx
or shall i send my daughter kate to youx

petruchiox
i pray you dox

xxexeunt baptistax gremiox tranio and hortensioxxx

i will attend her herex
and woo her with some spirit when she comesx
say that she railx whyx then ixll tell her plain
she sings as sweetly as a nightingalex
say that she frownx ixll say she looks as clear
as morning roses newly washxd with dewx
say she be mutex and will not speak a wordx
then ixll commend her volubilityx
and say she uttereth piercing eloquencex
if she do bid me packx ixll give her thanksx
as though she bid me stay by her a weekx
if she deny to wedx ixll crave the day
when i shall ask the bannsx and when be marriedx
but here she comesx and nowx petruchiox speakx


enter katherinax

good morrowx katex for thatxs your namex i hearx

katherinax
well have you heardx but something hard of hearingx
they call me katherine that do talk of mex

petruchiox
you liex in faithx for you are callxd plain katex
and bonny katex and sometimes kate the curstx
butx katex the prettiest kate in christendomx
kate of kate hallx my superxdainty katex
for dainties are all katesx and thereforex katex
take this of mex kate of my consolationx
hearing thy mildness praisxd in every townx
thy virtues spoke ofx and thy beauty soundedxx
yet not so deeply as to thee belongsxx
myself am movxd to woo thee for my wifex

katherinax
movxdx in good timex let him that movxd you hither
remove you hencex i knew you at the firstx
you were a moveablex

petruchiox
whyx whatxs a moveablex

katherinax
a jointxstoolx

petruchiox
thou hast hit itx comex sit on mex

katherinax
asses are made to bearx and so are youx

petruchiox
women are made to bearx and so are youx

katherinax
no such jade as bear youx if me you meanx

petruchiox
alasx good katex i will not burden theex
forx knowing thee to be but young and lightxx

katherinax
too light for such a swain as you to catchx
and yet as heavy as my weight should bex

petruchiox
should bex should buzx

katherinax
well taxenx and like a buzzardx

petruchiox
ox slowxwingxd turtlex shall a buzzard take theex

katherinax
ayx for a turtlex as he takes a buzzardx

petruchiox
comex comex you waspx ix faithx you are too angryx

katherinax
if i be waspishx best beware my stingx

petruchiox
my remedy is then to pluck it outx

katherinax
ayx if the fool could find it where it liesx

petruchiox
who knows not where a wasp does wear his stingx
in his tailx

katherinax
in his tonguex

petruchiox
whose tonguex

katherinax
yoursx if you talk of talesx and so farewellx

petruchiox
whatx with my tongue in your tailx nayx come againx
good katex i am a gentlemanx

katherinax
that ixll tryx

xxstriking himxxx

petruchiox
i swear ixll cuff you if you strike againx

katherinax
so may you lose your armsx
if you strike mex you are no gentlemanx
and if no gentlemanx why then no armsx

petruchiox
a heraldx katex ox put me in thy booksx

katherinax
what is your crestx a coxcombx

petruchiox
a combless cockx so kate will be my henx

katherinax
no cock of minex you crow too like a cravenx

petruchiox
nayx comex katex comex you must not look so sourx

katherinax
it is my fashion when i see a crabx

petruchiox
whyx herexs no crabx and therefore look not sourx

katherinax
there isx there isx

petruchiox
then show it mex

katherinax
had i a glass i wouldx

petruchiox
whatx you mean my facex

katherinax
well aimxd of such a young onex

petruchiox
nowx by saint georgex i am too young for youx

katherinax
yet you are witherxdx

petruchiox
xtis with caresx

katherinax
i care notx

petruchiox
nayx hear youx katex in soothx you xscape not sox

katherinax
i chafe youx if i tarryx let me gox

petruchiox
nox not a whitx i find you passing gentlex
xtwas told me you were roughx and coyx and sullenx
and now i find report a very liarx
for thou art pleasantx gamesomex passing courteousx
but slow in speechx yet sweet as springxtime flowersx
thou canst not frownx thou canst not look askancex
nor bite the lipx as angry wenches willx
nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talkx
but thou with mildness entertainxst thy wooersx
with gentle conferencex soft and affablex
why does the world report that kate doth limpx
o slandxrous worldx kate like the hazelxtwig
is straight and slenderx and as brown in hue
as hazelxnutsx and sweeter than the kernelsx
ox let me see thee walkx thou dost not haltx

katherinax
gox foolx and whom thou keepxst commandx

petruchiox
did ever dian so become a grove
as kate this chamber with her princely gaitx
ox be thou dianx and let her be katex
and then let kate be chastex and dian sportfulx

katherinax
where did you study all this goodly speechx

petruchiox
it is extemporex from my motherxwitx

katherinax
a witty motherx witless else her sonx

petruchiox
am i not wisex

katherinax
yesx keep you warmx

petruchiox
marryx so i meanx sweet katherinex in thy bedx
and thereforex setting all this chat asidex
thus in plain termsx your father hath consented
that you shall be my wife your dowry xgreed onx
and will youx nill youx i will marry youx
nowx katex i am a husband for your turnx
forx by this lightx whereby i see thy beautyxx
thy beauty that doth make me like thee wellxx
thou must be married to no man but mex
for i am he am born to tame youx katex
and bring you from a wild kate to a kate
conformable as other household katesx


rexenter baptistax gremio and traniox

here comes your fatherx never make denialx
i must and will have katherine to my wifex

baptistax
nowx signior petruchiox how speed you with my daughterx

petruchiox
how but wellx sirx how but wellx
it were impossible i should speed amissx

baptistax
whyx how nowx daughter katherinex in your dumpsx

katherinax
call you me daughterx now i promise you
you have showxd a tender fatherly regard
to wish me wed to one half lunaticx
a madxcap ruffian and a swearing jackx
that thinks with oaths to face the matter outx

petruchiox
fatherx xtis thusx yourself and all the world
that talkxd of her have talkxd amiss of herx
if she be curstx it is for policyx
for shexs not frowardx but modest as the dovex
she is not hotx but temperate as the mornx
for patience she will prove a second grisselx
and roman lucrece for her chastityx
and to concludex we have xgreed so well together
that upon sunday is the weddingxdayx

katherinax
ixll see thee hangxd on sunday firstx

gremiox
harkx petruchiox she says shexll see thee hangxd firstx

traniox
is this your speedingx nayx then goodxnight our partx

petruchiox
be patientx gentlemenx i choose her for myselfx
if she and i be pleasxdx whatxs that to youx
xtis bargainxd xtwixt us twainx being alonex
that she shall still be curst in companyx
i tell youx xtis incredible to believe
how much she loves mex ox the kindest kate
she hung about my neckx and kiss on kiss
she vied so fastx protesting oath on oathx
that in a twink she won me to her lovex
ox you are novicesx xtis a world to seex
how tamex when men and women are alonex
a meacock wretch can make the curstest shrewx
give me thy handx katex i will unto venicex
to buy apparel xgainst the weddingxdayx
provide the feastx fatherx and bid the guestsx
i will be sure my katherine shall be finex

baptistax
i know not what to sayx but give me your handsx
god send you joyx petruchiox xtis a matchx

gremiox traniox
amenx say wex we will be witnessesx

petruchiox
fatherx and wifex and gentlemenx adieux
i will to venicex sunday comes apacex
we will have rings and thingsx and fine arrayx
and kiss mex katex we will be married ox sundayx

xxexeunt petruchio and katherinax severallyxxx

gremiox
was ever match clappxd up so suddenlyx

baptistax
faithx gentlemenx now i play a merchantxs partx
and venture madly on a desperate martx

traniox
xtwas a commodity lay fretting by youx
xtwill bring you gainx or perish on the seasx

baptistax
the gain i seek isx quiet in the matchx

gremiox
no doubt but he hath got a quiet catchx
but nowx baptistax to your younger daughterx
now is the day we long have looked forx
i am your neighbourx and was suitor firstx

traniox
and i am one that love bianca more
than words can witness or your thoughts can guessx

gremiox
younglingx thou canst not love so dear as ix

traniox
greybeardx thy love doth freezex

gremiox
but thine doth fryx
skipperx stand backx xtis age that nourishethx

traniox
but youth in ladiesx eyes that flourishethx

baptistax
content youx gentlemenx ixll compound this strifex
xtis deeds must win the prizex and he of both
that can assure my daughter greatest dower
shall have my biancaxs lovex
sayx signior gremiox what can you assure herx

gremiox
firstx as you knowx my house within the city
is richly furnished with plate and goldx
basins and ewers to lave her dainty handsx
my hangings all of tyrian tapestryx
in ivory coffers i have stuffxd my crownsx
in cypress chests my arras counterpointsx
costly apparelx tentsx and canopiesx
fine linenx turkey cushions bossxd with pearlx
valance of venice gold in needleworkx
pewter and brassx and all things that belong
to house or housekeepingx thenx at my farm
i have a hundred milchxkine to the pailx
six score fat oxen standing in my stallsx
and all things answerable to this portionx
myself am struck in yearsx i must confessx
and if i die tomorrow this is hersx
if whilst i live she will be only minex

traniox
that xonlyx came well inx sirx list to mex
i am my fatherxs heir and only sonx
if i may have your daughter to my wifex
ixll leave her houses three or four as good
within rich pisaxs walls as anyone
old signior gremio has in paduax
besides two thousand ducats by the year
of fruitful landx all which shall be her jointurex
whatx have i pinchxd youx signior gremiox

gremiox
two thousand ducats by the year of landx
my land amounts not to so much in allx
that she shall havex besides an argosy
that now is lying in marseillesx roadx
whatx have i chokxd you with an argosyx

traniox
gremiox xtis known my father hath no less
than three great argosiesx besides two galliassesx
and twelve tight galleysx these i will assure herx
and twice as muchx whatexer thou offerxst nextx

gremiox
nayx i have offerxd allx i have no morex
and she can have no more than all i havex
if you like mex she shall have me and minex

traniox
whyx then the maid is mine from all the worldx
by your firm promisex gremio is outxviedx

baptistax
i must confess your offer is the bestx
and let your father make her the assurancex
she is your ownx elsex you must pardon mex
if you should die before himx wherexs her dowerx

traniox
thatxs but a cavilx he is oldx i youngx

gremiox
and may not young men die as well as oldx

baptistax
wellx gentlemenx
i am thus resolvxdx on sunday nextx you knowx
my daughter katherine is to be marriedx
nowx on the sunday followingx shall bianca
be bride to youx if you make this assurancex
if notx to signior gremiox
and so i take my leavex and thank you bothx

gremiox
adieux good neighbourx

xxexit baptistaxxx

nowx i fear thee notx
sirrah young gamesterx your father were a fool
to give thee allx and in his waning age
set foot under thy tablex tutx a toyx
an old italian fox is not so kindx my boyx

xxexitxxx

traniox
a vengeance on your crafty witherxd hidex
yet i have facxd it with a card of tenx
xtis in my head to do my master goodx
i see no reason but supposxd lucentio
must get a fatherx callxd supposxd vincentiox
and thatxs a wonderx fathers commonly
do get their childrenx but in this case of wooing
a child shall get a sirex if i fail not of my cunningx

xxexitxxx




act iii

scene ix paduax a room in baptistaxs housex

enter lucentiox hortensio and biancax

lucentiox
fiddlerx forbearx you grow too forwardx sirx
have you so soon forgot the entertainment
her sister katherine welcomexd you withalx

hortensiox
butx wrangling pedantx this is
the patroness of heavenly harmonyx
then give me leave to have prerogativex
and when in music we have spent an hourx
your lecture shall have leisure for as muchx

lucentiox
preposterous assx that never read so far
to know the cause why music was ordainxdx
was it not to refresh the mind of man
after his studies or his usual painx
then give me leave to read philosophyx
and while i pause serve in your harmonyx

hortensiox
sirrahx i will not bear these braves of thinex

biancax
whyx gentlemenx you do me double wrongx
to strive for that which resteth in my choicex
i am no breeching scholar in the schoolsx
ixll not be tied to hours nor xpointed timesx
but learn my lessons as i please myselfx
andx to cut off all strifex here sit we downx
take you your instrumentx play you the whilesx
his lecture will be done ere you have tunxdx

hortensiox
youxll leave his lecture when i am in tunex

xxretiresxxx

lucentiox
that will be neverx tune your instrumentx

biancax
where left we lastx

lucentiox
herex madamxx
xhic ibat simoisx hic est sigeia tellusx
hic steterat priami regia celsa senisxx

biancax
construe themx

lucentiox
xhic ibatxx as i told you beforex xsimoisxx i am lucentiox xhic estxx
son unto vincentio of pisax xsigeia tellusxx disguised thus to get your
lovex xhic steteratxx and that lucentio that comes axwooingx xpriamixx
is my man traniox xregiaxx bearing my portx xcelsa senisxx that we
might beguile the old pantaloonx

hortensiox xxreturningxxx
madamx my instrumentxs in tunex

biancax
letxs hearxx

xhortensio xplaysxxx

o fiex the treble jarsx

lucentiox
spit in the holex manx and tune againx

biancax
now let me see if i can construe itx xhic ibat simoisxx i know you notx
xhic est sigeia tellusxx i trust you notx xhic steterat priamixx take
heed he hear us notx xregiaxx presume notx xcelsa senisxx despair notx

hortensiox
madamx xtis now in tunex

lucentiox
all but the basex

hortensiox
the base is rightx xtis the base knave that jarsx
xxasidexx how fiery and forward our pedant isx
nowx for my lifex the knave doth court my lovex
pedasculex ixll watch you better yetx

biancax
in time i may believex yet i mistrustx

lucentiox
mistrust it notx for surex xacides
was ajaxx callxd so from his grandfatherx

biancax
i must believe my masterx elsex i promise youx
i should be arguing still upon that doubtx
but let it restx nowx liciox to youx
good masterx take it not unkindlyx prayx
that i have been thus pleasant with you bothx

hortensiox
xxto lucentioxx you may go walk and give me leave a whilex
my lessons make no music in three partsx

lucentiox
are you so formalx sirx wellx i must waitx
xxasidexx and watch withalx forx but i be deceivxdx
our fine musician groweth amorousx

hortensiox
madamx before you touch the instrumentx
to learn the order of my fingeringx
i must begin with rudiments of artx
to teach you gamut in a briefer sortx
more pleasantx pithyx and effectualx
than hath been taught by any of my tradex
and there it is in writingx fairly drawnx

biancax
whyx i am past my gamut long agox

hortensiox
yet read the gamut of hortensiox

biancax
   xgamutx i amx the ground of all accordx
     xa rexx to plead hortensioxs passionx
   xb mixx biancax take him for thy lordx
     xc fa utxx that loves with all affectionx
   xd sol rexx one clefx two notes have i
   xe la mixx show pity or i diex
call you this gamutx tutx i like it notx
old fashions please me bestx i am not so nicex
to change true rules for odd inventionsx


enter a servantx

servantx
mistressx your father prays you leave your booksx
and help to dress your sisterxs chamber upx
you know tomorrow is the weddingxdayx

biancax
farewellx sweet mastersx bothx i must be gonex

xxexeunt bianca and servantxxx

lucentiox
faithx mistressx then i have no cause to stayx

xxexitxxx

hortensiox
but i have cause to pry into this pedantx
methinks he looks as though he were in lovex
yet if thy thoughtsx biancax be so humble
to cast thy wandxring eyes on every stalex
seize thee that listx if once i find thee rangingx
hortensio will be quit with thee by changingx

xxexitxxx




scene iix the samex before baptistaxs housex

enter baptistax gremiox traniox katherinax biancax lucentio and
attendantsx

baptistax  xxto tranioxxx
signior lucentiox this is the xpointed day
that katherine and petruchio should be marriedx
and yet we hear not of our sonxinxlawx
what will be saidx what mockery will it be
to want the bridegroom when the priest attends
to speak the ceremonial rites of marriagex
what says lucentio to this shame of oursx

katherinax
no shame but minex i mustx forsoothx be forcxd
to give my handx opposxd against my heartx
unto a madxbrain rudesbyx full of spleenx
who wooxd in haste and means to wed at leisurex
i told youx ix he was a frantic foolx
hiding his bitter jests in blunt behaviourx
and to be noted for a merry manx
hexll woo a thousandx xpoint the day of marriagex
make friendsx invitex and proclaim the bannsx
yet never means to wed where he hath wooxdx
now must the world point at poor katherinex
and say xlox there is mad petruchioxs wifex
if it would please him come and marry herxx

traniox
patiencex good katherinex and baptista toox
upon my lifex petruchio means but wellx
whatever fortune stays him from his wordx
though he be bluntx i know him passing wisex
though he be merryx yet withal hexs honestx

katherinax
would katherine had never seen him thoughx

xxexit weepingx followed by bianca and othersxxx

baptistax
gox girlx i cannot blame thee now to weepx
for such an injury would vex a very saintx
much more a shrew of thy impatient humourx


enter biondellox

masterx masterx newsx old newsx and such news as you never heard ofx

baptistax
is it new and old toox how may that bex

biondellox
whyx is it not news to hear of petruchioxs comingx

baptistax
is he comex

biondellox
whyx nox sirx

baptistax
what thenx

biondellox
he is comingx

baptistax
when will he be herex

biondellox
when he stands where i am and sees you therex

traniox
but sayx what to thine old newsx

biondellox
whyx petruchio is comingx in a new hat and an old jerkinx a pair of old
breeches thrice turnedx a pair of boots that have been candlexcasesx
one buckledx another lacedx an old rusty sword taxen out of the town
armouryx with a broken hiltx and chapelessx with two broken pointsx his
horse hipped with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindredx
besidesx possessed with the glanders and like to mose in the chinex
troubled with the lampassx infected with the fashionsx full of
windgallsx sped with spavinsx rayed with the yellowsx past cure of the
fivesx stark spoiled with the staggersx begnawn with the botsx swayed
in the back and shoulderxshottenx nearxlegged beforex and with a
halfxchecked bitx and a headxstall of sheepxs leatherx whichx being
restrained to keep him from stumblingx hath been often burstx and now
repaired with knotsx one girth six times piecedx and a womanxs crupper
of velurex which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in
studsx and here and there pieced with packxthreadx

baptistax
who comes with himx

biondellox
ox sirx his lackeyx for all the world caparisoned like the horsex with
a linen stock on one leg and a kersey bootxhose on the otherx gartered
with a red and blue listx an old hatx and the humour of forty fancies
prickxd inxt for a featherx a monsterx a very monster in apparelx and
not like a christian footboy or a gentlemanxs lackeyx

traniox
xtis some odd humour pricks him to this fashionx
yet oftentimes lie goes but meanxapparellxdx

baptistax
i am glad hexs comex howsoexer he comesx

biondellox
whyx sirx he comes notx

baptistax
didst thou not say he comesx

biondellox
whox that petruchio camex

baptistax
ayx that petruchio camex

biondellox
nox sirx i say his horse comesx with him on his backx

baptistax
whyx thatxs all onex

biondellox
     nayx by saint jamyx
     i hold you a pennyx
     a horse and a man
     is more than onex
     and yet not manyx


enter petruchio and grumiox

petruchiox
comex where be these gallantsx who is at homex

baptistax
you are welcomex sirx

petruchiox
and yet i come not wellx

baptistax
and yet you halt notx

traniox
not so well apparellxd as i wish you werex

petruchiox
were it betterx i should rush in thusx
but where is katex where is my lovely bridex
how does my fatherx gentlesx methinks you frownx
and wherefore gaze this goodly companyx
as if they saw some wondrous monumentx
some comet or unusual prodigyx

baptistax
whyx sirx you know this is your weddingxdayx
first were we sadx fearing you would not comex
now sadderx that you come so unprovidedx
fiex doff this habitx shame to your estatex
an eyexsore to our solemn festivalx

traniox
and tell us what occasion of import
hath all so long detainxd you from your wifex
and sent you hither so unlike yourselfx

petruchiox
tedious it were to tellx and harsh to hearx
sufficeth i am come to keep my wordx
though in some part enforced to digressx
which at more leisure i will so excuse
as you shall well be satisfied withalx
but where is katex i stay too long from herx
the morning wearsx xtis time we were at churchx

traniox
see not your bride in these unreverent robesx
go to my chamberx put on clothes of minex

petruchiox
not ix believe mex thus ixll visit herx

baptistax
but thusx i trustx you will not marry herx

petruchiox
good soothx even thusx therefore hax done with wordsx
to me shexs marriedx not unto my clothesx
could i repair what she will wear in me
as i can change these poor accoutrementsx
xtwere well for kate and better for myselfx
but what a fool am i to chat with you
when i should bid good morrow to my bridex
and seal the title with a lovely kissx

xxexeunt petruchiox grumio and biondelloxxx

traniox
he hath some meaning in his mad attirex
we will persuade himx be it possiblex
to put on better ere he go to churchx

baptistax
ixll after him and see the event of thisx

xxexeunt baptistax gremio and attendantsxxx

traniox
butx sirx to love concerneth us to add
her fatherxs likingx which to bring to passx
as i before imparted to your worshipx
i am to get a manxxwhatexer he be
it skills not muchx wexll fit him to our turnxx
and he shall be vincentio of pisax
and make assurance here in paduax
of greater sums than i have promisedx
so shall you quietly enjoy your hopex
and marry sweet bianca with consentx

lucentiox
were it not that my fellow schoolmaster
doth watch biancaxs steps so narrowlyx
xtwere goodx methinksx to steal our marriagex
which once performxdx let all the world say nox
ixll keep mine own despite of all the worldx

traniox
that by degrees we mean to look intox
and watch our vantage in this businessx
wexll overxreach the greybeardx gremiox
the narrowxprying fatherx minolax
the quaint musicianx amorous liciox
all for my masterxs sakex lucentiox


rexenter gremiox

signior gremiox came you from the churchx

gremiox
as willingly as exer i came from schoolx

traniox
and is the bride and bridegroom coming homex

gremiox
a bridegroomx say youx xtis a groom indeedx
a grumbling groomx and that the girl shall findx

traniox
curster than shex whyx xtis impossiblex

gremiox
whyx hexs a devilx a devilx a very fiendx

traniox
whyx shexs a devilx a devilx the devilxs damx

gremiox
tutx shexs a lambx a dovex a foolx to himx
ixll tell youx sir lucentiox when the priest
should ask if katherine should be his wifex
xayx by gogsxwounsx quoth hex and swore so loud
thatx all amazxdx the priest let fall the bookx
and as he stoopxd again to take it upx
the madxbrainxd bridegroom took him such a cuff
that down fell priest and bookx and book and priestx
xnow take them upxx quoth he xif any listxx

traniox
what said the wenchx when he rose againx

gremiox
trembled and shookx for whyx he stampxd and swore
as if the vicar meant to cozen himx
but after many ceremonies donex
he calls for winex xa healthxx quoth hex as if
he had been abroadx carousing to his mates
after a stormx quaffxd off the muscadelx
and threw the sops all in the sextonxs facex
having no other reason
but that his beard grew thin and hungerly
and seemxd to ask him sops as he was drinkingx
this donex he took the bride about the neckx
and kissxd her lips with such a clamorous smack
that at the parting all the church did echox
and ix seeing thisx came thence for very shamex
and after mex i knowx the rout is comingx
such a mad marriage never was beforex
harkx harkx i hear the minstrels playx

xxmusic playsxxx

enter petruciox katherinax biancax baptistax hortensiox grumio and
trainx

petruchiox
gentlemen and friendsx i thank you for your painsx
i know you think to dine with me todayx
and have preparxd great store of wedding cheer
but so it isx my haste doth call me hencex
and therefore here i mean to take my leavex

baptistax
isxt possible you will away tonightx

petruchiox
i must away today before night comex
make it no wonderx if you knew my businessx
you would entreat me rather go than stayx
andx honest companyx i thank you allx
that have beheld me give away myself
to this most patientx sweetx and virtuous wifex
dine with my fatherx drink a health to mex
for i must hencex and farewell to you allx

traniox
let us entreat you stay till after dinnerx

petruchiox
it may not bex

gremiox
let me entreat youx

petruchiox
it cannot bex

katherinax
let me entreat youx

petruchiox
i am contentx

katherinax
are you content to stayx

petruchiox
i am content you shall entreat me stayx
but yet not stayx entreat me how you canx

katherinax
nowx if you love mex stayx

petruchiox
grumiox my horsex

grumiox
ayx sirx they be readyx the oats have eaten the horsesx

katherinax
nayx thenx
do what thou canstx i will not go todayx
nox nor tomorrowx not till i please myselfx
the door is openx sirx there lies your wayx
you may be jogging whiles your boots are greenx
for mex ixll not be gone till i please myselfx
xtis like youxll prove a jolly surly groom
that take it on you at the first so roundlyx

petruchiox
o katex content theex prithee be not angryx

katherinax
i will be angryx what hast thou to dox
fatherx be quietx he shall stay my leisurex

gremiox
ayx marryx sirx now it begins to workx

katherinax
gentlemenx forward to the bridal dinnerx
i see a woman may be made a foolx
if she had not a spirit to resistx

petruchiox
they shall go forwardx katex at thy commandx
obey the bridex you that attend on herx
go to the feastx revel and domineerx
carouse full measure to her maidenheadx
be mad and merryx or go hang yourselvesx
but for my bonny katex she must with mex
nayx look not bigx nor stampx nor starex nor fretx
i will be master of what is mine ownx
she is my goodsx my chattelsx she is my housex
my household stuffx my fieldx my barnx
my horsex my oxx my assx my anythingx
and here she standsx touch her whoever darex
ixll bring mine action on the proudest he
that stops my way in paduax grumiox
draw forth thy weaponx we are beset with thievesx
rescue thy mistressx if thou be a manx
fear notx sweet wenchx they shall not touch theex katex
ixll buckler thee against a millionx

xxexeunt petruciox katherina and grumioxxx

baptistax
nayx let them gox a couple of quiet onesx

gremiox
went they not quicklyx i should die with laughingx

traniox
of all mad matchesx never was the likex

lucentiox
mistressx whatxs your opinion of your sisterx

biancax
thatx being mad herselfx shexs madly matedx

gremiox
i warrant himx petruchio is katedx

baptistax
neighbours and friendsx though bride and bridegroom wants
for to supply the places at the tablex
you know there wants no junkets at the feastx
lucentiox you shall supply the bridegroomxs placex
and let bianca take her sisterxs roomx

traniox
shall sweet bianca practise how to bride itx

baptistax
she shallx lucentiox comex gentlemenx letxs gox

xxexeuntxxx




act iv

scene ix a hall in petruchioxs country housex

enter grumiox

grumiox
fiex fie on all tired jadesx on all mad mastersx and all foul waysx was
ever man so beatenx was ever man so rayxdx was ever man so wearyx i am
sent before to make a firex and they are coming after to warm themx
nowx were not i a little pot and soon hotx my very lips might freeze to
my teethx my tongue to the roof of my mouthx my heart in my bellyx ere
i should come by a fire to thaw mex but i with blowing the fire shall
warm myselfx forx considering the weatherx a taller man than i will
take coldx hollax hox curtisx

enter curtisx

curtisx
who is that calls so coldlyx

grumiox
a piece of icex if thou doubt itx thou mayst slide from my shoulder to
my heel with no greater a run but my head and my neckx a firex good
curtisx

curtisx
is my master and his wife comingx grumiox

grumiox
ox ayx curtisx ayx and therefore firex firex cast on no waterx

curtisx
is she so hot a shrew as shexs reportedx

grumiox
she wasx good curtisx before this frostx but thou knowest winter tames
manx womanx and beastx for it hath tamed my old masterx and my new
mistressx and myselfx fellow curtisx

curtisx
awayx you threexinch foolx i am no beastx

grumiox
am i but three inchesx whyx thy horn is a footx and so long am i at the
leastx but wilt thou make a firex or shall i complain on thee to our
mistressx whose handxxshe being now at handxx thou shalt soon feelx to
thy cold comfortx for being slow in thy hot officex

curtisx
i pritheex good grumiox tell mex how goes the worldx

grumiox
a cold worldx curtisx in every office but thinex and therefore firex do
thy dutyx and have thy dutyx for my master and mistress are almost
frozen to deathx

curtisx
therexs fire readyx and thereforex good grumiox the newsx

grumiox
whyx xjack boyx hox boyxx and as much news as wilt thoux

curtisx
comex you are so full of conyxcatchingx

grumiox
whyx thereforex firex for i have caught extreme coldx wherexs the cookx
is supper readyx the house trimmedx rushes strewedx cobwebs sweptx the
servingmen in their new fustianx their white stockingsx and every
officer his weddingxgarment onx be the jacks fair withinx the jills
fair withoutx and carpets laidx and everything in orderx

curtisx
all readyx and thereforex i pray theex newsx

grumiox
firstx know my horse is tiredx my master and mistress fallen outx

curtisx
howx

grumiox
out of their saddles into the dirtx and thereby hangs a talex

curtisx
letxs haxtx good grumiox

grumiox
lend thine earx

curtisx
herex

grumiox
xxstriking himxxx therex

curtisx
this xtis to feel a talex not to hear a talex

grumiox
and therefore xtis called a sensible talex and this cuff was but to
knock at your ear and beseech listeningx now i beginx ximprimisxx we
came down a foul hillx my master riding behind my mistressxx

curtisx
both of one horsex

grumiox
whatxs that to theex

curtisx
whyx a horsex

grumiox
tell thou the talex but hadst thou not crossed mex thou shouldst have
heard how her horse fellx and she under her horsex thou shouldst have
heard in how miry a placex how she was bemoiledx how he left her with
the horse upon herx how he beat me because her horse stumbledx how she
waded through the dirt to pluck him off mex how he sworex how she
prayedx that never prayed beforex how i criedx how the horses ran awayx
how her bridle was burstx how i lost my crupperx with many things of
worthy memoryx which now shall die in oblivionx and thou return
unexperienced to thy gravex

curtisx
by this reckoning he is more shrew than shex

grumiox
ayx and that thou and the proudest of you all shall find when he comes
homex but what talk i of thisx call forth nathanielx josephx nicholasx
philipx walterx sugarsopx and the restx let their heads be sleekly
combedx their blue coats brushxd and their garters of an indifferent
knitx let them curtsy with their left legsx and not presume to touch a
hair of my masterxs horsextail till they kiss their handsx are they all
readyx

curtisx
they arex

grumiox
call them forthx

curtisx
do you hearx hox you must meet my master to countenance my mistressx

grumiox
whyx she hath a face of her ownx

curtisx
who knows not thatx

grumiox
thoux it seemsx that calls for company to countenance herx

curtisx
i call them forth to credit herx

grumiox
whyx she comes to borrow nothing of themx


enter four or five servantsx

nathanielx
welcome homex grumiox

philipx
how nowx grumiox

josephx
whatx grumiox

nicholasx
fellow grumiox

nathanielx
how nowx old ladx

grumiox
welcomex youx how nowx youx whatx youx fellowx youx and thus much for
greetingx nowx my spruce companionsx is all readyx and all things neatx

nathanielx
all things is readyx how near is our masterx

grumiox
exen at handx alighted by thisx and therefore be notxx
cockxs passionx silencex i hear my masterx


enter petrucio and katherinax

petruchiox
where be these knavesx whatx no man at door
to hold my stirrup nor to take my horsex
where is nathanielx gregoryx philipxx

all servantsx
herex herex sirx herex sirx

petruchiox
herex sirx herex sirx herex sirx herex sirx
you loggerxheaded and unpolishxd groomsx
whatx no attendancex no regardx no dutyx
where is the foolish knave i sent beforex

grumiox
herex sirx as foolish as i was beforex

petruchiox
you peasant swainx you whoreson maltxhorse drudgex
did i not bid thee meet me in the parkx
and bring along these rascal knaves with theex

grumiox
nathanielxs coatx sirx was not fully madex
and gabrielxs pumps were all unpinkxd ix the heelx
there was no link to colour peterxs hatx
and walterxs dagger was not come from sheathingx
there was none fine but adamx ralphx and gregoryx
the rest were raggedx oldx and beggarlyx
yetx as they arex here are they come to meet youx

petruchiox
gox rascalsx go and fetch my supper inx

xxexeunt some of the servantsxxx

where is the life that late i ledx
   where are thosexx  sit downx katex and welcomex
foodx foodx foodx foodx


rexenter servants with supperx

whyx whenx i sayxxnayx good sweet katex be merryxx
off with my bootsx you roguesx you villainsx whenx
   it was the friar of orders greyx
   as he forth walked on his wayx
outx you roguex you pluck my foot awryx

xxstrikes himxxx

take thatx and mend the plucking off the otherx
be merryx katex some waterx herex whatx hox
wherexs my spaniel troilusx sirrahx get you hence
and bid my cousin ferdinand come hitherx

xxexit servantxxx

onex katex that you must kiss and be acquainted withx
where are my slippersx shall i have some waterx
comex katex and washx and welcome heartilyxx

xxservant lets the ewer fallx petruchio strikes himxxx

you whoreson villainx will you let it fallx

katherinax
patiencex i pray youx xtwas a fault unwillingx

petruchiox
a whoresonx beetlexheadedx flapxearxd knavex
comex katex sit downx i know you have a stomachx
will you give thanksx sweet katex or else shall ixx
whatxs thisx muttonx

first servantx
ayx

petruchiox
who brought itx

peterx
ix

petruchiox
xtis burntx and so is all the meatx
what dogs are thesex where is the rascal cookx
how durst youx villainsx bring it from the dresserx
and serve it thus to me that love it notx

xxthrows the meatx etcxx at themxxx

therex take it to youx trenchersx cupsx and allx
you heedless joltheads and unmannerxd slavesx
whatx do you grumblex ixll be with you straightx

katherinax
i pray youx husbandx be not so disquietx
the meat was wellx if you were so contentedx

petruchiox
i tell theex katex xtwas burnt and dried awayx
and i expressly am forbid to touch itx
for it engenders cholerx planteth angerx
and better xtwere that both of us did fastx
sincex of ourselvesx ourselves are cholericx
than feed it with such overxroasted fleshx
be patientx tomorrow xt shall be mendedx
and for this night wexll fast for companyx
comex i will bring thee to thy bridal chamberx

xxexeunt petruchiox katherina and curtisxxx

nathanielx
peterx didst ever see the likex

peterx
he kills her in her own humourx


rexenter curtisx

grumiox
where is hex

curtisx
in her chamberx making a sermon of continency to herx
and railsx and swearsx and ratesx that shex poor soulx
knows not which way to standx to lookx to speakx
and sits as one new risen from a dreamx
awayx awayx for he is coming hitherx

xxexeuntxxx

rexenter petruchiox

petruchiox
thus have i politicly begun my reignx
and xtis my hope to end successfullyx
my falcon now is sharp and passing emptyx
and till she stoop she must not be fullxgorgxdx
for then she never looks upon her lurex
another way i have to man my haggardx
to make her comex and know her keeperxs callx
that isx to watch herx as we watch these kites
that bate and beatx and will not be obedientx
she eat no meat todayx nor none shall eatx
last night she slept notx nor tonight she shall notx
as with the meatx some undeserved fault
ixll find about the making of the bedx
and here ixll fling the pillowx there the bolsterx
this way the coverletx another way the sheetsx
ayx and amid this hurly i intend
that all is done in reverend care of herx
andx in conclusionx she shall watch all nightx
and if she chance to nod ixll rail and brawlx
and with the clamour keep her still awakex
this is a way to kill a wife with kindnessx
and thus ixll curb her mad and headstrong humourx
he that knows better how to tame a shrewx
now let him speakx xtis charity to showx

xxexitxxx




scene iix paduax before baptistaxs housex

enter tranio and hortensiox

traniox
is xt possiblex friend liciox that mistress bianca
doth fancy any other but lucentiox
i tell youx sirx she bears me fair in handx

hortensiox
sirx to satisfy you in what i have saidx
stand by and mark the manner of his teachingx

xxthey stand asidexxx

enter bianca and lucentiox

lucentiox
nowx mistressx profit you in what you readx

biancax
whatx masterx read youx first resolve me thatx

lucentiox
i read that i professx xthe art to lovexx

biancax
and may you provex sirx master of your artx

lucentiox
while youx sweet dearx prove mistress of my heartx

xxthey retirexxx

hortensiox
quick proceedersx marryx now tell mex i prayx
you that durst swear that your mistress bianca
lovxd none in the world so well as lucentiox

traniox
o despiteful lovex unconstant womankindx
i tell theex liciox this is wonderfulx

hortensiox
mistake no morex i am not liciox
nor a musician as i seem to bex
but one that scorn to live in this disguise
for such a one as leaves a gentleman
and makes a god of such a cullionx
knowx sirx that i am callxd hortensiox

traniox
signior hortensiox i have often heard
of your entire affection to biancax
and since mine eyes are witness of her lightnessx
i will with youx if you be so contentedx
forswear bianca and her love for everx

hortensiox
seex how they kiss and courtx signior lucentiox
here is my handx and here i firmly vow
never to woo her morex but do forswear herx
as one unworthy all the former favours
that i have fondly flatterxd her withalx

traniox
and here i take the like unfeigned oathx
never to marry with her though she would entreatx
fie on herx see how beastly she doth court himx

hortensiox
would all the world but he had quite forswornx
for mex that i may surely keep mine oathx
i will be married to a wealthy widow
ere three days passx which hath as long lovxd me
as i have lovxd this proud disdainful haggardx
and so farewellx signior lucentiox
kindness in womenx not their beauteous looksx
shall win my lovex and so i take my leavex
in resolution as i swore beforex

xxexit hortensiox lucentio and bianca advancexxx

traniox
mistress biancax bless you with such grace
as xlongeth to a loverxs blessed casex
nayx i have taxen you nappingx gentle lovex
and have forsworn you with hortensiox

biancax
traniox you jestx but have you both forsworn mex

traniox
mistressx we havex

lucentiox
then we are rid of liciox

traniox
ix faithx hexll have a lusty widow nowx
that shall be wooxd and wedded in a dayx

biancax
god give him joyx

traniox
ayx and hexll tame herx

biancax
he says sox traniox

traniox
faithx he is gone unto the tamingxschoolx

biancax
the tamingxschoolx whatx is there such a placex

traniox
ayx mistressx and petruchio is the masterx
that teacheth tricks eleven and twenty longx
to tame a shrew and charm her chattering tonguex


enter biondellox runningx

biondellox
o masterx masterx i have watchxd so long
that i am dogxwearyx but at last i spied
an ancient angel coming down the hill
will serve the turnx

traniox
what is hex biondellox

biondellox
masterx a mercatante or a pedantx
i know not whatx but formal in apparelx
in gait and countenance surely like a fatherx

lucentiox
and what of himx traniox

traniox
if he be credulous and trust my talex
ixll make him glad to seem vincentiox
and give assurance to baptista minolax
as if he were the right vincentiox
take in your lovex and then let me alonex

xxexeunt lucentio and biancaxxx

enter a pedantx

pedantx
god save youx sirx

traniox
and youx sirx you are welcomex
travel you far onx or are you at the farthestx

pedantx
sirx at the farthest for a week or twox
but then up fartherx and as far as romex
and so to tripolix if god lend me lifex

traniox
what countrymanx i prayx

pedantx
of mantuax

traniox
of mantuax sirx  marryx god forbidx
and come to paduax careless of your lifex

pedantx
my lifex sirx howx i prayx for that goes hardx

traniox
xtis death for anyone in mantua
to come to paduax know you not the causex
your ships are stayxd at venicex and the dukexx
for private quarrel xtwixt your duke and himxx
hath publishxd and proclaimxd it openlyx
xtis marvelx but that you are but newly come
you might have heard it else proclaimxd aboutx

pedantx
alasx sirx it is worse for me than sox
for i have bills for money by exchange
from florencex and must here deliver themx

traniox
wellx sirx to do you courtesyx
this will i dox and this i will advise youx
firstx tell mex have you ever been at pisax

pedantx
ayx sirx in pisa have i often beenx
pisa renowned for grave citizensx

traniox
among them know you one vincentiox

pedantx
i know him notx but i have heard of himx
a merchant of incomparable wealthx

traniox
he is my fatherx sirx andx sooth to sayx
in countenance somewhat doth resemble youx

biondellox
xxasidexxx  as much as an apple doth an oysterx and all onex

traniox
to save your life in this extremityx
this favour will i do you for his sakex
and think it not the worst of all your fortunes
that you are like to sir vincentiox
his name and credit shall you undertakex
and in my house you shall be friendly lodgxdx
look that you take upon you as you shouldx
you understand mex sirx so shall you stay
till you have done your business in the cityx
if this be courtesyx sirx accept of itx

pedantx
ox sirx i dox and will repute you ever
the patron of my life and libertyx

traniox
then go with me to make the matter goodx
thisx by the wayx i let you understandx
my father is here lookxd for every day
to pass assurance of a dower in marriage
xtwixt me and one baptistaxs daughter herex
in all these circumstances ixll instruct youx
go with me to clothe you as becomes youx

xxexeuntxxx




scene iiix a room in petruchioxs housex

enter katherina and grumiox

grumiox
nox nox forsoothx i dare not for my lifex

katherinax
the more my wrongx the more his spite appearsx
whatx did he marry me to famish mex
beggars that come unto my fatherxs door
upon entreaty have a present almsx
if notx elsewhere they meet with charityx
but ix who never knew how to entreatx
nor never needed that i should entreatx
am starvxd for meatx giddy for lack of sleepx
with oaths kept wakingx and with brawling fedx
and that which spites me more than all these wantsx
he does it under name of perfect lovex
as who should sayx if i should sleep or eat
xtwere deadly sicknessx or else present deathx
i prithee go and get me some repastx
i care not whatx so it be wholesome foodx

grumiox
what say you to a neatxs footx

katherinax
xtis passing goodx i prithee let me have itx

grumiox
i fear it is too choleric a meatx
how say you to a fat tripe finely broilxdx

katherinax
i like it wellx good grumiox fetch it mex

grumiox
i cannot tellx i fear xtis cholericx
what say you to a piece of beef and mustardx

katherinax
a dish that i do love to feed uponx

grumiox
ayx but the mustard is too hot a littlex

katherinax
why then the beefx and let the mustard restx

grumiox
nayx then i will notx you shall have the mustardx
or else you get no beef of grumiox

katherinax
then bothx or onex or anything thou wiltx

grumiox
why then the mustard without the beefx

katherinax
gox get thee gonex thou false deluding slavex

xxbeats himxxx

that feedxst me with the very name of meatx
sorrow on thee and all the pack of you
that triumph thus upon my miseryx
gox get thee gonex i sayx


enter petruchio with a dish of meatx and hortensiox

petruchiox
how fares my katex whatx sweetingx all amortx

hortensiox
mistressx what cheerx

katherinax
faithx as cold as can bex

petruchiox
pluck up thy spiritsx look cheerfully upon mex
herex lovex thou seest how diligent i amx
to dress thy meat myselfx and bring it theex

xxsets the dish on a tablexxx

i am surex sweet katex this kindness merits thanksx
whatx not a wordx nayx then thou lovxst it notx
and all my pains is sorted to no proofx
herex take away this dishx

katherinax
i pray youx let it standx

petruchiox
the poorest service is repaid with thanksx
and so shall minex before you touch the meatx

katherinax
i thank youx sirx

hortensiox
signior petruchiox fiex you are to blamex
comex mistress katex ixll bear you companyx

petruchiox
xxasidexxx  eat it up allx hortensiox if thou lovest mex
much good do it unto thy gentle heartx
katex eat apacex and nowx my honey lovex
will we return unto thy fatherxs house
and revel it as bravely as the bestx
with silken coats and capsx and golden ringsx
with ruffs and cuffs and farthingales and thingsx
with scarfs and fans and double change of braveryx
with amber braceletsx beadsx and all this knaveryx
whatx hast thou dinxdx the tailor stays thy leisurex
to deck thy body with his ruffling treasurex


enter tailorx

comex tailorx let us see these ornamentsx
lay forth the gownxx


enter haberdasherx

what news with youx sirx

haberdasherx
here is the cap your worship did bespeakx

petruchiox
whyx this was moulded on a porringerx
a velvet dishx fiex fiex xtis lewd and filthyx
whyx xtis a cockle or a walnutxshellx
a knackx a toyx a trickx a babyxs capx
away with itx comex let me have a biggerx

katherinax
ixll have no biggerx this doth fit the timex
and gentlewomen wear such caps as thesex

petruchiox
when you are gentlex you shall have one toox
and not till thenx

hortensiox
xxasidexx that will not be in hastex

katherinax
whyx sirx i trust i may have leave to speakx
and speak i willx i am no childx no babex
your betters have endurxd me say my mindx
and if you cannotx best you stop your earsx
my tongue will tell the anger of my heartx
or else my heartx concealing itx will breakx
and rather than it shallx i will be free
even to the uttermostx as i pleasex in wordsx

petruchiox
whyx thou sayxst truex it is a paltry capx
a custardxcoffinx a baublex a silken piex
i love thee well in that thou likxst it notx

katherinax
love me or love me notx i like the capx
and it i will havex or i will have nonex

xxexit haberdasherxxx

petruchiox
thy gownx whyx ayx comex tailorx let us seextx
o mercyx godx what masquing stuff is herex
whatxs thisx a sleevex xtis like a demixcannonx
whatx up and downx carvxd like an apple tartx
herexs snip and nip and cut and slish and slashx
like to a censer in a barberxs shopx
whyx what ix devilxs namex tailorx callxst thou thisx

hortensiox
xxasidexx i see shexs like to have neither cap nor gownx

tailorx
you bid me make it orderly and wellx
according to the fashion and the timex

petruchiox
marryx and didx but if you be rememberxdx
i did not bid you mar it to the timex
gox hop me over every kennel homex
for you shall hop without my customx sirx
ixll none of itx hencex make your best of itx

katherinax
i never saw a better fashionxd gownx
more quaintx more pleasingx nor more commendablex
belike you mean to make a puppet of mex

petruchiox
whyx truex he means to make a puppet of theex

tailorx
she says your worship means to make a puppet of herx

petruchiox
o monstrous arrogancex thou liestx thou threadx
thou thimblex
thou yardx threexquartersx halfxyardx quarterx nailx
thou fleax thou nitx thou winterxcricket thoux
bravxd in mine own house with a skein of threadx
awayx thou ragx thou quantityx thou remnantx
or i shall so bexmete thee with thy yard
as thou shalt think on prating whilst thou livxstx
i tell theex ix that thou hast marrxd her gownx

tailorx
your worship is deceivxdx the gown is made
just as my master had directionx
grumio gave order how it should be donex

grumiox
i gave him no orderx i gave him the stuffx

tailorx
but how did you desire it should be madex

grumiox
marryx sirx with needle and threadx

tailorx
but did you not request to have it cutx

grumiox
thou hast faced many thingsx

tailorx
i havex

grumiox
face not mex thou hast braved many menx brave not mex i will neither be
facxd nor bravxdx i say unto theex i bid thy master cut out the gownx
but i did not bid him cut it to piecesx ergox thou liestx

tailorx
whyx here is the note of the fashion to testifyx

petruchiox
read itx

grumiox
the note lies in xs throatx if he say i said sox

tailorx
ximprimisx a loosexbodied gownxx

grumiox
masterx if ever i said loosexbodied gownx sew me in the skirts of it
and beat me to death with a bottom of brown threadx i saidx a gownx

petruchiox
proceedx

tailorx
xwith a small compassed capexx

grumiox
i confess the capex

tailorx
xwith a trunk sleevexx

grumiox
i confess two sleevesx

tailorx
xthe sleeves curiously cutxx

petruchiox
ayx therexs the villainyx

grumiox
error ix the billx sirx error ix the billx i commanded the sleeves
should be cut outx and sewxd up againx and that ixll prove upon theex
though thy little finger be armed in a thimblex

tailorx
this is true that i sayx and i had thee in place where thou shouldst
know itx

grumiox
i am for thee straightx take thou the billx give me thy metexyardx and
spare not mex

hortensiox
godxaxmercyx grumiox then he shall have no oddsx

petruchiox
wellx sirx in briefx the gown is not for mex

grumiox
you are ix the rightx sirx xtis for my mistressx

petruchiox
gox take it up unto thy masterxs usex

grumiox
villainx not for thy lifex take up my mistressx gown for thy masterxs
usex

petruchiox
whyx sirx whatxs your conceit in thatx

grumiox
ox sirx the conceit is deeper than you think forx
take up my mistressx gown to his masterxs usex
o fiex fiex fiex

petruchiox
xxasidexx  hortensiox say thou wilt see the tailor paidx
xxto tailorxxx go take it hencex be gonex and say no morex

hortensiox
xxaside to tailorxxx tailorx ixll pay thee for thy gown tomorrowx
take no unkindness of his hasty wordsx
awayx i sayx commend me to thy masterx

xxexit tailorxxx

petruchiox
wellx comex my katex we will unto your fatherxs
even in these honest mean habilimentsx
our purses shall be proudx our garments poor
for xtis the mind that makes the body richx
and as the sun breaks through the darkest cloudsx
so honour peereth in the meanest habitx
whatx is the jay more precious than the lark
because his feathers are more beautifulx
or is the adder better than the eel
because his painted skin contents the eyex
o nox good katex neither art thou the worse
for this poor furniture and mean arrayx
if thou accountxst it shamex lay it on mex
and therefore frolicx we will hence forthwithx
to feast and sport us at thy fatherxs housex
go call my menx and let us straight to himx
and bring our horses unto longxlane endx
there will we mountx and thither walk on footx
letxs seex i think xtis now some seven oxclockx
and well we may come there by dinnerxtimex

katherinax
i dare assure youx sirx xtis almost twox
and xtwill be supperxtime ere you come therex

petruchiox
it shall be seven ere i go to horsex
look what i speakx or dox or think to dox
you are still crossing itx sirsx let xt alonex
i will not go todayx and ere i dox
it shall be what oxclock i say it isx

hortensiox
whyx so this gallant will command the sunx

xxexeuntxxx




scene ivx paduax before baptistaxs housex

enter tranio and the pedant dressed like vincentio

traniox
sirx this is the housex please it you that i callx

pedantx
ayx what elsex andx but i be deceivedx
signior baptista may remember mex
near twenty years ago in genoax
where we were lodgers at the pegasusx

traniox
xtis wellx and hold your ownx in any casex
with such austerity as xlongeth to a fatherx

pedantx
i warrant youx butx sirx here comes your boyx
xtwere good he were schoolxdx


enter biondellox

traniox
fear you not himx sirrah biondellox
now do your duty throughlyx i advise youx
imagine xtwere the right vincentiox

biondellox
tutx fear not mex

traniox
but hast thou done thy errand to baptistax

biondellox
i told him that your father was at venicex
and that you lookxd for him this day in paduax

traniox
thxart a tall fellowx hold thee that to drinkx
here comes baptistax set your countenancex sirx


enter baptista and lucentiox

signior baptistax you are happily metx
xxto the pedantxx sirx this is the gentleman i told you ofx
i pray you stand good father to me nowx
give me bianca for my patrimonyx

pedantx
softx sonx
sirx by your leavex having come to padua
to gather in some debtsx my son lucentio
made me acquainted with a weighty cause
of love between your daughter and himselfx
andxxfor the good report i hear of youx
and for the love he beareth to your daughterx
and she to himxxto stay him not too longx
i am contentx in a good fatherxs carex
to have him matchxdx andx if you please to like
no worse than ix upon some agreement
me shall you find ready and willing
with one consent to have her so bestowxdx
for curious i cannot be with youx
signior baptistax of whom i hear so wellx

baptistax
sirx pardon me in what i have to sayx
your plainness and your shortness please me wellx
right true it is your son lucentio here
doth love my daughterx and she loveth himx
or both dissemble deeply their affectionsx
and thereforex if you say no more than thisx
that like a father you will deal with himx
and pass my daughter a sufficient dowerx
the match is madex and all is donex
your son shall have my daughter with consentx

traniox
i thank youx sirx where then do you know best
we be affiedx and such assurance taxen
as shall with either partxs agreement standx

baptistax
not in my housex lucentiox for you know
pitchers have earsx and i have many servantsx
besidesx old gremio is hearkening stillx
and happily we might be interruptedx

traniox
then at my lodgingx and it like youx
there doth my father liex and there this night
wexll pass the business privately and wellx
send for your daughter by your servant herex
my boy shall fetch the scrivener presentlyx
the worst is thisx that at so slender warning
you are like to have a thin and slender pittancex

baptistax
it likes me wellx cambiox hie you homex
and bid bianca make her ready straightx
andx if you willx tell what hath happenedx
lucentioxs father is arrivxd in paduax
and how shexs like to be lucentioxs wifex

lucentiox
i pray the gods she mayx with all my heartx

traniox
dally not with the godsx but get thee gonex
signior baptistax shall i lead the wayx
welcomex one mess is like to be your cheerx
comex sirx we will better it in pisax

baptistax
i follow youx

xxexeunt traniox pedant and baptistaxxx

biondellox
cambiox

lucentiox
what sayxst thoux biondellox

biondellox
you saw my master wink and laugh upon youx

lucentiox
biondellox what of thatx

biondellox
faithx nothingx but has left me here behind to expound the meaning or
moral of his signs and tokensx

lucentiox
i pray thee moralize themx

biondellox
then thusx baptista is safex talking with the deceiving father of a
deceitful sonx

lucentiox
and what of himx

biondellox
his daughter is to be brought by you to the supperx

lucentiox
and thenx

biondellox
the old priest at saint lukexs church is at your command at all hoursx

lucentiox
and what of all thisx

biondellox
i cannot tellx except they are busied about a counterfeit assurancex
take your assurance of herx xcum privilegio ad imprimendum solumxx to
the churchx take the priestx clerkx and some sufficient honest
witnessesx
if this be not that you look forx i have more to sayx
but bid bianca farewell for ever and a dayx

xxgoingxxx

lucentiox
hearxst thoux biondellox

biondellox
i cannot tarryx i knew a wench married in an afternoon as she went to
the garden for parsley to stuff a rabbitx and so may youx sirx and so
adieux sirx my master hath appointed me to go to saint lukexs to bid
the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendixx

xxexitxxx

lucentiox
i mayx and willx if she be so contentedx
she will be pleasxdx then wherefore should i doubtx
hap what hap mayx ixll roundly go about herx
it shall go hard if cambio go without herx

xxexitxxx




scene vx a public roadx

enter petruchiox katherinax hortensio and servantsx

petruchiox
come onx ix godxs namex once more toward our fatherxsx
good lordx how bright and goodly shines the moonx

katherinax
the moonx the sunx it is not moonlight nowx

petruchiox
i say it is the moon that shines so brightx

katherinax
i know it is the sun that shines so brightx

petruchiox
now by my motherxs sonx and thatxs myselfx
it shall be moonx or starx or what i listx
or ere i journey to your fatherxs housex
go on and fetch our horses back againx
evermore crossxd and crossxdx nothing but crossxdx

hortensiox
say as he saysx or we shall never gox

katherinax
forwardx i prayx since we have come so farx
and be it moonx or sunx or what you pleasex
and if you please to call it a rushxcandlex
henceforth i vow it shall be so for mex

petruchiox
i say it is the moonx

katherinax
i know it is the moonx

petruchiox
nayx then you liex it is the blessed sunx

katherinax
thenx god be blessxdx it is the blessed sunx
but sun it is not when you say it is notx
and the moon changes even as your mindx
what you will have it namxdx even that it isx
and so it shall be so for katherinex

hortensiox
petruchiox go thy waysx the field is wonx

petruchiox
wellx forwardx forwardx thus the bowl should runx
and not unluckily against the biasx
butx softx company is coming herex


enter vincentiox in a travelling dressx

xxto vincentioxx good morrowx gentle mistressx where awayx
tell mex sweet katex and tell me truly toox
hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewomanx
such war of white and red within her cheeksx
what stars do spangle heaven with such beauty
as those two eyes become that heavenly facex
fair lovely maidx once more good day to theex
sweet katex embrace her for her beautyxs sakex

hortensiox
a will make the man madx to make a woman of himx

katherinax
young budding virginx fair and fresh and sweetx
whither awayx or where is thy abodex
happy the parents of so fair a childx
happier the man whom favourable stars
allot thee for his lovely bedfellowx

petruchiox
whyx how nowx katex i hope thou art not madx
this is a manx oldx wrinkledx fadedx witherxdx
and not a maidenx as thou sayst he isx

katherinax
pardonx old fatherx my mistaking eyesx
that have been so bedazzled with the sun
that everything i look on seemeth greenx
now i perceive thou art a reverend fatherx
pardonx i pray theex for my mad mistakingx

petruchiox
dox good old grandsirex and withal make known
which way thou travellestx if along with usx
we shall be joyful of thy companyx

vincentiox
fair sirx and you my merry mistressx
that with your strange encounter much amazxd mex
my name is called vincentiox my dwelling pisax
and bound i am to paduax there to visit
a son of minex which long i have not seenx

petruchiox
what is his namex

vincentiox
lucentiox gentle sirx

petruchiox
happily metx the happier for thy sonx
and now by lawx as well as reverend agex
i may entitle thee my loving fatherx
the sister to my wifex this gentlewomanx
thy son by this hath marriedx wonder notx
nor be not grievxdx she is of good esteemx
her dowry wealthyx and of worthy birthx
besidex so qualified as may beseem
the spouse of any noble gentlemanx
let me embrace with old vincentiox
and wander we to see thy honest sonx
who will of thy arrival be full joyousx

vincentiox
but is this truex or is it else your pleasurex
like pleasant travellersx to break a jest
upon the company you overtakex

hortensiox
i do assure theex fatherx so it isx

petruchiox
comex go alongx and see the truth hereofx
for our first merriment hath made thee jealousx

xxexeunt all but hortensioxxx

hortensiox
wellx petruchiox this has put me in heartx
have to my widowx and if she be frowardx
then hast thou taught hortensio to be untowardx

xxexitxxx




act v

scene ix paduax before lucentioxs housex

enter on one side biondellox lucentio and biancax gremio walking on
other sidex

biondellox
softly and swiftlyx sirx for the priest is readyx

lucentiox
i flyx biondellox but they may chance to need thee at homex therefore
leave usx

biondellox
nayx faithx ixll see the church ox your backx and then come back to my
masterxs as soon as i canx

xxexeunt lucentiox bianca and biondelloxxx

gremiox
i marvel cambio comes not all this whilex


enter petruchiox katherinax vincentio and attendantsx

petruchiox
sirx herexs the doorx this is lucentioxs housex
my fatherxs bears more toward the marketxplacex
thither must ix and here i leave youx sirx

vincentiox
you shall not choose but drink before you gox
i think i shall command your welcome herex
and by all likelihood some cheer is towardx

xxknocksxxx

gremiox
theyxre busy withinx you were best knock louderx


enter pedant abovex at a windowx

pedantx
whatxs he that knocks as he would beat down the gatex

vincentiox
is signior lucentio withinx sirx

pedantx
hexs withinx sirx but not to be spoken withalx

vincentiox
what if a man bring him a hundred pound or two to make merry withalx

pedantx
keep your hundred pounds to yourselfx he shall need none so long as i
livex

petruchiox
nayx i told you your son was well beloved in paduax do you hearx sirx
to leave frivolous circumstancesx i pray you tell signior lucentio that
his father is come from pisax and is here at the door to speak with
himx

pedantx
thou liestx his father is come from paduax and here looking out at the
windowx

vincentiox
art thou his fatherx

pedantx
ayx sirx so his mother saysx if i may believe herx

petruchiox
xxto vincentioxx  whyx how nowx gentlemanx whyx this is flat knavery to
take upon you another manxs namex

pedantx
lay hands on the villainx i believe a means to cozen somebody in this
city under my countenancex

rexenter biondellox

biondellox
i have seen them in the church togetherx god send xem good shippingx
but who is herex mine old masterx vincentiox now we are undone and
brought to nothingx

vincentiox
xxseeing biondelloxxx come hitherx crackxhempx

biondellox
i hope i may choosex sirx

vincentiox
come hitherx you roguex whatx have you forgot mex

biondellox
forgot youx nox sirx i could not forget youx for i never saw you before
in all my lifex

vincentiox
whatx you notorious villainx didst thou never see thy masterxs fatherx
vincentiox

biondellox
whatx my old worshipful old masterx yesx marryx sirx see where he looks
out of the windowx

vincentiox
isxt sox indeedx

xxhe beats biondelloxxx

biondellox
helpx helpx helpx herexs a madman will murder mex

xxexitxxx

pedantx
helpx sonx helpx signior baptistax

xxexit from the windowxxx

petruchiox
pritheex katex letxs stand aside and see the end of this controversyx

xxthey retirexxx

rexenter pedantx belowx baptistax tranio and servantsx

traniox
sirx what are you that offer to beat my servantx

vincentiox
what am ix sirx nayx what are youx sirx o immortal godsx o fine
villainx a silken doubletx a velvet hosex a scarlet cloakx and a
copatain hatx ox i am undonex i am undonex while i play the good
husband at homex my son and my servant spend all at the universityx

traniox
how nowx whatxs the matterx

baptistax
whatx is the man lunaticx

traniox
sirx you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habitx but your words
show you a madmanx whyx sirx what xcerns it you if i wear pearl and
goldx i thank my good fatherx i am able to maintain itx

vincentiox
thy fatherx o villainx he is a sailmaker in bergamox

baptistax
you mistakex sirx you mistakex sirx prayx what do you think is his
namex

vincentiox
his namex as if i knew not his namex i have brought him up ever since
he was three years oldx and his name is traniox

pedantx
awayx awayx mad assx his name is lucentiox and he is mine only sonx and
heir to the lands of mex signior vincentiox

vincentiox
lucentiox ox he hath murdered his masterx lay hold on himx i charge
youx in the dukexs namex ox my sonx my sonx tell mex thou villainx
where is my sonx lucentiox

traniox
call forth an officerx


enter one with an officerx

carry this mad knave to the gaolx father baptistax i charge you see
that he be forthcomingx

vincentiox
carry me to the gaolx

gremiox
stayx officerx he shall not go to prisonx

baptistax
talk notx signior gremiox i say he shall go to prisonx

gremiox
take heedx signior baptistax lest you be conyxcatched in this businessx
i dare swear this is the right vincentiox

pedantx
swear if thou darestx

gremiox
nayx i dare not swear itx

traniox
then thou wert best say that i am not lucentiox

gremiox
yesx i know thee to be signior lucentiox

baptistax
away with the dotardx to the gaol with himx

vincentiox
thus strangers may be haled and abusxdx o monstrous villainx

rexenter biondellox with lucentio and biancax

biondellox
ox we are spoiledx and yonder he isx deny himx forswear himx or else we
are all undonex

lucentiox
xxkneelingxxx pardonx sweet fatherx

vincentiox
lives my sweetest sonx

xxbiondellox tranio and pedant run outxxx

biancax
xxkneelingxxx pardonx dear fatherx

baptistax
how hast thou offendedx
where is lucentiox

lucentiox
herexs lucentiox
right son to the right vincentiox
that have by marriage made thy daughter minex
while counterfeit supposes blearxd thine eynex

gremiox
here xs packingx with a witnessx to deceive us allx

vincentiox
where is that damned villainx traniox
that facxd and bravxd me in this matter sox

baptistax
whyx tell mex is not this my cambiox

biancax
cambio is changxd into lucentiox

lucentiox
love wrought these miraclesx biancaxs love
made me exchange my state with traniox
while he did bear my countenance in the townx
and happily i have arrivxd at the last
unto the wished haven of my blissx
what tranio didx myself enforcxd him tox
then pardon himx sweet fatherx for my sakex

vincentiox
ixll slit the villainxs nose that would have sent me to the gaolx

baptistax
xxto lucentioxxx but do you hearx sirx have you married my daughter
without asking my good willx

vincentiox
fear notx baptistax we will content youx go tox but i will inx to be
revenged for this villainyx

xxexitxxx

baptistax
and i to sound the depth of this knaveryx

xxexitxxx

lucentiox
look not palex biancax thy father will not frownx

xxexeunt lucentio and biancaxxx

gremiox
my cake is doughx but ixll in among the restx
out of hope of all but my share of the feastx

xxexitxxx

petruchio and katherina advancex

katherinax
husbandx letxs follow to see the end of this adox

petruchiox
first kiss mex katex and we willx

katherinax
whatx in the midst of the streetx

petruchiox
whatx art thou ashamed of mex

katherinax
nox sirx god forbidx but ashamed to kissx

petruchiox
whyx thenx letxs home againx comex sirrahx letxs awayx

katherinax
nayx i will give thee a kissx now pray theex lovex stayx

petruchiox
is not this wellx comex my sweet katex
better once than neverx for never too latex

xxexeuntxxx




scene iix a room in lucentioxs housex

enter baptistax vincentiox gremiox the pedantx lucentiox biancax
petruchiox katherinax hortensio and widowx traniox biondello and grumio
and othersx attendingx

lucentiox
at lastx though longx our jarring notes agreex
and time it is when raging war is donex
to smile at xscapes and perils overblownx
my fair biancax bid my father welcomex
while i with selfxsame kindness welcome thinex
brother petruchiox sister katherinax
and thoux hortensiox with thy loving widowx
feast with the bestx and welcome to my housex
my banquet is to close our stomachs upx
after our great good cheerx pray youx sit downx
for now we sit to chat as well as eatx

xxthey sit at tablexxx

petruchiox
nothing but sit and sitx and eat and eatx

baptistax
padua affords this kindnessx son petruchiox

petruchiox
padua affords nothing but what is kindx

hortensiox
for both our sakes i would that word were truex

petruchiox
nowx for my lifex hortensio fears his widowx

widowx
then never trust me if i be afeardx

petruchiox
you are very sensiblex and yet you miss my sensex
i mean hortensio is afeard of youx

widowx
he that is giddy thinks the world turns roundx

petruchiox
roundly repliedx

katherinax
mistressx how mean you thatx

widowx
thus i conceive by himx

petruchiox
conceives by mex how likes hortensio thatx

hortensiox
my widow says thus she conceives her talex

petruchiox
very well mendedx kiss him for thatx good widowx

katherinax
xhe that is giddy thinks the world turns roundxx
i pray you tell me what you meant by thatx

widowx
your husbandx being troubled with a shrewx
measures my husbandxs sorrow by his woex
and now you know my meaningx

katherinax
a very mean meaningx

widowx
rightx i mean youx

katherinax
and i am meanx indeedx respecting youx

petruchiox
to herx katex

hortensiox
to herx widowx

petruchiox
a hundred marksx my kate does put her downx

hortensiox
thatxs my officex

petruchiox
spoke like an officerx hax to theex ladx

xxdrinks to hortensioxxx

baptistax
how likes gremio these quickxwitted folksx

gremiox
believe mex sirx they butt together wellx

biancax
head and buttx an hastyxwitted body
would say your head and butt were head and hornx

vincentiox
ayx mistress bridex hath that awakenxd youx

biancax
ayx but not frighted mex therefore ixll sleep againx

petruchiox
nayx that you shall notx since you have begunx
have at you for a bitter jest or twox

biancax
am i your birdx i mean to shift my bushx
and then pursue me as you draw your bowx
you are welcome allx

xxexeunt biancax katherina and widowxxx

petruchiox
she hath prevented mex herex signior traniox
this bird you aimxd atx though you hit her notx
therefore a health to all that shot and missxdx

traniox
ox sirx lucentio slippxd me like his greyhoundx
which runs himselfx and catches for his masterx

petruchiox
a good swift similex but something currishx

traniox
xtis wellx sirx that you hunted for yourselfx
xtis thought your deer does hold you at a bayx

baptistax
o hox petruchiox tranio hits you nowx

lucentiox
i thank thee for that girdx good traniox

hortensiox
confessx confessx hath he not hit you herex

petruchiox
a has a little gallxd mex i confessx
and as the jest did glance away from mex
xtis ten to one it maimxd you two outrightx

baptistax
nowx in good sadnessx son petruchiox
i think thou hast the veriest shrew of allx

petruchiox
wellx i say nox and thereforex for assurancex
letxs each one send unto his wifex
and he whose wife is most obedientx
to come at first when he doth send for herx
shall win the wager which we will proposex

hortensiox
contentx whatxs the wagerx

lucentiox
twenty crownsx

petruchiox
twenty crownsx
ixll venture so much of my hawk or houndx
but twenty times so much upon my wifex

lucentiox
a hundred thenx

hortensiox
contentx

petruchiox
a matchx xtis donex

hortensiox
who shall beginx

lucentiox
that will ix
gox biondellox bid your mistress come to mex

biondellox
i gox

xxexitxxx

baptistax
sonx ixll be your halfx bianca comesx

lucentiox
ixll have no halvesx ixll bear it all myselfx


rexenter biondellox

how nowx what newsx

biondellox
sirx my mistress sends you word
that she is busy and she cannot comex

petruchiox
howx shexs busyx and she cannot comex
is that an answerx

gremiox
ayx and a kind one toox
pray godx sirx your wife send you not a worsex

petruchiox
i hope betterx

hortensiox
sirrah biondellox go and entreat my wife
to come to me forthwithx

xxexit biondelloxxx

petruchiox
ox hox entreat herx
nayx then she must needs comex

hortensiox
i am afraidx sirx
do what you canx yours will not be entreatedx


rexenter biondellox

nowx wherexs my wifex

biondellox
she says you have some goodly jest in handx
she will not comex she bids you come to herx

petruchiox
worse and worsex she will not comex o vilex
intolerablex not to be endurxdx
sirrah grumiox go to your mistressx
say i command her come to mex

xxexit grumioxxx

hortensiox
i know her answerx

petruchiox
whatx

hortensiox
she will notx

petruchiox
the fouler fortune minex and there an endx


rexenter katherinax

baptistax
nowx by my holidamex here comes katherinax

katherinax
what is your will sirx that you send for mex

petruchiox
where is your sisterx and hortensioxs wifex

katherinax
they sit conferring by the parlour firex

petruchiox
go fetch them hitherx if they deny to comex
swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbandsx
awayx i sayx and bring them hither straightx

xxexit katherinaxxx

lucentiox
here is a wonderx if you talk of a wonderx

hortensiox
and so it isx i wonder what it bodesx

petruchiox
marryx peace it bodesx and lovex and quiet lifex
an awful rulex and right supremacyx
andx to be shortx what not thatxs sweet and happyx

baptistax
now fair befall theex good petruchiox
the wager thou hast wonx and i will add
unto their losses twenty thousand crownsx
another dowry to another daughterx
for she is changxdx as she had never beenx

petruchiox
nayx i will win my wager better yetx
and show more sign of her obediencex
her newxbuilt virtue and obediencex
see where she comesx and brings your froward wives
as prisoners to her womanly persuasionx


rexenter katherina with bianca and widowx

katherinex that cap of yours becomes you notx
off with that baublex throw it underfootx

xxkatherina pulls off her cap and throws it downxxx

widowx
lordx let me never have a cause to sigh
till i be brought to such a silly passx

biancax
fiex what a foolish duty call you thisx

lucentiox
i would your duty were as foolish toox
the wisdom of your dutyx fair biancax
hath cost me a hundred crowns since supperxtimex

biancax
the more fool you for laying on my dutyx

petruchiox
katherinex i charge theex tell these headstrong women
what duty they do owe their lords and husbandsx

widowx
comex comex youxre mockingx we will have no tellingx

petruchiox
come onx i sayx and first begin with herx

widowx
she shall notx

petruchiox
i say she shallx and first begin with herx

katherinax
fiex fiex unknit that threatening unkind browx
and dart not scornful glances from those eyes
to wound thy lordx thy kingx thy governorx
it blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meadsx
confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair budsx
and in no sense is meet or amiablex
a woman movxd is like a fountain troubledx
muddyx illxseemingx thickx bereft of beautyx
and while it is sox none so dry or thirsty
will deign to sip or touch one drop of itx
thy husband is thy lordx thy lifex thy keeperx
thy headx thy sovereignx one that cares for theex
and for thy maintenance commits his body
to painful labour both by sea and landx
to watch the night in stormsx the day in coldx
whilst thou liest warm at homex secure and safex
and craves no other tribute at thy hands
but lovex fair looksx and true obediencex
too little payment for so great a debtx
such duty as the subject owes the princex
even such a woman oweth to her husbandx
and when she is frowardx peevishx sullenx sourx
and not obedient to his honest willx
what is she but a foul contending rebel
and graceless traitor to her loving lordxx
i am ashamxd that women are so simple
to offer war where they should kneel for peacex
or seek for rulex supremacyx and swayx
when they are bound to servex lovex and obeyx
why are our bodies soft and weak and smoothx
unapt to toil and trouble in the worldx
but that our soft conditions and our hearts
should well agree with our external partsx
comex comex you froward and unable wormsx
my mind hath been as big as one of yoursx
my heart as greatx my reason haply morex
to bandy word for word and frown for frownx
but now i see our lances are but strawsx
our strength as weakx our weakness past comparex
that seeming to be most which we indeed least arex
then vail your stomachsx for it is no bootx
and place your hands below your husbandxs footx
in token of which dutyx if he pleasex
my hand is readyx may it do him easex

petruchiox
whyx therexs a wenchx come onx and kiss mex katex

lucentiox
wellx go thy waysx old ladx for thou shalt haxtx

vincentiox
xtis a good hearing when children are towardx

lucentiox
but a harsh hearing when women are frowardx

petruchiox
comex katex wexll to bedx
we three are marriedx but you two are spedx
xtwas i won the wagerx
xxto lucentioxxx though you hit the whitex
and being a winnerx god give you good nightx

xxexeunt petrucio and katherinaxxx

hortensiox
now go thy waysx thou hast tamxd a curst shrewx

lucentiox
xtis a wonderx by your leavex she will be tamxd sox

xxexeuntxxx





the tempest



contents

act i
scene ix on a ship at seax a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning
heardx
scene iix the islandx before the cell of prosperox

act ii
scene ix another part of the islandx
scene iix another part of the islandx

act iii
scene ix before prosperoxs cellx
scene iix another part of the islandx
scene iiix another part of the islandx

act iv
scene ix before prosperoxs cellx

act v
scene ix before the cell of prosperox
epiloguex


dramatis personx

alonsox king of naples
sebastianx his brother
prosperox the right duke of milan
antoniox his brotherx the usurping duke of milan
ferdinandx son to the king of naples
gonzalox an honest old counsellor
adrianx lord
franciscox lord
calibanx a savage and deformed slave
trinculox a jester
stephanox a drunken butler
master of a ship
boatswain
mariners

mirandax daughter to prospero

arielx an airy spirit

irisx presented by spirits
ceresx presented by spirits
junox presented by spirits
nymphsx presented by spirits
reapersx presented by spirits

other spirits attending on prospero

scenex the seax with a shipx afterwards an islandx


act i

scene ix on a ship at seax a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning
heardx

 enter a shipmaster and a boatswain severallyx

masterx
boatswainx

boatswainx
herex masterx what cheerx

masterx
goodx speak to the marinersx fall to xt yarelyx or we run ourselves
agroundx bestirx bestirx

 xxexitxxx

 enter marinersx

boatswainx
heighx my heartsx cheerlyx cheerlyx my heartsx yarex yarex take in the
topsailx tend to thx masterxs whistlex blow till thou burst thy windx
if room enoughx

 enter alonsox sebastianx antoniox ferdinandx gonzalo and othersx

alonsox
good boatswainx have carex wherexs the masterx
play the menx

boatswainx
i pray nowx keep belowx

antoniox
where is the masterx bosonx

boatswainx
do you not hear himx you mar our labourx keep your cabinsx you do
assist the stormx

gonzalox
nayx goodx be patientx

boatswainx
when the sea isx hencex what cares these roarers for the name of kingx
to cabinx silencex trouble us notx

gonzalox
goodx yet remember whom thou hast aboardx

boatswainx
none that i more love than myselfx you are a counsellorx if you can
command these elements to silencex and work the peace of the presentx
we will not hand a rope morex use your authorityx if you cannotx give
thanks you have lived so longx and make yourself ready in your cabin
for the mischance of the hourx if it so hapxxcheerlyx good heartsxxout
of our wayx i sayx

 xxexitxxx

gonzalox
i have great comfort from this fellowx methinks he hath no drowning
mark upon himx his complexion is perfect gallowsx stand fastx good
fatex to his hangingx make the rope of his destiny our cablex for our
own doth little advantagex if he be not born to be hangxdx our case is
miserablex

 xxexeuntxxx

 rexenter boatswainx

boatswainx
down with the topmastx yarex lowerx lowerx bring her to try wix thx
maincoursex

 xxa cry withinxxx

 a plague upon this howlingx they are louder than the weather or our
 officex

 enter sebastianx antonio and gonzalox

yet againx what do you herex shall we give oxerx and drownx have you a
mind to sinkx

sebastianx
a pox ox your throatx you bawlingx blasphemousx incharitable dogx

boatswainx
work youx thenx

antoniox
hangx curx hangx you whoresonx insolent noisemakerx we are less afraid
to be drowned than thou artx

gonzalox
ixll warrant him for drowningx though the ship were no stronger than a
nutshellx and as leaky as an unstanched wenchx

boatswainx
lay her axholdx axholdx set her two coursesx off to sea againx lay her
offx

 enter marinersx wetx

marinersx
all lostx to prayersx to prayersx all lostx

 xxexeuntxxx

boatswainx
whatx must our mouths be coldx

gonzalox
the king and prince at prayersx letxs assist themx
for our case is as theirsx

sebastianx
i am out of patiencex

antoniox
we are merely cheated of our lives by drunkardsx
this widexchappxd rascalxwould thou mightxst lie drowning
the washing of ten tidesx

gonzalox
hexll be hangxd yetx
though every drop of water swear against itx
and gape at widxst to glut himx

xa confused noise withinx xxmercy on usxxx
xwe splitx we splitxxxxfarewellx my wife and childrenxxx
xfarewellx brotherxxxxwe splitx we splitx we splitxx

antoniox
letxs all sink wix thx kingx

 xxexitxxx

sebastianx
letxs take leave of himx

 xxexitxxx

gonzalox
now would i give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren
groundx long heathx brown furzex anythingx the wills above be donex but
i would fain die a dry deathx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix the islandx before the cell of prosperox

 enter prospero and mirandax

mirandax
if by your artx my dearest fatherx you have
put the wild waters in this roarx allay themx
the skyx it seemsx would pour down stinking pitchx
but that the seax mounting to thx welkinxs cheekx
dashes the fire outx ox i have suffered
with those that i saw sufferx a brave vesselx
who hadx no doubtx some noble creature in herx
dashxd all to piecesx ox the cry did knock
against my very heartx poor soulsx they perishxdx
had i been any god of powerx i would
have sunk the sea within the earthx or ere
it should the good ship so have swallowxd and
the fraughting souls within herx

prosperox
be collectedx
no more amazementx tell your piteous heart
therexs no harm donex

mirandax
ox woe the dayx

prosperox
no harmx
i have done nothing but in care of theex
of theex my dear onex theex my daughterx who
art ignorant of what thou artx nought knowing
of whence i amx nor that i am more better
than prosperox master of a full poor cellx
and thy no greater fatherx

mirandax
more to know
did never meddle with my thoughtsx

prosperox
xtis time
i should inform thee fartherx lend thy handx
and pluck my magic garment from mexxsox

 xxlays down his mantlexxx

lie there my artx wipe thou thine eyesx have comfortx
the direful spectacle of the wrackx which touchxd
the very virtue of compassion in theex
i have with such provision in mine art
so safely ordered that there is no soulx
nox not so much perdition as an hair
betid to any creature in the vessel
which thou heardxst cryx which thou sawxst sinkx sit downx
for thou must now know fartherx

mirandax
you have often
begun to tell me what i amx but stoppxdx
and left me to a bootless inquisitionx
concluding xstayx not yetxx

prosperox
the hourxs now comex
the very minute bids thee ope thine earx
obeyx and be attentivex canst thou remember
a time before we came unto this cellx
i do not think thou canstx for then thou wast not
out three years oldx

mirandax
certainlyx sirx i canx

prosperox
by whatx by any other housex or personx
of anything the imagex tell mex that
hath kept with thy remembrancex

mirandax
xtis far offx
and rather like a dream than an assurance
that my remembrance warrantsx had i not
four or five women once that tended mex

prosperox
thou hadstx and morex mirandax but how is it
that this lives in thy mindx what seest thou else
in the dark backward and abysm of timex
if thou remembxrest aught ere thou camxst herex
how thou camxst herex thou maystx

mirandax
but that i do notx

prosperox
twelve year sincex mirandax twelve year sincex
thy father was the duke of milanx and
a prince of powerx

mirandax
sirx are not you my fatherx

prosperox
thy mother was a piece of virtuex and
she said thou wast my daughterx and thy father
was duke of milanx and his only heir
and princessx no worse issuedx

mirandax
ox the heavensx
what foul play had we that we came from thencex
or blessed wasxt we didx

prosperox
bothx bothx my girlx
by foul playx as thou sayxstx were we heavxd thencex
but blessedly holp hitherx

mirandax
ox my heart bleeds
to think ox thx teen that i have turnxd you tox
which is from my remembrancex please youx fartherx

prosperox
my brother and thy unclex callxd antoniox
i pray theex mark mex that a brother should
be so perfidiousxxhe whom next thyself
of all the world i lovxdx and to him put
the manage of my statex as at that time
through all the signories it was the firstx
and prospero the prime dukex being so reputed
in dignityx and for the liberal artsx
without a parallelx those being all my studyx
the government i cast upon my brotherx
and to my state grew strangerx being transported
and rapt in secret studiesx thy false unclex
dost thou attend mex

mirandax
sirx most heedfullyx

prosperox
being once perfected how to grant suitsx
how to deny themx who tx advancex and who
to trash for overxtoppingx new created
the creatures that were minex i sayx or changxd xemx
or else new formxd xemx having both the key
of officer and officex set all hearts ix thx state
to what tune pleasxd his earx that now he was
the ivy which had hid my princely trunkx
and suckxd my verdure out on xtx thou attendxst notx

mirandax
ox good sirx i dox

prosperox
i pray theex mark mex
ix thus neglecting worldly endsx all dedicated
to closeness and the bettering of my mind
with that whichx but by being so retirxdx
oxerxprizxd all popular ratex in my false brother
awakxd an evil naturex and my trustx
like a good parentx did beget of him
a falsehood in its contrary as great
as my trust wasx which had indeed no limitx
a confidence sans boundx he being thus lordedx
not only with what my revenue yieldedx
but what my power might else exactx like one
who having into truthx by telling of itx
made such a sinner of his memoryx
to credit his own liex he did believe
he was indeed the dukex out ox the substitutionx
and executing thx outward face of royaltyx
with all prerogativex hence his ambition growingx
dost thou hearx

mirandax
your talex sirx would cure deafnessx

prosperox
to have no screen between this part he playxd
and him he playxd it forx he needs will be
absolute milanx mex poor manx my library
was dukedom large enoughx of temporal royalties
he thinks me now incapablex confederatesx
so dry he was for swayx wix thx king of naples
to give him annual tributex do him homagex
subject his coronet to his crownx and bend
the dukedomx yet unbowxdxalasx poor milanxx
to most ignoble stoopingx

mirandax
o the heavensx

prosperox
mark his conditionx and the eventx then tell me
if this might be a brotherx

mirandax
i should sin
to think but nobly of my grandmotherx
good wombs have borne bad sonsx

prosperox
now the conditionx
this king of naplesx being an enemy
to me inveteratex hearkens my brotherxs suitx
which wasx that hex in lieu ox thx premises
of homage and i know not how much tributex
should presently extirpate me and mine
out of the dukedomx and confer fair milanx
with all the honours on my brotherx whereonx
a treacherous army leviedx one midnight
fated to thx purposex did antonio open
the gates of milanx andx ix thx dead of darknessx
the ministers for thx purpose hurried thence
me and thy crying selfx

mirandax
alackx for pityx
ix not remembxring how i cried out thenx
will cry it oxer againx it is a hint
that wrings mine eyes to xtx

prosperox
hear a little furtherx
and then ixll bring thee to the present business
which nowxs upon usx without the which this story
were most impertinentx

mirandax
wherefore did they not
that hour destroy usx

prosperox
well demandedx wenchx
my tale provokes that questionx dearx they durst notx
so dear the love my people bore mex nor set
a mark so bloody on the businessx but
with colours fairer painted their foul endsx
in fewx they hurried us aboard a barkx
bore us some leagues to seax where they prepared
a rotten carcass of a buttx not riggxdx
nor tacklex sailx nor mastx the very rats
instinctively have quit itx there they hoist usx
to cry to thx seax that roarxd to usx to sigh
to thx windsx whose pityx sighing back againx
did us but loving wrongx

mirandax
alackx what trouble
was i then to youx

prosperox
ox a cherubin
thou wast that did preserve mex thou didst smilex
infused with a fortitude from heavenx
when i have deckxd the sea with drops full saltx
under my burden groanxdx which raisxd in me
an undergoing stomachx to bear up
against what should ensuex

mirandax
how came we ashorex

prosperox
by providence divinex
some food we had and some fresh water that
a noble neapolitanx gonzalox
out of his charityx who being then appointed
master of this designx did give usx with
rich garmentsx linensx stuffsx and necessariesx
which since have steaded muchx sox of his gentlenessx
knowing i lovxd my booksx he furnishxd me
from mine own library with volumes that
i prize above my dukedomx

mirandax
would i might
but ever see that manx

prosperox
now i arisex
sit stillx and hear the last of our seaxsorrowx
here in this island we arrivxdx and here
have ix thy schoolmasterx made thee more profit
than other princes canx that have more time
for vainer hoursx and tutors not so carefulx

mirandax
heavens thank you for xtx and nowx i pray youx sirx
for still xtis beating in my mindx your reason
for raising this seaxstormx

prosperox
know thus far forthx
by accident most strangex bountiful fortunex
now my dear ladyx hath mine enemies
brought to this shorex and by my prescience
i find my zenith doth depend upon
a most auspicious starx whose influence
if now i court not but omitx my fortunes
will ever after droopx here cease more questionsx
thou art inclinxd to sleepx xtis a good dulnessx
and give it wayx i know thou canst not choosex

 xxmiranda sleepsxxx

come awayx servantx comex i am ready nowx
approachx my arielx comex

 enter arielx

arielx
all hailx great masterx grave sirx hailx i come
to answer thy best pleasurex bext to flyx
to swimx to dive into the firex to ride
on the curlxd cloudsx to thy strong bidding task
ariel and all his qualityx

prosperox
hast thoux spiritx
performxd to point the tempest that i bade theex

arielx
to every articlex
i boarded the kingxs shipx now on the beakx
now in the waistx the deckx in every cabinx
i flamxd amazementx sometime ixd dividex
and burn in many placesx on the topmastx
the yardsx and borespritx would i flame distinctlyx
then meet and joinx jovexs lightningx the precursors
ox thx dreadful thunderxclapsx more momentary
and sightxoutrunning were notx the fire and cracks
of sulphurous roaring the most mighty neptune
seem to besiege and make his bold waves tremblex
yeax his dread trident shakex

prosperox
my brave spiritx
who was so firmx so constantx that this coil
would not infect his reasonx

arielx
not a soul
but felt a fever of the madx and playxd
some tricks of desperationx all but mariners
plunged in the foaming brine and quit the vesselx
then all afire with mex the kingxs sonx ferdinandx
with hair upxstaringxthen like reedsx not hairx
was the first man that leaptx cried xhell is emptyx
and all the devils are herexx

prosperox
whyx thatxs my spiritx
but was not this nigh shorex

arielx
close byx my masterx

prosperox
but are theyx arielx safex

arielx
not a hair perishxdx
on their sustaining garments not a blemishx
but fresher than beforex andx as thou badxst mex
in troops i have dispersxd them xbout the islex
the kingxs son have i landed by himselfx
whom i left cooling of the air with sighs
in an odd angle of the islex and sittingx
his arms in this sad knotx

prosperox
of the kingxs ship
the marinersx say how thou hast disposxdx
and all the rest ox thx fleetx

arielx
safely in harbour
is the kingxs shipx in the deep nookx where once
thou callxdst me up at midnight to fetch dew
from the stillxvexxd bermoothesx there shexs hidx
the mariners all under hatches stowedx
whox with a charm joinxd to their suffxred labourx
i have left asleepx and for the rest ox thx fleetx
which i dispersxdx they all have met againx
and are upon the mediterranean flote
bound sadly home for naplesx
supposing that they saw the kingxs ship wrackxdx
and his great person perishx

prosperox
arielx thy charge
exactly is performxdx but therexs more workx
what is the time ox thx dayx

arielx
past the mid seasonx

prosperox
at least two glassesx the time xtwixt six and now
must by us both be spent most preciouslyx

arielx
is there more toilx since thou dost give me painsx
let me remember thee what thou hast promisxdx
which is not yet performxd mex

prosperox
how nowx moodyx
what isxt thou canst demandx

arielx
my libertyx

prosperox
before the time be outx no morex

arielx
i pritheex
remember i have done thee worthy servicex
told thee no liesx made no mistakingsx servxd
without or grudge or grumblingsx thou didst promise
to bate me a full yearx

prosperox
dost thou forget
from what a torment i did free theex

arielx
nox

prosperox
thou dostx and thinkxst it much to tread the ooze
of the salt deepx
to run upon the sharp wind of the northx
to do me business in the veins ox thx earth
when it is bakxd with frostx

arielx
i do notx sirx

prosperox
thou liestx malignant thingx hast thou forgot
the foul witch sycoraxx who with age and envy
was grown into a hoopx hast thou forgot herx

arielx
nox sirx

prosperox
thou hastx where was she bornx speakx tell mex

arielx
sirx in argierx

prosperox
ox was she sox i must
once in a month recount what thou hast beenx
which thou forgetxstx this damnxd witch sycoraxx
for mischiefs manifoldx and sorceries terrible
to enter human hearingx from argierx
thou knowxstx was banishxdx for one thing she did
they would not take her lifex is not this truex

arielx
ayx sirx

prosperox
this bluexeyxd hag was hither brought with childx
and here was left by thx sailorsx thoux my slavex
as thou reportxst thyselfx wast then her servantx
andx for thou wast a spirit too delicate
to act her earthy and abhorrxd commandsx
refusing her grand hestsx she did confine theex
by help of her more potent ministersx
and in her most unmitigable ragex
into a cloven pinex within which rift
imprisonxdx thou didst painfully remain
a dozen yearsx within which space she diedx
and left thee therex where thou didst vent thy groans
as fast as millxwheels strikex then was this islandx
save for the son that she did litter herex
a frecklxd whelpx hagxbornxnot honourxd with
a human shapex

arielx
yesx caliban her sonx

prosperox
dull thingx i say sox hex that calibanx
whom now i keep in servicex thou best knowxst
what torment i did find thee inx thy groans
did make wolves howlx and penetrate the breasts
of everxangry bearsx it was a torment
to lay upon the damnxdx which sycorax
could not again undox it was mine artx
when i arrivxd and heard theex that made gape
the pinex and let thee outx

arielx
i thank theex masterx

prosperox
if thou more murmurxstx i will rend an oak
and peg thee in his knotty entrails till
thou hast howlxd away twelve wintersx

arielx
pardonx masterx
i will be correspondent to commandx
and do my spriting gentlyx

prosperox
do sox and after two days
i will discharge theex

arielx
thatxs my noble masterx
what shall i dox say whatx what shall i dox

prosperox
go make thyself like a nymph ox thx seax be subject
to no sight but thine and minex invisible
to every eyeball elsex gox take this shapex
and hither come in xtx gox hence with diligencex

 xxexit arielxxx

awakex dear heartx awakex thou hast slept wellx
awakex

mirandax
xxwakingxxx the strangeness of your story put
heaviness in mex

prosperox
shake it offx come onx
wexll visit caliban my slavex who never
yields us kind answerx

mirandax
xtis a villainx sirx
i do not love to look onx

prosperox
but as xtisx
we cannot miss himx he does make our firex
fetch in our woodx and serves in offices
that profit usx what hox slavex calibanx
thou earthx thoux speakx

calibanx
xxwithinxxx therexs wood enough withinx

prosperox
come forthx i sayx therexs other business for theex
comex thou tortoisex whenx

 rexenter ariel like a waterxnymphx

fine apparitionx my quaint arielx
hark in thine earx

arielx
my lordx it shall be donex

 xxexitxxx

prosperox
thou poisonous slavex got by the devil himself
upon thy wicked damx come forthx

 enter calibanx

calibanx
as wicked dew as exer my mother brushxd
with ravenxs feather from unwholesome fen
drop on you bothx a southxwest blow on yex
and blister you all oxerx

prosperox
for thisx be surex tonight thou shalt have crampsx
sidexstitches that shall pen thy breath upx urchins
shall forth at vast of night that they may work
all exercise on theex thou shalt be pinchxd
as thick as honeycombx each pinch more stinging
than bees that made themx

calibanx
i must eat my dinnerx
this islandxs minex by sycorax my motherx
which thou takxst from mex when thou camxst firstx
thou strokxst me and made much of mex wouldst give me
water with berries in xtx and teach me how
to name the bigger lightx and how the lessx
that burn by day and nightx and then i lovxd theex
and showxd thee all the qualities ox thx islex
the fresh springsx brinexpitsx barren placex and fertilex
cursxd be i that did sox all the charms
of sycoraxx toadsx beetlesx batsx light on youx
for i am all the subjects that you havex
which first was mine own kingx and here you sty me
in this hard rockx whiles you do keep from me
the rest ox thx islandx

prosperox
thou most lying slavex
whom stripes may movex not kindnessx i have usxd theex
filth as thou artx with human carex and lodgxd thee
in mine own cellx till thou didst seek to violate
the honour of my childx

calibanx
oh hox oh hox would xt had been donex
thou didst prevent mex i had peopled else
this isle with calibansx

prosperox
abhorred slavex
which any print of goodness wilt not takex
being capable of all illx i pitied theex
took pains to make thee speakx taught thee each hour
one thing or otherx when thou didst notx savagex
know thine own meaningx but wouldst gabble like
a thing most brutishx i endowxd thy purposes
with words that made them knownx but thy vile racex
though thou didst learnx had that in xt which good natures
could not abide to be withx therefore wast thou
deservedly confinxd into this rockx
who hadst deservxd more than a prisonx

calibanx
you taught me languagex and my profit on xt
isx i know how to cursex the red plague rid youx
for learning me your languagex

prosperox
hagxseedx hencex
fetch us in fuelx and be quickx thou xrt bestx
to answer other businessx shrugxst thoux malicex
if thou neglectxstx or dost unwillingly
what i commandx ixll rack thee with old crampsx
fill all thy bones with achesx make thee roarx
that beasts shall tremble at thy dinx

calibanx
nox pray theex
xxasidexxx i must obeyx his art is of such powerx
it would control my damxs godx setebosx
and make a vassal of himx

prosperox
sox slavex hencex

 xxexit calibanxxx

 rexenter arielx playing and singingx ferdinand followingx

arielxs songx


xcome unto these yellow sandsx
    and then take handsx
curtsied when you havex and kissxd
    the wild waves whistx
foot it featly here and therex
    and sweet sprites bear
the burdenx harkx harkxx
    burden dispersedlyx xbowxwowx
the watch dogs barkxx
    xburden dispersedlyxx xbowxwowx
harkx harkx i hear
the strain of strutting chanticleer
    cry cockxaxdiddlexdowxx

ferdinandx
where should this music bex ix thx air or thx earthx
it sounds no morex and sure it waits upon
some god ox thx islandx sitting on a bankx
weeping again the king my fatherxs wrackx
this music crept by me upon the watersx
allaying both their fury and my passion
with its sweet airx thence i have followxd itx
or it hath drawn me ratherxxbut xtis gonex
nox it begins againx

arielx
xxsingsxxx
xfull fathom five thy father liesx
    of his bones are coral madex
those are pearls that were his eyesx
    nothing of him that doth fade
but doth suffer a seaxchange
into something rich and strangex
seaxnymphs hourly ring his knellxx
    burdenx xdingxdongx
harkx now i hear themx dingxdongx bellxx

ferdinandx
the ditty does remember my drownxd fatherx
this is no mortal businessx nor no sound
that the earth owesxxi hear it now above mex

prosperox
the fringed curtains of thine eye advancex
and say what thou seest yondx

mirandax
what isxtx a spiritx
lordx how it looks aboutx believe mex sirx
it carries a brave formx but xtis a spiritx

prosperox
nox wenchx it eats and sleeps and hath such senses
as we havex suchx this gallant which thou seest
was in the wrackx andx but hexs something stainxd
with griefxxthatxs beautyxs cankerxxthou mightst call him
a goodly personx he hath lost his fellows
and strays about to find xemx

mirandax
i might call him
a thing divinex for nothing natural
i ever saw so noblex

prosperox
xxasidexxx it goes onx i seex
as my soul prompts itx spiritx fine spiritx ixll free thee
within two days for thisx

ferdinandx
most surex the goddess
on whom these airs attendx vouchsafex my prayer
may know if you remain upon this islandx
and that you will some good instruction give
how i may bear me herex my prime requestx
which i do last pronouncex isx o you wonderx
if you be maid or nox

mirandax
no wonderx sirx
but certainly a maidx

ferdinandx
my languagex heavensx
i am the best of them that speak this speechx
were i but where xtis spokenx

prosperox
howx the bestx
what wert thoux if the king of naples heard theex

ferdinandx
a single thingx as i am nowx that wonders
to hear thee speak of naplesx he does hear mex
and that he does i weepx myself am naplesx
who with mine eyesx never since at ebbx beheld
the king my father wrackxdx

mirandax
alackx for mercyx

ferdinandx
yesx faithx and all his lordsx the duke of milanx
and his brave son being twainx

prosperox
xxasidexxx the duke of milan
and his more braver daughter could control theex
if now xtwere fit to doxtx at the first sight
they have changed eyesx delicate arielx
ixll set thee free for thisx xxto ferdinandxxx a wordx good sirx
i fear you have done yourself some wrongx a wordx

mirandax
why speaks my father so ungentlyx this
is the third man that exer i sawx the first
that exer i sighxd forx pity move my father
to be inclinxd my wayx

ferdinandx
ox if a virginx
and your affection not gone forthx ixll make you
the queen of naplesx

prosperox
softx sirx one word morex
xxasidexxx they are both in eitherxs powersx but this swift business
i must uneasy makex lest too light winning
make the prize lightx xxto ferdinandxxx one word morex i charge thee
that thou attend mex thou dost here usurp
the name thou owxst notx and hast put thyself
upon this island as a spyx to win it
from mex the lord on xtx

ferdinandx
nox as i am a manx

mirandax
therexs nothing ill can dwell in such a templex
if the ill spirit have so fair a housex
good things will strive to dwell with xtx

prosperox
xxto ferdinandxxx follow mexx
xxto mirandaxxx speak not you for himx hexs a traitorx
xxto ferdinandxxx comex
ixll manacle thy neck and feet togetherx
seaxwater shalt thou drinkx thy food shall be
the freshxbrook musselsx witherxd rootsx and husks
wherein the acorn cradledx followx

ferdinandx
nox
i will resist such entertainment till
mine enemy has more powerx

 xxhe drawsx and is charmed from movingxxx

mirandax
o dear fatherx
make not too rash a trial of himx for
hexs gentlex and not fearfulx

prosperox
whatx i sayx
my foot my tutorx put thy sword upx traitorx
who makxst a showx but darxst not strikex thy conscience
is so possessxd with guiltx come from thy wardx
for i can here disarm thee with this stick
and make thy weapon dropx

mirandax
beseech youx fatherx

prosperox
hencex hang not on my garmentsx

mirandax
sirx have pityx
ixll be his suretyx

prosperox
silencex one word more
shall make me chide theex if not hate theex whatx
an advocate for an impostorx hushx
thou thinkxst there is no more such shapes as hex
having seen but him and calibanx foolish wenchx
to thx most of men this is a calibanx
and they to him are angelsx

mirandax
my affections
are then most humblex i have no ambition
to see a goodlier manx

prosperox
xxto ferdinandxxx come onx obeyx
thy nerves are in their infancy againx
and have no vigour in themx

ferdinandx
so they arex
my spiritsx as in a dreamx are all bound upx
my fatherxs lossx the weakness which i feelx
the wrack of all my friendsx nor this manxs threatsx
to whom i am subduedx are but light to mex
might i but through my prison once a day
behold this maidx all corners else ox thx earth
let liberty make use ofx space enough
have i in such a prisonx

prosperox
xxasidexxx it worksx xxto ferdinandxxx come onx
thou hast done wellx fine arielx xxto ferdinandxxx follow mex
xxto arielxxx hark what thou else shalt do mex

mirandax
be of comfortx
my fatherxs of a better naturex sirx
than he appears by speechx this is unwonted
which now came from himx

prosperox
thou shalt be as free
as mountain windsx but then exactly do
all points of my commandx

arielx
to thx syllablex

prosperox
xxto ferdinandxxx comex followx speak not for himx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix another part of the islandx

 enter alonsox sebastianx antoniox gonzalox adrianx francisco and
 othersx

gonzalox
beseech youx sirx be merryx you have causex
so have we allx of joyx for our escape
is much beyond our lossx our hint of woe
is commonx every dayx some sailorxs wifex
the masters of some merchant and the merchantx
have just our theme of woex but for the miraclex
i mean our preservationx few in millions
can speak like usx then wiselyx good sirx weigh
our sorrow with our comfortx

alonsox
pritheex peacex

sebastianx
he receives comfort like cold porridgex

antoniox
the visitor will not give him oxer sox

sebastianx
lookx hexs winding up the watch of his witx by and by it will strikex

gonzalox
sirxx

sebastianx
onex tellx

gonzalox
when every grief is entertainxd thatxs offerxdx
comes to the entertainerx

sebastianx
a dollarx

gonzalox
dolour comes to himx indeedx you have spoken truer than you purposedx

sebastianx
you have taken it wiselier than i meant you shouldx

gonzalox
thereforex my lordxx

antoniox
fiex what a spendthrift is he of his tonguex

alonsox
i pritheex sparex

gonzalox
wellx i have donex but yetx

sebastianx
he will be talkingx

antoniox
whichx of he or adrianx for a good wagerx first begins to crowx

sebastianx
the old cockx

antoniox
the cockerelx

sebastianx
donex the wagerx

antoniox
a laughterx

sebastianx
a matchx

adrianx
though this island seem to be desertxx

antoniox
hax hax hax

sebastianx
sox youxre paidx

adrianx
uninhabitablex and almost inaccessiblexx

sebastianx
yetx

adrianx
yetx

antoniox
he could not miss xtx

adrianx
it must needs be of subtlex tenderx and delicate temperancex

antoniox
temperance was a delicate wenchx

sebastianx
ayx and a subtlex as he most learnedly deliveredx

adrianx
the air breathes upon us here most sweetlyx

sebastianx
as if it had lungsx and rotten onesx

antoniox
orx as xtwere perfumxd by a fenx

gonzalox
here is everything advantageous to lifex

antoniox
truex save means to livex

sebastianx
of that therexs nonex or littlex

gonzalox
how lush and lusty the grass looksx how greenx

antoniox
the ground indeed is tawnyx

sebastianx
with an eye of green inxtx

antoniox
he misses not muchx

sebastianx
nox he doth but mistake the truth totallyx

gonzalox
but the rarity of it isxxwhich is indeed almost beyond creditxx

sebastianx
as many vouchxd rarities arex

gonzalox
that our garmentsx beingx as they werex drenched in the seax hold
notwithstanding their freshness and glossesx being rather newxdyed than
stained with salt waterx

antoniox
if but one of his pockets could speakx would it not say he liesx

sebastianx
ayx or very falsely pocket up his reportx

gonzalox
methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in
africx at the marriage of the kingxs fair daughter claribel to the king
of tunisx

sebastianx
xtwas a sweet marriagex and we prosper well in our returnx

adrianx
tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queenx

gonzalox
not since widow didoxs timex

antoniox
widowx a pox ox thatx how came that widow inx widow didox

sebastianx
what if he had saidx widower aeneas toox
good lordx how you take itx

adrianx
widow dido said youx you make me study of thatx she was of carthagex
not of tunisx

gonzalox
this tunisx sirx was carthagex

adrianx
carthagex

gonzalox
i assure youx carthagex

antoniox
his word is more than the miraculous harpx

sebastianx
he hath raisxd the wallx and houses toox

antoniox
what impossible matter will he make easy nextx

sebastianx
i think he will carry this island home in his pocketx and give it his
son for an applex

antoniox
andx sowing the kernels of it in the seax bring forth more islandsx

alonsox
ayx

antoniox
whyx in good timex

gonzalox
xxto alonsoxxx sirx we were talking that our garments seem now as fresh
as when we were at tunis at the marriage of your daughterx who is now
queenx

antoniox
and the rarest that exer came therex

sebastianx
batex i beseech youx widow didox

antoniox
ox widow didox ayx widow didox

gonzalox
is notx sirx my doublet as fresh as the first day i wore itx i meanx in
a sortx

antoniox
that sort was well fishxd forx

gonzalox
when i wore it at your daughterxs marriagex

alonsox
you cram these words into mine ears against
the stomach of my sensex would i had never
married my daughter therex forx coming thencex
my son is lostx andx in my ratex she toox
who is so far from italy removedx
i nexer again shall see herx o thou mine heir
of naples and of milanx what strange fish
hath made his meal on theex

franciscox
sirx he may livex
i saw him beat the surges under himx
and ride upon their backsx he trod the waterx
whose enmity he flung asidex and breasted
the surge most swoln that met himx his bold head
xbove the contentious waves he keptx and oared
himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
to thx shorex that oxer his wavexworn basis bowedx
as stooping to relieve himx i not doubt
he came alive to landx

alonsox
nox nox hexs gonex

sebastianx
sirx you may thank yourself for this great lossx
that would not bless our europe with your daughterx
but rather lose her to an africanx
where shex at leastx is banishxd from your eyex
who hath cause to wet the grief on xtx

alonsox
pritheex peacex

sebastianx
you were kneelxd tox and importunxd otherwise
by all of usx and the fair soul herself
weighxd between loathness and obedience at
which end ox thx beam should bowx we have lost your sonx
i fearx for everx milan and naples have
more widows in them of this businessx makingx
than we bring men to comfort themx
the faultxs your ownx

alonsox
so is the dearxst ox thx lossx

gonzalox
my lord sebastianx
the truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
and time to speak it inx you rub the sorex
when you should bring the plasterx

sebastianx
very wellx

antoniox
and most chirurgeonlyx

gonzalox
it is foul weather in us allx good sirx
when you are cloudyx

sebastianx
foul weatherx

antoniox
very foulx

gonzalox
had i plantation of this islex my lordxx

antoniox
hexd sow xt with nettlexseedx

sebastianx
or docksx or mallowsx

gonzalox
and were the king onxtx what would i dox

sebastianx
xscape being drunk for want of winex

gonzalox
ix thx commonwealth i would by contraries
execute all thingsx for no kind of traffic
would i admitx no name of magistratex
letters should not be knownx richesx povertyx
and use of servicex nonex contractx successionx
bournx bound of landx tilthx vineyardx nonex
no use of metalx cornx or winex or oilx
no occupationx all men idlex allx
and women toox but innocent and purex
no sovereigntyxx

sebastianx
yet he would be king onxtx

antoniox
the latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginningx

gonzalox
all things in common nature should produce
without sweat or endeavourx treasonx felonyx
swordx pikex knifex gunx or need of any enginex
would i not havex but nature should bring forthx
of it own kindx all foisonx all abundancex
to feed my innocent peoplex

sebastianx
no marrying xmong his subjectsx

antoniox
nonex manx all idlex whores and knavesx

gonzalox
i would with such perfection governx sirx
tx excel the golden agex

sebastianx
save his majestyx

antoniox
long live gonzalox

gonzalox
andxxdo you mark mex sirx

alonsox
pritheex no morex thou dost talk nothing to mex

gonzalox
i do well believe your highnessx and did it to minister occasion to
these gentlemenx who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they
always use to laugh at nothingx

antoniox
xtwas you we laughed atx

gonzalox
who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to youx so you may
continuex and laugh at nothing stillx

antoniox
what a blow was there givenx

sebastianx
an it had not fallen flatxlongx

gonzalox
you are gentlemen of brave mettlex you would lift the moon out of her
spherex if she would continue in it five weeks without changingx

 enter arielx invisiblex playing solemn musicx

sebastianx
we would sox and then go axbatxfowlingx

antoniox
nayx good my lordx be not angryx

gonzalox
nox i warrant youx i will not adventure my discretion so weaklyx will
you laugh me asleepx for i am very heavyx

antoniox
go sleepx and hear usx

 xxall sleep but alonsox sebastian and antonioxxx

alonsox
whatx all so soon asleepx i wish mine eyes
wouldx with themselvesx shut up my thoughtsx i find
they are inclinxd to do sox

sebastianx
please youx sirx
do not omit the heavy offer of itx
it seldom visits sorrowx when it dothx
it is a comforterx

antoniox
we twox my lordx
will guard your person while you take your restx
and watch your safetyx

alonsox
thank youx wondrous heavyx

 xxalonso sleepsx exit arielxxx

sebastianx
what a strange drowsiness possesses themx

antoniox
it is the quality ox thx climatex

sebastianx
why
doth it not then our eyelids sinkx i find not
myself disposxd to sleepx

antoniox
nor ix my spirits are nimblex
they fell together allx as by consentx
they droppxdx as by a thunderxstrokex what mightx
worthy sebastianx ox what mightxxno morex
and yet methinks i see it in thy facex
what thou shouldst bex thx occasion speaks theex and
my strong imagination sees a crown
dropping upon thy headx

sebastianx
whatx art thou wakingx

antoniox
do you not hear me speakx

sebastianx
i dox and surely
it is a sleepy languagex and thou speakxst
out of thy sleepx what is it thou didst sayx
this is a strange reposex to be asleep
with eyes wide openx standingx speakingx movingx
and yet so fast asleepx

antoniox
noble sebastianx
thou letxst thy fortune sleepxdie ratherx winkxst
whiles thou art wakingx

sebastianx
thou dost snore distinctlyx
therexs meaning in thy snoresx

antoniox
i am more serious than my customx you
must be so toox if heed mex which to do
trebles thee oxerx

sebastianx
wellx i am standing waterx

antoniox
ixll teach you how to flowx

sebastianx
do sox to ebbx
hereditary sloth instructs mex

antoniox
ox
if you but knew how you the purpose cherish
whiles thus you mock itx howx in stripping itx
you more invest itx ebbing men indeedx
most oftenx do so near the bottom run
by their own fear or slothx

sebastianx
pritheex say onx
the setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
a matter from theex and a birthx indeed
which throes thee much to yieldx

antoniox
thusx sirx
although this lord of weak remembrancex this
who shall be of as little memory
when he is earthxdx hath here almost persuadedxx
for hexs a spirit of persuasionx only
professes to persuadexxthe king his sonxs alivex
xtis as impossible that hexs undrownxd
as he that sleeps here swimsx

sebastianx
i have no hope
that hexs undrownxdx

antoniox
ox out of that xno hopex
what great hope have youx no hope that way is
another way so high a hopex that even
ambition cannot pierce a wink beyondx
but doubts discovery therex will you grant with me
that ferdinand is drownxdx

sebastianx
hexs gonex

antoniox
then tell mex
whoxs the next heir of naplesx

sebastianx
claribelx

antoniox
she that is queen of tunisx she that dwells
ten leagues beyond manxs lifex she that from naples
can have no notex unless the sun were postx
the man ix thx moonxs too slowxtill newborn chins
be rough and razorablex she that from whom
we all were seaxswallowxdx though some cast againx
and by that destinyx to perform an act
whereof whatxs past is prologuex what to come
in yours and my dischargex

sebastianx
what stuff is thisx how say youx
xtis truex my brotherxs daughterxs queen of tunisx
so is she heir of naplesx xtwixt which regions
there is some spacex

antoniox
a space whose evxry cubit
seems to cry out xhow shall that claribel
measure us back to naplesx keep in tunisx
and let sebastian wakexx say this were death
that now hath seizxd themx whyx they were no worse
than now they arex there be that can rule naples
as well as he that sleepsx lords that can prate
as amply and unnecessarily
as this gonzalox i myself could make
a chough of as deep chatx ox that you bore
the mind that i dox what a sleep were this
for your advancementx do you understand mex

sebastianx
methinks i dox

antoniox
and how does your content
tender your own good fortunex

sebastianx
i remember
you did supplant your brother prosperox

antoniox
truex
and look how well my garments sit upon mex
much feater than beforex my brotherxs servants
were then my fellowsx now they are my menx

sebastianx
butx for your consciencex

antoniox
ayx sirx where lies thatx if xtwere a kibex
xtwould put me to my slipperx but i feel not
this deity in my bosomx twenty consciences
that stand xtwixt me and milanx candied be they
and melt ere they molestx here lies your brotherx
no better than the earth he lies uponx
if he were that which now hexs likex thatxs deadx
whom ix with this obedient steelx three inches of itx
can lay to bed for everx whiles youx doing thusx
to the perpetual wink for aye might put
this ancient morselx this sir prudencex who
should not upbraid our coursex for all the restx
theyxll take suggestion as a cat laps milkx
theyxll tell the clock to any business that
we say befits the hourx

sebastianx
thy casex dear friendx
shall be my precedentx as thou gotxst milanx
ixll come by naplesx draw thy swordx one stroke
shall free thee from the tribute which thou payestx
and i the king shall love theex

antoniox
draw togetherx
and when i rear my handx do you the likex
to fall it on gonzalox

sebastianx
ox but one wordx

 xxthey converse apartxxx

 musicx rexenter arielx invisiblex

arielx
my master through his art foresees the danger
that youx his friendx are inx and sends me forthx
for else his project diesxto keep them livingx

xxsings in gonzaloxs earxxx
xwhile you here do snoring liex
openxeyxd conspiracy
    his time doth takex
if of life you keep a carex
shake off slumberx and bewarex
    awakex awakexx

antoniox
then let us both be suddenx

gonzalox
nowx good angels
preserve the kingx

 xxthey wakexxx

alonsox
whyx how nowx hox awakex why are you drawnx
wherefore this ghastly lookingx

gonzalox
whatxs the matterx

sebastianx
whiles we stood here securing your reposex
even nowx we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
like bullsx or rather lionsx did xt not wake youx
it struck mine ear most terriblyx

alonsox
i heard nothingx

antoniox
ox xtwas a din to fright a monsterxs earx
to make an earthquakex surex it was the roar
of a whole herd of lionsx

alonsox
heard you thisx gonzalox

gonzalox
upon mine honourx sirx i heard a hummingx
and that a strange one toox which did awake mex
i shakxd youx sirx and criedx as mine eyes openxdx
i saw their weapons drawnxxthere was a noisex
thatxs verilyx xtis best we stand upon our guardx
or that we quit this placex letxs draw our weaponsx

alonsox
lead off this groundx and letxs make further search
for my poor sonx

gonzalox
heavens keep him from these beastsx
for he isx surex ix thx islandx

alonsox
lead awayx

 xxexit with the othersxxx

arielx
prospero my lord shall know what i have donex
sox kingx go safely on to seek thy sonx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix another part of the islandx

 enter caliban with a burden of woodx a noise of thunder heardx

calibanx
all the infections that the sun sucks up
from bogsx fensx flatsx on prosper fallx and make him
by inchxmeal a diseasex his spirits hear mex
and yet i needs must cursex but theyxll nor pinchx
fright me with urchinxshowsx pitch me ix the mirex
nor lead mex like a firebrandx in the dark
out of my wayx unless he bid xemx but
for every trifle are they set upon mex
sometime like apes that mow and chatter at mex
and after bite mex then like hedgehogs which
lie tumbling in my barefoot wayx and mount
their pricks at my footfallx sometime am i
all wound with addersx who with cloven tongues
do hiss me into madnessx

 enter trinculox

lox nowx lox
here comes a spirit of hisx and to torment me
for bringing wood in slowlyx ixll fall flatx
perchance he will not mind mex

trinculox
herexs neither bush nor shrub to bear off any weather at allx and
another storm brewingx i hear it sing ix thx windx yond same black
cloudx yond huge onex looks like a foul bombard that would shed his
liquorx if it should thunder as it did beforex i know not where to hide
my headx yond same cloud cannot choose but fall by pailfulsx what have
we herex a man or a fishx dead or alivex a fishx he smells like a fishx
a very ancient and fishxlike smellx a kind of not of the newest
poorxjohnx a strange fishx were i in england nowx as once i wasx and
had but this fish paintedx not a holiday fool there but would give a
piece of silverx there would this monster make a manx any strange beast
there makes a manx when they will not give a doit to relieve a lame
beggarx they will lay out ten to see a dead indianx leggxd like a manx
and his fins like armsx warmx ox my trothx i do now let loose my
opinionx hold it no longerx this is no fishx but an islanderx that hath
lately suffered by thunderboltx xxthunderxxx alasx the storm is come
againx my best way is to creep under his gaberdinex there is no other
shelter hereaboutx misery acquaints a man with strange bedxfellowsx i
will here shroud till the dregs of the storm be pastx

 enter stephano singingx a bottle in his handx

stephanox
xi shall no more to seax to seax
here shall i die ashorexx

this is a very scurvy tune to sing at a manxs funeralx
wellx herexs my comfortx

 xxdrinksxxx

xthe masterx the swabberx the boatswainx and ix
    the gunnerx and his matex
lovxd mallx megx and marianx and margeryx
    but none of us carxd for katex
    for she had a tongue with a tangx
    would cry to a sailor xgo hangxx
she lovxd not the savour of tar nor of pitchx
yet a tailor might scratch her wherexer she did itchx
    then to seax boysx and let her go hangxx

this is a scurvy tune toox but herexs my comfortx

 xxdrinksxxx

calibanx
do not torment mex ox

stephanox
whatxs the matterx have we devils herex do you put tricks upon xs with
savages and men of indx hax i have not scapxd drowningx to be afeard
now of your four legsx for it hath been saidx as proper a man as ever
went on four legs cannot make him give groundx and it shall be said so
againx while stephano breathes atx nostrilsx

calibanx
the spirit torments mex ox

stephanox
this is some monster of the isle with four legsx who hath gotx as i
take itx an aguex where the devil should he learn our languagex i will
give him some reliefx if it be but for thatx if i can recover him and
keep him tamex and get to naples with himx hexs a present for any
emperor that ever trod on neatxsxleatherx

calibanx
do not torment mex pritheex ixll bring my wood home fasterx

stephanox
hexs in his fit nowx and does not talk after the wisestx he shall taste
of my bottlex if he have never drunk wine aforex it will go near to
remove his fitx if i can recover himx and keep him tamex i will not
take too much for himx he shall pay for him that hath himx and that
soundlyx

calibanx
thou dost me yet but little hurtx thou wilt anonx
i know it by thy tremblingx now prosper works upon theex

stephanox
come on your waysx open your mouthx here is that which will give
language to youx catx open your mouthx this will shake your shakingx i
can tell youx and that soundlyx xxgives caliban a drinkxx you cannot
tell whoxs your friendx open your chaps againx

trinculox
i should know that voicex it should bexbut he is drownedx and these are
devilsx ox defend mex

stephanox
four legs and two voicesx a most delicate monsterx his forward voice
now is to speak well of his friendx his backward voice is to utter foul
speeches and to detractx if all the wine in my bottle will recover himx
i will help his aguex comex amenx i will pour some in thy other mouthx

trinculox
stephanox

stephanox
doth thy other mouth call mex mercyx mercyx
this is a devilx and no monsterx i will leave himx i
have no long spoonx

trinculox
stephanox if thou beest stephanox touch mex and speak to mex for i am
trinculoxbe not afearedxthy good friend trinculox

stephanox
if thou beest trinculox come forthx ixll pull thee by the lesser legsx
if any be trinculoxs legsx these are theyx thou art very trinculo
indeedx how camxst thou to be the siege of this moonxcalfx can he vent
trinculosx

trinculox
i took him to be killxd with a thunderstrokex but art thou not drownxdx
stephanox i hope now thou are not drownxdx is the storm overblownx i
hid me under the dead moonxcalfxs gaberdine for fear of the stormx and
art thou livingx stephanox o stephanox two neapolitans scapxdx

stephanox
pritheex do not turn me aboutx my stomach is not constantx

calibanx
xxasidexxx these be fine thingsx an if they be not spritesx
thatxs a brave godx and bears celestial liquorx
i will kneel to himx

stephanox
how didst thou scapex how camxst thou hitherx swear by  this bottle how
thou camxst hitherxi escaped upon a butt of sackx which the sailors
heaved oxerboardx by this bottlex which i made of the bark of a tree
with mine own handsx since i was cast ashorex

calibanx
ixll swear upon that bottle to be thy true subjectx for the liquor is
not earthlyx

stephanox
herex swear then how thou escapedstx

trinculox
swum ashorex manx like a duckx i can swim like a duckx ixll be swornx

stephanox
herex kiss the bookx though thou canst swim like a duckx thou art made
like a goosex

trinculox
o stephanox hast any more of thisx

stephanox
the whole buttx manx my cellar is in a rock by thx seasidex where my
wine is hidx how nowx moonxcalfx how does thine aguex

calibanx
hast thou not dropped from heavenx

stephanox
out ox the moonx i do assure theex i was the man in the moonx when time
wasx

calibanx
i have seen thee in herx and i do adore theex my mistress showed me
theex and thy dogx and thy bushx

stephanox
comex swear to thatx kiss the bookx i will furnish it anon with new
contentsx swearx

trinculox
by this good lightx this is a very shallow monsterx i afeard of himx a
very weak monsterx the man ix the moonx a most poor credulous monsterx
well drawnx monsterx in good soothx

calibanx
ixll show thee every fertile inch ox the islandx and i will kiss thy
footx i pritheex be my godx

trinculox
by this lightx a most perfidious and drunken monsterx when xs godxs
asleepx hexll rob his bottlex

calibanx
ixll kiss thy footx ixll swear myself thy subjectx

stephanox
come onx thenx downx and swearx

trinculox
i shall laugh myself to death at this puppyxheaded monsterx a most
scurvy monsterx i could find in my heart to beat himxx

stephanox
comex kissx

trinculox
but that the poor monsterxs in drinkx an abominable monsterx

calibanx
ixll show thee the best springsx ixll pluck thee berriesx
ixll fish for theex and get thee wood enoughx
a plague upon the tyrant that i servex
ixll bear him no more sticksx but follow theex
thou wondrous manx

trinculox
a most ridiculous monsterx to make a wonder of a poor drunkardx

calibanx
i pritheex let me bring thee where crabs growx
and i with my long nails will dig thee pigxnutsx
show thee a jayxs nestx and instruct thee how
to snare the nimble marmosetx ixll bring thee
to clustering filbertsx and sometimes ixll get thee
young scamels from the rockx wilt thou go with mex

stephanox
i prithee nowx lead the way without any more talkingx trinculox the
king and all our company else being drownedx we will inherit herex
herex bear my bottlex fellow trinculox wexll fill him by and by againx

calibanx
xxsings drunkenlyxxx xfarewellx masterx farewellx farewellxx

trinculox
a howling monsterx a drunken monsterx

calibanx
xno more dams ixll make for fishx
nor fetch in firing
at requiringx
nor scrape trencheringx nor wash dishx
xban xbanx cacalibanx
has a new masterxget a new manxx
freedomx highxdayx highxdayx freedomx freedomx
highxdayx freedomx

stephanox
o brave monsterx lead the wayx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix before prosperoxs cellx

 enter ferdinand bearing a logx

ferdinandx
there be some sports are painfulx and their labour
delight in them sets offx some kinds of baseness
are nobly undergonex and most poor matters
point to rich endsx this my mean task
would be as heavy to me as odiousx but
the mistress which i serve quickens whatxs deadx
and makes my labours pleasuresx ox she is
ten times more gentle than her fatherxs crabbedx
and hexs composxd of harshnessx i must remove
some thousands of these logsx and pile them upx
upon a sore injunctionx my sweet mistress
weeps when she sees me workx and says such baseness
had never like executorx i forgetx
but these sweet thoughts do even refresh my laboursx
most busyx least when i do itx

 enter miranda and prospero behindx

mirandax
alas nowx pray youx
work not so hardx i would the lightning had
burnt up those logs that you are enjoinxd to pilex
prayx set it down and rest youx when this burnsx
xtwill weep for having wearied youx my father
is hard at studyx prayx nowx rest yourselfx
hexs safe for these three hoursx

ferdinandx
o most dear mistressx
the sun will setx before i shall discharge
what i must strive to dox

mirandax
if youxll sit downx
ixll bear your logs the whilex pray give me thatx
ixll carry it to the pilex

ferdinandx
nox precious creaturex
i had rather crack my sinewsx break my backx
than you should such dishonour undergox
while i sit lazy byx

mirandax
it would become me
as well as it does youx and i should do it
with much more easex for my good will is to itx
and yours it is againstx

prosperox
xxasidexxx poor wormx thou art infectedx
this visitation shows itx

mirandax
you look wearilyx

ferdinandx
nox noble mistressx xtis fresh morning with me
when you are by at nightx i do beseech youx
chiefly that i might set it in my prayersx
what is your namex

mirandax
mirandaxo my fatherx
i have broke your hest to say sox

ferdinandx
admirxd mirandax
indeedx the top of admirationx worth
whatxs dearest to the worldx full many a lady
i have eyxd with best regardx and many a time
thx harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
brought my too diligent earx for several virtues
have i likxd several womenx never any
with so full soul but some defect in her
did quarrel with the noblest grace she owxdx
and put it to the foilx but youx o youx
so perfect and so peerlessx are created
of every creaturexs bestx

mirandax
i do not know
one of my sexx no womanxs face rememberx
savex from my glassx mine ownx nor have i seen
more that i may call men than youx good friendx
and my dear fatherx how features are abroadx
i am skilless ofx butx by my modestyx
the jewel in my dowerx i would not wish
any companion in the world but youx
nor can imagination form a shapex
besides yourselfx to like ofx but i prattle
something too wildlyx and my fatherxs precepts
i therein do forgetx

ferdinandx
i amx in my conditionx
a princex mirandax i do thinkx a kingx
i would not soxxand would no more endure
this wooden slavery than to suffer
the fleshxfly blow my mouthx hear my soul speakx
the very instant that i saw youx did
my heart fly to your servicex there residesx
to make me slave to itx and for your sake
am i this patient logxmanx

mirandax
do you love mex

ferdinandx
o heavenx o earthx bear witness to this soundx
and crown what i profess with kind eventx
if i speak truex if hollowlyx invert
what best is boded me to mischiefx ix
beyond all limit of what else ix the worldx
do lovex prizex honour youx

mirandax
i am a fool
to weep at what i am glad ofx

prosperox
xxasidexxx fair encounter
of two most rare affectionsx heavens rain grace
on that which breeds between xemx

ferdinandx
wherefore weep youx

mirandax
at mine unworthinessx that dare not offer
what i desire to givex and much less take
what i shall die to wantx but this is triflingx
and all the more it seeks to hide itselfx
the bigger bulk it showsx hencex bashful cunningx
and prompt mex plain and holy innocencex
i am your wife if you will marry mex
if notx ixll die your maidx to be your fellow
you may deny mex but ixll be your servantx
whether you will or nox

ferdinandx
my mistressx dearestx
and i thus humble everx

mirandax
my husbandx thenx

ferdinandx
ayx with a heart as willing
as bondage exer of freedomx herexs my handx

mirandax
and minex with my heart in xtx and now farewell
till half an hour hencex

ferdinandx
a thousand thousandx

 xxexeunt ferdinand and miranda severallyxxx

prosperox
so glad of this as theyx i cannot bex
who are surprisxd withalx but my rejoicing
at nothing can be morex ixll to my bookx
for yetx ere supper timex must i perform
much business appertainingx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix another part of the islandx

 enter caliban with a bottlex stephano and trinculox

stephanox
tell not mexxwhen the butt is out we will drink waterx not a drop
beforex therefore bear upx and board xemx servantxmonsterx drink to mex

trinculox
servantxmonsterx the folly of this islandx they say therexs but five
upon this islex we are three of themx if thx other two be brained like
usx the state tottersx

stephanox
drinkx servantxmonsterx when i bid theex thy eyes are almost set in thy
headx

trinculox
where should they be set elsex he were a brave monster indeedx if they
were set in his tailx

stephanox
my manxmonster hath drownxd his tongue in sackx for my partx the sea
cannot drown mex i swamx ere i could recover the shorex fivexandxthirty
leaguesx off and onx by this lightx thou shalt be my lieutenantx
monsterx or my standardx

trinculox
your lieutenantx if you listx hexs no standardx

stephanox
wexll not runx monsieur monsterx

trinculox
nor go neitherx but youxll lie like dogsx and yet say nothing neitherx

stephanox
moonxcalfx speak once in thy lifex if thou beest a good moonxcalfx

calibanx
how does thy honourx let me lick thy shoex ixll not serve himx he is
not valiantx

trinculox
thou liestx most ignorant monsterx i am in case to justle a constablex
whyx thou deboshed fish thoux was there ever man a coward that hath
drunk so much sack as i todayx wilt thou tell a monstrous liex being
but half a fish and half a monsterx

calibanx
lox how he mocks mex wilt thou let himx my lordx

trinculox
xlordx quoth hex that a monster should be such a naturalx

calibanx
lox lo againx bite him to deathx i pritheex

stephanox
trinculox keep a good tongue in your headx if you prove a mutineerx the
next treex the poor monsterxs my subjectx and he shall not suffer
indignityx

calibanx
i thank my noble lordx wilt thou be pleasxd to hearken once again to
the suit i made to theex

stephanox
marryx will ix kneel and repeat itx i will standx and so shall
trinculox

 enter arielx invisiblex

calibanx
as i told thee beforex i am subject to a tyrantx a sorcererx that by
his cunning hath cheated me of the islandx

arielx
thou liestx

calibanx
thou liestx thou jesting monkeyx thoux
i would my valiant master would destroy theex
i do not liex

stephanox
trinculox if you trouble him any more in his talex by this handx i will
supplant some of your teethx

trinculox
whyx i said nothingx

stephanox
mumx thenx and no morex proceedx

calibanx
i sayx by sorcery he got this islex
from me he got itx if thy greatness willx
revenge it on himxxfor i know thou darxstx
but this thing dare notxx

stephanox
thatxs most certainx

calibanx
thou shalt be lord of it and ixll serve theex

stephanox
how now shall this be compassedx canst thou bring me to the partyx

calibanx
yeax yeax my lordx ixll yield him thee asleepx
where thou mayst knock a nail into his headx

arielx
thou liestx thou canst notx

calibanx
what a pied ninnyxs thisx thou scurvy patchx
i do beseech thy greatnessx give him blowsx
and take his bottle from himx when thatxs gone
he shall drink nought but brinex for ixll not show him
where the quick freshes arex

stephanox
trinculox run into no further dangerx interrupt the monster one word
furtherx and by this handx ixll turn my mercy out ox doorsx and make a
stockxfish of theex

trinculox
whyx what did ix i did nothingx ixll go farther offx

stephanox
didst thou not say he liedx

arielx
thou liestx

stephanox
do i sox take thou thatx

 xxstrikes trinculoxxx

as you like thisx give me the lie another timex

trinculox
i did not give the liex out ox your wits and hearing toox a pox ox your
bottlex this can sack and drinking dox a murrain on your monsterx and
the devil take your fingersx

calibanx
hax hax hax

stephanox
nowx forward with your talexxprithee stand further offx

calibanx
beat him enoughx after a little timex
ixll beat him toox

stephanox
stand fartherxxcomex proceedx

calibanx
whyx as i told theex xtis a custom with him
ix thx afternoon to sleepx there thou mayst brain himx
having first seizxd his booksx or with a log
batter his skullx or paunch him with a stakex
or cut his wezand with thy knifex remember
first to possess his booksx for without them
hexs but a sotx as i amx nor hath not
one spirit to commandx they all do hate him
as rootedly as ix burn but his booksx
he has brave utensilsxxfor so he calls themxx
whichx when he has a housex hexll deck withalx
and that most deeply to consider is
the beauty of his daughterx he himself
calls her a nonpareilx i never saw a woman
but only sycorax my dam and shex
but she as far surpasseth sycorax
as greatxst does leastx

stephanox
is it so brave a lassx

calibanx
ayx lordx she will become thy bedx i warrantx
and bring thee forth brave broodx

stephanox
monsterx i will kill this manx his daughter and i will be king and
queenxxsave our gracesxxand trinculo and thyself shall be viceroysx
dost thou like the plotx trinculox

trinculox
excellentx

stephanox
give me thy handx i am sorry i beat theex but while thou livxstx keep a
good tongue in thy headx

calibanx
within this half hour will he be asleepx
wilt thou destroy him thenx

stephanox
ayx on mine honourx

arielx
this will i tell my masterx

calibanx
thou makxst me merryx i am full of pleasurex
let us be jocundx will you troll the catch
you taught me but whilexerex

stephanox
at thy requestx monsterx i will do reasonx any reasonx come onx
trinculox let us singx

xxsingsxxx

xflout xem and cout xemx
and scout xem and flout xemx
    thought is freexx

calibanx
thatxs not the tunex

 xxariel plays the tune on a tabor and pipexxx

stephanox
what is this samex

trinculox
this is the tune of our catchx played by the picture of nobodyx

stephanox
if thou beest a manx show thyself in thy likenessx if thou beest a
devilx take xt as thou listx

trinculox
ox forgive me my sinsx

stephanox
he that dies pays all debtsx i defy theex mercy upon usx

calibanx
art thou afeardx

stephanox
nox monsterx not ix

calibanx
be not afeardx the isle is full of noisesx
soundsx and sweet airsx that give delightx and hurt notx
sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
will hum about mine earsx and sometimes voicesx
thatx if i then had wakxd after long sleepx
will make me sleep againx and thenx in dreamingx
the clouds methought would open and show riches
ready to drop upon mex thatx when i wakxdx
i cried to dream againx

stephanox
this will prove a brave kingdom to mex where i shall have my music for
nothingx

calibanx
when prospero is destroyedx

stephanox
that shall be by and byx i remember the storyx

trinculox
the sound is going awayx letxs follow itx and after do our workx

stephanox
leadx monsterx wexll followx i would i could see this taborerx he lays
it onx wilt comex

trinculox
ixll followx stephanox

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix another part of the islandx

 enter alonsox sebastianx antoniox gonzalo adrianx franciscox xcx

gonzalox
by xr lakinx i can go no furtherx sirx
my old bones achex herexs a maze trodx indeedx
through forthxrights and meandersx by your patiencex
i needs must rest mex

alonsox
old lordx i cannot blame theex
who am myself attachxd with weariness
to thx dulling of my spiritsx sit downx and restx
even here i will put off my hopex and keep it
no longer for my flattererx he is drownxd
whom thus we stray to findx and the sea mocks
our frustrate search on landx wellx let him gox

antoniox
xxaside to sebastianxxx i am right glad that hexs
so out of hopex
do notx for one repulsex forgo the purpose
that you resolvxd to effectx

sebastianx
xxaside to antonioxxx the next advantage
will we take throughlyx

antoniox
xxaside to sebastianxxx let it be tonightx
forx now they are oppressxd with travelx they
will notx nor cannotx use such vigilance
as when they are freshx

sebastianx
xxaside to antonioxxx i sayx tonightx no morex

 solemn and strange musicx and prospero abovex invisiblex enter several
 strange shapesx bringing in a banquetx they dance about it with gentle
 actions of salutationx and inviting the king xcxx to eatx they departx

alonsox
what harmony is thisx my good friendsx harkx

gonzalox
marvellous sweet musicx

alonsox
give us kind keepersx heavensx what were thesex

sebastianx
a living drolleryx now i will believe
that there are unicornsx that in arabia
there is one treex the phoenixx thronex one phoenix
at this hour reigning therex

antoniox
ixll believe bothx
and what does else want creditx come to mex
and ixll be sworn xtis truex travellers nexer did liex
though fools at home condemn themx

gonzalox
if in naples
i should report this nowx would they believe mex
if i should sayx i saw such islandersxx
forx certesx these are people of the islandxx
whox thoughx they are of monstrous shapex yetx notex
their manners are more gentlex kindx than of
our human generation you shall find
manyx nayx almost anyx

prosperox
xxasidexxx honest lordx
thou hast said wellx for some of you there present
are worse than devilsx

alonsox
i cannot too much muse
such shapesx such gesturex and such soundx expressingx
although they want the use of tonguexa kind
of excellent dumb discoursex

prosperox
xxasidexxx praise in departingx

franciscox
they vanishxd strangelyx

sebastianx
no matterx since
they have left their viands behindx for we have stomachsxx
willxt please you taste of what is herex

alonsox
not ix

gonzalox
faithx sirx you need not fearx when we were boysx
who would believe that there were mountaineers
dewlappxd like bullsx whose throats had hanging at xem
wallets of fleshx or that there were such men
whose heads stood in their breastsx which now we find
each putterxout of five for one will bring us
good warrant ofx

alonsox
i will stand tox and feedx
although my lastx no matterx since i feel
the best is pastx brotherx my lord the dukex
stand tox and do as wex

 thunder and lightningx enter ariel like a harpyx claps his wings upon
 the tablex andx with a quaint devicex the banquet vanishesx

arielx
you are three men of sinx whom destinyx
that hath to instrument this lower world
and what is inxtxxthe neverxsurfeited sea
hath caused to belch up youx and on this island
where man doth not inhabitx you xmongst men
being most unfit to livex i have made you madx
and even with suchxlike valour men hang and drown
their proper selvesx

 xxseeing alonsox sebastian xcxx draw their swordsxxx

you foolsx i and my fellows
are ministers of fatex the elements
of whom your swords are temperxd may as well
wound the loud windsx or with bemockxdxat stabs
kill the stillxclosing watersx as diminish
one dowle thatxs in my plumex my fellowxministers
are like invulnerablex if you could hurtx
your swords are now too massy for your strengthsx
and will not be upliftedx butx rememberx
for thatxs my business to youxxthat you three
from milan did supplant good prosperox
exposxd unto the seax which hath requit itx
him and his innocent childx for which foul deed
the powersx delayingx not forgettingx have
incensxd the seas and shoresx yeax all the creaturesx
against your peacex thee of thy sonx alonsox
they have bereftx and do pronouncex by me
lingxring perditionxxworse than any death
can be at oncexxshall step by step attend
you and your waysx whose wraths to guard you fromx
which herex in this most desolate islex else falls
upon your headsxxis nothing but heartxsorrowx
and a clear life ensuingx

 xxhe vanishes in thunderx thenx to soft musicx enter the shapes againx
 and dancex with mocks and mowsx and carry out the tablexxx

prosperox
xxasidexxx bravely the figure of this harpy hast thou
performxdx my arielx a grace it hadx devouringx
of my instruction hast thou nothing bated
in what thou hadst to sayx sox with good life
and observation strangex my meaner ministers
their several kinds have donex my high charms workx
and these mine enemies are all knit up
in their distractionsx they now are in my powerx
and in these fits i leave themx while i visit
young ferdinandxxwhom they suppose is drownxdxx
and his and mine lovxd darlingx

 xxexit abovexxx

gonzalox
ix the name of something holyx sirx why stand you
in this strange starex

alonsox
ox it is monstrousx monstrousx
methought the billows spokex and told me of itx
the winds did sing it to mex and the thunderx
that deep and dreadful organxpipex pronouncxd
the name of prosperx it did bass my trespassx
therefore my son ix thx ooze is beddedx and
ixll seek him deeper than exer plummet soundedx
and with him there lie muddedx

 xxexitxxx

sebastianx
but one fiend at a timex
ixll fight their legions oxerx

antoniox
ixll be thy secondx

 xxexeunt sebastian and antonioxxx

gonzalox
all three of them are desperatex their great guiltx
like poison given to work a great time afterx
now xgins to bite the spiritsx i do beseech you
that are of suppler jointsx follow them swiftly
and hinder them from what this ecstasy
may now provoke them tox

adrianx
followx i pray youx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix before prosperoxs cellx

 enter prosperox ferdinand and mirandax

prosperox
if i have too austerely punishxd youx
your compensation makes amendsx for i
have given you here a third of mine own lifex
or that for which i livex who once again
i tender to thy handx all thy vexations
were but my trials of thy lovex and thou
hast strangely stood the testx herex afore heavenx
i ratify this my rich giftx o ferdinandx
do not smile at me that i boast her offx
for thou shalt find she will outstrip all praisex
and make it halt behind herx

ferdinandx
i do believe it
against an oraclex

prosperox
thenx as my gift and thine own acquisition
worthily purchasxdx take my daughterx but
if thou dost break her virgin knot before
all sanctimonious ceremonies may
with full and holy rite be ministerxdx
no sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall
to make this contract growx but barren hatex
sourxeyxd disdainx and discord shall bestrew
the union of your bed with weeds so loathly
that you shall hate it bothx therefore take heedx
as hymenxs lamps shall light youx

ferdinandx
as i hope
for quiet daysx fair issuex and long lifex
with such love as xtis nowx the murkiest denx
the most opportune placex the strongxst suggestion
our worser genius canx shall never melt
mine honour into lustx to take away
the edge of that dayxs celebrationx
when i shall thinkx or phoebusx steeds are founderxdx
or night kept chainxd belowx

prosperox
fairly spokex
sitx thenx and talk with herx she is thine ownx
whatx arielx my industrious servantx arielx

 enter arielx

arielx
what would my potent masterx here i amx

prosperox
thou and thy meaner fellows your last service
did worthily performx and i must use you
in such another trickx go bring the rabblex
oxer whom i give thee powerx here to this placex
incite them to quick motionx for i must
bestow upon the eyes of this young couple
some vanity of mine artx it is my promisex
and they expect it from mex

arielx
presentlyx

prosperox
ayx with a twinkx

arielx
before you can say xcomex and xgoxx
and breathe twicex and cry xsox soxx
each onex tripping on his toex
will be here with mop and mowx
do you love mex masterx nox

prosperox
dearlyx my delicate arielx do not approach
till thou dost hear me callx

arielx
wellx i conceivex

 xxexitxxx

prosperox
lookx thou be truex do not give dalliance
too much the reinx the strongest oaths are straw
to thx fire ix the bloodx be more abstemiousx
or else good night your vowx

ferdinandx
i warrant youx sirx
the white cold virgin snow upon my heart
abates the ardour of my liverx

prosperox
wellx
now comex my arielx bring a corollaryx
rather than want a spiritx appearx and pertlyx
no tonguex all eyesx be silentx

 xxsoft musicxxx

 a masquex enter irisx

irisx
ceresx most bounteous ladyx thy rich leas
of wheatx ryex barleyx vetchesx oatsx and peasx
thy turfy mountainsx where live nibbling sheepx
and flat meads thatchxd with stoverx them to keepx
thy banks with pioned and twilled brimsx
which spongy april at thy hest betrimsx
to make cold nymphs chaste crownsx and thy broom grovesx
whose shadow the dismissed bachelor lovesx
being lassxlornx thy polexclipt vineyardx
and thy seaxmargex sterile and rockyxhardx
where thou thyself dost airx the queen ox thx skyx
whose watxry arch and messenger am ix
bids thee leave thesex and with her sovereign gracex
here on this grassxplotx in this very placex
to come and sportx her peacocks fly amainx
approachx rich ceresx her to entertainx

 enter ceresx

ceresx
hailx manyxcolourxd messengerx that nexer
dost disobey the wife of jupiterx
who with thy saffron wings upon my flowers
diffusest honey dropsx refreshing showersx
and with each end of thy blue bow dost crown
my bosky acres and my unshrubbxd downx
rich scarf to my proud earthx why hath thy queen
summonxd me hither to this shortxgrassxd greenx

irisx
a contract of true love to celebratex
and some donation freely to estate
on the blest loversx

ceresx
tell mex heavenly bowx
if venus or her sonx as thou dost knowx
do now attend the queenx since they did plot
the means that dusky dis my daughter gotx
her and her blind boyxs scandalxd company
i have forswornx

irisx
of her society
be not afraidx i met her deity
cutting the clouds towards paphosx and her son
dovexdrawn with herx here thought they to have done
some wanton charm upon this man and maidx
whose vows arex that no bedxright shall be paid
till hymenxs torch be lightedx but in vainx
marsxs hot minion is returnxd againx
her waspishxheaded son has broke his arrowsx
swears he will shoot no morex but play with sparrowsx
and be a boy right outx

ceresx
highest queen of statex
great juno comesx i know her by her gaitx

 enter junox

junox
how does my bounteous sisterx go with me
to bless this twainx that they may prosperous bex
and honourxd in their issuex

 xxthey singxxx

junox
xhonourx richesx marriagexblessingx
long continuancex and increasingx
hourly joys be still upon youx
juno sings her blessings on youxx

ceresx
xearthxs increasex foison plentyx
barns and gamers never emptyx
vines with clustxring bunches growingx
plants with goodly burden bowingx
spring come to you at the farthest
in the very end of harvestx
scarcity and want shall shun youx
ceresx blessing so is on youxx

ferdinandx
this is a most majestic visionx and
harmonious charminglyx may i be bold
to think these spiritsx

prosperox
spiritsx which by mine art
i have from their confines callxd to enact
my present fanciesx

ferdinandx
let me live here everx
so rare a wonderxd father and a wisex
makes this place paradisex

 xxjuno and ceres whisperx and send iris on employmentxxx

prosperox
sweet nowx silencex
juno and ceres whisper seriouslyx
therexs something else to dox hushx and be mutex
or else our spell is marrxdx

irisx
you nymphsx callxd naiadsx of the windring brooksx
with your sedgxd crowns and everxharmless looksx
leave your crisp channelsx and on this green land
answer your summonsx juno does commandx
comex temperate nymphsx and help to celebrate
a contract of true lovex be not too latex

 enter certain nymphsx

you sunxburnxd sicklemenx of august wearyx
come hither from the furrowx and be merryx
make holidayx your ryexstraw hats put onx
and these fresh nymphs encounter every one
in country footingx

 enter certain reapersx properly habitedx they join with the nymphs in
 a graceful dancex towards the end whereof prospero starts suddenlyx
 and speaksx after whichx to a strangex hollowx and confused noisex
 they heavily vanishx

prosperox
xxasidexxx i had forgot that foul conspiracy
of the beast caliban and his confederates
against my lifex the minute of their plot
is almost comex xxto the spiritsxxx well donex avoidx no
morex

ferdinandx
this is strangex your fatherxs in some passion
that works him stronglyx

mirandax
never till this day
saw i him touchxd with anger so distemperxdx

prosperox
you do lookx my sonx in a movxd sortx
as if you were dismayxdx be cheerfulx sirx
our revels now are endedx these our actorsx
as i foretold youx were all spirits and
are melted into airx into thin airx
andx like the baseless fabric of this visionx
the cloudxcappxd towersx the gorgeous palacesx
the solemn templesx the great globe itselfx
yeax all which it inheritx shall dissolvex
andx like this insubstantial pageant fadedx
leave not a rack behindx we are such stuff
as dreams are made onx and our little life
is rounded with a sleepx sirx i am vexxdx
bear with my weaknessx my old brain is troubledx
be not disturbxd with my infirmityx
if you be pleasxdx retire into my cell
and there reposex a turn or two ixll walkx
to still my beating mindx

ferdinandx mirandax
we wish your peacex

 xxexeuntxxx

prosperox
comex with a thoughtx i thank theex arielx comex

 enter arielx

arielx
thy thoughts i cleave tox whatxs thy pleasurex

prosperox
spiritx
we must prepare to meet with calibanx

arielx
ayx my commanderx when i presented ceresx
i thought to have told thee of itx but i fearxd
lest i might anger theex

prosperox
say againx where didst thou leave these varletsx

arielx
i told youx sirx they were redxhot with drinkingx
so full of valour that they smote the air
for breathing in their facesx beat the ground
for kissing of their feetx yet always bending
towards their projectx then i beat my taborx
at whichx like unbackxd coltsx they prickxd their earsx
advancxd their eyelidsx lifted up their noses
as they smelt musicx so i charmxd their earsx
that calfxlike they my lowing followxd through
toothxd briersx sharp furzesx pricking gossx and thornsx
which enterxd their frail shinsx at last i left them
ix thx filthyxmantled pool beyond your cellx
there dancing up to thx chinsx that the foul lake
oxerstunk their feetx

prosperox
this was well donex my birdx
thy shape invisible retain thou stillx
the trumpery in my housex go bring it hither
for stale to catch these thievesx

arielx
i gox i gox

 xxexitxxx

prosperox
a devilx a born devilx on whose nature
nurture can never stickx on whom my painsx
humanely takenx allx all lostx quite lostx
and as with age his body uglier growsx
so his mind cankersx i will plague them allx
even to roaringx

 rexenter arielx loaden with glistering apparelx xcx

comex hang them on this linex

 prospero and ariel remain invisiblex enter calibanx stephano and
 trinculo all wetx

calibanx
pray youx tread softlyx that the blind mole may not
hear a foot fallx we now are near his cellx

stephanox
monsterx your fairyx which you say is a harmless fairyx has done little
better than played the jack with usx

trinculox
monsterx i do smell all horsexpissx at which my nose is in great
indignationx

stephanox
so is minex do you hearx monsterx if i should take a displeasure
against youx look youxx

trinculox
thou wert but a lost monsterx

calibanx
good my lordx give me thy favour stillx
be patientx for the prize ixll bring thee to
shall hoodwink this mischancex therefore speak softlyx
allxs hushxd as midnight yetx

trinculox
ayx but to lose our bottles in the poolx

stephanox
there is not only disgrace and dishonour in thatx monsterx but an
infinite lossx

trinculox
thatxs more to me than my wettingx yet this is your harmless fairyx
monsterx

stephanox
i will fetch off my bottlex though i be oxer ears for my labourx

calibanx
pritheex my kingx be quietx seest thou herex
this is the mouth ox thx cellx no noisex and enterx
do that good mischief which may make this island
thine own for everx and ix thy calibanx
for aye thy footxlickerx

stephanox
give me thy handx i do begin to have bloody thoughtsx

trinculox
o king stephanox o peerx o worthy stephanox
look what a wardrobe here is for theex

calibanx
let it alonex thou foolx it is but trashx

trinculox
ox hox monsterx we know what belongs to a fripperyx o king stephanox

stephanox
put off that gownx trinculox by this handx ixll have that gownx

trinculox
thy grace shall have itx

calibanx
the dropsy drown this foolx what do you mean
to dote thus on such luggagex letxt alonex
and do the murder firstx if he awakex
from toe to crown hexll fill our skins with pinchesx
make us strange stuffx

stephanox
be you quietx monsterx mistress linex is not this my jerkinx now is the
jerkin under the linex nowx jerkinx you are like to lose your hairx and
prove a bald jerkinx

trinculox
dox dox we steal by line and levelx anxt like your gracex

stephanox
i thank thee for that jestx herexs a garment for xtx wit shall not go
unrewarded while i am king of this countryx xsteal by line and levelxx
is an excellent pass of patex therexs another garment for xtx

trinculox
monsterx comex put some lime upon your fingersx and away with the restx

calibanx
i will have none onxtx we shall lose our timex
and all be turnxd to barnaclesx or to apes
with foreheads villainous lowx

stephanox
monsterx layxto your fingersx help to bear this away where my hogshead
of wine isx or ixll turn you out of my kingdomx go tox carry thisx

trinculox
and thisx

stephanox
ayx and thisx

 a noise of hunters heardx enter divers spiritsx in shape of dogs and
 houndsx and hunt them aboutx prospero and ariel setting them onx

prosperox
heyx mountainx heyx

arielx
silverx there it goesx silverx

prosperox
furyx furyx therex tyrantx therex harkx harkx

 xxcalibanx stephano and trinculo are driven outxxx

gox charge my goblins that they grind their joints
with dry convulsionsx shorten up their sinews
with aged crampsx and more pinchxspotted make them
than pardx or cat ox mountainx

arielx
harkx they roarx

prosperox
let them be hunted soundlyx at this hour
lies at my mercy all mine enemiesx
shortly shall all my labours endx and thou
shalt have the air at freedomx for a little
followx and do me servicex

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix before the cell of prosperox

 enter prospero in his magic robesx and arielx

prosperox
now does my project gather to a headx
my charms crack notx my spirits obeyx and time
goes upright with his carriagex howxs the dayx

arielx
on the sixth hourx at which timex my lordx
you said our work should ceasex

prosperox
i did say sox
when first i raisxd the tempestx sayx my spiritx
how fares the king and xs followersx

arielx
confinxd together
in the same fashion as you gave in chargex
just as you left themx all prisonersx sirx
in the linexgrove which weatherxfends your cellx
they cannot budge till your releasex the kingx
his brotherx and yoursx abide all three distractedx
and the remainder mourning over themx
brimful of sorrow and dismayx but chiefly
him you termxdx sirx xthe good old lordx gonzaloxx
his tears run down his beardx like winterxs drops
from eaves of reedsx your charm so strongly works xemx
that if you now beheld themx your affections
would become tenderx

prosperox
dost thou think sox spiritx

arielx
mine wouldx sirx were i humanx

prosperox
and mine shallx
hast thoux which art but airx a touchx a feeling
of their afflictionsx and shall not myselfx
one of their kindx that relish all as sharply
passion as theyx be kindlier movxd than thou artx
though with their high wrongs i am struck to thx quickx
yet with my nobler reason xgainst my fury
do i take partx the rarer action is
in virtue than in vengeancex they being penitentx
the sole drift of my purpose doth extend
not a frown furtherx go release themx arielx
my charms ixll breakx their senses ixll restorex
and they shall be themselvesx

arielx
ixll fetch themx sirx

 xxexitxxx

prosperox
ye elves of hillsx brooksx standing lakesx and
grovesx
and ye that on the sands with printless foot
do chase the ebbing neptunex and do fly him
when he comes backx you demixpuppets that
by moonshine do the green sour ringlets makex
whereof the ewe not bitesx and you whose pastime
is to make midnight mushroomsx that rejoice
to hear the solemn curfewx by whose aidx
weak masters though ye bex i have bedimmxd
the noontide sunx callxd forth the mutinous windsx
and xtwixt the green sea and the azurxd vault
set roaring warx to the dread rattling thunder
have i given firex and rifted jovexs stout oak
with his own boltx the strongxbasxd promontory
have i made shakex and by the spurs pluckxd up
the pine and cedarx graves at my command
have wakxd their sleepersx opxdx and let xem forth
by my so potent artx but this rough magic
i here abjurex andx when i have requirxd
some heavenly musicxxwhich even now i doxx
to work mine end upon their senses that
this airy charm is forx ixll break my staffx
bury it certain fathoms in the earthx
and deeper than did ever plummet sound
ixll drown my bookx

 xxsolem musicxxx

 rexenter arielx after himx alonso with a frantic gesturex attended by
 gonzalox sebastian and antonio in like mannerx attended by adrian and
 franciscox they all enter the circle which prospero had madex and
 there stand charmedx which prospero observingx speaksx

a solemn airx and the best comforter
to an unsettled fancyx cure thy brainsx
now uselessx boilxd within thy skullx there standx
for you are spellxstoppxdx
holy gonzalox honourable manx
mine eyesx exen sociable to the show of thinex
fall fellowly dropsx the charm dissolves apacex
and as the morning steals upon the nightx
melting the darknessx so their rising senses
begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
their clearer reasonx o good gonzalox
my true preserverx and a loyal sir
to him thou followxstx i will pay thy graces
homex both in word and deedx most cruelly
didst thoux alonsox use me and my daughterx
thy brother was a furtherer in the actx
thou art pinchxd for xt nowx sebastianx flesh and bloodx
youx brother minex that entertainxd ambitionx
expellxd remorse and naturex whox with sebastianxx
whose inward pinches therefore are most strongx
would here have killxd your kingx i do forgive theex
unnatural though thou artx their understanding
begins to swellx and the approaching tide
will shortly fill the reasonable shores
that now lie foul and muddyx not one of them
that yet looks on mex or would know mex arielx
fetch me the hat and rapier in my cellx

 xxexit arielxxx

i will discase mex and myself present
as i was sometime milanx quicklyx spiritx
thou shalt ere long be freex

 ariel rexentersx singingx and helps to attire prosperox

ariel
xwhere the bee sucksx there suck ix
in a cowslipxs bell i liex
there i couch when owls do cryx
on the batxs back i do fly
after summer merrilyx
merrilyx merrily shall i live now
under the blossom that hangs on the boughxx

prosperox
whyx thatxs my dainty arielx i shall miss theex
but yet thou shalt have freedomx sox sox sox
to the kingxs shipx invisible as thou artx
there shalt thou find the mariners asleep
under the hatchesx the master and the boatswain
being awakex enforce them to this placex
and presentlyx i pritheex

arielx
i drink the air before mex and return
or ere your pulse twice beatx

 xxexitxxx

gonzalox
all tormentx troublex wonder and amazement
inhabits herex some heavenly power guide us
out of this fearful countryx

prosperox
beholdx sir kingx
the wronged duke of milanx prosperox
for more assurance that a living prince
does now speak to theex i embrace thy bodyx
and to thee and thy company i bid
a hearty welcomex

alonsox
whexer thou bexst he or nox
or some enchanted trifle to abuse mex
as late i have beenx i not knowx thy pulse
beatsx as of flesh and bloodx andx since i saw theex
thx affliction of my mind amendsx with whichx
i fearx a madness held mex this must cravex
an if this be at allx a most strange storyx
thy dukedom i resignx and do entreat
thou pardon me my wrongsx but how should prospero
be living and be herex

prosperox
firstx noble friendx
let me embrace thine agex whose honour cannot
be measurxd or confinxdx

gonzalox
whether this be
or be notx ixll not swearx

prosperox
you do yet taste
some subtleties ox the islex that will not let you
believe things certainx welcomex my friends allx
xxaside to sebastian and antonioxxx but youx my brace of lordsx were i
so mindedx
i here could pluck his highnessx frown upon youx
and justify you traitorsx at this time
i will tell no talesx

sebastianx
xxasidexxx the devil speaks in himx

prosperox
nox
for youx most wicked sirx whom to call brother
would even infect my mouthx i do forgive
thy rankest faultx all of themx and require
my dukedom of theex which perforce i know
thou must restorex

alonsox
if thou beest prosperox
give us particulars of thy preservationx
how thou hast met us herex whom three hours since
were wrackxd upon this shorex where i have lostxx
how sharp the point of this remembrance isxx
my dear son ferdinandx

prosperox
i am woe for xtx sirx

alonsox
irreparable is the lossx and patience
says it is past her curex

prosperox
i rather think
you have not sought her helpx of whose soft gracex
for the like loss i have her sovereign aidx
and rest myself contentx

alonsox
you the like lossx

prosperox
as great to mex as latex andx supportable
to make the dear lossx have i means much weaker
than you may call to comfort youx for i
have lost my daughterx

alonsox
a daughterx
o heavensx that they were living both in naplesx
the king and queen therex that they werex i wish
myself were mudded in that oozy bed
where my son liesx when did you lose your daughterx

prosperox
in this last tempestx i perceivex these lords
at this encounter do so much admire
that they devour their reasonx and scarce think
their eyes do offices of truthx their words
are natural breathx butx howsoexer you have
been justled from your sensesx know for certain
that i am prosperox and that very duke
which was thrust forth of milanx who most strangely
upon this shorex where you were wrackxdx was landed
to be the lord onxtx no more yet of thisx
for xtis a chronicle of day by dayx
not a relation for a breakfast nor
befitting this first meetingx welcomex sirx
this cellxs my courtx here have i few attendantsx
and subjects none abroadx pray youx look inx
my dukedom since you have given me againx
i will requite you with as good a thingx
at least bring forth a wonderx to content ye
as much as me my dukedomx

here prospero discovers ferdinand and miranda playing at chessx

mirandax
sweet lordx you play me falsex

ferdinandx
nox my dearest lovex
i would not for the worldx

mirandax
yesx for a score of kingdoms you should wranglex
and i would call it fair playx

alonsox
if this prove
a vision of the islandx one dear son
shall i twice losex

sebastianx
a most high miraclex

ferdinandx
though the seas threatenx they are mercifulx
i have cursxd them without causex

 xxkneels to alonsoxxx

alonsox
now all the blessings
of a glad father compass thee aboutx
arisex and say how thou camxst herex

mirandax
ox wonderx
how many goodly creatures are there herex
how beauteous mankind isx o brave new world
that has such people in xtx

prosperox
xtis new to theex

alonsox
what is this maidx with whom thou wast at playx
your eldxst acquaintance cannot be three hoursx
is she the goddess that hath severxd usx
and brought us thus togetherx

ferdinandx
sirx she is mortalx
but by immortal providence shexs minex
i chose her when i could not ask my father
for his advicex nor thought i had onex she
is daughter to this famous duke of milanx
of whom so often i have heard renownx
but never saw beforex of whom i have
receivxd a second lifex and second father
this lady makes him to mex

alonsox
i am hersx
butx ox how oddly will it sound that i
must ask my child forgivenessx

prosperox
therex sirx stopx
let us not burden our remembrances with
a heaviness thatxs gonex

gonzalox
i have inly weptx
or should have spoke ere thisx look downx you godsx
and on this couple drop a blessed crownx
for it is you that have chalkxd forth the way
which brought us hitherx

alonsox
i sayx amenx gonzalox

gonzalox
was milan thrust from milanx that his issue
should become kings of naplesx ox rejoice
beyond a common joyx and set it down
with gold on lasting pillarsx in one voyage
did claribel her husband find at tunisx
and ferdinandx her brotherx found a wife
where he himself was lostx prospero his dukedom
in a poor islex and all of us ourselvesx
when no man was his ownx

alonsox
xxto ferdinand and mirandaxxx give me your handsx
let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart
that doth not wish you joyx

gonzalox
be it sox amenx

 rexenter ariel with the master and boatswain amazedly followingx

o lookx sirx lookx sirx here are more of usx
i prophesiedx if a gallows were on landx
this fellow could not drownx nowx blasphemyx
that swearxst grace oxerboardx not an oath on shorex
hast thou no mouth by landx what is the newsx

boatswainx
the best news is that we have safely found
our king and companyx the nextx our shipxx
which but three glasses sincex we gave out splitx
is tight and yarex and bravely riggxd as when
we first put out to seax

arielx
xxaside to prosperoxxx sirx all this service
have i done since i wentx

prosperox
xxaside to arielxxx my tricksy spiritx

alonsox
these are not natural eventsx they strengthen
from strange to strangerx sayx how came you hitherx

boatswainx
if i did thinkx sirx i were well awakex
ixd strive to tell youx we were dead of sleepx
andxxhowx we know notxxall clappxd under hatchesx
wherex but even nowx with strange and several noises
of roaringx shriekingx howlingx jingling chainsx
and mo diversity of soundsx all horriblex
we were awakxdx straightwayx at libertyx
where wex in all her trimx freshly beheld
our royalx goodx and gallant shipx our master
capxring to eye herx on a tricex so please youx
even in a dreamx were we divided from themx
and were brought moping hitherx

arielx
xxaside to prosperoxxx wasxt well donex

prosperox
xxaside to arielxxx bravelyx my diligencex thou shalt be freex

alonsox
this is as strange a maze as exer men trodx
and there is in this business more than nature
was ever conduct ofx some oracle
must rectify our knowledgex

prosperox
sirx my liegex
do not infest your mind with beating on
the strangeness of this businessx at pickxd leisurex
which shall be shortlyx single ixll resolve youx
which to you shall seem probablex of every
these happenxd accidentsx till whenx be cheerful
and think of each thing wellx xxaside to arielxxx come hitherx spiritx
set caliban and his companions freex
untie the spellx

 xxexit arielxxx

 how fares my gracious sirx
there are yet missing of your company
some few odd lads that you remember notx

 rexenter ariel driving in calibanx stephano and trinculo in their
 stolen apparelx

stephanox
every man shift for all the restx and let no man take care for himselfx
for all is but fortunexxcoragiox bullyxmonsterx coragiox

trinculox
if these be true spies which i wear in my headx herexs a goodly sightx

calibanx
o setebosx these be brave spirits indeedx
how fine my master isx i am afraid
he will chastise mex

sebastianx
hax hax
what things are thesex my lord antoniox
will money buy themx

antoniox
very likex one of them
is a plain fishx andx no doubtx marketablex

prosperox
mark but the badges of these menx my lordsx
then say if they be truex this misxshapen knavex
his mother was a witchx and one so strong
that could control the moonx make flows and ebbsx
and deal in her command without her powerx
these three have robbxd mex and this demixdevilx
for hexs a bastard onex had plotted with them
to take my lifex two of these fellows you
must know and ownx this thing of darkness i
acknowledge minex

calibanx
i shall be pinchxd to deathx

alonsox
is not this stephanox my drunken butlerx

sebastianx
he is drunk nowx where had he winex

alonsox
and trinculo is reelingxripex where should they
find this grand liquor that hath gilded xemx
how camxst thou in this picklex

trinculox
i have been in such a pickle since i saw you last thatx i fear mex will
never out of my bonesx i shall not fear flyxblowingx

sebastianx
whyx how nowx stephanox

stephanox
ox touch me notx i am not stephanox but a crampx

prosperox
youxd be king ox the islex sirrahx

stephanox
i should have been a sore onex thenx

alonsox
this is as strange a thing as exer i lookxd onx

 xxpointing to calibanxxx

prosperox
he is as disproportioned in his manners
as in his shapex gox sirrahx to my cellx
take with you your companionsx as you look
to have my pardonx trim it handsomelyx

calibanx
ayx that i willx and ixll be wise hereafterx
and seek for gracex what a thricexdouble ass
was ix to take this drunkard for a godx
and worship this dull foolx

prosperox
go tox awayx

alonsox
hencex and bestow your luggage where you found itx

sebastianx
or stole itx ratherx

 xxexeunt calibanx stephano and trinculoxxx

prosperox
sirx i invite your highness and your train
to my poor cellx where you shall take your rest
for this one nightx whichx part of itx ixll waste
with such discourse asx i not doubtx shall make it
go quick awayx the story of my life
and the particular accidents gone by
since i came to this islex and in the morn
ixll bring you to your shipx and so to naplesx
where i have hope to see the nuptial
of these our dearxbelovxd solemnizedx
and thence retire me to my milanx where
every third thought shall be my gravex

alonsox
i long
to hear the story of your lifex which must
take the ear strangelyx

prosperox
ixll deliver allx
and promise you calm seasx auspicious galesx
and sail so expeditious that shall catch
your royal fleet far offx xxaside to arielxxx my arielx
chickx
that is thy chargex then to the elements
be freex and fare thou wellx please youx draw nearx

 xxexeuntxxx

epilogue

prosperox
now my charms are all oxerthrownx
and what strength i havexs mine ownx
which is most faintx now xtis truex
i must be here confinxd by youx
or sent to naplesx let me notx
since i have my dukedom gotx
and pardonxd the deceiverx dwell
in this bare island by your spellx
but release me from my bands
with the help of your good handsx
gentle breath of yours my sails
must fillx or else my project failsx
which was to pleasex now i want
spirits to enforcex art to enchantx
and my ending is despairx
unless i be relievxd by prayerx
which pierces so that it assaults
mercy itselfx and frees all faultsx
    as you from crimes would pardonxd bex
    let your indulgence set me freex

 xxexitxxx





the life of timon of athens

dramatis personae

    timon of athens

    lucius
    lucullus
    sempronius
       flattering lords

    ventidiusx one of timonxs false friends
    alcibiadesx an athenian captain
    apemantusx a churlish philosopher
    flaviusx steward to timon

    flaminius
    lucilius
    servilius
       timonxs servants

    caphis
    philotus
    titus
    hortensius
       servants to timonxs creditors

    poet painter jeweller merchant mercer an old athenian three
    strangers a page a fool

    phrynia
    timandra
       mistresses to alcibiades

    cupid
    amazons
      in the masque

    lordsx senatorsx officersx soldiersx servantsx thievesx and
      attendants

scenex athens and the neighbouring woods

act ix scene ix athensx timonxs house

enter poetx painterx jewellerx merchantx and mercerx at several doors

  poetx good dayx sirx
  painterx i am glad yxare wellx
  poetx i have not seen you longx how goes the worldx
  painterx it wearsx sirx as it growsx
  poetx ayx thatxs well knownx
    but what particular rarityx what strangex
    which manifold record not matchesx seex
    magic of bountyx all these spirits thy power
    hath conjurxd to attendx i know the merchantx
  painterx i know them bothx thx otherxs a jewellerx
  merchantx ox xtis a worthy lordx
  jewellerx nayx thatxs most fixxdx
  merchantx a most incomparable manx breathxdx as it werex
    to an untirable and continuate goodnessx
    he passesx
  jewellerx i have a jewel herex
  merchantx ox pray letxs seextx for the lord timonx sirx
  jewellerx if he will touch the estimatex but for thatx
  poetx when we for recompense have praisxd the vilex
    it stains the glory in that happy verse
    which aptly sings the goodx
  merchantx xlooking at the jewelx xtis a good formx
  jewellerx and richx here is a waterx look yex
  painterx you are raptx sirx in some workx some dedication
    to the great lordx
  poetx a thing slippxd idly from mex
    our poesy is as a gumx which oozes
    from whence xtis nourishxdx the fire ix thx flint
    shows not till it be struckx our gentle flame
    provokes itselfx and like the current flies
    each bound it chafesx what have you therex
  painterx a picturex sirx when comes your book forthx
  poetx upon the heels of my presentmentx sirx
    letxs see your piecex
  painterx xtis a good piecex
  poetx so xtisx this comes off well and excellentx
  painterx indifferentx
  poetx admirablex how this grace
    speaks his own standingx what a mental power
    this eye shoots forthx how big imagination
    moves in this lipx to thx dumbness of the gesture
    one might interpretx
  painterx it is a pretty mocking of the lifex
    here is a touchx isxt goodx
  poetx i will say of it
    it tutors naturex artificial strife
    lives in these touchesx livelier than lifex

              enter certain senatorsx and pass over

  painterx how this lord is followedx
  poetx the senators of athensx happy manx
  painterx lookx moex
  poetx you see this confluencex this great flood of visitorsx
    i have in this rough work shapxd out a man
    whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
    with amplest entertainmentx my free drift
    halts not particularlyx but moves itself
    in a wide sea of taxx no levellxd malice
    infects one comma in the course i holdx
    but flies an eagle flightx bold and forth onx
    leaving no tract behindx
  painterx how shall i understand youx
  poetx i will unbolt to youx
    you see how all conditionsx how all mindsx
    as well of glib and slippxry creatures as
    of grave and austere qualityx tender down
    their services to lord timonx his large fortunex
    upon his good and gracious nature hangingx
    subdues and properties to his love and tendance
    all sorts of heartsx yeax from the glassxfacxd flatterer
    to apemantusx that few things loves better
    than to abhor himselfx even he drops down
    the knee before himx and returns in peace
    most rich in timonxs nodx
  painterx i saw them speak togetherx
  poetx sirx i have upon a high and pleasant hill
    feignxd fortune to be thronxdx the base ox thx mount
    is rankxd with all desertsx all kind of natures
    that labour on the bosom of this sphere
    to propagate their statesx amongst them all
    whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fixxd
    one do i personate of lord timonxs framex
    whom fortune with her ivory hand wafts to herx
    whose present grace to present slaves and servants
    translates his rivalsx
  painterx xtis conceivxd to scopex
    this thronex this fortunex and this hillx methinksx
    with one man beckonxd from the rest belowx
    bowing his head against the steepy mount
    to climb his happinessx would be well expressxd
    in our conditionx
  poetx nayx sirx but hear me onx
    all those which were his fellows but of latex
    some better than his valuex on the moment
    follow his stridesx his lobbies fill with tendancex
    rain sacrificial whisperings in his earx
    make sacred even his stirrupx and through him
    drink the free airx
  painterx ayx marryx what of thesex
  poetx when fortune in her shift and change of mood
    spurns down her late belovedx all his dependantsx
    which labourxd after him to the mountainxs top
    even on their knees and handsx let him slip downx
    not one accompanying his declining footx
  painterx xtis commonx
    a thousand moral paintings i can show
    that shall demonstrate these quick blows of fortunexs
    more pregnantly than wordsx yet you do well
    to show lord timon that mean eyes have seen
    the foot above the headx

         trumpets soundx enter timonx addressing himself
          courteously to every suitorx a messenger from
         ventidius talking with himx lucilius and other
                       servants following

  timonx imprisonxd is hex say youx
  messengerx ayx my good lordx five talents is his debtx
    his means most shortx his creditors most straitx
    your honourable letter he desires
    to those have shut him upx which failingx
    periods his comfortx
  timonx noble ventidiusx wellx
    i am not of that feather to shake of
    my friend when he must need mex i do know him
    a gentleman that well deserves a helpx
    which he shall havex ixll pay the debtx and free himx
  messengerx your lordship ever binds himx
  timonx commend me to himx i will send his ransomx
    and being enfranchisxdx bid him come to mex
    xtis not enough to help the feeble upx
    but to support him afterx fare you wellx
  messengerx all happiness to your honourx                  exit

                      enter an old athenian

  old athenianx lord timonx hear me speakx
  timonx freelyx good fatherx
  old athenianx thou hast a servant namxd luciliusx
  timonx i have sox what of himx
  old athenianx most noble timonx call the man before theex
  timonx attends he herex or nox luciliusx
  luciliusx herex at your lordshipxs servicex
  old athenianx this fellow herex lord timonx this thy creaturex
    by night frequents my housex i am a man
    that from my first have been inclinxd to thriftx
    and my estate deserves an heir more raisxd
    than one which holds a trencherx
  timonx wellx what furtherx
  old athenianx one only daughter have ix no kin elsex
    on whom i may confer what i have gotx
    the maid is fairx ox thx youngest for a bridex
    and i have bred her at my dearest cost
    in qualities of the bestx this man of thine
    attempts her lovex i pritheex noble lordx
    join with me to forbid him her resortx
    myself have spoke in vainx
  timonx the man is honestx
  old athenianx therefore he will bex timonx
    his honesty rewards him in itselfx
    it must not bear my daughterx
  timonx does she love himx
  old athenianx she is young and aptx
    our own precedent passions do instruct us
    what levityxs in youthx
  timonx love you the maidx
  luciliusx ayx my good lordx and she accepts of itx
  old athenianx if in her marriage my consent be missingx
    i call the gods to witness i will choose
    mine heir from forth the beggars of the worldx
    and dispossess her allx
  timonx how shall she be endowxdx
    if she be mated with an equal husbandx
  old athenianx three talents on the presentx in futurex allx
  timonx this gentleman of mine hath servxd me longxx
    to build his fortune i will strain a littlex
    for xtis a bond in menx give him thy daughterx
    what you bestowx in him ixll counterpoisex
    and make him weigh with herx
  old athenianx most noble lordx
    pawn me to this your honourx she is hisx
  timonx my hand to theex mine honour on my promisex
  luciliusx humbly i thank your lordshipx never may
    that state or fortune fall into my keeping
    which is not owed to youx
                                exeunt lucilius and old athenian
  poetx xpresenting his poemx vouchsafe my labourx and long live your
    lordshipx
  timonx i thank youx you shall hear from me anonx
    go not awayx what have you therex my friendx
  painterx a piece of paintingx which i do beseech
    your lordship to acceptx
  timonx painting is welcomex
    the painting is almost the natural manx
    for since dishonour traffics with manxs naturex
    he is but outsidex these pencillxd figures are
    even such as they give outx i like your workx
    and you shall find i like itx wait attendance
    till you hear further from mex
  painterx the gods preserve yex
  timonx well fare youx gentlemanx give me your handx
    we must needs dine togetherx sirx your jewel
    hath suffered under praisex
  jewellerx whatx my lordx dispraisex
  timonx a mere satiety of commendationsx
    if i should pay you forxt as xtis extollxdx
    it would unclew me quitex
  jewellerx my lordx xtis rated
    as those which sell would givex but you well know
    things of like valuex differing in the ownersx
    are prized by their mastersx believextx dear lordx
    you mend the jewel by the wearing itx
  timonx well mockxdx

                      enter apemantus

  merchantx nox my good lordx he speaks the common tonguex
    which all men speak with himx
  timonx look who comes herex will you be chidx
  jewellerx wexll bearx with your lordshipx
  merchantx hexll spare nonex
  timonx good morrow to theex gentle apemantusx
  apemantusx till i be gentlex stay thou for thy good morrowx
    when thou art timonxs dogx and these knaves honestx
  timonx why dost thou call them knavesx thou knowxst them notx
  apemantusx are they not atheniansx
  timonx yesx
  apemantusx then i repent notx
  jewellerx you know mex apemantusx
  apemantusx thou knowxst i dox i callxd thee by thy namex
  timonx thou art proudx apemantusx
  apemantusx of nothing so much as that i am not like timonx
  timonx whither art goingx
  apemantusx to knock out an honest athenianxs brainsx
  timonx thatxs a deed thouxt die forx
  apemantusx rightx if doing nothing be death by thx lawx
  timonx how likxst thou this picturex apemantusx
  apemantusx the bestx for the innocencex
  timonx wrought he not well that painted itx
  apemantusx he wrought better that made the painterx and yet hexs
    but a filthy piece of workx
  painterx yxare a dogx
  apemantusx thy motherxs of my generationx whatxs shex if i be a dogx
  timonx wilt dine with mex apemantusx
  apemantusx nox i eat not lordsx
  timonx an thou shouldstx thouxdst anger ladiesx
  apemantusx ox they eat lordsx so they come by great belliesx
  timonx thatxs a lascivious apprehensionx
  apemantusx so thou apprehendxst it take it for thy labourx
  timonx how dost thou like this jewelx apemantusx
  apemantusx not so well as plain dealingx which will not cost a man
    a doitx
  timonx what dost thou think xtis worthx
  apemantusx not worth my thinkingx how nowx poetx
  poetx how nowx philosopherx
  apemantusx thou liestx
  poetx art not onex
  apemantusx yesx
  poetx then i lie notx
  apemantusx art not a poetx
  poetx yesx
  apemantusx then thou liestx look in thy last workx where thou hast
    feignxd him a worthy fellowx
  poetx thatxs not feignxdx he is sox
  apemantusx yesx he is worthy of theex and to pay thee for thy
    labourx he that loves to be flattered is worthy ox thx flattererx
    heavensx that i were a lordx
  timonx what wouldst do thenx apemantusx
  apemantusx exen as apemantus does nowx hate a lord with my heartx
  timonx whatx thyselfx
  apemantusx ayx
  timonx whereforex
  apemantusx that i had no angry wit to be a lordxx art not thou a
    merchantx
  merchantx ayx apemantusx
  apemantusx traffic confound theex if the gods will notx
  merchantx if traffic do itx the gods do itx
  apemantusx trafficxs thy godx and thy god confound theex

                trumpet soundsx enter a messenger

  timonx what trumpetxs thatx
  messengerx xtis alcibiadesx and some twenty horsex
    all of companionshipx
  timonx pray entertain themx give them guide to usx
                                          exeunt some attendants
    you must needs dine with mex go not you hence
    till i have thankxd youx when dinnerxs done
    show me this piecex i am joyful of your sightsx

                enter alcibiadesx with the rest

    most welcomex sirx                             xthey salutex
  apemantusx sox sox therex
    aches contract and starve your supple jointsx
    that there should be small love amongst these sweet knavesx
    and all this courtesyx the strain of manxs bred out
    into baboon and monkeyx
  alcibiadesx sirx you have savxd my longingx and i feed
    most hungerly on your sightx
  timonx right welcomex sirx
    ere we depart wexll share a bounteous time
    in different pleasuresx pray youx let us inx
                                        exeunt all but apemantus

                        enter two lords

  first lordx what time ox day isxtx apemantusx
  apemantusx time to be honestx
  first lordx that time serves stillx
  apemantusx the more accursed thou that still omitxst itx
  second lordx thou art going to lord timonxs feastx
  apemantusx ayx to see meat fill knaves and wine heat foolsx
  second lordx fare thee wellx fare thee wellx
  apemantusx thou art a fool to bid me farewell twicex
  second lordx whyx apemantusx
  apemantusx shouldst have kept one to thyselfx for i mean to give
    thee nonex
  first lordx hang thyselfx
  apemantusx nox i will do nothing at thy biddingx make thy requests
    to thy friendx
  second lordx awayx unpeaceable dogx or ixll spurn thee hencex
  apemantusx i will flyx like a dogx the heels ox thx assx  exit
  first lordx hexs opposite to humanityx comex shall we in
    and taste lord timonxs bountyx he outgoes
    the very heart of kindnessx
  second lordx he pours it outx plutusx the god of goldx
    is but his stewardx no meed but he repays
    sevenfold above itselfx no gift to him
    but breeds the giver a return exceeding
    all use of quittancex
  first lordx the noblest mind he carries
    that ever governxd manx
  second lordx long may he live in fortunesx shall we inx
  first lordx ixll keep you companyx                      exeunt

scene iix a room of state in timonxs house

hautboys playing loud musicx a great banquet servxd inx
flavius and others attendingx and then enter lord timonx the statesx
the athenian lordsx ventidiusx which timon redeemxd from prisonx
then comesx dropping after allx apemantusx discontentedlyx like himself

  ventidiusx most honoured timonx
    it hath pleasxd the gods to remember my fatherxs agex
    and call him to long peacex
    he is gone happyx and has left me richx
    thenx as in grateful virtue i am bound
    to your free heartx i do return those talentsx
    doubled with thanks and servicex from whose help
    i derivxd libertyx
  timonx ox by no meansx
    honest ventidiusx you mistake my lovex
    i gave it freely everx and therexs none
    can truly say he givesx if he receivesx
    if our betters play at that gamex we must not dare
    to imitate themx faults that are rich are fairx
  ventidiusx a noble spiritx
  timonx nayx my lordsx ceremony was but devisxd at first
    to set a gloss on faint deedsx hollow welcomesx
    recanting goodnessx sorry ere xtis shownx
    but where there is true friendship there needs nonex
    prayx sitx more welcome are ye to my fortunes
    than my fortunes to mex                           xthey sitx
  first lordx my lordx we always have confessxd itx
  apemantusx hox hox confessxd itx hangxd itx have you notx
  timonx ox apemantusx you are welcomex
  apemantusx nox
    you shall not make me welcomex
    i come to have thee thrust me out of doorsx
  timonx fiex thxart a churlx ye have got a humour there
    does not become a manx xtis much to blamex
    they sayx my lordsx ira furor brevis estx but yond man is ever
    angryx gox let him have a table by himselfx for he does neither
    affect company nor is he fit forxt indeedx
  apemantusx let me stay at thine apperilx timonx
    i come to observex i give thee warning onxtx
  timonx i take no heed of theex thxart an athenianx therefore
    welcomex i myself would have no powerx prithee let my meat make
    thee silentx
  apemantusx i scorn thy meatx xtxwould choke mex for i should nexer
    flatter theex o you godsx what a number of men eats timonx and he
    sees xem notx it grieves me to see so many dip their meat in one
    manxs bloodx and all the madness isx he cheers them up toox
    i wonder men dare trust themselves with menx
    methinks they should invite them without knivesx
    good for their meat and safer for their livesx
    therexs much example forxtx the fellow that sits next him nowx
    parts bread with himx pledges the breath of him in a divided
    draughtx is the readiest man to kill himx xt has been provedx if
    i were a huge man i should fear to drink at mealsx
    lest they should spy my windpipexs dangerous notesx
    great men should drink with harness on their throatsx
  timonx my lordx in heartx and let the health go roundx
  second lordx let it flow this wayx my good lordx
  apemantusx flow this wayx a brave fellowx he keeps his tides wellx
    those healths will make thee and thy state look illx timonx
    herexs that which is too weak to be a sinnerx honest waterx which
    nexer left man ix thx mirex
    this and my food are equalsx therexs no oddsxx
    feasts are too proud to give thanks to the godsx

                  apemantusx grace

           immortal godsx i crave no pelfx
           i pray for no man but myselfx
           grant i may never prove so fond
           to trust man on his oath or bondx
           or a harlot for her weepingx
           or a dog that seems axsleepingx
           or a keeper with my freedomx
           or my friendsx if i should need xemx
           amenx so fall toxtx
           rich men sinx and i eat rootx       xeats and drinksx

    much good dich thy good heartx apemantusx
  timonx captain alcibiadesx your heartxs in the field nowx
  alcibiadesx my heart is ever at your servicex my lordx
  timonx you had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than dinner of
    friendsx
  alcibiadesx so they were bleeding newx my lordx therexs no meat
    like xemx i could wish my best friend at such a feastx
  apemantusx would all those flatterers were thine enemies thenx that
    then thou mightst kill xemx and bid me to xemx
  first lordx might we but have that happinessx my lordx that you
    would once use our heartsx whereby we might express some part of
    our zealsx we should think ourselves for ever perfectx
  timonx ox no doubtx my good friendsx but the gods themselves have
    provided that i shall have much help from youx how had you been
    my friends elsex why have you that charitable title from
    thousandsx did not you chiefly belong to my heartx i have told
    more of you to myself than you can with modesty speak in your own
    behalfx and thus far i confirm youx o you godsx think ix what
    need we have any friends if we should nexer have need of xemx
    they were the most needless creatures livingx should we nexer
    have use for xemx and would most resemble sweet instruments hung
    up in casesx that keep their sounds to themselvesx whyx i have
    often wishxd myself poorerx that i might come nearer to youx we
    are born to do benefitsx and what better or properer can we call
    our own than the riches of our friendsx ox what a precious
    comfort xtis to have so many like brothers commanding one
    anotherxs fortunesx ox joyxs exen made away erext can be bornx
    mine eyes cannot hold out waterx methinksx to forget their
    faultsx i drink to youx
  apemantusx thou weepxst to make them drinkx timonx
  second lordx joy had the like conception in our eyesx
    and at that instant like a babe sprung upx
  apemantusx hox hox i laugh to think that babe a bastardx
  third lordx i promise youx my lordx you movxd me muchx
  apemantusx muchx                                xsound tucketx
  timonx what means that trumpx

                        enter a servant

    how nowx
  servantx please youx my lordx there are certain ladies most
    desirous of admittancex
  timonx ladiesx what are their willsx
  servantx there comes with them a forerunnerx my lordx which bears
    that office to signify their pleasuresx
  timonx i pray let them be admittedx

                          enter cupid
  cupidx hail to theex worthy timonx and to all
    that of his bounties tastex the five best senses
    acknowledge thee their patronx and come freely
    to gratulate thy plenteous bosomx thx earx
    tastex touchx smellx pleasxd from thy table risex
    they only now come but to feast thine eyesx
  timonx theyxre welcome allx let xem have kind admittancex
    musicx make their welcomex                        exit cupid
  first lordx you seex my lordx how ample yxare belovxdx

      musicx rexenter cupidx witb a masque of ladies as amazonsx
          with lutes in their handsx dancing and playing

  apemantusx hoyxdayx what a sweep of vanity comes this wayx
    they dancex they are mad womenx
    like madness is the glory of this lifex
    as this pomp shows to a little oil and rootx
    we make ourselves fools to disport ourselvesx
    and spend our flatteries to drink those men
    upon whose age we void it up again
    with poisonous spite and envyx
    who lives thatxs not depraved or depravesx
    who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves
    of their friendsx giftx
    i should fear those that dance before me now
    would one day stamp upon mex xt has been donex
    men shut their doors against a setting sunx

         the lords rise from tablex with much adoring of
        timonx and to show their lovesx each single out an
          amazonx and all dancex men witb womenx a lofty
            strain or two to the hautboysx and cease

  timonx you have done our pleasures much gracex fair ladiesx
    set a fair fashion on our entertainmentx
    which was not half so beautiful and kindx
    you have added worth untoxt and lustrex
    and entertainxd me with mine own devicex
    i am to thank you forxtx
  first ladyx my lordx you take us even at the bestx
  apemantusx faithx for the worst is filthyx and would not hold
    takingx i doubt mex
  timonx ladiesx there is an idle banquet attends youx
    please you to dispose yourselvesx
  all ladiesx most thankfullyx my lordx
                                         exeunt cupid and ladies
  timonx flaviusx
  flaviusx my lordx
  timonx the little casket bring me hitherx
  flaviusx yesx my lordx xasidex more jewels yetx
    there is no crossing him inxs humourx
    else i should tell himx well ix faithx i shouldx
    when allxs spentx hexd be crossxd thenx an he couldx
    xtis pity bounty had not eyes behindx
    that man might nexer be wretched for his mindx          exit
  first lordx where be our menx
  servantx herex my lordx in readinessx
  second lordx our horsesx

               rexenter flaviusx with the casket

  timonx o my friendsx
    i have one word to say to youx look youx my good lordx
    i must entreat you honour me so much
    as to advance this jewelx accept it and wear itx
    kind my lordx
  first lordx i am so far already in your giftsx
  allx so are we allx

                       enter a servant

  servantx my lordx there are certain nobles of the senate newly
    alighted and come to visit youx
  timonx they are fairly welcomex                   exit servant
  flaviusx i beseech your honourx vouchsafe me a wordx it does
    concern you nearx
  timonx nearx why thenx another time ixll hear theex i prithee letxs
    be provided to show them entertainmentx
  flaviusx xasidex i scarce know howx

                     enter another servant

  second servantx may it please vour honourx lord luciusx out of his
    free lovex hath presented to you four milkxwhite horsesx trappxd
    in silverx
  timonx i shall accept them fairlyx let the presents
    be worthily entertainxdx                        exit servant

                      enter a third servant

    how nowx what newsx
  third servantx please youx my lordx that honourable gentlemanx lord
    lucullusx entreats your company toxmorrow to hunt with him and
    has sent your honour two brace of greyhoundsx
  timonx ixll hunt with himx and let them be receivxdx
    not without fair rewardx                        exit servant
  flaviusx xasidex what will this come tox
    he commands us to provide and give great giftsx
    and all out of an empty cofferx
    nor will he know his pursex or yield me thisx
    to show him what a beggar his heart isx
    being of no power to make his wishes goodx
    his promises fly so beyond his state
    that what he speaks is all in debtx he owes
    for evxry wordx he is so kind that he now
    pays interest forxtx his landxs put to their booksx
    wellx would i were gently put out of office
    before i were forcxd outx
    happier is he that has no friend to feed
    than such that do exen enemies exceedx
    i bleed inwardly for my lordx                           exit
  timonx you do yourselves much wrongx
    you bate too much of your own meritsx
    herex my lordx a trifle of our lovex
  second lordx with more than common thanks i will receive itx
  third lordx ox hexs the very soul of bountyx
  timonx and now i rememberx my lordx you gave good words the other
    day of a bay courser i rode onx xtis yours because you likxd itx
  third lordx ox i beseech you pardon mex my lordx in thatx
  timonx you may take my wordx my lordx i know no man
    can justly praise but what he does affectx
    i weigh my friendxs affection with mine ownx
    ixll tell you truex ixll call to youx
  all lordsx ox none so welcomex
  timonx i take all and your several visitations
    so kind to heart xtis not enough to givex
    methinks i could deal kingdoms to my friends
    and nexer be wearyx alcibiadesx
    thou art a soldierx therefore seldom richx
    it comes in charity to theex for all thy living
    is xmongst the deadx and all the lands thou hast
    lie in a pitchxd fieldx
  alcibiadesx ayx defilxd landx my lordx
  first lordx we are so virtuously boundx
  timonx and so am i to youx
  second lordx so infinitely endearxdx
  timonx all to youx lightsx more lightsx
  first lordx the best of happinessx honourx and fortunesx keep with
    youx lord timonx
  timonx ready for his friendsx
                              exeunt all but apemantus and timon
  apemantusx what a coilxs herex
    serving of becks and juttingxout of bumsx
    i doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
    that are given for xemx friendshipxs full of dregsx
    methinks false hearts should never have sound legsx
    thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtsiesx
  timonx nowx apemantusx if thou wert not sullen
    i would be good to theex
  apemantusx nox ixll nothingx for if i should be bribxd toox there
    would be none left to rail upon theex and then thou wouldst sin
    the fasterx thou givxst so longx timonx i fear me thou wilt give
    away thyself in paper shortlyx what needs these feastsx pompsx
    and vainxgloriesx
  timonx nayx an you begin to rail on society oncex i am sworn not to
    give regard to youx farewellx and come with better musicx
 exit
  apemantusx sox thou wilt not hear me nowx thou shalt not thenx ixll
    lock thy heaven from theex
    o that menxs ears should be
    to counsel deafx but not to flatteryx                   exit

act iix scene ix a senatorxs house

enter a senatorx with papers in his hand

  senatorx and latex five thousandx to varro and to isidore
    he owes nine thousandx besides my former sumx
    which makes it five and twentyx still in motion
    of raging wastex it cannot holdx it will notx
    if i want goldx steal but a beggarxs dog
    and give it timonx whyx the dog coins goldx
    if i would sell my horse and buy twenty moe
    better than hex whyx give my horse to timonx
    ask nothingx give it himx it foals me straightx
    and able horsesx no porter at his gatex
    but rather one that smiles and still invites
    all that pass byx it cannot holdx no reason
    can sound his state in safetyx caphisx hox
    caphisx i sayx

                         enter caphis

  caphisx herex sirx what is your pleasurex
  senatorx get on your cloak and haste you to lord timonx
    importune him for my moneysx be not ceasxd
    with slight denialx nor then silencxd when
    xcommend me to your masterx and the cap
    plays in the right handx thusx but tell him
    my uses cry to mex i must serve my turn
    out of mine ownx his days and times are pastx
    and my reliances on his fracted dates
    have smit my creditx i love and honour himx
    but must not break my back to heal his fingerx
    immediate are my needsx and my relief
    must not be tossxd and turnxd to me in wordsx
    but find supply immediatex get you gonex
    put on a most importunate aspectx
    a visage of demandx for i do fearx
    when every feather sticks in his own wingx
    lord timon will be left a naked gullx
    which flashes now a phoenixx get you gonex
  caphisx i gox sirx
  senatorx take the bonds along with youx
    and have the dates in comptx
  caphisx i willx sirx
  senatorx gox                                            exeunt

scene iix before timonxs house

enter flaviusx timonxs stewardx with many bills in his hand

  flaviusx no carex no stopx so senseless of expense
    that he will neither know how to maintain it
    nor cease his flow of riotx takes no account
    how things go from himx nor resumes no care
    of what is to continuex never mind
    was to be so unwise to be so kindx
    what shall be donex he will not hear till feelx
    i must be round with himx now he comes from huntingx
    fiex fiex fiex fiex

       enter caphisx and the servants of isidore and varro

  caphisx good evenx varrox whatx you come for moneyx
  varroxs servantx isxt not your business toox
  caphisx it isx and yours toox isidorex
  isidorexs servantx it is sox
  caphisx would we were all dischargxdx
  varroxs servantx i fear itx
  caphisx here comes the lordx

            enter timon and his trainx with alcibiades

  timonx so soon as dinnerxs done wexll forth againx
    my alcibiadesxx with mex what is your willx
  caphisx my lordx here is a note of certain duesx
  timonx duesx whence are youx
  caphisx of athens herex my lordx
  timonx go to my stewardx
  caphisx please it your lordshipx he hath put me off
    to the succession of new days this monthx
    my master is awakxd by great occasion
    to call upon his ownx and humbly prays you
    that with your other noble parts youxll suit
    in giving him his rightx
  timonx mine honest friendx
    i prithee but repair to me next morningx
  caphisx nayx good my lordx
  timonx contain thyselfx good friendx
  varroxs servantx one varroxs servantx my good lordx
  isidorexs servantx from isidorex he humbly prays your speedy
    paymentx
  caphisx if you did knowx my lordx my masterxs wantsx
  varroxs servantx xtwas due on forfeiturex my lordx six weeks and
    pastx
  isidorexs servantx your steward puts me offx my lordx and
    i am sent expressly to your lordshipx
  timonx give me breathx
    i do beseech youx good my lordsx keep onx
    ixll wait upon you instantlyx
                                     exeunt alcibiades and lords
    xto flaviusx come hitherx pray youx
    how goes the world that i am thus encountxred
    with clamorous demands of datexbroke bonds
    and the detention of longxsincexdue debtsx
    against my honourx
  flaviusx please youx gentlemenx
    the time is unagreeable to this businessx
    your importunacy cease till after dinnerx
    that i may make his lordship understand
    wherefore you are not paidx
  timonx do sox my friendsx
    see them well entertainxdx                              exit
  flaviusx pray draw nearx                                  exit

                      enter apemantus and fool

  caphisx stayx stayx here comes the fool with apemantusx
    letxs hax some sport with xemx
  varroxs servantx hang himx hexll abuse usx
  isidorexs servantx a plague upon himx dogx
  varroxs servantx how dostx foolx
  apemantusx dost dialogue with thy shadowx
  varroxs servantx i speak not to theex
  apemantusx nox xtis to thyselfx xto the foolx come awayx
  isidorexs servantx xto varroxs servantx therexs the fool hangs on
    your back alreadyx
  apemantusx nox thou standxst singlex thxart not on him yetx
  caphisx wherexs the fool nowx
  apemantusx he last askxd the questionx poor rogues and usurersx
    menx bawds between gold and wantx
  all servantsx what are wex apemantusx
  apemantusx assesx
  all servantsx whyx
  apemantusx that you ask me what you arex and do not know
    yourselvesx speak to xemx foolx
  foolx how do youx gentlemenx
  all servantsx gramerciesx good foolx how does your mistressx
  foolx shexs exen setting on water to scald such chickens as you
    arex would we could see you at corinthx
  apemantusx goodx gramercyx

                           enter page

  foolx look youx here comes my mistressx pagex
  pagex xto the foolx whyx how nowx captainx what do you in this wise
    companyx how dost thoux apemantusx
  apemantusx would i had a rod in my mouthx that i might answer thee
    profitablyx
  pagex pritheex apemantusx read me the superscription of these
    lettersx i know not which is whichx
  apemantusx canst not readx
  pagex nox
  apemantusx there will little learning diex thenx that day thou art
    hangxdx this is to lord timonx this to alcibiadesx gox thou wast
    born a bastardx and thouxt die a bawdx
  pagex thou wast whelpxd a dogx and thou shalt famish dogxs deathx
    answer notx i am gonex                             exit page
  apemantusx exen so thou outrunxst gracex
    foolx i will go with you to lord timonxsx
  foolx will you leave me therex
  apemantusx if timon stay at homex you three serve three usurersx
  all servantsx ayx would they servxd usx
  apemantusx so would ix as good a trick as ever hangman servxd
    thiefx
  foolx are you three usurersx menx
  all servantsx ayx foolx
  foolx i think no usurer but has a fool to his servantx my mistress
    is onex and i am her foolx when men come to borrow of your
    mastersx they approach sadly and go away merryx but they enter my
    mistressx house merrily and go away sadlyx the reason of thisx
  varroxs servantx i could render onex
  apemantusx do it thenx that we may account thee a whoremaster and a
    knavex which notwithstandingx thou shalt be no less esteemedx
  varroxs servantx what is a whoremasterx foolx
  foolx a fool in good clothesx and something like theex xtis a
    spiritx sometime xt appears like a lordx sometime like a lawyerx
    sometime like a philosopherx with two stones moe thanxs
    artificial onex he is very often like a knightx andx generallyx
    in all shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore to
    thirteenx this spirit walks inx
  varroxs servantx thou art not altogether a foolx
  foolx nor thou altogether a wise manx
    as much foolery as i havex so much wit thou lackxstx
  apemantusx that answer might have become apemantusx
  varroxs servantx asidex asidex here comes lord timonx

                    rexenter timon and flavius

  apemantusx come with mex foolx comex
  foolx i do not always follow loverx elder brotherx and womanx
    sometime the philosopherx
                                       exeunt apemantus and fool
  flaviusx pray you walk nearx ixll speak with you anonx
                                                 exeunt servants
  timonx you make me marvel wherefore ere this time
    had you not fully laid my state before mex
    that i might so have rated my expense
    as i had leave of meansx
  flaviusx you would not hear me
    at many leisures i proposxdx
  timonx go tox
    perchance some single vantages you took
    when my indisposition put you backx
    and that unaptness made your minister
    thus to excuse yourselfx
  flaviusx o my good lordx
    at many times i brought in my accountsx
    laid them before youx you would throw them off
    and say you found them in mine honestyx
    whenx for some trifling presentx you have bid me
    return so muchx i have shook my head and weptx
    yeax xgainst thx authority of mannersx prayxd you
    to hold your hand more closex i did endure
    not seldomx nor no slight checksx when i have
    prompted you in the ebb of your estate
    and your great flow of debtsx my lovxd lordx
    though you hear nowx too latexx yet nowxs a timex
    the greatest of your having lacks a half
    to pay your present debtsx
  timonx let all my land be soldx
  flaviusx xtis all engagxdx some forfeited and gonex
    and what remains will hardly stop the mouth
    of present duesx the future comes apacex
    what shall defend the interimx and at length
    how goes our reckxningx
  timonx to lacedaemon did my land extendx
  flaviusx o my good lordx the world is but a wordx
    were it all yours to give it in a breathx
    how quickly were it gonex
  timonx you tell me truex
  flaviusx if you suspect my husbandry or falsehoodx
    call me before thx exactest auditors
    and set me on the proofx so the gods bless mex
    when all our offices have been oppressxd
    with riotous feedersx when our vaults have wept
    with drunken spilth of winex when every room
    hath blazxd with lights and brayxd with minstrelsyx
    i have retirxd me to a wasteful cock
    and set mine eyes at flowx
  timonx prithee no morex
  flaviusx xheavensxx have i said xthe bounty of this lordx
    how many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants
    this night engluttedx who is not lord timonxsx
    what heartx headx swordx forcex meansx but is lord timonxsx
    great timonx noblex worthyx royal timonxx
    ahx when the means are gone that buy this praisex
    the breath is gone whereof this praise is madex
    feastxwonx fastxlostx one cloud of winter showxrsx
    these flies are couchxdx
  timonx comex sermon me no furtherx
    no villainous bounty yet hath passxd my heartx
    unwiselyx not ignoblyx have i givenx
    why dost thou weepx canst thou the conscience lack
    to think i shall lack friendsx secure thy heartx
    if i would broach the vessels of my lovex
    and try the argument of hearts by borrowingx
    men and menxs fortunes could i frankly use
    as i can bid thee speakx
  flaviusx assurance bless your thoughtsx
  timonx andx in some sortx these wants of mine are crownxd
    that i account them blessingsx for by these
    shall i try friendsx you shall perceive how you
    mistake my fortunesx i am wealthy in my friendsx
    within therex flaminiusx serviliusx

           enter flaminiusx serviliusx and another servant

  servantsx my lordx my lordx
  timonx i will dispatch you severallyx you to lord luciusx to lord
    lucullus youx i hunted with his honour toxdayx you to semproniusx
    commend me to their lovesx and i am proudx sayx that my occasions
    have found time to use xem toward a supply of moneyx let the
    request be fifty talentsx
  flaminiusx as you have saidx my lordx          exeunt servants
  flaviusx xasidex lord lucius and lucullusx humhx
  timonx go youx sirx to the senatorsx
    of whomx even to the statexs best healthx i have
    deservxd this hearingx bid xem send ox thx instant
    a thousand talents to mex
  flaviusx i have been boldx
    for that i knew it the most general wayx
    to them to use your signet and your namex
    but they do shake their headsx and i am here
    no richer in returnx
  timonx isxt truex canxt bex
  flaviusx they answerx in a joint and corporate voicex
    that now they are at fallx want treasurex cannot
    do what they wouldx are sorryx you are honourablex
    but yet they could have wishxdx they know notx
    something hath been amissx a noble nature
    may catch a wrenchx would all were wellxx xtis pityx
    and sox intending other serious mattersx
    after distasteful looksx and these hard fractionsx
    with certain halfxcaps and coldxmoving nodsx
    they froze me into silencex
  timonx you godsx reward themx
    pritheex manx look cheerlyx these old fellows
    have their ingratitude in them hereditaryx
    their blood is cakxdx xtis coldx it seldom flowsx
    xtis lack of kindly warmth they are not kindx
    and naturex as it grows again toward earthx
    is fashionxd for the journey dull and heavyx
    go to ventidiusx prithee be not sadx
    thou art true and honestx ingeniously i speakx
    no blame belongs to theex ventidius lately
    buried his fatherx by whose death hexs steppxd
    into a great estatex when he was poorx
    imprisonxdx and in scarcity of friendsx
    i clearxd him with five talentsx greet him from mex
    bid him suppose some good necessity
    touches his friendx which craves to be remembxred
    with those five talentsx that hadx givext these fellows
    to whom xtis instant duex nevxr speak or think
    that timonxs fortunes xmong his friends can sinkx
  flaviusx i would i could not think itx
    that thought is bountyxs foex
    being free itselfx it thinks all others sox           exeunt

act iiix scene ix lucullusx house

flaminius waiting to speak with lucullusx enter servant to him

  servantx i have told my lord of youx he is coming down to youx
  flaminiusx i thank youx sirx

                           enter lucullus

  servantx herexs my lordx
  lucullusx xasidex one of lord timonxs menx a giftx i warrantx whyx
    this hits rightx i dreamt of a silver basin and ewer toxnightx
    flaminiusx honest flaminiusx you are very respectively welcomex
    sirx fill me some winex xexit servantx and how does that
    honourablex completex freehearted gentleman of athensx thy very
    bountiful good lord and masterx
  flaminiusx his health is wellx sirx
  lucullusx i am right glad that his health is wellx sirx and what
    hast thou there under thy cloakx pretty flaminiusx
  flaminiusx faithx nothing but an empty boxx sirx which in my lordxs
    behalf i come to entreat your honour to supplyx  whox having
    great and instant occasion to use fifty talentsx hath sent to
    your lordship to furnish himx nothing doubting your present
    assistance thereinx
  luculliusx lax lax lax lax xnothing doubtingx says hex alasx good
    lordx a noble gentleman xtisx if he would not keep so good a
    housex many a time and often i hax dinxd with him and told him
    onxtx and come again to supper to him of purpose to have him
    spend lessx and yet he would embrace no counselx take no warning
    by my comingx every man has his faultx and honesty is hisx i hax
    told him onxtx but i could nexer get him fromxtx

                    rexenter servantx with wine

  servantx please your lordshipx here is the winex
  lucullusx flaminiusx i have noted thee always wisex herexs to theex
  flaminiusx your lordship speaks your pleasurex
  lucullusx i have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spiritx
    give thee thy duex and one that knows what belongs to reasonx and
    canst use the time wellx if the time use thee wellx good parts in
    theex xto servantx get you gonex sirrahx xexit servantx draw
    nearerx honest flaminiusx thy lordxs a bountiful gentlemanx but
    thou art wisex and thou knowxst well enoughx although thou comxst
    to mex that this is no time to lend moneyx especially upon bare
    friendship without securityx herexs three solidares for theex
    good boyx wink at mex and say thou sawxst me notx fare thee wellx
  flaminiusx isxt possible the world should so much differx
    and we alive that livxdx flyx damned basenessx
    to him that worships theex         xthrowing the money backx
  lucullusx hax now i see thou art a foolx and fit for thy masterx
 exit
  flaminiusx may these add to the number that may scald theex
    let molten coin be thy damnationx
    thou disease of a friend and not himselfx
    has friendship such a faint and milky heart
    it turns in less than two nightsx o you godsx
    i feel my masterxs passionx this slave
    unto his honour has my lordxs meat in himx
    why should it thrive and turn to nutriment
    when he is turnxd to poisonx
    ox may diseases only work uponxtx
    and when hexs sick to deathx let not that part of nature
    which my lord paid for be of any power
    to expel sicknessx but prolong his hourx                exit

scene iix a public place

enter luciusx with three strangers

  luciusx whox the lord timonx he is my very good friendx and an
    honourable gentlemanx
  first strangerx we know him for no lessx though we are but
    strangers to himx but i can tell you one thingx my lordx and
    which i hear from common rumoursx now lord timonxs happy hours
    are done and pastx and his estate shrinks from himx
  luciusx fiex nox do not believe itx he cannot want for moneyx
  second strangerx but believe you thisx my lordx that not long ago
     one of his men was with the lord lucullus to borrow so many
    talentsx nayx urgxd extremely forxtx and showed what necessity
    belongxd toxtx and yet was deniedx
  luciusx howx
  second strangerx i tell youx deniedx my lordx
  luciusx what a strange case was thatx nowx before the godsx i am
    ashamxd onxtx denied that honourable manx there was very little
    honour showxd inxtx for my own partx i must needs confess i have
    received some small kindnesses from himx as moneyx platex jewelsx
    and suchxlike triflesx nothing comparing to hisx yetx had he
    mistook him and sent to mex i should nexer have denied his
    occasion so many talentsx

                             enter servilius

  serviliusx seex by good hapx yonderxs my lordx i have sweat to see
    his honourxx my honourxd lordx
  luciusx serviliusx you are kindly metx sirx fare thee wellx commend
    me to thy honourable virtuous lordx my very exquisite friendx
  serviliusx may it please your honourx my lord hath sentx
  luciusx hax what has he sentx i am so much endeared to that lordx
    hexs ever sendingx how shall i thank himx thinkxst thoux and what
    has he sent nowx
  serviliusx has only sent his present occasion nowx my lordx
    requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many
    talentsx
  luciusx i know his lordship is but merry with mex
    he cannot want fiftyxfive hundred talentsx
  serviliusx but in the mean time he wants lessx my lordx
    if his occasion were not virtuous
    i should not urge it half so faithfullyx
  luciusx dost thou speak seriouslyx serviliusx
  serviliusx upon my soulx xtis truex sirx
  luciusx what a wicked beast was i to disfurnish myself against such
    a good timex when i might hax shown myself honourablex how
    unluckily it happxned that i should purchase the day before for a
    little part and undo a great deal of honourx serviliusx now
    before the godsx i am not able to dox the more beastx i sayx i
    was sending to use lord timon myselfx these gentlemen can
    witnessx but i would not for the wealth of athens i had donext
    nowx commend me bountifully to his good lordshipx and i hope his
    honour will conceive the fairest of mex because i have no power
    to be kindx and tell him this from mex i count it one of my
    greatest afflictionsx sayx that i cannot pleasure such an
    honourable gentlemanx good serviliusx will you befriend me so far
    as to use mine own words to himx
  serviliusx yesx sirx i shallx
  luciusx ixll look you out a good turnx serviliusx
                                                  exit servilius
    truex as you saidx timon is shrunk indeedx
    and he thatxs once denied will hardly speedx            exit
  first strangerx do you observe thisx hostiliusx
  second strangerx ayx too wellx
  first strangerx whyx this is the worldxs soulx and just of the same
      piece
    is every flattererxs spiritx who can call him his friend
    that dips in the same dishx forx in my knowingx
    timon has been this lordxs fatherx
    and kept his credit with his pursex
    supported his estatex nayx timonxs money
    has paid his men their wagesx he nexer drinks
    but timonxs silver treads upon his lipx
    and yetx ox see the monstrousness of man
    when he looks out in an ungrateful shapexx
    he does deny himx in respect of hisx
    what charitable men afford to beggarsx
  third strangerx religion groans at itx
  first strangerx for mine own partx
    i never tasted timon in my lifex
    nor came any of his bounties over me
    to mark me for his friendx yet i protestx
    for his right noble mindx illustrious virtuex
    and honourable carriagex
    had his necessity made use of mex
    i would have put my wealth into donationx
    and the best half should have returnxd to himx
    so much i love his heartx but i perceive
    men must learn now with pity to dispensex
    for policy sits above consciencex                     exeunt

scene iiix semproniusx house

enter sempronius and a servant of timonxs

  semproniusx must he needs trouble me inxtx humx xbove all othersx
    he might have tried lord lucius or lucullusx
    and now ventidius is wealthy toox
    whom he redeemxd from prisonx all these
    owe their estates unto himx
  servantx my lordx
    they have all been touchxd and found base metalx for
    they have all denied himx
  semproniusx howx have they denied himx
    has ventidius and lucullus denied himx
    and does he send to mex threex humhx
    it shows but little love or judgment in himx
    must i be his last refugex his friendsx like physiciansx
    thrice give him overx must i take thx cure upon mex
    has much disgracxd me inxtx ixm angry at himx
    that might have known my placex i see no sense forxtx
    but his occasions might have wooxd me firstx
    forx in my consciencex i was the first man
    that exer received gift from himx
    and does he think so backwardly of me now
    that ixll requite it lastx nox
    so it may prove an argument of laughter
    to thx restx and i xmongst lords be thought a foolx
    ixd rather than the worth of thrice the sum
    had sent to me firstx but for my mindxs sakex
    ixd such a courage to do him goodx but now returnx
    and with their faint reply this answer joinx
    who bates mine honour shall not know my coinx           exit
  servantx excellentx your lordshipxs a goodly villainx the devil
    knew not what he did when he made man politicx he crossxd himself
    byxtx and i cannot think butx in the endx the villainies of man
    will set him clearx how fairly this lord strives to appear foulx
    takes virtuous copies to be wickedx like those that under hot
    ardent zeal would set whole realms on firex
    of such a nature is his politic lovex
    this was my lordxs best hopex now all are fledx
    save only the godsx now his friends are deadx
    doors that were nexer acquainted with their wards
    many a bounteous year must be employxd
    now to guard sure their masterx
    and this is all a liberal course allowsx
    who cannot keep his wealth must keep his housex         exit

scene ivx a hall in timonxs house

enter two of varroxs menx meeting luciusx servantx and othersx all
being servants of timonxs creditorsx to wait for his coming outx then
enter titus and hortensius

  first varroxs servantx well metx good morrowx titus and hortensiusx
  titusx the like to youx kind varrox
  hortensiusx luciusx whatx do we meet togetherx
  luciusx servantx ayx and i think one business does command us allx
    for mine is moneyx
  titusx so is theirs and oursx

                          enter philotus

  luciusx servantx and sir philotus toox
  philotusx good day at oncex
  luciusx servantx welcomex good brotherx what do you think the hourx
  philotusx labouring for ninex
  luciusx servantx so muchx
  philotusx is not my lord seen yetx
  luciusx servantx not yetx
  philotusx i wonder onxtx he was wont to shine at sevenx
  luciusx servantx ayx but the days are waxxd shorter with himx
    you must consider that a prodigal course
    is like the sunxsx but not like his recoverablex
    i fear
    xtis deepest winter in lord timonxs pursex
    that isx one may reach deep enough and yet
    find littlex
  philotusx i am of your fear for thatx
  titusx ixll show you how tx observe a strange eventx
    your lord sends now for moneyx
  hortensiusx most truex he doesx
  titusx and he wears jewels now of timonxs giftx
    for which i wait for moneyx
  hortensiusx it is against my heartx
  luciusx servantx mark how strange it shows
    timon in this should pay more than he owesx
    and exen as if your lord should wear rich jewels
    and send for money for xemx
  hortensiusx ixm weary of this chargex the gods can witnessx
    i know my lord hath spent of timonxs wealthx
    and now ingratitude makes it worse than stealthx
  first varroxs servantx yesx minexs three thousand crownsx whatxs
    yoursx
  luciusx servantx five thousand minex
  first varroxs servantx xtis much deepx and it should seem by thx
      sum
    your masterxs confidence was above minex
    else surely his had equallxdx

                           enter flaminius

  titusx one of lord timonxs menx
  luciusx servantx flaminiusx sirx a wordx prayx is my lord ready to
    come forthx
  flaminiusx nox indeedx he is notx
  titusx we attend his lordshipx pray signify so muchx
  flaminiusx i need not tell him thatx he knows you are to diligentx
 exit

                 enter flaviusx in a cloakx muffled

  luciusx servantx hax is not that his steward muffled sox
    he goes away in a cloudx call himx call himx
  titusx do you hearx sirx
  second varroxs servantx by your leavex sirx
  flaviusx what do ye ask of mex my friendx
  titusx we wait for certain money herex sirx
  flaviusx ayx
    if money were as certain as your waitingx
    xtwere sure enoughx
    why then preferrxd you not your sums and bills
    when your false masters eat of my lordxs meatx
    then they could smilex and fawn upon his debtsx
    and take down thx intxrest into their gluttxnous mawsx
    you do yourselves but wrong to stir me upx
    let me pass quietlyx
    believextx my lord and i have made an endx
    i have no more to reckonx he to spendx
  luciusx servantx ayx but this answer will not servex
  flaviusx if xtwill not servex xtis not so base as youx
    for you serve knavesx                                   exit
  first varroxs servantx howx what does his cashierxd worship mutterx
  second varroxs servantx no matter whatx hexs poorx and thatxs
    revenge enoughx who can speak broader than he that has no house
    to put his head inx such may rail against great buildingsx

                          enter servilius

  titusx ox herexs serviliusx now we shall know some answerx
  serviliusx if i might beseech youx gentlemenx to repair some other
    hourx i should derive much fromxtx for takext of my soulx my lord
    leans wondrously to discontentx his comfortable temper has
    forsook himx hexs much out of health and keeps his chamberx
  luciusx servantx many do keep their chambers are not sickx
    and if it be so far beyond his healthx
    methinks he should the sooner pay his debtsx
    and make a clear way to the godsx
  serviliusx good godsx
  titusx we cannot take this for answerx sirx
  flaminiusx xwithinx serviliusx helpx my lordx my lordx

           enter timonx in a ragex flaminius following

  timonx whatx are my doors opposxd against my passagex
    have i been ever freex and must my house
    be my retentive enemyx my gaolx
    the place which i have feastedx does it nowx
    like all mankindx show me an iron heartx
  luciusx servantx put in nowx titusx
  titusx my lordx here is my billx
  luciusx servantx herexs minex
  hortensiusx and minex my lordx
  both varroxs servantsx and oursx my lordx
  philotusx all our billsx
  timonx knock me down with xemx cleave me to the girdlex
  luciusx servantx alasx my lordx
  timonx cut my heart in sumsx
  titusx minex fifty talentsx
  timonx tell out my bloodx
  luciusx servantx five thousand crownsx my lordx
  timonx five thousand drops pays thatx what yoursx and yoursx
  first varroxs servantx my lordx
  second varroxs servantx my lordx
  timonx tear mex take mex and the gods fall upon youx      exit
  hortensiusx faithx i perceive our masters may throw their caps at
    their moneyx these debts may well be callxd desperate onesx for a
    madman owes xemx                                      exeunt

                    rexenter timon and flavius

  timonx they have exen put my breath from mex the slavesx
    creditorsx devilsx
  flaviusx my dear lordx
  timonx what if it should be sox
  flaminiusx my lordx
  timonx ixll have it sox my stewardx
  flaviusx herex my lordx
  timonx so fitlyx gox bid all my friends againx
    luciusx lucullusx and semproniusx allx
    ixll once more feast the rascalsx
  flaviusx o my lordx
    you only speak from your distracted soulx
    there is not so much left to furnish out
    a moderate tablex
  timonx be it not in thy carex
    gox i charge theex invite them allx let in the tide
    of knaves once morex my cook and ixll providex        exeunt

scene vx the senate house

enter three senators at one doorx alcibiades meeting themx with
attendants

  first senatorx my lordx you have my voice toxtx the faultxs bloodyx
    xtis necessary he should diex
    nothing emboldens sin so much as mercyx
  second senatorx most truex the law shall bruise himx
  alcibiadesx honourx healthx and compassionx to the senatex
  first senatorx nowx captainx
  alcibiadesx i am an humble suitor to your virtuesx
    for pity is the virtue of the lawx
    and none but tyrants use it cruellyx
    it pleases time and fortune to lie heavy
    upon a friend of minex who in hot blood
    hath steppxd into the lawx which is past depth
    to those that without heed do plunge intoxtx
    he is a manx setting his fate asidex
    of comely virtuesx
    nor did he soil the fact with cowardicex
    an honour in him which buys out his faultx
    but with a noble fury and fair spiritx
    seeing his reputation touchxd to deathx
    he did oppose his foex
    and with such sober and unnoted passion
    he did behove his anger ere xtwas spentx
    as if he had but provxd an argumentx
  first senatorx you undergo too strict a paradoxx
    striving to make an ugly deed look fairx
    your words have took such pains as if they labourxd
    to bring manslaughter into form and set
    quarrelling upon the head of valourx whichx indeedx
    is valour misbegotx and came into the world
    when sects and factions were newly bornx
    hexs truly valiant that can wisely suffer
    the worst that man can breathex
    and make his wrongs his outsidesx
    to wear them like his raimentx carelesslyx
    and nexer prefer his injuries to his heartx
    to bring it into dangerx
    if wrongs be evilsx and enforce us killx
    what folly xtis to hazard life for illx
  alcibiadesx my lordx
  first senatorx you cannot make gross sins look clearx
    to revenge is no valourx but to bearx
  alcibiadesx my lordsx thenx under favourx pardon me
    if i speak like a captainx
    why do fond men expose themselves to battlex
    and not endure all threatsx sleep uponxtx
    and let the foes quietly cut their throatsx
    without repugnancyx if there be
    such valour in the bearingx what make we
    abroadx whyx thenx women are more valiantx
    that stay at homex if bearing carry itx
    and the ass more captain than the lionx the fellow
    loaden with irons wiser than the judgex
    if wisdom be in sufferingx o my lordsx
    as you are greatx be pitifully goodx
    who cannot condemn rashness in cold bloodx
    to killx i grantx is sinxs extremest gustx
    butx in defencex by mercyx xtis most justx
    to be in anger is impietyx
    but who is man that is not angryx
    weigh but the crime with thisx
  second senatorx you breathe in vainx
  alcibiadesx in vainx his service done
    at lacedaemon and byzantium
    were a sufficient briber for his lifex
  first senatorx whatxs thatx
  alcibiadesx whyx i sayx my lordsx has done fair servicex
    and slain in fight many of your enemiesx
    how full of valour did he bear himself
    in the last conflictx and made plenteous woundsx
  second senatorx he has made too much plenty with xemx
    hexs a sworn rioterx he has a sin that often
    drowns him and takes his valour prisonerx
    if there were no foesx that were enough
    to overcome himx in that beastly fury
    he has been known to commit outrages
    and cherish factionsx xtis inferrxd to us
    his days are foul and his drink dangerousx
  first senatorx he diesx
  alcibiadesx hard fatex he might have died in warx
    my lordsx if not for any parts in himx
    though his right arm might purchase his own timex
    and be in debt to nonex yetx more to move youx
    take my deserts to hisx and join xem bothx
    andx for i know your reverend ages love
    securityx ixll pawn my victoriesx all
    my honours to youx upon his good returnsx
    if by this crime he owes the law his lifex
    whyx let the war receivext in valiant gorex
    for law is strictx and war is nothing morex
  first senatorx we are for lawx he diesx urge it no more
    on height of our displeasurex friend or brotherx
    he forfeits his own blood that spills anotherx
  alcibiadesx must it be sox it must not bex my lordsx
    i do beseech youx know mex
  second senatorx howx
  alcibiadesx call me to your remembrancesx
  third senatorx whatx
  alcibiadesx i cannot think but your age has forgot mex
    it could not else be i should prove so base
    to suex and be denied such common gracex
    my wounds ache at youx
  first senatorx do you dare our angerx
    xtis in few wordsx but spacious in effectx
    we banish thee for everx
  alcibiadesx banish mex
    banish your dotagex banish usury
    that makes the senate uglyx
  first senatorx if after two daysx shine athens contain theex
    attend our weightier judgmentx andx not to swell our spiritx
    he shall be executed presentlyx              exeunt senators
  alcibiadesx now the gods keep you old enough that you may live
    only in bonex that none may look on youx
    ixm worse than madx i have kept back their foesx
    while they have told their money and let out
    their coin upon large interestx i myself
    rich only in large hurtsx all those for thisx
    is this the balsam that the usuring senate
    pours into captainsx woundsx banishmentx
    it comes not illx i hate not to be banishxdx
    it is a cause worthy my spleen and furyx
    that i may strike at athensx ixll cheer up
    my discontented troopsx and lay for heartsx
    xtis honour with most lands to be at oddsx
    soldiers should brook as little wrongs as godsx         exit

scene vix a banqueting hall in timonxs house

musicx tables set outx servants attendingx enter divers lordsx friends
of timonx at several doors

  first lordx the good time of day to youx sirx
  second lordx i also wish it to youx i think this honourable lord
    did but try us this other dayx
  first lordx upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encountxredx
    i hope it is not so low with him as he made it seem in the trial
    of his several friendsx
  second lordx it should not bex by the persuasion of his new
    feastingx
  first lordx i should think sox he hath sent me an earnest invitingx
    which many my near occasions did urge me to put offx but he hath
    conjurxd me beyond themx and i must needs appearx
  second lordx in like manner was i in debt to my importunate
    businessx but he would not hear my excusex i am sorryx when he
    sent to borrow of mex that my provision was outx
  first lordx i am sick of that grief toox as i understand how all
    things gox
  second lordx every man herexs sox what would he have borrowed of
    youx
  first lordx a thousand piecesx
  second lordx a thousand piecesx
  first lordx what of youx
  second lordx he sent to mex sirx here he comesx

                   enter timon and attendants

  timonx with all my heartx gentlemen bothx and how fare youx
  first lordx ever at the bestx hearing well of your lordshipx
  second lordx the swallow follows not summer more willing than we
    your lordshipx
  timonx xasidex nor more willingly leaves winterx such summerxbirds
    are menx gentlemenx our dinner will not recompense this long
    stayx feast your ears with the music awhilex if they will fare so
    harshly ox thx trumpetxs soundx we shall toxt presentlyx
  first lordx i hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that
    i returnxd you an empty messengerx
  timonx o sirx let it not trouble youx
  second lordx my noble lordx
  timonx ahx my good friendx what cheerx
  second lordx my most honourable lordx i am exen sick of shame thatx
    when your lordship this other day sent to mex i was so
    unfortunate a beggarx
  timonx think not onxtx sirx
  second lordx if you had sent but two hours beforex
  timonx let it not cumber your better remembrancex xthe banquet
    brought inx comex bring in all togetherx
  second lordx all coverxd dishesx
  first lordx royal cheerx i warrant youx
  third lordx doubt not thatx if money and the season can yield itx
  first lordx how do youx whatxs the newsx
  third lordx alcibiades is banishxdx hear you of itx
  first and second lordsx alcibiades banishxdx
  third lordx xtis sox be sure of itx
  first lordx howx howx
  second lordx i pray youx upon whatx
  timonx my worthy friendsx will you draw nearx
  third lordx ixll tell you more anonx herexs a noble feast towardx
  second lordx this is the old man stillx
  third lordx willxt holdx willxt holdx
  second lordx it doesx but time willx and sox
  third lordx i do conceivex
  timonx each man to his stool with that spur as he would to the lip
    of his mistressx your diet shall be in all places alikex make not
    a city feast of itx to let the meat cool ere we can agree upon
    the first placex sitx sitx the gods require our thanksx

    you great benefactorsx sprinkle our society with thankfulnessx for
    your own gifts make yourselves praisxdx but reserve still to givex
    lest your deities be despisedx lend to each man enoughx that one
    need not lend to anotherx for were your godxheads to borrow of menx
    men would forsake the godsx make the meat be beloved more than the
    man that gives itx let no assembly of twenty be without a score of
    villainsx if there sit twelve women at the tablex let a dozen of
    them bex as they arex the rest of your foesx o godsx the senators
    of athensx together with the common lag of peoplex what is amiss in
    themx you godsx make suitable for destructionx for these my present
    friendsx as they are to me nothingx so in nothing bless themx and
    to nothing are they welcomex

    uncoverx dogsx and lapx        xthe dishes are uncovered and
                                  seen to he full of warm waterx
  some speakx what does his lordship meanx
  some otherx i know notx
  timonx may you a better feast never beholdx
    you knot of mouthxfriendsx smoke and lukewarm water
    is your perfectionx this is timonxs lastx
    whox stuck and spangled with your flatteriesx
    washes it offx and sprinkles in your faces
                             xthrowing the water in their facesx
    your reeking villainyx live loathxd and longx
    most smilingx smoothx detested parasitesx
    courteous destroyersx affable wolvesx meek bearsx
    you fools of fortunex trencher friendsx timexs fliesx
    cap and knee slavesx vapoursx and minutexlacksx
    of man and beast the infinite malady
    crust you quite oxerx whatx dost thou gox
    softx take thy physic firstx thou toox and thoux
    stayx i will lend thee moneyx borrow nonex       xthrows the
                            dishes at themx and drives them outx
    whatx all in motionx henceforth be no feast
    whereat a villainxs not a welcome guestx
    burn housex sink athensx henceforth hated be
    of timon man and all humanityx                          exit

                           rexenter the lords

  first lordx how nowx my lordsx
  second lordx know you the quality of lord timonxs furyx
  third lordx pushx did you see my capx
  fourth lordx i have lost my gownx
  first lordx hexs but a mad lordx and nought but humours sways himx
    he gave me a jewel thx other dayx and now he has beat it out of
    my hatx did you see my jewelx
  third lordx did you see my capx
  second lordx here xtisx
  fourth lordx here lies my gownx
  first lordx letxs make no stayx
  second lordx lord timonxs madx
  third lordx i feelxt upon my bonesx
  fourth lordx one day he gives us diamondsx next day stonesx
                                                          exeunt

act ivx scene ix without the walls of athens

enter timon

  timonx let me look back upon theex o thou wall
    that girdles in those wolvesx dive in the earth
    and fence not athensx matronsx turn incontinentx
    obediencex fail in childrenx slaves and foolsx
    pluck the grave wrinkled senate from the bench
    and minister in their steadsx to general filths
    convertx ox thx instantx green virginityx
    doxt in your parentsx eyesx bankruptsx hold fastx
    rather than render backx out with your knives
    and cut your trustersx throatsx bound servantsx stealx
    largexhanded robbers your grave masters arex
    and pill by lawx maidx to thy masterxs bedx
    thy mistress is ox thx brothelx son of sixteenx
    pluck the linxd crutch from thy old limping sirex
    with it beat out his brainsx piety and fearx
    religion to the godsx peacex justicex truthx
    domestic awex nightxrestx and neighbourhoodx
    instructionx mannersx mysteriesx and tradesx
    degreesx observancesx customs and lawsx
    decline to your confounding contraries
    and let confusion livex plagues incident to menx
    your potent and infectious fevers heap
    on athensx ripe for strokex thou cold sciaticax
    cripple our senatorsx that their limbs may halt
    as lamely as their mannersx lust and libertyx
    creep in the minds and marrows of our youthx
    that xgainst the stream of virtue they may strive
    and drown themselves in riotx itchesx blainsx
    sow all thx athenian bosomsx and their crop
    be general leprosyx breath infect breathx
    that their societyx as their friendshipx may
    be merely poisonx nothing ixll bear from thee
    but nakednessx thou detestable townx
    take thou that toox with multiplying bansx
    timon will to the woodsx where he shall find
    thx unkindest beast more kinder than mankindx
    the gods confoundx hear mex you good gods allx
    the athenians both within and out that wallx
    and grantx as timon growsx his hate may grow
    to the whole race of mankindx high and lowx
    amenx                                                   exit

scene iix athensx timonxs house

enter flaviusx with two or three servants

  first servantx hear youx master stewardx wherexs our masterx
    are we undonex cast offx nothing remainingx
  flaviusx alackx my fellowsx what should i say to youx
    let me be recorded by the righteous godsx
    i am as poor as youx
  first servantx such a house brokex
    so noble a master fallxnx all gonex and not
    one friend to take his fortune by the arm
    and go along with himx
  second servantx as we do turn our backs
    from our companionx thrown into his gravex
    so his familiars to his buried fortunes
    slink all awayx leave their false vows with himx
    like empty purses pickxdx and his poor selfx
    a dedicated beggar to the airx
    with his disease of allxshunnxd povertyx
    walksx like contemptx alonex more of our fellowsx

                     enter other servants

  flaviusx all broken implements of a ruinxd housex
  third servantx yet do our hearts wear timonxs liveryx
    that see i by our facesx we are fellows stillx
    serving alike in sorrowx leakxd is our barkx
    and wex poor matesx stand on the dying deckx
    hearing the surges threatx we must all part
    into this sea of airx
  flaviusx good fellows allx
    the latest of my wealth ixll share amongst youx
    wherever we shall meetx for timonxs sakex
    letxs yet be fellowsx letxs shake our heads and sayx
    as xtwere a knell unto our masterxs fortunex
    xwe have seen better daysxx let each take somex
                                             xgiving them moneyx
    nayx put out all your handsx not one word morex
    thus part we rich in sorrowx parting poorx
                                xembracex and part several waysx
    o the fierce wretchedness that glory brings usx
    who would not wish to be from wealth exemptx
    since riches point to misery and contemptx
    who would be so mockxd with gloryx or to live
    but in a dream of friendshipx
    to have his pompx and all what state compoundsx
    but only paintedx like his varnishxd friendsx
    poor honest lordx brought low by his own heartx
    undone by goodnessx strangex unusual bloodx
    when manxs worst sin is he does too much goodx
    who then dares to be half so kind againx
    for bountyx that makes godsx does still mar menx
    my dearest lordx blest to be most accurstx
    rich only to be wretchedx thy great fortunes
    are made thy chief afflictionsx alasx kind lordx
    hexs flung in rage from this ingrateful seat
    of monstrous friendsx nor has he with him to
    supply his lifex or that which can command itx
    ixll follow and enquire him outx
    ixll ever serve his mind with my best willx
    whilst i have goldx ixll be his steward stillx          exit

scene iiix the woods near the seaxshorex before timonxs cave

enter timon in the woods

  timonx o blessed breeding sunx draw from the earth
    rotten humidityx below thy sisterxs orb
    infect the airx twinnxd brothers of one wombx
    whose procreationx residencex and birthx
    scarce is dividantx touch them with several fortunesx
    the greater scorns the lesserx not naturex
    to whom all sores lay siegex can bear great fortune
    but by contempt of naturex
    raise me this beggar and denyxt that lordx
    the senator shall bear contempt hereditaryx
    the beggar native honourx
    it is the pasture lards the rotherxs sidesx
    the want that makes him leanx who daresx who daresx
    in purity of manhood stand uprightx
    and say xthis manxs a flattererxx if one bex
    so are they allx for every grise of fortune
    is smoothxd by that belowx the learned pate
    ducks to the golden foolx allxs obliquex
    therexs nothing level in our cursed natures
    but direct villainyx therefore be abhorrxd
    all feastsx societiesx and throngs of menx
    his semblablex yeax himselfx timon disdainsx
    destruction fang mankindx earthx yield me rootsx
                                                       xdiggingx
    who seeks for better of theex sauce his palate
    with thy most operant poisonx what is herex
    goldx yellowx glitteringx precious goldx nox godsx
    i am no idle votaristx rootsx you clear heavensx
    thus much of this will make black whitex foul fairx
    wrong rightx base noblex old youngx coward valiantx
    hax you godsx why thisx whatx thisx you godsx whyx this
    will lug your priests and servants from your sidesx
    pluck stout menxs pillows from below their headsx
    this yellow slave
    will knit and break religionsx bless thx accursxdx
    make the hoar leprosy adorxdx place thieves
    and give them titlex kneex and approbationx
    with senators on the benchx this is it
    that makes the wappenxd widow wed againx
    she whom the spitalxhouse and ulcerous sores
    would cast the gorge at this embalms and spices
    to th xapril day againx comex damnxd earthx
    thou common whore of mankindx that puts odds
    among the rout of nationsx i will make thee
    do thy right naturex                        xmarch afar offx
    hax a drumx thxart quickx
    but yet ixll bury theex thouxt gox strong thiefx
    when gouty keepers of thee cannot standx
    nayx stay thou out for earnestx          xkeeping some goldx

          enter alcibiadesx with drum and fifex in warlike
                  mannerx and phrynia and timandra

  alcibiadesx what art thou therex speakx
  timonx a beastx as thou artx the canker gnaw thy heart
    for showing me again the eyes of manx
  alcibiadesx what is thy namex is man so hateful to thee
    that art thyself a manx
  timonx i am misanthroposx and hate mankindx
    for thy partx i do wish thou wert a dogx
    that i might love thee somethingx
  alcibiadesx i know thee wellx
    but in thy fortunes am unlearnxd and strangex
  timonx i know thee toox and more than that i know thee
    i not desire to knowx follow thy drumx
    with manxs blood paint the groundx gulesx gulesx
    religious canonsx civil lawsx are cruelx
    then what should war bex this fell whore of thine
    hath in her more destruction than thy sword
    for all her cherubin lookx
  phryniax thy lips rot offx
  timonx i will not kiss theex then the rot returns
    to thine own lips againx
  alcibiadesx how came the noble timon to this changex
  timonx as the moon doesx by wanting light to givex
    but then renew i could notx like the moonx
    there were no suns to borrow ofx
  alcibiadesx noble timonx
    what friendship may i do theex
  timonx nonex but to
    maintain my opinionx
  alcibiadesx what is itx timonx
  timonx promise me friendshipx but perform nonex if thou wilt not
    promisex the gods plague theex for thou art manx if thou dost
    performx confound theex for thou art a manx
  alcibiadesx i have heard in some sort of thy miseriesx
  timonx thou sawxst them when i had prosperityx
  alcibiadesx i see them nowx then was a blessed timex
  timonx as thine is nowx held with a brace of harlotsx
  timandrax is this thx athenian minion whom the world
    voicxd so regardfullyx
  timonx art thou timandrax
  timandrax yesx
  timonx be a whore stillx they love thee not that use theex
    give them diseasesx leaving with thee their lustx
    make use of thy salt hoursx season the slaves
    for tubs and bathsx bring down rosexcheekxd youth
    to the tubxfast and the dietx
  timandrax hang theex monsterx
  alcibiadesx pardon himx sweet timandrax for his wits
    are drownxd and lost in his calamitiesx
    i have but little gold of latex brave timonx
    the want whereof doth daily make revolt
    in my penurious bandx i have heardx and grievxdx
    how cursed athensx mindless of thy worthx
    forgetting thy great deedsx when neighbour statesx
    but for thy sword and fortunex trod upon themx
  timonx i prithee beat thy drum and get thee gonex
  alcibiadesx i am thy friendx and pity theex dear timonx
  timonx how dost thou pity him whom thou dost troublex
    i had rather be alonex
  alcibiadesx whyx fare thee wellx
    here is some gold for theex
  timonx keep itx i cannot eat itx
  alcibiadesx when i have laid proud athens on a heapx
  timonx warxst thou xgainst athensx
  alcibiadesx ayx timonx and have causex
  timonx the gods confound them all in thy conquestx
    and thee afterx when thou hast conquerxdx
  alcibiadesx why mex timonx
  timonx that by killing of villains
    thou wast born to conquer my countryx
    put up thy goldx go onx herexs goldx go onx
    be as a planetary plaguex when jove
    will oxer some highxvicxd city hang his poison
    in the sick airx let not thy sword skip onex
    pity not honourxd age for his white beardx
    he is an usurerx strike me the counterfeit matronx
    it is her habit only that is honestx
    herselfxs a bawdx let not the virginxs cheek
    make soft thy trenchant swordx for those milk paps
    that through the window bars bore at menxs eyes
    are not within the leaf of pity writx
    but set them down horrible traitorsx spare not the babe
    whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercyx
    think it a bastard whom the oracle
    hath doubtfully pronouncxd thy throat shall cutx
    and mince it sans remorsex swear against abjectsx
    put armour on thine ears and on thine eyesx
    whose proof nor yells of mothersx maidsx nor babesx
    nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleedingx
    shall pierce a jotx therexs gold to pay thy soldiersx
    make large confusionx andx thy fury spentx
    confounded be thyselfx speak notx be gonex
  alcibiadesx hast thou gold yetx ixll take the gold thou givest mex
    not all thy counselx
  timonx dost thoux or dost thou notx heavenxs curse upon theex
  phrynia and timandrax give us some goldx good timonx
    hast thou morex
  timonx enough to make a whore forswear her tradex
    and to make whores a bawdx hold upx you slutsx
    your aprons mountantx you are not oathablex
    although i know youxll swearx terribly swearx
    into strong shudders and to heavenly aguesx
    thx immortal gods that hear youx spare your oathsx
    ixll trust to your conditionsx be whores stillx
    and he whose pious breath seeks to convert youx
    be strong in whorex allure himx burn him upx
    let your close fire predominate his smokex
    and be no turncoatsx yet may your pains six months
    be quite contraryx and thatch your poor thin roofs
    with burdens of the deadx some that were hangxdx
    no matterx wear themx betray with themx whore stillx
    paint till a horse may mire upon your facex
    a pox of wrinklesx
  phrynia and timandrax wellx more goldx what thenx
    believext that wexll do anything for goldx
  timonx consumptions sow
    in hollow bones of manx strike their sharp shinsx
    and mar menxs spurringx crack the lawyerxs voicex
    that he may never more false title pleadx
    nor sound his quillets shrillyx hoar the flamenx
    that scolds against the quality of flesh
    and not believes himselfx down with the nosex
    down with it flatx take the bridge quite away
    of him thatx his particular to foreseex
    smells from the general wealx make curlxdxpate ruffians baldx
    and let the unscarrxd braggarts of the war
    derive some pain from youx plague allx
    that your activity may defeat and quell
    the source of all erectionx therexs more goldx
    do you damn othersx and let this damn youx
    and ditches grave you allx
  phrynia and timandrax more counsel with more moneyx bounteous
    timonx
  timonx more whorex more mischief firstx i have given you earnestx
  alcibiadesx strike up the drum towards athensx farewellx timonx
    if i thrive wellx ixll visit thee againx
  timonx if i hope wellx ixll never see thee morex
  alcibiadesx i never did thee harmx
  timonx yesx thou spokxst well of mex
  alcibiadesx callxst thou that harmx
  timonx men daily find itx get thee awayx and take
    thy beagles with theex
  alcibiadesx we but offend himx strikex
                                drum beatsx exeunt all but timon
  timonx that naturex being sick of manxs unkindnessx
    should yet be hungryx common motherx thoux         xdiggingx
    whose womb unmeasurable and infinite breast
    teems and feeds allx whose selfxsame mettlex
    whereof thy proud childx arrogant manx is puffxdx
    engenders the black toad and adder bluex
    the gilded newt and eyeless venomxd wormx
    with all thx abhorred births below crisp heaven
    whereon hyperionxs quickxning fire doth shinex
    yield himx who all thy human sons doth hatex
    from forth thy plenteous bosomx one poor rootx
    ensear thy fertile and conceptious wombx
    let it no more bring out ingrateful manx
    go great with tigersx dragonsx wolvesx and bearsx
    teem with new monsters whom thy upward face
    hath to the marbled mansion all above
    never presentedxx ox a rootx dear thanksxx
    dry up thy marrowsx vinesx and ploughxtorn leasx
    whereof ingrateful manx with liquorish draughts
    and morsels unctuousx greases his pure mindx
    that from it all consideration slipsx

                        enter apemantus

    more manx plaguex plaguex
  apemantusx i was directed hitherx men report
    thou dost affect my manners and dost use themx
  timonx xtisx thenx because thou dost not keep a dogx
    whom i would imitatex consumption catch theex
  apemantusx this is in thee a nature but infectedx
    a poor unmanly melancholy sprung
    from change of fortunex why this spadex this placex
    this slavexlike habit and these looks of carex
    thy flatterers yet wear silkx drink winex lie softx
    hug their diseasxd perfumesx and have forgot
    that ever timon wasx shame not these woods
    by putting on the cunning of a carperx
    be thou a flatterer nowx and seek to thrive
    by that which has undone theex hinge thy kneex
    and let his very breath whom thouxlt observe
    blow off thy capx praise his most vicious strainx
    and call it excellentx thou wast told thusx
    thou gavxst thine earsx like tapsters that bade welcomex
    to knaves and all approachersx xtis most just
    that thou turn rascalx hadst thou wealth again
    rascals should havextx do not assume my likenessx
  timonx were i like theex ixd throw away myselfx
  apemantusx thou hast cast away thyselfx being like thyselfx
    a madman so longx now a foolx whatx thinkxst
    that the bleak airx thy boisterous chamberlainx
    will put thy shirt on warmx will these moist treesx
    that have outlivxd the eaglex page thy heels
    and skip when thou pointxst outx will the cold brookx
    candied with icex caudle thy morning taste
    to cure thy oxernightxs surfeitx call the creatures
    whose naked natures live in all the spite
    of wreakful heavenx whose bare unhoused trunksx
    to the conflicting elements exposxdx
    answer mere naturex bid them flatter theex
    ox thou shalt findx
  timonx a fool of theex departx
  apemantusx i love thee better now than exer i didx
  timonx i hate thee worsex
  apemantusx whyx
  timonx thou flatterxst miseryx
  apemantusx i flatter notx but say thou art a caitiffx
  timonx why dost thou seek me outx
  apemantusx to vex theex
  timonx always a villainxs office or a foolxsx
    dost please thyself inxtx
  apemantusx ayx
  timonx whatx a knave toox
  apemantusx if thou didst put this sourxcold habit on
    to castigate thy pridex xtwere wellx but thou
    dost it enforcedlyx thouxdst courtier be again
    wert thou not beggarx willing misery
    outlives incertain pompx is crownxd beforex
    the one is filling stillx never completex
    the otherx at high wishx best statex contentlessx
    hath a distracted and most wretched beingx
    worse than the worstx contentx
    thou shouldxst desire to diex being miserablex
  timonx not by his breath that is more miserablex
    thou art a slave whom fortunexs tender arm
    with favour never claspxdx but bred a dogx
    hadst thoux like us from our first swathx proceeded
    the sweet degrees that this brief world affords
    to such as may the passive drugs of it
    freely commandx thou wouldst have plungxd thyself
    in general riotx melted down thy youth
    in different beds of lustx and never learnxd
    the icy precepts of respectx but followed
    the sugxred game before theex but myselfx
    who had the world as my confectionaryx
    the mouthsx the tonguesx the eyesx and hearts of men
    at dutyx more than i could frame employmentx
    that numberless upon me stuckx as leaves
    do on the oakx have with one winterxs brush
    fell from their boughsx and left me openx bare
    for every storm that blowsx i to bear thisx
    that never knew but betterx is some burdenx
    thy nature did commence in sufferancex time
    hath made thee hard inxtx why shouldst thou hate menx
    they never flatterxd theex what hast thou givenx
    if thou wilt cursex thy fatherx that poor ragx
    must be thy subjectx whox in spitex put stuff
    to some shexbeggar and compounded thee
    poor rogue hereditaryx hencex be gonex
    if thou hadst not been born the worst of menx
    thou hadst been a knave and flattererx
  apemantusx art thou proud yetx
  timonx ayx that i am not theex
  apemantusx ix that i was
    no prodigalx
  timonx ix that i am one nowx
    were all the wealth i have shut up in theex
    ixd give thee leave to hang itx get thee gonex
    that the whole life of athens were in thisx
    thus would i eat itx                         xeating a rootx
  apemantusx herex i will mend thy feastx
                                             xoffering him foodx
  timonx first mend my companyx take away thyselfx
  apemantusx so i shall mend mine own by thx lack of thinex
  timonx xtis not well mended sox it is but botchxdx
    if notx i would it werex
  apemantusx what wouldst thou have to athensx
  timonx thee thither in a whirlwindx if thou wiltx
    tell them there i have goldx lookx so i havex
  apemantusx here is no use for goldx
  timonx the best and truestx
    for here it sleeps and does no hired harmx
  apemantusx where liest a nightsx timonx
  timonx under thatxs above mex
    where feedxst thou a daysx apemantusx
  apemantusx where my stomachx finds meatx or ratherx where i eat itx
  timonx would poison were obedientx and knew my mindx
  apemantusx where wouldst thou send itx
  timonx to sauce thy dishesx
  apemantusx the middle of humanity thou never knewestx but the
    extremity of both endsx when thou wast in thy gilt and thy
    perfumex they mockxd thee for too much curiosityx in thy rags
    thou knowxst nonex but art despisxd for the contraryx therexs a
    medlar for theex eat itx
  timonx on what i hate i feed notx
  apemantusx dost hate a medlarx
  timonx ayx though it look like theex
  apemantusx an thx hadst hated medlars soonerx thou shouldst have
    loved thyself better nowx what man didst thou ever know unthrift
    that was beloved after his meansx
  timonx whox without those means thou talkxst ofx didst thou ever
    know belovxdx
  apemantusx myselfx
  timonx i understand theex thou hadst some means to keep a dogx
  apemantusx what things in the world canst thou nearest compare to
    thy flatterersx
  timonx women nearestx but menx men are the things themselvesx what
    wouldst thou do with the worldx apemantusx if it lay in thy
    powerx
  apemantusx give it the beastsx to be rid of the menx
  timonx wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of menx and
    remain a beast with the beastsx
  apemantusx ayx timonx
  timonx a beastly ambitionx which the gods grant thee tx attain tox
    if thou wert the lionx the fox would beguile theex if thou wert
    the lambx the fox would eat theex if thou wert the foxx the lion
    would suspect theex whenx peradventurex thou wert accusxd by the
    assx if thou wert the assx thy dulness would torment theex and
    still thou livxdst but as a breakfast to the wolfx if thou wert
    the wolfx thy greediness would afflict theex and oft thou
    shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinnerx wert thou the unicornx
    pride and wrath would confound theex and make thine own self the
    conquest of thy furyx wert thou bearx thou wouldst be killxd by
    the horsex wert thou a horsex thou wouldst be seizxd by the
    leopardx wert thou a leopardx thou wert german to the lionx and
    the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy lifex all thy safety
    were remotionx and thy defence absencex what beast couldst thou
    be that were not subject to a beastx and what beast art thou
    alreadyx that seest not thy loss in transformationx
  apemantusx if thou couldst please me with speaking to mex thou
    mightst have hit upon it herex the commonwealth of athens is
    become a forest of beastsx
  timonx how has the ass broke the wallx that thou art out of the
    cityx
  apemantusx yonder comes a poet and a painterx the plague of company
    light upon theex i will fear to catch itx and give wayx when i
    know not what else to dox ixll see thee againx
  timonx when there is nothing living but theex thou shalt be
    welcomex i had rather be a beggarxs dog than apemantusx
  apemantusx thou art the cap of all the fools alivex
  timonx would thou wert clean enough to spit uponx
  apemantusx a plague on theex thou art too bad to cursex
  timonx all villains that do stand by thee are purex
  apemantusx there is no leprosy but what thou speakxstx
  timonx if i name theex
    ixll beat theex but i should infect my handsx
  apemantusx i would my tongue could rot them offx
  timonx awayx thou issue of a mangy dogx
    choler does kill me that thou art alivex
    i swoon to see theex
  apemantusx would thou wouldst burstx
  timonx awayx
    thou tedious roguex i am sorry i shall lose
    a stone by theex                     xthrows a stone at himx
  apemantusx beastx
  timonx slavex
  apemantusx toadx
  timonx roguex roguex roguex
    i am sick of this false worldx and will love nought
    but even the mere necessities uponxtx
    thenx timonx presently prepare thy gravex
    lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
    thy gravestone dailyx make thine epitaphx
    that death in me at othersx lives may laughx
    xlooks at the goldx o thou sweet kingxkillerx and dear divorce
    xtwixt natural son and sirex thou bright defiler
    of hymenxs purest bedx thou valiant marsx
    thou ever youngx freshx lovxdx and delicate wooerx
    whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
    that lies on dianxs lapx thou visible godx
    that soldxrest close impossibilitiesx
    and makxst them kissx that speakxst with every tongue
    to every purposex o thou touch of heartsx
    think thy slave man rebelsx and by thy virtue
    set them into confounding oddsx that beasts
    may have the world in empirex
  apemantusx would xtwere sox
    but not till i am deadx ixll say thx hast goldx
    thou wilt be throngxd to shortlyx
  timonx throngxd tox
  apemantusx ayx
  timonx thy backx i pritheex
  apemantusx livex and love thy miseryx
  timonx long live sox and so diex xexit apemantusx i am quitx more
    things like menx eatx timonx and abhor themx

                       enter the banditti

  first banditx where should he have this goldx it is some poor
    fragmentx some slender ort of his remainderx the mere want of
    gold and the fallingxfrom of his friends drove him into this
    melancholyx
  second banditx it is noisxd he hath a mass of treasurex
  third banditx let us make the assay upon himx if he care not forxtx
    he will supply us easilyx if he covetously reserve itx how
    shallxs get itx
  second banditx truex for he bears it not about himx xtis hidx
  first banditx is not this hex
  bandittix wherex
  second banditx xtis his descriptionx
  third banditx hex i know himx
  bandittix save theex timonx
  timonx nowx thievesx
  bandittix soldiersx not thievesx
  timonx both toox and womenxs sonsx
  bandittix we are not thievesx but men that much do wantx
  timonx your greatest want isx you want much of meatx
    why should you wantx beholdx the earth hath rootsx
    within this mile break forth a hundred springsx
    the oaks bear mastx the briars scarlet hipsx
    the bounteous housewife nature on each bush
    lays her full mess before youx wantx why wantx
  first banditx we cannot live on grassx on berriesx waterx
    as beasts and birds and fishesx
  timonx nor on the beasts themselvesx the birdsx and fishesx
    you must eat menx yet thanks i must you con
    that you are thieves professxdx that you work not
    in holier shapesx for there is boundless theft
    in limited professionsx rascal thievesx
    herexs goldx gox suck the subtle blood ox thx grape
    till the high fever seethe your blood to frothx
    and so scape hangingx trust not the physicianx
    his antidotes are poisonx and he slays
    moe than you robx take wealth and lives togetherx
    do villainyx dox since you protest to doxtx
    like workmenx ixll example you with thieveryx
    the sunxs a thiefx and with his great attraction
    robs the vast seax the moonxs an arrant thiefx
    and her pale fire she snatches from the sunx
    the seaxs a thiefx whose liquid surge resolves
    the moon into salt tearsx the earthxs a thiefx
    that feeds and breeds by a composture stolxn
    from genxral excrementx each thingxs a thiefx
    the lawsx your curb and whipx in their rough power
    has uncheckxd theftx love not yourselvesx awayx
    rob one anotherx therexs more goldx cut throatsx
    all that you meet are thievesx to athens gox
    break open shopsx nothing can you steal
    but thieves do lose itx steal not less for this
    i give youx and gold confound you howsoexerx
    amenx
  third banditx has almost charmxd me from my profession by
    persuading me to itx
  first banditx xtis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises
    usx not to have us thrive in our mysteryx
  second banditx ixll believe him as an enemyx and give over my
    tradex
  first banditx let us first see peace in athensx there is no time so
    miserable but a man may be truex              exeunt thieves

                         enter flaviusx to timon

  flaviusx o you godsx
    is yond despisxd and ruinous man my lordx
    full of decay and failingx o monument
    and wonder of good deeds evilly bestowxdx
    what an alteration of honour
    has despxrate want madex
    what viler thing upon the earth than friendsx
    who can bring noblest minds to basest endsx
    how rarely does it meet with this timexs guisex
    when man was wishxd to love his enemiesx
    grant i may ever lovex and rather woo
    those that would mischief me than those that dox
    has caught me in his eyex i will present
    my honest grief unto himx and as my lord
    still serve him with my lifex my dearest masterx
  timonx awayx what art thoux
  flaviusx have you forgot mex sirx
  timonx why dost ask thatx i have forgot all menx
    thenx if thou grantxst thxart a manx i have forgot theex
  flaviusx an honest poor servant of yoursx
  timonx then i know thee notx
    i never had honest man about mex ix
    all i kept were knavesx to serve in meat to villainsx
  flaviusx the gods are witnessx
    nevxr did poor steward wear a truer grief
    for his undone lord than mine eyes for youx
  timonx whatx dost thou weepx come nearerx then i love thee
    because thou art a woman and disclaimxst
    flinty mankindx whose eyes do never give
    but thorough lust and laughterx pityxs sleepingx
    strange timesx that weep with laughingx not with weepingx
  flaviusx i beg of you to know mex good my lordx
    tx accept my griefx and whilst this poor wealth lasts
    to entertain me as your steward stillx
  timonx had i a steward
    so truex so justx and now so comfortablex
    it almost turns my dangerous nature mildx
    let me behold thy facex surelyx this man
    was born of womanx
    forgive my general and exceptless rashnessx
    you perpetualxsober godsx i do proclaim
    one honest manx mistake me notx but onex
    no morex i prayx and hexs a stewardx
    how fain would i have hated all mankindx
    and thou redeemxst thyselfx but allx save theex
    i fell with cursesx
    methinks thou art more honest now than wisex
    for by oppressing and betraying me
    thou mightst have sooner got another servicex
    for many so arrive at second masters
    upon their first lordxs neckx but tell me truex
    for i must ever doubt though nexer so surex
    is not thy kindness subtlex covetousx
    if not a usuring kindnessx and as rich men deal giftsx
    expecting in return twenty for onex
  flaviusx nox my most worthy masterx in whose breast
    doubt and suspectx alasx are placxd too latex
    you should have fearxd false times when you did feastx
    suspect still comes where an estate is leastx
    that which i showx heaven knowsx is merely lovex
    dutyx and zealx to your unmatched mindx
    care of your food and livingx and believe itx
    my most honourxd lordx
    for any benefit that points to mex
    either in hope or presentx ixd exchange
    for this one wishx that you had power and wealth
    to requite me by making rich yourselfx
  timonx look theex xtis sox thou singly honest manx
    herex takex the godsx out of my miseryx
    have sent thee treasurex gox live rich and happyx
    but thus conditionxdx thou shalt build from menx
    hate allx curse allx show charity to nonex
    but let the famishxd flesh slide from the bone
    ere thou relieve the beggarx give to dogs
    what thou deniest to menx let prisons swallow xemx
    debts wither xem to nothingx be men like blasted woodsx
    and may diseases lick up their false bloodsx
    and sox farewell and thrivex
  flaviusx ox let me stay
    and comfort youx my masterx
  timonx if thou hatxst cursesx
    stay notx fly whilst thou art blest and freex
    nexer see thou manx and let me nexer see theex
                                                exeunt severally

act vx scene ix the woodsx before timonxs cave

enter poet and painter

  painterx as i took note of the placex it cannot be far where he
    abidesx
  poetx to be thought of himx does the rumour hold for true that hexs
    so full of goldx
  painterx certainx alcibiades reports itx phrynia and timandra had
    gold of himx he likewise enrichxd poor straggling soldiers with
    great quantityx xtis said he gave unto his steward a mighty sumx
  poetx then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friendsx
  painterx nothing elsex you shall see him a palm in athens againx
    and flourish with the highestx therefore xtis not amiss we tender
    our loves to him in this supposxd distress of hisx it will show
    honestly in usx and is very likely to load our purposes with what
    they travail forx if it be just and true report that goes of his
    havingx
  poetx what have you now to present unto himx
  painterx nothing at this time but my visitationx only i will
    promise him an excellent piecex
  poetx i must serve him so toox tell him of an intent thatxs coming
    toward himx
  painterx good as the bestx promising is the very air ox thx timex
    it opens the eyes of expectationx performance is ever the duller
    for his actx and but in the plainer and simpler kind of people
    the deed of saying is quite out of usex to promise is most
    courtly and fashionablex performance is a kind of will or
    testament which argues a great sickness in his judgment that
    makes itx

                    enter timon from his cave

  timonx xasidex excellent workmanx thou canst not paint a man so bad
    as is thyselfx
  poetx i am thinking what i shall say i have provided for himx it
    must be a personating of himselfx a satire against the softness
    of prosperityx with a discovery of the infinite flatteries that
    follow youth and opulencyx
  timonx xasidex must thou needs stand for a villain in thine own
    workx wilt thou whip thine own faults in other menx do sox i have
    gold for theex
  poetx nayx letxs seek himx
    then do we sin against our own estate
    when we may profit meet and come too latex
  painterx truex
    when the day servesx before blackxcornerxd nightx
    find what thou wantxst by free and offerxd lightx
    comex
  timonx xasidex ixll meet you at the turnx what a godxs goldx
    that he is worshippxd in a baser temple
    than where swine feedx
    xtis thou that rigxst the bark and ploughxst the foamx
    settlest admired reverence in a slavex
    to thee be worshipx and thy saints for aye
    be crownxd with plaguesx that thee alone obeyx
    fit i meet themx                   xadvancing from his cavex
  poetx hailx worthy timonx
  painterx our late noble masterx
  timonx have i once livxd to see two honest menx
  poetx sirx
    having often of your open bounty tastedx
    hearing you were retirxdx your friends fallxn offx
    whose thankless naturesx o abhorred spiritsxx
    not all the whips of heaven are large enoughx
    whatx to youx
    whose starxlike nobleness gave life and influence
    to their whole beingx i am raptx and cannot cover
    the monstrous bulk of this ingratitude
    with any size of wordsx
  timonx let it go nakedx men may seext the betterx
    you that are honestx by being what you arex
    make them best seen and knownx
  painterx he and myself
    have travailxd in the great showxr of your giftsx
    and sweetly felt itx
  timonx ayx you are honest menx
  painterx we are hither come to offer you our servicex
  timonx most honest menx whyx how shall i requite youx
    can you eat rootsx and drink cold waterx nox
  bothx what we can dox wexll dox to do you servicex
  timonx yxare honest menx yxhave heard that i have goldx
    i am sure you havex speak truthx yxare honest menx
  painterx so it is saidx my noble lordx but therefore
    came not my friend nor ix
  timonx good honest menx thou drawxst a counterfeit
    best in all athensx thxart indeed the bestx
    thou counterfeitxst most livelyx
  painterx sox sox my lordx
  timonx exen sox sirx as i sayx xto to poetx and for thy fictionx
    whyx thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth
    that thou art even natural in thine artx
    but for all thisx my honestxnaturxd friendsx
    i must needs say you have a little faultx
    marryx xtis not monstrous in youx neither wish i
    you take much pains to mendx
  bothx beseech your honour
    to make it known to usx
  timonx youxll take it illx
  bothx most thankfullyx my lordx
  timonx will you indeedx
  bothx doubt it notx worthy lordx
  timonx therexs never a one of you but trusts a knave
    that mightily deceives youx
  bothx do wex my lordx
  timonx ayx and you hear him cogx see him dissemblex
    know his gross patcheryx love himx feed himx
    keep in your bosomx yet remain assurxd
    that hexs a madexup villainx
  painterx i know not suchx my lordx
  poetx nor ix
  timonx look youx i love you wellx ixll give you goldx
    rid me these villains from your companiesx
    hang them or stab themx drown them in a draughtx
    confound them by some coursex and come to mex
    ixll give you gold enoughx
  bothx name themx my lordx letxs know themx
  timonx you that wayx and you thisx but two in companyx
    each man apartx all single and alonex
    yet an archxvillain keeps him companyx
    xto the painterx ifx where thou artx two villians shall not bex
    come not near himx xto the poetx if thou wouldst not reside
    but where one villain isx then him abandonxx
    hencex packx therexs goldx you came for goldx ye slavesx
    xto the painterx you have work for mex therexs paymentx hencex
    xto the poetx you are an alchemistx make gold of thatxx
    outx rascal dogsx                xbeats and drives them outx

                    enter flavius and two senators

  flaviusx it is vain that you would speak with timonx
    for he is set so only to himself
    that nothing but himself which looks like man
    is friendly with himx
  first senatorx bring us to his cavex
    it is our part and promise to thx athenians
    to speak with timonx
  second senatorx at all times alike
    men are not still the samex xtwas time and griefs
    that framxd him thusx timex with his fairer handx
    offering the fortunes of his former daysx
    the former man may make himx bring us to himx
    and chance it as it mayx
  flaviusx here is his cavex
    peace and content be herex lord timonx timonx
    look outx and speak to friendsx thx athenians
    by two of their most reverend senate greet theex
    speak to themx noble timonx

                   enter timon out of his cave

  timonx thou sun that comfortsx burnx speak and be hangxdx
    for each true word a blisterx and each false
    be as a cauterizing to the root ox thx tonguex
    consuming it with speakingx
  first senatorx worthy timonx
  timonx of none but such as youx and you of timonx
  first senatorx the senators of athens greet theex timonx
  timonx i thank themx and would send them back the plaguex
    could i but catch it for themx
  first senatorx ox forget
    what we are sorry for ourselves in theex
    the senators with one consent of love
    entreat thee back to athensx who have thought
    on special dignitiesx which vacant lie
    for thy best use and wearingx
  second senatorx they confess
    toward thee forgetfulness too generalx grossx
    which now the public bodyx which doth seldom
    play the recanterx feeling in itself
    a lack of timonxs aidx hath sense withal
    of it own failx restraining aid to timonx
    and send forth us to make their sorrowed renderx
    together with a recompense more fruitful
    than their offence can weigh down by the dramx
    ayx even such heaps and sums of love and wealth
    as shall to thee blot out what wrongs were theirs
    and write in thee the figures of their lovex
    ever to read them thinex
  timonx you witch me in itx
    surprise me to the very brink of tearsx
    lend me a foolxs heart and a womanxs eyesx
    and ixll beweep these comfortsx worthy senatorsx
  first senatorx therefore so please thee to return with usx
    and of our athensx thine and oursx to take
    the captainshipx thou shalt be met with thanksx
    allowxd with absolute powerx and thy good name
    live with authorityx so soon we shall drive back
    of alcibiades thx approaches wildx
    whox like a boar too savagex doth root up
    his countryxs peacex
  second senatorx and shakes his threatxning sword
    against the walls of athensx
  first senatorx thereforex timonx
  timonx wellx sirx i willx therefore i willx sirx thusx
    if alcibiades kill my countrymenx
    let alcibiades know this of timonx
    that timon cares notx but if he sack fair athensx
    and take our goodly aged men by thx beardsx
    giving our holy virgins to the stain
    of contumeliousx beastlyx madxbrainxd warx
    then let him knowx and tell him timon speaks it
    in pity of our aged and our youthx
    i cannot choose but tell him that i care notx
    and let him takext at worstx for their knives care notx
    while you have throats to answerx for myselfx
    therexs not a whittle in thx unruly camp
    but i do prize it at my love before
    the reverendxst throat in athensx so i leave you
    to the protection of the prosperous godsx
    as thieves to keepersx
  flaviusx stay notx allxs in vainx
  timonx whyx i was writing of my epitaphx
    it will be seen toxmorrowx my long sickness
    of health and living now begins to mendx
    and nothing brings me all thingsx gox live stillx
    be alcibiades your plaguex you hisx
    and last so long enoughx
  first senatorx we speak in vainx
  timonx but yet i love my countryx and am not
    one that rejoices in the common wreckx
    as common bruit doth put itx
  first senatorx thatxs well spokex
  timonx commend me to my loving countrymenx
  first senatorx these words become your lips as they pass through
    themx
  second senatorx and enter in our ears like great triumphers
    in their applauding gatesx
  timonx commend me to themx
    and tell them thatx to ease them of their griefsx
    their fears of hostile strokesx their achesx lossesx
    their pangs of lovex with other incident throes
    that naturexs fragile vessel doth sustain
    in lifexs uncertain voyagex i will some kindness do themx
    ixll teach them to prevent wild alcibiadesx wrathx
  first senatorx i like this wellx he will return againx
  timonx i have a treex which grows here in my closex
    that mine own use invites me to cut downx
    and shortly must i fell itx tell my friendsx
    tell athensx in the sequence of degree
    from high to low throughoutx that whoso please
    to stop afflictionx let him take his hastex
    come hitherx ere my tree hath felt the axex
    and hang himselfx i pray you do my greetingx
  flaviusx trouble him no furtherx thus you still shall find himx
  timonx come not to me againx but say to athens
    timon hath made his everlasting mansion
    upon the beached verge of the salt floodx
    who once a day with his embossed froth
    the turbulent surge shall coverx thither comex
    and let my gravestone be your oraclex
    lipsx let sour words go by and language endx
    what is amissx plague and infection mendx
    graves only be menxs works and death their gainx
    sunx hide thy beamsx timon hath done his reignx
                                        exit timon into his cave
  first senatorx his discontents are unremovably
    coupled to naturex
  second senatorx our hope in him is deadx let us return
    and strain what other means is left unto us
    in our dear perilx
  first senatorx it requires swift footx                  exeunt

scene iix before the walls of athens

enter two other senators with a messenger

  first senatorx thou hast painfully discoverxdx are his files
    as full as thy reportx
  messengerx i have spoke the leastx
    besidesx his expedition promises
    present approachx
  second senatorx we stand much hazard if they bring not timonx
  messengerx i met a courierx one mine ancient friendx
    whomx though in general part we were opposxdx
    yet our old love had a particular forcex
    and made us speak like friendsx this man was riding
    from alcibiades to timonxs cave
    with letters of entreatyx which imported
    his fellowship ix thx cause against your cityx
    in part for his sake movxdx

               enter the other senatorsx from timon

  first senatorx here come our brothersx
  third senatorx no talk of timonx nothing of him expectx
    the enemiesx drum is heardx and fearful scouring
    doth choke the air with dustx inx and preparex
    ours is the fallx i fearx our foes the snarex         exeunt

scene iiix the timonxs cavex and a rude tomb seen

enter a soldier in the woodsx seeking timon

  soldierx by all description this should be the placex
    whoxs herex speakx hox no answerx what is thisx
    timon is deadx who hath outstretchxd his spanx
    some beast rearxd thisx here does not live a manx
    deadx surex and this his gravex whatxs on this tomb
    i cannot readx the character ixll take with waxx
    our captain hath in every figure skillx
    an agxd interpreterx though young in daysx
    before proud athens hexs set down by thisx
    whose fall the mark of his ambition isx                 exit

scene ivx before the walls of athens

trumpets soundx enter alcibiades with his powers before athens

  alcibiadesx sound to this coward and lascivious town
    our terrible approachx

       sound a parleyx the senators appear upon the walls

    till now you have gone on and fillxd the time
    with all licentious measurex making your wills
    the scope of justicex till nowx myselfx and such
    as slept within the shadow of your powerx
    have wanderxd with our traversxd armsx and breathxd
    our sufferance vainlyx now the time is flushx
    when crouching marrowx in the bearer strongx
    cries of itself xno morexx now breathless wrong
    shall sit and pant in your great chairs of easex
    and pursy insolence shall break his wind
    with fear and horrid flightx
  first senatorx noble and youngx
    when thy first griefs were but a mere conceitx
    ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fearx
    we sent to theex to give thy rages balmx
    to wipe out our ingratitude with loves
    above their quantityx
  second senatorx so did we woo
    transformed timon to our cityxs love
    by humble message and by promisxd meansx
    we were not all unkindx nor all deserve
    the common stroke of warx
  first senatorx these walls of ours
    were not erected by their hands from whom
    you have receivxd your griefsx nor are they such
    that these great towxrsx trophiesx and schoolsx should fall
    for private faults in themx
  second senatorx nor are they living
    who were the motives that you first went outx
    shamex that they wanted cunningx in excess
    hath broke their heartsx marchx noble lordx
    into our city with thy banners spreadx
    by decimation and a tithed deathx
    if thy revenges hunger for that food
    which nature loathesx take thou the destinxd tenthx
    and by the hazard of the spotted die
    let die the spottedx
  first senatorx all have not offendedx
    for those that werex it is not square to takex
    on those that arex revengex crimesx like landsx
    are not inheritedx thenx dear countrymanx
    bring in thy ranksx but leave without thy ragex
    spare thy athenian cradlex and those kin
    whichx in the bluster of thy wrathx must fall
    with those that have offendedx like a shepherd
    approach the fold and cull thx infected forthx
    but kill not all togetherx
  second senatorx what thou wiltx
    thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
    than hew toxt with thy swordx
  first senatorx set but thy foot
    against our rampirxd gates and they shall opex
    so thou wilt send thy gentle heart before
    to say thouxt enter friendlyx
  second senatorx throw thy glovex
    or any token of thine honour elsex
    that thou wilt use the wars as thy redress
    and not as our confusionx all thy powers
    shall make their harbour in our town till we
    have sealxd thy full desirex
  alcibiadesx then therexs my glovex
    descendx and open your uncharged portsx
    those enemies of timonxs and mine ownx
    whom you yourselves shall set out for reproofx
    fallx and no morex andx to atone your fears
    with my more noble meaningx not a man
    shall pass his quarter or offend the stream
    of regular justice in your cityxs boundsx
    but shall be renderxd to your public laws
    at heaviest answerx
  bothx xtis most nobly spokenx
  alcibiadesx descendx and keep your wordsx
                       xthe senators descend and open the gatesx

                 enter a soldier as a messenger

  soldierx my noble generalx timon is deadx
    entombxd upon the very hem ox thx seax
    and on his gravexstone this insculpturex which
    with wax i brought awayx whose soft impression
    interprets for my poor ignorancex

                  alcibiades reads the epitaph

    xhere lies a wretched corsex of wretched soul bereftx
    seek not my namex a plague consume you wicked caitiffs leftx
    here lie ix timonx who alive all living men did hatex
    pass byx and curse thy fillx but passx and stay not here thy
      gaitxx
    these well express in thee thy latter spiritsx
    though thou abhorrxdst in us our human griefsx
    scornxdst our brainxs flowx and those our droplets which
    from niggard nature fallx yet rich conceit
    taught thee to make vast neptune weep for aye
    on thy low gravex on faults forgivenx dead
    is noble timonx of whose memory
    hereafter morex bring me into your cityx
    and i will use the olivex with my swordx
    make war breed peacex make peace stint warx make each
    prescribe to otherx as each otherxs leechx
    let our drums strikex                                 exeunt




the tragedy of titus andronicus

dramatis personae

  saturninusx son to the late emperor of romex afterwards emperor
  bassianusx brother to saturninus
  titus andronicusx a noble roman
  marcus andronicusx tribune of the peoplex and brother to titus

    sons to titus andronicusx
  lucius
  quintus
  martius
  mutius

  young luciusx a boyx son to lucius
  publiusx son to marcus andronicus

    kinsmen to titusx
  sempronius
  caius
  valentine

  aemiliusx a noble roman

    sons to tamorax
  alarbus
  demetrius
  chiron

  aaronx a moorx beloved by tamora
  a captain
  a messenger
  a clown

  tamorax queen of the goths
  laviniax daughter to titus andronicus
  a nursex and a black child

  romans and gothsx senatorsx tribunesx officersx soldiersx and
    attendants

                          scenex rome and the neighbourhood

act xx scene ix romex before the capitol

flourishx enter the tribunes and senators aloftx and then enter below
saturninus and his followers at one doorx and bassianus and his
followers at the otherx with drums and trumpets

  saturninusx noble patriciansx patrons of my rightx
    defend the justice of my cause with armsx
    andx countrymenx my loving followersx
    plead my successive title with your swordsx
    i am his first born son that was the last
    that ware the imperial diadem of romex
    then let my fatherxs honours live in mex
    nor wrong mine age with this indignityx
  bassianusx romansx friendsx followersx favourers of my rightx
    if ever bassianusx caesarxs sonx
    were gracious in the eyes of royal romex
    keep then this passage to the capitolx
    and suffer not dishonour to approach
    the imperial seatx to virtue consecratex
    to justicex continencex and nobilityx
    but let desert in pure election shinex
    andx romansx fight for freedom in your choicex

        enter marcus andronicus aloftx with the crown

  marcusx princesx that strive by factions and by friends
    ambitiously for rule and emperyx
    know that the people of romex for whom we stand
    a special partyx have by common voice
    in election for the roman empery
    chosen andronicusx surnamed pius
    for many good and great deserts to romex
    a nobler manx a braver warriorx
    lives not this day within the city wallsx
    he by the senate is accited homex
    from weary wars against the barbarous gothsx
    that with his sonsx a terror to our foesx
    hath yokxd a nation strongx trainxd up in armsx
    ten years are spent since first he undertook
    this cause of romex and chastised with arms
    our enemiesx pridex five times he hath returnxd
    bleeding to romex bearing his valiant sons
    in coffins from the fieldx and at this day
    to the monument of that andronici
    done sacrifice of expiationx
    and slain the noblest prisoner of the gothsx
    and now at lastx laden with honourxs spoilsx
    returns the good andronicus to romex
    renowned titusx flourishing in armsx
    let us entreatx by honour of his name
    whom worthily you would have now succeedx
    and in the capitol and senatexs rightx
    whom you pretend to honour and adorex
    that you withdraw you and abate your strengthx
    dismiss your followersx andx as suitors shouldx
    plead your deserts in peace and humblenessx
  saturninusx how fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughtsx
  bassianusx marcus andronicusx so i do affy
    in thy uprightness and integrityx
    and so i love and honour thee and thinex
    thy noble brother titus and his sonsx
    and her to whom my thoughts are humbled allx
    gracious laviniax romexs rich ornamentx
    that i will here dismiss my loving friendsx
    and to my fortunes and the peoplexs favour
    commit my cause in balance to be weighxdx
                                exeunt the soldiers of bassianus
  saturninusx friendsx that have been thus forward in my rightx
    i thank you all and here dismiss you allx
    and to the love and favour of my country
    commit myselfx my personx and the causex
                               exeunt the soldiers of saturninus
    romex be as just and gracious unto me
    as i am confident and kind to theex
    open the gates and let me inx
  bassianusx tribunesx and mex a poor competitorx
                    xflourishx they go up into the senate housex

                      enter a captain

  captainx romansx make wayx the good andronicusx
    patron of virtuex romexs best championx
    successful in the battles that he fightsx
    with honour and with fortune is returnxd
    from where he circumscribed with his sword
    and brought to yoke the enemies of romex

        sound drums and trumpetsx and then enter martius and mutiusx
        two of titusx sonsx and then two men bearing a coffin covered
        with blackx then lucius and quintusx two other sonsx then titus
        andronicusx and then tamora the queen of gothsx with her three
        sonsx alarbusx demetriusx and chironx with aaron the moorx and
        othersx  as many as can bex then set down the coffin and titus
        speaks

  titusx hailx romex victorious in thy mourning weedsx
    lox as the bark that hath dischargxd her fraught
    returns with precious lading to the bay
    from whence at first she weighxd her anchoragex
    cometh andronicusx bound with laurel boughsx
    to rexsalute his country with his tearsx
    tears of true joy for his return to romex
    thou great defender of this capitolx
    stand gracious to the rites that we intendx
    romansx of five and twenty valiant sonsx
    half of the number that king priam hadx
    behold the poor remainsx alive and deadx
    these that survive let rome reward with lovex
    these that i bring unto their latest homex
    with burial amongst their ancestorsx
    here goths have given me leave to sheathe my swordx
    titusx unkindx and careless of thine ownx
    why sufferxst thou thy sonsx unburied yetx
    to hover on the dreadful shore of styxx
    make way to lay them by their brethrenx
                                            xthey open the tombx
    there greet in silencex as the dead are wontx
    and sleep in peacex slain in your countryxs warsx
    o sacred receptacle of my joysx
    sweet cell of virtue and nobilityx
    how many sons hast thou of mine in store
    that thou wilt never render to me morex
  luciusx give us the proudest prisoner of the gothsx
    that we may hew his limbsx and on a pile
    ad manes fratrum sacrifice his flesh
    before this earthy prison of their bonesx
    that so the shadows be not unappeasxdx
    nor we disturbxd with prodigies on earthx
  titusx i give him youx the noblest that survivesx
    the eldest son of this distressed queenx
  tamorax stayx roman brethenx gracious conquerorx
    victorious titusx rue the tears i shedx
    a motherxs tears in passion for her sonx
    and if thy sons were ever dear to theex
    ox think my son to be as dear to mex
    sufficeth not that we are brought to rome
    to beautify thy triumphsx and return
    captive to thee and to thy roman yokex
    but must my sons be slaughtered in the streets
    for valiant doings in their countryxs causex
    ox if to fight for king and commonweal
    were piety in thinex it is in thesex
    andronicusx stain not thy tomb with bloodx
    wilt thou draw near the nature of the godsx
    draw near them then in being mercifulx
    sweet mercy is nobilityxs true badgex
    thricexnoble titusx spare my firstxborn sonx
  titusx patient yourselfx madamx and pardon mex
    these are their brethrenx whom your goths beheld
    alive and deadx and for their brethren slain
    religiously they ask a sacrificex
    to this your son is markxdx and die he must
    tx appease their groaning shadows that are gonex
  luciusx away with himx and make a fire straightx
    and with our swordsx upon a pile of woodx
    letxs hew his limbs till they be clean consumxdx
                                exeunt titusx sonsx with alarbus
  tamorax o cruelx irreligious pietyx
  chironx was never scythia half so barbarousx
  demetriusx oppose not scythia to ambitious romex
    alarbus goes to restx and we survive
    to tremble under titusx threatxning lookx
    thenx madamx stand resolvxdx but hope withal
    the selfxsame gods that armxd the queen of troy
    with opportunity of sharp revenge
    upon the thracian tyrant in his tent
    may favour tamorax the queen of gothsx
    when goths were goths and tamora was queenx
    to quit the bloody wrongs upon her foesx

            rexenter luciusx quintusx martiusx and
   mutiusx the sons of andronicusx with their swords bloody

  luciusx seex lord and fatherx how we have performxd
    our roman ritesx alarbusx limbs are loppxdx
    and entrails feed the sacrificing firex
    whose smoke like incense doth perfume the skyx
    remaineth nought but to inter our brethrenx
    and with loud xlarums welcome them to romex
  titusx let it be sox and let andronicus
    make this his latest farewell to their soulsx
                 xsound trumpets and lay the coffin in the tombx
    in peace and honour rest you herex my sonsx
    romexs readiest championsx repose you here in restx
    secure from worldly chances and mishapsx
    here lurks no treasonx here no envy swellsx
    here grow no damned drugsx here are no stormsx
    no noisex but silence and eternal sleepx
    in peace and honour rest you herex my sonsx

                       enter lavinia

  laviniax in peace and honour live lord titus longx
    my noble lord and fatherx live in famex
    lox at this tomb my tributary tears
    i render for my brethrenxs obsequiesx
    and at thy feet i kneelx with tears of joy
    shed on this earth for thy return to romex
    ox bless me here with thy victorious handx
    whose fortunes romexs best citizens applaudx
  titusx kind romex that hast thus lovingly reservxd
    the cordial of mine age to glad my heartx
    laviniax livex outlive thy fatherxs daysx
    and famexs eternal datex for virtuexs praisex

          enterx abovex marcus andronicus and tribunesx
          rexenter saturninusx bassianusx and attendants

  marcusx long live lord titusx my beloved brotherx
    gracious triumpher in the eyes of romex
  titusx thanksx gentle tribunex noble brother marcusx
  marcusx and welcomex nephewsx from successful warsx
    you that survive and you that sleep in famex
    fair lordsx your fortunes are alike in all
    that in your countryxs service drew your swordsx
    but safer triumph is this funeral pomp
    that hath aspirxd to solonxs happiness
    and triumphs over chance in honourxs bedx
    titus andronicusx the people of romex
    whose friend in justice thou hast ever beenx
    send thee by mex their tribune and their trustx
    this parxiament of white and spotless huex
    and name thee in election for the empire
    with these our latexdeceased emperorxs sonsx
    be candidatus thenx and put it onx
    and help to set a head on headless romex
  titusx a better head her glorious body fits
    than his that shakes for age and feeblenessx
    what should i don this robe and trouble youx
    be chosen with proclamations toxdayx
    toxmorrow yield up rulex resign my lifex
    and set abroad new business for you allx
    romex i have been thy soldier forty yearsx
    and led my countryxs strength successfullyx
    and buried one and twenty valiant sonsx
    knighted in fieldx slain manfully in armsx
    in right and service of their noble countryx
    give me a staff of honour for mine agex
    but not a sceptre to control the worldx
    upright he held itx lordsx that held it lastx
  marcusx titusx thou shalt obtain and ask the emperyx
  saturninusx proud and ambitious tribunex canst thou tellx
  titusx patiencex prince saturninusx
  saturninusx romansx do me rightx
    patriciansx draw your swordsx and sheathe them not
    till saturninus be romexs emperorx
    andronicusx would thou were shippxd to hell
    rather than rob me of the peoplexs heartsx
  luciusx proud saturninex interrupter of the good
    that noblexminded titus means to theex
  titusx content theex princex i will restore to thee
    the peoplexs heartsx and wean them from themselvesx
  bassianusx andronicusx i do not flatter theex
    but honour theex and will do till i diex
    my faction if thou strengthen with thy friendsx
    i will most thankful bex and thanks to men
    of noble minds is honourable meedx
  titusx people of romex and peoplexs tribunes herex
    i ask your voices and your suffragesx
    will ye bestow them friendly on andronicusx
  tribunesx to gratify the good andronicusx
    and gratulate his safe return to romex
    the people will accept whom he admitsx
  titusx tribunesx i thank youx and this suit i makex
    that you create our emperorxs eldest sonx
    lord saturninex whose virtues willx i hopex
    reflect on rome as titanxs rays on earthx
    and ripen justice in this commonwealx
    thenx if you will elect by my advicex
    crown himx and say xlong live our emperorxx
  marcusx with voices and applause of every sortx
    patricians and plebeiansx we create
    lord saturninus romexs great emperorx
    and say xlong live our emperor saturninexx
                           xa long flourish till they come downx
  saturninusx titus andronicusx for thy favours done
    to us in our election this day
    i give thee thanks in part of thy desertsx
    and will with deeds requite thy gentlenessx
    and for an onsetx titusx to advance
    thy name and honourable familyx
    lavinia will i make my emperessx
    romexs royal mistressx mistress of my heartx
    and in the sacred pantheon her espousex
    tell mex andronicusx doth this motion please theex
  titusx it dothx my worthy lordx and in this match
    i hold me highly honoured of your gracex
    and here in sight of romex to saturninex
    king and commander of our commonwealx
    the wide worldxs emperorx do i consecrate
    my swordx my chariotx and my prisonersx
    presents well worthy romexs imperious lordx
    receive them thenx the tribute that i owex
    mine honourxs ensigns humbled at thy feetx
  saturninusx thanksx noble titusx father of my lifex
    how proud i am of thee and of thy gifts
    rome shall recordx and when i do forget
    the least of these unspeakable desertsx
    romansx forget your fealty to mex
  titusx  xto tamorax  nowx madamx are you prisoner to an emperorx
    to him that for your honour and your state
    will use you nobly and your followersx
  saturninusx  xasidex  a goodly ladyx trust mex of the hue
    that i would choosex were i to choose anewxx
    clear upx fair queenx that cloudy countenancex
    though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheerx
    thou comxst not to be made a scorn in romex
    princely shall be thy usage every wayx
    rest on my wordx and let not discontent
    daunt all your hopesx madamx he comforts you
    can make you greater than the queen of gothsx
    laviniax you are not displeasxd with thisx
  laviniax not ix my lordx sith true nobility
    warrants these words in princely courtesyx
  saturninusx thanksx sweet laviniax romansx let us gox
    ransomless here we set our prisoners freex
    proclaim our honoursx lordsx with trump and drumx
                                                      xflourishx
  bassianusx lord titusx by your leavex this maid is minex
                                               xseizing laviniax
  titusx howx sirx are you in earnest thenx my lordx
  bassianusx ayx noble titusx and resolvxd withal
    to do myself this reason and this rightx
  marcusx suum cuique is our roman justicex
    this prince in justice seizeth but his ownx
  luciusx and that he will and shallx if lucius livex
  titusx traitorsx avauntx where is the emperorxs guardx
    treasonx my lordx lavinia is surprisxdx
  saturninusx surprisxdx by whomx
  bassianusx by him that justly may
    bear his betrothxd from all the world awayx
                        exeunt bassianus and marcus with lavinia
  mutiusx brothersx help to convey her hence awayx
    and with my sword ixll keep this door safex
                             exeunt luciusx quintusx and martius
  titusx followx my lordx and ixll soon bring her backx
  mutiusx my lordx you pass not herex
  titusx whatx villain boyx
    barxst me my way in romex
  mutiusx helpx luciusx helpx
            titus kills himx during the frayx exeunt saturninusx
                            tamorax demetriusx chironx and aaron

                      rexenter lucius

  luciusx my lordx you are unjustx and more than sox
    in wrongful quarrel you have slain your sonx
  titusx nor thou nor he are any sons of minex
    my sons would never so dishonour mex

                 rexenter aloft the emperor
      with tamora and her two sonsx and aaron the moor

    traitorx restore lavinia to the emperorx
  luciusx deadx if you willx but not to be his wifex
    that is anotherxs lawful promisxd lovex                 exit
  saturninusx nox titusx nox the emperor needs her notx
    nor herx nor theex nor any of thy stockx
    ixll trust by leisure him that mocks me oncex
    thee neverx nor thy traitorous haughty sonsx
    confederates all thus to dishonour mex
    was there none else in rome to make a stale
    but saturninex full wellx andronicusx
    agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine
    that saidst i beggxd the empire at thy handsx
  titusx o monstrousx what reproachful words are thesex
  saturninusx but go thy waysx gox give that changing piece
    to him that flourishxd for her with his swordx
    a valiant sonxinxlaw thou shalt enjoyx
    one fit to bandy with thy lawless sonsx
    to ruffle in the commonwealth of romex
  titusx these words are razors to my wounded heartx
  saturninusx and thereforex lovely tamorax queen of gothsx
    thatx like the stately phoebe xmongst her nymphsx
    dost overshine the gallantxst dames of romex
    if thou be pleasxd with this my sudden choicex
    beholdx i choose theex tamorax for my bride
    and will create thee emperess of romex
    speakx queen of gothsx dost thou applaud my choicex
    and here i swear by all the roman godsx
    sith priest and holy water are so nearx
    and tapers burn so brightx and everything
    in readiness for hymenaeus standx
    i will not rexsalute the streets of romex
    or climb my palacex till from forth this place
    i lead espousxd my bride along with mex
  tamorax and here in sight of heaven to rome i swearx
    if saturnine advance the queen of gothsx
    she will a handmaid be to his desiresx
    a loving nursex a mother to his youthx
  saturninusx ascendx fair queenx pantheonx lordsx accompany
    your noble emperor and his lovely bridex
    sent by the heavens for prince saturninex
    whose wisdom hath her fortune conqueredx
    there shall we consummate our spousal ritesx
                                            exeunt all but titus
  titusx i am not bid to wait upon this bridex
  titusx when wert thou wont to walk alonex
    dishonoured thusx and challenged of wrongsx

                      rexenter marcusx
        and titusx sonsx luciusx quintusx and martius

  marcusx o titusx seex ox see what thou hast donex
    in a bad quarrel slain a virtuous sonx
  titusx nox foolish tribunex nox no son of minex
    nor thoux nor thesex confederates in the deed
    that hath dishonoured all our familyx
    unworthy brother and unworthy sonsx
  luciusx but let us give him burialx as becomesx
    give mutius burial with our bretherenx
  titusx traitorsx awayx he rests not in this tombx
    this monument five hundred years hath stoodx
    which i have sumptuously rexedifiedx
    here none but soldiers and romexs servitors
    repose in famex none basely slain in brawlsx
    bury him where you canx he comes not herex
  marcusx my lordx this is impiety in youx
    my nephew mutiusx deeds do plead for himx
    he must be buried with his bretherenx
  quintus x martiusx and shallx or him we will accompanyx
  titusx xand shallxx what villain was it spake that wordx
  quintusx he that would vouch it in any place but herex
  titusx whatx would you bury him in my despitex
  marcusx nox noble titusx but entreat of thee
    to pardon mutius and to bury himx
  titusx marcusx even thou hast struck upon my crestx
    and with these boys mine honour thou hast woundedx
    my foes i do repute you every onex
    so trouble me no morex but get you gonex
  martiusx he is not with himselfx let us withdrawx
  quintusx not ix till mutiusx bones be buriedx
                                xthe brother and the sons kneelx
  marcusx brotherx for in that name doth nature pleadx
  quintusx fatherx and in that name doth nature speakx
  titusx speak thou no morex if all the rest will speedx
  marcusx renowned titusx more than half my soulx
  luciusx dear fatherx soul and substance of us allx
  marcusx suffer thy brother marcus to inter
    his noble nephew here in virtuexs nestx
    that died in honour and laviniaxs causex
    thou art a romanx be not barbarousx
    the greeks upon advice did bury ajaxx
    that slew himselfx and wise laertesx son
    did graciously plead for his funeralsx
    let not young mutiusx thenx that was thy joyx
    be barrxd his entrance herex
  titusx risex marcusx risex
    the dismalxst day is this that exer i sawx
    to be dishonoured by my sons in romex
    wellx bury himx and bury me the nextx
                                   xthey put mutius in the tombx
  luciusx there lie thy bonesx sweet mutiusx with thy friendsx
    till we with trophies do adorn thy tombx
  allx  xkneelingx  no man shed tears for noble mutiusx
    he lives in fame that died in virtuexs causex
  marcusx my lordx to step out of these dreary dumpsx
    how comes it that the subtle queen of goths
    is of a sudden thus advancxd in romex
  titusx i know notx marcusx but i know it isx
    whether by device or nox the heavens can tellx
    is she notx thenx beholding to the man
    that brought her for this high good turn so farx
  marcusx yesx and will nobly him remuneratex

           flourishx rexenter the emperorx tamora
        and her two sonsx with the moorx at one doorx
    at the other doorx bassianus and laviniax with others

  saturninusx sox bassianusx you have playxd your prizex
    god give you joyx sirx of your gallant bridex
  bassianusx and you of yoursx my lordx i say no morex
    nor wish no lessx and so i take my leavex
  saturninusx traitorx if rome have law or we have powerx
    thou and thy faction shall repent this rapex
  bassianusx rapex call you itx my lordx to seize my ownx
    my true betrothed lovex and now my wifex
    but let the laws of rome determine allx
    meanwhile am i possessxd of that is minex
  saturninusx xtis goodx sirx you are very short with usx
    but if we live wexll be as sharp with youx
  bassianusx my lordx what i have donex as best i mayx
    answer i mustx and shall do with my lifex
    only thus much i give your grace to knowx
    by all the duties that i owe to romex
    this noble gentlemanx lord titus herex
    is in opinion and in honour wrongxdx
    thatx in the rescue of laviniax
    with his own hand did slay his youngest sonx
    in zeal to youx and highly movxd to wrath
    to be controllxd in that he frankly gavex
    receive him then to favourx saturninex
    that hath expressxd himself in all his deeds
    a father and a friend to thee and romex
  titusx prince bassianusx leave to plead my deedsx
    xtis thou and those that have dishonoured mex
    rome and the righteous heavens be my judge
    how i have lovxd and honoured saturninex
  tamorax my worthy lordx if ever tamora
    were gracious in those princely eyes of thinex
    then hear me speak indifferently for allx
    and at my suitx sweetx pardon what is pastx
  saturninusx whatx madamx be dishonoured openlyx
    and basely put it up without revengex
  tamorax not sox my lordx the gods of rome forfend
    i should be author to dishonour youx
    but on mine honour dare i undertake
    for good lord titusx innocence in allx
    whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefsx
    then at my suit look graciously on himx
    lose not so noble a friend on vain supposex
    nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heartx
    xaside to saturninusx  my lordx be rulxd by mex
      be won at lastx
    dissemble all your griefs and discontentsx
    you are but newly planted in your thronex
    lestx thenx the peoplex and patricians toox
    upon a just survey take titusx partx
    and so supplant you for ingratitudex
    which rome reputes to be a heinous sinx
    yield at entreatsx and then let me alonex
    ixll find a day to massacre them allx
    and raze their faction and their familyx
    the cruel father and his traitorous sonsx
    to whom i sued for my dear sonxs lifex
    and make them know what xtis to let a queen
    kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vainxx
    comex comex sweet emperorx comex andronicusx
    take up this good old manx and cheer the heart
    that dies in tempest of thy angry frownx
  saturninusx risex titusx risex my empress hath prevailxdx
  titusx i thank your majesty and herx my lordx
    these wordsx these looksx infuse new life in mex
  tamorax titusx i am incorporate in romex
    a roman now adopted happilyx
    and must advise the emperor for his goodx
    this day all quarrels diex andronicusx
    and let it be mine honourx good my lordx
    that i have reconcilxd your friends and youx
    for youx prince bassianusx i have passxd
    my word and promise to the emperor
    that you will be more mild and tractablex
    and fear notx lordsx and youx laviniax
    by my advicex all humbled on your kneesx
    you shall ask pardon of his majestyx
  luciusx we dox and vow to heaven and to his highness
    that what we did was mildly as we mightx
    tendxring our sisterxs honour and our ownx
  marcusx that on mine honour here do i protestx
  saturninusx awayx and talk notx trouble us no morex
  tamorax nayx nayx sweet emperorx we must all be friendsx
    the tribune and his nephews kneel for gracex
    i will not be deniedx sweet heartx look backx
  saturninusx marcusx for thy sakex and thy brotherxs herex
    and at my lovely tamoraxs entreatsx
    i do remit these young menxs heinous faultsx
    stand upx
    laviniax though you left me like a churlx
    i found a friendx and sure as death i swore
    i would not part a bachelor from the priestx
    comex if the emperorxs court can feast two bridesx
    you are my guestx laviniax and your friendsx
    this day shall be a lovexdayx tamorax
  titusx toxmorrowx and it please your majesty
    to hunt the panther and the hart with mex
    with horn and hound wexll give your grace bonjourx
  saturninusx be it sox titusx and gramercy toox
                                          exeuntx sound trumpets

act iix scene ix romex before the palace

enter aaron

  aaronx now climbeth tamora olympusx topx
    safe out of fortunexs shotx and sits aloftx
    secure of thunderxs crack or lightning flashx
    advancxd above pale envyxs threatxning reachx
    as when the golden sun salutes the mornx
    andx having gilt the ocean with his beamsx
    gallops the zodiac in his glistening coach
    and overlooks the highestxpeering hillsx
    so tamorax
    upon her wit doth earthly honour waitx
    and virtue stoops and trembles at her frownx
    thenx aaronx arm thy heart and fit thy thoughts
    to mount aloft with thy imperial mistressx
    and mount her pitch whom thou in triumph longx
    hast prisoner heldx fettxred in amorous chainsx
    and faster bound to aaronxs charming eyes
    than is prometheus tied to caucasusx
    away with slavish weeds and servile thoughtsx
    i will be bright and shine in pearl and goldx
    to wait upon this newxmade emperessx
    to waitx said ix to wanton with this queenx
    this goddessx this semiramisx this nymphx
    this siren that will charm romexs saturninex
    and see his shipwreck and his commonwealxsx
    hullox what storm is thisx

            enter chiron and demetriusx braving

  demetriusx chironx thy years wants witx thy wits wants edge
    and mannersx to intrude where i am gracxdx
    and mayx for aught thou knowestx affected bex
  chironx demetriusx thou dost overxween in allx
    and so in thisx to bear me down with bravesx
    xtis not the difference of a year or two
    makes me less gracious or thee more fortunatex
    i am as able and as fit as thou
    to serve and to deserve my mistressx gracex
    and that my sword upon thee shall approvex
    and plead my passions for laviniaxs lovex
  aaronx  xasidex  clubsx clubsx these lovers will not keep the
    peacex
  demetriusx whyx boyx although our motherx unadvisxdx
    gave you a dancing rapier by your sidex
    are you so desperate grown to threat your friendsx
    go tox have your lath glued within your sheath
    till you know better how to handle itx
  chironx meanwhilex sirx with the little skill i havex
    full well shalt thou perceive how much i darex
  demetriusx ayx boyx grow ye so bravex              xthey drawx
  aaronx  xcoming forwardx  whyx how nowx lordsx
    so near the emperorxs palace dare ye draw
    and maintain such a quarrel openlyx
    full well i wot the ground of all this grudgex
    i would not for a million of gold
    the cause were known to them it most concernsx
    nor would your noble mother for much more
    be so dishonoured in the court of romex
    for shamex put upx
  demetriusx not ix till i have sheathxd
    my rapier in his bosomx and withal
    thrust those reproachful speeches down his throat
    that he hath breathxd in my dishonour herex
  chironx for that i am preparxd and full resolvxdx
    foulxspoken cowardx that thundxrest with thy tonguex
    and with thy weapon nothing darxst performx
  aaronx awayx i sayx
    nowx by the gods that warlike goths adorex
    this pretty brabble will undo us allx
    whyx lordsx and think you not how dangerous
    it is to jet upon a princexs rightx
    whatx is lavinia then become so loosex
    or bassianus so degeneratex
    that for her love such quarrels may be broachxd
    without controlmentx justicex or revengex
    young lordsx bewarex an should the empress know
    this discordxs groundx the music would not pleasex
  chironx i care notx ix knew she and all the worldx
    i love lavinia more than all the worldx
  demetriusx younglingx learn thou to make some meaner choicex
    lavina is thine elder brotherxs hopex
  aaronx whyx are ye madx or know ye not in rome
    how furious and impatient they bex
    and cannot brook competitors in lovex
    i tell youx lordsx you do but plot your deaths
    by this devicex
  chironx aaronx a thousand deaths
    would i propose to achieve her whom i lovex
  aaronx to achieve herx howx
  demetriusx why makxst thou it so strangex
    she is a womanx therefore may be wooxdx
    she is a womanx therefore may be wonx
    she is laviniax therefore must be lovxdx
    whatx manx more water glideth by the mill
    than wots the miller ofx and easy it is
    of a cut loaf to steal a shivex we knowx
    though bassianus be the emperorxs brotherx
    better than he have worn vulcanxs badgex
  aaronx  xasidex  ayx and as good as saturninus mayx
  demetriusx then why should he despair that knows to court it
    with wordsx fair looksx and liberalityx
    whatx hast not thou full often struck a doex
    and borne her cleanly by the keeperxs nosex
  aaronx whyx thenx it seems some certain snatch or so
    would serve your turnsx
  chironx ayx so the turn were servedx
  demetriusx aaronx thou hast hit itx
  aaronx would you had hit it toox
    then should not we be tirxd with this adox
    whyx hark yex hark yex and are you such fools
    to square for thisx would it offend youx thenx
    that both should speedx
  chironx faithx not mex
  demetriusx nor mex so i were onex
  aaronx for shamex be friendsx and join for that you jarx
    xtis policy and stratagem must do
    that you affectx and so must you resolve
    that what you cannot as you would achievex
    you must perforce accomplish as you mayx
    take this of mex lucrece was not more chaste
    than this laviniax bassianusx lovex
    a speedier course than lingxring languishment
    must we pursuex and i have found the pathx
    my lordsx a solemn hunting is in handx
    there will the lovely roman ladies troopx
    the forest walks are wide and spaciousx
    and many unfrequented plots there are
    fitted by kind for rape and villainyx
    single you thither then this dainty doex
    and strike her home by force if not by wordsx
    this wayx or not at allx stand you in hopex
    comex comex our empressx with her sacred wit
    to villainy and vengeance consecratex
    will we acquaint with all what we intendx
    and she shall file our engines with advice
    that will not suffer you to square yourselvesx
    but to your wishesx height advance you bothx
    the emperorxs court is like the house of famex
    the palace full of tonguesx of eyesx and earsx
    the woods are ruthlessx dreadfulx deafx and dullx
    there speak and strikex brave boysx and take your turnsx
    there serve your lustx shadowed from heavenxs eyex
    and revel in laviniaxs treasuryx
  chironx thy counselx ladx smells of no cowardicex
  demetriusx sit fas aut nefasx till i find the stream
    to cool this heatx a charm to calm these fitsx
    per stygax per manes vehorx                           exeunt

scene iix a forest near rome

enter titus andronicusx and his three sonsx luciusx quintusx martiusx
making a noise with hounds and hornsx and marcus

  titusx the hunt is upx the morn is bright and greyx
    the fields are fragrantx and the woods are greenx
    uncouple herex and let us make a bayx
    and wake the emperor and his lovely bridex
    and rouse the princex and ring a hunterxs pealx
    that all the court may echo with the noisex
    sonsx let it be your chargex as it is oursx
    to attend the emperorxs person carefullyx
    i have been troubled in my sleep this nightx
    but dawning day new comfort hath inspirxdx

         here a cry of houndsx and wind horns in a pealx
       then enter saturninusx tamorax bassianus laviniax
            chironx demetriusx and their attendants
    many good morrows to your majestyx
    madamx to you as many and as goodx
    i promised your grace a hunterxs pealx
  saturninusx and you have rung it lustilyx my lordsx
    somewhat too early for newxmarried ladiesx
  bassianusx laviniax how say youx
  laviniax i say nox
    i have been broad awake two hours and morex
  saturninusx come on thenx horse and chariots let us havex
    and to our sportx  xto tamorax  madamx now shall ye see
    our roman huntingx
  marcusx i have dogsx my lordx
    will rouse the proudest panther in the chasex
    and climb the highest promontory topx
  titusx and i have horse will follow where the game
    makes wayx and run like swallows oxer the plainx
  demetriusx chironx we hunt notx wex with horse nor houndx
    but hope to pluck a dainty doe to groundx             exeunt

scene iiix a lonely part of the forest

enter aaron alonex with a bag of gold

  aaronx he that had wit would think that i had nonex
    to bury so much gold under a tree
    and never after to inherit itx
    let him that thinks of me so abjectly
    know that this gold must coin a stratagemx
    whichx cunningly effectedx will beget
    a very excellent piece of villainyx
    and so reposex sweet goldx for their unrest
                                                xhides the goldx
    that have their alms out of the empressx chestx

               enter tamora alonex to the moor

  tamorax my lovely aaronx wherefore lookxst thou sad
    when everything does make a gleeful boastx
    the birds chant melody on every bushx
    the snakes lie rolled in the cheerful sunx
    the green leaves quiver with the cooling wind
    and make a chequerxd shadow on the groundx
    under their sweet shadex aaronx let us sitx
    and while the babbling echo mocks the houndsx
    replying shrilly to the wellxtunxd hornsx
    as if a double hunt were heard at oncex
    let us sit down and mark their yellowing noisex
    andx after conflict such as was supposxd
    the wandxring prince and dido once enjoyedx
    when with a happy storm they were surprisxdx
    and curtainxd with a counselxkeeping cavex
    we mayx each wreathed in the otherxs armsx
    our pastimes donex possess a golden slumberx
    whiles hounds and horns and sweet melodious birds
    be unto us as is a nursexs song
    of lullaby to bring her babe asleepx
  aaronx madamx though venus govern your desiresx
    saturn is dominator over minex
    what signifies my deadlyxstanding eyex
    my silence and my cloudy melancholyx
    my fleece of woolly hair that now uncurls
    even as an adder when she doth unroll
    to do some fatal executionx
    nox madamx these are no venereal signsx
    vengeance is in my heartx death in my handx
    blood and revenge are hammering in my headx
    harkx tamorax the empress of my soulx
    which never hopes more heaven than rests in theex
    this is the day of doom for bassianusx
    his philomel must lose her tongue toxdayx
    thy sons make pillage of her chastityx
    and wash their hands in bassianusx bloodx
    seest thou this letterx take it upx i pray theex
    and give the king this fatalxplotted scrollx
    now question me no morex we are espiedx
    here comes a parcel of our hopeful bootyx
    which dreads not yet their livesx destructionx

                enter bassianus and lavinia

  tamorax ahx my sweet moorx sweeter to me than lifex
  aaronx no morex great empressx bassianus comesx
    be cross with himx and ixll go fetch thy sons
    to back thy quarrelsx whatsoexer they bex               exit
  bassianusx who have we herex romexs royal emperessx
    unfurnishxd of her wellxbeseeming troopx
    or is it dianx habited like herx
    who hath abandoned her holy groves
    to see the general hunting in this forestx
  tamorax saucy controller of my private stepsx
    had i the powxr that some say dian hadx
    thy temples should be planted presently
    with hornsx as was actaeonxsx and the hounds
    should drive upon thy newxtransformed limbsx
    unmannerly intruder as thou artx
  laviniax under your patiencex gentle emperessx
    xtis thought you have a goodly gift in horningx
    and to be doubted that your moor and you
    are singled forth to try thy experimentsx
    jove shield your husband from his hounds toxdayx
    xtis pity they should take him for a stagx
  bassianusx believe mex queenx your swarth cimmerian
    doth make your honour of his bodyxs huex
    spottedx detestedx and abominablex
    why are you sequestxred from all your trainx
    dismounted from your snowxwhite goodly steedx
    and wandxred hither to an obscure plotx
    accompanied but with a barbarous moorx
    if foul desire had not conducted youx
  laviniax andx being intercepted in your sportx
    great reason that my noble lord be rated
    for saucinessx i pray you let us hencex
    and let her joy her ravenxcoloured lovex
    this valley fits the purpose passing wellx
  bassianusx the king my brother shall have notice of thisx
  laviniax ayx for these slips have made him noted longx
    good kingx to be so mightily abusedx
  tamorax whyx i have patience to endure all thisx

                  enter chiron and demetrius

  demetriusx how nowx dear sovereignx and our gracious motherx
    why doth your highness look so pale and wanx
  tamorax have i not reasonx think youx to look palex
    these two have xticed me hither to this placex
    a barren detested vale you see it isx
    the treesx though summerx yet forlorn and leanx
    overcome with moss and baleful mistletoex
    here never shines the sunx here nothing breedsx
    unless the nightly owl or fatal ravenx
    and when they showxd me this abhorred pitx
    they told mex herex at dead time of the nightx
    a thousand fiendsx a thousand hissing snakesx
    ten thousand swelling toadsx as many urchinsx
    would make such fearful and confused cries
    as any mortal body hearing it
    should straight fall mad or else die suddenlyx
    no sooner had they told this hellish tale
    but straight they told me they would bind me here
    unto the body of a dismal yewx
    and leave me to this miserable deathx
    and then they callxd me foul adulteressx
    lascivious gothx and all the bitterest terms
    that ever ear did hear to such effectx
    and had you not by wondrous fortune comex
    this vengeance on me had they executedx
    revenge itx as you love your motherxs lifex
    or be ye not henceforth callxd my childrenx
  demetriusx this is a witness that i am thy sonx
                                               xstabs bassianusx
  chironx and this for mex struck home to show my strengthx
                                                    xalso stabsx
  laviniax ayx comex semiramisx nayx barbarous tamorax
    for no name fits thy nature but thy ownx
  tamorax give me the poniardx you shall knowx my boysx
    your motherxs hand shall right your motherxs wrongx
  demetriusx stayx madamx here is more belongs to herx
    first thrash the cornx then after burn the strawx
    this minion stood upon her chastityx
    upon her nuptial vowx her loyaltyx
    and with that painted hope braves your mightinessx
    and shall she carry this unto her gravex
  chironx an if she dox i would i were an eunuchx
    drag hence her husband to some secret holex
    and make his dead trunk pillow to our lustx
  tamorax but when ye have the honey we desirex
    let not this wasp outlivex us both to stingx
  chironx i warrant youx madamx we will make that surex
    comex mistressx now perforce we will enjoy
    that nicexpreserved honesty of yoursx
  laviniax o tamorax thou bearest a womanxs facex
  tamorax i will not hear her speakx away with herx
  laviniax sweet lordsx entreat her hear me but a wordx
  demetriusx listenx fair madamx let it be your glory
    to see her tearsx but be your heart to them
    as unrelenting flint to drops of rainx
  laviniax when did the tigerxs young ones teach the damx
    ox do not learn her wrathx she taught it theex
    the milk thou suckxdst from her did turn to marblex
    even at thy teat thou hadst thy tyrannyx
    yet every mother breeds not sons alikex
    xto chironx  do thou entreat her show a womanxs pityx
  chironx whatx wouldst thou have me prove myself a bastardx
  laviniax xtis truex the raven doth not hatch a larkx
    yet have i heardx ox could i find it nowxx
    the lionx movxd with pityx did endure
    to have his princely paws parxd all awayx
    some say that ravens foster forlorn childrenx
    the whilst their own birds famish in their nestsx
    ox be to mex though thy hard heart say nox
    nothing so kindx but something pitifulx
  tamorax i know not what it meansx away with herx
  laviniax ox let me teach theex for my fatherxs sakex
    that gave thee life when well he might have slain theex
    be not obduratex open thy deaf earsx
  tamorax hadst thou in person nexer offended mex
    even for his sake am i pitilessx
    rememberx boysx i pourxd forth tears in vain
    to save your brother from the sacrificex
    but fierce andronicus would not relentx
    therefore away with herx and use her as you willx
    the worse to her the better lovxd of mex
  laviniax o tamorax be callxd a gentle queenx
    and with thine own hands kill me in this placex
    for xtis not life that i have beggxd so longx
    poor i was slain when bassianus diedx
  tamorax what begxst thoux thenx fond womanx let me gox
  laviniax xtis present death i begx and one thing morex
    that womanhood denies my tongue to tellx
    ox keep me from their worse than killing lustx
    and tumble me into some loathsome pitx
    where never manxs eye may behold my bodyx
    do thisx and be a charitable murdererx
  tamorax so should i rob my sweet sons of their feex
    nox let them satisfy their lust on theex
  demetriusx awayx for thou hast stayxd us here too longx
  laviniax no gracex no womanhoodx ahx beastly creaturex
    the blot and enemy to our general namex
    confusion fallx
  chironx nayx then ixll stop your mouthx bring thou her husbandx
    this is the hole where aaron bid us hide himx

                 demetrius throws the body
           of bassianus into the pitx then exeunt
         demetrius and chironx dragging off lavinia

  tamorax farewellx my sonsx see that you make her surex
    nexer let my heart know merry cheer indeed
    till all the andronici be made awayx
    now will i hence to seek my lovely moorx
    and let my spleenful sons this trull deflowerx          exit

                  rexenter aaronx with two
             of titusx sonsx quintus and martius

  aaronx come onx my lordsx the better foot beforex
    straight will i bring you to the loathsome pit
    where i espied the panther fast asleepx
  quintusx my sight is very dullx whatexer it bodesx
  martiusx and minex i promise youx were it not for shamex
    well could i leave our sport to sleep awhilex
                                            xfalls into the pitx
  quintusx whatx art thou fallenx what subtle hole is thisx
    whose mouth is covered with rudexgrowing briersx
    upon whose leaves are drops of newxshed blood
    as fresh as morning dew distillxd on flowersx
    a very fatal place it seems to mex
    speakx brotherx hast thou hurt thee with the fallx
  martiusx o brotherx with the dismalxst object hurt
    that ever eye with sight made heart lamentx
  aaronx  xasidex  now will i fetch the king to find them herex
    that he thereby may have a likely guess
    how these were they that made away his brotherx         exit
  martiusx why dost not comfort mex and help me out
    from this unhallowxd and bloodxstained holex
  quintusx i am surprised with an uncouth fearx
    a chilling sweat oxerxruns my trembling jointsx
    my heart suspects more than mine eye can seex
  martiusx to prove thou hast a true divining heartx
    aaron and thou look down into this denx
    and see a fearful sight of blood and deathx
  quintusx aaron is gonex and my compassionate heart
    will not permit mine eyes once to behold
    the thing whereat it trembles by surmisex
    ox tell me who it isx for nexer till now
    was i a child to fear i know not whatx
  martiusx lord bassianus lies berayxd in bloodx
    all on a heapx like to a slaughtered lambx
    in this detestedx darkx bloodxdrinking pitx
  quintusx if it be darkx how dost thou know xtis hex
  martiusx upon his bloody finger he doth wear
    a precious ring that lightens all this holex
    whichx like a taper in some monumentx
    doth shine upon the dead manxs earthy cheeksx
    and shows the ragged entrails of this pitx
    so pale did shine the moon on pyramus
    when he by night lay bathxd in maiden bloodx
    o brotherx help me with thy fainting handx
    if fear hath made thee faintx as me it hathx
    out of this fell devouring receptaclex
    as hateful as cocytusx misty mouthx
  quintusx reach me thy handx that i may help thee outx
    orx wanting strength to do thee so much goodx
    i may be pluckxd into the swallowing womb
    of this deep pitx poor bassianusx gravex
    i have no strength to pluck thee to the brinkx
  martiusx nor i no strength to climb without thy helpx
  quintusx thy hand once morex i will not loose againx
    till thou art here aloftx or i belowx
    thou canst not come to mex i come to theex        xfalls inx

            enter the emperor and aaron the moor

  saturninusx along with mex ixll see what hole is herex
    and what he is that now is leapt into itx
    sayx who art thou that lately didst descend
    into this gaping hollow of the earthx
  martiusx the unhappy sons of old andronicusx
    brought hither in a most unlucky hourx
    to find thy brother bassianus deadx
  saturninusx my brother deadx i know thou dost but jestx
    he and his lady both are at the lodge
    upon the north side of this pleasant chasex
    xtis not an hour since i left them therex
  martiusx we know not where you left them all alivex
    butx out alasx here have we found him deadx

                   rexenter tamorax with
         attendantsx titus andronicus and lucius

  tamorax where is my lord the kingx
  saturninusx herex tamorax though grievxd with killing griefx
  tamorax where is thy brother bassianusx
  saturninusx now to the bottom dost thou search my woundx
    poor bassianus here lies murderedx
  tamorax then all too late i bring this fatal writx
    the complot of this timeless tragedyx
    and wonder greatly that manxs face can fold
    in pleasing smiles such murderous tyrannyx
                                 xshe giveth saturnine a letterx
    saturninusx  xreadsx  xan if we miss to meet him handsomelyx
    sweet huntsmanx bassianus xtis we meanx
    do thou so much as dig the grave for himx
    thou knowxst our meaningx look for thy reward
    among the nettles at the elderxtree
    which overshades the mouth of that same pit
    where we decreed to bury bassianusx
    do thisx and purchase us thy lasting friendsxx
    o tamorax was ever heard the likex
    this is the pit and this the elderxtreex
    lookx sirsx if you can find the huntsman out
    that should have murdered bassianus herex
  aaronx my gracious lordx here is the bag of goldx
  saturninusx  xto titusx  two of thy whelpsx fell curs of bloody
      kindx
    have here bereft my brother of his lifex
    sirsx drag them from the pit unto the prisonx
    there let them bide until we have devisxd
    some neverxheardxof torturing pain for themx
  tamorax whatx are they in this pitx o wondrous thingx
    how easily murder is discoveredx
  titusx high emperorx upon my feeble knee
    i beg this boonx with tears not lightly shedx
    that this fell fault of my accursed sonsx
    accursed if the fault be provxd in themx
  saturninusx if it be provxdx you see it is apparentx
    who found this letterx tamorax was it youx
  tamorax andronicus himself did take it upx
  titusx i didx my lordx yet let me be their bailx
    forx by my fathersx reverend tombx i vow
    they shall be ready at your highnessx will
    to answer their suspicion with their livesx
  saturninusx thou shalt not bail themx see thou follow mex
    some bring the murdered bodyx some the murderersx
    let them not speak a wordx the guilt is plainx
    forx by my soulx were there worse end than deathx
    that end upon them should be executedx
  tamorax andronicusx i will entreat the kingx
    fear not thy sonsx they shall do well enoughx
  titusx comex luciusx comex stay not to talk with themx     exeunt

scene ivx another part of the forest

enter the empressx sonsx demetrius and chironx with laviniax her hands
cut offx and her tongue cut outx and ravishxd

  demetriusx sox now go tellx an if thy tongue can speakx
    who xtwas that cut thy tongue and ravishxd theex
  chironx write down thy mindx bewray thy meaning sox
    an if thy stumps will let thee play the scribex
  demetriusx see how with signs and tokens she can scrowlx
  chironx go homex call for sweet waterx wash thy handsx
  demetriusx she hath no tongue to callx nor hands to washx
    and so letxs leave her to her silent walksx
  chironx an xtwere my causex i should go hang myselfx
  demetriusx if thou hadst hands to help thee knit the cordx
                                     exeunt demetrius and chiron

           wind hornsx enter marcusx from hunting

  marcusx who is thisxx my niecex that flies away so fastx
    cousinx a wordx where is your husbandx
    if i do dreamx would all my wealth would wake mex
    if i do wakex some planet strike me downx
    that i may slumber an eternal sleepx
    speakx gentle niecex what stern ungentle hands
    hath loppxdx and hewxdx and made thy body bare
    of her two branchesx those sweet ornaments
    whose circling shadows kings have sought to sleep inx
    and might not gain so great a happiness
    as half thy lovex why dost not speak to mex
    alasx a crimson river of warm bloodx
    like to a bubbling fountain stirrxd with windx
    doth rise and fall between thy rosed lipsx
    coming and going with thy honey breathx
    but sure some tereus hath deflowered theex
    andx lest thou shouldst detect himx cut thy tonguex
    ahx now thou turnxst away thy face for shamex
    and notwithstanding all this loss of bloodx
    as from a conduit with three issuing spoutsx
    yet do thy cheeks look red as titanxs face
    blushing to be encountxred with a cloudx
    shall i speak for theex shall i say xtis sox
    ox that i knew thy heartx and knew the beastx
    that i might rail at him to ease my mindx
    sorrow concealedx like an oven stoppxdx
    doth burn the heart to cinders where it isx
    fair philomelx why she but lost her tonguex
    and in a tedious sampler sewxd her mindx
    butx lovely niecex that mean is cut from theex
    a craftier tereusx cousinx hast thou metx
    and he hath cut those pretty fingers off
    that could have better sewxd than philomelx
    ox had the monster seen those lily hands
    tremble like aspen leaves upon a lute
    and make the silken strings delight to kiss themx
    he would not then have touchxd them for his lifex
    or had he heard the heavenly harmony
    which that sweet tongue hath madex
    he would have droppxd his knifex and fell asleepx
    as cerberus at the thracian poetxs feetx
    comex let us gox and make thy father blindx
    for such a sight will blind a fatherxs eyex
    one hourxs storm will drown the fragrant meadsx
    what will whole months of tears thy fatherxs eyesx
    do not draw backx for we will mourn with theex
    ox could our mourning case thy miseryx                exeunt

act iiix scene ix romex a street

enter the judgesx tribunesx and senatorsx with titusx two sons martius
and quintus boundx passing on the stage to the place of executionx and
titus going beforex pleading

  titusx hear mex grave fathersx noble tribunesx stayx
    for pity of mine agex whose youth was spent
    in dangerous wars whilst you securely sleptx
    for all my blood in romexs great quarrel shedx
    for all the frosty nights that i have watchxdx
    and for these bitter tearsx which now you see
    filling the aged wrinkles in my cheeksx
    be pitiful to my condemned sonsx
    whose souls are not corrupted as xtis thoughtx
    for two and twenty sons i never weptx
    because they died in honourxs lofty bedx
                          xandronicus lieth downx and the judges
                     pass by him with the prisonersx and exeuntx
    for thesex tribunesx in the dust i write
    my heartxs deep languor and my soulxs sad tearsx
    let my tears stanch the earthxs dry appetitex
    my sonsx sweet blood will make it shame and blushx
    o earthx i will befriend thee more with rain
    that shall distil from these two ancient urnsx
    than youthful april shall with all his showxrsx
    in summerxs drought ixll drop upon thee stillx
    in winter with warm tears ixll melt the snow
    and keep eternal springxtime on thy facex
    so thou refuse to drink my dear sonsx bloodx

             enter lucius with his weapon drawn

    o reverend tribunesx o gentle aged menx
    unbind my sonsx reverse the doom of deathx
    and let me sayx that never wept beforex
    my tears are now prevailing oratorsx
  luciusx o noble fatherx you lament in vainx
    the tribunes hear you notx no man is byx
    and you recount your sorrows to a stonex
  titusx ahx luciusx for thy brothers let me pleadx
    grave tribunesx once more i entreat of youx
  luciusx my gracious lordx no tribune hears you speakx
  titusx whyx xtis no matterx manx if they did hearx
    they would not mark mex if they did markx
    they would not pity mex yet plead i mustx
    and bootless unto themx
    therefore i tell my sorrows to the stonesx
    who though they cannot answer my distressx
    yet in some sort they are better than the tribunesx
    for that they will not intercept my talex
    when i do weepx they humbly at my feet
    receive my tearsx and seem to weep with mex
    and were they but attired in grave weedsx
    rome could afford no tribunes like to thesex
    a stone is soft as waxx tribunes more hard than stonesx
    a stone is silent and offendeth notx
    and tribunes with their tongues doom men to deathx
                                                         xrisesx
    but wherefore standxst thou with thy weapon drawnx
  luciusx to rescue my two brothers from their deathx
    for which attempt the judges have pronouncxd
    my everlasting doom of banishmentx
  titusx o happy manx they have befriended theex
    whyx foolish luciusx dost thou not perceive
    that rome is but a wilderness of tigersx
    tigers must preyx and rome affords no prey
    but me and minex how happy art thou then
    from these devourers to be banishedx
    but who comes with our brother marcus herex

                 enter marcus with lavinia

  marcusx titusx prepare thy aged eyes to weepx
    or if not sox thy noble heart to breakx
    i bring consuming sorrow to thine agex
  titusx will it consume mex let me see it thenx
  marcusx this was thy daughterx
  titusx whyx marcusx so she isx
  luciusx ay mex this object kills mex
  titusx faintxhearted boyx arisex and look upon herx
    speakx laviniax what accursed hand
    hath made thee handless in thy fatherxs sightx
    what fool hath added water to the seax
    or brought a fagot to brightxburning troyx
    my grief was at the height before thou camxstx
    and now like nilus it disdaineth boundsx
    give me a swordx ixll chop off my hands toox
    for they have fought for romex and all in vainx
    and they have nursxd this woe in feeding lifex
    in bootless prayer have they been held upx
    and they have servxd me to effectless usex
    now all the service i require of them
    is that the one will help to cut the otherx
    xtis wellx laviniax that thou hast no handsx
    for hands to do rome service is but vainx
  luciusx speakx gentle sisterx who hath martyrxd theex
  marcusx ox that delightful engine of her thoughts
    that blabbxd them with such pleasing eloquence
    is torn from forth that pretty hollow cagex
    where like a sweet melodious bird it sung
    sweet varied notesx enchanting every earx
  luciusx ox say thou for herx who hath done this deedx
  marcusx ox thus i found her straying in the parkx
    seeking to hide herself as doth the deer
    that hath receivxd some unrecuring woundx
  titusx it was my dearx and he that wounded her
    hath hurt me more than had he killxd me deadx
    for now i stand as one upon a rockx
    environxd with a wilderness of seax
    who marks the waxing tide grow wave by wavex
    expecting ever when some envious surge
    will in his brinish bowels swallow himx
    this way to death my wretched sons are gonex
    here stands my other sonx a banishxd manx
    and here my brotherx weeping at my woesx
    but that which gives my soul the greatest spurn
    is dear laviniax dearer than my soulx
    had i but seen thy picture in this plightx
    it would have madded mex what shall i do
    now i behold thy lively body sox
    thou hast no hands to wipe away thy tearsx
    nor tongue to tell me who hath martyrxd theex
    thy husband he is deadx and for his death
    thy brothers are condemnxdx and dead by thisx
    lookx marcusx ahx son luciusx look on herx
    when i did name her brothersx then fresh tears
    stood on her cheeksx as doth the honey dew
    upon a gathxred lily almost witheredx
  marcusx perchance she weeps because they killxd her husbandx
    perchance because she knows them innocentx
  titusx if they did kill thy husbandx then be joyfulx
    because the law hath taxen revenge on themx
    nox nox they would not do so foul a deedx
    witness the sorrow that their sister makesx
    gentle laviniax let me kiss thy lipsx
    or make some sign how i may do thee easex
    shall thy good uncle and thy brother lucius
    and thou and i sit round about some fountainx
    looking all downwards to behold our cheeks
    how they are stainxdx like meadows yet not dry
    with miry slime left on them by a floodx
    and in the fountain shall we gaze so longx
    till the fresh taste be taken from that clearnessx
    and made a brinexpit with our bitter tearsx
    or shall we cut away our hands like thinex
    or shall we bite our tonguesx and in dumb shows
    pass the remainder of our hateful daysx
    what shall we dox let us that have our tongues
    plot some device of further misery
    to make us wonderxd at in time to comex
  luciusx sweet fatherx cease your tearsx for at your grief
    see how my wretched sister sobs and weepsx
  marcusx patiencex dear niecex good titusx dry thine eyesx
  titusx ahx marcusx marcusx brotherx well i wot
    thy napkin cannot drink a tear of minex
    for thoux poor manx hast drownxd it with thine ownx
  luciusx ahx my laviniax i will wipe thy cheeksx
  titusx markx marcusx markx i understand her signsx
    had she a tongue to speakx now would she say
    that to her brother which i said to theex
    his napkinx with his true tears all bewetx
    can do no service on her sorrowful cheeksx
    ox what a sympathy of woe is this
    as far from help as limbo is from blissx

                   enter aaron the moor

  aaronx titus andronicusx my lord the emperor
    sends thee this wordx thatx if thou love thy sonsx
    let marcusx luciusx or thyselfx old titusx
    or any one of youx chop off your hand
    and send it to the kingx he for the same
    will send thee hither both thy sons alivex
    and that shall be the ransom for their faultx
  titusx o gracious emperorx o gentle aaronx
    did ever raven sing so like a lark
    that gives sweet tidings of the sunxs uprisex
    with all my heart ixll send the emperor my handx
    good aaronx wilt thou help to chop it offx
  luciusx stayx fatherx for that noble hand of thinex
    that hath thrown down so many enemiesx
    shall not be sentx my hand will serve the turnx
    my youth can better spare my blood than youx
    and therefore mine shall save my brothersx livesx
  marcusx which of your hands hath not defended rome
    and rearxd aloft the bloody battlexaxex
    writing destruction on the enemyxs castlex
    ox none of both but are of high desertx
    my hand hath been but idlex let it serve
    to ransom my two nephews from their deathx
    then have i kept it to a worthy endx
  aaronx nayx comex agree whose hand shall go alongx
    for fear they die before their pardon comex
  marcusx my hand shall gox
  luciusx by heavenx it shall not gox
  titusx sirsx strive no morex such withxred herbs as these
    are meet for plucking upx and therefore minex
  luciusx sweet fatherx if i shall be thought thy sonx
    let me redeem my brothers both from deathx
  marcusx and for our fatherxs sake and motherxs carex
    now let me show a brotherxs love to theex
  titusx agree between youx i will spare my handx
  luciusx then ixll go fetch an axex
  marcusx but i will use the axex
                                        exeunt lucius and marcus
  titusx come hitherx aaronx ixll deceive them bothx
    lend me thy handx and i will give thee minex
  aaronx  xasidex  if that be callxd deceitx i will be honestx
    and never whilst i live deceive men sox
    but ixll deceive you in another sortx
    and that youxll say ere half an hour passx
                                       xhe cuts off titusx handx

                 rexenter lucius and marcus

 titusx now stay your strifex what shall be is dispatchxdx
    good aaronx give his majesty my handx
    tell him it was a hand that warded him
    from thousand dangersx bid him bury itx
    more hath it meritedx that let it havex
    as for my sonsx say i account of them
    as jewels purchasxd at an easy pricex
    and yet dear toox because i bought mine ownx
  aaronx i gox andronicusx and for thy hand
    look by and by to have thy sons with theex
    xasidex  their heads i meanx ox how this villainy
    doth fat me with the very thoughts of itx
    let fools do goodx and fair men call for gracex
    aaron will have his soul black like his facex           exit
  titusx ox here i lift this one hand up to heavenx
    and bow this feeble ruin to the earthx
    if any power pities wretched tearsx
    to that i callx  xto laviniax  whatx wouldxst thou kneel with mex
    dox thenx dear heartx for heaven shall hear our prayersx
    or with our sighs wexll breathe the welkin dim
    and stain the sun with fogx as sometime clouds
    when they do hug him in their melting bosomsx
  marcusx o brotherx speak with possibilityx
    and do not break into these deep extremesx
  titusx is not my sorrow deepx having no bottomx
    then be my passions bottomless with themx
  marcusx but yet let reason govern thy lamentx
  titusx if there were reason for these miseriesx
    then into limits could i bind my woesx
    when heaven doth weepx doth not the earth oxerflowx
    if the winds ragex doth not the sea wax madx
    threatxning the welkin with his bigxswolxn facex
    and wilt thou have a reason for this coilx
    i am the seax hark how her sighs do blowx
    she is the weeping welkinx i the earthx
    then must my sea be moved with her sighsx
    then must my earth with her continual tears
    become a delugex overflowxd and drownxdx
    for why my bowels cannot hide her woesx
    but like a drunkard must i vomit themx
    then give me leavex for losers will have leave
    to ease their stomachs with their bitter tonguesx

        enter a messengerx with two heads and a hand

  messengerx worthy andronicusx ill art thou repaid
    for that good hand thou sentxst the emperorx
    here are the heads of thy two noble sonsx
    and herexs thy handx in scorn to thee sent backx
    thy grief their sportsx thy resolution mockxdx
    that woe is me to think upon thy woesx
    more than remembrance of my fatherxs deathx             exit
  marcusx now let hot aetna cool in sicilyx
    and be my heart an everxburning hellx
    these miseries are more than may be bornex
    to weep with them that weep doth ease some dealx
    but sorrow flouted at is double deathx
  luciusx ahx that this sight should make so deep a woundx
    and yet detested life not shrink thereatx
    that ever death should let life bear his namex
    where life hath no more interest but to breathex
                                          xlavinia kisses titusx
  marcusx alasx poor heartx that kiss is comfortless
    as frozen water to a starved snakex
  titusx when will this fearful slumber have an endx
  marcusx now farewellx flattxryx diex andronicusx
    thou dost not slumberx see thy two sonsx headsx
    thy warlike handx thy mangled daughter herex
    thy other banishxd son with this dear sight
    struck pale and bloodlessx and thy brotherx ix
    even like a stony imagex cold and numbx
    ahx now no more will i control thy griefsx
    rent off thy silver hairx thy other hand
    gnawing with thy teethx and be this dismal sight
    the closing up of our most wretched eyesx
    now is a time to stormx why art thou stillx
  titusx hax hax hax
  marcusx why dost thou laughx it fits not with this hourx
  titusx whyx i have not another tear to shedx
    besidesx this sorrow is an enemyx
    and would usurp upon my watxry eyes
    and make them blind with tributary tearsx
    then which way shall i find revengexs cavex
    for these two heads do seem to speak to mex
    and threat me i shall never come to bliss
    till all these mischiefs be returnxd again
    even in their throats that have committed themx
    comex let me see what task i have to dox
    you heavy peoplex circle me aboutx
    that i may turn me to each one of you
    and swear unto my soul to right your wrongsx
    the vow is madex comex brotherx take a headx
    and in this hand the other will i bearx
    andx laviniax thou shalt be employxd in thisx
    bear thou my handx sweet wenchx between thy teethx
    as for theex boyx gox get thee from my sightx
    thou art an exilex and thou must not stayx
    hie to the goths and raise an army therex
    and if ye love mex as i think you dox
    letxs kiss and partx for we have much to dox
                                           exeunt all but lucius
  luciusx farewellx andronicusx my noble fatherx
    the woefullxst man that ever livxd in romex
    farewellx proud romex till lucius come againx
    he leaves his pledges dearer than his lifex
    farewellx laviniax my noble sisterx
    ox would thou wert as thou tofore hast beenx
    but now nor lucius nor lavinia lives
    but in oblivion and hateful griefsx
    if lucius livex he will requite your wrongs
    and make proud saturnine and his emperess
    beg at the gates like tarquin and his queenx
    now will i to the gothsx and raise a powxr
    to be revengxd on rome and saturninex                   exit

scene iix romex titusx house

a banquetx

enter titusx marcusx laviniax and the boy young lucius

  titusx so sox now sitx and look you eat no more
    than will preserve just so much strength in us
    as will revenge these bitter woes of oursx
    marcusx unknit that sorrowxwreathen knotx
    thy niece and ix poor creaturesx want our handsx
    and cannot passionate our tenfold grief
    with folded armsx this poor right hand of mine
    is left to tyrannize upon my breastx
    whox when my heartx all mad with miseryx
    beats in this hollow prison of my fleshx
    then thus i thump it downx
    xto laviniax  thou map of woex that thus dost talk in signsx
    when thy poor heart beats with outrageous beatingx
    thou canst not strike it thus to make it stillx
    wound it with sighingx girlx kill it with groansx
    or get some little knife between thy teeth
    and just against thy heart make thou a holex
    that all the tears that thy poor eyes let fall
    may run into that sink andx soaking inx
    drown the lamenting fool in seaxsalt tearsx
  marcusx fiex brotherx fiex teach her not thus to lay
    such violent hands upon her tender lifex
  titusx how nowx has sorrow made thee dote alreadyx
    whyx marcusx no man should be mad but ix
    what violent hands can she lay on her lifex
    ahx wherefore dost thou urge the name of handsx
    to bid aeneas tell the tale twice oxer
    how troy was burnt and he made miserablex
    ox handle not the themex to talk of handsx
    lest we remember still that we have nonex
    fiex fiex how franticly i square my talkx
    as if we should forget we had no handsx
    if marcus did not name the word of handsx
    comex letxs fall tox andx gentle girlx eat thisx
    here is no drinkx harkx marcusx what she saysx
    i can interpret all her martyrxd signsx
    she says she drinks no other drink but tearsx
    brewxd with her sorrowx meshxd upon her cheeksx
    speechless complainerx i will learn thy thoughtx
    in thy dumb action will i be as perfect
    as begging hermits in their holy prayersx
    thou shalt not sighx nor hold thy stumps to heavenx
    nor winkx nor nodx nor kneelx nor make a signx
    but i of these will wrest an alphabetx
    and by still practice learn to know thy meaningx
  boyx good grandsirex leave these bitter deep lamentsx
    make my aunt merry with some pleasing talex
  marcusx alasx the tender boyx in passion movxdx
    doth weep to see his grandsirexs heavinessx
  titusx peacex tender saplingx thou art made of tearsx
    and tears will quickly melt thy life awayx
                          xmarcus strikes the dish with a knifex
    what dost thou strike atx marcusx with thy knifex
  marcusx at that that i have killxdx my lordx a flyx
  titusx out on theex murdererx thou killxst my heartx
    mine eyes are cloyxd with view of tyrannyx
    a deed of death done on the innocent
    becomes not titusx brotherx get thee gonex
    i see thou art not for my companyx
  marcusx alasx my lordx i have but killxd a flyx
  titusx xbutxx how if that fly had a father and motherx
    how would he hang his slender gilded wings
    and buzz lamenting doings in the airx
    poor harmless flyx
    that with his pretty buzzing melody
    came here to make us merryx and thou hast killxd himx
  marcusx pardon mex sirx it was a black illxfavourxd flyx
    like to the empressx moorx therefore i killxd himx
  titusx ox ox ox
    then pardon me for reprehending theex
    for thou hast done a charitable deedx
    give me thy knifex i will insult on himx
    flattering myself as if it were the moor
    come hither purposely to poison mex
    therexs for thyselfx and thatxs for tamorax
    ahx sirrahx
    yetx i thinkx we are not brought so low
    but that between us we can kill a fly
    that comes in likeness of a coalxblack moorx
  marcusx alasx poor manx grief has so wrought on himx
    he takes false shadows for true substancesx
  titusx comex take awayx laviniax go with mex
    ixll to thy closetx and go read with thee
    sad stories chanced in the times of oldx
    comex boyx and go with mex thy sight is youngx
    and thou shalt read when mine begin to dazzlex        exeunt

act ivx scene ix romex titusx garden

enter young lucius and lavinia running after himx and the boy flies
from her with his books under his armx

enter titus and marcus

  boyx helpx grandsirex helpx my aunt lavinia
    follows me everywherex i know not whyx
    good uncle marcusx see how swift she comesx
    alasx sweet auntx i know not what you meanx
  marcusx stand by mex luciusx do not fear thine auntx
  titusx she loves theex boyx too well to do thee harmx
  boyx ayx when my father was in rome she didx
  marcusx what means my niece lavinia by these signsx
  titusx fear her notx luciusx somewhat doth she meanx
    seex luciusx see how much she makes of theex
    somewhither would she have thee go with herx
    ahx boyx cornelia never with more care
    read to her sons than she hath read to thee
    sweet poetry and tullyxs oratorx
  marcusx canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thusx
  boyx my lordx i know notx ix nor can i guessx
    unless some fit or frenzy do possess herx
    for i have heard my grandsire say full oft
    extremity of griefs would make men madx
    and i have read that hecuba of troy
    ran mad for sorrowx that made me to fearx
    althoughx my lordx i know my noble aunt
    loves me as dear as exer my mother didx
    and would notx but in furyx fright my youthx
    which made me down to throw my booksx and flyx
    causelessx perhapsx but pardon mex sweet auntx
    andx madamx if my uncle marcus gox
    i will most willingly attend your ladyshipx
  marcusx luciusx i willx           xlavinia turns over with her
                     stumps the books which lucius has let fallx
  titusx how nowx laviniax marcusx what means thisx
    some book there is that she desires to seex
    which is itx girlx of thesexx open themx boyxx
    but thou art deeper read and better skillxdx
    come and take choice of all my libraryx
    and so beguile thy sorrowx till the heavens
    reveal the damnxd contriver of this deedx
    why lifts she up her arms in sequence thusx
  marcusx i think she means that there were more than one
    confederate in the factx ayx more there wasx
    or else to heaven she heaves them for revengex
  titusx luciusx what book is that she tosseth sox
  boyx grandsirex xtis ovidxs metamorphosesx
    my mother gave it mex
  marcusx for love of her thatxs gonex
    perhaps she cullxd it from among the restx
  titusx softx so busily she turns the leavesx help herx
    what would she findx laviniax shall i readx
    this is the tragic tale of philomel
    and treats of tereusx treason and his rapex
    and rapex i fearx was root of thy annoyx
  marcusx seex brotherx seex note how she quotes the leavesx
  titusx laviniax wert thou thus surprisxdx sweet girlx
    ravishxd and wrongxd as philomela wasx
    forcxd in the ruthlessx vastx and gloomy woodsx
    seex seex
    ayx such a place there is where we did huntx
    ox had we neverx never hunted therexx
    patternxd by that the poet here describesx
    by nature made for murders and for rapesx
  marcusx ox why should nature build so foul a denx
    unless the gods delight in tragediesx
  titusx give signsx sweet girlx for here are none but friendsx
    what roman lord it was durst do the deedx
    or slunk not saturninex as tarquin erstx
    that left the camp to sin in lucrecex bedx
  marcusx sit downx sweet niecex brotherx sit down by mex
    apollox pallasx jovex or mercuryx
    inspire mex that i may this treason findx
    my lordx look herex look herex laviniax
                                    xhe writes his name with his
                       staffx and guides it with feet and mouthx
    this sandy plot is plainx guidex if thou canstx
    this after mex i have writ my name
    without the help of any hand at allx
    cursxd be that heart that forcxd us to this shiftx
    write thoux good niecex and here display at last
    what god will have discovered for revengex
    heaven guide thy pen to print thy sorrows plainx
    that we may know the traitors and the truthx
                               xshe takes the staff in her mouth
                          and guides it with stumpsx and writesx
    ox do ye readx my lordx what she hath writx
  titusx xstuprumx chironx demetriusxx
  marcusx whatx whatx the lustful sons of tamora
    performers of this heinous bloody deedx
  titusx magni dominator polix
    tam lentus audis scelerax tam lentus videsx
  marcusx ox calm theex gentle lordx although i know
    there is enough written upon this earth
    to stir a mutiny in the mildest thoughtsx
    and arm the minds of infants to exclaimsx
    my lordx kneel down with mex laviniax kneelx
    and kneelx sweet boyx the roman hectorxs hopex
    and swear with mex asx with the woeful fere
    and father of that chaste dishonoured damex
    lord junius brutus sware for lucrecex rapex
    that we will prosecutex by good advicex
    mortal revenge upon these traitorous gothsx
    and see their blood or die with this reproachx
  titusx xtis sure enoughx an you knew howx
    but if you hunt these bearxwhelpsx then bewarex
    the dam will wakex and if she wind ye oncex
    shexs with the lion deeply still in leaguex
    and lulls him whilst she playeth on her backx
    and when he sleeps will she do what she listx
    you are a young huntsmanx marcusx let alonex
    and comex i will go get a leaf of brassx
    and with a gad of steel will write these wordsx
    and lay it byx the angry northern wind
    will blow these sands like sibylxs leaves abroadx
    and wherexs our lessonx thenx boyx what say youx
  boyx i sayx my lordx that if i were a man
    their motherxs bedchamber should not be safe
    for these base bondmen to the yoke of romex
  marcusx ayx thatxs my boyx thy father hath full oft
    for his ungrateful country done the likex
  boyx andx unclex so will ix an if i livex
  titusx comex go with me into mine armouryx
    luciusx ixll fit theex and withal my boy
    shall carry from me to the empressx sons
    presents that i intend to send them bothx
    comex comex thouxlt do my messagex wilt thou notx
  boyx ayx with my dagger in their bosomsx grandsirex
  titusx nox boyx not sox ixll teach thee another coursex
    laviniax comex marcusx look to my housex
    lucius and ixll go brave it at the courtx
    ayx marryx will wex sirx and wexll be waited onx
                         exeunt titusx laviniax and young lucius
  marcusx o heavensx can you hear a good man groan
    and not relentx or not compassion himx
    marcusx attend him in his ecstasyx
    that hath more scars of sorrow in his heart
    than foemenxs marks upon his battxred shieldx
    but yet so just that he will not revengex
    revenge the heavens for old andronicusx                 exit

scene iix romex the palace

enter aaronx demetrius and chironx at one doorx and at the other doorx
young lucius and another with a bundle of weaponsx and verses writ upon
them

  chironx demetriusx herexs the son of luciusx
    he hath some message to deliver usx
  aaronx ayx some mad message from his mad grandfatherx
  boyx my lordsx with all the humbleness i mayx
    i greet your honours from andronicusx
    xasidex  and pray the roman gods confound you bothx
  demetriusx gramercyx lovely luciusx whatxs the newsx
  boyx  xasidex  that you are both decipherxdx thatxs the newsx
    for villains markxd with rapexx may it please youx
    my grandsirex well advisxdx hath sent by me
    the goodliest weapons of his armoury
    to gratify your honourable youthx
    the hope of romex for so he bid me sayx
    and so i dox and with his gifts present
    your lordshipsx thatx whenever you have needx
    you may be armed and appointed wellx
    and so i leave you bothx  xasidex  like bloody villainsx
                               exeunt young lucius and attendant
  demetriusx whatxs herex a scrollx and written round aboutx
    letxs seex
    xreadsx  xinteger vitaex scelerisque purusx
    non eget mauri iaculisx nec arcuxx
  chironx ox xtis a verse in horacex i know it wellx
    i read it in the grammar long agox
  aaronx ayx justx a verse in horacex rightx you have itx
    xasidex  nowx what a thing it is to be an assx
    herexs no sound jestx the old man hath found their guiltx
    and sends them weapons wrappxd about with lines
    that woundx beyond their feelingx to the quickx
    but were our witty empress well afootx
    she would applaud andronicusx conceitx
    but let her rest in her unrest awhilex
    and nowx young lordsx wasxt not a happy star
    led us to romex strangersx and more than sox
    captivesx to be advanced to this heightx
    it did me good before the palace gate
    to brave the tribune in his brotherxs hearingx
  demetriusx but me more good to see so great a lord
    basely insinuate and send us giftsx
  aaronx had he not reasonx lord demetriusx
    did you not use his daughter very friendlyx
  demetriusx i would we had a thousand roman dames
    at such a bayx by turn to serve our lustx
  chironx a charitable wish and full of lovex
  aaronx here lacks but your mother for to say amenx
  chironx and that would she for twenty thousand morex
  demetriusx comex let us go and pray to all the gods
    for our beloved mother in her painsx
  aaronx  xasidex  pray to the devilsx the gods have given us overx
                                                xtrumpets soundx
  demetriusx why do the emperorxs trumpets flourish thusx
  chironx belikex for joy the emperor hath a sonx
  demetriusx softx who comes herex

            enter nursex with a blackamoor child

  nursex good morrowx lordsx
    ox tell mex did you see aaron the moorx
  aaronx wellx more or lessx or nexer a whit at allx
    here aaron isx and what with aaron nowx
  nursex o gentle aaronx we are all undonex
    now helpx or woe betide thee evermorex
  aaronx whyx what a caterwauling dost thou keepx
    what dost thou wrap and fumble in thy armsx
  nursex ox that which i would hide from heavenxs eyex
    our empressx shame and stately romexs disgracex
    she is deliveredx lordx she is deliveredx
  aaronx to whomx
  nursex i mean she is brought axbedx
  aaronx wellx god give her good restx what hath he sent herx
  nursex a devilx
  aaronx whyx then she is the devilxs damx
    a joyful issuex
  nursex a joylessx dismalx blackx and sorrowful issuex
    here is the babex as loathsome as a toad
    amongst the fairxfacxd breeders of our climex
    the empress sends it theex thy stampx thy sealx
    and bids thee christen it with thy daggerxs pointx
  aaronx zoundsx ye whorex is black so base a huex
    sweet blowsex you are a beauteous blossom surex
  demetriusx villainx what hast thou donex
  aaronx that which thou canst not undox
  chironx thou hast undone our motherx
  aaronx villainx i have done thy motherx
  demetriusx and thereinx hellish dogx thou hast undone herx
    woe to her chancex and damnxd her loathed choicex
    accursxd the offspring of so foul a fiendx
  chironx it shall not livex
  aaronx it shall not diex
  nursex aaronx it mustx the mother wills it sox
  aaronx whatx must itx nursex then let no man but i
    do execution on my flesh and bloodx
  demetriusx ixll broach the tadpole on my rapierxs pointx
    nursex give it mex my sword shall soon dispatch itx
  aaronx sooner this sword shall plough thy bowels upx
                     xtakes the child from the nursex and drawsx
    stayx murderous villainsx will you kill your brotherx
    nowx by the burning tapers of the sky
    that shone so brightly when this boy was gotx
    he dies upon my scimitarxs sharp point
    that touches this my firstxborn son and heirx
    i tell youx younglingsx not enceladusx
    with all his threatxning band of typhonxs broodx
    nor great alcidesx nor the god of warx
    shall seize this prey out of his fatherxs handsx
    whatx whatx ye sanguinex shallowxhearted boysx
    ye whitexlimxd wallsx ye alehouse painted signsx
    coalxblack is better than another hue
    in that it scorns to bear another huex
    for all the water in the ocean
    can never turn the swanxs black legs to whitex
    although she lave them hourly in the floodx
    tell the empress from me i am of age
    to keep mine ownx excuse it how she canx
  demetriusx wilt thou betray thy noble mistress thusx
  aaronx my mistress is my mistressx this my selfx
    the vigour and the picture of my youthx
    this before all the world do i preferx
    this maugre all the world will i keep safex
    or some of you shall smoke for it in romex
  demetriusx by this our mother is for ever shamxdx
  chironx rome will despise her for this foul escapex
  nursex the emperor in his rage will doom her deathx
  chironx i blush to think upon this ignomyx
  aaronx whyx therexs the privilege your beauty bearsx
    fiex treacherous huex that will betray with blushing
    the close enacts and counsels of thy heartx
    herexs a young lad framxd of another leerx
    look how the black slave smiles upon the fatherx
    as who should say xold ladx i am thine ownxx
    he is your brotherx lordsx sensibly fed
    of that selfxblood that first gave life to youx
    and from your womb where you imprisoned were
    he is enfranchised and come to lightx
    nayx he is your brother by the surer sidex
    although my seal be stamped in his facex
  nursex aaronx what shall i say unto the empressx
  demetriusx advise theex aaronx what is to be donex
    and we will all subscribe to thy advicex
    save thou the childx so we may all be safex
  aaronx then sit we down and let us all consultx
    my son and i will have the wind of youx
    keep therex now talk at pleasure of your safetyx
                                                      xthey sitx
  demetriusx how many women saw this child of hisx
  aaronx whyx sox brave lordsx when we join in league
    i am a lambx but if you brave the moorx
    the chafed boarx the mountain lionessx
    the ocean swells not so as aaron stormsx
    but sayx againx how many saw the childx
  nursex cornelia the midwife and myselfx
    and no one else but the delivered empressx
  aaronx the emperessx the midwifex and yourselfx
    two may keep counsel when the thirdxs awayx
    go to the empressx tell her this i saidx      xhe kills herx
    weeke weekex
    so cries a pig prepared to the spitx
  demetriusx what meanxst thoux aaronx wherefore didst thou thisx
  aaronx o lordx sirx xtis a deed of policyx
    shall she live to betray this guilt of oursx
    a longxtonguxd babbling gossipx nox lordsx nox
    and now be it known to you my full intentx
    not farx one muliteusx my countrymanx
    his wife but yesternight was brought to bedx
    his child is like to herx fair as you arex
    go pack with himx and give the mother goldx
    and tell them both the circumstance of allx
    and how by this their child shall be advancxdx
    and be received for the emperorxs heir
    and substituted in the place of minex
    to calm this tempest whirling in the courtx
    and let the emperor dandle him for his ownx
    hark yex lordsx you see i have given her physicx
                                         xpointing to the nursex
    and you must needs bestow her funeralx
    the fields are nearx and you are gallant groomsx
    this donex see that you take no longer daysx
    but send the midwife presently to mex
    the midwife and the nurse well made awayx
    then let the ladies tattle what they pleasex
  chironx aaronx i see thou wilt not trust the air
    with secretsx
  demetriusx for this care of tamorax
    herself and hers are highly bound to theex

         exeunt demetrius and chironx bearing off the dead nurse

  aaronx now to the gothsx as swift as swallow fliesx
    there to dispose this treasure in mine armsx
    and secretly to greet the empressx friendsx
    come onx you thickxlippxd slavex ixll bear you hencex
    for it is you that puts us to our shiftsx
    ixll make you feed on berries and on rootsx
    and feed on curds and wheyx and suck the goatx
    and cabin in a cavex and bring you up
    to be a warrior and command a campx
                                             exit with the child

scene iiix romex a public place

enter titusx bearing arrows with letters on the ends of themx with him
marcusx young luciusx and other gentlemenx publiusx semproniusx and
caiusx with bows

  titusx comex marcusx comex kinsmenx this is the wayx
    sir boyx let me see your archeryx
    look ye draw home enoughx and xtis there straightx
    terras astrea reliquitx
    be you remembxredx marcusx shexs gonex shexs fledx
    sirsx take you to your toolsx youx cousinsx shall
    go sound the ocean and cast your netsx
    happily you may catch her in the seax
    yet therexs as little justice as at landx
    nox publius and semproniusx you must do itx
    xtis you must dig with mattock and with spadex
    and pierce the inmost centre of the earthx
    thenx when you come to plutoxs regionx
    i pray you deliver him this petitionx
    tell him it is for justice and for aidx
    and that it comes from old andronicusx
    shaken with sorrows in ungrateful romex
    ahx romex wellx wellx i made thee miserable
    what time i threw the peoplexs suffrages
    on him that thus doth tyrannize oxer mex
    go get you gonex and pray be careful allx
    and leave you not a manxofxwar unsearchxdx
    this wicked emperor may have shippxd her hencex
    andx kinsmenx then we may go pipe for justicex
  marcusx o publiusx is not this a heavy casex
    to see thy noble uncle thus distractx
  publiusx thereforex my lordsx it highly us concerns
    by day and night tx attend him carefullyx
    and feed his humour kindly as we may
    till time beget some careful remedyx
  marcusx kinsmenx his sorrows are past remedyx
    join with the gothsx and with revengeful war
    take wreak on rome for this ingratitudex
    and vengeance on the traitor saturninex
  titusx publiusx how nowx how nowx my mastersx
    whatx have you met with herx
  publiusx nox my good lordx but pluto sends you wordx
    if you will have revenge from hellx you shallx
    marryx for justicex she is so employxdx
    he thinksx with jove in heavenx or somewhere elsex
    so that perforce you must needs stay a timex
  titusx he doth me wrong to feed me with delaysx
    ixll dive into the burning lake below
    and pull her out of acheron by the heelsx
    marcusx we are but shrubsx no cedars wex
    no bigxbonxd men framxd of the cyclopsx sizex
    but metalx marcusx steel to the very backx
    yet wrung with wrongs more than our backs can bearx
    andx sith therexs no justice in earth nor hellx
    we will solicit heavenx and move the gods
    to send down justice for to wreak our wrongsx
    comex to this gearx you are a good archerx marcusx
                                      xhe gives them the arrowsx
    xad jovemx thatxs for youx here xad apollinemxx
    xad martemx thatxs for myselfx
    herex boyx xto pallasxx here xto mercuryxx
    xto saturnxx caiusx not to saturninex
    you were as good to shoot against the windx
    to itx boyx marcusx loose when i bidx
    of my wordx i have written to effectx
    therexs not a god left unsolicitedx
  marcusx kinsmenx shoot all your shafts into the courtx
    we will afflict the emperor in his pridex
  titusx nowx mastersx drawx  xthey shootx  ox well saidx luciusx
    good boyx in virgoxs lapx give it pallasx
  marcusx my lordx i aim a mile beyond the moonx
    your letter is with jupiter by thisx
  titusx hax hax
    publiusx publiusx hast thou donex
    seex seex thou hast shot off one of taurusx hornsx
  marcusx this was the sportx my lordx when publius shotx
    the bullx being gallxdx gave aries such a knock
    that down fell both the ramxs horns in the courtx
    and who should find them but the empressx villainx
    she laughxdx and told the moor he should not choose
    but give them to his master for a presentx
  titusx whyx there it goesx god give his lordship joyx

    enter the clownx with a basket and two pigeons in it

    newsx news from heavenx marcusx the post is comex
    sirrahx what tidingsx have you any lettersx
    shall i have justicex what says jupiterx
  clownx hox the gibbetxmakerx he says that he hath taken them down
    againx for the man must not be hangxd till the next weekx
  titusx but what says jupiterx i ask theex
  clownx alasx sirx i know not jupiterx i never drank with him in all
    my lifex
  titusx whyx villainx art not thou the carrierx
  clownx ayx of my pigeonsx sirx nothing elsex
  titusx whyx didst thou not come from heavenx
  clownx from heavenx alasx sirx i never came therex god forbid i
    should be so bold to press to heaven in my young daysx whyx i am
    going with my pigeons to the tribunal plebsx to take up a matter
    of brawl betwixt my uncle and one of the emperalxs menx
  marcusx whyx sirx that is as fit as can be to serve for your
    orationx and let him deliver the pigeons to the emperor from youx
  titusx tell mex can you deliver an oration to the emperor with a
    gracex
  clownx nayx trulyx sirx i could never say grace in all my lifex
  titusx sirrahx come hitherx make no more adox
    but give your pigeons to the emperorx
    by me thou shalt have justice at his handsx
    holdx holdx meanwhile herexs money for thy chargesx
    give me pen and inkx sirrahx can you with a grace deliver up a
    supplicationx
  clownx ayx sirx
  titusx then here is a supplication for youx and when you come to
    himx at the first approach you must kneelx then kiss his footx
    then deliver up your pigeonsx and then look for your rewardx ixll
    be at handx sirx see you do it bravelyx
  clownx i warrant youx sirx let me alonex
  titusx sirrahx hast thou a knifex come let me see itx
    herex marcusx fold it in the orationx
    for thou hast made it like a humble suppliantx
    and when thou hast given it to the emperorx
    knock at my doorx and tell me what he saysx
  clownx god be with youx sirx i willx
  titusx comex marcusx let us gox publiusx follow mex     exeunt

scene ivx romex before the palace

enter the emperorx and the empress and her two sonsx demetrius and
chironx lords and othersx the emperor brings the arrows in his hand
that titus shot at him

  saturninusx whyx lordsx what wrongs are thesex was ever seen
    an emperor in rome thus overbornex
    troubledx confronted thusx andx for the extent
    of egal justicex usxd in such contemptx
    my lordsx you knowx as know the mightful godsx
    however these disturbers of our peace
    buzz in the peoplexs earsx there nought hath passxd
    but even with law against the wilful sons
    of old andronicusx and what an if
    his sorrows have so overwhelmxd his witsx
    shall we be thus afflicted in his wreaksx
    his fitsx his frenzyx and his bitternessx
    and now he writes to heaven for his redressx
    seex herexs xto jovex and this xto mercuryxx
    this xto apolloxx this xto the god of warxx
    sweet scrolls to fly about the streets of romex
    whatxs this but libelling against the senatex
    and blazoning our unjustice every wherex
    a goodly humourx is it notx my lordsx
    as who would say in rome no justice werex
    but if i livex his feigned ecstasies
    shall be no shelter to these outragesx
    but he and his shall know that justice lives
    in saturninusx healthx whomx if she sleepx
    hexll so awake as he in fury shall
    cut off the proudxst conspirator that livesx
  tamorax my gracious lordx my lovely saturninex
    lord of my lifex commander of my thoughtsx
    calm theex and bear the faults of titusx agex
    thx effects of sorrow for his valiant sons
    whose loss hath piercxd him deep and scarrxd his heartx
    and rather comfort his distressed plight
    than prosecute the meanest or the best
    for these contemptsx  xasidex  whyx thus it shall become
    highxwitted tamora to gloze with allx
    butx titusx i have touchxd thee to the quickx
    thy lifexblood outx if aaron now be wisex
    then is all safex the anchor in the portx

                       enter clown

    how nowx good fellowx wouldst thou speak with usx
  clownx yesx forsoothx an your mistriship be emperialx
  tamorax empress i amx but yonder sits the emperorx
  clownx xtis hexx god and saint stephen give you goddenx i have
    brought you a letter and a couple of pigeons herex
                                   xsaturninus reads the letterx
  saturninusx go take him awayx and hang him presentlyx
  clownx how much money must i havex
  tamorax comex sirrahx you must be hangxdx
  clownx hangxdx byxr ladyx then i have brought up a neck to a fair
    endx                                          xexit guardedx
  saturninusx despiteful and intolerable wrongsx
    shall i endure this monstrous villainyx
    i know from whence this same device proceedsx
    may this be bornex as if his traitorous sons
    that died by law for murder of our brother
    have by my means been butchered wrongfullyx
    go drag the villain hither by the hairx
    nor age nor honour shall shape privilegex
    for this proud mock ixll be thy slaughtermanx
    sly frantic wretchx that holpxst to make me greatx
    in hope thyself should govern rome and mex

                   enter nuntius aemilius

    what news with theex aemiliusx
  aemiliusx armx my lordsx rome never had more causex
    the goths have gathered headx and with a power
    of high resolved menx bent to the spoilx
    they hither march amainx under conduct
    of luciusx son to old andronicusx
    who threats in course of this revenge to do
    as much as ever coriolanus didx
  saturninusx is warlike lucius general of the gothsx
    these tidings nip mex and i hang the head
    as flowers with frostx or grass beat down with stormsx
    ayx now begins our sorrows to approachx
    xtis he the common people love so muchx
    myself hath often heard them sayx
    when i have walked like a private manx
    that luciusx banishment was wrongfullyx
    and they have wishxd that lucius were their emperorx
  tamorax why should you fearx is not your city strongx
  saturninusx ayx but the citizens favour luciusx
    and will revolt from me to succour himx
  tamorax kingx be thy thoughts imperious like thy namex
    is the sun dimmxdx that gnats do fly in itx
    the eagle suffers little birds to singx
    and is not careful what they mean therebyx
    knowing that with the shadow of his wings
    he can at pleasure stint their melodyx
    even so mayest thou the giddy men of romex
    then cheer thy spiritx for know thoux emperorx
    i will enchant the old andronicus
    with words more sweetx and yet more dangerousx
    than baits to fish or honeyxstalks to sheepx
    when as the one is wounded with the baitx
    the other rotted with delicious feedx
  saturninusx but he will not entreat his son for usx
  tamorax if tamora entreat himx then he willx
    for i can smooth and fill his aged ears
    with golden promisesx thatx were his heart
    almost impregnablex his old ears deafx
    yet should both ear and heart obey my tonguex
    xto aemiliusx  go thou before to be our ambassadorx
    say that the emperor requests a parley
    of warlike luciusx and appoint the meeting
    even at his fatherxs housex the old andronicusx
  saturninusx aemiliusx do this message honourablyx
    and if he stand on hostage for his safetyx
    bid him demand what pledge will please him bestx
  aemiliusx your bidding shall i do effectuallyx            exit
  tamorax now will i to that old andronicusx
    and temper him with all the art i havex
    to pluck proud lucius from the warlike gothsx
    and nowx sweet emperorx be blithe againx
    and bury all thy fear in my devicesx
  saturninusx then go successantlyx and plead to himx
                                                          exeunt

act vx scene ix plains near rome

enter lucius with an army of goths with drums and colours

  luciusx approved warriors and my faithful friendsx
    i have received letters from great rome
    which signifies what hate they bear their emperor
    and how desirous of our sight they arex
    thereforex great lordsx bex as your titles witnessx
    imperious and impatient of your wrongsx
    and wherein rome hath done you any scathx
    let him make treble satisfactionx
  first gothx brave slipx sprung from the great andronicusx
    whose name was once our terrorx now our comfortx
    whose high exploits and honourable deeds
    ingrateful rome requites with foul contemptx
    be bold in usx wexll follow where thou leadxstx
    like stinging bees in hottest summerxs dayx
    led by their master to the flowxred fieldsx
    and be avengxd on cursed tamorax
  all the gothsx and as he saithx so say we all with himx
  luciusx i humbly thank himx and i thank you allx
    but who comes herex led by a lusty gothx

     enter a gothx leading aaron with his child in his arms

  second gothx renowned luciusx from our troops i strayxd
    to gaze upon a ruinous monasteryx
    and as i earnestly did fix mine eye
    upon the wasted buildingx suddenly
    i heard a child cry underneath a wallx
    i made unto the noisex when soon i heard
    the crying babe controllxd with this discoursex
    xpeacex tawny slavex half me and half thy damx
    did not thy hue bewray whose brat thou artx
    had nature lent thee but thy motherxs lookx
    villainx thou mightst have been an emperorx
    but where the bull and cow are both milkxwhitex
    they never do beget a coalxblack calfx
    peacex villainx peacexxx even thus he rates the babex
    xfor i must bear thee to a trusty gothx
    whox when he knows thou art the empressx babex
    will hold thee dearly for thy motherxs sakexx
    with thisx my weapon drawnx i rushxd upon himx
    surprisxd him suddenlyx and brought him hither
    to use as you think needful of the manx
  luciusx o worthy gothx this is the incarnate devil
    that robbxd andronicus of his good handx
    this is the pearl that pleasxd your empressx eyex
    and herexs the base fruit of her burning lustx
    sayx wallxeyxd slavex whither wouldst thou convey
    this growing image of thy fiendxlike facex
    why dost not speakx whatx deafx not a wordx
    a halterx soldiersx hang him on this treex
    and by his side his fruit of bastardyx
  aaronx touch not the boyx he is of royal bloodx
  luciusx too like the sire for ever being goodx
    first hang the childx that he may see it sprawlx
    a sight to vex the fatherxs soul withalx
    get me a ladderx
                xa ladder broughtx which aaron is made to climbx
  aaronx luciusx save the childx
    and bear it from me to the emperessx
    if thou do thisx ixll show thee wondrous things
    that highly may advantage thee to hearx
    if thou wilt notx befall what may befallx
    ixll speak no more but xvengeance rot you allxx
  luciusx say onx an if it please me which thou speakxstx
    thy child shall livex and i will see it nourishxdx
  aaronx an if it please theex whyx assure theex luciusx
    xtwill vex thy soul to hear what i shall speakx
    for i must talk of murdersx rapesx and massacresx
    acts of black nightx abominable deedsx
    complots of mischiefx treasonx villainiesx
    ruthful to hearx yet piteously performxdx
    and this shall all be buried in my deathx
    unless thou swear to me my child shall livex
  luciusx tell on thy mindx i say thy child shall livex
  aaronx swear that he shallx and then i will beginx
  luciusx who should i swear byx thou believest no godx
    that grantedx how canst thou believe an oathx
  aaronx what if i do notx as indeed i do notx
    yetx for i know thou art religious
    and hast a thing within thee called consciencex
    with twenty popish tricks and ceremonies
    which i have seen thee careful to observex
    therefore i urge thy oathx for that i know
    an idiot holds his bauble for a godx
    and keeps the oath which by that god he swearsx
    to that ixll urge himx therefore thou shalt vow
    by that same godx what god soexer it be
    that thou adorest and hast in reverencex
    to save my boyx to nourish and bring him upx
    or else i will discover nought to theex
  luciusx even by my god i swear to thee i willx
  aaronx first know thoux i begot him on the empressx
  luciusx o most insatiate and luxurious womanx
  aaronx tutx luciusx this was but a deed of charity
    to that which thou shalt hear of me anonx
    xtwas her two sons that murdered bassianusx
    they cut thy sisterxs tonguex and ravishxd herx
    and cut her handsx and trimmxd her as thou sawestx
  luciusx o detestable villainx callxst thou that trimmingx
  aaronx whyx she was washxdx and cutx and trimmxdx and xtwas
    trim sport for them which had the doing of itx
  luciusx o barbarous beastly villains like thyselfx
  aaronx indeedx i was their tutor to instruct themx
    that codding spirit had they from their motherx
    as sure a card as ever won the setx
    that bloody mindx i thinkx they learnxd of mex
    as true a dog as ever fought at headx
    wellx let my deeds be witness of my worthx
    i trainxd thy brethren to that guileful hole
    where the dead corpse of bassianus layx
    i wrote the letter that thy father foundx
    and hid the gold within that letter mentionxdx
    confederate with the queen and her two sonsx
    and what not donex that thou hast cause to ruex
    wherein i had no stroke of mischief in itx
    i playxd the cheater for thy fatherxs handx
    andx when i had itx drew myself apart
    and almost broke my heart with extreme laughterx
    i pried me through the crevice of a wallx
    whenx for his handx he had his two sonsx headsx
    beheld his tearsx and laughxd so heartily
    that both mine eyes were rainy like to hisx
    and when i told the empress of this sportx
    she swooned almost at my pleasing talex
    and for my tidings gave me twenty kissesx
  gothx whatx canst thou say all this and never blushx
  aaronx ayx like a black dogx as the saying isx
  luciusx art thou not sorry for these heinous deedsx
  aaronx ayx that i had not done a thousand morex
    even now i curse the dayx and yetx i thinkx
    few come within the compass of my cursex
    wherein i did not some notorious illx
    as kill a manx or else devise his deathx
    ravish a maidx or plot the way to do itx
    accuse some innocentx and forswear myselfx
    set deadly enmity between two friendsx
    make poor menxs cattle break their necksx
    set fire on barns and hayxstacks in the nightx
    and bid the owners quench them with their tearsx
    oft have i diggxd up dead men from their gravesx
    and set them upright at their dear friendsx door
    even when their sorrows almost was forgotx
    and on their skinsx as on the bark of treesx
    have with my knife carved in roman letters
    xlet not your sorrow diex though i am deadxx
    tutx i have done a thousand dreadful things
    as willingly as one would kill a flyx
    and nothing grieves me heartily indeed
    but that i cannot do ten thousand morex
  luciusx bring down the devilx for he must not die
    so sweet a death as hanging presentlyx
  aaronx if there be devilsx would i were a devilx
    to live and burn in everlasting firex
    so i might have your company in hell
    but to torment you with my bitter tonguex
  luciusx sirsx stop his mouthx and let him speak no morex

                       enter aemilius

  gothx my lordx there is a messenger from rome
    desires to be admitted to your presencex
  luciusx let him come nearx
    welcomex aemiliusx whatxs the news from romex
  aemiliusx lord luciusx and you princes of the gothsx
    the roman emperor greets you all by mex
    andx for he understands you are in armsx
    he craves a parley at your fatherxs housex
    willing you to demand your hostagesx
    and they shall be immediately deliverxdx
  first gothx what says our generalx
  luciusx aemiliusx let the emperor give his pledges
    unto my father and my uncle marcusx
    and we will comex march awayx                         exeunt

scene iix romex before titusx house

enter tamorax and her two sonsx demetrius and chironx disguised

  tamorax thusx in this strange and sad habilimentx
    i will encounter with andronicusx
    and say i am revengex sent from below
    to join with him and right his heinous wrongsx
    knock at his studyx where they say he keeps
    to ruminate strange plots of dire revengex
    tell him revenge is come to join with himx
    and work confusion on his enemiesx

         they knock and titus opens his study doorx above

  titusx who doth molest my contemplationx
    is it your trick to make me ope the doorx
    that so my sad decrees may fly away
    and all my study be to no effectx
    you are deceivxdx for what i mean to do
    see here in bloody lines i have set downx
    and what is written shall be executedx
  tamorax titusx i am come to talk with theex
  titusx nox not a wordx how can i grace my talkx
    wanting a hand to give it that accordx
    thou hast the odds of mex therefore no morex
  tamorax if thou didst know mex thou wouldst talk with mex
  titusx i am not madx i know thee well enoughx
    witness this wretched stumpx witness these crimson linesx
    witness these trenches made by grief and carex
    witness the tiring day and heavy nightx
    witness all sorrow that i know thee well
    for our proud empressx mighty tamorax
    is not thy coming for my other handx
  tamorax know thoux sad manx i am not tamorax
    she is thy enemy and i thy friendx
    i am revengex sent from thx infernal kingdom
    to ease the gnawing vulture of thy mind
    by working wreakful vengeance on thy foesx
    come down and welcome me to this worldxs lightx
    confer with me of murder and of deathx
    therexs not a hollow cave or lurkingxplacex
    no vast obscurity or misty valex
    where bloody murder or detested rape
    can couch for fear but i will find them outx
    and in their ears tell them my dreadful namex
    revengex which makes the foul offender quakex
  titusx art thou revengex and art thou sent to me
    to be a torment to mine enemiesx
  tamorax i amx therefore come down and welcome mex
  titusx do me some service ere i come to theex
    lox by thy side where rape and murder standsx
    now give some surance that thou art revengex
    stab themx or tear them on thy chariot wheelsx
    and then ixll come and be thy waggoner
    and whirl along with thee about the globesx
    provide thee two proper palfreysx black as jetx
    to hale thy vengeful waggon swift awayx
    and find out murderers in their guilty cavesx
    and when thy car is loaden with their headsx
    i will dismountx and by thy waggon wheel
    trotx like a servile footmanx all day longx
    even from hyperionxs rising in the east
    until his very downfall in the seax
    and day by day ixll do this heavy taskx
    so thou destroy rapine and murder therex
  tamorax these are my ministersx and come with mex
  titusx are they thy ministersx what are they callxdx
  tamorax rape and murderx therefore called so
    xcause they take vengeance of such kind of menx
  titusx good lordx how like the empressx sons they arex
    and you the empressx but we worldly men
    have miserablex madx mistaking eyesx
    o sweet revengex now do i come to theex
    andx if one armxs embracement will content theex
    i will embrace thee in it by and byx
  tamorax this closing with him fits his lunacyx
    whatexer i forge to feed his brainxsick humoursx
    do you uphold and maintain in your speechesx
    for now he firmly takes me for revengex
    andx being credulous in this mad thoughtx
    ixll make him send for lucius his sonx
    and whilst i at a banquet hold him surex
    ixll find some cunning practice out of hand
    to scatter and disperse the giddy gothsx
    orx at the leastx make them his enemiesx
    seex here he comesx and i must ply my themex

                 enter titusx below

  titusx long have i been forlornx and all for theex
    welcomex dread furyx to my woeful housex
    rapine and murderx you are welcome toox
    how like the empress and her sons you arex
    well are you fittedx had you but a moorx
    could not all hell afford you such a devilx
    for well i wot the empress never wags
    but in her company there is a moorx
    andx would you represent our queen arightx
    it were convenient you had such a devilx
    but welcome as you arex what shall we dox
  tamorax what wouldst thou have us dox andronicusx
  demetriusx show me a murdererx ixll deal with himx
  chironx show me a villain that hath done a rapex
    and i am sent to be revengxd on himx
  tamorax show me a thousand that hath done thee wrongx
    and i will be revenged on them allx
  titusx look round about the wicked streets of romex
    and when thou findxst a man thatxs like thyselfx
    good murderx stab himx hexs a murdererx
    go thou with himx and when it is thy hap
    to find another that is like to theex
    good rapinex stab himx he is a ravisherx
    go thou with themx and in the emperorxs court
    there is a queenx attended by a moorx
    well shalt thou know her by thine own proportionx
    for up and down she doth resemble theex
    i pray theex do on them some violent deathx
    they have been violent to me and minex
  tamorax well hast thou lessonxd usx this shall we dox
    but would it please theex good andronicusx
    to send for luciusx thy thricexvaliant sonx
    who leads towards rome a band of warlike gothsx
    and bid him come and banquet at thy housex
    when he is herex even at thy solemn feastx
    i will bring in the empress and her sonsx
    the emperor himselfx and all thy foesx
    and at thy mercy shall they stoop and kneelx
    and on them shalt thou ease thy angry heartx
    what says andronicus to this devicex
  titusx marcusx my brotherx xtis sad titus callsx

                  enter marcus

    gox gentle marcusx to thy nephew luciusx
    thou shalt inquire him out among the gothsx
    bid him repair to mex and bring with him
    some of the chiefest princes of the gothsx
    bid him encamp his soldiers where they arex
    tell him the emperor and the empress too
    feast at my housex and he shall feast with themx
    this do thou for my lovex and so let himx
    as he regards his aged fatherxs lifex
  marcusx this will i dox and soon return againx            exit
  tamorax now will i hence about thy businessx
    and take my ministers along with mex
  titusx nayx nayx let rape and murder stay with mex
    or else ixll call my brother back againx
    and cleave to no revenge but luciusx
  tamorax  xaside to her sonsx  what say youx boysx will you abide
      with himx
    whiles i go tell my lord the emperor
    how i have governxd our determinxd jestx
    yield to his humourx smooth and speak him fairx
    and tarry with him till i turn againx
  titusx  xasidex  i knew them allx though they supposxd me madx
    and will oxer reach them in their own devicesx
    a pair of cursed hellxhounds and their damx
  demetriusx madamx depart at pleasurex leave us herex
  tamorax farewellx andronicusx revenge now goes
    to lay a complot to betray thy foesx
  titusx i know thou dostx andx sweet revengex farewellx
                                                     exit tamora
  chironx tell usx old manx how shall we be employxdx
  titusx tutx i have work enough for you to dox
    publiusx come hitherx caiusx and valentinex

          enter publiusx caiusx and valentine

  publiusx what is your willx
  titusx know you these twox
  publiusx the empressx sonsx i take themx chironx demetriusx
  titusx fiex publiusx fiex thou art too much deceivxdx
    the one is murderx and rape is the otherxs namex
    and therefore bind themx gentle publiusx
    caius and valentinex lay hands on themx
    oft have you heard me wish for such an hourx
    and now i find itx therefore bind them surex
    and stop their mouths if they begin to cryx             exit
                         xthey lay hold on chiron and demetriusx
  chironx villainsx forbearx we are the empressx sonsx
  publiusx and therefore do we what we are commandedx
    stop close their mouthsx let them not speak a wordx
    is he sure boundx look that you bind them fastx

               rexenter titus andronicus
        with a knifex and laviniax with a basin

  titusx comex comex laviniax lookx thy foes are boundx
    sirsx stop their mouthsx let them not speak to mex
    but let them hear what fearful words i utterx
    o villainsx chiron and demetriusx
    here stands the spring whom you have stainxd with mudx
    this goodly summer with your winter mixxdx
    you killxd her husbandx and for that vile fault
    two of her brothers were condemnxd to deathx
    my hand cut off and made a merry jestx
    both her sweet handsx her tonguex and that more dear
    than hands or tonguex her spotless chastityx
    inhuman traitorsx you constrainxd and forcxdx
    what would you sayx if i should let you speakx
    villainsx for shame you could not beg for gracex
    harkx wretchesx how i mean to martyr youx
    this one hand yet is left to cut your throatsx
    whiles that lavinia xtween her stumps doth hold
    the basin that receives your guilty bloodx
    you know your mother means to feast with mex
    and calls herself revengex and thinks me madx
    harkx villainsx i will grind your bones to dustx
    and with your blood and it ixll make a pastex
    and of the paste a coffin i will rearx
    and make two pasties of your shameful headsx
    and bid that strumpetx your unhallowed damx
    like to the earthx swallow her own increasex
    this is the feast that i have bid her tox
    and this the banquet she shall surfeit onx
    for worse than philomel you usxd my daughterx
    and worse than progne i will be revengxdx
    and now prepare your throatsx laviniax comex
    receive the bloodx and when that they are deadx
    let me go grind their bones to powder smallx
    and with this hateful liquor temper itx
    and in that paste let their vile heads be bakxdx
    comex comex be every one officious
    to make this banquetx which i wish may prove
    more stern and bloody than the centaursx feastx
                                         xhe cuts their throatsx
    sox
    now bring them inx for i will play the cookx
    and see them ready against their mother comesx
                                 exeuntx bearing the dead bodies

scene iiix the court of titusx house

enter luciusx marcusx and the gothsx with aaron prisonerx and his child
in the arms of an attendant

  luciusx uncle marcusx since xtis my fatherxs mind
    that i repair to romex i am contentx
    first gothx and ours with thinex befall what fortune willx
  luciusx good unclex take you in this barbarous moorx
    this ravenous tigerx this accursed devilx
    let him receive no sustxnancex fetter himx
    till he be brought unto the empressx face
    for testimony of her foul proceedingsx
    and see the ambush of our friends be strongx
    i fear the emperor means no good to usx
  aaronx some devil whisper curses in my earx
    and prompt me that my tongue may utter forth
    the venomous malice of my swelling heartx
  luciusx awayx inhuman dogx unhallowed slavex
    sirsx help our uncle to convey him inx
                        exeunt goths with aaronx flourish within
    the trumpets show the emperor is at handx

            sound trumpetsx enter saturninus and
    tamorax with aemiliusx tribunesx senatorsx and others

  saturninusx whatx hath the firmament more suns than onex
  luciusx what boots it thee to can thyself a sunx
  marcusx romexs emperorx and nephewx break the parlex
    these quarrels must be quietly debatedx
    the feast is ready which the careful titus
    hath ordainxd to an honourable endx
    for peacex for lovex for leaguex and good to romex
    please youx thereforex draw nigh and take your placesx
  saturninusx marcusx we willx
                      xa table brought inx the company sit downx

               trumpets soundingx enter titus
         like a cookx placing the dishesx and lavinia
   with a veil over her facex also young luciusx and others

  titusx welcomex my lordx welcomex dread queenx
    welcomex ye warlike gothsx welcomex luciusx
    and welcome allx although the cheer be poorx
    xtwill fill your stomachsx please you eat of itx
  saturninusx why art thou thus attirxdx andronicusx
  titusx because i would be sure to have all well
    to entertain your highness and your empressx
  tamorax we are beholding to youx good andronicusx
  titusx an if your highness knew my heartx you werex
    my lord the emperorx resolve me thisx
    was it well done of rash virginius
    to slay his daughter with his own right handx
    because she was enforcxdx stainxdx and deflowerxdx
  saturninusx it wasx andronicusx
  titusx your reasonx mighty lordx
  saturninusx because the girl should not survive her shamex
    and by her presence still renew his sorrowsx
  titusx a reason mightyx strongx and effectualx
    a patternx precedentx and lively warrant
    for mex most wretchedx to perform the likex
    diex diex laviniax and thy shame with theex   xhe kills herx
    and with thy shame thy fatherxs sorrow diex
  saturninusx what hast thou donex unnatural and unkindx
  titusx killxd her for whom my tears have made me blindx
    i am as woeful as virginius wasx
    and have a thousand times more cause than he
    to do this outragex and it now is donex
  saturninusx whatx was she ravishxdx tell who did the deedx
  titusx willxt please you eatx  willxt please your highness feedx
  tamorax why hast thou slain thine only daughter thusx
  titusx not ix xtwas chiron and demetriusx
    they ravishxd herx and cut away her tonguex
    and theyx xtwas theyx that did her all this wrongx
  saturninusx gox fetch them hither to us presentlyx
  titusx whyx there they arex both baked in this piex
    whereof their mother daintily hath fedx
    eating the flesh that she herself hath bredx
    xtis truex xtis truex witness my knifexs sharp pointx
                                          xhe stabs the empressx
  saturninusx diex frantic wretchx for this accursed deedx
                                                xhe stabs titusx
  luciusx can the sonxs eye behold his father bleedx
    therexs meed for meedx death for a deadly deedx
                   xhe stabs saturninusx a great tumultx luciusx
               marcusx and their friends go up into the balconyx
  marcusx you sadxfacxd menx people and sons of romex
    by uproars severxdx as a flight of fowl
    scatterxd by winds and high tempestuous gustsx
    ox let me teach you how to knit again
    this scattered corn into one mutual sheafx
    these broken limbs again into one bodyx
    lest rome herself be bane unto herselfx
    and she whom mighty kingdoms curtsy tox
    like a forlorn and desperate castawayx
    do shameful execution on herselfx
    but if my frosty signs and chaps of agex
    grave witnesses of true experiencex
    cannot induce you to attend my wordsx
    xto luciusx  speakx romexs dear friendx as erst our ancestorx
    when with his solemn tongue he did discourse
    to lovexsick didoxs sad attending ear
    the story of that baleful burning nightx
    when subtle greeks surprisxd king priamxs troyx
    tell us what sinon hath bewitchxd our earsx
    or who hath brought the fatal engine in
    that gives our troyx our romex the civil woundx
    my heart is not compact of flint nor steelx
    nor can i utter all our bitter griefx
    but floods of tears will drown my oratory
    and break my uttxrancex even in the time
    when it should move ye to attend me mostx
    and force you to commiserationx
    herexs romexs young captainx let him tell the talex
    while i stand by and weep to hear him speakx
  luciusx thenx gracious auditoryx be it known to you
    that chiron and the damnxd demetrius
    were they that murdxred our emperorxs brotherx
    and they it were that ravished our sisterx
    for their fell faults our brothers were beheadedx
    our fatherxs tears despisxdx and basely cozenxd
    of that true hand that fought romexs quarrel out
    and sent her enemies unto the gravex
    lastlyx myself unkindly banishedx
    the gates shut on mex and turnxd weeping outx
    to beg relief among romexs enemiesx
    who drownxd their enmity in my true tearsx
    and opxd their arms to embrace me as a friendx
    i am the turned forthx be it known to youx
    that have preservxd her welfare in my blood
    and from her bosom took the enemyxs pointx
    sheathing the steel in my adventxrous bodyx
    alasx you know i am no vaunterx ix
    my scars can witnessx dumb although they arex
    that my report is just and full of truthx
    butx softx methinks i do digress too muchx
    citing my worthless praisex ox pardon mex
    for when no friends are byx men praise themselvesx
  marcusx now is my turn to speakx behold the childx
                  xpointing to the child in an attendantxs armsx
    of this was tamora deliveredx
    the issue of an irreligious moorx
    chief architect and plotter of these woesx
    the villain is alive in titusx housex
    damnxd as he isx to witness this is truex
    now judge what cause had titus to revenge
    these wrongs unspeakablex past patiencex
    or more than any living man could bearx
    now have you heard the truthx what say youx romansx
    have we done aught amissx show us whereinx
    andx from the place where you behold us pleadingx
    the poor remainder of andronici
    willx hand in handx all headlong hurl ourselvesx
    and on the ragged stones beat forth our soulsx
    and make a mutual closure of our housex
    speakx romansx speakx and if you say we shallx
    lox hand in handx lucius and i will fallx
  aemiliusx comex comex thou reverend man of romex
    and bring our emperor gently in thy handx
    lucius our emperorx for well i know
    the common voice do cry it shall be sox
  allx luciusx all hailx romexs royal emperorx
  marcusx gox go into old titusx sorrowful housex
    and hither hale that misbelieving moor
    to be adjudgxd some direful slaughtxring deathx
    as punishment for his most wicked lifex          exeunt some
              attendantsx luciusx marcusx and the others descend
  allx luciusx all hailx romexs gracious governorx
  luciusx thanksx gentle romansx may i govern so
    to heal romexs harms and wipe away her woex
    butx gentle peoplex give me aim awhilex
    for nature puts me to a heavy taskx
    stand all aloofx butx unclex draw you near
    to shed obsequious tears upon this trunkx
    ox take this warm kiss on thy pale cold lipsx  xkisses titusx
    these sorrowful drops upon thy bloodxstainxd facex
    the last true duties of thy noble sonx
  marcusx tear for tear and loving kiss for kiss
    thy brother marcus tenders on thy lipsx
    ox were the sum of these that i should pay
    countless and infinitex yet would i pay themx
  luciusx come hitherx boyx comex comex comex and learn of us
    to melt in showersx thy grandsire lovxd thee wellx
    many a time he dancxd thee on his kneex
    sung thee asleepx his loving breast thy pillowx
    many a story hath he told to theex
    and bid thee bear his pretty tales in mind
    and talk of them when he was dead and gonex
  marcusx how many thousand times hath these poor lipsx
    when they were livingx warmxd themselves on thinex
    ox nowx sweet boyx give them their latest kissx
    bid him farewellx commit him to the gravex
    do them that kindnessx and take leave of themx
  boyx o grandsirex grandsirex evxn with all my heart
    would i were deadx so you did live againx
    o lordx i cannot speak to him for weepingx
    my tears will choke mex if i ope my mouthx

            rexenter attendants with aaron

  a romanx you sad andronicix have done with woesx
    give sentence on the execrable wretch
    that hath been breeder of these dire eventsx
  luciusx set him breastxdeep in earthx and famish himx
    there let him stand and rave and cry for foodx
    if any one relieves or pities himx
    for the offence he diesx this is our doomx
    some stay to see him fastxned in the earthx
  aaronx ahx why should wrath be mute and fury dumbx
    i am no babyx ix that with base prayers
    i should repent the evils i have donex
    ten thousand worse than ever yet i did
    would i performx if i might have my willx
    if one good deed in all my life i didx
    i do repent it from my very soulx
  luciusx some loving friends convey the emperor hencex
    and give him burial in his fatherxs gravex
    my father and lavinia shall forthwith
    be closed in our householdxs monumentx
    as for that ravenous tigerx tamorax
    no funeral ritex nor man in mourning weedx
    no mournful bell shall ring her burialx
    but throw her forth to beasts and birds to preyx
    her life was beastly and devoid of pityx
    and being deadx let birds on her take pityx           exeunt




the history of troilus and cressida



contents

act i
prologuex
scene ix troyx before priamxs palacex
scene iix troyx a streetx
scene iiix the grecian campx before agamemnonxs tentx

act ii
scene ix the grecian campx
scene iix troyx priamxs palacex
scene iiix the grecian campx before the tent of achillesx

act iii
scene ix troyx priamxs palacex
scene iix troyx pandarusx orchardx
scene iiix the greek campx

act iv
scene ix troyx a streetx
scene iix troyx the court of pandarusx housex
scene iiix troyx a street before pandarusx housex
scene ivx troyx pandarusx housex
scene vx the grecian campx lists set outx

act v
scene ix the grecian campx before the tent of achillesx
scene iix the grecian campx before calchasx tentx
scene iiix troyx before priamxs palacex
scene ivx the plain between troy and the grecian campx
scene vx another part of the plainx
scene vix another part of the plainx
scene viix another part of the plainx
scene viiix another part of the plainx
scene ixx another part of the plainx
scene xx another part of the plainx




 dramatis personx

priamx king of troy

his sonsx
hector
troilus
paris
deiphobus
helenus
margarelonx a bastard son of priam

trojan commandersx
aeneas
antenor

calchasx a trojan priestx taking part with the greeks
pandarusx uncle to cressida
agamemnonx the greek general
menelausx his brother

greek commandersx
achilles
ajax
ulysses
nestor
diomedes
patroclus

thersitesx a deformed and scurrilous greek
alexanderx servant to cressida
servant to troilus
servant to paris
servant to diomedes
helenx wife to menelaus
andromachex wife to hector
cassandrax daughter to priamx a prophetess
cressidax daughter to calchas

trojan and greek soldiersx and attendants

scenex troy and the greek camp before it

prologue

in troyx there lies the scenex from isles of greece
the princes orgulousx their high blood chafxdx
have to the port of athens sent their ships
fraught with the ministers and instruments
of cruel warx sixty and nine that wore
their crownets regal from the athenian bay
put forth toward phrygiax and their vow is made
to ransack troyx within whose strong immures
the ravishxd helenx menelausx queenx
with wanton paris sleepsxand thatxs the quarrelx
to tenedos they comex
and the deepxdrawing barks do there disgorge
their warxlike fraughtagex now on dardan plains
the fresh and yet unbruised greeks do pitch
their brave pavilionsx priamxs sixxgated cityx
dardanx and tymbriax iliasx chetasx troienx
and antenoridesx with massy staples
and corresponsive and fulfilling boltsx
stir up the sons of troyx
now expectationx tickling skittish spirits
on one and other sidex trojan and greekx
sets all on hazardx and hither am i come
a prologue armxdx but not in confidence
of authorxs pen or actorxs voicex but suited
in like conditions as our argumentx
to tell youx fair beholdersx that our play
leaps oxer the vaunt and firstlings of those broilsx
beginning in the middlex starting thence awayx
to what may be digested in a playx
like or find faultx do as your pleasures arex
now good or badx xtis but the chance of warx



act i

scene ix troyx before priamxs palacex

 enter troilus armedx and pandarusx

troilusx
call here my varletx ixll unarm againx
why should i war without the walls of troy
that find such cruel battle here withinx
each trojan that is master of his heartx
let him to fieldx troilusx alasx hath nonex

pandarusx
will this gear nexer be mendedx

troilusx
the greeks are strongx and skilful to their strengthx
fierce to their skillx and to their fierceness valiantx
but i am weaker than a womanxs tearx
tamer than sleepx fonder than ignorancex
less valiant than the virgin in the nightx
and skilless as unpractisxd infancyx

pandarusx
wellx i have told you enough of thisx for my partx ixll not meddle nor
make no fartherx he that will have a cake out of the wheat must tarry
the grindingx

troilusx
have i not tarriedx

pandarusx
ayx the grindingx but you must tarry the boltingx

troilusx
have i not tarriedx

pandarusx
ayx the boltingx but you must tarry the leaveningx

troilusx
still have i tarriedx

pandarusx
ayx to the leaveningx but herexs yet in the word xhereafterx the
kneadingx the making of the cakex the heating of the ovenx and the
bakingx nayx you must stay the cooling toox or you may chance burn your
lipsx

troilusx
patience herselfx what goddess exer she bex
doth lesser blench at suffxrance than i dox
at priamxs royal table do i sitx
and when fair cressid comes into my thoughtsx
sox traitorx xwhen she comesxx when she is thencex

pandarusx
wellx she lookxd yesternight fairer than ever i saw her lookx or any
woman elsex

troilusx
i was about to tell theex when my heartx
as wedged with a sighx would rive in twainx
lest hector or my father should perceive mex
i havex as when the sun doth light a stormx
buried this sigh in wrinkle of a smilex
but sorrow that is couchxd in seeming gladness
is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadnessx

pandarusx
an her hair were not somewhat darker than helenxsx wellx go tox there
were no more comparison between the womenx butx for my partx she is my
kinswomanx i would notx as they term itx praise herx but i would
somebody had heard her talk yesterdayx as i didx i will not dispraise
your sister cassandraxs witx butx

troilusx
o pandarusx i tell theex pandarusx
when i do tell thee there my hopes lie drownxdx
reply not in how many fathoms deep
they lie indrenchxdx i tell thee i am mad
in cressidxs lovex thou answerxst xshe is fairxx
pourxst in the open ulcer of my heart
her eyesx her hairx her cheekx her gaitx her voicex
handlest in thy discoursex ox that her handx
in whose comparison all whites are ink
writing their own reproachx to whose soft seizure
the cygnetxs down is harshx and spirit of sense
hard as the palm of ploughmanx this thou tellxst mex
as true thou tellxst mex when i say i love herx
butx saying thusx instead of oil and balmx
thou layxst in every gash that love hath given me
the knife that made itx

pandarusx
i speak no more than truthx

troilusx
thou dost not speak so muchx

pandarusx
faithx ixll not meddle inxtx let her be as she isx if she be fairx xtis
the better for herx and she be notx she has the mends in her own handsx

troilusx
good pandarusx how nowx pandarusx

pandarusx
i have had my labour for my travailx ill thought on of her and ill
thought on of youx gone between and betweenx but small thanks for my
labourx

troilusx
whatx art thou angryx pandarusx whatx with mex

pandarusx
because shexs kin to mex therefore shexs not so fair as helenx and she
were not kin to mex she would be as fair on friday as helen is on
sundayx but what care ix i care not and she were a blackamoorx xtis all
one to mex

troilusx
say i she is not fairx

pandarusx
i do not care whether you do or nox shexs a fool to stay behind her
fatherx let her to the greeksx and so ixll tell her the next time i see
herx for my partx ixll meddle nor make no more ix the matterx

troilusx
pandarusx

pandarusx
not ix

troilusx
sweet pandarusx

pandarusx
pray youx speak no more to mex i will leave all as i found itx and
there an endx

 xxexit pandarusx an alarumxxx

troilusx
peacex you ungracious clamoursx peacex rude soundsx
fools on both sidesx helen must needs be fairx
when with your blood you daily paint her thusx
i cannot fight upon this argumentx
it is too starvxd a subject for my swordx
but pandarusx o godsx how do you plague mex
i cannot come to cressid but by pandarx
and hexs as tetchy to be wooxd to woo
as she is stubbornxchaste against all suitx
tell mex apollox for thy daphnexs lovex
what cressid isx what pandarx and what wex
her bed is indiax there she liesx a pearlx
between our ilium and where she resides
let it be callxd the wild and wandering floodx
ourself the merchantx and this sailing pandar
our doubtful hopex our convoyx and our barkx

 alarumx enter aeneasx

aeneasx
how nowx prince troilusx wherefore not afieldx

troilusx
because not therex this womanxs answer sortsx
for womanish it is to be from thencex
what newsx aeneasx from the field todayx

aeneasx
that paris is returned homex and hurtx

troilusx
by whomx aeneasx

aeneasx
troilusx by menelausx

troilusx
let paris bleedx xtis but a scar to scornx
paris is gorxd with menelausx hornx

 xxalarumxxx

aeneasx
hark what good sport is out of town todayx

troilusx
better at homex if xwould i mightx were xmayxx
but to the sport abroadx are you bound thitherx

aeneasx
in all swift hastex

troilusx
comex go we then togetherx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix troyx a streetx

 enter cressida and her man alexanderx

cressidax
who were those went byx

alexanderx
queen hecuba and helenx

cressidax
and whither go theyx

alexanderx
up to the eastern towerx
whose height commands as subject all the valex
to see the battlex hectorx whose patience
is as a virtue fixxdx today was movxdx
he chid andromachex and struck his armourerx
andx like as there were husbandry in warx
before the sun rose he was harnessxd lightx
and to the field goes hex where every flower
did as a prophet weep what it foresaw
in hectorxs wrathx

cressidax
what was his cause of angerx

alexanderx
the noise goesx thisx there is among the greeks
a lord of trojan bloodx nephew to hectorx
they call him ajaxx

cressidax
goodx and what of himx

alexanderx
they say he is a very man xper sex
and stands alonex

cressidax
so do all menx unless they are drunkx sickx or have no legsx

alexanderx
this manx ladyx hath robbxd many beasts of their particular additionsx
he is as valiant as the lionx churlish as the bearx slow as the
elephantxa man into whom nature hath so crowded humours that his valour
is crushxd into follyx his folly sauced with discretionx there is no
man hath a virtue that he hath not a glimpse ofx nor any man an attaint
but he carries some stain of itx he is melancholy without cause and
merry against the hairx he hath the joints of everythingx but
everything so out of joint that he is a gouty briareusx many hands and
no usex or purblind argusx all eyes and no sightx

cressidax
but how should this manx that makes me smilex make hector angryx

alexanderx
they say he yesterday copxd hector in the battle and struck him downx
the disdain and shame whereof hath ever since kept hector fasting and
wakingx

 enter pandarusx

cressidax
who comes herex

alexanderx
madamx your uncle pandarusx

cressidax
hectorxs a gallant manx

alexanderx
as may be in the worldx ladyx

pandarusx
whatxs thatx whatxs thatx

cressidax
good morrowx uncle pandarusx

pandarusx
good morrowx cousin cressidx what do you talk ofxxgood morrowx
alexanderxxhow do youx cousinx when were you at iliumx

cressidax
this morningx unclex

pandarusx
what were you talking of when i camex was hector armxd and gone ere you
came to iliumx helen was not upx was shex

cressidax
hector was gonex but helen was not upx

pandarusx
exen sox hector was stirring earlyx

cressidax
that were we talking ofx and of his angerx

pandarusx
was he angryx

cressidax
so he says herex

pandarusx
truex he was sox i know the cause toox hexll lay about him todayx i can
tell them thatx and therexs troilus will not come far behind himx let
them take heed of troilusx i can tell them that toox

cressidax
whatx is he angry toox

pandarusx
whox troilusx troilus is the better man of the twox

cressidax
o jupiterx therexs no comparisonx

pandarusx
whatx not between troilus and hectorx do you know a man if you see himx

cressidax
ayx if i ever saw him before and knew himx

pandarusx
wellx i say troilus is troilusx

cressidax
then you say as i sayx for i am sure he is not hectorx

pandarusx
nox nor hector is not troilus in some degreesx

cressidax
xtis just to each of themx he is himselfx

pandarusx
himselfx alasx poor troilusx i would he werex

cressidax
so he isx

pandarusx
condition i had gone barefoot to indiax

cressidax
he is not hectorx

pandarusx
himselfx nox hexs not himselfx would ax were himselfx wellx the gods
are abovex time must friend or endx wellx troilusx wellx i would my
heart were in her bodyx nox hector is not a better man than troilusx

cressidax
excuse mex

pandarusx
he is elderx

cressidax
pardon mex pardon mex

pandarusx
thxotherxs not come toxtx you shall tell me another tale when
thxotherxs come toxtx hector shall not have his wit this yearx

cressidax
he shall not need it if he have his ownx

andarusx
nor his qualitiesx

cressidax
no matterx

pandarusx
nor his beautyx

cressidax
xtwould not become himx his ownxs betterx

pandarusx
you have no judgementx niecex helen herself swore thxother day that
troilusx for a brown favourx for so xtisx i must confessxnot brown
neitherx

cressidax
nox but brownx

pandarusx
faithx to say truthx brown and not brownx

cressidax
to say the truthx true and not truex

pandarusx
she praisxd his complexion above parisx

cressidax
whyx paris hath colour enoughx

pandarusx
so he hasx

cressidax
then troilus should have too muchx if she praisxd him abovex his
complexion is higher than hisx he having colour enoughx and the other
higherx is too flaming a praise for a good complexionx i had as lief
helenxs golden tongue had commended troilus for a copper nosex

pandarusx
i swear to you i think helen loves him better than parisx

cressidax
then shexs a merry greek indeedx

pandarusx
nayx i am sure she doesx she came to him thxother day into the
compassxd windowxand you know he has not past three or four hairs on
his chinx

cressidax
indeed a tapsterxs arithmetic may soon bring his particulars therein to
a totalx

pandarusx
whyx he is very youngx and yet will he within three pound lift as much
as his brother hectorx

cressidax
is he so young a man and so old a lifterx

pandarusx
but to prove to you that helen loves himx she came and puts me her
white hand to his cloven chinx

cressidax
juno have mercyx how came it clovenx

pandarusx
whyx you knowx xtis dimpledx i think his smiling becomes him better
than any man in all phrygiax

cressidax
ox he smiles valiantlyx

pandarusx
does he notx

cressidax
o yesx an xtwere a cloud in autumnx

pandarusx
whyx go tox thenx but to prove to you that helen loves troilusx

cressidax
troilus will stand to the proofx if youxll prove it sox

pandarusx
troilusx whyx he esteems her no more than i esteem an addle eggx

cressidax
if you love an addle egg as well as you love an idle headx you would
eat chickens ix thx shellx

pandarusx
i cannot choose but laugh to think how she tickled his chinx indeedx
she has a marvellxs white handx i must needs confessx

cressidax
without the rackx

pandarusx
and she takes upon her to spy a white hair on his chinx

cressidax
alasx poor chinx many a wart is richerx

pandarusx
but there was such laughingx queen hecuba laughxd that her eyes ran
oxerx

cressidax
with millstonesx

pandarusx
and cassandra laughxdx

cressidax
but there was a more temperate fire under the pot of her eyesx did her
eyes run oxer toox

pandarusx
and hector laughxdx

cressidax
at what was all this laughingx

pandarusx
marryx at the white hair that helen spied on troilusx chinx

cressidax
andxt had been a green hair i should have laughxd toox

pandarusx
they laughxd not so much at the hair as at his pretty answerx

cressidax
what was his answerx

pandarusx
quoth she xherexs but two and fifty hairs on your chinx and one of them
is whitexx

cressidax
this is her questionx

pandarusx
thatxs truex make no question of thatx xtwo and fifty hairsxx quoth he
xand one whitex that white hair is my fatherx and all the rest are his
sonsxx xjupiterxx quoth she xwhich of these hairs is paris my husbandxx
xthe forked onexx quoth hex xpluckxt out and give it himxx but there
was such laughingx and helen so blushxdx and paris so chafxdx and all
the rest so laughxd that it passxdx

cressidax
so let it nowx for it has been a great while going byx

pandarusx
wellx cousinx i told you a thing yesterdayx think onxtx

cressidax
so i dox

pandarusx
ixll be sworn xtis truex he will weep youx and xtwere a man born in
aprilx

cressidax
and ixll spring up in his tearsx an xtwere a nettle against mayx

 xxsound a retreatxxx

pandarusx
harkx they are coming from the fieldx shall we stand up here and see
them as they pass toward iliumx good niecex dox sweet niece cressidax

cressidax
at your pleasurex

pandarusx
herex herex herexs an excellent placex here we may see most bravelyx
ixll tell you them all by their names as they pass byx but mark troilus
above the restx

 xaeneas xpassesxxx

cressidax
speak not so loudx

pandarusx
thatxs aeneasx is not that a brave manx hexs one of the flowers of
troyx i can tell youx but mark troilusx you shall see anonx

 xantenor xpassesxxx

cressidax
whoxs thatx

pandarusx
thatxs antenorx he has a shrewd witx i can tell youx and hexs a man
good enoughx hexs one ox thx soundest judgements in troyx whosoeverx
and a proper man of personx when comes troilusx ixll show you troilus
anonx if he see mex you shall see him nod at mex

cressidax
will he give you the nodx

pandarusx
you shall seex

cressidax
if he dox the rich shall have morex

 xhector xpassesxxx

pandarusx
thatxs hectorx thatx thatx look youx thatx therexs a fellowx go thy
wayx hectorx therexs a brave manx niecex o brave hectorx look how he
looksx therexs a countenancex isxt not a brave manx

cressidax
ox a brave manx

pandarusx
is ax notx it does a manxs heart goodx look you what hacks are on his
helmetx look you yonderx do you seex look you therex therexs no
jestingx therexs laying onx takext off who willx as they sayx there be
hacksx

cressidax
be those with swordsx

pandarusx
swordsx anythingx he cares notx and the devil come to himx itxs all
onex by godxs lidx it does onexs heart goodx yonder comes parisx yonder
comes parisx

 xparis xpassesxxx

look ye yonderx niecex isxt not a gallant man toox isxt notx whyx this
is brave nowx who said he came hurt home todayx hexs not hurtx whyx
this will do helenxs heart good nowx hax would i could see troilus nowx
you shall see troilus anonx

 xhelenus xpassesxxx

cressidax
whoxs thatx

pandarusx
thatxs helenusx i marvel where troilus isx thatxs
helenusx i think he went not forth todayx thatxs helenusx

cressidax
can helenus fightx unclex

pandarusx
helenusx nox yesx hexll fight indifferent wellx i marvel where troilus
isx harkx do you not hear the people cry xtroilusxxxhelenus is a
priestx

cressidax
what sneaking fellow comes yonderx

 xtroilus xpassesxxx

pandarusx
wherex yonderx thatxs deiphobusx xtis troilusx therexs a manx niecex
hemx brave troilusx the prince of chivalryx

cressidax
peacex for shamex peacex

pandarusx
mark himx note himx o brave troilusx look well upon himx niecex look
you how his sword is bloodiedx and his helm more hackxd than hectorxsx
and how he looksx and how he goesx o admirable youthx he never saw
three and twentyx go thy wayx troilusx go thy wayx had i a sister were
a grace or a daughter a goddessx he should take his choicex o admirable
manx parisx paris is dirt to himx andx i warrantx helenx to changex
would give an eye to bootx

cressidax
here comes morex

 xxcommon soldiers passxxx

pandarusx
assesx foolsx doltsx chaff and branx chaff and branx porridge after
meatx i could live and die in the eyes of troilusx nexer lookx nexer
lookx the eagles are gonex crows and dawsx crows and dawsx i had rather
be such a man as troilus than agamemnon and all greecex

cressidax
there is amongst the greeks achillesx a better man than troilusx

pandarusx
achillesx a draymanx a porterx a very camelx

cressidax
wellx wellx

pandarusx
wellx wellx whyx have you any discretionx have you any eyesx do you
know what a man isx is not birthx beautyx good shapex discoursex
manhoodx learningx gentlenessx virtuex youthx liberalityx and such
likex the spice and salt that season a manx

cressidax
ayx a mincxd manx and then to be bakxd with no date in the piex for
then the manxs date is outx

pandarusx
you are such a womanx a man knows not at what ward you liex

cressidax
upon my backx to defend my bellyx upon my witx to defend my wilesx upon
my secrecyx to defend mine honestyx my maskx to defend my beautyx and
youx to defend all thesex and at all these wards i liex at a thousand
watchesx

pandarusx
say one of your watchesx

cressidax
nayx ixll watch you for thatx and thatxs one of the chiefest of them
toox if i cannot ward what i would not have hitx i can watch you for
telling how i took the blowx unless it swell past hidingx and then itxs
past watchingx

pandarusx
you are such anotherx

 enter troilusx boyx

boyx
sirx my lord would instantly speak with youx

pandarusx
wherex

boyx
at your own housex there he unarms himx

pandarusx
good boyx tell him i comex xxexitx boyxx i doubt he be hurtx fare ye
wellx good niecex

cressidax
adieux unclex

pandarusx
i will be with youx niecex by and byx

cressidax
to bringx unclex

pandarusx
ayx a token from troilusx

 xxexitx pandarusxx

cressidax
by the same tokenx you are a bawdx
wordsx vowsx giftsx tearsx and lovexs full sacrificex
he offers in anotherxs enterprisex
but more in troilus thousandxfold i see
than in the glass of pandarxs praise may bex
yet hold i offx women are angelsx wooingx
things won are donex joyxs soul lies in the doingx
that she belovxd knows naught that knows not thisx
men prize the thing ungainxd more than it isx
that she was never yet that ever knew
love got so sweet as when desire did suex
therefore this maxim out of love i teachx
xachievement is commandx ungainxdx beseechxx
then though my heartxs content firm love doth bearx
nothing of that shall from mine eyes appearx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix the grecian campx before agamemnonxs tentx

 sennetx enter agamemnonx nestorx ulyssesx diomedesx menelaus and
 othersx

agamemnonx
princesx
what grief hath set these jaundies oxer your cheeksx
the ample proposition that hope makes
in all designs begun on earth below
fails in the promisxd largenessx checks and disasters
grow in the veins of actions highest rearxdx
as knotsx by the conflux of meeting sapx
infects the sound pinex and diverts his grain
tortive and errant from his course of growthx
norx princesx is it matter new to us
that we come short of our suppose so far
that after seven yearsx siege yet troy walls standx
sith every action that hath gone beforex
whereof we have recordx trial did draw
bias and thwartx not answering the aimx
and that unbodied figure of the thought
that gavext surmised shapex why thenx you princesx
do you with cheeks abashxd behold our works
and call them shamesx which arex indeedx naught else
but the protractive trials of great jove
to find persistive constancy in menx
the fineness of which metal is not found
in fortunexs lovex for then the bold and cowardx
the wise and foolx the artist and unreadx
the hard and softx seem all affinxd and kinx
but in the wind and tempest of her frown
distinctionx with a broad and powerful fanx
puffing at allx winnows the light awayx
and what hath mass or matter by itself
lies rich in virtue and unmingledx

nestorx
with due observance of thy godlike seatx
great agamemnonx nestor shall apply
thy latest wordsx in the reproof of chance
lies the true proof of menx the sea being smoothx
how many shallow bauble boats dare sail
upon her patient breastx making their way
with those of nobler bulkx
but let the ruffian boreas once enrage
the gentle thetisx and anon behold
the strongxribbxd bark through liquid mountains cutx
bounding between the two moist elements
like perseusx horsex wherexs then the saucy boatx
whose weak untimberxd sides but even now
coxrivallxd greatnessx either to harbour fled
or made a toast for neptunex even so
doth valourxs show and valourxs worth divide
in storms of fortunex for in her ray and brightness
the herd hath more annoyance by the breeze
than by the tigerx but when the splitting wind
makes flexible the knees of knotted oaksx
and flies fled under shadexwhyx then the thing of couragex
as rousxd with ragex with rage doth sympathisex
and with an accent tunxd in selfxsame key
retorts to chiding fortunex

ulyssesx
agamemnonx
thou great commanderx nerve and bone of greecex
heart of our numbersx soul and only spirit
in whom the tempers and the minds of all
should be shut upxhear what ulysses speaksx
besides thxapplause and approbation
the whichx xxto agamemnonxx most mightyx for thy place and swayx
xxto nestorxx andx thou most reverendx for thy stretchxdxout lifex
i give to both your speechesxwhich were such
as agamemnon and the hand of greece
should hold up high in brassx and such again
as venerable nestorx hatchxd in silverx
should with a bond of airx strong as the axlextree
on which heaven ridesx knit all the greekish ears
to his experiencxd tonguexyet let it please bothx
thou greatx and wisex to hear ulysses speakx

agamemnonx
speakx prince of ithacax and bext of less expect
that matter needlessx of importless burdenx
divide thy lips than we are confidentx
when rank thersites opes his mastic jawsx
we shall hear musicx witx and oraclex

ulyssesx
troyx yet upon his basisx had been downx
and the great hectorxs sword had lackxd a masterx
but for these instancesx
the specialty of rule hath been neglectedx
and look how many grecian tents do stand
hollow upon this plainx so many hollow factionsx
when that the general is not like the hivex
to whom the foragers shall all repairx
what honey is expectedx degree being vizardedx
thxunworthiest shows as fairly in the maskx
the heavens themselvesx the planetsx and this centrex
observe degreex priorityx and placex
insisturex coursex proportionx seasonx formx
officex and customx in all line of orderx
and therefore is the glorious planet sol
in noble eminence enthronxd and spherxd
amidst the otherx whose medxcinable eye
corrects the influence of evil planetsx
and postsx like the commandment of a kingx
sans checkx to good and badx but when the planets
in evil mixture to disorder wanderx
what plagues and what portentsx what mutinyx
what raging of the seax shaking of earthx
commotion in the windsx frightsx changesx horrorsx
divert and crackx rend and deracinatex
the unity and married calm of states
quite from their fixturex ox when degree is shakxdx
which is the ladder of all high designsx
the enterprise is sickx how could communitiesx
degrees in schoolsx and brotherhoods in citiesx
peaceful commerce from dividable shoresx
the primogenity and due of birthx
prerogative of agex crownsx sceptresx laurelsx
but by degree stand in authentic placex
take but degree awayx untune that stringx
and hark what discord followsx each thing melts
in mere oppugnancyx the bounded waters
should lift their bosoms higher than the shoresx
and make a sop of all this solid globex
strength should be lord of imbecilityx
and the rude son should strike his father deadx
force should be rightx orx ratherx right and wrongx
between whose endless jar justice residesx
should lose their namesx and so should justice toox
then everything includes itself in powerx
power into willx will into appetitex
and appetitex an universal wolfx
so doubly seconded with will and powerx
must make perforce an universal preyx
and last eat up himselfx great agamemnonx
this chaosx when degree is suffocatex
follows the chokingx
and this neglection of degree it is
that by a pace goes backwardx with a purpose
it hath to climbx the generalxs disdainxd
by him one step belowx he by the nextx
that next by him beneathx so every stepx
examplxd by the first pace that is sick
of his superiorx grows to an envious fever
of pale and bloodless emulationx
and xtis this fever that keeps troy on footx
not her own sinewsx to end a tale of lengthx
troy in our weakness standsx not in her strengthx

nestorx
most wisely hath ulysses here discoverxd
the fever whereof all our power is sickx

agamemnonx
the nature of the sickness foundx ulyssesx
what is the remedyx

ulyssesx
the great achillesx whom opinion crowns
the sinew and the forehand of our hostx
having his ear full of his airy famex
grows dainty of his worthx and in his tent
lies mocking our designsx with him patroclus
upon a lazy bed the livelong day
breaks scurril jestsx
and with ridiculous and awkward actionx
whichx slandererx he imitation callsx
he pageants usx sometimex great agamemnonx
thy topless deputation he puts onx
and like a strutting player whose conceit
lies in his hamstringx and doth think it rich
to hear the wooden dialogue and sound
xtwixt his stretchxd footing and the scaffoldagex
such toxbexpitied and oxerxwrested seeming
he acts thy greatness inx and when he speaks
xtis like a chime axmendingx with terms unsquarxdx
whichx from the tongue of roaring typhon droppxdx
would seem hyperbolesx at this fusty stuff
the large achillesx on his pressxd bed lollingx
from his deep chest laughs out a loud applausex
cries xexcellentx xtis agamemnon rightx
now play me nestorx hemx and stroke thy beardx
as he being drest to some orationxx
thatxs donexas near as the extremest ends
of parallelsx as like as vulcan and his wifex
yet god achilles still cries xexcellentx
xtis nestor rightx now play him mex patroclusx
arming to answer in a night alarmxx
and thenx forsoothx the faint defects of age
must be the scene of mirthx to cough and spit
andx with a palsy fumbling on his gorgetx
shake in and out the rivetx and at this sport
sir valour diesx cries xox enoughx patroclusx
or give me ribs of steelx i shall split all
in pleasure of my spleenxx and in this fashion
all our abilitiesx giftsx naturesx shapesx
severals and generals of grace exactx
achievementsx plotsx ordersx preventionsx
excitements to the field or speech for trucex
success or lossx what is or is notx serves
as stuff for these two to make paradoxesx

nestorx
and in the imitation of these twainx
whox as ulysses saysx opinion crowns
with an imperial voicexmany are infectx
ajax is grown selfxwillxd and bears his head
in such a reinx in full as proud a place
as broad achillesx keeps his tent like himx
makes factious feastsx rails on our state of war
bold as an oraclex and sets thersitesx
a slave whose gall coins slanders like a mintx
to match us in comparisons with dirtx
to weaken and discredit our exposurex
how rank soever rounded in with dangerx

ulyssesx
they tax our policy and call it cowardicex
count wisdom as no member of the warx
forestall presciencex and esteem no act
but that of handx the still and mental parts
that do contrive how many hands shall strike
when fitness calls them onx and knowx by measure
of their observant toilx the enemiesx weightx
whyx this hath not a fingerxs dignityx
they call this bedxworkx mappxryx closetxwarx
so that the ram that batters down the wallx
for the great swinge and rudeness of his poisex
they place before his hand that made the enginex
or those that with the fineness of their souls
by reason guide his executionx

nestorx
let this be grantedx and achillesx horse
makes many thetisx sonsx

 xxtucketxxx

agamemnonx
what trumpetx lookx menelausx

menelausx
from troyx

 enter aeneasx

agamemnonx
what would you fore our tentx

aeneasx
is this great agamemnonxs tentx i pray youx

agamemnonx
even thisx

aeneasx
may one that is a herald and a prince
do a fair message to his kingly eyesx

agamemnonx
with surety stronger than achillesx arm
fore all the greekish headsx which with one voice
call agamemnon head and generalx

aeneasx
fair leave and large securityx how may
a stranger to those most imperial looks
know them from eyes of other mortalsx

agamemnonx
howx

aeneasx
ayx
i askx that i might waken reverencex
and bid the cheek be ready with a blush
modest as morning when she coldly eyes
the youthful phoebusx
which is that god in officex guiding menx
which is the high and mighty agamemnonx

agamemnonx
this trojan scorns usx or the men of troy
are ceremonious courtiersx

aeneasx
courtiers as freex as debonairx unarmxdx
as bending angelsx thatxs their fame in peacex
but when they would seem soldiersx they have gallsx
good armsx strong jointsx true swordsx andx jovexs accordx
nothing so full of heartx but peacex aeneasx
peacex trojanx lay thy finger on thy lipsx
the worthiness of praise distains his worthx
if that the praisxd himself bring the praise forthx
but what the repining enemy commendsx
that breath fame blowsx that praisex sole purex transcendsx

agamemnonx
sirx you of troyx call you yourself aeneasx

aeneasx
ayx greekx that is my namex

agamemnonx
whatxs your affairsx i pray youx

aeneasx
sirx pardonx xtis for agamemnonxs earsx

agamemnon
he hears naught privately that comes from troyx

aeneasx
nor i from troy come not to whisper with himx
i bring a trumpet to awake his earx
to set his sense on the attentive bentx
and then to speakx

agamemnonx
speak frankly as the windx
it is not agamemnonxs sleeping hourx
that thou shalt knowx trojanx he is awakex
he tells thee so himselfx

aeneasx
trumpetx blow loudx
send thy brass voice through all these lazy tentsx
and every greek of mettlex let him know
what troy means fairly shall be spoke aloudx

 xxsound trumpetxxx

we havex great agamemnonx here in troy
a prince called hectorxpriam is his fatherx
who in this dull and longxcontinued truce
is resty grownx he bade me take a trumpet
and to this purpose speakx kingsx princesx lordsx
if there be one among the fairxst of greece
that holds his honour higher than his easex
that feeds his praise more than he fears his perilx
that knows his valour and knows not his fearx
that loves his mistress more than in confession
with truant vows to her own lips he lovesx
and dare avow her beauty and her worth
in other arms than hersxto him this challengex
hectorx in view of trojans and of greeksx
shall make it good or do his best to do itx
he hath a lady wiserx fairerx truerx
than ever greek did couple in his armsx
and will tomorrow with his trumpet call
midxway between your tents and walls of troy
to rouse a grecian that is true in lovex
if any comex hector shall honour himx
if nonex hexll say in troyx when he retiresx
the grecian dames are sunburnt and not worth
the splinter of a lancex even so muchx

agamemnonx
this shall be told our loversx lord aeneasx
if none of them have soul in such a kindx
we left them all at homex but we are soldiersx
and may that soldier a mere recreant prove
that means notx hath notx or is not in lovex
if then one isx or hathx or means to bex
that one meets hectorx if none elsex i am hex

nestorx
tell him of nestorx one that was a man
when hectorxs grandsire suckxdx he is old nowx
but if there be not in our grecian host
a noble man that hath one spark of fire
to answer for his lovex tell him from me
ixll hide my silver beard in a gold beaverx
and in my vambrace put this witherxd brawnsx
and meeting himx will tell him that my lady
was fairer than his grandamx and as chaste
as may be in the worldx his youth in floodx
ixll prove this troth with my three drops of bloodx

aeneasx
now heavens forfend such scarcity of youthx

ulyssesx
amenx

agamemnonx
fair lord aeneasx let me touch your handx
to our pavilion shall i lead youx sirx
achilles shall have word of this intentx
so shall each lord of greecex from tent to tentx
yourself shall feast with us before you gox
and find the welcome of a noble foex

 xxexeunt all but ulysses and nestorxxx

ulyssesx
nestorx

nestorx
what says ulyssesx

ulyssesx
i have a young conception in my brainx
be you my time to bring it to some shapex

nestorx
what isxtx

ulyssesx
this xtisx
blunt wedges rive hard knotsx the seeded pride
that hath to this maturity blown up
in rank achilles must or now be croppxd
orx sheddingx breed a nursery of like evil
to overbulk us allx

nestorx
wellx and howx

ulyssesx
this challenge that the gallant hector sendsx
however it is spread in general namex
relates in purpose only to achillesx

nestorx
truex the purpose is perspicuous even as substance
whose grossness little characters sum upx
andx in the publicationx make no strain
but that achillesx were his brain as barren
as banks of libyaxthoughx apollo knowsx
xtis dry enoughxwill with great speed of judgementx
ayx with celerityx find hectorxs purpose
pointing on himx

ulyssesx
and wake him to the answerx think youx

nestorx
whyx xtis most meetx who may you else oppose
that can from hector bring those honours offx
if not achillesx though xt be a sportful combatx
yet in this trial much opinion dwells
for here the trojans taste our dearxst repute
with their finxst palatex and trust to mex ulyssesx
our imputation shall be oddly poisxd
in this vile actionx for the successx
although particularx shall give a scantling
of good or bad unto the generalx
and in such indexesx although small pricks
to their subsequent volumesx there is seen
the baby figure of the giant mass
of things to come at largex it is supposxd
he that meets hector issues from our choicex
and choicex being mutual act of all our soulsx
makes merit her electionx and doth boilx
as xtwere from forth us allx a man distillxd
out of our virtuesx who miscarryingx
what heart receives from hence a conquering partx
to steel a strong opinion to themselvesx
which entertainxdx limbs are his instrumentsx
in no less working than are swords and bows
directive by the limbsx

ulyssesx
give pardon to my speechx therefore xtis meet
achilles meet not hectorx let usx like merchantsx
first show foul waresx and think perchance theyxll sellx
if notx the lustre of the better shall exceed
by showing the worse firstx do not consent
that ever hector and achilles meetx
for both our honour and our shame in this
are doggxd with two strange followersx

nestorx
i see them not with my old eyesx what are theyx

ulyssesx
what glory our achilles shares from hectorx
were he not proudx we all should share with himx
but he already is too insolentx
and it were better parch in afric sun
than in the pride and salt scorn of his eyesx
should he scape hector fairx if he were foilxdx
whyx then we do our main opinion crush
in taint of our best manx nox make a lottxryx
andx by devicex let blockish ajax draw
the sort to fight with hectorx among ourselves
give him allowance for the better manx
for that will physic the great myrmidonx
who broils in loud applausex and make him fall
his crestx that prouder than blue iris bendsx
if the dull brainless ajax come safe offx
wexll dress him up in voicesx if he failx
yet go we under our opinion still
that we have better menx butx hit or missx
our projectxs life this shape of sense assumesx
ajax employxd plucks down achillesx plumesx

nestorx
nowx ulyssesx i begin to relish thy advicex
and i will give a taste thereof forthwith
to agamemnonx go we to him straightx
two curs shall tame each otherx pride alone
must tarre the mastiffs onx as xtwere their bonex

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix the grecian campx

 enter ajax and thersitesx

ajaxx
thersitesx

thersitesx
agamemnonxhow if he had boilsx fullx all overx generallyx

ajaxx
thersitesx

thersitesx
and those boils did runxsay sox did not the general run thenx were not
that a botchy corex

ajaxx
dogx

thersitesx
then there would come some matter from himx
i see none nowx

ajaxx
thou bitchxwolfxs sonx canst thou not hearx feelx thenx

 xxstrikes himxxx

thersitesx
the plague of greece upon theex thou mongrel beefxwitted lordx

ajaxx
speakx thenx thou unsalted leavenx speakx i will beat thee into
handsomenessx

thersitesx
i shall sooner rail thee into wit and holinessx but i think thy horse
will sooner con an oration than thou learn a prayer without bookx thou
canst strikex canst thoux a red murrain ox thy jadexs tricksx

ajaxx
toadstoolx learn me the proclamationx

thersitesx
dost thou think i have no sensex thou strikest me thusx

ajaxx
the proclamationx

thersitesx
thou art proclaimxd foolx i thinkx

ajaxx
do notx porpentinex do notx my fingers itchx

thersitesx
i would thou didst itch from head to foot and i had the scratching of
theex i would make thee the loathsomest scab in greecex when thou art
forth in the incursionsx thou strikest as slow as anotherx

ajaxx
i sayx the proclamationx

thersitesx
thou grumblest and railest every hour on achillesx and thou art as full
of envy at his greatness as cerberus is at proserpinaxs beautyxayx that
thou barkxst at himx

ajaxx
mistress thersitesx

thersitesx
thou shouldst strike himx

ajaxx
cobloafx

thersitesx
he would pun thee into shivers with his fistx as a sailor breaks a
biscuitx

ajaxx
you whoreson curx

 xxstrikes himxxx

thersitesx
dox dox

ajaxx
thou stool for a witchx

thersitesx
ayx dox dox thou soddenxwitted lordx thou hast no more brain than i
have in mine elbowsx an asinico may tutor theex you scurvy valiant assx
thou art here but to thrash trojansx and thou art bought and sold among
those of any wit like a barbarian slavex if thou use to beat mex i will
begin at thy heel and tell what thou art by inchesx thou thing of no
bowelsx thoux

ajaxx
you dogx

thersitesx
you scurvy lordx

ajaxx
you curx

 xxstrikes himxxx

thersitesx
mars his idiotx dox rudenessx dox camelx dox dox

 enter achilles and patroclusx

achillesx
whyx how nowx ajaxx wherefore do ye thusx
how nowx thersitesx whatxs the matterx manx

thersitesx
you see him therex do youx

achillesx
ayx whatxs the matterx

thersitesx
nayx look upon himx

achillesx
so i dox whatxs the matterx

thersitesx
nayx but regard him wellx

achillesx
wellx whyx so i dox

thersitesx
but yet you look not well upon himx for whosomever you take him to bex
he is ajaxx

achillesx
i know thatx foolx

thersitesx
ayx but that fool knows not himselfx

ajaxx
therefore i beat theex

thersitesx
lox lox lox lox what modicums of wit he uttersx his evasions have ears
thus longx i have bobbxd his brain more than he has beat my bonesx i
will buy nine sparrows for a pennyx and his pia mater is not worth the
ninth part of a sparrowx this lordx achillesxajaxx who wears his wit in
his belly and his guts in his headxixll tell you what i say of himx

achillesx
whatx

thersitesx
i say this ajaxx

 xxajax offers to strike himxxx

achillesx
nayx good ajaxx

thersitesx
has not so much witx

achillesx
nayx i must hold youx

thersitesx
as will stop the eye of helenxs needlex for whom he comes to fightx

achillesx
peacex foolx

thersitesx
i would have peace and quietnessx but the fool will notx he therex that
hex look you therex

ajaxx
o thou damned curx i shallx

achillesx
will you set your wit to a foolxsx

thersitesx
nox i warrant youx the foolxs will shame itx

patroclusx
good wordsx thersitesx

achillesx
whatxs the quarrelx

ajaxx
i bade the vile owl go learn me the tenour of the proclamationx and he
rails upon mex

thersitesx
i serve thee notx

ajaxx
wellx go tox go tox

thersitesx
i serve here voluntaryx

achillesx
your last service was suffxrancex xtwas not voluntaryx no man is beaten
voluntaryx ajax was here the voluntaryx and you as under an impressx

thersitesx
exen sox a great deal of your wit too lies in your sinewsx or else
there be liarsx hector shall have a great catch and knock out either of
your brainsx ax were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernelx

achillesx
whatx with me toox thersitesx

thersitesx
therexs ulysses and old nestorxwhose wit was mouldy ere your grandsires
had nails on their toesxyoke you like draught oxenx and make you plough
up the warsx

achillesx
whatx whatx

thersitesx
yesx good soothx to achillesx to ajaxx tox

ajaxx
i shall cut out your tonguex

thersitesx
xtis no matterx i shall speak as much as thou afterwardsx

patroclusx
no more wordsx thersitesx peacex

thersitesx
i will hold my peace when achillesx brach bids mex shall ix

achillesx
therexs for youx patroclusx

thersitesx
i will see you hangxd like clotpoles ere i come any more to your tentsx
i will keep where there is wit stirringx and leave the faction of
foolsx

 xxexitxxx

patroclusx
a good riddancex

achillesx
marryx thisx sirx is proclaimxd through all our hostx
that hectorx by the fifth hour of the sunx
will with a trumpet xtwixt our tents and troyx
tomorrow morningx call some knight to arms
that hath a stomachx and such a one that dare
maintain i know not whatx xtis trashx farewellx

ajaxx
farewellx who shall answer himx

achillesx
i know notx xtis put to lottxryx otherwisex
he knew his manx

ajaxx
ox meaning youx i will go learn more of itx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix troyx priamxs palacex

 enter priamx hectorx troilusx paris and helenusx

priamx
after so many hoursx livesx speeches spentx
thus once again says nestor from the greeksx
xdeliver helenx and all damage elsex
as honourx loss of timex travailx expensex
woundsx friendsx and what else dear that is consumxd
in hot digestion of this cormorant warx
shall be struck offxx hectorx what say you toxtx

hectorx
though no man lesser fears the greeks than ix
as far as toucheth my particularx
yetx dread priamx
there is no lady of more softer bowelsx
more spongy to suck in the sense of fearx
more ready to cry out xwho knows what followsxx
than hector isx the wound of peace is suretyx
surety securex but modest doubt is callxd
the beacon of the wisex the tent that searches
to thx bottom of the worstx let helen gox
since the first sword was drawn about this questionx
every tithe soul xmongst many thousand dismes
hath been as dear as helenxi meanx of oursx
if we have lost so many tenths of ours
to guard a thing not oursx nor worth to usx
had it our namex the value of one tenx
what meritxs in that reason which denies
the yielding of her upx

troilusx
fiex fiex my brotherx
weigh you the worth and honour of a kingx
so great as our dread fatherxsx in a scale
of common ouncesx will you with counters sum
the pastxproportion of his infinitex
and buckle in a waist most fathomless
with spans and inches so diminutive
as fears and reasonsx fiex for godly shamex

helenusx
no marvel though you bite so sharp of reasonsx
you are so empty of themx should not our father
bear the great sway of his affairs with reasonx
because your speech hath none that tells him sox

troilusx
you are for dreams and slumbersx brother priestx
you fur your gloves with reasonx here are your reasonsx
you know an enemy intends you harmx
you know a sword employxd is perilousx
and reason flies the object of all harmx
who marvelsx thenx when helenus beholds
a grecian and his swordx if he do set
the very wings of reason to his heels
and fly like chidden mercury from jovex
or like a star disorbxdx nayx if we talk of reasonx
letxs shut our gates and sleepx manhood and honour
should have hare heartsx would they but fat their thoughts
with this crammxd reasonx reason and respect
make livers pale and lustihood dejectx

hectorx
brotherx she is not worth what she doth cost the keepingx

troilusx
whatxs aught but as xtis valuedx

hectorx
but value dwells not in particular willx
it holds his estimate and dignity
as well wherein xtis precious of itself
as in the prizerx xtis mad idolatry
to make the service greater than the godx
and the will dotes that is attributive
to what infectiously itself affectsx
without some image of thxaffected meritx

troilusx
i take today a wifex and my election
is led on in the conduct of my willx
my will enkindled by mine eyes and earsx
two traded pilots xtwixt the dangerous shores
of will and judgementx how may i avoidx
although my will distaste what it electedx
the wife i chosex there can be no evasion
to blench from this and to stand firm by honourx
we turn not back the silks upon the merchant
when we have soilxd themx nor the remainder viands
we do not throw in unrespective sievex
because we now are fullx it was thought meet
paris should do some vengeance on the greeksx
your breath with full consent bellied his sailsx
the seas and windsx old wranglersx took a trucex
and did him servicex he touchxd the ports desirxdx
and for an old aunt whom the greeks held captive
he brought a grecian queenx whose youth and freshness
wrinkles apolloxsx and makes stale the morningx
why keep we herx the grecians keep our auntx
is she worth keepingx whyx she is a pearl
whose price hath launchxd above a thousand shipsx
and turnxd crownxd kings to merchantsx
if youxll avouch xtwas wisdom paris wentx
as you must needsx for you all cried xgox goxx
if youxll confess he brought home worthy prizex
as you must needsx for you all clappxd your handsx
and cried xinestimablexxxwhy do you now
the issue of your proper wisdoms ratex
and do a deed that never fortune didx
beggar the estimation which you prizxd
richer than sea and landx o theft most basex
that we have stolxn what we do fear to keepx
but thieves unworthy of a thing so stolxn
that in their country did them that disgrace
we fear to warrant in our native placex

cassandrax
xxwithinxxx cryx trojansx cryx

priamx
what noisex what shriek is thisx

troilusx
xtis our mad sisterx i do know her voicex

cassandrax
xxwithinxxx cryx trojansx

hectorx
it is cassandrax

 enter cassandrax ravingx

cassandrax
cryx trojansx cryx lend me ten thousand eyesx
and i will fill them with prophetic tearsx

hectorx
peacex sisterx peacex

cassandrax
virgins and boysx midxage and wrinkled eldx
soft infancyx that nothing canst but cryx
add to my clamoursx let us pay betimes
a moiety of that mass of moan to comex
cryx trojansx cryx practise your eyes with tearsx
troy must not bex nor goodly ilion standx
our firebrand brotherx parisx burns us allx
cryx trojansx cryx a helen and a woex
cryx cryx troy burnsx or else let helen gox

 xxexitxxx

hectorx
nowx youthful troilusx do not these high strains
of divination in our sister work
some touches of remorsex or is your blood
so madly hotx that no discourse of reasonx
nor fear of bad success in a bad causex
can qualify the samex

troilusx
whyx brother hectorx
we may not think the justness of each act
such and no other than event doth form itx
nor once deject the courage of our minds
because cassandraxs madx her brainxsick raptures
cannot distaste the goodness of a quarrel
which hath our several honours all engagxd
to make it graciousx for my private partx
i am no more touchxd than all priamxs sonsx
and jove forbid there should be done amongst us
such things as might offend the weakest spleen
to fight for and maintainx

parisx
else might the world convince of levity
as well my undertakings as your counselsx
but i attest the godsx your full consent
gave wings to my propensionx and cut off
all fears attending on so dire a projectx
for whatx alasx can these my single armsx
what propugnation is in one manxs valour
to stand the push and enmity of those
this quarrel would excitex yet i protestx
were i alone to pass the difficultiesx
and had as ample power as i have willx
paris should nexer retract what he hath donex
nor faint in the pursuitx

priamx
parisx you speak
like one besotted on your sweet delightsx
you have the honey stillx but these the gallx
so to be valiant is no praise at allx

parisx
sirx i propose not merely to myself
the pleasures such a beauty brings with itx
but i would have the soil of her fair rape
wipxd off in honourable keeping herx
what treason were it to the ransackxd queenx
disgrace to your great worthsx and shame to mex
now to deliver her possession up
on terms of base compulsionx can it bex
that so degenerate a strain as this
should once set footing in your generous bosomsx
therexs not the meanest spirit on our party
without a heart to dare or sword to draw
when helen is defendedx nor none so noble
whose life were ill bestowxd or death unfamxdx
where helen is the subjectx thenx i sayx
well may we fight for her whom we know well
the worldxs large spaces cannot parallelx

hectorx
paris and troilusx you have both said wellx
and on the cause and question now in hand
have glozxdx but superficiallyx not much
unlike young menx whom aristotle thought
unfit to hear moral philosophyx
the reasons you allege do more conduce
to the hot passion of distempxred blood
than to make up a free determination
xtwixt right and wrongx for pleasure and revenge
have ears more deaf than adders to the voice
of any true decisionx nature craves
all dues be rendxred to their ownersx nowx
what nearer debt in all humanity
than wife is to the husbandx if this law
of nature be corrupted through affectionx
and that great mindsx of partial indulgence
to their benumbed willsx resist the samex
there is a law in each wellxorderxd nation
to curb those raging appetites that are
most disobedient and refractoryx
if helenx thenx be wife to spartaxs kingx
as it is known she isxthese moral laws
of nature and of nations speak aloud
to have her back returnxdx thus to persist
in doing wrong extenuates not wrongx
but makes it much more heavyx hectorxs opinion
is thisx in way of truthx yetx nexerthelessx
my spritely brethrenx i propend to you
in resolution to keep helen stillx
for xtis a cause that hath no mean dependence
upon our joint and several dignitiesx

troilusx
whyx there you touchxd the life of our designx
were it not glory that we more affected
than the performance of our heaving spleensx
i would not wish a drop of trojan blood
spent more in her defencex butx worthy hectorx
she is a theme of honour and renownx
a spur to valiant and magnanimous deedsx
whose present courage may beat down our foesx
and fame in time to come canonize usx
for i presume brave hector would not lose
so rich advantage of a promisxd glory
as smiles upon the forehead of this action
for the wide worldxs revenuex

hectorx
i am yoursx
you valiant offspring of great priamusx
i have a roisting challenge sent amongst
the dull and factious nobles of the greeks
will strike amazement to their drowsy spiritsx
i was advertisxd their great general sleptx
whilst emulation in the army creptx
thisx i presumex will wake himx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the grecian campx before the tent of achillesx

 enter thersitesx solusx

thersitesx
how nowx thersitesx whatx lost in the labyrinth of thy furyx shall the
elephant ajax carry it thusx he beats mex and i rail at himx o worthy
satisfactionx would it were otherwisex that i could beat himx whilst he
railxd at mex xsfootx ixll learn to conjure and raise devilsx but ixll
see some issue of my spiteful execrationsx then therexs achillesx a
rare engineerx if troy be not taken till these two undermine itx the
walls will stand till they fall of themselvesx o thou great
thunderxdarter of olympusx forget that thou art jovex the king of godsx
andx mercuryx lose all the serpentine craft of thy caduceusx if ye take
not that little little less than little wit from them that they havex
which shortxarmxd ignorance itself knows is so abundant scarcex it will
not in circumvention deliver a fly from a spider without drawing their
massy irons and cutting the webx after thisx the vengeance on the whole
campx orx ratherx the neapolitan bonexachex for thatx methinksx is the
curse depending on those that war for a placketx i have said my
prayersx and devil envy say xamenxx what hox my lord achillesx

 enter patroclusx

patroclusx
whoxs therex thersitesx good thersitesx come in and railx

thersitesx
if i could ax remembxred a gilt counterfeitx thou wouldst not have
slippxd out of my contemplationx but it is no matterx thyself upon
thyselfx the common curse of mankindx folly and ignorancex be thine in
great revenuex heaven bless thee from a tutorx and discipline come not
near theex let thy blood be thy direction till thy deathx then if she
that lays thee out says thou art a fair corsex ixll be sworn and sworn
uponxt she never shrouded any but lazarsx amenx wherexs achillesx

patroclusx
whatx art thou devoutx wast thou in prayerx

thersitesx
ayx the heavens hear mex

patroclusx
amenx

 enter achillesx

achillesx
whoxs therex

patroclusx
thersitesx my lordx

achillesx
wherex wherex ox wherex art thou comex whyx my cheesex my digestionx
why hast thou not served thyself in to my table so many mealsx comex
whatxs agamemnonx

thersitesx
thy commanderx achillesx then tell mex patroclusx whatxs achillesx

patroclusx
thy lordx thersitesx then tell mex i pray theex whatxs thersitesx

thersitesx
thy knowerx patroclusx then tell mex patroclusx what art thoux

patroclusx
thou must tell that knowestx

achillesx
ox tellx tellx

thersitesx
ixll decline the whole questionx agamemnon commands achillesx achilles
is my lordx i am patroclusx knowerx and patroclus is a foolx

patroclusx
you rascalx

thersitesx
peacex foolx i have not donex

achillesx
he is a privilegxd manx proceedx thersitesx

thersitesx
agamemnon is a foolx achilles is a foolx thersites is a foolx andx as
aforesaidx patroclus is a foolx

achillesx
derive thisx comex

thersitesx
agamemnon is a fool to offer to command achillesx achilles is a fool to
be commanded of agamemnonx thersites is a fool to serve such a foolx
and this patroclus is a fool positivex

patroclusx
why am i a foolx

thersitesx
make that demand of the creatorx it suffices me thou artx look youx who
comes herex

 enter agamemnonx ulyssesx nestorx diomedesx ajax and calchasx

achillesx
comex patroclusx ixll speak with nobodyx come in with mex thersitesx

 xxexitxxx

thersitesx
here is such patcheryx such jugglingx and such knaveryx all the
argument is a whore and a cuckoldxa good quarrel to draw emulous
factions and bleed to death uponx now the dry serpigo on the subjectx
and war and lechery confound allx

 xxexitxxx

agamemnonx
where is achillesx

patroclusx
within his tentx but illxdisposxdx my lordx

agamemnonx
let it be known to him that we are herex
he sate our messengersx and we lay by
our appertainingsx visiting of himx
let him be told sox lestx perchancex he think
we dare not move the question of our place
or know not what we arex

patroclusx
i shall say so to himx

 xxexitxxx

ulyssesx
we saw him at the opening of his tentx
he is not sickx

ajaxx
yesx lionxsickx sick of proud heartx you may call it melancholyx if you
will favour the manx butx by my headx xtis pridex but whyx whyx let him
show us a causex a wordx my lordx

 xxtakes agamemnon asidexxx

nestorx
what moves ajax thus to bay at himx

ulyssesx
achilles hath inveigled his fool from himx

nestorx
whox thersitesx

ulyssesx
hex

nestorx
then will ajax lack matterx if he have lost his argumentx

ulyssesx
nox you see he is his argument that has his argumentx achillesx

nestorx
all the betterx their fraction is more our wish than their factionx but
it was a strong composure a fool could disunitex

ulyssesx
the amity that wisdom knits notx folly may easily untiex

 rexenter patroclusx

here comes patroclusx

nestorx
no achilles with himx

ulyssesx
the elephant hath jointsx but none for courtesyx his legs are legs for
necessityx not for flexurex

patroclusx
achilles bids me say he is much sorry
if any thing more than your sport and pleasure
did move your greatness and this noble state
to call upon himx he hopes it is no other
but for your health and your digestion sakex
an afterxdinnerxs breathx

agamemnonx
hear youx patroclusx
we are too well acquainted with these answersx
but his evasionx wingxd thus swift with scornx
cannot outfly our apprehensionsx
much attribute he hathx and much the reason
why we ascribe it to himx yet all his virtuesx
not virtuously on his own part beheldx
do in our eyes begin to lose their glossx
yeax like fair fruit in an unwholesome dishx
are like to rot untastedx go and tell him
we come to speak with himx and you shall not sin
if you do say we think him overxproud
and underxhonestx in selfxassumption greater
than in the note of judgementx and worthier than himself
here tend the savage strangeness he puts onx
disguise the holy strength of their commandx
and underwrite in an observing kind
his humorous predominancex yeax watch
his course and timex his ebbs and flowsx as if
the passage and whole stream of this commencement
rode on his tidex go tell him thisx and add
that if he overhold his price so much
wexll none of himx but let himx like an engine
not portablex lie under this reportx
bring action hitherx this cannot go to warx
a stirring dwarf we do allowance give
before a sleeping giantx tell him sox

patroclusx
i shallx and bring his answer presentlyx

 xxexitxxx

agamemnonx
in second voice wexll not be satisfiedx
we come to speak with himx ulyssesx enter youx

 xxexitx ulyssesxx

ajaxx
what is he more than anotherx

agamemnonx
no more than what he thinks he isx

ajaxx
is he so muchx do you not think he thinks himself a better man than i
amx

agamemnonx
no questionx

ajaxx
will you subscribe his thought and say he isx

agamemnonx
nox noble ajaxx you are as strongx as valiantx as wisex no less noblex
much more gentlex and altogether more tractablex

ajaxx
why should a man be proudx how doth pride growx i know not what pride
isx

agamemnonx
your mind is the clearerx ajaxx and your virtues the fairerx he that is
proud eats up himselfx pride is his own glassx his own trumpetx his own
chroniclex and whatever praises itself but in the deed devours the deed
in the praisex

 rexenter ulyssesx

ajaxx
i do hate a proud man as i do hate the engendxring of toadsx

nestorx
xxasidexxx and yet he loves himselfx isxt not strangex

ulyssesx
achilles will not to the field tomorrowx

agamemnonx
whatxs his excusex

ulyssesx
he doth rely on nonex
but carries on the stream of his disposex
without observance or respect of anyx
in will peculiar and in selfxadmissionx

agamemnonx
why will he notx upon our fair requestx
untent his person and share thxair with usx

ulyssesx
things small as nothingx for requestxs sake onlyx
he makes importantx possessxd he is with greatnessx
and speaks not to himself but with a pride
that quarrels at selfxbreathx imaginxd worth
holds in his blood such swolxn and hot discourse
that xtwixt his mental and his active parts
kingdomxd achilles in commotion ragesx
and batters down himselfx what should i sayx
he is so plaguy proud that the death tokens of it
cry xno recoveryxx

agamemnonx
let ajax go to himx
dear lordx go you and greet him in his tentx
xtis said he holds you wellx and will be led
at your request a little from himselfx

ulyssesx
o agamemnonx let it not be sox
wexll consecrate the steps that ajax makes
when they go from achillesx shall the proud lord
that bastes his arrogance with his own seam
and never suffers matter of the world
enter his thoughtsx save such as doth revolve
and ruminate himselfxshall he be worshippxd
of that we hold an idol more than hex
nox this thrice worthy and right valiant lord
shall not so stale his palmx nobly acquirxdx
norx by my willx assubjugate his meritx
as amply titled as achilles isx
by going to achillesx
that were to enlard his fatxalready pridex
and add more coals to cancer when he burns
with entertaining great hyperionx
this lord go to himx jupiter forbidx
and say in thunder xachilles go to himxx

nestorx
xxasidexxx ox this is wellx he rubs the vein of himx

diomedesx
xxasidexxx and how his silence drinks up this applausex

ajaxx
if i go to himx with my armed fist ixll pash him oxer the facex

agamemnonx
ox nox you shall not gox

ajaxx
an ax be proud with me ixll pheeze his pridex
let me go to himx

ulyssesx
not for the worth that hangs upon our quarrelx

ajaxx
a paltryx insolent fellowx

nestorx
xxasidexxx how he describes himselfx

ajaxx
can he not be sociablex

ulyssesx
xxasidexxx the raven chides blacknessx

ajaxx
ixll let his humours bloodx

agamemnonx
xxasidexxx he will be the physician that should be the patientx

ajaxx
and all men were ox my mindx

ulyssesx
xxasidexxx wit would be out of fashionx

ajaxx
ax should not bear it sox ax should eatxs words firstx
shall pride carry itx

nestorx
xxasidexxx and xtwouldx youxd carry halfx

ulyssesx
xxasidexxx ax would have ten sharesx

ajaxx
i will knead himx ixll make him supplex

nestorx
xxasidexxx hexs not yet through warmx force him with praisesx pour inx
pour inx his ambition is dryx

ulyssesx
xxto agamemnonxxx my lordx you feed too much on this dislikex

nestorx
our noble generalx do not do sox

diomedesx
you must prepare to fight without achillesx

ulyssesx
why xtis this naming of him does him harmx
here is a manxbut xtis before his facex
i will be silentx

nestorx
wherefore should you sox
he is not emulousx as achilles isx

ulyssesx
know the whole worldx he is as valiantx

ajaxx
a whoreson dogx that shall palter with us thusx
would he were a trojanx

nestorx
what a vice were it in ajax nowx

ulyssesx
if he were proudx

diomedesx
or covetous of praisex

ulyssesx
ayx or surly bornex

diomedesx
or strangex or selfxaffectedx

ulyssesx
thank the heavensx lordx thou art of sweet composure
praise him that gat theex she that gave thee suckx
famxd be thy tutorx and thy parts of nature
thrice famxd beyondx beyond all eruditionx
but he that disciplinxd thine arms to fightx
let mars divide eternity in twain
and give him halfx andx for thy vigourx
bullxbearing milo his addition yield
to sinewy ajaxx i will not praise thy wisdomx
whichx like a bournx a palex a shorex confines
thy spacious and dilated partsx herexs nestorx
instructed by the antiquary timesx
he mustx he isx he cannot but be wisex
but pardonx father nestorx were your days
as green as ajaxx and your brain so temperxdx
you should not have the eminence of himx
but be as ajaxx

ajaxx
shall i call you fatherx

nestorx
ayx my good sonx

diomedesx
be rulxd by himx lord ajaxx

ulyssesx
there is no tarrying herex the hart achilles
keeps thicketx please it our great general
to call together all his state of warx
fresh kings are come to troyx tomorrow
we must with all our main of power stand fastx
and herexs a lordxcome knights from east to west
and cull their flowerx ajax shall cope the bestx

agamemnonx
go we to councilx let achilles sleepx
light boats sail swiftx though greater hulks draw deepx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix troyx priamxs palacex

 music sounds withinx enter pandarus and a servantx

pandarusx
friendx youxpray youx a wordx do you not follow the young lord parisx

servantx
ayx sirx when he goes before mex

pandarusx
you depend upon himx i meanx

servantx
sirx i do depend upon the lordx

pandarusx
you depend upon a notable gentlemanx i must needs praise himx

servantx
the lord be praisedx

pandarusx
you know mex do you notx

servantx
faithx sirx superficiallyx

pandarusx
friendx know me betterx i am the lord pandarusx

servantx
i hope i shall know your honour betterx

pandarusx
i do desire itx

servantx
you are in the state of gracex

pandarusx
gracex not sox friendx honour and lordship are my titlesx what music is
thisx

servantx
i do but partly knowx sirx it is music in partsx

pandarusx
know you the musiciansx

servantx
whollyx sirx

pandarusx
who play they tox

servantx
to the hearersx sirx

pandarusx
at whose pleasurex friendx

servantx
at minex sirx and theirs that love musicx

pandarusx
commandx i meanx friendx

servantx
who shall i commandx sirx

pandarusx
friendx we understand not one anotherx i am too courtlyx and thou art
too cunningx at whose request do these men playx

servantx
thatxs toxtx indeedx sirx marryx sirx at the request of paris my lordx
who is there in personx with him the mortal venusx the heartxblood of
beautyx lovexs invisible soulx

pandarusx
whox my cousinx cressidax

servantx
nox sirx helenx could not you find out that by her attributesx

pandarusx
it should seemx fellowx that thou hast not seen the lady cressidax i
come to speak with paris from the prince troilusx i will make a
complimental assault upon himx for my business seethesx

servantx
sodden businessx therexs a stewxd phrase indeedx

 enter paris and helenx attendedx

pandarusx
fair be to youx my lordx and to all this fair companyx fair desiresx in
all fair measurex fairly guide themxespecially to youx fair queenx fair
thoughts be your fair pillowx

helenx
dear lordx you are full of fair wordsx

pandarusx
you speak your fair pleasurex sweet queenx fair princex here is good
broken musicx

parisx
you have broke itx cousinx and by my lifex you shall make it whole
againx you shall piece it out with a piece of your performancex

helenx
he is full of harmonyx

pandarusx
trulyx ladyx nox

helenx
ox sirx

pandarusx
rudex in soothx in good soothx very rudex

parisx
well saidx my lordx wellx you say so in fitsx

pandarusx
i have business to my lordx dear queenx my lordx will you vouchsafe me
a wordx

helenx
nayx this shall not hedge us outx wexll hear you singx certainlyx

pandarusx
well sweet queenx you are pleasant with mex butx marryx thusx my lordx
my dear lord and most esteemed friendx your brother troilusx

helenx
my lord pandarusx honeyxsweet lordx

pandarusx
go tox sweet queenx go toxcommends himself most affectionately to youx

helenx
you shall not bob us out of our melodyx if you dox our melancholy upon
your headx

pandarusx
sweet queenx sweet queenx thatxs a sweet queenx ix faithx

helenx
and to make a sweet lady sad is a sour offencex

pandarusx
nayx that shall not serve your turnx that shall it notx in truthx lax
nayx i care not for such wordsx nox noxxandx my lordx he desires you
thatx if the king call for him at supperx you will make his excusex

helenx
my lord pandarusx

pandarusx
what says my sweet queenx my very very sweet queenx

parisx
what exploitxs in handx where sups he tonightx

helenx
nayx butx my lordx

pandarusx
what says my sweet queenxxmy cousin will fall out with youx

helenx
you must not know where he supsx

parisx
ixll lay my lifex with my disposer cressidax

pandarusx
nox nox no such matterx you are widex comex your disposer is sickx

parisx
wellx ixll makexs excusex

pandarusx
ayx good my lordx why should you say cressidax
nox your poor disposerxs sickx

parisx
i spyx

pandarusx
you spyx what do you spyxxcomex give me an instrumentx nowx sweet
queenx

helenx
whyx this is kindly donex

pandarusx
my niece is horribly in love with a thing you havex sweet queenx

helenx
she shall have itx my lordx if it be not my lord parisx

pandarusx
hex nox shexll none of himx they two are twainx

helenx
falling inx after falling outx may make them threex

pandarusx
comex comex ixll hear no more of thisx ixll sing you a song nowx

helenx
ayx ayx prithee nowx by my trothx sweet lordx thou hast a fine
foreheadx

pandarusx
ayx you mayx you mayx

helenx
let thy song be lovex this love will undo us allx o cupidx cupidx
cupidx

pandarusx
lovex ayx that it shallx ix faithx

parisx
ayx good nowx lovex lovex nothing but lovex

pandarusx
in good trothx it begins sox

 xxsingsxxx


          xlovex lovex nothing but lovex still lovex still morex
           forx ohx lovexs bow
            shoots buck and doex
            the shaft confounds
              not that it woundsx
             but tickles still the sorex
         these lovers cryx o hox they diex
               yet that which seems the wound to kill
         doth turn o hox to hax hax hex
                so dying love lives stillx
         o hox a whilex but hax hax hax
         o hox groans out for hax hax haxxhey hoxx

helenx
in lovex ix faithx to the very tip of the nosex

parisx
he eats nothing but dovesx lovex and that breeds hot bloodx and hot
blood begets hot thoughtsx and hot thoughts beget hot deedsx and hot
deeds is lovex

pandarusx
is this the generation of lovex hot bloodx hot thoughtsx and hot deedsx
whyx they are vipersx is love a generation of vipersx sweet lordx whoxs
axfield todayx

parisx
hectorx deiphobusx helenusx antenorx and all the gallantry of troyx i
would fain have armxd todayx but my nell would not have it sox how
chance my brother troilus went notx

helenx
he hangs the lip at somethingx you know allx lord pandarusx

pandarusx
not ix honeyxsweet queenx i long to hear how they spend todayx youxll
remember your brotherxs excusex

parisx
to a hairx

pandarusx
farewellx sweet queenx

helenx
commend me to your niecex

pandarusx
i willx sweet queenx

 xxexitx sound a retreatxxx

parisx
theyxre come from the fieldx let us to priamxs hall
to greet the warriorsx sweet helenx i must woo you
to help unarm our hectorx his stubborn bucklesx
with these your white enchanting fingers touchxdx
shall more obey than to the edge of steel
or force of greekish sinewsx you shall do more
than all the island kingsxdisarm great hectorx

helenx
xtwill make us proud to be his servantx parisx
yeax what he shall receive of us in duty
gives us more palm in beauty than we havex
yeax overshines ourselfx

parisx
sweetx above thought i love theex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix troyx pandarusx orchardx

 enter pandarus and troilusx boyx meetingx

pandarusx
how nowx wherexs thy masterx at my cousin cressidaxsx

boyx
nox sirx he stays for you to conduct him thitherx

 enter troilusx

pandarusx
ox here he comesx how nowx how nowx

troilusx
sirrahx walk offx

 xxexitx boyxx

pandarusx
have you seen my cousinx

troilusx
nox pandarusx i stalk about her door
like a strange soul upon the stygian banks
staying for waftagex ox be thou my charonx
and give me swift transportance to these fields
where i may wallow in the lily beds
proposxd for the deserverx o gentle pandarx
from cupidxs shoulder pluck his painted wingsx
and fly with me to cressidx

pandarusx
walk here ix thx orchardx ixll bring her straightx

 xxexitxxx

troilusx
i am giddyx expectation whirls me roundx
thximaginary relish is so sweet
that it enchants my sensex what will it be
when that the watxry palate tastes indeed
lovexs thricexrepured nectarx deathx i fear mex
sounding destructionx or some joy too finex
too subtlexpotentx tunxd too sharp in sweetnessx
for the capacity of my ruder powersx
i fear it muchx and i do fear besides
that i shall lose distinction in my joysx
as doth a battlex when they charge on heaps
the enemy flyingx

 rexenter pandarusx

pandarusx
shexs making her readyx shexll come straightx you must be witty nowx
she does so blushx and fetches her wind so shortx as if she were frayxd
with a spritex ixll fetch herx it is the prettiest villainx she fetches
her breath as short as a newxtaxen sparrowx

 xxexitxxx

troilusx
even such a passion doth embrace my bosomx
my heart beats thicker than a feverous pulsex
and all my powers do their bestowing losex
like vassalage at unawares encountxring
the eye of majestyx

 rexenter pandarus with cressidax

pandarusx
comex comex what need you blushx shamexs a babyx here she is nowx swear
the oaths now to her that you have sworn to mexxwhatx are you gone
againx you must be watchxd ere you be made tamex must youx come your
waysx come your waysx and you draw backwardx wexll put you ix thx
fillsx why do you not speak to herx comex draw this curtain and letxs
see your picturex alas the dayx how loath you are to offend daylightx
and xtwere darkx youxd close soonerx sox sox rub onx and kiss the
mistressx how nowx a kiss in feexfarmx build therex carpenterx the air
is sweetx nayx you shall fight your hearts out ere i part youx the
falcon as the tercelx for all the ducks ix thx riverx go tox go tox

troilusx
you have bereft me of all wordsx ladyx

pandarusx
words pay no debtsx give her deedsx but shexll bereave you ox thx deeds
toox if she call your activity in questionx whatx billing againx herexs
xin witness whereof the parties interchangeablyxx come inx come inx
ixll go get a firex

 xxexitxxx

cressidax
will you walk inx my lordx

troilusx
o cressidx how often have i wishxd me thusx

cressidax
wishxdx my lordx the gods grantxo my lordx

troilusx
what should they grantx what makes this pretty abruptionx what too
curious dreg espies my sweet lady in the fountain of our lovex

cressidax
more dregs than waterx if my fears have eyesx

troilusx
fears make devils of cherubinsx they never see trulyx

cressidax
blind fearx that seeing reason leadsx finds safer footing than blind
reason stumbling without fearx to fear the worst oft cures the worsex

troilusx
ox let my lady apprehend no fearx in all cupidxs pageant there is
presented no monsterx

cressidax
nor nothing monstrous neitherx

troilusx
nothingx but our undertakings when we vow to weep seasx live in firex
eat rocksx tame tigersx thinking it harder for our mistress to devise
imposition enough than for us to undergo any difficulty imposedx this
is the monstruosity in lovex ladyx that the will is infinitex and the
execution confinxdx that the desire is boundlessx and the act a slave
to limitx

cressidax
they say all lovers swear more performance than they are ablex and yet
reserve an ability that they never performx vowing more than the
perfection of tenx and discharging less than the tenth part of onex
they that have the voice of lions and the act of haresx are they not
monstersx

troilusx
are there suchx such are not wex praise us as we are tastedx allow us
as we provex our head shall go bare till merit crown itx no perfection
in reversion shall have a praise in presentx we will not name desert
before his birthx andx being bornx his addition shall be humblex few
words to fair faithx troilus shall be such to cressid as what envy can
say worst shall be a mock for his truthx and what truth can speak
truest not truer than troilusx

cressidax
will you walk inx my lordx

 rexenter pandarusx

pandarusx
whatx blushing stillx have you not done talking yetx

cressidax
wellx unclex what folly i commitx i dedicate to youx

pandarusx
i thank you for thatx if my lord get a boy of youx youxll give him mex
be true to my lordx if he flinchx chide me for itx

troilusx
you know now your hostagesx your unclexs word and my firm faithx

pandarusx
nayx ixll give my word for her toox our kindredx though they be long
ere they are wooedx they are constant being wonx they are bursx i can
tell youx theyxll stick where they are thrownx

cressidax
boldness comes to me now and brings me heartx
prince troilusx i have lovxd you night and day
for many weary monthsx

troilusx
why was my cressid then so hard to winx

cressidax
hard to seem wonx but i was wonx my lordx
with the first glance that everxpardon mex
if i confess muchx you will play the tyrantx
i love you nowx but till now not so much
but i might master itx in faithx i liex
my thoughts were like unbridled childrenx grown
too headstrong for their motherx seex we foolsx
why have i blabbxdx who shall be true to usx
when we are so unsecret to ourselvesx
butx though i lovxd you wellx i wooxd you notx
and yetx good faithx i wishxd myself a manx
or that we women had menxs privilege
of speaking firstx sweetx bid me hold my tonguex
for in this rapture i shall surely speak
the thing i shall repentx seex seex your silencex
cunning in dumbnessx from my weakness draws
my very soul of counselx stop my mouthx

troilusx
and shallx albeit sweet music issues thencex

pandarusx
prettyx ix faithx

cressidax
my lordx i do beseech youx pardon mex
xtwas not my purpose thus to beg a kissx
i am ashamxdx o heavensx what have i donex
for this time will i take my leavex my lordx

troilusx
your leavex sweet cressidx

pandarusx
leavex and you take leave till tomorrow morningx

cressidax
pray youx content youx

troilusx
what offends youx ladyx

cressidax
sirx mine own companyx

troilusx
you cannot shun yourselfx

cressidax
let me go and tryx
i have a kind of self resides with youx
but an unkind selfx that itself will leave
to be anotherxs foolx i would be gonex
where is my witx i know not what i speakx

troilusx
well know they what they speak that speak so wiselyx

cressidax
perchancex my lordx i show more craft than lovex
and fell so roundly to a large confession
to angle for your thoughtsx but you are wisex
or else you love notx for to be wise and love
exceeds manxs mightx that dwells with gods abovex

troilusx
o that i thought it could be in a womanx
asx if it canx i will presume in youx
to feed for aye her lamp and flames of lovex
to keep her constancy in plight and youthx
outliving beautyxs outwardx with a mind
that doth renew swifter than blood decaysx
or that persuasion could but thus convince me
that my integrity and truth to you
might be affronted with the match and weight
of such a winnowed purity in lovex
how were i then upliftedx butx alasx
i am as true as truthxs simplicityx
and simpler than the infancy of truthx

cressidax
in that ixll war with youx

troilusx
o virtuous fightx
when right with right wars who shall be most rightx
true swains in love shall in the world to come
approve their truth by troilusx when their rhymesx
full of protestx of oathx and big comparex
want similesx truth tirxd with iterationx
as true as steelx as plantage to the moonx
as sun to dayx as turtle to her matex
as iron to adamantx as earth to thx centrex
yetx after all comparisons of truthx
as truthxs authentic author to be citedx
xas true as troilusx shall crown up the verse
and sanctify the numbersx

cressidax
prophet may you bex
if i be falsex or swerve a hair from truthx
when time is old and hath forgot itselfx
when waterdrops have worn the stones of troyx
and blind oblivion swallowxd cities upx
and mighty states characterless are grated
to dusty nothingxyet let memory
from false to falsex among false maids in lovex
upbraid my falsehood when thx have said xas false
as airx as waterx windx or sandy earthx
as fox to lambx or wolf to heiferxs calfx
pard to the hindx or stepdame to her sonxx
yeax let them sayx to stick the heart of falsehoodx
xas false as cressidxx

pandarusx
go tox a bargain madex seal itx seal itx ixll be the witnessx here i
hold your handx here my cousinxsx if ever you prove false one to
anotherx since i have taken such pains to bring you togetherx let all
pitiful goersxbetween be callxd to the worldxs end after my namexcall
them all pandarsx let all constant men be troilusesx all false women
cressidsx and all brokers between pandarsx say xamenxx

troilusx
amenx

cressidax
amenx

pandarusx
amenx whereupon i will show you a chamber and a bedx which bedx because
it shall not speak of your pretty encountersx press it to deathx awayx

 xxexeunt troilus and cressidaxxx

and cupid grant all tonguextied maidens herex
bedx chamberx panderx to provide this gearx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix the greek campx

 flourishx enter agamemnonx ulyssesx diomedesx nestorx ajaxx menelaus
 and calchasx

calchasx
nowx princesx for the service i have donex
thxadvantage of the time prompts me aloud
to call for recompensex appear it to your mind
thatx through the sight i bear in things to comex
i have abandonxd troyx left my possessionx
incurrxd a traitorxs namex exposxd myself
from certain and possessxd conveniences
to doubtful fortunesx sequestxring from me all
that timex acquaintancex customx and conditionx
made tame and most familiar to my naturex
and herex to do you servicex am become
as new into the worldx strangex unacquaintedx
i do beseech youx as in way of tastex
to give me now a little benefit
out of those many registxred in promisex
which you say live to come in my behalfx

agamemnonx
what wouldst thou of usx trojanx make demandx

calchasx
you have a trojan prisoner callxd antenorx
yesterday tookx troy holds him very dearx
oft have youxoften have you thanks thereforex
desirxd my cressid in right great exchangex
whom troy hath still deniedx but this antenorx
i knowx is such a wrest in their affairs
that their negotiations all must slack
wanting his managex and they will almost
give us a prince of bloodx a son of priamx
in change of himx let him be sentx great princesx
and he shall buy my daughterx and her presence
shall quite strike off all service i have done
in most accepted painx

agamemnonx
let diomedes bear himx
and bring us cressid hitherx calchas shall have
what he requests of usx good diomedx
furnish you fairly for this interchangex
withalx bring word if hector will tomorrow
be answerxd in his challengex ajax is readyx

diomedesx
this shall i undertakex and xtis a burden
which i am proud to bearx

 xxexeunt diomedes and calchasxxx

 xxachilles and patroclus stand in their tentxxx

ulyssesx
achilles stands ix thxentrance of his tentx
please it our general pass strangely by himx
as if he were forgotx andx princes allx
lay negligent and loose regard upon himx
i will come lastx xtis like hexll question me
why such unplausive eyes are bentx why turnxd on himx
if sox i have derision medxcinable
to use between your strangeness and his pridex
which his own will shall have desire to drinkx
it may do goodx pride hath no other glass
to show itself but pridex for supple knees
feed arrogance and are the proud manxs feesx

agamemnonx
wexll execute your purposex and put on
a form of strangeness as we pass alongx
so do each lordx and either greet him notx
or else disdainfullyx which shall shake him more
than if not lookxd onx i will lead the wayx

achillesx
what comes the general to speak with mex
you know my mindx ixll fight no more xgainst troyx

agamemnonx
what says achillesx would he aught with usx

nestorx
would youx my lordx aught with the generalx

achillesx
nox

nestorx
nothingx my lordx

agamemnonx
the betterx

 xxexeunt agamemnon and nestorxxx

achillesx
good dayx good dayx

menelausx
how do youx how do youx

 xxexitxxx

achillesx
whatx does the cuckold scorn mex

ajaxx
how nowx patroclusx

achillesx
good morrowx ajaxx

ajaxx
hax

achillesx
good morrowx

ajaxx
ayx and good next day toox

 xxexitxxx

achillesx
what mean these fellowsx know they not achillesx

patroclusx
they pass by strangelyx they were usxd to bendx
to send their smiles before them to achillesx
to come as humbly as they usxd to creep
to holy altarsx

achillesx
whatx am i poor of latex
xtis certainx greatnessx once fallxn out with fortunex
must fall out with men toox what the declinxd isx
he shall as soon read in the eyes of others
as feel in his own fallx for menx like butterfliesx
show not their mealy wings but to the summerx
and not a man for being simply man
hath any honourx but honour for those honours
that are without himx as placex richesx and favourx
prizes of accidentx as oft as meritx
which when they fallx as being slippery standersx
the love that leanxd on them as slippery toox
doth one pluck down anotherx and together
die in the fallx but xtis not so with mex
fortune and i are friendsx i do enjoy
at ample point all that i did possess
save these menxs looksx who dox methinksx find out
something not worth in me such rich beholding
as they have often givenx here is ulyssesx
ixll interrupt his readingx
how nowx ulyssesx

ulyssesx
nowx great thetisx sonx

achillesx
what are you readingx

ulyssesx
a strange fellow here
writes me that manxhow dearly ever partedx
how much in havingx or without or inx
cannot make boast to have that which he hathx
nor feels not what he owesx but by reflectionx
as when his virtues shining upon others
heat themx and they retort that heat again
to the first giverx

achillesx
this is not strangex ulyssesx
the beauty that is borne here in the face
the bearer knows notx but commends itself
to othersx eyesx nor doth the eye itselfx
that most pure spirit of sensexbehold itselfx
not going from itselfx but eye to eye opposed
salutes each other with each otherxs formx
for speculation turns not to itself
till it hath travellxdx and is mirrorxd there
where it may see itselfx this is not strange at allx

ulyssesx
i do not strain at the positionx
it is familiarxbut at the authorxs driftx
whox in his circumstancex expressly proves
that no man is the lord of anythingx
though in and of him there be much consistingx
till he communicate his parts to othersx
nor doth he of himself know them for aught
till he behold them formed in the applause
where thxare extendedx whox like an archx reverbxrate
the voice againx orx like a gate of steel
fronting the sunx receives and renders back
his figure and his heatx i was much rapt in thisx
and apprehended here immediately
thxunknown ajaxx heavensx what a man is therex
a very horse that has he knows not whatx
naturex what things there are
most abject in regard and dear in usex
what things again most dear in the esteem
and poor in worthx now shall we see tomorrowx
an act that very chance doth throw upon himx
ajax renownxdx o heavensx what some men dox
while some men leave to dox
how some men creep in skittish fortunexs hallx
whiles others play the idiots in her eyesx
how one man eats into anotherxs pridex
while pride is fasting in his wantonnessx
to see these grecian lordsxxwhyx even already
they clap the lubber ajax on the shoulderx
as if his foot were on brave hectorxs breastx
and great troy shriekingx

achillesx
i do believe itx for they passxd by me
as misers do by beggarsx neither gave to me
good word nor lookx whatx are my deeds forgotx

ulyssesx
time hathx my lordx a wallet at his backx
wherein he puts alms for oblivionx
a greatxsizxd monster of ingratitudesx
those scraps are good deeds pastx which are devourxd
as fast as they are madex forgot as soon
as donex perseverancex dear my lordx
keeps honour brightx to have done is to hang
quite out of fashionx like a rusty mail
in monumental mockxryx take the instant wayx
for honour travels in a strait so narrowx
where one but goes abreastx keep then the pathx
for emulation hath a thousand sons
that one by one pursuex if you give wayx
or hedge aside from the direct forthrightx
like to an entxred tide they all rush by
and leave you hindmostx
orx like a gallant horse fallxn in first rankx
lie there for pavement to the abject rearx
oxerxrun and trampled onx then what they do in presentx
though less than yours in pastx must oxertop yoursx
for time is like a fashionable hostx
that slightly shakes his parting guest by thxhandx
and with his arms outxstretchxdx as he would flyx
grasps in the comerx the welcome ever smilesx
and farewell goes out sighingx ox let not virtue seek
remuneration for the thing it wasx
for beautyx witx
high birthx vigour of bonex desert in servicex
lovex friendshipx charityx are subjects all
to envious and calumniating timex
one touch of nature makes the whole world kinx
that all with one consent praise newxborn gaudsx
though they are made and moulded of things pastx
and give to dust that is a little gilt
more laud than gilt oxerxdustedx
the present eye praises the present objectx
then marvel notx thou great and complete manx
that all the greeks begin to worship ajaxx
since things in motion sooner catch the eye
than what stirs notx the cry went once on theex
and still it mightx and yet it may againx
if thou wouldst not entomb thyself alive
and case thy reputation in thy tentx
whose glorious deeds but in these fields of late
made emulous missions xmongst the gods themselvesx
and drave great mars to factionx

achillesx
of this my privacy
i have strong reasonsx

ulyssesx
but xgainst your privacy
the reasons are more potent and heroicalx
xtis knownx achillesx that you are in love
with one of priamxs daughtersx

achillesx
hax knownx

ulyssesx
is that a wonderx
the providence thatxs in a watchful state
knows almost every grain of plutusx goldx
finds bottom in thxuncomprehensive deepsx
keeps place with thoughtx and almostx like the godsx
do thoughts unveil in their dumb cradlesx
there is a mysteryxwith whom relation
durst never meddlexin the soul of statex
which hath an operation more divine
than breath or pen can give expressure tox
all the commerce that you have had with troy
as perfectly is ours as yoursx my lordx
and better would it fit achilles much
to throw down hector than polyxenax
but it must grieve young pyrrhus now at homex
when fame shall in our island sound her trumpx
and all the greekish girls shall tripping sing
xgreat hectorxs sister did achilles winx
but our great ajax bravely beat down himxx
farewellx my lordx i as your lover speakx
the fool slides oxer the ice that you should breakx

 xxexitxxx

patroclusx
to this effectx achillesx have i movxd youx
a woman impudent and mannish grown
is not more loathxd than an effeminate man
in time of actionx i stand condemnxd for thisx
they think my little stomach to the war
and your great love to me restrains you thusx
sweetx rouse yourselfx and the weak wanton cupid
shall from your neck unloose his amorous foldx
andx like a dewxdrop from the lionxs manex
be shook to airx

achillesx
shall ajax fight with hectorx

patroclusx
ayx and perhaps receive much honour by himx

achillesx
i see my reputation is at stakex
my fame is shrewdly gorxdx

patroclusx
ox thenx bewarex
those wounds heal ill that men do give themselvesx
omission to do what is necessary
seals a commission to a blank of dangerx
and dangerx like an aguex subtly taints
even then when they sit idly in the sunx

achillesx
go call thersites hitherx sweet patroclusx
ixll send the fool to ajaxx and desire him
txinvite the trojan lordsx after the combatx
to see us here unarmxdx i have a womanxs longingx
an appetite that i am sick withalx
to see great hector in his weeds of peacex
to talk with himx and to behold his visagex
even to my full of viewx

 enter thersitesx

a labour savxdx

thersitesx
a wonderx

achillesx
whatx

thersitesx
ajax goes up and down the field asking for himselfx

achillesx
how sox

thersitesx
he must fight singly tomorrow with hectorx and is so prophetically
proud of an heroical cudgelling that he raves in saying nothingx

achillesx
how can that bex

thersitesx
whyx ax stalks up and down like a peacockxa stride and a standx
ruminates like an hostess that hath no arithmetic but her brain to set
down her reckoningx bites his lip with a politic regardx as who should
say xthere were wit in this headx and xtwould outxx and so there isx
but it lies as coldly in him as fire in a flintx which will not show
without knockingx the manxs undone for everx for if hector break not
his neck ix thx combatx hexll breakxt himself in vaingloryx he knows
not mex i said xgood morrowx ajaxxx and he replies xthanksx agamemnonxx
what think you of this man that takes me for the generalx hexs grown a
very land fishx languagelessx a monsterx a plague of opinionx a man may
wear it on both sidesx like leather jerkinx

achillesx
thou must be my ambassador to himx thersitesx

thersitesx
whox ix whyx hexll answer nobodyx he professes not answeringx speaking
is for beggarsx he wears his tongue inxs armsx i will put on his
presencex let patroclus make his demands to mex you shall see the
pageant of ajaxx

achillesx
to himx patroclusx tell him i humbly desire the valiant ajax to invite
the most valorous hector to come unarmxd to my tentx and to procure
safe conduct for his person of the magnanimous and most illustrious
sixxorxsevenxtimesxhonourxd captain general of the grecian armyx
agamemnonx do thisx

patroclusx
jove bless great ajaxx

thersitesx
humx

patroclusx
i come from the worthy achillesx

thersitesx
hax

patroclusx
who most humbly desires you to invite hector to his tentx

thersitesx
humx

patroclusx
and to procure safe conduct from agamemnonx

thersitesx
agamemnonx

patroclusx
ayx my lordx

thersitesx
hax

patroclusx
what you say toxtx

thersitesx
god buy youx with all my heartx

patroclusx
your answerx sirx

thersitesx
if tomorrow be a fair dayx by eleven of the clock it will go one way or
otherx howsoeverx he shall pay for me ere he has mex

patroclusx
your answerx sirx

thersitesx
fare ye wellx with all my heartx

achillesx
whyx but he is not in this tunex is hex

thersitesx
nox but out of tune thusx what music will be in him when hector has
knockxd out his brainsx i know notx butx i am surex nonex unless the
fiddler apollo get his sinews to make catlings onx

achillesx
comex thou shalt bear a letter to him straightx

thersitesx
let me bear another to his horsex for thatxs the more capable creaturex

achillesx
my mind is troubledx like a fountain stirrxdx
and i myself see not the bottom of itx

 xxexeunt achilles and patroclusxxx

thersitesx
would the fountain of your mind were clear againx that i might water an
ass at itx i had rather be a tick in a sheep than such a valiant
ignorancex

 xxexitxxx



act iv

scene ix troyx a streetx

 enterx at one sidex aeneas and servant with a torchx at another parisx
 deiphobusx antenorx diomedes the grecianx and othersx with torchesx

parisx
seex hox who is that therex

deiphobusx
it is the lord aeneasx

aeneasx
is the prince there in personx
had i so good occasion to lie long
as youx prince parisx nothing but heavenly business
should rob my bedxmate of my companyx

diomedesx
thatxs my mind toox good morrowx lord aeneasx

parisx
a valiant greekx aeneasxtake his handx
witness the process of your speechx wherein
you told how diomedx a whole week by daysx
did haunt you in the fieldx

aeneasx
health to youx valiant sirx
during all question of the gentle trucex
but when i meet you armxdx as black defiance
as heart can think or courage executex

diomedesx
the one and other diomed embracesx
our bloods are now in calmx and so long healthx
but when contention and occasion meetx
by jovex ixll play the hunter for thy life
with all my forcex pursuitx and policyx

aeneasx
and thou shalt hunt a lion that will fly
with his face backwardx in humane gentlenessx
welcome to troyx nowx by anchisesx lifex
welcome indeedx by venusx hand i swear
no man alive can love in such a sort
the thing he means to killx more excellentlyx

diomedesx
we sympathisex jove let aeneas livex
if to my sword his fate be not the gloryx
a thousand complete courses of the sunx
but in mine emulous honour let him die
with every joint a woundx and that tomorrowx

aeneasx
we know each other wellx

diomedesx
we dox and long to know each other worsex

parisx
this is the most despiteful gentle greeting
the noblest hateful lovex that exer i heard ofx
what businessx lordx so earlyx

aeneasx
i was sent for to the kingx but whyx i know notx

parisx
his purpose meets youx xtwas to bring this greek
to calchasx housex and there to render himx
for the enfreed antenorx the fair cressidx
letxs have your companyx orx if you pleasex
haste there before usx i constantly believex
or rather call my thought a certain knowledgex
my brother troilus lodges there tonightx
rouse him and give him note of our approachx
with the whole quality whereforex i fear
we shall be much unwelcomex

aeneasx
that i assure youx
troilus had rather troy were borne to greece
than cressid borne from troyx

parisx
there is no helpx
the bitter disposition of the time
will have it sox onx lordx wexll follow youx

aeneasx
good morrowx allx

 xxexit with servantxxx

parisx
and tell mex noble diomedx faithx tell me truex
even in the soul of sound goodxfellowshipx
who in your thoughts deserves fair helen bestx
myselfx or menelausx

diomedesx
both alikex
he merits well to have her that doth seek herx
not making any scruple of her soilurex
with such a hell of pain and world of chargex
and you as well to keep her that defend herx
not palating the taste of her dishonourx
with such a costly loss of wealth and friendsx
he like a puling cuckold would drink up
the lees and dregs of a flat tamed piecex
youx like a lecherx out of whorish loins
are pleasxd to breed out your inheritorsx
both merits poisxdx each weighs nor less nor morex
but he as hex the heavier for a whorex

parisx
you are too bitter to your countryxwomanx

diomedesx
shexs bitter to her countryx hear mex parisx
for every false drop in her bawdy veins
a grecianxs life hath sunkx for every scruple
of her contaminated carrion weight
a trojan hath been slainx since she could speakx
she hath not given so many good words breath
as for her greeks and trojans suffxred deathx

parisx
fair diomedx you do as chapmen dox
dispraise the thing that you desire to buyx
but we in silence hold this virtue wellx
wexll not commend what we intend to sellx
here lies our wayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix troyx the court of pandarusx housex

 enter troilus and cressidax

troilusx
dearx trouble not yourselfx the morn is coldx

cressidax
thenx sweet my lordx ixll call mine uncle downx
he shall unbolt the gatesx

troilusx
trouble him notx
to bedx to bedx sleep kill those pretty eyesx
and give as soft attachment to thy senses
as infants empty of all thoughtx

cressidax
good morrowx thenx

troilusx
i prithee nowx to bedx

cressidax
are you aweary of mex

troilusx
o cressidax but that the busy dayx
wakxd by the larkx hath rousxd the ribald crowsx
and dreaming night will hide our joys no longerx
i would not from theex

cressidax
night hath been too briefx

troilusx
beshrew the witchx with venomous wights she stays
as tediously as hellx but flies the grasps of love
with wings more momentaryxswift than thoughtx
you will catch coldx and curse mex

cressidax
prithee tarryx
you men will never tarryx
o foolish cressidx i might have still held offx
and then you would have tarriedx harkx therexs one upx

pandarusx
xxwithinxxx whatxs all the doors open herex

troilusx
it is your unclex

 enter pandarusx

cressidax
a pestilence on himx now will he be mockingx
i shall have such a lifex

pandarusx
how nowx how nowx how go maidenheadsx
herex you maidx wherexs my cousin cressidx

cressidax
go hang yourselfx you naughty mocking unclex
you bring me to dox and then you flout me toox

pandarusx
to do whatx to do whatx let her say whatx
what have i brought you to dox

cressidax
comex comex beshrew your heartx youxll nexer be goodx nor suffer
othersx

pandarusx
hax hax alasx poor wretchx ahx poor capocchiax hast not slept tonightx
would he notx a naughty manx let it sleepx a bugbear take himx

cressidax
did not i tell youx would he were knockxd ix thx headx

 xxone knocksxxx

whoxs that at doorx good unclex go and seex
my lordx come you again into my chamberx
you smile and mock mex as if i meant naughtilyx

troilusx
hax hax

cressidax
comex you are deceivxdx i think of no such thingx

 xxknockxxx

how earnestly they knockx pray you come inx
i would not for half troy have you seen herex

 xxexeunt troilus and cressidaxxx

pandarusx
whoxs therex whatxs the matterx will you beat down the doorx how nowx
whatxs the matterx

 enter aeneasx

aeneasx
good morrowx lordx good morrowx

pandarusx
whoxs therex my lord aeneasx by my trothx
i knew you notx what news with you so earlyx

aeneasx
is not prince troilus herex

pandarusx
herex what should he do herex

aeneasx
comex he is herex my lordx do not deny himx
it doth import him much to speak with mex

pandarusx
is he herex say youx itxs more than i knowx ixll be swornx for my own
partx i came in latex what should he do herex

aeneasx
whox nay thenx comex comex youxll do him wrong ere you are warex youxll
be so true to him to be false to himx do not you know of himx but yet
go fetch him hitherx gox

 rexenter troilusx

troilusx
how nowx whatxs the matterx

aeneasx
my lordx i scarce have leisure to salute youx
my matter is so rashx there is at hand
paris your brotherx and deiphobusx
the grecian diomedx and our antenor
deliverxd to usx and for him forthwithx
ere the first sacrificex within this hourx
we must give up to diomedesx hand
the lady cressidax

troilusx
is it so concludedx

aeneasx
by priam and the general state of troyx
they are at handx and ready to effect itx

troilusx
how my achievements mock mex
i will go meet themx andx my lord aeneasx
we met by chancex you did not find me herex

aeneasx
goodx goodx my lordx the secrets of neighbour pandar
have not more gift in taciturnityx

 xxexeunt troilus and aeneasxxx

pandarusx
isxt possiblex no sooner got but lostx the devil take antenorx the
young prince will go madx a plague upon antenorx i would they had
brokexs neckx

 rexenter cressidax

cressidax
how nowx whatxs the matterx who was herex

pandarusx
ahx ahx

cressidax
why sigh you so profoundlyx wherexs my lordx gonex tell mex sweet
unclex whatxs the matterx

pandarusx
would i were as deep under the earth as i am abovex

cressidax
o the godsx whatxs the matterx

pandarusx
pray thee get thee inx would thou hadst nexer been bornx i knew thou
wouldst be his deathx ox poor gentlemanx a plague upon antenorx

cressidax
good unclex i beseech youx on my knees i beseech youx whatxs the
matterx

pandarusx
thou must be gonex wenchx thou must be gonex thou art changxd for
antenorx thou must to thy fatherx and be gone from troilusx xtwill be
his deathx xtwill be his banex he cannot bear itx

cressidax
o you immortal godsx i will not gox

pandarusx
thou mustx

cressidax
i will notx unclex i have forgot my fatherx
i know no touch of consanguinityx
no kinx no lovex no bloodx no soul so near me
as the sweet troilusx o you gods divinex
make cressidxs name the very crown of falsehoodx
if ever she leave troilusx timex forcex and deathx
do to this body what extremes you canx
but the strong base and building of my love
is as the very centre of the earthx
drawing all things to itx ixll go in and weepx

pandarusx
dox dox

cressidax
tear my bright hairx and scratch my praised cheeksx
crack my clear voice with sobs and break my heartx
with sounding xtroilusxx i will not go from troyx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix troyx a street before pandarusx housex

 enter parisx troilusx aeneasx deiphobusx antenor and diomedesx

parisx
it is great morningx and the hour prefixxd
for her delivery to this valiant greek
comes fast uponx good my brother troilusx
tell you the lady what she is to do
and haste her to the purposex

troilusx
walk into her housex
ixll bring her to the grecian presentlyx
and to his hand when i deliver herx
think it an altarx and thy brother troilus
a priestx there offxring to it his own heartx

 xxexitxxx

parisx
i know what xtis to lovex
and wouldx as i shall pityx i could helpx
please you walk inx my lordsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx troyx pandarusx housex

 enter pandarus and cressidax

pandarusx
be moderatex be moderatex

cressidax
why tell you me of moderationx
the grief is finex fullx perfectx that i tastex
and violenteth in a sense as strong
as that which causeth itx how can i moderate itx
if i could temporize with my affections
or brew it to a weak and colder palatex
the like allayment could i give my griefx
my love admits no qualifying drossx
no more my griefx in such a precious lossx

 enter troilusx

pandarusx
herex herex here he comesx ahx sweet ducksx

cressidax
xxembracing himxxx o troilusx troilusx

pandarusx
what a pair of spectacles is herex let me embrace toox xo heartxx as
the goodly saying isxx

  o heartx heavy heartx
  why sighxst thou without breakingx

where he answers again

  because thou canst not ease thy smart
  by friendship nor by speakingx

there was never a truer rhymex let us cast away nothingx for we may
live to have need of such a versex we see itx we see itx how nowx
lambsx

troilusx
cressidx i love thee in so strainxd a purity
that the blessxd godsx as angry with my fancyx
more bright in zeal than the devotion which
cold lips blow to their deitiesx take thee from mex

cressidax
have the gods envyx

pandarusx
ayx ayx ayx ayx xtis too plain a casex

cressidax
and is it true that i must go from troyx

troilusx
a hateful truthx

cressidax
whatx and from troilus toox

troilusx
from troy and troilusx

cressidax
isxt possiblex

troilusx
and suddenlyx where injury of chance
puts back leavextakingx justles roughly by
all time of pausex rudely beguiles our lips
of all rejoindurex forcibly prevents
our lockxd embrasuresx strangles our dear vows
even in the birth of our own labouring breathx
we twox that with so many thousand sighs
did buy each otherx must poorly sell ourselves
with the rude brevity and discharge of onex
injurious time now with a robberxs haste
crams his rich thievxry upx he knows not howx
as many farewells as be stars in heavenx
with distinct breath and consignxd kisses to themx
he fumbles up into a loose adieux
and scants us with a single famishxd kissx
distasted with the salt of broken tearsx

aeneasx
xxwithinxxx my lordx is the lady readyx

troilusx
harkx you are callxdx some say the genius
cries so to him that instantly must diex
bid them have patiencex she shall come anonx

pandarusx
where are my tearsx rainx to lay this windx or my heart will be blown
up by my throatx

 xxexitxxx

cressidax
i must then to the greciansx

troilusx
no remedyx

cressidax
a woeful cressid xmongst the merry greeksx
when shall we see againx

troilusx
hear mex my lovex be thou but true of heartx

cressidax
i truex how nowx what wicked deem is thisx

troilusx
nayx we must use expostulation kindlyx
for it is parting from usx
i speak not xbe thou truex as fearing theex
for i will throw my glove to death himself
that therexs no maculation in thy heartx
but xbe thou truex say i to fashion in
my sequent protestationx be thou truex
and i will see theex

cressidax
ox you shall be exposxdx my lordx to dangers
as infinite as imminentx but ixll be truex

troilusx
and ixll grow friend with dangerx wear this sleevex

cressidax
and you this glovex when shall i see youx

troilusx
i will corrupt the grecian sentinels
to give thee nightly visitationx
but yet be truex

cressidax
o heavensx xbe truex againx

troilusx
hear why i speak itx lovex
the grecian youths are full of qualityx
theyxre lovingx well composxdx with gifts of naturex
flowing and swelling oxer with arts and exercisex
how novelty may movex and parts with personx
alasx a kind of godly jealousyx
whichx i beseech youx call a virtuous sinx
makes me afearxdx

cressidax
o heavensx you love me notx

troilusx
die i a villain thenx
in this i do not call your faith in question
so mainly as my meritx i cannot singx
nor heel the high lavoltx nor sweeten talkx
nor play at subtle gamesx fair virtues allx
to which the grecians are most prompt and pregnantx
but i can tell that in each grace of these
there lurks a still and dumbxdiscoursive devil
that tempts most cunninglyx but be not temptedx

cressidax
do you think i willx

troilusx
nox
but something may be done that we will notx
and sometimes we are devils to ourselvesx
when we will tempt the frailty of our powersx
presuming on their changeful potencyx

aeneasx
xxwithinxxx nayx good my lordx

troilusx
comex kissx and let us partx

parisx
xxwithinxxx brother troilusx

troilusx
good brotherx come you hitherx
and bring aeneas and the grecian with youx

cressidax
my lordx will you be truex

troilusx
whox ix alasx it is my vicex my faultx
whiles others fish with craft for great opinionx
i with great truth catch mere simplicityx
whilst some with cunning gild their copper crownsx
with truth and plainness i do wear mine barex
fear not my truthx the moral of my wit
is plain and truex therexs all the reach of itx

 enter aeneasx parisx antenorx deiphobus and diomedesx

welcomex sir diomedx here is the lady
which for antenor we deliver youx
at the portx lordx ixll give her to thy handx
and by the way possess thee what she isx
entreat her fairx andx by my soulx fair greekx
if exer thou stand at mercy of my swordx
name cressidx and thy life shall be as safe
as priam is in ilionx

diomedesx
fair lady cressidx
so please youx save the thanks this prince expectsx
the lustre in your eyex heaven in your cheekx
pleads your fair usagex and to diomed
you shall be mistressx and command him whollyx

troilusx
grecianx thou dost not use me courteously
to shame the zeal of my petition to thee
in praising herx i tell theex lord of greecex
she is as far highxsoaring oxer thy praises
as thou unworthy to be callxd her servantx
i charge thee use her wellx even for my chargex
forx by the dreadful plutox if thou dost notx
though the great bulk achilles be thy guardx
ixll cut thy throatx

diomedesx
ox be not movxdx prince troilusx
let me be privilegxd by my place and message
to be a speaker freex when i am hence
ixll answer to my lustx and know youx lordx
ixll nothing do on chargex to her own worth
she shall be prizxdx but that you say xbext soxx
i speak it in my spirit and honourx xnoxx

troilusx
comex to the portx ixll tell theex diomedx
this brave shall oft make thee to hide thy headx
ladyx give me your handx andx as we walkx
to our own selves bend we our needful talkx

 xxexeunt troilusx cressida and diomedesxxx

 xxsound trumpetxxx

parisx
harkx hectorxs trumpetx

aeneasx
how have we spent this morningx
the prince must think me tardy and remissx
that swore to ride before him to the fieldx

parisx
xtis troilusx faultx comex come to field with himx

deiphobusx
let us make ready straightx

aeneasx
yeax with a bridegroomxs fresh alacrity
let us address to tend on hectorxs heelsx
the glory of our troy doth this day lie
on his fair worth and single chivalryx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx the grecian campx lists set outx

 enter ajaxx armedx agamemnonx achillesx patroclusx menelausx ulyssesx
 nestor and othersx

agamemnonx
here art thou in appointment fresh and fairx
anticipating time with starting couragex
give with thy trumpet a loud note to troyx
thou dreadful ajaxx that the appalled air
may pierce the head of the great combatantx
and hale him hitherx

ajaxx
thoux trumpetx therexs my pursex
now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipex
blowx villainx till thy sphered bias cheek
outxswell the colic of puffxd aquilonx
comex stretch thy chestx and let thy eyes spout bloodx
thou blowest for hectorx

 xxtrumpet soundsxxx

ulyssesx
no trumpet answersx

achillesx
xtis but early daysx

agamemnonx
is not yond diomedx with calchasx daughterx

ulyssesx
xtis hex i ken the manner of his gaitx
he rises on the toex that spirit of his
in aspiration lifts him from the earthx

 enter diomedes and cressidax

agamemnonx
is this the lady cressidx

diomedesx
even shex

agamemnonx
most dearly welcome to the greeksx sweet ladyx

nestorx
our general doth salute you with a kissx

ulyssesx
yet is the kindness but particularx
xtwere better she were kissxd in generalx

nestorx
and very courtly counselx ixll beginx
so much for nestorx

achillesx
ixll take that winter from your lipsx fair ladyx
achilles bids you welcomex

menelausx
i had good argument for kissing oncex

patroclusx
but thatxs no argument for kissing nowx
for thus poppxd paris in his hardimentx
and parted thus you and your argumentx

ulyssesx
o deadly gallx and theme of all our scornsx
for which we lose our heads to gild his hornsx

patroclusx
the first was menelausx kissx thisx minex
patroclus kisses youx

menelausx
ox this is trimx

patroclusx
paris and i kiss evermore for himx

menelausx
ixll have my kissx sirx ladyx by your leavex

cressidax
in kissingx do you render or receivex

patroclusx
both take and givex

cressidax
ixll make my match to livex
the kiss you take is better than you givex
therefore no kissx

menelausx
ixll give you bootx ixll give you three for onex

cressidax
you are an odd manx give even or give nonex

menelausx
an odd manx ladyx every man is oddx

cressidax
nox paris is notx for you know xtis true
that you are oddx and he is even with youx

menelausx
you fillip me ox thxheadx

cressidax
nox ixll be swornx

ulyssesx
it were no matchx your nail against his hornx
may ix sweet ladyx beg a kiss of youx

cressidax
you mayx

ulyssesx
i do desire itx

cressidax
whyx beg thenx

ulyssesx
why thenx for venusx sake give me a kiss
when helen is a maid againx and hisx

cressidax
i am your debtorx claim it when xtis duex

ulyssesx
neverxs my dayx and then a kiss of youx

diomedesx
ladyx a wordx ixll bring you to your fatherx

 xxexit withx cressidaxx

nestorx
a woman of quick sensex

ulyssesx
fiex fie upon herx
therexs language in her eyex her cheekx her lipx
nayx her foot speaksx her wanton spirits look out
at every joint and motive of her bodyx
ox these encounterers so glib of tongue
that give a coasting welcome ere it comesx
and wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
to every tickling readerx set them down
for sluttish spoils of opportunityx
and daughters of the gamex

 xxtrumpet withinxxx

allx
the trojansx trumpetx

agamemnonx
yonder comes the troopx

 enter hectorx armedx aeneasx troilusx parisx deiphobus and other
trojansx with attendantsx

aeneasx
hailx all you state of greecex what shall be done
to him that victory commandsx or do you purpose
a victor shall be knownx will you the knights
shall to the edge of all extremity
pursue each otherx or shall be divided
by any voice or order of the fieldx
hector bade askx

agamemnonx
which way would hector have itx

aeneasx
he cares notx hexll obey conditionsx

agamemnonx
xtis done like hectorx

achillesx
but securely donex
a little proudlyx and great deal misprising
the knight opposxdx

aeneasx
if not achillesx sirx
what is your namex

achillesx
if not achillesx nothingx

aeneasx
therefore achillesx but whatexerx know thisx
in the extremity of great and little
valour and pride excel themselves in hectorx
the one almost as infinite as allx
the other blank as nothingx weigh him wellx
and that which looks like pride is courtesyx
this ajax is half made of hectorxs bloodx
in love whereof half hector stays at homex
half heartx half handx half hector comes to seek
this blended knightx half trojan and half greekx

achillesx
a maiden battle thenx ox i perceive youx

 rexenter diomedesx

agamemnonx
here is sir diomedx gox gentle knightx
stand by our ajaxx as you and lord aeneas
consent upon the order of their fightx
so be itx either to the uttermostx
or else a breathx the combatants being kin
half stints their strife before their strokes beginx

ajax and hector enter the listsx

ulyssesx
they are opposxd alreadyx

agamemnonx
what trojan is that same that looks so heavyx

ulyssesx
the youngest son of priamx a true knightx
not yet maturex yet matchlessx firm of wordx
speaking in deeds and deedless in his tonguex
not soon provokxdx nor being provokxd soon calmxdx
his heart and hand both open and both freex
for what he has he givesx what thinks he showsx
yet gives he not till judgement guide his bountyx
nor dignifies an impure thought with breathx
manly as hectorx but more dangerousx
for hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
to tender objectsx but he in heat of action
is more vindicative than jealous lovex
they call him troilusx and on him erect
a second hope as fairly built as hectorx
thus says aeneasx one that knows the youth
even to his inchesx andx with private soulx
did in great ilion thus translate him to mex

 xxalarumx hector and ajax fightxxx

agamemnonx
they are in actionx

nestorx
nowx ajaxx hold thine ownx

troilusx
hectorx thou sleepxstx awake theex

agamemnonx
his blows are well disposxdx therex ajaxx

 xxtrumpets ceasexxx

diomedesx
you must no morex

aeneasx
princesx enoughx so please youx

ajaxx
i am not warm yetx let us fight againx

diomedesx
as hector pleasesx

hectorx
whyx then will i no morex
thou artx great lordx my fatherxs sisterxs sonx
a cousinxgerman to great priamxs seedx
the obligation of our blood forbids
a gory emulation xtwixt us twainx
were thy commixtion greek and trojan so
that thou couldxst say xthis hand is grecian allx
and this is trojanx the sinews of this leg
all greekx and this all troyx my motherxs blood
runs on the dexter cheekx and this sinister
bounds in my fatherxsx by jove multipotentx
thou shouldst not bear from me a greekish member
wherein my sword had not impressure made
of our rank feudx but the just gods gainsay
that any drop thou borrowxdst from thy motherx
my sacred auntx should by my mortal sword
be drainedx let me embrace theex ajaxx
by him that thundersx thou hast lusty armsx
hector would have them fall upon him thusx
cousinx all honour to theex

ajaxx
i thank theex hectorx
thou art too gentle and too free a manx
i came to kill theex cousinx and bear hence
a great addition earned in thy deathx

hectorx
not neoptolemus so mirablex
on whose bright crest fame with her loudxst oyes
cries xthis is hexx could promise to himself
a thought of added honour torn from hectorx

aeneasx
there is expectance here from both the sides
what further you will dox

hectorx
wexll answer itx
the issue is embracementx ajaxx farewellx

ajaxx
if i might in entreaties find successx
as seldx i have the chancex i would desire
my famous cousin to our grecian tentsx

diomedesx
xtis agamemnonxs wishx and great achilles
doth long to see unarmxd the valiant hectorx

hectorx
aeneasx call my brother troilus to mex
and signify this loving interview
to the expecters of our trojan partx
desire them homex give me thy handx my cousinx
i will go eat with theex and see your knightsx

agamemnon and the rest of the greeks come forwardx

ajaxx
great agamemnon comes to meet us herex

hectorx
the worthiest of them tell me name by namex
but for achillesx my own searching eyes
shall find him by his large and portly sizex

agamemnonx
worthy all armsx as welcome as to one
that would be rid of such an enemyx
but thatxs no welcomex understand more clearx
whatxs past and whatxs to come is strewxd with husks
and formless ruin of oblivionx
but in this extant momentx faith and trothx
strainxd purely from all hollow biasxdrawingx
bids thee with most divine integrityx
from heart of very heartx great hectorx welcomex

hectorx
i thank theex most imperious agamemnonx

agamemnonx
xxto troilusxxx my wellxfamxd lord of troyx no less to youx

menelausx
let me confirm my princely brotherxs greetingx
you brace of warlike brothersx welcome hitherx

hectorx
who must we answerx

aeneasx
the noble menelausx

hectorx
o youx my lordx by mars his gauntletx thanksx
mock not that i affect the untraded oathx
your quondam wife swears still by venusx glovex
shexs wellx but bade me not commend her to youx

menelausx
name her not nowx sirx shexs a deadly themex

hectorx
ox pardonx i offendx

nestorx
i havex thou gallant trojanx seen thee oftx
labouring for destinyx make cruel way
through ranks of greekish youthx and i have seen theex
as hot as perseusx spur thy phrygian steedx
despising many forfeits and subduementsx
when thou hast hung thy advanced sword ix thxairx
not letting it decline on the declinedx
that i have said to some my standersxby
xlox jupiter is yonderx dealing lifexx
and i have seen thee pause and take thy breathx
when that a ring of greeks have shrapxd thee inx
like an olympian wrestlingx this have i seenx
but this thy countenancex still lockxd in steelx
i never saw till nowx i knew thy grandsirex
and once fought with himx he was a soldier goodx
butx by great marsx the captain of us allx
never like theex ox let an old man embrace theex
andx worthy warriorx welcome to our tentsx

aeneasx
xtis the old nestorx

hectorx
let me embrace theex good old chroniclex
that hast so long walkxd hand in hand with timex
most reverend nestorx i am glad to clasp theex

nestorx
i would my arms could match thee in contention
as they contend with thee in courtesyx

hectorx
i would they couldx

nestorx
hax
by this white beardx ixd fight with thee tomorrowx
wellx welcomex welcomex i have seen the timex

ulyssesx
i wonder now how yonder city standsx
when we have here her base and pillar by usx

hectorx
i know your favourx lord ulyssesx wellx
ahx sirx therexs many a greek and trojan deadx
since first i saw yourself and diomed
in ilion on your greekish embassyx

ulyssesx
sirx i foretold you then what would ensuex
my prophecy is but half his journey yetx
for yonder wallsx that pertly front your townx
yon towersx whose wanton tops do buss the cloudsx
must kiss their own feetx

hectorx
i must not believe youx
there they stand yetx and modestly i think
the fall of every phrygian stone will cost
a drop of grecian bloodx the end crowns allx
and that old common arbitratorx timex
will one day end itx

ulyssesx
so to him we leave itx
most gentle and most valiant hectorx welcomex
after the generalx i beseech you next
to feast with me and see me at my tentx

achillesx
i shall forestall theex lord ulyssesx thoux
nowx hectorx i have fed mine eyes on theex
i have with exact view perusxd theex hectorx
and quoted joint by jointx

hectorx
is this achillesx

achillesx
i am achillesx

hectorx
stand fairx i pray theex let me look on theex

achillesx
behold thy fillx

hectorx
nayx i have done alreadyx

achillesx
thou art too briefx i will the second timex
as i would buy theex view thee limb by limbx

hectorx
ox like a book of sport thouxlt read me oxerx
but therexs more in me than thou understandxstx
why dost thou so oppress me with thine eyex

achillesx
tell mex you heavensx in which part of his body
shall i destroy himx whether therex or therex or therex
that i may give the local wound a namex
and make distinct the very breach whereout
hectorxs great spirit flewx answer mex heavensx

hectorx
it would discredit the blest godsx proud manx
to answer such a questionx stand againx
thinkxst thou to catch my life so pleasantly
as to prenominate in nice conjecture
where thou wilt hit me deadx

achillesx
i tell thee yeax

hectorx
wert thou an oracle to tell me sox
ixd not believe theex henceforth guard thee wellx
for ixll not kill thee therex nor therex nor therex
butx by the forge that stithied mars his helmx
ixll kill thee everywherex yeax oxer and oxerx
you wisest greciansx pardon me this bragx
his insolence draws folly from my lipsx
but ixll endeavour deeds to match these wordsx
or may i neverx

ajaxx
do not chafe theex cousinx
and youx achillesx let these threats alone
till accident or purpose bring you toxtx
you may have every day enough of hectorx
if you have stomachx the general statex i fearx
can scarce entreat you to be odd with himx

hectorx
i pray you let us see you in the fieldx
we have had pelting wars since you refusxd
the greciansx causex

achillesx
dost thou entreat mex hectorx
tomorrow do i meet theex fell as deathx
tonight all friendsx

hectorx
thy hand upon that matchx

agamemnonx
firstx all you peers of greecex go to my tentx
there in the full convive wex afterwardsx
as hectorxs leisure and your bounties shall
concur togetherx severally entreat himx
beat loud the tambourinesx let the trumpets blowx
that this great soldier may his welcome knowx

 xxexeunt all but troilus and ulyssesxxx

troilusx
my lord ulyssesx tell mex i beseech youx
in what place of the field doth calchas keepx

ulyssesx
at menelausx tentx most princely troilusx
there diomed doth feast with him tonightx
who neither looks upon the heaven nor earthx
but gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
on the fair cressidx

troilusx
shall ix sweet lordx be bound to you so muchx
after we part from agamemnonxs tentx
to bring me thitherx

ulyssesx
you shall command mex sirx
as gentle tell me of what honour was
this cressida in troyx had she no lover there
that wails her absencex

troilusx
ox sirx to such as boasting show their scars
a mock is duex will you walk onx my lordx
she was belovxdx she lovxdx she isx and dothx
but still sweet love is food for fortunexs toothx

 xxexeuntxxx



act v

scene ix the grecian campx before the tent of achillesx

 enter achilles and patroclusx

achillesx
ixll heat his blood with greekish wine tonightx
which with my scimitar ixll cool tomorrowx
patroclusx let us feast him to the heightx

patroclusx
here comes thersitesx

 enter thersitesx

achillesx
how nowx thou core of envyx
thou crusty batch of naturex whatxs the newsx

thersitesx
whyx thou picture of what thou seemestx and idol of idiot worshippersx
herexs a letter for theex

achillesx
from whencex fragmentx

thersitesx
whyx thou full dish of foolx from troyx

patroclusx
who keeps the tent nowx

thersitesx
the surgeonxs box or the patientxs woundx

patroclusx
well saidx adversityx and what needs these tricksx

thersitesx
pritheex be silentx boyx i profit not by thy talkx thou art said to be
achillesx male varletx

patroclusx
male varletx you roguex whatxs thatx

thersitesx
whyx his masculine whorex nowx the rotten diseases of the southx the
gutsxgriping rupturesx catarrhsx loads ox gravel in the backx
lethargiesx cold palsiesx raw eyesx dirtxrotten liversx wheezing lungsx
bladders full of imposthumex sciaticasx limexkilns ix thx palmx
incurable bonexachex and the rivelled feexsimple of the tetterx take
and take again such preposterous discoveriesx

patroclusx
whyx thou damnable box of envyx thoux what meanest thou to curse thusx

thersitesx
do i curse theex

patroclusx
whyx nox you ruinous buttx you whoreson indistinguishable curx nox

thersitesx
nox why art thoux thenx exasperatex thou idle immaterial skein of
sleave silkx thou green sarcenet flap for a sore eyex thou tassel of a
prodigalxs pursex thoux ahx how the poor world is  pestered with such
waterxfliesx diminutives of naturex

patroclusx
outx gallx

thersitesx
finch eggx

achillesx
my sweet patroclusx i am thwarted quite
from my great purpose in tomorrowxs battlex
here is a letter from queen hecubax
a token from her daughterx my fair lovex
both taxing me and gaging me to keep
an oath that i have swornx i will not break itx
fall greeksx fail famex honour or go or stayx
my major vow lies herex this ixll obeyx
comex comex thersitesx help to trim my tentx
this night in banqueting must all be spentx
awayx patroclusx

 xxexit withx patroclusxx

thersitesx
with too much blood and too little brain these two may run madx butx if
with too much brain and too little blood they dox ixll be a curer of
madmenx herexs agamemnonx an honest fellow enoughx and one that loves
quailsx but he has not so much brain as earxwaxx and the goodly
transformation of jupiter therex his brotherx the bullx the primitive
statue and oblique memorial of cuckoldsx a thrifty shoeingxhorn in a
chain at his brotherxs legx to what form but that he isx should wit
larded with malicex and malice forced with witx turn him tox to an assx
were nothingx he is both ass and oxx to an oxx were nothingx he is both
ox and assx to be a dogx a mulex a catx a fitchookx a toadx a lizardx
an owlx a puttockx or a herring without a roex i would not carex but to
be menelausx i would conspire against destinyx ask me not what i would
bex if i were not thersitesx for i care not to be the louse of a lazarx
so i were not menelausx heyxdayx sprites and firesx

 enter hectorx troilusx ajaxx agamemnonx ulyssesx nestorx menelaus and
 diomedes with lightsx

agamemnonx
we go wrongx we go wrongx

ajaxx
nox yonder xtisx
therex where we see the lightsx

hectorx
i trouble youx

ajaxx
nox not a whitx

ulyssesx
here comes himself to guide youx

 rexenter achillesx

achillesx
welcomex brave hectorx welcomex princes allx

agamemnonx
so nowx fair prince of troyx i bid good nightx
ajax commands the guard to tend on youx

hectorx
thanksx and good night to the greeksx generalx

menelausx
good nightx my lordx

hectorx
good nightx sweet lord menelausx

thersitesx
sweet draughtx xsweetx quoth axx
sweet sinkx sweet sewerx

achillesx
good night and welcomex both at oncex to those
that go or tarryx

agamemnonx
good nightx

 xxexeunt agamemnon and menelausxxx

achillesx
old nestor tarriesx and you toox diomedx
keep hector company an hour or twox

diomedesx
i cannotx lordx i have important businessx
the tide whereof is nowx good nightx great hectorx

hectorx
give me your handx

ulyssesx
xxaside to troilusxxx follow his torchx he goes to
calchasx tentx ixll keep you companyx

troilusx
sweet sirx you honour mex

hectorx
and sox good nightx

 xxexit diomedesx ulysses and troilus followingxxx

achillesx
comex comex enter my tentx

 xxexeunt all butx thersitesxx

thersitesx
that same diomedxs a falsexhearted roguex a most unjust knavex i will
no more trust him when he leers than i will a serpent when he hissesx
he will spend his mouth and promisex like brabbler the houndx but when
he performsx astronomers foretell itx it is prodigiousx there will come
some changex the sun borrows of the moon when diomed keeps his wordx i
will rather leave to see hector than not to dog himx they say he keeps
a trojan drabx and uses the traitor calchasx tentx ixll afterx nothing
but lecheryx all incontinent varletsx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix the grecian campx before calchasx tentx

 enter diomedesx

diomedesx
whatx are you up herex hox speakx

calchasx
xxwithinxxx who callsx

diomedesx
diomedx calchasx i thinkx wherexs your daughterx

calchasx
xxwithinxxx she comes to youx

 enter troilus and ulyssesx at a distancex after them thersitesx

ulyssesx
stand where the torch may not discover usx

 enter cressidax

troilusx
cressid comes forth to himx

diomedesx
how nowx my chargex

cressidax
nowx my sweet guardianx harkx a word with youx

 xxwhispersxxx

troilusx
yeax so familiarx

ulyssesx
she will sing any man at first sightx

thersitesx
and any man may sing herx if he can take her cliffx shexs notedx

diomedesx
will you rememberx

cressidax
rememberx yesx

diomedesx
nayx but dox thenx
and let your mind be coupled with your wordsx

troilusx
what should she rememberx

ulyssesx
listx

cressidax
sweet honey greekx tempt me no more to follyx

thersitesx
rogueryx

diomedesx
nayx thenx

cressidax
ixll tell you whatx

diomedesx
fox fox comex tell a pinx you are a forswornx

cressidax
in faithx i cannotx what would you have me dox

thersitesx
a juggling trickx to be secretly openx

diomedesx
what did you swear you would bestow on mex

cressidax
i pritheex do not hold me to mine oathx
bid me do anything but thatx sweet greekx

diomedesx
good nightx

troilusx
holdx patiencex

ulyssesx
how nowx trojanx

cressidax
diomedx

diomedesx
nox nox good nightx ixll be your fool no morex

troilusx
thy better mustx

cressidax
harkx a word in your earx

troilusx
o plague and madnessx

ulyssesx
you are movedx princex let us departx i prayx
lest your displeasure should enlarge itself
to wrathful termsx this place is dangerousx
the time right deadlyx i beseech youx gox

troilusx
beholdx i pray youx

ulyssesx
nayx good my lordx go offx
you flow to great distractionx comex my lordx

troilusx
i pray thee stayx

ulyssesx
you have not patiencex comex

troilusx
i pray youx stayx by hell and all hellxs tormentsx
i will not speak a wordx

diomedesx
and sox good nightx

cressidax
nayx but you part in angerx

troilusx
doth that grieve theex o withered truthx

ulyssesx
how nowx my lordx

troilusx
by jovex i will be patientx

cressidax
guardianx whyx greekx

diomedesx
fox fox adieux you palterx

cressidax
in faithx i do notx come hither once againx

ulyssesx
you shakex my lordx at somethingx will you gox
you will break outx

troilusx
she strokes his cheekx

ulyssesx
comex comex

troilusx
nayx stayx by jovex i will not speak a wordx
there is between my will and all offences
a guard of patiencex stay a little whilex

thersitesx
how the devil luxuryx with his fat rump and potato fingerx tickles
these togetherx fryx lecheryx fryx

diomedesx
but will youx thenx

cressidax
in faithx i willx lax never trust me elsex

diomedesx
give me some token for the surety of itx

cressidax
ixll fetch you onex

 xxexitxxx

ulyssesx
you have sworn patiencex

troilusx
fear me notx my lordx
i will not be myselfx nor have cognition
of what i feelx i am all patiencex

 rexenter cressidax

thersitesx
now the pledgex nowx nowx nowx

cressidax
herex diomedx keep this sleevex

troilusx
o beautyx where is thy faithx

ulyssesx
my lordx

troilusx
i will be patientx outwardly i willx

cressidax
you look upon that sleevex behold it wellx
he lovxd mexo false wenchxxgivext me againx

diomedesx
whose wasxtx

cressidax
it is no matterx now i havext againx
i will not meet with you tomorrow nightx
i pritheex diomedx visit me no morex

thersitesx
now she sharpensx well saidx whetstonex

diomedesx
i shall have itx

cressidax
whatx thisx

diomedesx
ayx thatx

cressidax
o all you godsx o prettyx pretty pledgex
thy master now lies thinking on his bed
of thee and mex and sighsx and takes my glovex
and gives memorial dainty kisses to itx
as i kiss theex nayx do not snatch it from mex
he that takes that doth take my heart withalx

diomedesx
i had your heart beforex this follows itx

troilusx
i did swear patiencex

cressidax
you shall not have itx diomedx faithx you shall notx
ixll give you something elsex

diomedesx
i will have thisx whose was itx

cressidax
it is no matterx

diomedesx
comex tell me whose it wasx

cressidax
xtwas onexs that lovxd me better than you willx
butx now you have itx take itx

diomedesx
whose was itx

cressidax
by all dianaxs waiting women yondx
and by herselfx i will not tell you whosex

diomedesx
tomorrow will i wear it on my helmx
and grieve his spirit that dares not challenge itx

troilusx
wert thou the devil and worxst it on thy hornx
it should be challengxdx

cressidax
wellx wellx xtis donex xtis pastx and yet it is notx
i will not keep my wordx

diomedesx
whyx then farewellx
thou never shalt mock diomed againx

cressidax
you shall not gox one cannot speak a word
but it straight starts youx

diomedesx
i do not like this foolingx

thersitesx
nor ix by plutox but that that likes not you
pleases me bestx

diomedesx
whatx shall i comex the hourx

cressidax
ayx comex o jovex do comex i shall be plaguxdx

diomedesx
farewell till thenx

cressidax
good nightx i prithee comex

 xxexitx diomedesxx

troilusx farewellx one eye yet looks on theex
but with my heart the other eye doth seex
ahx poor our sexx this fault in us i findx
the error of our eye directs our mindx
what error leads must errx ox then concludex
minds swayxd by eyes are full of turpitudex

 xxexitxxx

thersitesx
a proof of strength she could not publish morex
unless she said xmy mind is now turnxd whorexx

ulyssesx
allxs donex my lordx

troilusx
it isx

ulyssesx
why stay wex thenx

troilusx
to make a recordation to my soul
of every syllable that here was spokex
but if i tell how these two did coxactx
shall i not lie in publishing a truthx
sith yet there is a credence in my heartx
an esperance so obstinately strongx
that doth invert thxattest of eyes and earsx
as if those organs had deceptious functions
created only to calumniatex
was cressid herex

ulyssesx
i cannot conjurex trojanx

troilusx
she was notx surex

ulyssesx
most sure she wasx

troilusx
whyx my negation hath no taste of madnessx

ulyssesx
nor minex my lordx cressid was here but nowx

troilusx
let it not be believxd for womanhoodx
thinkx we had mothersx do not give advantage
to stubborn criticsx aptx without a themex
for depravationx to square the general sex
by cressidxs rulex rather think this not cressidx

ulyssesx
what hath she donex princex that can soil our mothersx

troilusx
nothing at allx unless that this were shex

thersitesx
will he swagger himself out onxs own eyesx

troilusx
this shex nox this is diomedxs cressidax
if beauty have a soulx this is not shex
if souls guide vowsx if vows be sanctimoniesx
if sanctimony be the godxs delightx
if there be rule in unity itselfx
this was not shex o madness of discoursex
that cause sets up with and against itselfx
bixfold authorityx where reason can revolt
without perditionx and loss assume all reason
without revoltx this isx and is notx cressidx
within my soul there doth conduce a fight
of this strange naturex that a thing inseparate
divides more wider than the sky and earthx
and yet the spacious breadth of this division
admits no orifice for a point as subtle
as ariachnexs broken woof to enterx
instancex o instancex strong as plutoxs gatesx
cressid is minex tied with the bonds of heavenx
instancex o instancex strong as heaven itselfx
the bonds of heaven are slippxdx dissolvxdx and loosxdx
and with another knotx fivexfingerxtiedx
the fractions of her faithx orts of her lovex
the fragmentsx scrapsx the bitsx and greasy relics
of her oxerxeaten faithx are given to diomedx

ulyssesx
may worthy troilus be half attachxd
with that which here his passion doth expressx

troilusx
ayx greekx and that shall be divulged well
in characters as red as mars his heart
inflamxd with venusx never did young man fancy
with so eternal and so fixxd a soulx
harkx greekx as much as i do cressid lovex
so much by weight hate i her diomedx
that sleeve is mine that hexll bear on his helmx
were it a casque composxd by vulcanxs skill
my sword should bite itx not the dreadful spout
which shipmen do the hurricano callx
constringxd in mass by the almighty sunx
shall dizzy with more clamour neptunexs ear
in his descent than shall my prompted sword
falling on diomedx

thersitesx
hexll tickle it for his concupyx

troilusx
o cressidx o false cressidx falsex falsex falsex
let all untruths stand by thy stained namex
and theyxll seem gloriousx

ulyssesx
ox contain yourselfx
your passion draws ears hitherx

 enter aeneasx

aeneasx
i have been seeking you this hourx my lordx
hectorx by thisx is arming him in troyx
ajaxx your guardx stays to conduct you homex

troilusx
have with youx princex my courteous lordx adieux
fairwellx revolted fairx andx diomedx
stand fastx and wear a castle on thy headx

ulyssesx
ixll bring you to the gatesx

troilusx
accept distracted thanksx

 xxexeunt troilusx aeneas and ulyssesxxx

thersitesx would i could meet that rogue diomedx i would croak like a
ravenx i would bodex i would bodex patroclus will give me anything for
the intelligence of this whorex the parrot will not do more for an
almond than he for a commodious drabx lecheryx lecheryx still wars and
lecheryx nothing else holds fashionx a burning devil take themx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix troyx before priamxs palacex

 enter hector and andromachex

andromachex
when was my lord so much ungently temperxd
to stop his ears against admonishmentx
unarmx unarmx and do not fight todayx

hectorx
you train me to offend youx get you inx
by all the everlasting godsx ixll gox

andromachex
my dreams willx surex prove ominous to the dayx

hectorx
no morex i sayx

 enter cassandrax

cassandrax
where is my brother hectorx

andromachex
herex sisterx armxdx and bloody in intentx
consort with me in loud and dear petitionx
pursue we him on kneesx for i have dreamt
of bloody turbulencex and this whole night
hath nothing been but shapes and forms of slaughterx

cassandrax
ox xtis truex

hectorx
hox bid my trumpet soundx

cassandrax
no notes of sallyx for the heavensx sweet brotherx

hectorx
be gonex i sayx the gods have heard me swearx

cassandrax
the gods are deaf to hot and peevish vowsx
they are polluted offxringsx more abhorrxd
than spotted livers in the sacrificex

andromachex
ox be persuadedx do not count it holy
to hurt by being justx it is as lawfulx
for we would give muchx to use violent thefts
and rob in the behalf of charityx

cassandrax
it is the purpose that makes strong the vowx
but vows to every purpose must not holdx
unarmx sweet hectorx

hectorx
hold you stillx i sayx
mine honour keeps the weather of my fatex
life every man holds dearx but the dear man
holds honour far more precious dear than lifex

 enter troilusx

how nowx young manx meanxst thou to fight todayx

andromachex
cassandrax call my father to persuadex

 xxexitx cassandraxx

hectorx
nox faithx young troilusx doff thy harnessx youthx
i am today ix thxvein of chivalryx
let grow thy sinews till their knots be strongx
and tempt not yet the brushes of the warx
unarm theex gox and doubt thou notx brave boyx
ixll stand today for thee and me and troyx

troilusx
brotherx you have a vice of mercy in youx
which better fits a lion than a manx

hectorx
what vice is thatx good troilusx chide me for itx

troilusx
when many times the captive grecian fallsx
even in the fan and wind of your fair swordx
you bid them rise and livex

hectorx
ox xtis fair playx

troilusx
foolxs playx by heavenx hectorx

hectorx
how nowx how nowx

troilusx
for thx love of all the godsx
letxs leave the hermit pity with our motherx
and when we have our armours buckled onx
the venomxd vengeance ride upon our swordsx
spur them to ruthful workx rein them from ruthx

hectorx
fiex savagex fiex

troilusx
hectorx then xtis warsx

hectorx
troilusx i would not have you fight todayx

troilusx
who should withhold mex
not fatex obediencex nor the hand of mars
beckoning with fiery truncheon my retirex
not priamus and hecuba on kneesx
their eyes oxerxgalled with recourse of tearsx
nor youx my brotherx with your true sword drawnx
opposxd to hinder mex should stop my wayx
but by my ruinx

 rexenter cassandra with priamx

cassandrax
lay hold upon himx priamx hold him fastx
he is thy crutchx now if thou lose thy stayx
thou on him leaningx and all troy on theex
fall all togetherx

priamx
comex hectorx comex go backx
thy wife hath dreamtx thy mother hath had visionsx
cassandra doth foreseex and i myself
am like a prophet suddenly enrapt
to tell thee that this day is ominousx
thereforex come backx

hectorx
aeneas is axfieldx
and i do stand engagxd to many greeksx
even in the faith of valourx to appear
this morning to themx

priamx
ayx but thou shalt not gox

hectorx
i must not break my faithx
you know me dutifulx thereforex dear sirx
let me not shame respectx but give me leave
to take that course by your consent and voice
which you do here forbid mex royal priamx

cassandrax
o priamx yield not to himx

andromachex
do notx dear fatherx

hectorx
andromachex i am offended with youx
upon the love you bear mex get you inx

 xxexitx andromachexx

troilusx
this foolishx dreamingx superstitious girl
makes all these bodementsx

cassandrax
ox farewellx dear hectorx
look how thou diestx look how thy eye turns palex
look how thy wounds do bleed at many ventsx
hark how troy roarsx how hecuba cries outx
how poor andromache shrills her dolours forthx
behold distractionx frenzyx and amazementx
like witless anticsx one another meetx
and all cryx xhectorx hectorxs deadx o hectorxx

troilusx
awayx awayx

cassandrax
farewellx yetx softx hectorx i take my leavex
thou dost thyself and all our troy deceivex

 xxexitxxx

hectorx
you are amazxdx my liegex at her exclaimx
go inx and cheer the townx wexll forthx and fightx
do deeds worth praise and tell you them at nightx

priamx
farewellx the gods with safety stand about theex

 xxexeunt severally priam and hectorx alarumsxxx

troilusx
they are at itx harkx proud diomedx believex
i come to lose my arm or win my sleevex

 enter pandarusx

pandarusx
do you hearx my lordx do you hearx

troilusx
what nowx

pandarusx
herexs a letter come from yond poor girlx

troilusx
let me readx

pandarusx
a whoreson tisickx a whoreson rascally tisickx so troubles mex and the
foolish fortune of this girlx and what one thingx what anotherx that i
shall leave you one ox these daysx and i have a rheum in mine eyes toox
and such an ache in my bones that unless a man were cursxd i cannot
tell what to think onxtx what says she therex

troilusx
wordsx wordsx mere wordsx no matter from the heartx
thxeffect doth operate another wayx

 xxtearing the letterxxx

gox windx to windx there turn and change togetherx
my love with words and errors still she feedsx
but edifies another with her deedsx

 xxexeunt severallyxxx

scene ivx the plain between troy and the grecian campx

 alarumsx excursionsx enter thersitesx

thersitesx
now they are clapperxclawing one anotherx ixll go look onx that
dissembling abominable varletx diomedx has got that same scurvy doting
foolish young knavexs sleeve of troy there in his helmx i would fain
see them meetx that that same young trojan ass that loves the whore
there might send that greekish whoremasterly villain with the sleeve
back to the dissembling luxurious drab of a sleevexless errandx ox the
other sidex the policy of those crafty swearing rascals that stale old
mousexeaten dry cheesex nestorx and that same dogxfoxx ulyssesx is not
provxd worth a blackberryx they set me upx in policyx that mongrel curx
ajaxx against that dog of as bad a kindx achillesx and now is the curx
ajax prouder than the cur achillesx and will not arm todayx whereupon
the grecians begin to proclaim barbarismx and policy grows into an ill
opinionx

 enter diomedesx troilus followingx

softx here comes sleevex and txotherx

troilusx
fly notx for shouldst thou take the river styxx i would swim afterx

diomedesx
thou dost miscall retirex
i do not flyx but advantageous care
withdrew me from the odds of multitudex
have at theex

thersitesx
hold thy whorex grecianx now for thy whorex
trojanx now the sleevex now the sleevex

 xxexeunt troilus and diomedes fightingxxx

 enter hectorx

hectorx
what art thoux greekx art thou for hectorxs matchx
art thou of blood and honourx

thersitesx
nox no i am a rascalx a scurvy railing knavex a very filthy roguex

hectorx
i do believe theex livex

 xxexitxxx

thersitesx
godxaxmercyx that thou wilt believe mex but a plague break thy neck for
frighting mex whatxs become of the wenching roguesx i think they have
swallowed one anotherx i would laugh at that miraclex yetx in a sortx
lechery eats itselfx ixll seek themx

 xxexitxxx

scene vx another part of the plainx

 enter diomedes and a servantx

diomedesx
gox gox my servantx take thou troilusx horsex
present the fair steed to my lady cressidx
fellowx commend my service to her beautyx
tell her i have chastisxd the amorous trojanx
and am her knight by proofx

servantx
i gox my lordx

 xxexitxxx

 enter agamemnonx

agamemnonx
renewx renewx the fierce polydamas
hath beat down menonx bastard margarelon
hath doreus prisonerx
and stands colossusxwisex waving his beamx
upon the pashed corses of the kings
epistrophus and cediusx polixenes is slainx
amphimacus and thoas deadly hurtx
patroclus taxenx or slainx and palamedes
sore hurt and bruisxdx the dreadful sagittary
appals our numbersx haste wex diomedx
to reinforcementx or we perish allx

 enter nestorx

nestorx
gox bear patroclusx body to achillesx
and bid the snailxpacxd ajax arm for shamex
there is a thousand hectors in the fieldx
now here he fights on galathe his horsex
and there lacks workx anon hexs there afootx
and there they fly or diex like scaled sculls
before the belching whalex then is he yonderx
and there the strawy greeksx ripe for his edgex
fall down before him like the mowerxs swathx
herex therex and everywherex he leaves and takesx
dexterity so obeying appetite
that what he will he doesx and does so much
that proof is callxd impossibilityx

 enter ulyssesx

ulyssesx
ox couragex couragex couragex princesx great achilles
is armingx weepingx cursingx vowing vengeancex
patroclusx wounds have rousxd his drowsy bloodx
together with his mangled myrmidonsx
that noselessx handlessx hackxd and chippxdx come to himx
crying on hectorx ajax hath lost a friend
and foams at mouthx and he is armxd and at itx
roaring for troilusx who hath done today
mad and fantastic executionx
engaging and redeeming of himself
with such a careless force and forceless care
as if that lustx in very spite of cunningx
bade him win allx

 enter ajaxx

ajaxx
troilusx thou coward troilusx

 xxexitxxx

diomedesx
ayx therex therex

nestorx
sox sox we draw togetherx

 xxexitxxx

 enter achillesx

achillesx
where is this hectorx
comex comex thou boyxquellerx show thy facex
know what it is to meet achilles angryx
hectorx wherexs hectorx i will none but hectorx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vix another part of the plainx

 enter ajaxx

ajaxx
troilusx thou coward troilusx show thy headx

 enter diomedesx

diomedesx
troilusx i sayx wherexs troilusx

ajaxx
what wouldst thoux

diomedesx
i would correct himx

ajaxx
were i the generalx thou shouldst have my office
ere that correctionx troilusx i sayx whatx troilusx

 enter troilusx

troilusx
o traitor diomedx turn thy false facex thou traitorx
and pay thy life thou owest me for my horsex

diomedesx
hax art thou therex

ajaxx
ixll fight with him alonex standx diomedx

diomedesx
he is my prizex i will not look uponx

troilusx
comex bothx you cogging greeksx have at you bothx

 xxexeunt fightingxxx

 enter hectorx

hectorx
yeax troilusx ox well foughtx my youngest brotherx

 enter achillesx

achillesx
now do i see theex hax have at theex hectorx

hectorx
pausex if thou wiltx

achillesx
i do disdain thy courtesyx proud trojanx
be happy that my arms are out of usex
my rest and negligence befriend thee nowx
but thou anon shalt hear of me againx
till whenx go seek thy fortunex

 xxexitxxx

hectorx
fare thee wellx
i would have been much more a fresher manx
had i expected theex

 rexenter troilusx

how nowx my brotherx

troilusx
ajax hath taxen aeneasx shall it bex
nox by the flame of yonder glorious heavenx
he shall not carry himx ixll be taxen toox
or bring him offx fatex hear me what i sayx
i reck not though thou end my life todayx

 xxexitxxx

 enter one in armourx

hectorx
standx standx thou greekx thou art a goodly markx
nox wilt thou notx i like thy armour wellx
ixll frush it and unlock the rivets all
but ixll be master of itx wilt thou notx beastx abidex
why thenx fly onx ixll hunt thee for thy hidex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene viix another part of the plainx

 enter achilles with myrmidonsx

achillesx
come here about mex you my myrmidonsx
mark what i sayx attend me where i wheelx
strike not a strokex but keep yourselves in breathx
and when i have the bloody hector foundx
empale him with your weapons round aboutx
in fellest manner execute your armsx
follow mex sirsx and my proceedings eyex
it is decreed hector the great must diex

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter menelaus and parisx fightingx then thersitesx

thersitesx
the cuckold and the cuckoldxmaker are at itx nowx bullx nowx dogx xloox
parisx xloox now my doublexhenxd spartanx xloox parisx xloox the bull
has the gamex xware hornsx hox

 xxexeunt paris and menelausxxx

 enter margarelonx

margarelonx
turnx slavex and fightx

thersitesx
what art thoux

margarelonx
a bastard son of priamxsx

thersitesx
i am a bastard toox i love bastardsx i am a bastard begotx bastard
instructedx bastard in mindx bastard in valourx in everything
illegitimatex one bear will not bite anotherx and wherefore should one
bastardx take heedx the quarrelxs most ominous to usx if the son of a
whore fight for a whorex he tempts judgementx farewellx bastardx

 xxexitxxx

margarelonx
the devil take theex cowardx

 xxexitxxx

scene viiix another part of the plainx

 enter hectorx

hectorx
most putrified core so fair withoutx
thy goodly armour thus hath cost thy lifex
now is my dayxs work donex ixll take my breathx
restx swordx thou hast thy fill of blood and deathx

 xxdisarmsxxx

 enter achilles and myrmidonsx

achillesx
lookx hectorx how the sun begins to setx
how ugly night comes breathing at his heelsx
even with the vail and darkxning of the sunx
to close the day upx hectorxs life is donex

hectorx
i am unarmxdx forego this vantagex greekx

achillesx
strikex fellowsx strikex this is the man i seekx

 xxhector fallsxxx

sox ilionx fall thou nextx nowx troyx sink downx
here lies thy heartx thy sinewsx and thy bonex
onx myrmidonsx and cry you all amain
xachilles hath the mighty hector slainxx

 xxa retreat soundedxxx

harkx a retire upon our grecian partx

myrmidonx
the trojan trumpets sound the likex my lordx

achillesx
the dragon wing of night oxerspreads the earth
andx sticklerxlikex the armies separatesx
my halfxsuppxd swordx that frankly would have fedx
pleasxd with this dainty baitx thus goes to bedx

 xxsheathes his swordxxx

comex tie his body to my horsexs tailx
along the field i will the trojan trailx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ixx another part of the plainx

 sound retreatx shoutx enter agamemnonx ajaxx menelausx nestorx
 diomedes and the restx marchingx

agamemnonx
harkx harkx what shout is thisx

nestorx
peacex drumsx

soldiersx
xxwithinxxx achillesx achillesx hectorxs slainx achillesx

diomedesx
the bruit isx hectorxs slainx and by achillesx

ajaxx
if it be sox yet bragless let it bex
great hector was as good a man as hex

agamemnonx
march patiently alongx let one be sent
to pray achilles see us at our tentx
if in his death the gods have us befriendedx
great troy is oursx and our sharp wars are endedx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene xx another part of the plainx

 enter aeneasx parisx antenor and deiphobusx

aeneasx
standx hox yet are we masters of the fieldx
never go homex here starve we out the nightx

 enter troilusx

troilusx
hector is slainx

allx
hectorx the gods forbidx

troilusx
hexs deadx and at the murdererxs horsexs tailx
in beastly sortx draggxd through the shameful fieldx
frown onx you heavensx effect your rage with speedx
sitx godsx upon your thronesx and smile at troyx
i say at once let your brief plagues be mercyx
and linger not our sure destructions onx

aeneasx
my lordx you do discomfort all the hostx

troilusx
you understand me not that tell me sox
i do not speak of flightx of fear of deathx
but dare all imminence that gods and men
address their dangers inx hector is gonex
who shall tell priam sox or hecubax
let him that will a screechxowl aye be callxd
go in to troyx and say there xhectorxs deadxx
there is a word will priam turn to stonex
make wells and niobes of the maids and wivesx
cold statues of the youthx andx in a wordx
scare troy out of itselfx butx march awayx
hector is deadx there is no more to sayx
stay yetx you vile abominable tentsx
thus proudly pight upon our phrygian plainsx
let titan rise as early as he darex
ixll through and through youx andx thou greatxsizxd cowardx
no space of earth shall sunder our two hatesx
ixll haunt thee like a wicked conscience stillx
that mouldeth goblins swift as frenzyxs thoughtsx
strike a free march to troyx with comfort gox
hope of revenge shall hide our inward woex

 enter pandarusx

pandarusx
but hear youx hear youx

troilusx
hencex brokerxlackeyx ignominy and shame
pursue thy lifex and live aye with thy namex

 xxexeunt all butx pandarusxx

pandarusx
a goodly medicine for my aching bonesx o worldx worldx thus is the poor
agent despisxdx o traitors and bawdsx how earnestly are you set axworkx
and how ill requitedx why should our endeavour be so lovxdx and the
performance so loathedx what verse for itx what instance for itx let me
seex

  full merrily the humblexbee doth sing
  till he hath lost his honey and his stingx
  and being once subduxd in armed trailx
  sweet honey and sweet notes together failx

good traders in the fleshx set this in your painted clothsx
as many as be here of pandarxs hallx
your eyesx half outx weep out at pandarxs fallx
orx if you cannot weepx yet give some groansx
though not for mex yet for your aching bonesx
brethren and sisters of the holdxdoor tradex
some two months hence my will shall here be madex
it should be nowx but that my fear is thisx
some galled goose of winchester would hissx
till then ixll sweat and seek about for easesx
and at that time bequeath you my diseasesx

 xxexitxxx



twelfth nightx orx what you will



contents

act i
scene ix an apartment in the dukexs palacex
scene iix the seaxcoastx
scene iiix a room in oliviaxs housex
scene ivx a room in the dukexs palacex
scene vx a room in oliviaxs housex


act ii
scene ix the seaxcoastx
scene iix a streetx
scene iiix a room in oliviaxs housex
scene ivx a room in the dukexs palacex
scene vx oliviaxs gardenx


act iii
scene ix oliviaxs gardenx
scene iix a room in oliviaxs housex
scene iiix a streetx
scene ivx oliviaxs gardenx


act iv
scene ix the street before oliviaxs housex
scene iix a room in oliviaxs housex
scene iiix oliviaxs gardenx


act v
scene ix the street before oliviaxs housex


 dramatis personx

orsinox duke of illyriax
valentinex gentleman attending on the duke
curiox gentleman attending on the duke
violax in love with the dukex
sebastianx a young gentlemanx twin brother to violax
a sea captainx friend to viola
antoniox a sea captainx friend to sebastianx
oliviax a rich countessx
mariax oliviaxs womanx
sir toby belchx uncle of oliviax
sir andrew aguecheekx
malvoliox steward to oliviax
fabianx servant to oliviax
clownx servant to oliviax
priest
lordsx sailorsx officersx musiciansx and other attendantsx

scenex a city in illyriax and the seaxcoast near itx



act ix

scene ix an apartment in the dukexs palacex

 enter orsinox duke of illyriax curiox and other lordsx musicians
 attendingx

dukex
if music be the food of lovex play onx
give me excess of itx thatx surfeitingx
the appetite may sicken and so diex
that strain againx it had a dying fallx
ox it came oxer my ear like the sweet sound
that breathes upon a bank of violetsx
stealing and giving odourx enoughx no morex
xtis not so sweet now as it was beforex
o spirit of lovex how quick and fresh art thoux
that notwithstanding thy capacity
receiveth as the seax nought enters therex
of what validity and pitch soeverx
but falls into abatement and low price
even in a minutex so full of shapes is fancyx
that it alone is high fantasticalx

curiox
will you go huntx my lordx

dukex
whatx curiox

curiox
the hartx

dukex
why so i dox the noblest that i havex
ox when mine eyes did see olivia firstx
methought she purgxd the air of pestilencex
that instant was i turnxd into a hartx
and my desiresx like fell and cruel houndsx
exer since pursue mex how nowx what news from herx

 enter valentinex

valentinex
so please my lordx i might not be admittedx
but from her handmaid do return this answerx
the element itselfx till seven yearsx heatx
shall not behold her face at ample viewx
but like a cloistress she will veiled walkx
and water once a day her chamber round
with eyexoffending brinex all this to season
a brotherxs dead lovex which she would keep fresh
and lasting in her sad remembrancex

dukex
ox she that hath a heart of that fine frame
to pay this debt of love but to a brotherx
how will she lovex when the rich golden shaft
hath killxd the flock of all affections else
that live in herx when liverx brainx and heartx
these sovereign thronesx are all supplied and fillxd
her sweet perfections with one self kingx
away before me to sweet beds of flowersx
lovexthoughts lie rich when canopied with bowersx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the seaxcoastx

 enter violax a captain and sailorsx

violax
what countryx friendsx is thisx

captainx
this is illyriax ladyx

violax
and what should i do in illyriax
my brother he is in elysiumx
perchance he is not drownxdx what think youx sailorsx

captainx
it is perchance that you yourself were savxdx

violax
o my poor brotherx and so perchance may he bex

captainx
truex madamx and to comfort you with chancex
assure yourselfx after our ship did splitx
when youx and those poor number savxd with youx
hung on our driving boatx i saw your brotherx
most provident in perilx bind himselfx
xcourage and hope both teaching him the practicex
to a strong mast that livxd upon the seax
wherex like arion on the dolphinxs backx
i saw him hold acquaintance with the waves
so long as i could seex

violax
for saying sox therexs goldx
mine own escape unfoldeth to my hopex
whereto thy speech serves for authorityx
the like of himx knowxst thou this countryx

captainx
ayx madamx wellx for i was bred and born
not three hoursx travel from this very placex

violax
who governs herex

captainx
a noble dukex in nature as in namex

violax
what is his namex

captainx
orsinox

violax
orsinox i have heard my father name himx
he was a bachelor thenx

captainx
and so is nowx or was so very latex
for but a month ago i went from hencex
and then xtwas fresh in murmurx xasx you knowx
what great ones dox the less will prattle ofx
that he did seek the love of fair oliviax

violax
whatxs shex

captainx
a virtuous maidx the daughter of a count
that died some twelvemonth sincex then leaving her
in the protection of his sonx her brotherx
who shortly also diedx for whose dear love
they sayx she hath abjurxd the company
and sight of menx

violax
o that i served that ladyx
and might not be delivered to the worldx
till i had made mine own occasion mellowx
what my estate isx

captainx
that were hard to compassx
because she will admit no kind of suitx
nox not the dukexsx

violax
there is a fair behaviour in theex captainx
and though that nature with a beauteous wall
doth oft close in pollutionx yet of thee
i will believe thou hast a mind that suits
with this thy fair and outward characterx
i pray theex and ixll pay thee bounteouslyx
conceal me what i amx and be my aid
for such disguise as haply shall become
the form of my intentx ixll serve this dukex
thou shalt present me as an eunuch to himx
it may be worth thy painsx for i can singx
and speak to him in many sorts of musicx
that will allow me very worth his servicex
what else may hapx to time i will commitx
only shape thou thy silence to my witx

captainx
be you his eunuch and your mute ixll bex
when my tongue blabsx then let mine eyes not seex

violax
i thank theex lead me onx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix a room in oliviaxs housex

 enter sir toby and mariax

sir tobyx
what a plague means my niece to take the death of her brother thusx i
am sure carexs an enemy to lifex

mariax
by my trothx sir tobyx you must come in earlier ox nightsx your cousinx
my ladyx takes great exceptions to your ill hoursx

sir tobyx
whyx let her exceptx before exceptedx

mariax
ayx but you must confine yourself within the modest limits of orderx

sir tobyx
confinex ixll confine myself no finer than i amx these clothes are good
enough to drink inx and so be these boots toox and they be notx let
them hang themselves in their own strapsx

mariax
that quaffing and drinking will undo youx i heard my lady talk of it
yesterdayx and of a foolish knight that you brought in one night here
to be her wooerx

sir tobyx
whox sir andrew aguecheekx

mariax
ayx hex

sir tobyx
hexs as tall a man as anyxs in illyriax

mariax
whatxs that to thx purposex

sir tobyx
whyx he has three thousand ducats a yearx

mariax
ayx but hexll have but a year in all these ducatsx hexs a very foolx
and a prodigalx

sir tobyx
fiex that youxll say sox he plays ox the violxdexgamboysx and speaks
three or four languages word for word without bookx and hath all the
good gifts of naturex

mariax
he hath indeedx almost naturalx forx besides that hexs a foolx hexs a
great quarrellerx andx but that he hath the gift of a coward to allay
the gust he hath in quarrellingx xtis thought among the prudent he
would quickly have the gift of a gravex

sir tobyx
by this handx they are scoundrels and substractors that say so of himx
who are theyx

mariax
they that addx moreoverx hexs drunk nightly in your companyx

sir tobyx
with drinking healths to my niecex ixll drink to her as long as there
is a passage in my throatx and drink in illyriax hexs a coward and a
coystril that will not drink to my niece till his brains turn ox the
toe like a parish topx whatx wenchx xcastiliano vulgoxx for here comes
sir andrew aguefacex

 enter sir andrewx

aguecheekx
sir toby belchx how nowx sir toby belchx

sir tobyx
sweet sir andrewx

sir andrewx
bless youx fair shrewx

mariax
and you toox sirx

sir tobyx
accostx sir andrewx accostx

sir andrewx
whatxs thatx

sir tobyx
my niecexs chamberxmaidx

sir andrewx
good mistress accostx i desire better acquaintancex

mariax
my name is maryx sirx

sir andrewx
good mistress mary accostxx

sir tobyx
you mistakex knightx accost is front herx board herx woo herx assail
herx

sir andrewx
by my trothx i would not undertake her in this companyx is that the
meaning of accostx

mariax
fare you wellx gentlemenx

sir tobyx
and thou let part sox sir andrewx would thou mightst never draw sword
againx

sir andrewx
and you part sox mistressx i would i might never draw sword againx fair
ladyx do you think you have fools in handx

mariax
sirx i have not you by the handx

sir andrewx
marryx but you shall havex and herexs my handx

mariax
nowx sirx thought is freex i pray youx bring your hand to thx buttery
bar and let it drinkx

sir andrewx
whereforex sweetheartx whatxs your metaphorx

mariax
itxs dryx sirx

sir andrewx
whyx i think sox i am not such an ass but i can keep my hand dryx but
whatxs your jestx

mariax
a dry jestx sirx

sir andrewx
are you full of themx

mariax
ayx sirx i have them at my fingersx endsx marryx now i let go your
handx i am barrenx

 xxexit mariaxxx

sir tobyx
o knightx thou lackxst a cup of canaryx when did i see thee so put
downx

sir andrewx
never in your lifex i thinkx unless you see canary put me downx
methinks sometimes i have no more wit than a christian or an ordinary
man hasx but i am a great eater of beefx and i believe that does harm
to my witx

sir tobyx
no questionx

sir andrewx
and i thought thatx ixd forswear itx ixll ride home tomorrowx sir tobyx

sir tobyx
xpourquoyxx my dear knightx

sir andrewx
what is xpourquoyxx dox or not dox i would i had bestowed that time in
the tongues that i have in fencingx dancingx and bearxbaitingx ox had i
but followed the artsx

sir tobyx
then hadst thou had an excellent head of hairx

sir andrewx
whyx would that have mended my hairx

sir tobyx
past questionx for thou seest it will not curl by naturex

sir andrewx
but it becomes me well enoughx doesxt notx

sir tobyx
excellentx it hangs like flax on a distaffx and i hope to see a
houswife take thee between her legsx and spin it offx

sir andrewx
faithx ixll home tomorrowx sir tobyx your niece will not be seenx or if
she bex itxs four to one shexll none of mex the count himself here hard
by woos herx

sir tobyx
shexll none ox the countx shexll not match above her degreex neither in
estatex yearsx nor witx i have heard her swearxtx tutx therexs life
inxtx manx

sir andrewx
ixll stay a month longerx i am a fellow ox the strangest mind ix the
worldx i delight in masques and revels sometimes altogetherx

sir tobyx
art thou good at these kickxshawsesx knightx

sir andrewx
as any man in illyriax whatsoever he bex under the degree of my
bettersx and yet i will not compare with an old manx

sir tobyx
what is thy excellence in a galliardx knightx

sir andrewx
faithx i can cut a caperx

sir tobyx
and i can cut the mutton toxtx

sir andrewx
and i think i have the backxtrick simply as strong as any man in
illyriax

sir tobyx
wherefore are these things hidx wherefore have these gifts a curtain
before xemx are they like to take dustx like mistress mallxs picturex
why dost thou not go to church in a galliardx and come home in a
corantox my very walk should be a jigx i would not so much as make
water but in a sinkxaxpacex what dost thou meanx is it a world to hide
virtues inx i did thinkx by the excellent constitution of thy legx it
was formed under the star of a galliardx

sir andrewx
ayx xtis strongx and it does indifferent well in a damxdxcolourxd
stockx shall we set about some revelsx

sir tobyx
what shall we do elsex were we not born under taurusx

sir andrewx
taurusx thatxs sides and heartx

sir tobyx
nox sirx it is legs and thighsx let me see thee caperx hax higherx hax
hax excellentx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a room in the dukexs palacex

 enter valentine and viola in manxs attirex

valentinex
if the duke continue these favours towards youx cesariox you are like
to be much advancedx he hath known you but three daysx and already you
are no strangerx

violax
you either fear his humour or my negligencex that you call in question
the continuance of his lovex is he inconstantx sirx in his favoursx

valentinex
nox believe mex

 enter dukex curio and attendantsx

violax
i thank youx here comes the countx

dukex
who saw cesariox hox

violax
on your attendancex my lordx herex

dukex
stand you awhile aloofxxcesariox
thou knowxst no less but allx i have unclaspxd
to thee the book even of my secret soulx
thereforex good youthx address thy gait unto herx
be not denied accessx stand at her doorsx
and tell themx there thy fixed foot shall grow
till thou have audiencex

violax
surex my noble lordx
if she be so abandonxd to her sorrow
as it is spokex she never will admit mex

dukex
be clamorous and leap all civil boundsx
rather than make unprofited returnx

violax
say i do speak with herx my lordx what thenx

dukex
o then unfold the passion of my lovex
surprise her with discourse of my dear faithx
it shall become thee well to act my woesx
she will attend it better in thy youthx
than in a nuncioxs of more grave aspectx

violax
i think not sox my lordx

dukex
dear ladx believe itx
for they shall yet belie thy happy yearsx
that say thou art a manx dianaxs lip
is not more smooth and rubiousx thy small pipe
is as the maidenxs organx shrill and soundx
and all is semblative a womanxs partx
i know thy constellation is right apt
for this affairx some four or five attend himx
allx if you willx for i myself am best
when least in companyx prosper well in thisx
and thou shalt live as freely as thy lordx
to call his fortunes thinex

violax
ixll do my best
to woo your ladyx xxasidexxx yetx a barful strifex
whoexer i woox myself would be his wifex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx a room in oliviaxs housex

 enter maria and clownx

mariax
nayx either tell me where thou hast beenx or i will not open my lips so
wide as a bristle may enterx in way of thy excusex my lady will hang
thee for thy absencex

clownx
let her hang mex he that is well hanged in this world needs to fear no
coloursx

mariax
make that goodx

clownx
he shall see none to fearx

mariax
a good lenten answerx i can tell thee where that saying was bornx of i
fear no coloursx

clownx
wherex good mistress maryx

mariax
in the warsx and that may you be bold to say in your fooleryx

clownx
wellx god give them wisdom that have itx and those that are foolsx let
them use their talentsx

mariax
yet you will be hanged for being so long absentx or to be turned awayx
is not that as good as a hanging to youx

clownx
many a good hanging prevents a bad marriagex and for turning awayx let
summer bear it outx

mariax
you are resolute thenx

clownx
not sox neitherx but i am resolved on two pointsx

mariax
that if one breakx the other will holdx or if both breakx your gaskins
fallx

clownx
aptx in good faithx very aptx wellx go thy wayx if sir toby would leave
drinkingx thou wert as witty a piece of evexs flesh as any in illyriax

mariax
peacex you roguex no more ox thatx here comes my ladyx make your excuse
wiselyx you were bestx

 xxexitxxx

 enter olivia with malvoliox

clownx
witx andxt be thy willx put me into good foolingx those wits that think
they have theex do very oft prove foolsx and i that am sure i lack
theex may pass for a wise manx for what says quinapalusx better a witty
fool than a foolish witx god bless theex ladyx

oliviax
take the fool awayx

clownx
do you not hearx fellowsx take away the ladyx

oliviax
go tox yxare a dry foolx ixll no more of youx besidesx you grow
dishonestx

clownx
two faultsx madonnax that drink and good counsel will amendx for give
the dry fool drinkx then is the fool not dryx bid the dishonest man
mend himselfx if he mendx he is no longer dishonestx if he cannotx let
the botcher mend himx anything thatxs mended is but patchedx virtue
that transgresses is but patched with sinx and sin that amends is but
patched with virtuex if that this simple syllogism will servex sox if
it will notx what remedyx as there is no true cuckold but calamityx so
beautyxs a flowerx the lady bade take away the foolx thereforex i say
againx take her awayx

oliviax
sirx i bade them take away youx

clownx
misprision in the highest degreex ladyx xcucullus non facit monachumxx
thatxs as much to sayx i wear not motley in my brainx good madonnax
give me leave to prove you a foolx

oliviax
can you do itx

clownx
dexteriouslyx good madonnax

oliviax
make your proofx

clownx
i must catechize you for itx madonnax good my mouse of virtuex answer
mex

oliviax
well sirx for want of other idlenessx ixll xbide your proofx

clownx
good madonnax why mournxst thoux

oliviax
good foolx for my brotherxs deathx

clownx
i think his soul is in hellx madonnax

oliviax
i know his soul is in heavenx foolx

clownx
the more fool youx madonnax to mourn for your brotherxs soul being in
heavenx take away the foolx gentlemenx

oliviax
what think you of this foolx malvoliox doth he not mendx

malvoliox
yesx and shall dox till the pangs of death shake himx infirmityx that
decays the wisex doth ever make the better foolx

clownx
god send youx sirx a speedy infirmityx for the better increasing your
follyx sir toby will be sworn that i am no foxx but he will not pass
his word for twopence that you are no foolx

oliviax
how say you to thatx malvoliox

malvoliox
i marvel your ladyship takes delight in such a barren rascalx i saw him
put down the other day with an ordinary foolx that has no more brain
than a stonex look you nowx hexs out of his guard alreadyx unless you
laugh and minister occasion to himx he is gaggedx i protest i take
these wise menx that crow so at these set kind of foolsx no better than
the foolsx zaniesx

oliviax
ox you are sick of selfxlovex malvoliox and taste with a distempered
appetitex to be generousx guiltlessx and of free dispositionx is to
take those things for birdxbolts that you deem cannon bulletsx there is
no slander in an allowed foolx though he do nothing but railx nor no
railing in a known discreet manx though he do nothing but reprovex

clownx
now mercury endue thee with leasingx for thou speakxst well of foolsx

 enter mariax

mariax
madamx there is at the gate a young gentleman much desires to speak
with youx

oliviax
from the count orsinox is itx

mariax
i know notx madamx xtis a fair young manx and well attendedx

oliviax
who of my people hold him in delayx

mariax
sir tobyx madamx your kinsmanx

oliviax
fetch him offx i pray youx he speaks nothing but madmanx fie on himx

 xxexit mariaxxx

go youx malvoliox if it be a suit from the countx i am sickx or not at
homex what you willx to dismiss itx

 xxexit malvolioxxx

now you seex sirx how your fooling grows oldx and people dislike itx

clownx
thou hast spoke for usx madonnax as if thy eldest son should be a foolx
whose skull jove cram with brainsx for here he comesx one of thy kin
has a most weak xpia materxx

 enter sir tobyx

oliviax
by mine honourx half drunkx what is he at the gatex cousinx

sir tobyx
a gentlemanx

oliviax
a gentlemanx what gentlemanx

sir tobyx
xtis a gentleman herex a plague ox these picklexherringsx how nowx sotx

clownx
good sir tobyx

oliviax
cousinx cousinx how have you come so early by this lethargyx

sir tobyx
lecheryx i defy lecheryx therexs one at the gatex

oliviax
ayx marryx what is hex

sir tobyx
let him be the devil an he willx i care notx give me faithx say ix
wellx itxs all onex

 xxexitxxx

oliviax
whatxs a drunken man likex foolx

clownx
like a drowned manx a foolx and a madmanx one draught above heat makes
him a foolx the second mads himx and a third drowns himx

oliviax
go thou and seek the coronerx and let him sit ox my cozx for hexs in
the third degree of drinkx hexs drownedx gox look after himx

clownx
he is but mad yetx madonnax and the fool shall look to the madmanx

 xxexit clownxxx

 enter malvoliox

malvoliox
madamx yond young fellow swears he will speak with youx i told him you
were sickx he takes on him to understand so muchx and therefore comes
to speak with youx i told him you were asleepx he seems to have a
foreknowledge of that toox and therefore comes to speak with youx what
is to be said to himx ladyx hexs fortified against any denialx

oliviax
tell himx he shall not speak with mex

malvoliox
has been told sox and he says hexll stand at your door like a sheriffxs
postx and be the supporter of a benchx but hexll speak with youx

oliviax
what kind ox man is hex

malvoliox
whyx of mankindx

oliviax
what manner of manx

malvoliox
of very ill mannerx hexll speak with youx will you or nox

oliviax
of what personage and years is hex

malvoliox
not yet old enough for a manx nor young enough for a boyx as a squash
is before xtis a peascodx or a codlingx when xtis almost an applex xtis
with him in standing waterx between boy and manx he is very
wellxfavouredx and he speaks very shrewishlyx one would think his
motherxs milk were scarce out of himx

oliviax
let him approachx call in my gentlewomanx

malvoliox
gentlewomanx my lady callsx

 xxexitxxx

 enter mariax

oliviax
give me my veilx comex throw it oxer my facex
wexll once more hear orsinoxs embassyx

 enter violax

violax
the honourable lady of the housex which is shex

oliviax
speak to mex i shall answer for herx your willx

violax
most radiantx exquisitex and unmatchable beautyxxi pray youx tell me if
this be the lady of the housex for i never saw herx i would be loath to
cast away my speechx for besides that it is excellently well pennedx i
have taken great pains to con itx good beautiesx let me sustain no
scornx i am very comptiblex even to the least sinister usagex

oliviax
whence came youx sirx

violax
i can say little more than i have studiedx and that questionxs out of
my partx good gentle onex give me modest assurancex if you be the lady
of the housex that i may proceed in my speechx

oliviax
are you a comedianx

violax
nox my profound heartx and yetx by the very fangs of malice i swearx i
am not that i playx are you the lady of the housex

oliviax
if i do not usurp myselfx i amx

violax
most certainx if you are shex you do usurp yourselfx for what is yours
to bestow is not yours to reservex but this is from my commissionx i
will on with my speech in your praisex and then show you the heart of
my messagex

oliviax
come to what is important inxtx i forgive you the praisex

violax
alasx i took great pains to study itx and xtis poeticalx

oliviax
it is the more like to be feignedx i pray you keep it inx i heard you
were saucy at my gatesx and allowed your approachx rather to wonder at
you than to hear youx if you be madx be gonex if you have reasonx be
briefx xtis not that time of moon with me to make one in so skipping a
dialoguex

mariax
will you hoist sailx sirx here lies your wayx

violax
nox good swabberx i am to hull here a little longerx some mollification
for your giantx sweet ladyx tell me your mindx i am a messengerx

oliviax
surex you have some hideous matter to deliverx when the courtesy of it
is so fearfulx speak your officex

violax
it alone concerns your earx i bring no overture of warx no taxation of
homagex i hold the olive in my handx my words are as full of peace as
matterx

oliviax
yet you began rudelyx what are youx what would youx

violax
the rudeness that hath appeared in me have i learned from my
entertainmentx what i am and what i would are as secret as maidenheadx
to your earsx divinityx to any otherxsx profanationx

oliviax
give us the place alonex we will hear this divinityx

 xxexit mariaxxx

nowx sirx what is your textx

violax
most sweet ladyx

oliviax
a comfortable doctrinex and much may be said of itx where lies your
textx

violax
in orsinoxs bosomx

oliviax
in his bosomx in what chapter of his bosomx

violax
to answer by the methodx in the first of his heartx

oliviax
ox i have read itx it is heresyx have you no more to sayx

violax
good madamx let me see your facex

oliviax
have you any commission from your lord to negotiate with my facex you
are now out of your textx but we will draw the curtain and show you the
picturex xxunveilingxxx look youx sirx such a one i was this presentx
isxt not well donex

violax
excellently donex if god did allx

oliviax
xtis in grainx sirx xtwill endure wind and weatherx

violax
xtis beauty truly blentx whose red and white
naturexs own sweet and cunning hand laid onx
ladyx you are the cruelxst she alive
if you will lead these graces to the gravex
and leave the world no copyx

oliviax
ox sirx i will not be so hardxheartedx i will give out divers schedules
of my beautyx it shall be inventoried and every particle and utensil
labelled to my willx asx itemx two lips indifferent redx itemx two grey
eyes with lids to themx itemx one neckx one chinx and so forthx were
you sent hither to praise mex

violax
i see you what you arex you are too proudx
butx if you were the devilx you are fairx
my lord and master loves youx ox such love
could be but recompensxd though you were crownxd
the nonpareil of beautyx

oliviax
how does he love mex

violax
with adorationsx fertile tearsx
with groans that thunder lovex with sighs of firex

oliviax
your lord does know my mindx i cannot love himx
yet i suppose him virtuousx know him noblex
of great estatex of fresh and stainless youthx
in voices well divulgxdx freex learnxdx and valiantx
and in dimension and the shape of naturex
a gracious personx but yet i cannot love himx
he might have took his answer long agox

violax
if i did love you in my masterxs flamex
with such a suffxringx such a deadly lifex
in your denial i would find no sensex
i would not understand itx

oliviax
whyx what would youx

violax
make me a willow cabin at your gatex
and call upon my soul within the housex
write loyal cantons of contemned lovex
and sing them loud even in the dead of nightx
hallow your name to the reverberate hillsx
and make the babbling gossip of the air
cry out oliviax ox you should not rest
between the elements of air and earthx
but you should pity mex

oliviax
you might do muchx
what is your parentagex

violax
above my fortunesx yet my state is wellx
i am a gentlemanx

oliviax
get you to your lordx
i cannot love himx let him send no morex
unlessx perchancex you come to me againx
to tell me how he takes itx fare you wellx
i thank you for your painsx spend this for mex

violax
i am no feexd postx ladyx keep your pursex
my masterx not myselfx lacks recompensex
love make his heart of flint that you shall lovex
and let your fervour like my masterxs be
placxd in contemptx farewellx fair crueltyx

 xxexitxxx

oliviax
what is your parentagex
xabove my fortunesx yet my state is wellx
i am a gentlemanxx ixll be sworn thou artx
thy tonguex thy facex thy limbsx actionsx and spiritx
do give thee fivexfold blazonx not too fastx softx softx
unless the master were the manx how nowx
even so quickly may one catch the plaguex
methinks i feel this youthxs perfections
with an invisible and subtle stealth
to creep in at mine eyesx wellx let it bex
what hox malvoliox

 enter malvoliox

malvoliox
herex madamx at your servicex

oliviax
run after that same peevish messenger
the countyxs manx he left this ring behind himx
would i or notx tell himx ixll none of itx
desire him not to flatter with his lordx
nor hold him up with hopesx i am not for himx
if that the youth will come this way tomorrowx
ixll give him reasons forxtx hie theex malvoliox

malvoliox
madamx i willx

 xxexitxxx

oliviax
i do i know not whatx and fear to find
mine eye too great a flatterer for my mindx
fatex show thy forcex ourselves we do not owex
what is decreed must bex and be this sox

 xxexitxxx



act iix

scene ix the seaxcoastx

 enter antonio and sebastianx

antoniox
will you stay no longerx nor will you not that i go with youx

sebastianx
by your patiencex nox my stars shine darkly over mex the malignancy of
my fate might perhaps distemper yoursx therefore i shall crave of you
your leave that i may bear my evils alonex it were a bad recompense for
your lovex to lay any of them on youx

antoniox
let me know of you whither you are boundx

sebastianx
nox soothx sirx my determinate voyage is mere extravagancyx but i
perceive in you so excellent a touch of modestyx that you will not
extort from me what i am willing to keep inx therefore it charges me in
manners the rather to express myselfx you must know of me thenx
antoniox my name is sebastianx which i called roderigox my father was
that sebastian of messaline whom i know you have heard ofx he left
behind him myself and a sisterx both born in an hourx if the heavens
had been pleasedx would we had so endedx but youx sirx altered thatx
for some hour before you took me from the breach of the sea was my
sister drownedx

antoniox
alas the dayx

sebastianx
a ladyx sirx though it was said she much resembled mex was yet of many
accounted beautifulx but though i could not with such estimable wonder
overfar believe thatx yet thus far i will boldly publish herx she bore
a mind that envy could not but call fairx she is drowned alreadyx sirx
with salt waterx though i seem to drown her remembrance again with
morex

antoniox
pardon mex sirx your bad entertainmentx

sebastianx
o good antoniox forgive me your troublex

antoniox
if you will not murder me for my lovex let me be your servantx

sebastianx
if you will not undo what you have donex that isx kill him whom you
have recoveredx desire it notx fare ye well at oncex my bosom is full
of kindnessx and i am yet so near the manners of my motherx that upon
the least occasion morex mine eyes will tell tales of mex i am bound to
the count orsinoxs courtx farewellx

 xxexitxxx

antoniox
the gentleness of all the gods go with theex
i have many enemies in orsinoxs courtx
else would i very shortly see thee therex
but come what mayx i do adore thee sox
that danger shall seem sportx and i will gox

 xxexitxxx

scene iix a streetx

 enter violax malvolio at several doorsx

malvoliox
were you not even now with the countess oliviax

violax
even nowx sirx on a moderate pace i have since arrived but hitherx

malvoliox
she returns this ring to youx sirx you might have saved me my painsx to
have taken it away yourselfx she addsx moreoverx that you should put
your lord into a desperate assurance she will none of himx and one
thing morex that you be never so hardy to come again in his affairsx
unless it be to report your lordxs taking of thisx receive it sox

violax
she took the ring of mex ixll none of itx

malvoliox
come sirx you peevishly threw it to herx and her will is it should be
so returnedx if it be worth stooping forx there it lies in your eyex if
notx be it his that finds itx

 xxexitxxx

violax
i left no ring with herx what means this ladyx
fortune forbid my outside have not charmxd herx
she made good view of mex indeedx so muchx
that methought her eyes had lost her tonguex
for she did speak in starts distractedlyx
she loves mex surex the cunning of her passion
invites me in this churlish messengerx
none of my lordxs ringx whyx he sent her nonex
i am the manx if it be sox as xtisx
poor ladyx she were better love a dreamx
disguisex i see thou art a wickedness
wherein the pregnant enemy does muchx
how easy is it for the proper false
in womenxs waxen hearts to set their formsx
alasx our frailty is the causex not wex
for such as we are made ofx such we bex
how will this fadgex my master loves her dearlyx
and ix poor monsterx fond as much on himx
and shex mistakenx seems to dote on mex
what will become of thisx as i am manx
my state is desperate for my masterxs lovex
as i am woman xnow alas the dayxx
what thriftless sighs shall poor olivia breathex
o timex thou must untangle thisx not ix
it is too hard a knot for me txuntiex

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix a room in oliviaxs housex

 enter sir toby and sir andrewx

sir tobyx
approachx sir andrewx not to be abed after midnightx is to be up
betimesx and xdiluculo surgerexx thou knowxstx

sir andrewx
nayx by my trothx i know notx but i know to be up late is to be up
latex

sir tobyx
a false conclusionx i hate it as an unfilled canx to be up after
midnightx and to go to bed then is earlyx so that to go to bed after
midnight is to go to bed betimesx does not our lives consist of the
four elementsx

sir andrewx
faithx so they sayx but i think it rather consists of eating and
drinkingx

sir tobyx
thxart a scholarx let us therefore eat and drinkx
marianx i sayx a stoup of winex

 enter clownx

sir andrewx
here comes the foolx ix faithx

clownx
how nowx my heartsx did you never see the picture of xwe threexx

sir tobyx
welcomex assx now letxs have a catchx

sir andrewx
by my trothx the fool has an excellent breastx i had rather than forty
shillings i had such a legx and so sweet a breath to singx as the fool
hasx in soothx thou wast in very gracious fooling last night when thou
spokxst of pigrogromitusx of the vapians passing the equinoctial of
queubusx xtwas very goodx ix faithx i sent thee sixpence for thy lemanx
hadst itx

clownx
i did impeticos thy gratillityx for malvolioxs nose is no whipstockx my
lady has a white handx and the myrmidons are no bottlexale housesx

sir andrewx
excellentx whyx this is the best foolingx when all is donex nowx a
songx

sir tobyx
come onx there is sixpence for youx letxs have a songx

sir andrewx
therexs a testril of me toox if one knight give ax

clownx
would you have a lovexsongx or a song of good lifex

sir tobyx
a lovexsongx a lovexsongx

sir andrewx
ayx ayx i care not for good lifex

clownx xxsingsxxx
  xo mistress minex where are you roamingx
  o stay and hearx your true lovexs comingx
    that can sing both high and lowx
  trip no furtherx pretty sweetingx
  journeys end in lovers meetingx
    every wise manxs son doth knowxx

sir andrewx
excellent goodx ix faithx

sir tobyx
goodx goodx

clownx
  xwhat is lovex xtis not hereafterx
  present mirth hath present laughterx
    whatxs to come is still unsurex
  in delay there lies no plentyx
  then come kiss mex sweet and twentyx
    youthxs a stuff will not endurexx

sir andrewx
a mellifluous voicex as i am true knightx

sir tobyx
a contagious breathx

sir andrewx
very sweet and contagiousx ix faithx

sir tobyx
to hear by the nosex it is dulcet in contagionx but shall we make the
welkin dance indeedx shall we rouse the nightxowl in a catch that will
draw three souls out of one weaverx shall we do thatx

sir andrewx
and you love mex letxs doxtx i am dog at a catchx

clownx
byxr ladyx sirx and some dogs will catch wellx

sir andrewx
most certainx let our catch bex xthou knavexx

clownx
xhold thy peacex thou knavex knightx i shall be constrainxd inxt to
call thee knavex knightx

sir andrewx
xtis not the first time i have constrained one to call me knavex beginx
foolx it begins xhold thy peacexx

clownx
i shall never begin if i hold my peacex

sir andrewx
goodx ix faithx comex beginx

 xxcatch sungxxx

 enter mariax

mariax
what a caterwauling do you keep herex if my lady have not called up her
steward malvoliox and bid him turn you out of doorsx never trust mex

sir tobyx
my ladyxs a cataianx we are politiciansx malvolioxs a pegxaxramseyx and
xxsingsxxx xthree merry men be wexx am not i consanguineousx am i not
of her bloodx tillyxvallyx xladyxx xthere dwelt a man in babylonx ladyx
ladyxx

clownx
beshrew mex the knightxs in admirable foolingx

sir andrewx
ayx he does well enough if he be disposedx and so do i toox he does it
with a better gracex but i do it more naturalx

sir tobyx
xxsingsxxx xox the twelfth day of decemberxx

mariax
for the love ox godx peacex

 enter malvoliox

malvoliox
my mastersx are you madx or what are youx have you no witx mannersx nor
honestyx but to gabble like tinkers at this time of nightx do ye make
an alexhouse of my ladyxs housex that ye squeak out your coziersx
catches without any mitigation or remorse of voicex is there no respect
of placex personsx nor timex in youx

sir tobyx
we did keep timex sirx in our catchesx sneck upx

malvoliox
sir tobyx i must be round with youx my lady bade me tell you thatx
though she harbours you as her kinsman shexs nothing allied to your
disordersx if you can separate yourself and your misdemeanoursx you are
welcome to the housex if notx and it would please you to take leave of
herx she is very willing to bid you farewellx

sir tobyx
xxsingsxxx xfarewellx dear heartx since i must needs be gonexx

mariax
nayx good sir tobyx

clownx
xxsingsxxx xhis eyes do show his days are almost donexx

malvoliox
isxt even sox

sir tobyx
xxsingsxxx xbut i will never diexx

clownx
xxsingsxxx xsir tobyx there you liexx

malvoliox
this is much credit to youx

sir tobyx
xxsingsxxx xshall i bid him goxx

clownx
xxsingsxxx xwhat and if you doxx

sir tobyx
xxsingsxxx xshall i bid him gox and spare notxx

clownx
xxsingsxxx xox nox nox nox nox you dare notxx

sir tobyx
out ox tunex sirx ye liex art any more than a stewardx dost thou thinkx
because thou art virtuousx there shall be no more cakes and alex

clownx
yesx by saint annex and ginger shall be hot ix the mouth toox

sir tobyx
thxart ix the rightx gox sirx rub your chain with crumbsx a stoup of
winex mariax

malvoliox
mistress maryx if you prized my ladyxs favour at anything more than
contemptx you would not give means for this uncivil rulex she shall
know of itx by this handx

 xxexitxxx

mariax
go shake your earsx

sir andrewx
xtwere as good a deed as to drink when a manxs axhungryx to challenge
him the fieldx and then to break promise with him and make a fool of
himx

sir tobyx
doxtx knightx ixll write thee a challengex or ixll deliver thy
indignation to him by word of mouthx

mariax
sweet sir tobyx be patient for tonightx since the youth of the countxs
was today with my ladyx she is much out of quietx for monsieur
malvoliox let me alone with himx if i do not gull him into a naywordx
and make him a common recreationx do not think i have wit enough to lie
straight in my bedx i know i can do itx

sir tobyx
possess usx possess usx tell us something of himx

mariax
marryx sirx sometimes he is a kind of puritanx

sir andrewx
ox if i thought thatx ixd beat him like a dogx

sir tobyx
whatx for being a puritanx thy exquisite reasonx dear knightx

sir andrewx
i have no exquisite reason forxtx but i have reason good enoughx

mariax
the devil a puritan that he isx or anything constantly but a
timexpleaserx an affectioned ass that cons state without book and
utters it by great swarthsx the best persuaded of himselfx so crammed
xas he thinksx with excellenciesx that it is his grounds of faith that
all that look on him love himx and on that vice in him will my revenge
find notable cause to workx

sir tobyx
what wilt thou dox

mariax
i will drop in his way some obscure epistles of lovex wherein by the
colour of his beardx the shape of his legx the manner of his gaitx the
expressure of his eyex foreheadx and complexionx he shall find himself
most feelingly personatedx i can write very like my lady your niecex on
a forgotten matter we can hardly make distinction of our handsx

sir tobyx
excellentx i smell a devicex

sir andrewx
i havext in my nose toox

sir tobyx
he shall thinkx by the letters that thou wilt dropx that they come from
my niecex and that she is in love with himx

mariax
my purpose is indeed a horse of that colourx

sir andrewx
and your horse now would make him an assx

mariax
assx i doubt notx

sir andrewx
o xtwill be admirablex

mariax
sport royalx i warrant youx i know my physic will work with himx i will
plant you twox and let the fool make a thirdx where he shall find the
letterx observe his construction of itx for this nightx to bedx and
dream on the eventx farewellx

 xxexitxxx

sir tobyx
good nightx penthesileax

sir andrewx
before mex shexs a good wenchx

sir tobyx
shexs a beagle true bredx and one that adores mex what ox thatx

sir andrewx
i was adored once toox

sir tobyx
letxs to bedx knightx thou hadst need send for more moneyx

sir andrewx
if i cannot recover your niecex i am a foul way outx

sir tobyx
send for moneyx knightx if thou hast her not ix thx endx call me cutx

sir andrewx
if i do notx never trust mex take it how you willx

sir tobyx
comex comex ixll go burn some sackx xtis too late to go to bed nowx
comex knightx comex knightx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx a room in the dukexs palacex

 enter dukex violax curio and othersx

dukex
give me some musicx nowx good morrowx friendsx
nowx good cesariox but that piece of songx
that old and antique song we heard last nightx
methought it did relieve my passion muchx
more than light airs and recollected terms
of these most brisk and giddyxpaced timesx
comex but one versex

curiox
he is not herex so please your lordshipx that should sing itx

dukex
who was itx

curiox
festex the jesterx my lordx a fool that the lady oliviaxs father took
much delight inx he is about the housex

dukex
seek him outx and play the tune the whilex

 xxexit curiox music playsxxx

come hitherx boyx if ever thou shalt lovex
in the sweet pangs of it remember mex
for such as i amx all true lovers arex
unstaid and skittish in all motions elsex
save in the constant image of the creature
that is belovxdx how dost thou like this tunex

violax
it gives a very echo to the seat
where love is thronedx

dukex
thou dost speak masterlyx
my life uponxtx young though thou artx thine eye
hath stayed upon some favour that it lovesx
hath it notx boyx

violax
a littlex by your favourx

dukex
what kind of woman isxtx

violax
of your complexionx

dukex
she is not worth theex thenx what yearsx ix faithx

violax
about your yearsx my lordx

dukex
too oldx by heavenx let still the woman take
an elder than herselfx so wears she to himx
so sways she level in her husbandxs heartx
forx boyx however we do praise ourselvesx
our fancies are more giddy and unfirmx
more longingx waveringx sooner lost and wornx
than womenxs arex

violax
i think it wellx my lordx

dukex
then let thy love be younger than thyselfx
or thy affection cannot hold the bentx
for women are as rosesx whose fair flower
being once displayxdx doth fall that very hourx

violax
and so they arex alasx that they are sox
to diex even when they to perfection growx

 enter curio and clownx

dukex
ox fellowx comex the song we had last nightx
mark itx cesariox it is old and plainx
the spinsters and the knitters in the sunx
and the free maidsx that weave their thread with bones
do use to chant itx it is silly soothx
and dallies with the innocence of love
like the old agex

clownx
are you readyx sirx

dukex
ayx pritheex singx

 xxmusicxxx

 the clownxs songx

x    come awayx come awayx deathx
    and in sad cypress let me be laidx
    fly awayx fly awayx breathx
    i am slain by a fair cruel maidx
       my shroud of whitex stuck all with yewx
         ox prepare itx
       my part of death no one so true
         did share itxx

x    not a flowerx not a flower sweetx
    on my black coffin let there be strownx
    not a friendx not a friend greet
    my poor corpse where my bones shall be thrownx
       a thousand thousand sighs to savex
         lay mex ox where
       sad true lover never find my gravex
         to weep therexx

dukex
therexs for thy painsx

clownx
no painsx sirx i take pleasure in singingx sirx

dukex
ixll pay thy pleasurex thenx

clownx
truly sirx and pleasure will be paid one time or anotherx

dukex
give me now leave to leave theex

clownx
now the melancholy god protect theex and the tailor make thy doublet of
changeable taffetax for thy mind is a very opalx i would have men of
such constancy put to seax that their business might be everythingx and
their intent everywherex for thatxs it that always makes a good voyage
of nothingx farewellx

 xxexit clownxxx

dukex
let all the rest give placex

 xxexeunt curio and attendantsxxx

once morex cesariox
get thee to yond same sovereign crueltyx
tell her my lovex more noble than the worldx
prizes not quantity of dirty landsx
the parts that fortune hath bestowxd upon herx
tell her i hold as giddily as fortunex
but xtis that miracle and queen of gems
that nature pranks her in attracts my soulx

violax
but if she cannot love youx sirx

dukex
i cannot be so answerxdx

violax
soothx but you mustx
say that some ladyx as perhaps there isx
hath for your love as great a pang of heart
as you have for oliviax you cannot love herx
you tell her sox must she not then be answerxdx

dukex
there is no womanxs sides
can bide the beating of so strong a passion
as love doth give my heartx no womanxs heart
so bigx to hold so muchx they lack retentionx
alasx their love may be called appetitex
no motion of the liverx but the palatex
that suffer surfeitx cloymentx and revoltx
but mine is all as hungry as the seax
and can digest as muchx make no compare
between that love a woman can bear me
and that i owe oliviax

violax
ayx but i knowx

dukex
what dost thou knowx

violax
too well what love women to men may owex
in faithx they are as true of heart as wex
my father had a daughter loved a manx
as it might be perhapsx were i a womanx
i should your lordshipx

dukex
and whatxs her historyx

violax
a blankx my lordx she never told her lovex
but let concealmentx like a worm ix thx budx
feed on her damask cheekx she pined in thoughtx
and with a green and yellow melancholy
she sat like patience on a monumentx
smiling at griefx was not this lovex indeedx
we men may say morex swear morex but indeedx
our shows are more than willx for still we prove
much in our vowsx but little in our lovex

dukex
but died thy sister of her lovex my boyx

violax
i am all the daughters of my fatherxs housex
and all the brothers toox and yet i know notx
sirx shall i to this ladyx

dukex
ayx thatxs the themex
to her in hastex give her this jewelx say
my love can give no placex bide no denayx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene vx oliviaxs gardenx

 enter sir tobyx sir andrew and fabianx

sir tobyx
come thy waysx signior fabianx

fabianx
nayx ixll comex if i lose a scruple of this sportx let me be boiled to
death with melancholyx

sir tobyx
wouldst thou not be glad to have the niggardly rascally sheepxbiter
come by some notable shamex

fabianx
i would exultx manx you know he brought me out ox favour with my lady
about a bearxbaiting herex

sir tobyx
to anger him wexll have the bear againx and we will fool him black and
bluex shall we notx sir andrewx

sir andrewx
and we do notx it is pity of our livesx

 enter mariax

sir tobyx
here comes the little villainx how nowx my metal of indiax

mariax
get ye all three into the boxxtreex malvolioxs coming down this walkx
he has been yonder ix the sun practising behaviour to his own shadow
this half hourx observe himx for the love of mockeryx for i know this
letter will make a contemplative idiot of himx closex in the name of
jestingx xxthe men hide themselvesxxx lie thou therex xxthrows down a
letterxx for here comes the trout that must be caught with ticklingx

 xxexit mariaxxx

 enter malvoliox

malvoliox
xtis but fortunex all is fortunex maria once told me she did affect mex
and i have heard herself come thus nearx that should she fancyx it
should be one of my complexionx besidesx she uses me with a more
exalted respect than anyone else that follows herx what should i think
onxtx

sir tobyx
herexs an overweening roguex

fabianx
ox peacex contemplation makes a rare turkeyxcock of himx how he jets
under his advanced plumesx

sir andrewx
xslightx i could so beat the roguex

sir tobyx
peacex i sayx

malvoliox
to be count malvoliox

sir tobyx
ahx roguex

sir andrewx
pistol himx pistol himx

sir tobyx
peacex peacex

malvoliox
there is example forxtx the lady of the strachy married the yeoman of
the wardrobex

sir andrewx
fie on himx jezebelx

fabianx
ox peacex now hexs deeply inx look how imagination blows himx

malvoliox
having been three months married to herx sitting in my statex

sir tobyx
o for a stonexbow to hit him in the eyex

malvoliox
calling my officers about mex in my branched velvet gownx having come
from a dayxbedx where i have left olivia sleepingx

sir tobyx
fire and brimstonex

fabianx
ox peacex peacex

malvoliox
and then to have the humour of statex and after a demure travel of
regardx telling them i know my place as i would they should do theirsx
to ask for my kinsman tobyx

sir tobyx
bolts and shacklesx

fabianx
ox peacex peacex peacex nowx nowx

malvoliox
seven of my peoplex with an obedient startx make out for himx i frown
the whilex and perchance wind up my watchx or play with some rich
jewelx toby approachesx curtsies there to mex

sir tobyx
shall this fellow livex

fabianx
though our silence be drawn from us with carsx yet peacex

malvoliox
i extend my hand to him thusx quenching my familiar smile with an
austere regard of controlx

sir tobyx
and does not toby take you a blow ox the lips thenx

malvoliox
saying xcousin tobyx my fortunes having cast me on your niecex give me
this prerogative of speechxx

sir tobyx
whatx whatx

malvoliox
xyou must amend your drunkennessxx

sir tobyx
outx scabx

fabianx
nayx patiencex or we break the sinews of our plotx

malvoliox
xbesidesx you waste the treasure of your time with a foolish knightxx

sir andrewx
thatxs mex i warrant youx

malvoliox
xone sir andrewxx

sir andrewx
i knew xtwas ix for many do call me foolx

malvoliox
xxtaking up the letterxxx what employment have we herex

fabianx
now is the woodcock near the ginx

sir tobyx
ox peacex and the spirit of humours intimate reading aloud to himx

malvoliox
by my lifex this is my ladyxs handx these be her very cxsx her uxsx and
her txsx and thus makes she her great pxsx it is in contempt of
questionx her handx

sir andrewx
her cxsx her uxsx and her txsx why thatx

malvoliox
xxreadsxxx xto the unknown belovedx thisx and my good wishesxx her very
phrasesx by your leavex waxx softx and the impressure her lucrecex with
which she uses to sealx xtis my ladyx to whom should this bex

fabianx
this wins himx liver and allx

malvoliox
xxreadsxxx
x    jove knows i lovex
    but whox
    lipsx do not movex
    no man must knowxx

xno man must knowxx what followsx the numbers alterxdx xno man must
knowxxxif this should be theex malvoliox

sir tobyx
marryx hang theex brockx

malvoliox
x    i may command where i adorex
    but silencex like a lucrece knifex
    with bloodless stroke my heart doth gorex
    mxoxaxix doth sway my lifexx

fabianx
a fustian riddlex

sir tobyx
excellent wenchx say ix

malvoliox
xmxoxaxix doth sway my lifexxxnayx but first let me seex let me seex
let me seex

fabianx
what dish ox poison has she dressed himx

sir tobyx
and with what wing the staniel checks at itx

malvoliox
xi may command where i adorexx whyx she may command mex i serve herx
she is my ladyx whyx this is evident to any formal capacityx there is
no obstruction in thisx and the endxwhat should that alphabetical
position portendx if i could make that resemble something in mex
softlyx xmxoxaxixxx

sir tobyx
ox ayx make up thatxxhe is now at a cold scentx

fabianx
sowter will cry uponxt for all thisx though it be as rank as a foxx

malvoliox
xmxxmalvoliox xmxx whyx that begins my namex

fabianx
did not i say he would work it outx the cur is excellent at faultsx

malvoliox
xmxxbut then there is no consonancy in the sequelx that suffers under
probationx xax should followx but xox doesx

fabianx
and xox shall endx i hopex

sir tobyx
ayx or ixll cudgel himx and make him cry xoxx

malvoliox
and then xix comes behindx

fabianx
ayx and you had any eye behind youx you might see more detraction at
your heels than fortunes before youx

malvoliox
xmxoxaxixx this simulation is not as the formerx and yetx to crush this
a littlex it would bow to mex for every one of these letters are in my
namex softx here follows prosex
xxreadsxxx xif this fall into thy handx revolvex in my stars i am above
theex but be not afraid of greatnessx some are born greatx some achieve
greatnessx and some have greatness thrust upon xemx thy fates open
their handsx let thy blood and spirit embrace themx andx to inure
thyself to what thou art like to bex cast thy humble slough and appear
freshx be opposite with a kinsmanx surly with servantsx let thy tongue
tang arguments of statex put thyself into the trick of singularityx she
thus advises thee that sighs for theex remember who commended thy
yellow stockingsx and wished to see thee ever crossxgarteredx i sayx
rememberx go tox thou art madex if thou desirxst to be sox if notx let
me see thee a steward stillx the fellow of servantsx and not worthy to
touch fortunexs fingersx farewellx she that would alter services with
theex
                    the fortunate unhappyxx

daylight and champian discovers not morex this is openx i will be
proudx i will read politic authorsx i will baffle sir tobyx i will wash
off gross acquaintancex i will be pointxdevicex the very manx i do not
now fool myselfx to let imagination jade mex for every reason excites
to thisx that my lady loves mex she did commend my yellow stockings of
latex she did praise my leg being crossxgarteredx and in this she
manifests herself to my lovex and with a kind of injunctionx drives me
to these habits of her likingx i thank my starsx i am happyx i will be
strangex stoutx in yellow stockingsx and crossxgarteredx even with the
swiftness of putting onx jove and my stars be praisedxxhere is yet a
postscriptx xxreadsxxx xthou canst not choose but know who i amx if
thou entertainxst my lovex let it appear in thy smilingx thy smiles
become thee wellx therefore in my presence still smilex dear my sweetx
i pritheexx jovex i thank theex i will smilex i will do everything that
thou wilt have mex

 xxexitxxx

fabianx
i will not give my part of this sport for a pension of thousands to be
paid from the sophyx

sir tobyx
i could marry this wench for this devicex

sir andrewx
so could i toox

sir tobyx
and ask no other dowry with her but such another jestx

 enter mariax

sir andrewx
nor i neitherx

fabianx
here comes my noble gullxcatcherx

sir tobyx
wilt thou set thy foot ox my neckx

sir andrewx
or ox mine eitherx

sir tobyx
shall i play my freedom at trayxtripx and become thy bondxslavex

sir andrewx
ix faithx or i eitherx

sir tobyx
whyx thou hast put him in such a dreamx that when the image of it
leaves him he must run madx

mariax
nayx but say truex does it work upon himx

sir tobyx
like aquaxvitae with a midwifex

mariax
if you will then see the fruits of the sportx mark his first approach
before my ladyx he will come to her in yellow stockingsx and xtis a
colour she abhorsx and crossxgarteredx a fashion she detestsx and he
will smile upon herx which will now be so unsuitable to her
dispositionx being addicted to a melancholy as she isx that it cannot
but turn him into a notable contemptx if you will see itx follow mex

sir tobyx
to the gates of tartarx thou most excellent devil of witx

sir andrewx
ixll make one toox

 xxexeuntxxx



act iiix

scene ix oliviaxs gardenx

 enter viola and clown with a taborx

violax
save theex friendx and thy musicx dost thou live by thy taborx

clownx
nox sirx i live by the churchx

violax
art thou a churchmanx

clownx
no such matterx sirx i do live by the churchx for i do live at my
housex and my house doth stand by the churchx

violax
so thou mayst say the king lies by a beggarx if a beggar dwell near
himx or the church stands by thy taborx if thy tabor stand by the
churchx

clownx
you have saidx sirx to see this agex a sentence is but a chevxril glove
to a good witx how quickly the wrong side may be turned outwardx

violax
nayx thatxs certainx they that dally nicely with words may quickly make
them wantonx

clownx
i wouldx thereforex my sister had had no namex sirx

violax
whyx manx

clownx
whyx sirx her namexs a wordx and to dally with that word might make my
sister wantonx but indeedx words are very rascalsx since bonds
disgraced themx

violax
thy reasonx manx

clownx
trothx sirx i can yield you none without wordsx and words are grown so
falsex i am loath to prove reason with themx

violax
i warrant thou art a merry fellowx and carxst for nothingx

clownx
not sox sirx i do care for somethingx but in my consciencex sirx i do
not care for youx if that be to care for nothingx sirx i would it would
make you invisiblex

violax
art not thou the lady oliviaxs foolx

clownx
nox indeedx sirx the lady olivia has no follyx she will keep no foolx
sirx till she be marriedx and fools are as like husbands as pilchards
are to herringsx the husbandxs the biggerx i am indeed not her foolx
but her corrupter of wordsx

violax
i saw thee late at the count orsinoxsx

clownx
fooleryx sirx does walk about the orb like the sunx it shines
everywherex i would be sorryx sirx but the fool should be as oft with
your master as with my mistressx i think i saw your wisdom therex

violax
nayx and thou pass upon mex ixll no more with theex holdx therexs
expenses for theex

clownx
now jovex in his next commodity of hairx send thee a beardx

violax
by my trothx ixll tell theex i am almost sick for onex though i would
not have it grow on my chinx is thy lady withinx

clownx
would not a pair of these have bredx sirx

violax
yesx being kept togetherx and put to usex

clownx
i would play lord pandarus of phrygiax sirx to bring a cressida to this
troilusx

violax
i understand youx sirx xtis well beggedx

clownx
the matterx i hopex is not greatx sirx begging but a beggarx cressida
was a beggarx my lady is withinx sirx i will conster to them whence you
comex who you are and what you would are out of my welkinx i might say
xelementxx but the word is overwornx

 xxexitxxx

violax
this fellow is wise enough to play the foolx
and to do that wellx craves a kind of witx
he must observe their mood on whom he jestsx
the quality of personsx and the timex
and like the haggardx check at every feather
that comes before his eyex this is a practice
as full of labour as a wise manxs artx
for follyx that he wisely showsx is fitx
but wise menx follyxfallxnx quite taint their witx

 enter sir toby and sir andrewx

sir tobyx
save youx gentlemanx

violax
and youx sirx

sir andrewx
xdieu vous gardex monsieurxx

violax
xet vous aussix votre serviteurxx

sir andrewx
i hopex sirx you arex and i am yoursx

sir tobyx
will you encounter the housex my niece is desirous you should enterx if
your trade be to herx

violax
i am bound to your niecex sirx i meanx she is the list of my voyagex

sir tobyx
taste your legsx sirx put them to motionx

violax
my legs do better understand mex sirx than i understand what you mean
by bidding me taste my legsx

sir tobyx
i meanx to gox sirx to enterx

violax
i will answer you with gait and entrancex but we are preventedx

 enter olivia and mariax

most excellent accomplished ladyx the heavens rain odours on youx

sir andrewx
that youthxs a rare courtierx xrain odoursxx wellx

violax
my matter hath no voicex ladyx but to your own most pregnant and
vouchsafed carx

sir andrewx
xodoursxx xpregnantxx and xvouchsafedxxxixll get xem all three readyx

oliviax
let the garden door be shutx and leave me to my hearingx

 xxexeunt sir tobyx sir andrew and mariaxxx

give me your handx sirx

violax
my dutyx madamx and most humble servicex

oliviax
what is your namex

violax
cesario is your servantxs namex fair princessx

oliviax
my servantx sirx xtwas never merry worldx
since lowly feigning was callxd complimentx
yxare servant to the count orsinox youthx

violax
and he is yoursx and his must needs be yoursx
your servantxs servant is your servantx madamx

oliviax
for himx i think not on himx for his thoughtsx
would they were blanks rather than fillxd with mex

violax
madamx i come to whet your gentle thoughts
on his behalfx

oliviax
ox by your leavex i pray youx
i bade you never speak again of himx
but would you undertake another suitx
i had rather hear you to solicit that
than music from the spheresx

violax
dear ladyx

oliviax
give me leavex beseech youx i did sendx
after the last enchantment you did herex
a ring in chase of youx so did i abuse
myselfx my servantx andx i fear mex youx
under your hard construction must i sitx
to force that on you in a shameful cunningx
which you knew none of yoursx what might you thinkx
have you not set mine honour at the stakex
and baited it with all thx unmuzzled thoughts
that tyrannous heart can thinkx to one of your receiving
enough is shownx a cypressx not a bosomx
hides my heartx so let me hear you speakx

violax
i pity youx

oliviax
thatxs a degree to lovex

violax
nox not a grizex for xtis a vulgar proof
that very oft we pity enemiesx

oliviax
why then methinks xtis time to smile againx
o worldx how apt the poor are to be proudx
if one should be a preyx how much the better
to fall before the lion than the wolfx xxclock strikesxxx
the clock upbraids me with the waste of timex
be not afraidx good youthx i will not have youx
and yetx when wit and youth is come to harvestx
your wife is like to reap a proper manx
there lies your wayx due westx

violax
then westward hox
grace and good disposition attend your ladyshipx
youxll nothingx madamx to my lord by mex

oliviax
stayx
i prithee tell me what thou thinkxst of mex

violax
that you do think you are not what you arex

oliviax
if i think sox i think the same of youx

violax
then think you rightx i am not what i amx

oliviax
i would you were as i would have you bex

violax
would it be betterx madamx than i amx
i wish it mightx for now i am your foolx

oliviax
o what a deal of scorn looks beautiful
in the contempt and anger of his lipx
a murdxrous guilt shows not itself more soon
than love that would seem hidx lovexs night is noonx
cesariox by the roses of the springx
by maidhoodx honourx truthx and everythingx
i love thee sox that maugre all thy pridex
nor wit nor reason can my passion hidex
do not extort thy reasons from this clausex
for that i woox thou therefore hast no causex
but rather reason thus with reason fetterx
love sought is goodx but given unsought is betterx

violax
by innocence i swearx and by my youthx
i have one heartx one bosomx and one truthx
and that no woman hasx nor never none
shall mistress be of itx save i alonex
and so adieux good madamx never more
will i my masterxs tears to you deplorex

oliviax
yet come againx for thou perhaps mayst move
that heartx which now abhorsx to like his lovex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a room in oliviaxs housex

 enter sir tobyx sir andrew and fabianx

sir andrewx
nox faithx ixll not stay a jot longerx

sir tobyx
thy reasonx dear venomx give thy reasonx

fabianx
you must needs yield your reasonx sir andrewx

sir andrewx
marryx i saw your niece do more favours to the countxs servingman than
ever she bestowed upon mex i sawxt ix thx orchardx

sir tobyx
did she see thee the whilex old boyx tell me thatx

sir andrewx
as plain as i see you nowx

fabianx
this was a great argument of love in her toward youx

sir andrewx
xslightx will you make an ass ox mex

fabianx
i will prove it legitimatex sirx upon the oaths of judgment and reasonx

sir tobyx
and they have been grandxjurymen since before noah was a sailorx

fabianx
she did show favour to the youth in your sight only to exasperate youx
to awake your dormouse valourx to put fire in your heart and brimstone
in your liverx you should then have accosted herx and with some
excellent jestsx firexnew from the mintx you should have banged the
youth into dumbnessx this was looked for at your handx and this was
balkedx the double gilt of this opportunity you let time wash offx and
you are now sailed into the north of my ladyxs opinionx where you will
hang like an icicle on dutchmanxs beardx unless you do redeem it by
some laudable attemptx either of valour or policyx

sir andrewx
andxt be any wayx it must be with valourx for policy i hatex i had as
lief be a brownist as a politicianx

sir tobyx
whyx thenx build me thy fortunes upon the basis of valourx challenge me
the countxs youth to fight with himx hurt him in eleven placesx my
niece shall take note of itx and assure thyself there is no lovexbroker
in the world can more prevail in manxs commendation with woman than
report of valourx

fabianx
there is no way but thisx sir andrewx

sir andrewx
will either of you bear me a challenge to himx

sir tobyx
gox write it in a martial handx be curst and briefx it is no matter how
wittyx so it be eloquent and full of inventionx taunt him with the
licence of inkx if thou xthouxstx him some thricex it shall not be
amissx and as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paperx although the
sheet were big enough for the bed of ware in englandx set xem downx go
about itx let there be gall enough in thy inkx though thou write with a
goosexpenx no matterx about itx

sir andrewx
where shall i find youx

sir tobyx
wexll call thee at the cubiculox gox

 xxexit sir andrewxxx

fabianx
this is a dear manikin to youx sir tobyx

sir tobyx
i have been dear to himx ladx some two thousand strongx or sox

fabianx
we shall have a rare letter from himx but youxll not deliver itx

sir tobyx
never trust me thenx and by all means stir on the youth to an answerx i
think oxen and wainropes cannot hale them togetherx for andrewx if he
were opened and you find so much blood in his liver as will clog the
foot of a fleax ixll eat the rest of thx anatomyx

fabianx
and his oppositex the youthx bears in his visage no great presage of
crueltyx

 enter mariax

sir tobyx
look where the youngest wren of nine comesx

mariax
if you desire the spleenx and will laugh yourselves into stitchesx
follow mex yond gull malvolio is turned heathenx a very renegadox for
there is no christian that means to be saved by believing rightly can
ever believe such impossible passages of grossnessx hexs in yellow
stockingsx

sir tobyx
and crossxgarteredx

mariax
most villainouslyx like a pedant that keeps a school ix thx churchx i
have dogged him like his murdererx he does obey every point of the
letter that i dropped to betray himx he does smile his face into more
lines than is in the new map with the augmentation of the indiesx you
have not seen such a thing as xtisx i  can hardly forbear hurling
things at himx i know my lady will strike himx if she dox hexll smile
and takext for a great favourx

sir tobyx
comex bring usx bring us where he isx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix a streetx

 enter sebastian and antoniox

sebastianx
i would not by my will have troubled youx
but since you make your pleasure of your painsx
i will no further chide youx

antoniox
i could not stay behind youx my desirex
more sharp than filed steelx did spur me forthx
and not all love to see youx though so muchx
as might have drawn one to a longer voyagex
but jealousy what might befall your travelx
being skilless in these partsx which to a strangerx
unguided and unfriendedx often prove
rough and unhospitablex my willing lovex
the rather by these arguments of fearx
set forth in your pursuitx

sebastianx
my kind antoniox
i can no other answer make but thanksx
and thanksx and ever thanksx and oft good turns
are shuffled off with such uncurrent payx
but were my worthx as is my consciencex firmx
you should find better dealingx whatxs to dox
shall we go see the relics of this townx

antoniox
tomorrowx sirx best first go see your lodgingx

sebastianx
i am not wearyx and xtis long to nightx
i pray youx let us satisfy our eyes
with the memorials and the things of fame
that do renown this cityx

antoniox
would youxd pardon mex
i do not without danger walk these streetsx
once in a seaxfightx xgainst the count his galleysx
i did some servicex of such note indeedx
that were i taxen herex it would scarce be answerxdx

sebastianx
belike you slew great number of his peoplex

antoniox
thx offence is not of such a bloody naturex
albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
might well have given us bloody argumentx
it might have since been answered in repaying
what we took from themx which for trafficxs sakex
most of our city didx only myself stood outx
for whichx if i be lapsed in this placex
i shall pay dearx

sebastianx
do not then walk too openx

antoniox
it doth not fit mex holdx sirx herexs my pursex
in the south suburbsx at the elephantx
is best to lodgex i will bespeak our diet
whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge
with viewing of the townx there shall you have mex

sebastianx
why i your pursex

antoniox
haply your eye shall light upon some toy
you have desire to purchasex and your storex
i thinkx is not for idle marketsx sirx

sebastianx
ixll be your pursexbearerx and leave you for an hourx

antoniox
to thx elephantx

sebastianx
i do rememberx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene ivx oliviaxs gardenx

 enter olivia and mariax

oliviax
i have sent after himx he says hexll comex
how shall i feast himx what bestow of himx
for youth is bought more oft than beggxd or borrowxdx
i speak too loudxx
wherexs malvolioxxhe is sad and civilx
and suits well for a servant with my fortunesx
where is malvoliox

mariax
hexs comingx madamx
but in very strange mannerx he is sure possessedx madamx

oliviax
whyx whatxs the matterx does he ravex

mariax
nox madamx he does nothing but smilex your ladyship were best to have
some guard about you if he comex for sure the man is tainted in xs
witsx

oliviax
go call him hitherx ixm as mad as hex
if sad and merry madness equal bex

 enter malvoliox

how nowx malvoliox

malvoliox
sweet ladyx hox hox

oliviax
smilxst thoux i sent for thee upon a sad occasionx

malvoliox
sadx ladyx i could be sadx this does make some obstruction in the
bloodx this crossxgarteringx but what of thatx if it please the eye of
onex it is with me as the very true sonnet isx xplease one and please
allxx

oliviax
whyx how dost thoux manx what is the matter with theex

malvoliox
not black in my mindx though yellow in my legsx it did come to his
handsx and commands shall be executedx i think we do know the sweet
roman handx

oliviax
wilt thou go to bedx malvoliox

malvoliox
to bedx ayx sweetheartx and ixll come to theex

oliviax
god comfort theex why dost thou smile sox and kiss thy hand so oftx

mariax
how do youx malvoliox

malvoliox
at your requestx yesx nightingales answer dawsx

mariax
why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my ladyx

malvoliox
xbe not afraid of greatnessxx xtwas well writx

oliviax
what meanxst thou by thatx malvoliox

malvoliox
xsome are born greatxx

oliviax
hax

malvoliox
xsome achieve greatnessxx

oliviax
what sayxst thoux

malvoliox
xand some have greatness thrust upon themxx

oliviax
heaven restore theex

malvoliox
xremember who commended thy yellow stockingsxx

oliviax
thy yellow stockingsx

malvoliox
xand wished to see thee crossxgarteredxx

oliviax
crossxgarteredx

malvoliox
xgo tox thou art madex if thou desirxst to be soxxx

oliviax
am i madex

malvoliox
xif notx let me see thee a servant stillxx

oliviax
whyx this is very midsummer madnessx

 enter servantx

servantx
madamx the young gentleman of the count orsinoxs is returnedx i could
hardly entreat him backx he attends your ladyshipxs pleasurex

oliviax
ixll come to himx

 xxexit servantxxx

good mariax let this fellow be looked tox wherexs my cousin tobyx let
some of my people have a special care of himx i would not have him
miscarry for the half of my dowryx

 xxexeunt olivia and mariaxxx

malvoliox
o hox do you come near me nowx no worse man than sir toby to look to
mex this concurs directly with the letterx she sends him on purposex
that i may appear stubborn to himx for she incites me to that in the
letterx xcast thy humble sloughxx says shex xbe opposite with a
kinsmanx surly with servantsx let thy tongue tang with arguments of
statex put thyself into the trick of singularityxx and consequentlyx
sets down the manner howx asx a sad facex a reverend carriagex a slow
tonguex in the habit of some sir of notex and so forthx i have limed
herx but it is jovexs doingx and jove make me thankfulx and when she
went away nowx xlet this fellow be looked toxx xfellowxx not
xmalvolioxx nor after my degreex but xfellowxx whyx everything adheres
togetherx that no dram of a scruplex no scruple of a scruplex no
obstaclex no incredulous or unsafe circumstancex what can be saidx
nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my
hopesx wellx jovex not ix is the doer of thisx and he is to be thankedx

 enter sir tobyx fabian and mariax

sir tobyx
which way is hex in the name of sanctityx if all the devils of hell be
drawn in littlex and legion himself possessed himx yet ixll speak to
himx

fabianx
here he isx here he isx how isxt with youx sirx how isxt with youx manx

malvoliox
go offx i discard youx let me enjoy my privatex go offx

mariax
lox how hollow the fiend speaks within himx did not i tell youx sir
tobyx my lady prays you to have a care of himx

malvoliox
ahx hax does she sox

sir tobyx
go tox go tox peacex peacex we must deal gently with himx let me alonex
how do youx malvoliox how isxt with youx whatx manx defy the devilx
considerx hexs an enemy to mankindx

malvoliox
do you know what you sayx

mariax
la youx an you speak ill of the devilx how he takes it at heartx pray
god he be not bewitchedx

fabianx
carry his water to thx wise womanx

mariax
marryx and it shall be done tomorrow morningx if i livex my lady would
not lose him for more than ixll sayx

malvoliox
how nowx mistressx

mariax
o lordx

sir tobyx
prithee hold thy peacex this is not the wayx do you not see you move
himx let me alone with himx

fabianx
no way but gentlenessx gentlyx gentlyx the fiend is roughx and will not
be roughly usedx

sir tobyx
whyx how nowx my bawcockx how dost thoux chuckx

malvoliox
sirx

sir tobyx
ayx biddyx come with mex whatx manx xtis not for gravity to play at
cherryxpit with satanx hang himx foul collierx

mariax
get him to say his prayersx good sir tobyx get him to prayx

malvoliox
my prayersx minxx

mariax
nox i warrant youx he will not hear of godlinessx

malvoliox
gox hang yourselves allx you are idlex shallow thingsx i am not of your
elementx you shall know more hereafterx

 xxexitxxx

sir tobyx
isxt possiblex

fabianx
if this were played upon a stage nowx i could condemn it as an
improbable fictionx

sir tobyx
his very genius hath taken the infection of the devicex manx

mariax
nayx pursue him nowx lest the device take air and taintx

fabianx
whyx we shall make him mad indeedx

mariax
the house will be the quieterx

sir tobyx
comex wexll have him in a dark room and boundx my niece is already in
the belief that hexs madx we may carry it thus for our pleasurex and
his penancex till our very pastimex tired out of breathx prompt us to
have mercy on himx at which time we will bring the device to the barx
and crown thee for a finder of madmenx but seex but seex

 enter sir andrewx

fabianx
more matter for a may morningx

sir andrewx
herexs the challengex read itx i warrant therexs vinegar and pepper
inxtx

fabianx
isxt so saucyx

sir andrewx
ayx isxtx i warrant himx do but readx

sir tobyx
give mex xxreadsxxx xyouthx whatsoever thou artx thou art but a scurvy
fellowxx

fabianx
goodx and valiantx

sir tobyx
xwonder notx nor admire not in thy mindx why i do call thee sox for i
will show thee no reason forxtxx

fabianx
a good notex that keeps you from the blow of the lawx

sir tobyx
xthou comest to the lady oliviax and in my sight she uses thee kindlyx
but thou liest in thy throatx that is not the matter i challenge thee
forxx

fabianx
very briefx and to exceeding good sensexlessx

sir tobyx
xi will waylay thee going homex where if it be thy chance to kill mexx

fabianx
goodx

sir tobyx
xthou killxst me like a rogue and a villainxx

fabianx
still you keep ox thx windy side of the lawx goodx

sir tobyx
xfare thee wellx and god have mercy upon one of our soulsx he may have
mercy upon minex but my hope is betterx and so look to thyselfx thy
friendx as thou usest himx and thy sworn enemyx
                        andrew aguecheekxx
if this letter move him notx his legs cannotx ixll givext himx

mariax
you may have very fit occasion forxtx he is now in some commerce with
my ladyx and will by and by departx

sir tobyx
gox sir andrewx scout me for him at the corner of the orchardx like a
bumxbailyx so soon as ever thou seest himx drawx and as thou drawxstx
swear horriblex for it comes to pass oft that a terrible oathx with a
swaggering accent sharply twanged offx gives manhood more approbation
than ever proof itself would have earned himx awayx

sir andrewx
nayx let me alone for swearingx

 xxexitxxx

sir tobyx
now will not i deliver his letterx for the behaviour of the young
gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breedingx his
employment between his lord and my niece confirms no lessx therefore
this letterx being so excellently ignorantx will breed no terror in the
youthx he will find it comes from a clodpolex butx sirx i will deliver
his challenge by word of mouthx set upon aguecheek notable report of
valourx and drive the gentleman xas i know his youth will aptly receive
itx into a most hideous opinion of his ragex skillx furyx and
impetuosityx this will so fright them both that they will kill one
another by the lookx like cockatricesx

 enter olivia and violax

fabianx
here he comes with your niecex give them way till he take leavex and
presently after himx

sir tobyx
i will meditate the while upon some horrid message for a challengex

 xxexeunt sir tobyx fabian and mariaxxx

oliviax
i have said too much unto a heart of stonex
and laid mine honour too unchary onxtx
therexs something in me that reproves my faultx
but such a headstrong potent fault it isx
that it but mocks reproofx

violax
with the same xhaviour that your passion bears
goes on my masterxs griefsx

oliviax
herex wear this jewel for mex xtis my picturex
refuse it notx it hath no tongue to vex youx
and i beseech you come again tomorrowx
what shall you ask of me that ixll denyx
that honour savxdx may upon asking givex

violax
nothing but thisx your true love for my masterx

oliviax
how with mine honour may i give him that
which i have given to youx

violax
i will acquit youx

oliviax
wellx come again tomorrowx fare thee wellx
a fiend like thee might bear my soul to hellx

 xxexitxxx

 enter sir toby and fabianx

sir tobyx
gentlemanx god save theex

violax
and youx sirx

sir tobyx
that defence thou hastx betake thee toxtx of what nature the wrongs are
thou hast done himx i know notx but thy intercepterx full of despitex
bloody as the hunterx attends thee at the orchard endx dismount thy
tuckx be yare in thy preparationx for thy assailant is quickx skilfulx
and deadlyx

violax
you mistakex sirx i am sure no man hath any quarrel to mex my
remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to
any manx

sir tobyx
youxll find it otherwisex i assure youx thereforex if you hold your
life at any pricex betake you to your guardx for your opposite hath in
him what youthx strengthx skillx and wrathx can furnish man withalx

violax
i pray youx sirx what is hex

sir tobyx
he is knightx dubbed with unhatched rapierx and on carpet
considerationx but he is a devil in private brawlx souls and bodies
hath he divorced threex and his incensement at this moment is so
implacable that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and
sepulchrex hobx nob is his wordx givext or takextx

violax
i will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the ladyx
i am no fighterx i have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels
purposely on others to taste their valourx belike this is a man of that
quirkx

sir tobyx
sirx nox his indignation derives itself out of a very competent injuryx
thereforex get you on and give him his desirex back you shall not to
the housex unless you undertake that with me which with as much safety
you might answer himx therefore onx or strip your sword stark nakedx
for meddle you mustx thatxs certainx or forswear to wear iron about
youx

violax
this is as uncivil as strangex i beseech youx do me this courteous
officex as to know of the knight what my offence to him isx it is
something of my negligencex nothing of my purposex

sir tobyx
i will do sox signior fabianx stay you by this gentleman till my
returnx

 xxexit sir tobyxxx

violax
pray youx sirx do you know of this matterx

fabianx
i know the knight is incensed against youx even to a mortal
arbitrementx but nothing of the circumstance morex

violax
i beseech youx what manner of man is hex

fabianx
nothing of that wonderful promisex to read him by his formx as you are
like to find him in the proof of his valourx he is indeedx sirx the
most skilfulx bloodyx and fatal opposite that you could possibly have
found in any part of illyriax will you walk towards himx i will make
your peace with him if i canx

violax
i shall be much bound to you forxtx i am one that had rather go with
sir priest than sir knightx i care not who knows so much of my mettlex

 xxexeuntxxx

 enter sir toby and sir andrewx

sir tobyx
whyx manx hexs a very devilx i have not seen such a firagox i had a
pass with himx rapierx scabbardx and allx and he gives me the stuckxin
with such a mortal motion that it is inevitablex and on the answerx he
pays you as surely as your feet hits the ground they step onx they say
he has been fencer to the sophyx

sir andrewx
pox onxtx ixll not meddle with himx

sir tobyx
ayx but he will not now be pacifiedx fabian can scarce hold him yonderx

sir andrewx
plague onxtx an i thought he had been valiantx and so cunning in fencex
ixd have seen him damned ere ixd have challenged himx let him let the
matter slipx and ixll give him my horsex grey capiletx

sir tobyx
ixll make the motionx stand herex make a good show onxtx this shall end
without the perdition of soulsx xxasidexxx marryx ixll ride your horse
as well as i ride youx

 enter fabian and violax

xxto fabianxxx i have his horse to take up the quarrelx i have
persuaded him the youthxs a devilx

fabianx
he is as horribly conceited of himx and pants and looks palex as if a
bear were at his heelsx

sir tobyx
therexs no remedyx sirx he will fight with you forxs oath sakex marryx
he hath better bethought him of his quarrelx and he finds that now
scarce to be worth talking ofx thereforex draw for the supportance of
his vowx he protests he will not hurt youx

violax
xxasidexxx pray god defend mex a little thing would make me tell them
how much i lack of a manx

fabianx
give ground if you see him furiousx

sir tobyx
comex sir andrewx therexs no remedyx the gentleman will for his
honourxs sake have one bout with youx he cannot by the duello avoid itx
but he has promised mex as he is a gentleman and a soldierx he will not
hurt youx come onx toxtx

sir andrewx
xxdrawsxxx pray god he keep his oathx

 enter antoniox

violax
xxdrawsxxx i do assure you xtis against my willx

antoniox
put up your swordx if this young gentleman
have done offencex i take the fault on mex
if you offend himx i for him defy youx

sir tobyx
youx sirx whyx what are youx

antoniox
xxdrawsxxx onex sirx that for his love dares yet do more
than you have heard him brag to you he willx

sir tobyx
xxdrawsxxx nayx if you be an undertakerx i am for youx

 enter officersx

fabianx
o good sir tobyx holdx here come the officersx

sir tobyx
xxto antonioxxx ixll be with you anonx

violax
xxto sir andrewxxx prayx sirx put your sword upx if you pleasex

sir andrewx
marryx will ix sirx and for that i promised youx ixll be as good as my
wordx he will bear you easilyx and reins wellx

first officerx
this is the manx do thy officex

second officerx
antoniox i arrest thee at the suit
of count orsinox

antoniox
you do mistake mex sirx

first officerx
nox sirx no jotx i know your favour wellx
though now you have no seaxcap on your headxx
take him awayx he knows i know him wellx

antoniox
i must obeyx this comes with seeking youx
but therexs no remedyx i shall answer itx
what will you dox now my necessity
makes me to ask you for my pursex it grieves me
much more for what i cannot do for youx
than what befalls myselfx you stand amazxdx
but be of comfortx

second officerx
comex sirx awayx

antoniox
i must entreat of you some of that moneyx

violax
what moneyx sirx
for the fair kindness you have showxd me herex
and part being prompted by your present troublex
out of my lean and low ability
ixll lend you somethingx my having is not muchx
ixll make division of my present with youx
holdx therexs half my cofferx

antoniox
will you deny me nowx
isxt possible that my deserts to you
can lack persuasionx do not tempt my miseryx
lest that it make me so unsound a man
as to upbraid you with those kindnesses
that i have done for youx

violax
i know of nonex
nor know i you by voice or any featurex
i hate ingratitude more in a man
than lyingx vainnessx babblingx drunkennessx
or any taint of vice whose strong corruption
inhabits our frail bloodx

antoniox
o heavens themselvesx

second officerx
comex sirx i pray you gox

antoniox
let me speak a littlex this youth that you see here
i snatchxd one half out of the jaws of deathx
relievxd him with such sanctity of lovex
and to his imagex which methought did promise
most venerable worthx did i devotionx

first officerx
whatxs that to usx the time goes byx awayx

antoniox
but o how vile an idol proves this godx
thou hastx sebastianx done good feature shamex
in nature therexs no blemish but the mindx
none can be callxd deformxd but the unkindx
virtue is beautyx but the beauteous evil
are empty trunksx oxerflourished by the devilx

first officerx
the man grows madx away with himx comex comex sirx

antoniox
lead me onx

 xxexeunt officers with antonioxxx

violax
methinks his words do from such passion fly
that he believes himselfx so do not ix
prove truex imaginationx o prove truex
that ix dear brotherx be now taxen for youx

sir tobyx
come hitherx knightx come hitherx fabianx wexll whisper oxer a couplet
or two of most sage sawsx

violax
he namxd sebastianx i my brother know
yet living in my glassx even such and so
in favour was my brotherx and he went
still in this fashionx colourx ornamentx
for him i imitatex o if it provex
tempests are kindx and salt waves fresh in lovex

 xxexitxxx

sir tobyx
a very dishonest paltry boyx and more a coward than a harex his
dishonesty appears in leaving his friend here in necessityx and denying
himx and for his cowardshipx ask fabianx

fabianx
a cowardx a most devout cowardx religious in itx

sir andrewx
xslidx ixll after him again and beat himx

sir tobyx
dox cuff him soundlyx but never draw thy swordx

sir andrewx
and i do notx

 xxexitxxx

fabianx
comex letxs see the eventx

sir tobyx
i dare lay any money xtwill be nothing yetx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ivx

scene ix the street before oliviaxs housex

 enter sebastian and clownx

clownx
will you make me believe that i am not sent for youx

sebastianx
go tox go tox thou art a foolish fellowx
let me be clear of theex

clownx
well held outx ix faithx nox i do not know youx nor i am not sent to
you by my ladyx to bid you come speak with herx nor your name is not
master cesariox nor this is not my nose neitherx nothing that is sox is
sox

sebastianx
i prithee vent thy folly somewhere elsex
thou knowxst not mex

clownx
vent my follyx he has heard that word of some great manx and now
applies it to a foolx vent my follyx i am afraid this great lubberx the
worldx will prove a cockneyx i prithee nowx ungird thy strangenessx and
tell me what i shall vent to my ladyx shall i vent to her that thou art
comingx

sebastianx
i pritheex foolish greekx depart from mex
therexs money for theex if you tarry longer
i shall give worse paymentx

clownx
by my trothx thou hast an open handx these wise men that give fools
money get themselves a good reportxafter fourteen yearsx purchasex

 enter sir andrewx sir toby and fabianx

sir andrewx
now sirx have i met you againx therexs for youx

 xxstriking sebastianxxx

sebastianx
whyx therexs for theex and therex and therex
are all the people madx

 xxbeating sir andrewxxx

sir tobyx
holdx sirx or ixll throw your dagger oxer the housex

clownx
this will i tell my lady straightx i would not be in some of your coats
for twopencex

 xxexit clownxxx

sir tobyx
come onx sirx holdx

sir andrewx
nayx let him alonex ixll go another way to work with himx ixll have an
action of battery against himx if there be any law in illyriax though i
struck him firstx yet itxs no matter for thatx

sebastianx
let go thy handx

sir tobyx
comex sirx i will not let you gox comex my young soldierx put up your
ironx you are well fleshedx come onx

sebastianx
i will be free from theex what wouldst thou nowx
if thou darxst tempt me furtherx draw thy swordx

 xxdrawsxxx

sir tobyx
whatx whatx nayx thenx i must have an ounce or two of this malapert
blood from youx

 xxdrawsxxx

 enter oliviax

oliviax
holdx tobyx on thy life i charge thee holdx

sir tobyx
madamx

oliviax
will it be ever thusx ungracious wretchx
fit for the mountains and the barbarous cavesx
where manners nexer were preachxdx out of my sightx
be not offendedx dear cesariox
rudesbyx be gonex

 xxexeunt sir tobyx sir andrew and fabianxxx

i pritheex gentle friendx
let thy fair wisdomx not thy passionx sway
in this uncivil and unjust extent
against thy peacex go with me to my housex
and hear thou there how many fruitless pranks
this ruffian hath botchxd upx that thou thereby
mayst smile at thisx thou shalt not choose but gox
do not denyx beshrew his soul for mex
he started one poor heart of minex in theex

sebastianx
what relish is in thisx how runs the streamx
or i am madx or else this is a dreamx
let fancy still my sense in lethe steepx
if it be thus to dreamx still let me sleepx

oliviax
nayx comex i pritheex would thouxdst be ruled by mex

sebastianx
madamx i willx

oliviax
ox say sox and so bex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix a room in oliviaxs housex

 enter maria and clownx

mariax
nayx i pritheex put on this gown and this beardx make him believe thou
art sir topas the curatex do it quicklyx ixll call sir toby the whilstx

 xxexit mariaxxx

clownx
wellx ixll put it onx and i will dissemble myself inxtx and i would i
were the first that ever dissembled in such a gownx i am not tall
enough to become the function wellx nor lean enough to be thought a
good studentx but to be saidx an honest man and a good housekeeper goes
as fairly as to sayx a careful man and a great scholarx the competitors
enterx

 enter sir toby and mariax

sir tobyx
jove bless theex master parsonx

clownx
xbonos diesxx sir tobyx for as the old hermit of praguex that never saw
pen and inkx very wittily said to a niece of king gorboducx xthat that
isx isxx so ix being master parsonx am master parsonx for what is
xthatx but xthatxx and xisx but xisxx

sir tobyx
to himx sir topasx

clownx
what hox i sayx peace in this prisonx

sir tobyx
the knave counterfeits wellx a good knavex

malvolio withinx

malvoliox
who calls therex

clownx
sir topas the curatex who comes to visit malvolio the lunaticx

malvoliox
sir topasx sir topasx good sir topasx go to my ladyx

clownx
outx hyperbolical fiendx how vexest thou this manx talkest thou nothing
but of ladiesx

sir tobyx
well saidx master parsonx

malvoliox
sir topasx never was man thus wrongedx good sir topasx do not think i
am madx they have laid me here in hideous darknessx

clownx
fiex thou dishonest satanx i call thee by the most modest termsx for i
am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with
courtesyx sayxst thou that house is darkx

malvoliox
as hellx sir topasx

clownx
whyx it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoesx and the
clerestories toward the southxnorth are as lustrous as ebonyx and yet
complainest thou of obstructionx

malvoliox
i am not madx sir topasx i say to you this house is darkx

clownx
madmanx thou errestx i say there is no darkness but ignorancex in which
thou art more puzzled than the egyptians in their fogx

malvoliox
i say this house is as dark as ignorancex though ignorance were as dark
as hellx and i say there was never man thus abusedx i am no more mad
than you arex make the trial of it in any constant questionx

clownx
what is the opinion of pythagoras concerning wildfowlx

malvoliox
that the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a birdx

clownx
what thinkxst thou of his opinionx

malvoliox
i think nobly of the soulx and no way approve his opinionx

clownx
fare thee wellx remain thou still in darknessx thou shalt hold the
opinion of pythagoras ere i will allow of thy witsx and fear to kill a
woodcockx lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandamx fare thee wellx

malvoliox
sir topasx sir topasx

sir tobyx
my most exquisite sir topasx

clownx
nayx i am for all watersx

mariax
thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gownx he sees thee
notx

sir tobyx
to him in thine own voicex and bring me word how thou findxst himx i
would we were well rid of this knaveryx if he may be conveniently
deliveredx i would he werex for i am now so far in offence with my
niece that i cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshotx
come by and by to my chamberx

 xxexeunt sir toby and mariaxxx

clownx
xxsingingxxx
    xheyx robinx jolly robinx
    tell me how thy lady doesxx

malvoliox
foolx

clownx
    xmy lady is unkindx perdyxx

malvoliox
foolx

clownx
    xalasx why is she soxx

malvoliox
foolx i sayx

clownx
    xshe loves anotherxx
who callsx hax

malvoliox
good foolx as ever thou wilt deserve well at my handx help me to a
candlex and penx inkx and paperx as i am a gentlemanx i will live to be
thankful to thee forxtx

clownx
master malvoliox

malvoliox
ayx good foolx

clownx
alasx sirx how fell you besides your five witsx

malvoliox
foolx there was never man so notoriously abusedx i am as well in my
witsx foolx as thou artx

clownx
but as wellx then you are mad indeedx if you be no better in your wits
than a foolx

malvoliox
they have here propertied mex keep me in darknessx send ministers to
mex assesx and do all they can to face me out of my witsx

clownx
advise you what you sayx the minister is herex xxas sir topasxx
malvoliox malvoliox thy wits the heavens restorex endeavour thyself to
sleepx and leave thy vain bibblexbabblex

malvoliox
sir topasx

clownx
xxas sir topasxx maintain no words with himx good fellowx xxas
himselfxx whox ix sirx not ix sirx god buy youx good sir topasx xxas
sir topasxx marryx amenx xxas himselfxx i will sirx i willx

malvoliox
foolx foolx foolx i sayx

clownx
alasx sirx be patientx what say youx sirx i am shent for speaking to
youx

malvoliox
good foolx help me to some light and some paperx i tell thee i am as
well in my wits as any man in illyriax

clownx
wellxaxday that you werex sirx

malvoliox
by this handx i amx good foolx some inkx paperx and lightx and convey
what i will set down to my ladyx it shall advantage thee more than ever
the bearing of letter didx

clownx
i will help you toxtx but tell me truex are you not mad indeedx or do
you but counterfeitx

malvoliox
believe mex i am notx i tell thee truex

clownx
nayx ixll nexer believe a madman till i see his brainsx i will fetch
you lightx and paperx and inkx

malvoliox
foolx ixll requite it in the highest degreex i prithee be gonex

clownx
xxsingingxxx
  xi am gonex sirx and anonx sirx
    ixll be with you againx
  in a tricex like to the old vicex
    your need to sustainx
  who with dagger of lathx in his rage and his wrathx
    cries xahx haxx to the devilx
  like a mad ladx xpare thy nailsx dadx
    adieux goodman devilxxx

 xxexitxxx

scene iiix oliviaxs gardenx

 enter sebastianx

sebastianx
this is the airx that is the glorious sunx
this pearl she gave mex i do feelxt and seextx
and though xtis wonder that enwraps me thusx
yet xtis not madnessx wherexs antoniox thenx
i could not find him at the elephantx
yet there he wasx and there i found this creditx
that he did range the town to seek me outx
his counsel now might do me golden servicex
for though my soul disputes well with my sense
that this may be some errorx but no madnessx
yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
so far exceed all instancex all discoursex
that i am ready to distrust mine eyes
and wrangle with my reason that persuades me
to any other trust but that i am madx
or else the ladyxs madx yet if xtwere sox
she could not sway her housex command her followersx
take and give back affairs and their dispatchx
with such a smoothx discreetx and stable bearing
as i perceive she doesx therexs something inxt
that is deceivablex but here the lady comesx

 enter olivia and a priestx

oliviax
blame not this haste of minex if you mean wellx
now go with me and with this holy man
into the chantry byx therex before him
and underneath that consecrated roofx
plight me the full assurance of your faithx
that my most jealous and too doubtful soul
may live at peacex he shall conceal it
whiles you are willing it shall come to notex
what time we will our celebration keep
according to my birthx what do you sayx

sebastianx
ixll follow this good manx and go with youx
and having sworn truthx ever will be truex

oliviax
then lead the wayx good fatherx and heavens so shinex
that they may fairly note this act of minex

 xxexeuntxxx



act vx

scene ix the street before oliviaxs housex

 enter clown and fabianx

fabianx
nowx as thou lovxst mex let me see his letterx

clownx
good master fabianx grant me another requestx

fabianx
anythingx

clownx
do not desire to see this letterx

fabianx
this is to give a dogx and in recompense desire my dog againx

 enter dukex violax curio and lordsx

dukex
belong you to the lady oliviax friendsx

clownx
ayx sirx we are some of her trappingsx

dukex
i know thee wellx how dost thoux my good fellowx

clownx
trulyx sirx the better for my foesx and the worse for my friendsx

dukex
just the contraryx the better for thy friendsx

clownx
nox sirx the worsex

dukex
how can that bex

clownx
marryx sirx they praise mex and make an ass of mex now my foes tell me
plainly i am an assx so that by my foesx sirx i profit in the knowledge
of myselfx and by my friends i am abusedx so thatx conclusions to be as
kissesx if your four negatives make your two affirmativesx why thenx
the worse for my friendsx and the better for my foesx

dukex
whyx this is excellentx

clownx
by my trothx sirx nox though it please you to be one of my friendsx

dukex
thou shalt not be the worse for mex therexs goldx

clownx
but that it would be doublexdealingx sirx i would you could make it
anotherx

dukex
ox you give me ill counselx

clownx
put your grace in your pocketx sirx for this oncex and let your flesh
and blood obey itx

dukex
wellx i will be so much a sinner to be a doublexdealerx therexs
anotherx

clownx
xprimox secundox tertioxx is a good playx and the old saying isx the
third pays for allx the triplexx sirx is a good tripping measurex or
the bells of saint bennetx sirx may put you in mindxonex twox threex

dukex
you can fool no more money out of me at this throwx if you will let
your lady know i am here to speak with herx and bring her along with
youx it may awake my bounty furtherx

clownx
marryx sirx lullaby to your bounty till i come againx i gox sirx but i
would not have you to think that my desire of having is the sin of
covetousnessx but as you sayx sirx let your bounty take a napx i will
awake it anonx

 xxexit clownxxx

 enter antonio and officersx

violax
here comes the manx sirx that did rescue mex

dukex
that face of his i do remember wellx
yet when i saw it last it was besmearxd
as black as vulcanx in the smoke of warx
a baubling vessel was he captain ofx
for shallow draught and bulk unprizablex
with which such scathful grapple did he make
with the most noble bottom of our fleetx
that very envy and the tongue of loss
cried fame and honour on himx whatxs the matterx

first officerx
orsinox this is that antonio
that took the xphoenixx and her fraught from candyx
and this is he that did the xtigerx board
when your young nephew titus lost his legx
here in the streetsx desperate of shame and statex
in private brabble did we apprehend himx

violax
he did me kindnessx sirx drew on my sidex
but in conclusionx put strange speech upon mex
i know not what xtwasx but distractionx

dukex
notable piratex thou saltxwater thiefx
what foolish boldness brought thee to their merciesx
whom thoux in terms so bloody and so dearx
hast made thine enemiesx

antoniox
orsinox noble sirx
be pleased that i shake off these names you give mex
antonio never yet was thief or piratex
thoughx i confessx on base and ground enoughx
orsinoxs enemyx a witchcraft drew me hitherx
that most ingrateful boy there by your side
from the rude seaxs enraged and foamy mouth
did i redeemx a wreck past hope he wasx
his life i gave himx and did thereto add
my lovex without retention or restraintx
all his in dedicationx for his sake
did i expose myselfx pure for his lovex
into the danger of this adverse townx
drew to defend him when he was besetx
where being apprehendedx his false cunning
xnot meaning to partake with me in dangerx
taught him to face me out of his acquaintancex
and grew a twenty yearsx removed thing
while one would winkx denied me mine own pursex
which i had recommended to his use
not half an hour beforex

violax
how can this bex

dukex
when came he to this townx

antoniox
todayx my lordx and for three months beforex
no intxrimx not a minutexs vacancyx
both day and night did we keep companyx

 enter olivia and attendantsx

dukex
here comes the countessx now heaven walks on earthx
but for theex fellowx fellowx thy words are madnessx
three months this youth hath tended upon mex
but more of that anonx take him asidex

oliviax
what would my lordx but that he may not havex
wherein olivia may seem serviceablex
cesariox you do not keep promise with mex

violax
madamx

dukex
gracious oliviax

oliviax
what do you sayx cesariox good my lordx

violax
my lord would speakx my duty hushes mex

oliviax
if it be aught to the old tunex my lordx
it is as fat and fulsome to mine ear
as howling after musicx

dukex
still so cruelx

oliviax
still so constantx lordx

dukex
whatx to perversenessx you uncivil ladyx
to whose ingrate and unauspicious altars
my soul the faithfullxst offxrings hath breathed out
that exer devotion tenderxdx what shall i dox

oliviax
even what it please my lord that shall become himx

dukex
why should i notx had i the heart to do itx
like to the egyptian thief at point of deathx
kill what i lovexxa savage jealousy
that sometime savours noblyx but hear me thisx
since you to nonxregardance cast my faithx
and that i partly know the instrument
that screws me from my true place in your favourx
live you the marblexbreasted tyrant stillx
but this your minionx whom i know you lovex
and whomx by heaven i swearx i tender dearlyx
him will i tear out of that cruel eye
where he sits crowned in his masterxs spitexx
comex boyx with mex my thoughts are ripe in mischiefx
ixll sacrifice the lamb that i do lovex
to spite a ravenxs heart within a dovex

violax
and ix most jocundx aptx and willinglyx
to do you restx a thousand deaths would diex

oliviax
where goes cesariox

violax
after him i love
more than i love these eyesx more than my lifex
morex by all moresx than exer i shall love wifex
if i do feignx you witnesses above
punish my life for tainting of my lovex

oliviax
ah mex detestedx how am i beguilxdx

violax
who does beguile youx who does do you wrongx

oliviax
hast thou forgot thyselfx is it so longx
call forth the holy fatherx

 xxexit an attendantxxx

dukex
xxto violaxxx comex awayx

oliviax
whitherx my lordx cesariox husbandx stayx

dukex
husbandx

oliviax
ayx husbandx can he that denyx

dukex
her husbandx sirrahx

violax
nox my lordx not ix

oliviax
alasx it is the baseness of thy fear
that makes thee strangle thy proprietyx
fear notx cesariox take thy fortunes upx
be that thou knowxst thou artx and then thou art
as great as that thou fearxstx

 enter priestx

ox welcomex fatherx
fatherx i charge theex by thy reverence
here to unfoldxthough lately we intended
to keep in darkness what occasion now
reveals before xtis ripexwhat thou dost know
hath newly passed between this youth and mex

priestx
a contract of eternal bond of lovex
confirmed by mutual joinder of your handsx
attested by the holy close of lipsx
strengthenxd by interchangement of your ringsx
and all the ceremony of this compact
sealed in my functionx by my testimonyx
since whenx my watch hath told mex toward my gravex
i have travelled but two hoursx

dukex
o thou dissembling cubx what wilt thou be
when time hath sowed a grizzle on thy casex
or will not else thy craft so quickly grow
that thine own trip shall be thine overthrowx
farewellx and take herx but direct thy feet
where thou and i henceforth may never meetx

violax
my lordx i do protestx

oliviax
ox do not swearx
hold little faithx though thou has too much fearx

 enter sir andrewx

sir andrewx
for the love of godx a surgeonx send one presently to sir tobyx

oliviax
whatxs the matterx

sir andrewx
xhas broke my head acrossx and has given sir toby a bloody coxcomb toox
for the love of godx your helpx i had rather than forty pound i were at
homex

oliviax
who has done thisx sir andrewx

sir andrewx
the countxs gentlemanx one cesariox we took him for a cowardx but hexs
the very devil incardinatex

dukex
my gentlemanx cesariox

sir andrewx
xodxs lifelingsx here he isxxyou broke my head for nothingx and that
that i didx i was set on to doxt by sir tobyx

violax
why do you speak to mex i never hurt youx
you drew your sword upon me without causex
but i bespake you fair and hurt you notx

 enter sir tobyx drunkx led by the clownx

sir andrewx
if a bloody coxcomb be a hurtx you have hurt mex i think you set
nothing by a bloody coxcombx here comes sir toby haltingx you shall
hear morex but if he had not been in drinkx he would have tickled you
othergates than he didx

dukex
how nowx gentlemanx how isxt with youx

sir tobyx
thatxs all onex xhas hurt mex and therexs thx end onxtx sotx didst see
dick surgeonx sotx

clownx
ox hexs drunkx sir tobyx an hour agonex his eyes were set at eight ix
thx morningx

sir tobyx
then hexs a roguex and a passy measures pavinx i hate a drunken roguex

oliviax
away with himx who hath made this havoc with themx

sir andrewx
ixll help youx sir tobyx because wexll be dressed togetherx

sir tobyx
will you helpx an assxheadx and a coxcombx and a knavex a thinxfaced
knavex a gullx

oliviax
get him to bedx and let his hurt be looked tox

 xxexeunt clownx fabianx sir toby and sir andrewxxx

 enter sebastianx

sebastianx
i am sorryx madamx i have hurt your kinsmanx
but had it been the brother of my bloodx
i must have done no less with wit and safetyx
you throw a strange regard upon mex and by that
i do perceive it hath offended youx
pardon mex sweet onex even for the vows
we made each other but so late agox

dukex
one facex one voicex one habitx and two personsx
a natural perspectivex that isx and is notx

sebastianx
antoniox o my dear antoniox
how have the hours rackxd and torturxd me
since i have lost theex

antoniox
sebastian are youx

sebastianx
fearxst thou thatx antoniox

antoniox
how have you made division of yourselfx
an apple cleft in two is not more twin
than these two creaturesx which is sebastianx

oliviax
most wonderfulx

sebastianx
do i stand therex i never had a brotherx
nor can there be that deity in my nature
of here and everywherex i had a sisterx
whom the blind waves and surges have devouredx
of charityx what kin are you to mex
what countrymanx what namex what parentagex

violax
of messalinex sebastian was my fatherx
such a sebastian was my brother toox
so went he suited to his watery tombx
if spirits can assume both form and suitx
you come to fright usx

sebastianx
a spirit i am indeedx
but am in that dimension grossly cladx
which from the womb i did participatex
were you a womanx as the rest goes evenx
i should my tears let fall upon your cheekx
and sayx xthrice welcomex drowned violaxx

violax
my father had a mole upon his browx

sebastianx
and so had minex

violax
and died that day when viola from her birth
had numbered thirteen yearsx

sebastianx
ox that record is lively in my soulx
he finished indeed his mortal act
that day that made my sister thirteen yearsx

violax
if nothing lets to make us happy both
but this my masculine usurpxd attirex
do not embrace me till each circumstance
of placex timex fortunex do cohere and jump
that i am violax which to confirmx
ixll bring you to a captain in this townx
where lie my maiden weedsx by whose gentle help
i was preservxd to serve this noble countx
all the occurrence of my fortune since
hath been between this lady and this lordx

sebastianx
xxto oliviaxxx so comes itx ladyx you have been mistookx
but nature to her bias drew in thatx
you would have been contracted to a maidx
nor are you thereinx by my lifex deceivedx
you are betrothxd both to a maid and manx

dukex
be not amazedx right noble is his bloodx
if this be sox as yet the glass seems truex
i shall have share in this most happy wreckx
xxto violaxxx boyx thou hast said to me a thousand times
thou never shouldst love woman like to mex

violax
and all those sayings will i overxswearx
and all those swearings keep as true in soul
as doth that orbed continent the fire
that severs day from nightx

dukex
give me thy handx
and let me see thee in thy womanxs weedsx

violax
the captain that did bring me first on shore
hath my maidxs garmentsx hex upon some actionx
is now in durancex at malvolioxs suitx
a gentleman and follower of my ladyxsx

oliviax
he shall enlarge himx fetch malvolio hitherx
and yetx alasx now i remember mex
they sayx poor gentlemanx hexs much distractx

 enter clownx with a letter and fabianx

a most extracting frenzy of mine own
from my remembrance clearly banished hisx
how does hex sirrahx

clownx
trulyx madamx he holds belzebub at the stavexs end as well as a man in
his case may dox has here writ a letter to youx i should have given it
you today morningx but as a madmanxs epistles are no gospelsx so it
skills not much when they are deliveredx

oliviax
open xtx and read itx

clownx
look then to be well edifiedx when the fool delivers the madmanx xby
the lordx madamxxx

oliviax
how nowx art thou madx

clownx
nox madamx i do but read madnessx an your ladyship will have it as it
ought to bex you must allow xvoxxx

oliviax
pritheex read ix thy right witsx

clownx
so i dox madonnax but to read his right wits is to read thusx therefore
perpendx my princessx and give earx

oliviax
xxto fabianxxx read it youx sirrahx

fabianx
xxreadsxxx xby the lordx madamx you wrong mex and the world shall know
itx though you have put me into darkness and given your drunken cousin
rule over mex yet have i the benefit of my senses as well as your
ladyshipx i have your own letter that induced me to the semblance i put
onx with the which i doubt not but to do myself much right or you much
shamex think of me as you pleasex i leave my duty a little unthought
ofx and speak out of my injuryx
                        the madlyxused malvolioxx

oliviax
did he write thisx

clownx
ayx madamx

dukex
this savours not much of distractionx

oliviax
see him deliveredx fabianx bring him hitherx

 xxexit fabianxxx

my lordx so please youx these things further thought onx
to think me as well a sisterx as a wifex
one day shall crown thx alliance onxtx so please youx
here at my housex and at my proper costx

dukex
madamx i am most apt tx embrace your offerx
xxto violaxxx your master quits youx and for your service done himx
so much against the mettle of your sexx
so far beneath your soft and tender breedingx
and since you callxd me master for so longx
here is my handx you shall from this time be
you masterxs mistressx

oliviax
a sisterx you are shex

 enter fabian and malvoliox

dukex
is this the madmanx

oliviax
ayx my lordx this samex
how nowx malvoliox

malvoliox
madamx you have done me wrongx
notorious wrongx

oliviax
have ix malvoliox nox

malvoliox
ladyx you havex pray you peruse that letterx
you must not now deny it is your handx
write from itx if you canx in handx or phrasex
or say xtis not your sealx not your inventionx
you can say none of thisx wellx grant it thenx
and tell mex in the modesty of honourx
why you have given me such clear lights of favourx
bade me come smiling and crossxgarterxd to youx
to put on yellow stockingsx and to frown
upon sir tobyx and the lighter peoplex
and acting this in an obedient hopex
why have you sufferxd me to be imprisonxdx
kept in a dark housex visited by the priestx
and made the most notorious geck and gull
that exer invention played onx tell me whyx

oliviax
alasx malvoliox this is not my writingx
though i confessx much like the characterx
but out of questionx xtis mariaxs handx
and now i do bethink mex it was she
first told me thou wast madx then camxst in smilingx
and in such forms which here were presupposxd
upon thee in the letterx pritheex be contentx
this practice hath most shrewdly passxd upon theex
but when we know the grounds and authors of itx
thou shalt be both the plaintiff and the judge
of thine own causex

fabianx
good madamx hear me speakx
and let no quarrelx nor no brawl to comex
taint the condition of this present hourx
which i have wonderxd atx in hope it shall notx
most freely i confessx myself and toby
set this device against malvolio herex
upon some stubborn and uncourteous parts
we had conceivxd against himx maria writ
the letterx at sir tobyxs great importancex
in recompense whereof he hath married herx
how with a sportful malice it was followxd
may rather pluck on laughter than revengex
if that the injuries be justly weighxd
that have on both sides passedx

oliviax
alasx poor foolx how have they baffled theex

clownx
whyx xsome are born greatx some achieve greatnessx and some have
greatness thrown upon themxx i was onex sirx in this interludex one sir
topasx sirx but thatxs all onex xby the lordx foolx i am not madxx but
do you rememberx xmadamx why laugh you at such a barren rascalx and you
smile notx hexs gaggedxx and thus the whirligig of time brings in his
revengesx

malvoliox
ixll be revenged on the whole pack of youx

 xxexitxxx

oliviax
he hath been most notoriously abusxdx

dukex
pursue himx and entreat him to a peacex
he hath not told us of the captain yetx
when that is knownx and golden time conventsx
a solemn combination shall be made
of our dear soulsxxmeantimex sweet sisterx
we will not part from hencexxcesariox comex
for so you shall be while you are a manx
but when in other habits you are seenx
orsinoxs mistressx and his fancyxs queenx

 xxexeuntxxx

 clown singsx

x   when that i was and a little tiny boyx
     with heyx hox the wind and the rainx
   a foolish thing was but a toyx
     for the rain it raineth every dayxx

x   but when i came to manxs estatex
     with heyx hox the wind and the rainx
   xgainst knaves and thieves men shut their gatex
     for the rain it raineth every dayxx

x   but when i camex alasx to wivex
     with heyx hox the wind and the rainx
   by swaggering could i never thrivex
     for the rain it raineth every dayxx

x   but when i came unto my bedsx
     with heyx hox the wind and the rainx
   with tossxpots still had drunken headsx
     for the rain it raineth every dayxx

x   a great while ago the world begunx
     with heyx hox the wind and the rainx
   but thatxs all onex our play is donex
     and wexll strive to please you every dayxx

 xxexitxxx




the two gentlemen of verona

dramatis personae

  duke of milanx father to silvia
  valentinex one of the two gentlemen
  proteusx    x  x   x   x     x
  antoniox father to proteus
  thuriox a foolish rival to valentine
  eglamourx agent for silvia in her escape
  speedx a clownish servant to valentine
  launcex the like to proteus
  panthinox servant to antonio
  hostx where julia lodges in milan
  outlawsx with valentine

  juliax a lady of veronax beloved of proteus
  silviax the dukexs daughterx beloved of valentine
  lucettax waitingxwoman to julia

  servants musicians

scenex veronax milanx the frontiers of mantua

act ix scene ix veronax an open place

enter valentine and proteus

  valentinex cease to persuadex my loving proteusx
    homexkeeping youth have ever homely witsx
    werext not affection chains thy tender days
    to the sweet glances of thy honourxd lovex
    i rather would entreat thy company
    to see the wonders of the world abroadx
    thanx living dully sluggardizxd at homex
    wear out thy youth with shapeless idlenessx
    but since thou lovxstx love stillx and thrive thereinx
    even as i wouldx when i to love beginx
  proteusx wilt thou be gonex sweet valentinex adieux
    think on thy proteusx when thou haply seest
    some rare noteworthy object in thy travelx
    wish me partaker in thy happiness
    when thou dost meet good hapx and in thy dangerx
    if ever danger do environ theex
    commend thy grievance to my holy prayersx
    for i will be thy headsmanx valentinex
  valentinex and on a lovexbook pray for my successx
  proteusx upon some book i love ixll pray for theex
  valentinex thatxs on some shallow story of deep lovex
    how young leander crossxd the hellespontx
  proteusx thatxs a deep story of a deeper lovex
    for he was more than over shoes in lovex
  valentinex xtis truex for you are over boots in lovex
    and yet you never swum the hellespontx
  proteusx over the bootsx nayx give me not the bootsx
  valentinex nox i will notx for it boots thee notx
  proteusx whatx
  valentinex to be in lovex where scorn is bought with groansx
    coy looks with heartxsore sighsx one fading momentxs mirth
    with twenty watchfulx wearyx tedious nightsx
    if haply wonx perhaps a hapless gainx
    if lostx why then a grievous labour wonx
    howeverx but a folly bought with witx
    or else a wit by folly vanquishedx
  proteusx sox by your circumstancex you call me foolx
  valentinex sox by your circumstancex i fear youxll provex
  proteusx xtis love you cavil atx i am not lovex
  valentinex love is your masterx for he masters youx
    and he that is so yoked by a foolx
    methinksx should not be chronicled for wisex
  proteusx yet writers sayx as in the sweetest bud
    the eating canker dwellsx so eating love
    inhabits in the finest wits of allx
  valentinex and writers sayx as the most forward bud
    is eaten by the canker ere it blowx
    even so by love the young and tender wit
    is turnxd to follyx blasting in the budx
    losing his verdure even in the primex
    and all the fair effects of future hopesx
    but wherefore waste i time to counsel the
    that art a votary to fond desirex
    once more adieux my father at the road
    expects my comingx there to see me shippxdx
  proteusx and thither will i bring theex valentinex
  valentinex sweet proteusx nox now let us take our leavex
    to milan let me hear from thee by letters
    of thy success in lovex and what news else
    betideth here in absence of thy friendx
    and i likewise will visit thee with minex
  proteusx all happiness bechance to thee in milanx
  valentinex as much to you at homex and so farewellx
                                                  exit valentine
  proteusx he after honour huntsx i after lovex
    he leaves his friends to dignify them morex
    i leave myselfx my friendsx and all for lovex
    thoux juliax thou hast metamorphisxd mex
    made me neglect my studiesx lose my timex
    war with good counselx set the world at noughtx
    made wit with musing weakx heart sick with thoughtx

                         enter speed

  speedx sir proteusx save youx saw you my masterx
  proteusx but now he parted hence to embark for milanx
  speedx twenty to one then he is shippxd alreadyx
    and i have playxd the sheep in losing himx
  proteusx indeed a sheep doth very often strayx
    an if the shepherd be awhile awayx
  speedx you conclude that my master is a shepherd thenx and
    i a sheepx
  proteusx i dox
  speedx why thenx my horns are his hornsx whether i wake or sleepx
  proteusx a silly answerx and fitting well a sheepx
  speedx this proves me still a sheepx
  proteusx truex and thy master a shepherdx
  speedx nayx that i can deny by a circumstancex
  proteusx it shall go hard but ixll prove it by anotherx
  speedx the shepherd seeks the sheepx and not the sheep the
    shepherdx but i seek my masterx and my master seeks not mex
    thereforex i am no sheepx
  proteusx the sheep for fodder follow the shepherdx the shepherd for
    food follows not the sheepx thou for wages followest thy masterx
    thy master for wages follows not theex thereforex thou art a
    sheepx
  speedx such another proof will make me cry xbaaxx
  proteusx but dost thou hearx gavxst thou my letter to juliax
  speedx ayx sirx ix a lost muttonx gave your letter to herx a lacxd
    muttonx and shex a lacxd muttonx gave mex a lost muttonx nothing
    for my labourx
  proteusx herexs too small a pasture for such store of muttonsx
  speedx if the ground be overchargxdx you were best stick herx
  proteusx nayx in that you are astrayx xtwere best pound youx
  speedx nayx sirx less than a pound shall serve me for carrying your
    letterx
  proteusx you mistakex i mean the poundx a pinfoldx
  speedx from a pound to a pinx fold it over and overx
    xtis threefold too little for carrying a letter to your loverx
  proteusx but what said shex
  speedx  xnoddingx  ayx
  proteusx nodx ayx whyx thatxs xnoddyxx
  speedx you mistookx sirx i say she did nodx and you ask me if she
    did nodx and i say xayxx
  proteusx and that set together is xnoddyxx
  speedx now you have taken the pains to set it togetherx take it for
    your painsx
  proteusx nox nox you shall have it for bearing the letterx
  speedx wellx i perceive i must be fain to bear with youx
  proteusx whyx sirx how do you bear with mex
  speedx marryx sirx the letterx very orderlyx having nothing but the
    word xnoddyx for my painsx
  proteusx beshrew mex but you have a quick witx
  speedx and yet it cannot overtake your slow pursex
  proteusx comex comex open the matterx in briefx what said shex
  speedx open your pursex that the money and the matter may be both
    at once deliveredx
  proteusx wellx sirx here is for your painsx what said shex
  speedx trulyx sirx i think youxll hardly win herx
  proteusx whyx couldst thou perceive so much from herx
  speedx sirx i could perceive nothing at all from herx nox not so
    much as a ducat for delivering your letterx and being so hard to
    me that brought your mindx i fear shexll prove as hard to you in
    telling your mindx give her no token but stonesx for shexs as
    hard as steelx
  proteusx what said shex nothingx
  speedx nox not so much as xtake this for thy painsxx to testify
    your bountyx i thank youx you have testernxd mex in requital
    whereofx henceforth carry your letters yourselfx and sox sirx
    ixll commend you to my masterx
  proteusx gox gox be gonex to save your ship from wreckx
    which cannot perishx having thee aboardx
    being destinxd to a drier death on shorex         exit speed
    i must go send some better messengerx
    i fear my julia would not deign my linesx
    receiving them from such a worthless postx              exit

scene iix veronax the garden of juliaxs house

enter julia and lucetta

  juliax but sayx lucettax now we are alonex
    wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in lovex
  lucettax ayx madamx so you stumble not unheedfullyx
  juliax of all the fair resort of gentlemen
    that every day with parle encounter mex
    in thy opinion which is worthiest lovex
  lucettax please youx repeat their namesx ixll show my mind
    according to my shallow simple skillx
  juliax what thinkxst thou of the fair sir eglamourx
  lucettax as of a knight wellxspokenx neatx and finex
    butx were i youx he never should be minex
  juliax what thinkxst thou of the rich mercatiox
  lucettax well of his wealthx but of himselfx so sox
  juliax what thinkxst thou of the gentle proteusx
  lucettax lordx lordx to see what folly reigns in usx
  juliax how nowx what means this passion at his namex
  lucettax pardonx dear madamx xtis a passing shame
    that ix unworthy body as i amx
    should censure thus on lovely gentlemenx
  juliax why not on proteusx as of all the restx
  lucettax then thusx of many good i think him bestx
  juliax your reasonx
  lucettax i have no other but a womanxs reasonx
    i think him sox because i think him sox
  juliax and wouldst thou have me cast my love on himx
  lucettax ayx if you thought your love not cast awayx
  juliax whyx hex of all the restx hath never movxd mex
  lucettax yet hex of all the restx i thinkx best loves yex
  juliax his little speaking shows his love but smallx
  lucettax fire thatxs closest kept burns most of allx
  juliax they do not love that do not show their lovex
  lucettax ox they love least that let men know their lovex
  juliax i would i knew his mindx
  lucettax peruse this paperx madamx
  juliax xto juliaxx sayx from whomx
  lucettax that the contents will showx
  juliax sayx sayx who gave it theex
  lucettax sir valentinexs pagex and sentx i thinkx from proteusx
    he would have given it youx but ix being in the wayx
    did in your name receive itx pardon the faultx i prayx
  juliax nowx by my modestyx a goodly brokerx
    dare you presume to harbour wanton linesx
    to whisper and conspire against my youthx
    nowx trust mex xtis an office of great worthx
    and you an officer fit for the placex
    therex take the paperx see it be returnxdx
    or else return no more into my sightx
  lucettax to plead for love deserves more fee than hatex
  juliax will ye be gonex
  lucettax that you may ruminatex                           exit
  juliax and yetx i would i had oxerlookxd the letterx
    it were a shame to call her back againx
    and pray her to a fault for which i chid herx
    what fool is shex that knows i am a maid
    and would not force the letter to my viewx
    since maidsx in modestyx say xnox to that
    which they would have the profferer construe xayxx
    fiex fiex how wayward is this foolish lovex
    that like a testy babe will scratch the nursex
    and presentlyx all humbledx kiss the rodx
    how churlishly i chid lucetta hencex
    when willingly i would have had her herex
    how angerly i taught my brow to frownx
    when inward joy enforcxd my heart to smilex
    my penance is to call lucetta back
    and ask remission for my folly pastx
    what hox lucettax

                     rexenter lucetta

  lucettax what would your ladyshipx
  juliax isxt near dinner timex
  lucettax i would it werex
    that you might kill your stomach on your meat
    and not upon your maidx
  juliax what isxt that you took up so gingerlyx
  lucettax nothingx
  juliax why didst thou stoop thenx
  lucettax to take a paper up that i let fallx
  juliax and is that paper nothingx
  lucettax nothing concerning mex
  juliax then let it lie for those that it concernsx
  lucettax madamx it will not lie where it concernsx
    unless it have a false interpreterx
  juliax some love of yours hath writ to you in rhymex
  lucettax that i might sing itx madamx to a tunex
    give me a notex your ladyship can setx
  juliax as little by such toys as may be possiblex
    best sing it to the tune of xlight ox lovexx
  lucettax it is too heavy for so light a tunex
  juliax heavyx belike it hath some burden thenx
  lucettax ayx and melodious were itx would you sing itx
  juliax and why not youx
  lucettax i cannot reach so highx
  juliax letxs see your songx     xlucetta withholds the letterx
    how nowx minionx
  lucettax keep tune there stillx so you will sing it outx
    and yet methinks i do not like this tunex
  juliax you do notx
  lucettax nox madamx xtis too sharpx
  juliax youx minionx are too saucyx
  lucettax nayx now you are too flat
    and mar the concord with too harsh a descantx
    there wanteth but a mean to fill your songx
  juliax the mean is drownxd with your unruly bassx
  lucettax indeedx i bid the base for proteusx
  juliax this babble shall not henceforth trouble mex
    here is a coil with protestationx         xtears the letterx
    gox get you gonex and let the papers liex
    you would be fingxring themx to anger mex
  lucettax she makes it strangex but she would be best pleasxd
    to be so angxred with another letterx                   exit
  juliax nayx would i were so angxred with the samex
    o hateful handsx to tear such loving wordsx
    injurious waspsx to feed on such sweet honey
    and kill the bees that yield it with your stingsx
    ixll kiss each several paper for amendsx
    lookx here is writ xkind juliaxx unkind juliax
    as in revenge of thy ingratitudex
    i throw thy name against the bruising stonesx
    trampling contemptuously on thy disdainx
    and here is writ xlovexwounded proteusxx
    poor wounded namex my bosomxxas a bedx
    shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly healxdx
    and thus i search it with a sovereign kissx
    but twice or thrice was xproteusx written downx
    be calmx good windx blow not a word away
    till i have found each letter in the letterx
    except mine own namex that some whirlwind bear
    unto a raggedx fearfulx hanging rockx
    and throw it thence into the raging seax
    lox here in one line is his name twice writx
    xpoor forlorn proteusx passionate proteusx
    to the sweet juliaxx that ixll tear awayx
    and yet i will notx sith so prettily
    he couples it to his complaining namesx
    thus will i fold them one upon anotherx
    now kissx embracex contendx do what you willx

                        rexenter lucetta

  lucettax madamx
    dinner is readyx and your father staysx
  juliax wellx let us gox
  lucettax whatx shall these papers lie like tellxtales herex
  juliax if you respect themx best to take them upx
  lucettax nayx i was taken up for laying them downx
    yet here they shall not lie for catching coldx
  juliax i see you have a monthxs mind to themx
  lucettax ayx madamx you may say what sights you seex
    i see things toox although you judge i winkx
  juliax comex comex willxt please you gox                exeunt

scene iiix veronax antonioxs house

enter antonio and panthino

  antoniox tell mex panthinox what sad talk was that
    wherewith my brother held you in the cloisterx
  panthinox xtwas of his nephew proteusx your sonx
  antoniox whyx what of himx
  panthinox he wondxred that your lordship
    would suffer him to spend his youth at homex
    while other menx of slender reputationx
    put forth their sons to seek preferment outx
    some to the warsx to try their fortune therex
    some to discover islands far awayx
    some to the studious universitiesx
    for anyx or for all these exercisesx
    he said that proteusx your sonx was meetx
    and did request me to importune you
    to let him spend his time no more at homex
    which would be great impeachment to his agex
    in having known no travel in his youthx
  antoniox nor needxst thou much importune me to that
    whereon this month i have been hammeringx
    i have considerxd well his loss of timex
    and how he cannot be a perfect manx
    not being tried and tutorxd in the worldx
    experience is by industry achievxdx
    and perfected by the swift course of timex
    then tell me whither were i best to send himx
  panthinox i think your lordship is not ignorant
    how his companionx youthful valentinex
    attends the emperor in his royal courtx
  antoniox i know it wellx
  panthinox xtwere goodx i thinkx your lordship sent him thitherx
    there shall he practise tilts and tournamentsx
    hear sweet discoursex converse with noblemenx
    and be in eye of every exercise
    worthy his youth and nobleness of birthx
  antoniox i like thy counselx well hast thou advisxdx
    and that thou mayst perceive how well i like itx
    the execution of it shall make knownx
    even with the speediest expedition
    i will dispatch him to the emperorxs courtx
  panthinox toxmorrowx may it please youx don alphonso
    with other gentlemen of good esteem
    are journeying to salute the emperorx
    and to commend their service to his willx
  antoniox good companyx with them shall proteus gox

                        enter proteus

    andx in good timexx now will we break with himx
  proteusx sweet lovex sweet linesx sweet lifex
    here is her handx the agent of her heartx
    here is her oath for lovex her honourxs pawnx
    o that our fathers would applaud our lovesx
    to seal our happiness with their consentsx
    o heavenly juliax
  antoniox how nowx what letter are you reading therex
  proteusx mayxt please your lordshipx xtis a word or two
    of commendations sent from valentinex
    deliverxd by a friend that came from himx
  antoniox lend me the letterx let me see what newsx
  proteusx there is no newsx my lordx but that he writes
    how happily he livesx how wellxbelovxd
    and daily graced by the emperorx
    wishing me with himx partner of his fortunex
  antoniox and how stand you affected to his wishx
  proteusx as one relying on your lordshipxs willx
    and not depending on his friendly wishx
  antoniox my will is something sorted with his wishx
    muse not that i thus suddenly proceedx
    for what i willx i willx and there an endx
    i am resolvxd that thou shalt spend some time
    with valentinus in the emperorxs courtx
    what maintenance he from his friends receivesx
    like exhibition thou shalt have from mex
    toxmorrow be in readiness to gox
    excuse it notx for i am peremptoryx
  proteusx my lordx i cannot be so soon providedx
    please youx deliberate a day or twox
  antoniox look what thou wantxst shall be sent after theex
    no more of stayx toxmorrow thou must gox
    come onx panthinox you shall be employxd
    to hasten on his expeditionx
                                     exeunt antonio and panthino
  proteusx thus have i shunnxd the fire for fear of burningx
    and drenchxd me in the seax where i am drownxdx
    i fearxd to show my father juliaxs letterx
    lest he should take exceptions to my lovex
    and with the vantage of mine own excuse
    hath he excepted most against my lovex
    ox how this spring of love resembleth
    the uncertain glory of an april dayx
    which now shows all the beauty of the sunx
    and by an by a cloud takes all awayx

                       rexenter panthino

  panthinox sir proteusx your father calls for youx
    he is in hastex thereforex i pray youx gox
  proteusx whyx this it isx my heart accords theretox
    and yet a thousand times it answers xnoxx             exeunt

act iix scene ix milanx the dukexs palace

enter valentine and speed

  speedx sirx your glovex
  valentinex not minex my gloves are onx
  speedx whyx thenx this may be yoursx for this is but onex
  valentinex hax let me seex ayx give it mex itxs minex
    sweet ornament that decks a thing divinex
    ahx silviax silviax
  speedx  xcallingx  madam silviax madam silviax
  valentinex how nowx sirrahx
  speedx she is not within hearingx sirx
  valentinex whyx sirx who bade you call herx
  speedx your worshipx sirx or else i mistookx
  valentinex wellx youxll still be too forwardx
  speedx and yet i was last chidden for being too slowx
  valentinex go tox sirx tell mex do you know madam silviax
  speedx she that your worship lovesx
  valentinex whyx how know you that i am in lovex
  speedx marryx by these special marksx firstx you have learnxdx like
    sir proteusx to wreath your arms like a malcontentx to relish a
    lovexsongx like a robin redbreastx to walk alonex like one that
    had the pestilencex to sighx like a schoolxboy that had lost his
    a b cx to weepx like a young wench that had buried her grandamx
    to fastx like one that takes dietx to watchx like one that fears
    robbingx to speak pulingx like a beggar at hallowmasx you were
    wontx when you laughedx to crow like a cockx when you walkxdx to
    walk like one of the lionsx when you fastedx it was presently
    after dinnerx when you lookxd sadlyx it was for want of moneyx
    and now you are metamorphisxd with a mistressx thatx when i look
    on youx i can hardly think you my masterx
  valentinex are all these things perceivxd in mex
  speedx they are all perceivxd without yex
  valentinex without mex they cannotx
  speedx without youx nayx thatxs certainx forx without you were so
    simplex none else wouldx but you are so without these follies
    that these follies are within youx and shine through you like the
    water in an urinalx that not an eye that sees you but is a
    physician to comment on your maladyx
  valentinex but tell mex dost thou know my lady silviax
  speedx she that you gaze on sox as she sits at supperx
  valentinex hast thou observxd thatx even shex i meanx
  speedx whyx sirx i know her notx
  valentinex dost thou know her by my gazing on herx and yet knowxst
    her notx
  speedx is she not hardxfavourxdx sirx
  valentinex not so fairx boyx as wellxfavourxdx
  speedx sirx i know that well enoughx
  valentinex what dost thou knowx
  speedx that she is not so fair asx of youx wellxfavourxdx
  valentinex i mean that her beauty is exquisitex but her favour
    infinitex
  speedx thatxs because the one is paintedx and the other out of all
    countx
  valentinex how paintedx and how out of countx
  speedx marryx sirx so paintedx to make her fairx that no man counts
    of her beautyx
  valentinex how esteemxst thou mex i account of her beautyx
  speedx you never saw her since she was deformxdx
  valentinex how long hath she been deformxdx
  speedx ever since you lovxd herx
  valentinex i have lovxd her ever since i saw herx and still
    i see her beautifulx
  speedx if you love herx you cannot see herx
  valentinex whyx
  speedx because love is blindx o that you had mine eyesx or your own
    eyes had the lights they were wont to have when you chid at sir
    proteus for going ungarterxdx
  valentinex what should i see thenx
  speedx your own present folly and her passing deformityx for hex
    being in lovex could not see to garter his hosex and youx being
    in lovex cannot see to put on your hosex
  valentinex belikex boyx then you are in lovex for last morning you
    could not see to wipe my shoesx
  speedx truex sirx i was in love with my bedx i thank youx you
    swingxd me for my lovex which makes me the bolder to chide you
    for yoursx
  valentinex in conclusionx i stand affected to herx
  speedx i would you were setx so your affection would ceasex
  valentinex last night she enjoinxd me to write some lines to one
    she lovesx
  speedx and have youx
  valentinex i havex
  speedx are they not lamely writx
  valentinex nox boyx but as well as i can do themx

                           enter silvia

    peacex here she comesx
  speedx  xasidex  o excellent motionx o exceeding puppetx
    now will he interpret to herx
  valentinex madam and mistressx a thousand good morrowsx
  speedx  xasidex  ox give ye good evxnx
    herexs a million of mannersx
  silviax sir valentine and servantx to you two thousandx
  speedx  xasidex  he should give her interestx and she gives it himx
  valentinex as you enjoinxd mex i have writ your letter
    unto the secret nameless friend of yoursx
    which i was much unwilling to proceed inx
    but for my duty to your ladyshipx
  silviax i thank youx gentle servantx xtis very clerkly donex
  valentinex now trust mex madamx it came hardly offx
    forx being ignorant to whom it goesx
    i writ at randomx very doubtfullyx
  silviax perchance you think too much of so much painsx
  valentinex nox madamx so it stead youx i will writex
    please you commandx a thousand times as muchx
    and yetx
  silviax a pretty periodx wellx i guess the sequelx
    and yet i will not name itx and yet i care notx
    and yet take this againx and yet i thank youx
    meaning henceforth to trouble you no morex
  speedx  xasidex  and yet you willx and yet anotherx yetxx
  valentinex what means your ladyshipx do you not like itx
  silviax yesx yesx the lines are very quaintly writx
    butx since unwillinglyx take them againx
    nayx take themx                      xgives hack the letterx
  valentinex madamx they are for youx
  silviax ayx ayx you writ themx sirx at my requestx
    but i will none of themx they are for youx
    i would have had them writ more movinglyx
  valentinex please youx ixll write your ladyship anotherx
  silviax and when itxs writx for my sake read it overx
    and if it please youx sox if notx whyx sox
  valentinex if it please mex madamx what thenx
  silviax whyx if it please youx take it for your labourx
    and so good morrowx servantx                     exit silvia
  speedx o jest unseenx inscrutablex invisiblex
    as a nose on a manxs facex or a weathercock on a steeplex
    my master sues to herx and she hath taught her suitorx
    he being her pupilx to become her tutorx
    o excellent devicex was there ever heard a betterx
    that my masterx being scribex to himself should write the letterx
  valentinex how nowx sirx what are you reasoning with yourselfx
  speedx nayx i was rhymingx xtis you that have the reasonx
  valentinex to do whatx
  speedx to be a spokesman from madam silviax
  valentinex to whomx
  speedx to yourselfx whyx she woos you by a figurex
  valentinex what figurex
  speedx by a letterx i should sayx
  valentinex whyx she hath not writ to mex
  speedx what need shex when she hath made you write to yourselfx
    whyx do you not perceive the jestx
  valentinex nox believe mex
  speedx no believing you indeedx sirx but did you perceive her
    earnestx
  valentinex she gave me none except an angry wordx
  speedx whyx she hath given you a letterx
  valentinex thatxs the letter i writ to her friendx
  speedx and that letter hath she deliverxdx and there an endx
  valentinex i would it were no worsex
  speedx ixll warrant you xtis as wellx
    xfor often have you writ to herx and shex in modestyx
    or else for want of idle timex could not again replyx
    or fearing else some messenger that might her mind discoverx
    herself hath taught her love himself to write unto her loverxx
    all this i speak in printx for in print i found itx why muse youx
    sirx xtis dinner timex
  valentinex i have dinxdx
  speedx ayx but hearkenx sirx though the chameleon love can feed on
    the airx i am one that am nourishxd by my victualsx and would
    fain have meatx ox be not like your mistressx be movedx be movedx
                                                          exeunt

scene iix veronax juliaxs house

enter proteus and julia

  proteusx have patiencex gentle juliax
  juliax i mustx where is no remedyx
  proteusx when possibly i canx i will returnx
  juliax if you turn notx you will return the soonerx
    keep this remembrance for thy juliaxs sakex
                                                 xgiving a ringx
  proteusx whyx thenx wexll make exchangex herex take you thisx
  juliax and seal the bargain with a holy kissx
  proteusx here is my hand for my true constancyx
    and when that hour oxerslips me in the day
    wherein i sigh notx juliax for thy sakex
    the next ensuing hour some foul mischance
    torment me for my lovexs forgetfulnessx
    my father stays my comingx answer notx
    the tide is nowx nayx not thy tide of tearsx
    that tide will stay me longer than i shouldx
    juliax farewellx                                  exit julia
    whatx gone without a wordx
    ayx so true love should dox it cannot speakx
    for truth hath better deeds than words to grace itx

                          enter panthino

  panthinox sir proteusx you are stayxd forx
  proteusx gox i comex i comex
    alasx this parting strikes poor lovers dumbx          exeunt

scene iiix veronax a street

enter launcex leading a dog

  launcex nayx xtwill be this hour ere i have done weepingx all the
  kind of the launces have this very faultx i have receivxd my
  proportionx like the prodigious sonx and am going with sir proteus to
  the imperialxs courtx i think crab my dog be the sourestxnatured dog
  that livesx my mother weepingx my father wailingx my sister cryingx
  our maid howlingx our cat wringing her handsx and all our house in a
  great perplexityx yet did not this cruelxhearted cur shed one tearx
  he is a stonex a very pebble stonex and has no more pity in him than
  a dogx a jew would have wept to have seen our partingx whyx my
  grandam having no eyesx look youx wept herself blind at my partingx
  nayx ixll show you the manner of itx this shoe is my fatherx nox this
  left shoe is my fatherx nox nox left shoe is my motherx nayx that
  cannot be so neitherx yesx it is sox it is sox it hath the worser
  solex this shoe with the hole in it is my motherx and this my fatherx
  a vengeance on xtx there xtisx nowx sirx this staff is my sisterx
  forx look youx she is as white as a lily and as small as a wandx this
  hat is nan our maidx i am the dogx nox the dog is himselfx and i am
  the dogx ox the dog is mex and i am myselfx ayx sox sox now come i to
  my fatherx xfatherx your blessingxx now should not the shoe speak a
  word for weepingx now should i kiss my fatherx wellx he weeps onx now
  come i to my motherx o that she could speak now like a wood womanx
  wellx i kiss herx why there xtisx herexs my motherxs breath up and
  downx now come i to my sisterx mark the moan she makesx now the dog
  all this while sheds not a tearx nor speaks a wordx but see how i lay
  the dust with my tearsx

                            enter panthino

  panthinox launcex awayx awayx aboardx thy master is shippxdx and
    thou art to post after with oarsx whatxs the matterx why weepxst
    thoux manx awayx assx youxll lose the tide if you tarry any
    longerx
  launcex it is no matter if the tied were lostx for it is the
    unkindest tied that ever any man tiedx
  panthinox whatxs the unkindest tidex
  launcex whyx he thatxs tied herex crabx my dogx
  panthinox tutx manx i mean thouxlt lose the floodx andx in losing
    the floodx lose thy voyagex andx in losing thy voyagex lose thy
    masterx andx in losing thy masterx lose thy servicex andx in
    losing thy servicex why dost thou stop my mouthx
  launcex for fear thou shouldst lose thy tonguex
  panthinox where should i lose my tonguex
  launcex in thy talex
  panthinox in thy tailx
  launcex lose the tidex and the voyagex and the masterx and the
    servicex and the tiedx whyx manx if the river were dryx i am able
    to fill it with my tearsx if the wind were downx i could drive
    the boat with my sighsx
  panthinox comex come awayx manx i was sent to call theex
  launcex sirx call me what thou darxstx
  panthinox will thou gox
  launcex wellx i will gox                                exeunt

scene ivx milanx the dukexs palace

enter silviax valentinex thuriox and speed

  silviax servantx
  valentinex mistressx
  speedx masterx sir thurio frowns on youx
  valentinex ayx boyx itxs for lovex
  speedx not of youx
  valentinex of my mistressx thenx
  speedx xtwere good you knockxd himx                       exit
  silviax servantx you are sadx
  valentinex indeedx madamx i seem sox
  thuriox seem you that you are notx
  valentinex haply i dox
  thuriox so do counterfeitsx
  valentinex so do youx
  thuriox what seem i that i am notx
  valentinex wisex
  thuriox what instance of the contraryx
  valentinex your follyx
  thuriox and how quote you my follyx
  valentinex i quote it in your jerkinx
  thuriox my jerkin is a doubletx
  valentinex wellx thenx ixll double your follyx
  thuriox howx
  silviax whatx angryx sir thuriox do you change colourx
  valentinex give him leavex madamx he is a kind of chameleonx
  thuriox that hath more mind to feed on your blood than live in your
    airx
  valentinex you have saidx sirx
  thuriox ayx sirx and done toox for this timex
  valentinex i know it wellx sirx you always end ere you beginx
  silviax a fine volley of wordsx gentlemenx and quickly shot offx
  valentinex xtis indeedx madamx we thank the giverx
  silviax who is thatx servantx
  valentinex yourselfx sweet ladyx for you gave the firex sir thurio
    borrows his wit from your ladyshipxs looksx and spends what he
    borrows kindly in your companyx
  thuriox sirx if you spend word for word with mex i shall make your
    wit bankruptx
  valentinex i know it wellx sirx you have an exchequer of wordsx
    andx i thinkx no other treasure to give your followersx for it
    appears by their bare liveries that they live by your bare wordsx

                             enter duke

  silviax no morex gentlemenx no morex here comes my fatherx
  dukex nowx daughter silviax you are hard besetx
    sir valentinex your father is in good healthx
    what say you to a letter from your friends
    of much good newsx
  valentinex my lordx i will be thankful
    to any happy messenger from thencex
  dukex know ye don antoniox your countrymanx
  valentinex ayx my good lordx i know the gentleman
    to be of worth and worthy estimationx
    and not without desert so well reputedx
  dukex hath he not a sonx
  valentinex ayx my good lordx a son that well deserves
    the honour and regard of such a fatherx
  dukex you know him wellx
  valentinex i knew him as myselfx for from our infancy
    we have conversxd and spent our hours togetherx
    and though myself have been an idle truantx
    omitting the sweet benefit of time
    to clothe mine age with angelxlike perfectionx
    yet hath sir proteusx for thatxs his namex
    made use and fair advantage of his daysx
    his years but youngx but his experience oldx
    his head unmellowedx but his judgment ripex
    andx in a wordx for far behind his worth
    comes all the praises that i now bestowx
    he is complete in feature and in mindx
    with all good grace to grace a gentlemanx
  dukex beshrew mex sirx but if he make this goodx
    he is as worthy for an empressx love
    as meet to be an emperorxs counsellorx
    wellx sirx this gentleman is come to me
    with commendation from great potentatesx
    and here he means to spend his time awhilex
    i think xtis no unwelcome news to youx
  valentinex should i have wishxd a thingx it had been hex
  dukex welcome himx thenx according to his worthx
    silviax i speak to youx and youx sir thuriox
    for valentinex i need not cite him to itx
    i will send him hither to you presentlyx           exit duke
  valentinex this is the gentleman i told your ladyship
    had come along with me but that his mistresss
    did hold his eyes lockxd in her crystal looksx
  silviax belike that now she hath enfranchisxd them
    upon some other pawn for fealtyx
  valentinex nayx surex i think she holds them prisoners stillx
  silviax nayx thenx he should be blindx andx being blindx
    how could he see his way to seek out youx
  valentinex whyx ladyx love hath twenty pair of eyesx
  thuriox they say that love hath not an eye at allx
  valentinex to see such loversx thuriox as yourselfx
    upon a homely object love can winkx              exit thurio

                         enter proteus

  silviax have donex have donex here comes the gentlemanx
  valentinex welcomex dear proteusx mistressx i beseech you
    confirm his welcome with some special favourx
  silviax his worth is warrant for his welcome hitherx
    if this be he you oft have wishxd to hear fromx
  valentinex mistressx it isx sweet ladyx entertain him
    to be my fellowxservant to your ladyshipx
  silviax too low a mistress for so high a servantx
  proteusx not sox sweet ladyx but too mean a servant
    to have a look of such a worthy mistressx
  valentinex leave off discourse of disabilityx
    sweet ladyx entertain him for your servantx
  proteusx my duty will i boast ofx nothing elsex
  silviax and duty never yet did want his meedx
    servantx you are welcome to a worthless mistressx
  proteusx ixll die on him that says so but yourselfx
  silviax that you are welcomex
  proteusx that you are worthlessx

                          rexenter thurio

  thuriox madamx my lord your father would speak with youx
  silviax i wait upon his pleasurex comex sir thuriox
    go with mex once morex new servantx welcomex
    ixll leave you to confer of home affairsx
    when you have done we look to hear from youx
  proteusx wexll both attend upon your ladyshipx
                                        exeunt silvia and thurio
  valentinex nowx tell mex how do all from whence you camex
  proteusx your friends are wellx and have them much commendedx
  valentinex and how do yoursx
  proteusx i left them all in healthx
  valentinex how does your ladyx and how thrives your lovex
  proteusx my tales of love were wont to weary youx
    i know you joy not in a lovexdiscoursex
  valentinex ayx proteusx but that life is alterxd nowx
    i have done penance for contemning lovex
    whose high imperious thoughts have punishxd me
    with bitter fastsx with penitential groansx
    with nightly tearsx and daily heartxsore sighsx
    forx in revenge of my contempt of lovex
    love hath chasxd sleep from my enthralled eyes
    and made them watchers of mine own heartxs sorrowx
    o gentle proteusx lovexs a mighty lordx
    and hath so humbled me as i confess
    there is no woe to his correctionx
    nor to his service no such joy on earthx
    now no discoursex except it be of lovex
    now can i break my fastx dinex supx and sleepx
    upon the very naked name of lovex
  proteusx enoughx i read your fortune in your eyex
    was this the idol that you worship sox
  valentinex even shex and is she not a heavenly saintx
  proteusx nox but she is an earthly paragonx
  valentinex call her divinex
  proteusx i will not flatter herx
  valentinex ox flatter mex for love delights in praisesx
  proteusx when i was sick you gave me bitter pillsx
    and i must minister the like to youx
  valentinex then speak the truth by herx if not divinex
    yet let her be a principalityx
    sovereign to all the creatures on the earthx
  proteusx except my mistressx
  valentinex sweetx except not anyx
    except thou wilt except against my lovex
  proteusx have i not reason to prefer mine ownx
  valentinex and i will help thee to prefer her toox
    she shall be dignified with this high honourx
    to bear my ladyxs trainx lest the base earth
    should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss
    andx of so great a favour growing proudx
    disdain to root the summerxswelling flowxr
    and make rough winter everlastinglyx
  proteusx whyx valentinex what braggardism is thisx
  valentinex pardon mex proteusx all i can is nothing
    to herx whose worth makes other worthies nothingx
    she is alonex
  proteusx then let her alonex
  valentinex not for the worldx whyx manx she is mine ownx
    and i as rich in having such a jewel
    as twenty seasx if all their sand were pearlx
    the water nectarx and the rocks pure goldx
    forgive me that i do not dream on theex
    because thou seest me dote upon my lovex
    my foolish rivalx that her father likes
    only for his possessions are so hugex
    is gone with her alongx and i must afterx
    for lovex thou knowxstx is full of jealousyx
  proteusx but she loves youx
  valentinex ayx and we are betrothxdx nay morex our marriagexhourx
    with all the cunning manner of our flightx
    determinxd ofx how i must climb her windowx
    the ladder made of cordsx and all the means
    plotted and xgreed on for my happinessx
    good proteusx go with me to my chamberx
    in these affairs to aid me with thy counselx
  proteusx go on beforex i shall enquire you forthx
    i must unto the road to disembark
    some necessaries that i needs must usex
    and then ixll presently attend youx
  valentinex will you make hastex
  proteusx i willx                                exit valentine
    even as one heat another heat expels
    or as one nail by strength drives out anotherx
    so the remembrance of my former love
    is by a newer object quite forgottenx
    is it my mindx or valentinusx praisex
    her true perfectionx or my false transgressionx
    that makes me reasonless to reason thusx
    she is fairx and so is julia that i lovex
    that i did lovex for now my love is thawxdx
    which like a waxen image xgainst a fire
    bears no impression of the thing it wasx
    methinks my zeal to valentine is coldx
    and that i love him not as i was wontx
    ox but i love his lady too too muchx
    and thatxs the reason i love him so littlex
    how shall i dote on her with more advice
    that thus without advice begin to love herx
    xtis but her picture i have yet beheldx
    and that hath dazzled my reasonxs lightx
    but when i look on her perfectionsx
    there is no reason but i shall be blindx
    if i can check my erring lovex i willx
    if notx to compass her ixll use my skillx               exit

scene vx milanx a street

enter speed and launce severally

  speedx launcex by mine honestyx welcome to paduax
  launcex forswear not thyselfx sweet youthx for i am not welcomex i
    reckon this alwaysx that a man is never undone till he be hangxdx
    nor never welcome to a place till some certain shot be paidx and
    the hostess say xwelcomexx
  speedx come onx you madcapx ixll to the alehouse with you
    presentlyx wherex for one shot of five pencex thou shalt have
    five thousand welcomesx butx sirrahx how did thy master part with
    madam juliax
  launcex marryx after they closxd in earnestx they parted very
    fairly in jestx
  speedx but shall she marry himx
  launcex nox
  speedx how thenx shall he marry herx
  launcex nox neitherx
  speedx whatx are they brokenx
  launcex nox they are both as whole as a fishx
  speedx why thenx how stands the matter with themx
  launcex marryx thusx when it stands well with himx it stands well
    with herx
  speedx what an ass art thoux i understand thee notx
  launcex what a block art thou that thou canst notx my staff
    understands mex
  speedx what thou sayxstx
  launcex ayx and what i do toox look theex ixll but leanx and my
    staff understands mex
  speedx it stands under theex indeedx
  launcex whyx standxunder and underxstand is all onex
  speedx but tell me truex willxt be a matchx
  launcex ask my dogx if he say ayx it willx if he say nox it willx
    if he shake his tail and say nothingx it willx
  speedx the conclusion isx thenx that it willx
  launcex thou shalt never get such a secret from me but by a
    parablex
  speedx xtis well that i get it sox butx launcex how sayxst thou
    that my master is become a notable loverx
  launcex i never knew him otherwisex
  speedx than howx
  launcex a notable lubberx as thou reportest him to bex
  speedx whyx thou whoreson assx thou mistakxst mex
  launcex whyx foolx i meant not theex i meant thy masterx
  speedx i tell thee my master is become a hot loverx
  launcex whyx i tell thee i care not though he burn himself in lovex
    if thou wiltx go with me to the alehousex if notx thou art an
    hebrewx a jewx and not worth the name of a christianx
  speedx whyx
  launcex because thou hast not so much charity in thee as to go to
    the ale with a christianx wilt thou gox
  speedx at thy servicex                                  exeunt

scene vix milanx the dukexs palace

enter proteus

  proteusx to leave my juliax shall i be forswornx
    to love fair silviax shall i be forswornx
    to wrong my friendx i shall be much forswornx
    and evxn that powxr which gave me first my oath
    provokes me to this threefold perjuryx
    love bade me swearx and love bids me forswearx
    o sweetxsuggesting lovex if thou hast sinnxdx
    teach mex thy tempted subjectx to excuse itx
    at first i did adore a twinkling starx
    but now i worship a celestial sunx
    unheedful vows may heedfully be brokenx
    and he wants wit that wants resolved will
    to learn his wit tx exchange the bad for betterx
    fiex fiex unreverend tonguex to call her bad
    whose sovereignty so oft thou hast preferrxd
    with twenty thousand soulxconfirming oathsx
    i cannot leave to lovex and yet i dox
    but there i leave to love where i should lovex
    julia i losex and valentine i losex
    if i keep themx i needs must lose myselfx
    if i lose themx thus find i by their lossx
    for valentinex myselfx for juliax silviax
    i to myself am dearer than a friendx
    for love is still most precious in itselfx
    and silviax witness heavenx that made her fairxx
    shows julia but a swarthy ethiopex
    i will forget that julia is alivex
    remembxring that my love to her is deadx
    and valentine ixll hold an enemyx
    aiming at silvia as a sweeter friendx
    i cannot now prove constant to myself
    without some treachery usxd to valentinex
    this night he meaneth with a corded ladder
    to climb celestial silviaxs chamber windowx
    myself in counselx his competitorx
    now presently ixll give her father notice
    of their disguising and pretended flightx
    whox all enragxdx will banish valentinex
    for thuriox he intendsx shall wed his daughterx
    butx valentine being gonex ixll quickly cross
    by some sly trick blunt thurioxs dull proceedingx
    lovex lend me wings to make my purpose swiftx
    as thou hast lent me wit to plot this driftx            exit

scene viix veronax juliaxs house

enter julia and lucetta

  juliax counselx lucettax gentle girlx assist mex
    andx evxn in kind lovex i do conjure theex
    who art the table wherein all my thoughts
    are visibly characterxd and engravxdx
    to lesson me and tell me some good mean
    howx with my honourx i may undertake
    a journey to my loving proteusx
  lucettax alasx the way is wearisome and longx
  juliax a truexdevoted pilgrim is not weary
    to measure kingdoms with his feeble stepsx
    much less shall she that hath lovexs wings to flyx
    and when the flight is made to one so dearx
    of such divine perfectionx as sir proteusx
  lucettax better forbear till proteus make returnx
  juliax ox knowxst thou not his looks are my soulxs foodx
    pity the dearth that i have pined in
    by longing for that food so long a timex
    didst thou but know the inly touch of lovex
    thou wouldst as soon go kindle fire with snow
    as seek to quench the fire of love with wordsx
  lucettax i do not seek to quench your lovexs hot firex
    but qualify the firexs extreme ragex
    lest it should burn above the bounds of reasonx
  juliax the more thou damxst it upx the more it burnsx
    the current that with gentle murmur glidesx
    thou knowxstx being stoppxdx impatiently doth ragex
    but when his fair course is not hinderedx
    he makes sweet music with thx enamellxd stonesx
    giving a gentle kiss to every sedge
    he overtaketh in his pilgrimagex
    and so by many winding nooks he straysx
    with willing sportx to the wild oceanx
    then let me gox and hinder not my coursex
    ixll be as patient as a gentle streamx
    and make a pastime of each weary stepx
    till the last step have brought me to my lovex
    and there ixll rest asx after much turmoilx
    a blessed soul doth in elysiumx
  lucettax but in what habit will you go alongx
  juliax not like a womanx for i would prevent
    the loose encounters of lascivious menx
    gentle lucettax fit me with such weeds
    as may beseem some wellxreputed pagex
  lucettax why thenx your ladyship must cut your hairx
  juliax nox girlx ixll knit it up in silken strings
    with twenty oddxconceited truexlove knotsx
    to be fantastic may become a youth
    of greater time than i shall show to bex
  lucettax what fashionx madamx shall i make your breechesx
  juliax that fits as well as xtell mex good my lordx
    what compass will you wear your farthingalexx
    why evxn what fashion thou best likesx lucettax
  lucettax you must needs have them with a codpiecex madamx
  juliax outx outx lucettax that will be illxfavourxdx
  lucettax a round hosex madamx nowxs not worth a pinx
    unless you have a codpiece to stick pins onx
  juliax lucettax as thou lovxst mex let me have
    what thou thinkxst meetx and is most mannerlyx
    but tell mex wenchx how will the world repute me
    for undertaking so unstaid a journeyx
    i fear me it will make me scandalizxdx
  lucettax if you think sox then stay at home and go notx
  juliax nayx that i will notx
  lucettax then never dream on infamyx but gox
    if proteus like your journey when you comex
    no matter whoxs displeasxd when you are gonex
    i fear me he will scarce be pleasxd withalx
  juliax that is the leastx lucettax of my fearx
    a thousand oathsx an ocean of his tearsx
    and instances of infinite of lovex
    warrant me welcome to my proteusx
  lucettax all these are servants to deceitful menx
  juliax base men that use them to so base effectx
    but truer stars did govern proteusx birthx
    his words are bondsx his oaths are oraclesx
    his love sincerex his thoughts immaculatex
    his tears pure messengers sent from his heartx
    his heart as far from fraud as heaven from earthx
  lucettax pray heavxn he prove so when you come to himx
  juliax nowx as thou lovxst mex do him not that wrong
    to bear a hard opinion of his truthx
    only deserve my love by loving himx
    and presently go with me to my chamberx
    to take a note of what i stand in need of
    to furnish me upon my longing journeyx
    all that is mine i leave at thy disposex
    my goodsx my landsx my reputationx
    onlyx in lieu thereofx dispatch me hencex
    comex answer notx but to it presentlyx
    i am impatient of my tarriancex                       exeunt

act iiix scene ix milanx the dukexs palace

enter dukex thuriox and proteus

  dukex sir thuriox give us leavex i prayx awhilex
    we have some secrets to confer aboutx            exit thurio
    now tell mex proteusx whatxs your will with mex
  proteusx my gracious lordx that which i would discover
    the law of friendship bids me to concealx
    butx when i call to mind your gracious favours
    done to mex undeserving as i amx
    my duty pricks me on to utter that
    which else no worldly good should draw from mex
    knowx worthy princex sir valentinex my friendx
    this night intends to steal away your daughterx
    myself am one made privy to the plotx
    i know you have determinxd to bestow her
    on thuriox whom your gentle daughter hatesx
    and should she thus be stolxn away from youx
    it would be much vexation to your agex
    thusx for my dutyxs sakex i rather chose
    to cross my friend in his intended drift
    thanx by concealing itx heap on your head
    a pack of sorrows which would press you downx
    being unpreventedx to your timeless gravex
  dukex proteusx i thank thee for thine honest carex
    which to requitex command me while i livex
    this love of theirs myself have often seenx
    haply when they have judgxd me fast asleepx
    and oftentimes have purposxd to forbid
    sir valentine her company and my courtx
    butx fearing lest my jealous aim might err
    and sox unworthilyx disgrace the manx
    a rashness that i ever yet have shunnxdx
    i gave him gentle looksx thereby to find
    that which thyself hast now disclosxd to mex
    andx that thou mayst perceive my fear of thisx
    knowing that tender youth is soon suggestedx
    i nightly lodge her in an upper towxrx
    the key whereof myself have ever keptx
    and thence she cannot be conveyxd awayx
  proteusx knowx noble lordx they have devisxd a mean
    how he her chamber window will ascend
    and with a corded ladder fetch her downx
    for which the youthful lover now is gonex
    and this way comes he with it presentlyx
    wherex if it please youx you may intercept himx
    butx good my lordx do it so cunningly
    that my discovery be not aimed atx
    for love of youx not hate unto my friendx
    hath made me publisher of this pretencex
  dukex upon mine honourx he shall never know
    that i had any light from thee of thisx
  proteusx adieux my lordx sir valentine is comingx         exit

                        enter valentine

  dukex sir valentinex whither away so fastx
  valentinex please it your gracex there is a messenger
    that stays to bear my letters to my friendsx
    and i am going to deliver themx
  dukex be they of much importx
  valentinex the tenour of them doth but signify
    my health and happy being at your courtx
  dukex nay thenx no matterx stay with me awhilex
    i am to break with thee of some affairs
    that touch me nearx wherein thou must be secretx
    xtis not unknown to thee that i have sought
    to match my friend sir thurio to my daughterx
  valentinex i know it wellx my lordx andx surex the match
    were rich and honourablex besidesx the gentleman
    is full of virtuex bountyx worthx and qualities
    beseeming such a wife as your fair daughterx
    cannot your grace win her to fancy himx
  dukex nox trust mex she is peevishx sullenx frowardx
    proudx disobedientx stubbornx lacking dutyx
    neither regarding that she is my child
    nor fearing me as if i were her fatherx
    andx may i say to theex this pride of hersx
    upon advicex hath drawn my love from herx
    andx where i thought the remnant of mine age
    should have been cherishxd by her childlike dutyx
    i now am full resolvxd to take a wife
    and turn her out to who will take her inx
    then let her beauty be her weddingxdowxrx
    for me and my possessions she esteems notx
  valentinex what would your grace have me to do in thisx
  dukex there is a ladyx in verona herex
    whom i affectx but she is nicex and coyx
    and nought esteems my aged eloquencex
    nowx thereforex would i have thee to my tutorx
    for long agone i have forgot to courtx
    besidesx the fashion of the time is changxdx
    how and which way i may bestow myself
    to be regarded in her sunxbright eyex
  valentinex win her with giftsx if she respect not wordsx
    dumb jewels often in their silent kind
    more than quick words do move a womanxs mindx
  dukex but she did scorn a present that i sent herx
  valentinex a woman sometime scorns what best contents herx
    send her anotherx never give her oxerx
    for scorn at first makes afterxlove the morex
    if she do frownx xtis not in hate of youx
    but rather to beget more love in youx
    if she do chidex xtis not to have you gonex
    for whyx the fools are mad if left alonex
    take no repulsex whatever she doth sayx
    for xget you gonex she doth not mean xawayxx
    flatter and praisex commendx extol their gracesx
    though nexer so blackx say they have angelsx facesx
    that man that hath a tonguex i sayx is no manx
    if with his tongue he cannot win a womanx
  dukex but she i mean is promisxd by her friends
    unto a youthful gentleman of worthx
    and kept severely from resort of menx
    that no man hath access by day to herx
  valentinex why then i would resort to her by nightx
  dukex ayx but the doors be lockxd and keys kept safex
    that no man hath recourse to her by nightx
  valentinex what lets but one may enter at her windowx
  dukex her chamber is aloftx far from the groundx
    and built so shelving that one cannot climb it
    without apparent hazard of his lifex
  valentinex why then a ladderx quaintly made of cordsx
    to cast up with a pair of anchoring hooksx
    would serve to scale another heroxs towxrx
    so bold leander would adventure itx
  dukex nowx as thou art a gentleman of bloodx
    advise me where i may have such a ladderx
  valentinex when would you use itx prayx sirx tell me thatx
  dukex this very nightx for love is like a childx
    that longs for everything that he can come byx
  valentinex by seven oxclock ixll get you such a ladderx
  dukex butx hark theex i will go to her alonex
    how shall i best convey the ladder thitherx
  valentinex it will be lightx my lordx that you may bear it
    under a cloak that is of any lengthx
  dukex a cloak as long as thine will serve the turnx
  valentinex ayx my good lordx
  dukex then let me see thy cloakx
    ixll get me one of such another lengthx
  valentinex whyx any cloak will serve the turnx my lordx
  dukex how shall i fashion me to wear a cloakx
    i pray theex let me feel thy cloak upon mex
    what letter is this samex whatxs herex xto silviaxx
    and here an engine fit for my proceedingx
    ixll be so bold to break the seal for oncex          xreadsx
      xmy thoughts do harbour with my silvia nightlyx
        and slaves they are to mex that send them flyingx
      ox could their master come and go as lightlyx
        himself would lodge wherex senselessx they are lyingx
      my herald thoughts in thy pure bosom rest themx
        while ix their kingx that thither them importunex
      do curse the grace that with such grace hath blest themx
        because myself do want my servantsx fortunex
      i curse myselfx for they are sent by mex
        that they should harbour where their lord should bexx
    whatxs herex
      xsilviax this night i will enfranchise theexx
    xtis sox and herexs the ladder for the purposex
    whyx phaethonx for thou art meropsx sonx
    wilt thou aspire to guide the heavenly carx
    and with thy daring folly burn the worldx
    wilt thou reach stars because they shine on theex
    gox base intruderx overxweening slavex
    bestow thy fawning smiles on equal matesx
    and think my patiencex more than thy desertx
    is privilege for thy departure hencex
    thank me for this more than for all the favours
    whichx all too muchx i have bestowxd on theex
    but if thou linger in my territories
    longer than swiftest expedition
    will give thee time to leave our royal courtx
    by heavenx my wrath shall far exceed the love
    i ever bore my daughter or thyselfx
    be gonex i will not hear thy vain excusex
    butx as thou lovxst thy lifex make speed from hencex    exit
  valentinex and why not death rather than living tormentx
    to die is to be banishxd from myselfx
    and silvia is myselfx banishxd from her
    is self from selfx a deadly banishmentx
    what light is lightx if silvia be not seenx
    what joy is joyx if silvia be not byx
    unless it be to think that she is byx
    and feed upon the shadow of perfectionx
    except i be by silvia in the nightx
    there is no music in the nightingalex
    unless i look on silvia in the dayx
    there is no day for me to look uponx
    she is my essencex and i leave to be
    if i be not by her fair influence
    fosterxdx illuminxdx cherishxdx kept alivex
    i fly not deathx to fly his deadly doomx
    tarry i herex i but attend on deathx
    but fly i hencex i fly away from lifex

                      enter proteus and launce

  proteusx runx boyx runx runx seek him outx
  launcex soxhox soxhox
  proteusx what seest thoux
  launcex him we go to findx therexs not a hair on xs head but xtis a
    valentinex
  proteusx valentinex
  valentinex nox
  proteusx who thenx his spiritx
  valentinex neitherx
  proteusx what thenx
  valentinex nothingx
  launcex can nothing speakx masterx shall i strikex
  proteusx who wouldst thou strikex
  launcex nothingx
  proteusx villainx forbearx
  launcex whyx sirx ixll strike nothingx i pray youx
  proteusx sirrahx i sayx forbearx friend valentinex a wordx
  valentinex my ears are stoppxd and cannot hear good newsx
    so much of bad already hath possessxd themx
  proteusx then in dumb silence will i bury minex
    for they are harshx untuneablex and badx
  valentinex is silvia deadx
  proteusx nox valentinex
  valentinex no valentinex indeedx for sacred silviax
    hath she forsworn mex
  proteusx nox valentinex
  valentinex no valentinex if silvia have forsworn mex
    what is your newsx
  launcex sirx there is a proclamation that you are vanishedx
  proteusx that thou art banishedx ox thatxs the newsxx
    from hencex from silviax and from me thy friendx
  valentinex ox i have fed upon this woe alreadyx
    and now excess of it will make me surfeitx
    doth silvia know that i am banishedx
  proteusx ayx ayx and she hath offered to the doomx
    whichx unreversxdx stands in effectual forcex
    a sea of melting pearlx which some call tearsx
    those at her fatherxs churlish feet she tenderxdx
    with themx upon her kneesx her humble selfx
    wringing her handsx whose whiteness so became them
    as if but now they waxed pale for woex
    but neither bended kneesx pure hands held upx
    sad sighsx deep groansx nor silverxshedding tearsx
    could penetrate her uncompassionate sirex
    but valentinex if he be taxenx must diex
    besidesx her intercession chafxd him sox
    when she for thy repeal was suppliantx
    that to close prison he commanded herx
    with many bitter threats of biding therex
  valentinex no morex unless the next word that thou speakxst
    have some malignant power upon my lifex
    if sox i pray thee breathe it in mine earx
    as ending anthem of my endless dolourx
  proteusx cease to lament for that thou canst not helpx
    and study help for that which thou lamentxstx
    time is the nurse and breeder of all goodx
    here if thou stay thou canst not see thy lovex
    besidesx thy staying will abridge thy lifex
    hope is a loverxs staffx walk hence with thatx
    and manage it against despairing thoughtsx
    thy letters may be herex though thou art hencex
    whichx being writ to mex shall be deliverxd
    even in the milkxwhite bosom of thy lovex
    the time now serves not to expostulatex
    comex ixll convey thee through the city gatex
    andx ere i part with theex confer at large
    of all that may concern thy love affairsx
    as thou lovxst silviax though not for thyselfx
    regard thy dangerx and along with mex
  valentinex i pray theex launcex an if thou seest my boyx
    bid him make haste and meet me at the northgatex
  proteusx gox sirrahx find him outx comex valentinex
  valentinex o my dear silviax hapless valentinex
                                    exeunt valentine and proteus
  launcex i am but a foolx look youx and yet i have the wit to think
    my master is a kind of a knavex but thatxs all one if he be but
    one knavex he lives not now that knows me to be in lovex yet i am
    in lovex but a team of horse shall not pluck that from mex nor
    who xtis i lovex and yet xtis a womanx but what woman i will not
    tell myselfx and yet xtis a milkmaidx yet xtis not a maidx for
    she hath had gossipsx yet xtis a maidx for she is her masterxs
    maid and serves for wagesx she hath more qualities than a
    waterxspanielx which is much in a bare christianx here is the
    catexlog  xpulling out a paperx  of her conditionx xinprimisx she
    can fetch and carryxx whyx a horse can do no morex nayx a horse
    cannot fetchx but only carryx therefore is she better than a
    jadex xitemx she can milkxx look youx a sweet virtue in a maid
    with clean handsx

                             enter speed

  speedx how nowx signior launcex what news with your mastershipx
  launcex with my masterxs shipx whyx it is at seax
  speedx wellx your old vice stillx mistake the wordx what newsx
    thenx in your paperx
  launcex the blackxst news that ever thou heardxstx
  speedx whyx manx how blackx
  launcex whyx as black as inkx
  speedx let me read themx
  launcex fie on theex joltxheadx thou canst not readx
  speedx thou liestx i canx
  launcex i will try theex tell me thisx who begot theex
  speedx marryx the son of my grandfatherx
  launcex o illiterate loitererx it was the son of thy grandmotherx
    this proves that thou canst not readx
  speedx comex foolx comex try me in thy paperx
  launcex  xhanding over the paperx  therex and saint nicholas be thy
    speedx
  speedx  xreadsx  xinprimisx she can milkxx
  launcex ayx that she canx
  speedx xitemx she brews good alexx
  launcex and thereof comes the proverbx blessing of your heartx you
    brew good alex
  speedx xitemx she can sewxx
  launcex thatxs as much as to say xcan she soxx
  speedx xitemx she can knitxx
  launcex what need a man care for a stock with a wenchx when she can
    knit him a stockx
  speedx xitemx she can wash and scourxx
  launcex a special virtuex for then she need not be washxd and
    scourxdx
  speedx xitemx she can spinxx
  launcex then may i set the world on wheelsx when she can spin for
    her livingx
  speedx xitemx she hath many nameless virtuesxx
  launcex thatxs as much as to say xbastard virtuesxx that indeed
    know not their fathersx and therefore have no namesx
  speedx xhere follow her vicesxx
  launcex close at the heels of her virtuesx
  speedx xitemx she is not to be kissxd fastingx in respect of her
    breathxx
  launcex wellx that fault may be mended with a breakfastx
    read onx
  speedx xitemx she hath a sweet mouthxx
  launcex that makes amends for her sour breathx
  speedx xitemx she doth talk in her sleepxx
  launcex itxs no matter for thatx so she sleep not in her talkx
  speedx xitemx she is slow in wordsxx
  launcex o villainx that set this down among her vicesx to be slow
    in words is a womanxs only virtuex i pray theex out withxtx and
    place it for her chief virtuex
  speedx xitemx she is proudxx
  launcex out with that toox it was evexs legacyx and cannot be taxen
    from herx
  speedx xitemx she hath no teethxx
  launcex i care not for that neitherx because i love crustsx
  speedx xitemx she is curstxx
  launcex wellx the best isx she hath no teeth to bitex
  speedx xitemx she will often praise her liquorxx
  launcex if her liquor be goodx she shallx if she will notx i willx
    for good things should be praisedx
  speedx xitemx she is too liberalxx
  launcex of her tongue she cannotx for thatxs writ down she is slow
    ofx of her purse she shall notx for that ixll keep shutx now of
    another thing she mayx and that cannot i helpx wellx proceedx
  speedx xitemx she hath more hair than witx and more faults
    than hairsx and more wealth than faultsxx
  launcex stop therex ixll have herx she was minex and not minex
    twice or thrice in that last articlex rehearse that once morex
  speedx xitemx she hath more hair than witxx
  launcex more hair than witx it may bex ixll prove itx the cover of
    the salt hides the saltx and therefore it is more than the saltx
    the hair that covers the wit is more than the witx for the
    greater hides the lessx whatxs nextx
  speedx xand more faults than hairsxx
  launcex thatxs monstrousx o that that were outx
  speedx xand more wealth than faultsxx
  launcex whyx that word makes the faults graciousx wellx ixll have
    herx an if it be a matchx as nothing is impossiblex
  speedx what thenx
  launcex whyx then will i tell theex that thy master stays for thee
    at the northgatex
  speedx for mex
  launcex for theex ayx who art thoux he hath stayxd for a better man
    than theex
  speedx and must i go to himx
  launcex thou must run to himx for thou hast stayxd so long that
    going will scarce serve the turnx
  speedx why didst not tell me soonerx pox of your love lettersx
 exit
  launcex now will he be swingxd for reading my letterx an unmannerly
    slave that will thrust himself into secretsx ixll afterx to
    rejoice in the boyxs correctionx                        exit

scene iix milanx the dukexs palace

enter duke and thurio

  dukex sir thuriox fear not but that she will love you
    now valentine is banishxd from her sightx
  thuriox since his exile she hath despisxd me mostx
    forsworn my company and railxd at mex
    that i am desperate of obtaining herx
  dukex this weak impress of love is as a figure
    trenched in icex which with an hourxs heat
    dissolves to water and doth lose his formx
    a little time will melt her frozen thoughtsx
    and worthless valentine shall be forgotx

                          enter proteus

    how nowx sir proteusx is your countrymanx
    according to our proclamationx gonex
  proteusx gonex my good lordx
  dukex my daughter takes his going grievouslyx
  proteusx a little timex my lordx will kill that griefx
  dukex so i believex but thurio thinks not sox
    proteusx the good conceit i hold of theex
    for thou hast shown some sign of good desertx
    makes me the better to confer with theex
  proteusx longer than i prove loyal to your grace
    let me not live to look upon your gracex
  dukex thou knowxst how willingly i would effect
    the match between sir thurio and my daughterx
  proteusx i dox my lordx
  dukex and alsox i thinkx thou art not ignorant
    how she opposes her against my willx
  proteusx she didx my lordx when valentine was herex
  dukex ayx and perversely she persevers sox
    what might we do to make the girl forget
    the love of valentinex and love sir thuriox
  proteusx the best way is to slander valentine
    with falsehoodx cowardicex and poor descentx
    three things that women highly hold in hatex
  dukex ayx but shexll think that it is spoke in hatex
  proteusx ayx if his enemy deliver itx
    therefore it must with circumstance be spoken
    by one whom she esteemeth as his friendx
  dukex then you must undertake to slander himx
  proteusx and thatx my lordx i shall be loath to dox
    xtis an ill office for a gentlemanx
    especially against his very friendx
  dukex where your good word cannot advantage himx
    your slander never can endamage himx
    therefore the office is indifferentx
    being entreated to it by your friendx
  proteusx you have prevailxdx my lordx if i can do it
    by aught that i can speak in his dispraisex
    she shall not long continue love to himx
    but say this weed her love from valentinex
    it follows not that she will love sir thuriox
  thuriox thereforex as you unwind her love from himx
    lest it should ravel and be good to nonex
    you must provide to bottom it on mex
    which must be done by praising me as much
    as you in worth dispraise sir valentinex
  dukex andx proteusx we dare trust you in this kindx
    because we knowx on valentinexs reportx
    you are already lovexs firm votary
    and cannot soon revolt and change your mindx
    upon this warrant shall you have access
    where you with silvia may confer at largex
    for she is lumpishx heavyx melancholyx
    andx for your friendxs sakex will be glad of youx
    where you may temper her by your persuasion
    to hate young valentine and love my friendx
  proteusx as much as i can do i will effectx
    but youx sir thuriox are not sharp enoughx
    you must lay lime to tangle her desires
    by wailful sonnetsx whose composed rhymes
    should be fullxfraught with serviceable vowsx
  dukex ayx
    much is the force of heavenxbred poesyx
  proteusx say that upon the altar of her beauty
    you sacrifice your tearsx your sighsx your heartx
    write till your ink be dryx and with your tears
    moist it againx and frame some feeling line
    that may discover such integrityx
    for orpheusx lute was strung with poetsx sinewsx
    whose golden touch could soften steel and stonesx
    make tigers tamex and huge leviathans
    forsake unsounded deeps to dance on sandsx
    after your direxlamenting elegiesx
    visit by night your ladyxs chamber window
    with some sweet consortx to their instruments
    tune a deploring dumpx the nightxs dead silence
    will well become such sweetxcomplaining grievancex
    thisx or else nothingx will inherit herx
  dukex this discipline shows thou hast been in lovex
  thuriox and thy advice this night ixll put in practicex
    thereforex sweet proteusx my directionxgiverx
    let us into the city presently
    to sort some gentlemen well skillxd in musicx
    i have a sonnet that will serve the turn
    to give the onset to thy good advicex
  dukex about itx gentlemenx
  proteusx wexll wait upon your grace till after supperx
    and afterward determine our proceedingsx
  dukex even now about itx i will pardon youx             exeunt

act ivx scene ix the frontiers of mantuax a forest

enter certain outlaws

  first outlawx fellowsx stand fastx i see a passengerx
  second outlawx if there be tenx shrink notx but down with xemx

                  enter valentine and speed

  third outlawx standx sirx and throw us that you have about yex
    if notx wexll make you sitx and rifle youx
  speedx sirx we are undonex these are the villains
    that all the travellers do fear so muchx
  valentinex my friendsx
  first outlawx thatxs not sox sirx we are your enemiesx
  second outlawx peacex wexll hear himx
  third outlawx ayx by my beardx will wex for he is a proper manx
  valentinex then know that i have little wealth to losex
    a man i am crossxd with adversityx
    my riches are these poor habilimentsx
    of which if you should here disfurnish mex
    you take the sum and substance that i havex
  second outlawx whither travel youx
  valentinex to veronax
  first outlawx whence came youx
  valentinex from milanx
  third outlawx have you long sojournxd therex
  valentinex some sixteen monthsx and longer might have stayxdx
    if crooked fortune had not thwarted mex
  first outlawx whatx were you banishxd thencex
  valentinex i wasx
  second outlawx for what offencex
  valentinex for that which now torments me to rehearsex
    i killxd a manx whose death i much repentx
    but yet i slew him manfully in fightx
    without false vantage or base treacheryx
  first outlawx whyx nexer repent itx if it were done sox
    but were you banishxd for so small a faultx
  valentinex i wasx and held me glad of such a doomx
  second outlawx have you the tonguesx
  valentinex my youthful travel therein made me happyx
    or else i often had been miserablex
  third outlawx by the bare scalp of robin hoodxs fat friarx
    this fellow were a king for our wild factionx
  first outlawx wexll have himx sirsx a wordx
  speedx masterx be one of themx itxs an honourable kind of thieveryx
  valentinex peacex villainx
  second outlawx tell us thisx have you anything to take tox
  valentinex nothing but my fortunex
  third outlawx knowx thenx that some of us are gentlemenx
    such as the fury of ungovernxd youth
    thrust from the company of awful menx
    myself was from verona banished
    for practising to steal away a ladyx
    an heirx and near allied unto the dukex
  second outlawx and i from mantuax for a gentleman
    whox in my moodx i stabbxd unto the heartx
  first outlawx and i for suchxlike petty crimes as thesex
    but to the purposex for we cite our faults
    that they may hold excusxd our lawless livesx
    andx partlyx seeing you are beautified
    with goodly shapex and by your own report
    a linguistx and a man of such perfection
    as we do in our quality much wantx
  second outlawx indeedx because you are a banishxd manx
    thereforex above the restx we parley to youx
    are you content to be our generalx
    to make a virtue of necessityx
    and live as we do in this wildernessx
  third outlawx what sayxst thoux wilt thou be of our consortx
    say xayx and be the captain of us allx
    wexll do thee homagex and be rulxd by theex
    love thee as our commander and our kingx
  first outlawx but if thou scorn our courtesy thou diestx
  second outlawx thou shalt not live to brag what we have offerxdx
  valentinex i take your offerx and will live with youx
    provided that you do no outrages
    on silly women or poor passengersx
  third outlawx nox we detest such vile base practicesx
    comex go with usx wexll bring thee to our crewsx
    and show thee all the treasure we have gotx
    whichx with ourselvesx all rest at thy disposex       exeunt

scene iix milanx outside the dukexs palacex under silviaxs window

enter proteus

  proteusx already have i been false to valentinex
    and now i must be as unjust to thuriox
    under the colour of commending him
    i have access my own love to preferx
    but silvia is too fairx too truex too holyx
    to be corrupted with my worthless giftsx
    when i protest true loyalty to herx
    she twits me with my falsehood to my friendx
    when to her beauty i commend my vowsx
    she bids me think how i have been forsworn
    in breaking faith with julia whom i lovxdx
    and notwithstanding all her sudden quipsx
    the least whereof would quell a loverxs hopex
    yetx spanielxlikex the more she spurns my love
    the more it grows and fawneth on her stillx

                 enter thurio and musicians

    but here comes thuriox now must we to her windowx
    and give some evening music to her earx
  thuriox how nowx sir proteusx are you crept before usx
  proteusx ayx gentle thuriox for you know that love
    will creep in service where it cannot gox
  thuriox ayx but i hopex sirx that you love not herex
  proteusx sirx but i dox or else i would be hencex
  thuriox whox silviax
  proteusx ayx silviax for your sakex
  thuriox i thank you for your ownx nowx gentlemenx
    letxs tunex and to it lustily awhilex

    enter at a distancex hostx and julia in boyxs clothes

  hostx nowx my young guestx methinks youxre allychollyx i pray youx
    why is itx
  juliax marryx mine hostx because i cannot be merryx
  hostx comex wexll have you merryx ixll bring you where you shall
    hear musicx and see the gentleman that you askxd forx
  juliax but shall i hear him speakx
  hostx ayx that you shallx                        xmusic playsx
  juliax that will be musicx
  hostx harkx harkx
  juliax is he among thesex
  hostx ayx but peacex letxs hear xemx

                   song
         who is silviax what is shex
           that all our swains commend herx
         holyx fairx and wise is shex
           the heaven such grace did lend herx
         that she might admired bex

         is she kind as she is fairx
           for beauty lives with kindnessx
         love doth to her eyes repairx
           to help him of his blindnessx
         andx being helpxdx inhabits therex

         then to silvia let us sing
           that silvia is excellingx
         she excels each mortal thing
           upon the dull earth dwellingx
         xto her let us garlands bringx

  hostx how nowx are you sadder than you were beforex
    how do youx manx the music likes you notx
  juliax you mistakex the musician likes me notx
  hostx whyx my pretty youthx
  juliax he plays falsex fatherx
  hostx howx out of tune on the stringsx
  juliax not sox but yet so false that he grieves my very
    heartxstringsx
  hostx you have a quick earx
  juliax ayx i would i were deafx it makes me have a slow heartx
  hostx i perceive you delight not in musicx
  juliax not a whitx when it jars sox
  hostx harkx what fine change is in the musicx
  juliax ayx that change is the spitex
  hostx you would have them always play but one thingx
  juliax i would always have one play but one thingx
    butx hostx doth this sir proteusx that we talk onx
    often resort unto this gentlewomanx
  hostx i tell you what launcex his manx told mex he lovxd her out of
    all nickx
  juliax where is launcex
  hostx gone to seek his dogx which toxmorrowx by his masterxs
    commandx he must carry for a present to his ladyx
  juliax peacex stand asidex the company partsx
  proteusx sir thuriox fear not youx i will so plead
    that you shall say my cunning drift excelsx
  thuriox where meet wex
  proteusx at saint gregoryxs wellx
  thuriox farewellx                  exeunt thurio and musicians

                  enter silvia abovex at her window

  proteusx madamx good evxn to your ladyshipx
  silviax i thank you for your musicx gentlemenx
    who is that that spakex
  proteusx onex ladyx if you knew his pure heartxs truthx
    you would quickly learn to know him by his voicex
  silviax sir proteusx as i take itx
  proteusx sir proteusx gentle ladyx and your servantx
  silviax whatxs your willx
  proteusx that i may compass yoursx
  silviax you have your wishx my will is even thisx
    that presently you hie you home to bedx
    thou subtlex perjurxdx falsex disloyal manx
    thinkxst thou i am so shallowx so conceitlessx
    to be seduced by thy flattery
    that hast deceivxd so many with thy vowsx
    returnx returnx and make thy love amendsx
    for mex by this pale queen of night i swearx
    i am so far from granting thy request
    that i despise thee for thy wrongful suitx
    and by and by intend to chide myself
    even for this time i spend in talking to theex
  proteusx i grantx sweet lovex that i did love a ladyx
    but she is deadx
  juliax  xasidex  xtwere falsex if i should speak itx
    for i am sure she is not buriedx
  silviax say that she bex yet valentinex thy friendx
    survivesx to whomx thyself art witnessx
    i am betrothxdx and art thou not ashamxd
    to wrong him with thy importunacyx
  proteusx i likewise hear that valentine is deadx
  silviax and so suppose am ix for in his grave
    assure thyself my love is buriedx
  proteusx sweet ladyx let me rake it from the earthx
  silviax go to thy ladyxs gravex and call hers thencex
    orx at the leastx in hers sepulchre thinex
  juliax  xasidex  he heard not thatx
  proteusx madamx if your heart be so obduratex
    vouchsafe me yet your picture for my lovex
    the picture that is hanging in your chamberx
    to that ixll speakx to that ixll sigh and weepx
    forx since the substance of your perfect self
    is else devotedx i am but a shadowx
    and to your shadow will i make true lovex
  juliax  xasidex  if xtwere a substancex you wouldx surex deceive it
    and make it but a shadowx as i amx
  silviax i am very loath to be your idolx sirx
    but since your falsehood shall become you well
    to worship shadows and adore false shapesx
    send to me in the morningx and ixll send itx
    and sox good restx
  proteusx as wretches have oxernight
    that wait for execution in the mornx
                                       exeunt proteus and silvia
  juliax hostx will you gox
  hostx by my halidomx i was fast asleepx
  juliax pray youx where lies sir proteusx
  hostx marryx at my housex trust mex i think xtis almost dayx
  juliax not sox but it hath been the longest night
    that exer i watchxdx and the most heaviestx           exeunt

scene iiix under silviaxs window

enter eglamour

  eglamourx this is the hour that madam silvia
    entreated me to call and know her mindx
    therexs some great matter shexd employ me inx
    madamx madamx

             enter silvia abovex at her window

  silviax who callsx
  eglamourx your servant and your friendx
    one that attends your ladyshipxs commandx
  silviax sir eglamourx a thousand times good morrowx
  eglamourx as manyx worthy ladyx to yourselfx
    according to your ladyshipxs imposex
    i am thus early come to know what service
    it is your pleasure to command me inx
  silviax o eglamourx thou art a gentlemanx
    think not i flatterx for i swear i do notx
    valiantx wisex remorsefulx well accomplishxdx
    thou art not ignorant what dear good will
    i bear unto the banishxd valentinex
    nor how my father would enforce me marry
    vain thuriox whom my very soul abhorsx
    thyself hast lovxdx and i have heard thee say
    no grief did ever come so near thy heart
    as when thy lady and thy true love diedx
    upon whose grave thou vowxdst pure chastityx
    sir eglamourx i would to valentinex
    to mantuax where i hear he makes abodex
    andx for the ways are dangerous to passx
    i do desire thy worthy companyx
    upon whose faith and honour i reposex
    urge not my fatherxs angerx eglamourx
    but think upon my griefx a ladyxs griefx
    and on the justice of my flying hence
    to keep me from a most unholy matchx
    which heaven and fortune still rewards with plaguesx
    i do desire theex even from a heart
    as full of sorrows as the sea of sandsx
    to bear me company and go with mex
    if notx to hide what i have said to theex
    that i may venture to depart alonex
  eglamourx madamx i pity much your grievancesx
    which since i know they virtuously are placxdx
    i give consent to go along with youx
    recking as little what betideth me
    as much i wish all good befortune youx
    when will you gox
  silviax this evening comingx
  eglamourx where shall i meet youx
  silviax at friar patrickxs cellx
    where i intend holy confessionx
  eglamourx i will not fail your ladyshipx good morrowx gentle ladyx
  silviax good morrowx kind sir eglamourx                 exeunt

scene ivx under silviaxs window

enter launce with his dog

  launcex when a manxs servant shall play the cur with himx look youx
  it goes hardx one that i brought up of a puppyx one that i savxd from
  drowningx when three or four of his blind brothers and sisters went
  to itx i have taught himx even as one would say precisely xthus i
  would teach a dogxx i was sent to deliver him as a present to
  mistress silvia from my masterx and i came no sooner into the
  diningxchamberx but he steps me to her trencher and steals her
  caponxs legx ox xtis a foul thing when a cur cannot keep himself in
  all companiesx i would havex as one should sayx one that takes upon
  him to be a dog indeedx to bex as it werex a dog at all thingsx if i
  had not had more wit than hex to take a fault upon me that he didx i
  think verily he had been hangxd forxtx sure as i livex he had
  sufferxd forxtx you shall judgex he thrusts me himself into the
  company of three or four gentlemanxlike dogs under the dukexs tablex
  he had not been therex bless the markx a pissing while but all the
  chamber smelt himx xout with the dogx says onex xwhat cur is thatxx
  says anotherx xwhip him outx says the thirdx xhang him upx says the
  dukex ix having been acquainted with the smell beforex knew it was
  crabx and goes me to the fellow that whips the dogsx xfriendxx quoth
  i xyou mean to whip the dogxx xayx marry do ix quoth hex xyou do him
  the more wrongxx quoth ix xtwas i did the thing you wot ofxx he makes
  me no more adox but whips me out of the chamberx how many masters
  would do this for his servantx nayx ixll be swornx i have sat in the
  stock for puddings he hath stolxnx otherwise he had been executedx i
  have stood on the pillory for geese he hath killxdx otherwise he had
  sufferxd forxtx thou thinkxst not of this nowx nayx i remember the
  trick you servxd me when i took my leave of madam silviax did not i
  bid thee still mark me and do as i dox when didst thou see me heave
  up my leg and make water against a gentlewomanxs farthingalex didst
  thou ever see me do such a trickx

               enter proteusx and julia in boyxs clothes

  proteusx sebastian is thy namex i like thee wellx
    and will employ thee in some service presentlyx
  juliax in what you pleasex ixll do what i canx
  proteusxxi hope thou wiltx  xto launcex  how nowx you whoreson
      peasantx
    where have you been these two days loiteringx
  launcex marryx sirx i carried mistress silvia the dog you bade mex
  proteusx and what says she to my little jewelx
  launcex marryx she says your dog was a curx and tells you currish
    thanks is good enough for such a presentx
  proteusx but she receivxd my dogx
  launcex nox indeedx did she notx here have i brought him back
    againx
  proteusx whatx didst thou offer her this from mex
  launcex ayx sirx the other squirrel was stolxn from me by the
    hangmanxs boys in the marketxplacex and then i offerxd her mine
    ownx who is a dog as big as ten of yoursx and therefore the gift
    the greaterx
  proteusx gox get thee hence and find my dog againx
    or nexer return again into my sightx
    awayx i sayx stayest thou to vex me herex        exit launce
    a slave that still an end turns me to shamex
    sebastianx i have entertained thee
    partly that i have need of such a youth
    that can with some discretion do my businessx
    for xtis no trusting to yond foolish loutx
    but chiefly for thy face and thy behaviourx
    whichx if my augury deceive me notx
    witness good bringing upx fortunex and truthx
    thereforex know thoux for this i entertain theex
    go presentlyx and take this ring with theex
    deliver it to madam silviax
    she lovxd me well deliverxd it to mex
  juliax it seems you lovxd not herx to leave her tokenx
    she is deadx belikex
  proteusx not sox i think she livesx
  juliax alasx
  proteusx why dost thou cry xalasxx
  juliax i cannot choose
    but pity herx
  proteusx wherefore shouldst thou pity herx
  juliax because methinks that she lovxd you as well
    as you do love your lady silviax
    she dreams on him that has forgot her lovex
    you dote on her that cares not for your lovex
    xtis pity love should be so contraryx
    and thinking on it makes me cry xalasxx
  proteusx wellx give her that ringx and therewithal
    this letterx thatxs her chamberx tell my lady
    i claim the promise for her heavenly picturex
    your message donex hie home unto my chamberx
    where thou shalt find me sad and solitaryx      exit proteus
  juliax how many women would do such a messagex
    alasx poor proteusx thou hast entertainxd
    a fox to be the shepherd of thy lambsx
    alasx poor foolx why do i pity him
    that with his very heart despiseth mex
    because he loves herx he despiseth mex
    because i love himx i must pity himx
    this ring i gave himx when he parted from mex
    to bind him to remember my good willx
    and now am ix unhappy messengerx
    to plead for that which i would not obtainx
    to carry that which i would have refusxdx
    to praise his faithx which i would have dispraisxdx
    i am my masterxs true confirmed lovex
    but cannot be true servant to my master
    unless i prove false traitor to myselfx
    yet will i woo for himx but yet so coldly
    asx heaven it knowsx i would not have him speedx

                     enter silviax attended

    gentlewomanx good dayx i pray you be my mean
    to bring me where to speak with madam silviax
  silviax what would you with herx if that i be shex
  juliax if you be shex i do entreat your patience
    to hear me speak the message i am sent onx
  silviax from whomx
  juliax from my masterx sir proteusx madamx
  silviax ox he sends you for a picturex
  juliax ayx madamx
  silviax ursulax bring my picture therex
    gox give your master thisx tell him from mex
    one juliax that his changing thoughts forgetx
    would better fit his chamber than this shadowx
  juliax madamx please you peruse this letterx
    pardon mex madamx i have unadvisxd
    deliverxd you a paper that i should notx
    this is the letter to your ladyshipx
  silviax i pray thee let me look on that againx
  juliax it may not bex good madamx pardon mex
  silviax therex holdx
    i will not look upon your masterxs linesx
    i know they are stuffxd with protestationsx
    and full of newxfound oathsx which he wul break
    as easily as i do tear his paperx
  juliax madamx he sends your ladyship this ringx
  silviax the more shame for him that he sends it mex
    for i have heard him say a thousand times
    his julia gave it him at his departurex
    though his false finger have profanxd the ringx
    mine shall not do his julia so much wrongx
  juliax she thanks youx
  silviax what sayxst thoux
  juliax i thank youx madamx that you tender herx
    poor gentlewomanx my master wrongs her muchx
  silviax dost thou know herx
  juliax almost as well as i do know myselfx
    to think upon her woesx i do protest
    that i have wept a hundred several timesx
  silviax belike she thinks that proteus hath forsook herx
  juliax i think she dothx and thatxs her cause of sorrowx
  silviax is she not passing fairx
  juliax she hath been fairerx madamx than she isx
    when she did think my master lovxd her wellx
    shex in my judgmentx was as fair as youx
    but since she did neglect her lookingxglass
    and threw her sunxexpelling mask awayx
    the air hath starvxd the roses in her cheeks
    and pinchxd the lilyxtincture of her facex
    that now she is become as black as ix
  silviax how tall was shex
  juliax about my staturex for at pentecostx
    when all our pageants of delight were playxdx
    our youth got me to play the womanxs partx
    and i was trimmxd in madam juliaxs gownx
    which served me as fitx by all menxs judgmentsx
    as if the garment had been made for mex
    therefore i know she is about my heightx
    and at that time i made her weep a goodx
    for i did play a lamentable partx
    madamx xtwas ariadne passioning
    for theseusx perjury and unjust flightx
    which i so lively acted with my tears
    that my poor mistressx moved therewithalx
    wept bitterlyx and would i might be dead
    if i in thought felt not her very sorrowx
  silviax she is beholding to theex gentle youthx
    alasx poor ladyx desolate and leftx
    i weep myselfx to think upon thy wordsx
    herex youthx there is my pursex i give thee this
    for thy sweet mistressx sakex because thou lovxst herx
    farewellx                        exit silvia with attendants
  juliax and she shall thank you forxtx if exer you know herx
    a virtuous gentlewomanx mild and beautifulx
    i hope my masterxs suit will be but coldx
    since she respects my mistressx love so muchx
    alasx how love can trifle with itselfx
    here is her picturex let me seex i thinkx
    if i had such a tirex this face of mine
    were full as lovely as is this of hersx
    and yet the painter flatterxd her a littlex
    unless i flatter with myself too muchx
    her hair is auburnx mine is perfect yellowx
    if that be all the difference in his lovex
    ixll get me such a colourxd periwigx
    her eyes are grey as glassx and so are minex
    ayx but her foreheadxs lowx and minexs as highx
    what should it be that he respects in her
    but i can make respective in myselfx
    if this fond love were not a blinded godx
    comex shadowx comex and take this shadow upx
    for xtis thy rivalx o thou senseless formx
    thou shalt be worshippxdx kissxdx lovxdx and adorxdx
    and were there sense in his idolatry
    my substance should be statue in thy steadx
    ixll use thee kindly for thy mistressx sakex
    that usxd me sox or elsex by jove i vowx
    i should have scratchxd out your unseeing eyesx
    to make my master out of love with theex                exit

act vx scene ix milanx an abbey

enter eglamour

  eglamourx the sun begins to gild the western skyx
    and now it is about the very hour
    that silvia at friar patrickxs cell should meet mex
    she will not failx for lovers break not hours
    unless it be to come before their timex
    so much they spur their expeditionx

                         enter silvia

    see where she comesx ladyx a happy eveningx
  silviax amenx amenx go onx good eglamourx
    out at the postern by the abbey wallx
    i fear i am attended by some spiesx
  eglamourx fear notx the forest is not three leagues offx
    if we recover thatx we are sure enoughx               exeunt

scene iix milanx the dukexs palace

enter thuriox proteusx and julia as sebastian

  thuriox sir proteusx what says silvia to my suitx
  proteusx ox sirx i find her milder than she wasx
    and yet she takes exceptions at your personx
  thuriox whatx that my leg is too longx
  proteusx nox that it is too littlex
  thuriox ixll wear a boot to make it somewhat rounderx
  juliax  xasidex  but love will not be spurrxd to what it loathesx
  thuriox what says she to my facex
  proteusx she says it is a fair onex
  thuriox nayx thenx the wanton liesx my face is blackx
  proteusx but pearls are fairx and the old saying isx
    black men are pearls in beauteous ladiesx eyesx
  juliax  xasidex  xtis truex such pearls as put out ladiesx eyesx
    for i had rather wink than look on themx
  thuriox how likes she my discoursex
  proteusx illx when you talk of warx
  thuriox but well when i discourse of love and peacex
  juliax  xasidex  but betterx indeedx when you hold your peacex
  thuriox what says she to my valourx
  proteusx ox sirx she makes no doubt of thatx
  juliax  xasidex  she needs notx when she knows it cowardicex
  thuriox what says she to my birthx
  proteusx that you are well derivxdx
  juliax  xasidex  truex from a gentleman to a foolx
  thuriox considers she my possessionsx
  proteusx ox ayx and pities themx
  thuriox whereforex
  juliax  xasidex  that such an ass should owe themx
  proteusx that they are out by leasex
  juliax here comes the dukex

                          enter duke

  dukex how nowx sir proteusx how nowx thuriox
    which of you saw sir eglamour of latex
  thuriox not ix
  proteusx nor ix
  dukex saw you my daughterx
  proteusx neitherx
  dukex why thenx
    shexs fled unto that peasant valentinex
    and eglamour is in her companyx
    xtis truex for friar lawrence met them both
    as he in penance wanderxd through the forestx
    him he knew wellx and guessxd that it was shex
    butx being maskxdx he was not sure of itx
    besidesx she did intend confession
    at patrickxs cell this evenx and there she was notx
    these likelihoods confirm her flight from hencex
    thereforex i pray youx stand not to discoursex
    but mount you presentlyx and meet with me
    upon the rising of the mountain foot
    that leads toward mantuax whither they are fledx
    dispatchx sweet gentlemenx and follow mex               exit
  thuriox whyx this it is to be a peevish girl
    that flies her fortune when it follows herx
    ixll afterx more to be revengxd on eglamour
    than for the love of reckless silviax                   exit
  proteusx and i will followx more for silviaxs love
    than hate of eglamourx that goes with herx              exit
  juliax and i will followx more to cross that love
    than hate for silviax that is gone for lovex            exit

scene iiix the frontiers of mantuax the forest

enter outlaws with silva

  first outlawx comex comex
    be patientx we must bring you to our captainx
  silviax a thousand more mischances than this one
    have learnxd me how to brook this patientlyx
  second outlawx comex bring her awayx
  first outlawx where is the gentleman that was with herx
  second outlawx being nimblexfootedx he hath outrun usx
    but moyses and valerius follow himx
    go thou with her to the west end of the woodx
    there is our captainx wexll follow him thatxs fledx
    the thicket is besetx he cannot xscapex
  first outlawx comex i must bring you to our captainxs cavex
    fear notx he bears an honourable mindx
    and will not use a woman lawlesslyx
  silviax o valentinex this i endure for theex            exeunt

scene ivx another part of the forest

enter valentine

  valentinex how use doth breed a habit in a manx
    this shadowy desertx unfrequented woodsx
    i better brook than flourishing peopled townsx
    here can i sit alonex unseen of anyx
    and to the nightingalexs complaining notes
    tune my distresses and record my woesx
    o thou that dost inhabit in my breastx
    leave not the mansion so long tenantlessx
    lestx growing ruinousx the building fall
    and leave no memory of what it wasx
    repair me with thy presencex silviax
    thou gentle nymphx cherish thy forlorn swainx
    what halloing and what stir is this toxdayx
    these are my matesx that make their wills their lawx
    have some unhappy passenger in chasex
    they love me wellx yet i have much to do
    to keep them from uncivil outragesx
    withdraw theex valentinex whoxs this comes herex
                                                   xsteps asidex

          enter proteusx silviax and julia as sebastian

  proteusx madamx this service i have done for youx
    though you respect not aught your servant dothx
    to hazard lifex and rescue you from him
    that would have forcxd your honour and your lovex
    vouchsafe mex for my meedx but one fair lookx
    a smaller boon than this i cannot begx
    and less than thisx i am surex you cannot givex
  valentinex  xasidex  how like a dream is this i see and hearx
    lovex lend me patience to forbear awhilex
  silviax o miserablex unhappy that i amx
  proteusx unhappy were youx madamx ere i camex
    but by my coming i have made you happyx
  silviax by thy approach thou makxst me most unhappyx
  juliax  xasidex  and mex when he approacheth to your presencex
  silviax had i been seized by a hungry lionx
    i would have been a breakfast to the beast
    rather than have false proteus rescue mex
    ox heaven be judge how i love valentinex
    whose lifexs as tender to me as my soulx
    and full as muchx for more there cannot bex
    i do detest falsex perjurxd proteusx
    therefore be gonex solicit me no morex
  proteusx what dangerous actionx stood it next to deathx
    would i not undergo for one calm lookx
    ox xtis the curse in lovex and still approvxdx
    when women cannot love where theyxre belovxdx
  silviax when proteus cannot love where hexs belovxdx
    read over juliaxs heartx thy first best lovex
    for whose dear sake thou didst then rend thy faith
    into a thousand oathsx and all those oaths
    descended into perjuryx to love mex
    thou hast no faith left nowx unless thouxdst twox
    and thatxs far worse than nonex better have none
    than plural faithx which is too much by onex
    thou counterfeit to thy true friendx
  proteusx in lovex
    who respects friendx
  silviax all men but proteusx
  proteusx nayx if the gentle spirit of moving words
    can no way change you to a milder formx
    ixll woo you like a soldierx at armsx endx
    and love you xgainst the nature of lovex force yex
  silviax o heavenx
  proteusx ixll force thee yield to my desirex
  valentinex ruffianx let go that rude uncivil touchx
    thou friend of an ill fashionx
  proteusx valentinex
  valentinex thou common friendx thatxs without faith or lovex
    for such is a friend nowx treacherous manx
    thou hast beguilxd my hopesx nought but mine eye
    could have persuaded mex now i dare not say
    i have one friend alivex thou wouldst disprove mex
    who should be trustedx when onexs own right hand
    is perjured to the bosomx proteusx
    i am sorry i must never trust thee morex
    but count the world a stranger for thy sakex
    the private wound is deepestx o time most accurstx
    xmongst all foes that a friend should be the worstx
  proteusx my shame and guilt confounds mex
    forgive mex valentinex if hearty sorrow
    be a sufficient ransom for offencex
    i tender xt herex i do as truly suffer
    as exer i did commitx
  valentinex then i am paidx
    and once again i do receive thee honestx
    who by repentance is not satisfied
    is nor of heaven nor earthx for these are pleasxdx
    by penitence thx eternalxs wrathxs appeasxdx
    andx that my love may appear plain and freex
    all that was mine in silvia i give theex
  juliax o me unhappyx                                  xswoonsx
  proteusx look to the boyx
  valentinex whyx boyx whyx wagx how nowx
    whatxs the matterx look upx speakx
  juliax o good sirx my master chargxd me to deliver a ring to madam
    silviax whichx out of my neglectx was never donex
  proteusx where is that ringx boyx
  juliax here xtisx this is itx
  proteusx howx let me seex whyx this is the ring i gave to juliax
  juliax ox cry you mercyx sirx i have mistookx
    this is the ring you sent to silviax
  proteusx but how camxst thou by this ringx
    at my depart i gave this unto juliax
  juliax and julia herself did give it mex
    and julia herself have brought it hitherx
  proteusx howx juliax
  juliax behold her that gave aim to all thy oathsx
    and entertainxd xem deeply in her heartx
    how oft hast thou with perjury cleft the rootx
    o proteusx let this habit make thee blushx
    be thou ashamxd that i have took upon me
    such an immodest raimentx if shame live
    in a disguise of lovex
    it is the lesser blotx modesty findsx
    women to change their shapes than men their mindsx
  proteusx than men their mindsx xtis truex o heavenx were man
    but constantx he were perfectx that one error
    fills him with faultsx makes him run through all thx sinsx
    inconstancy falls off ere it beginsx
    what is in silviaxs face but i may spy
    more fresh in juliaxs with a constant eyex
  valentinex comex comex a hand from eitherx
    let me be blest to make this happy closex
    xtwere pity two such friends should be long foesx
  proteusx bear witnessx heavenx i have my wish for everx
  juliax and i minex

                enter outlawsx with duke and thurio

  outlawx a prizex a prizex a prizex
  valentinex forbearx forbearx i sayx it is my lord the dukex
    your grace is welcome to a man disgracxdx
    banished valentinex
  dukex sir valentinex
  thuriox yonder is silviax and silviaxs minex
  valentinex thuriox give backx or else embrace thy deathx
    come not within the measure of my wrathx
    do not name silvia thinex if once againx
    verona shall not hold theex here she stands
    take but possession of her with a touchx
    i dare thee but to breathe upon my lovex
  thuriox sir valentinex i care not for herx ix
    i hold him but a fool that will endanger
    his body for a girl that loves him notx
    i claim her notx and therefore she is thinex
  dukex the more degenerate and base art thou
    to make such means for her as thou hast done
    and leave her on such slight conditionsx
    nowx by the honour of my ancestryx
    i do applaud thy spiritx valentinex
    and think thee worthy of an empressx lovex
    know thenx i here forget all former griefsx
    cancel all grudgex repeal thee home againx
    plead a new state in thy unrivallxd meritx
    to which i thus subscribex sir valentinex
    thou art a gentlemanx and well derivxdx
    take thou thy silviax for thou hast deservxd herx
  valentinex i thank your gracex the gift hath made me happyx
    i now beseech youx for your daughterxs sakex
    to grant one boon that i shall ask of youx
  dukex i grant it for thine ownx whatexer it bex
  valentinex these banishxd menx that i have kept withalx
    are men enduxd with worthy qualitiesx
    forgive them what they have committed herex
    and let them be recallxd from their exilex
    they are reformedx civilx full of goodx
    and fit for great employmentx worthy lordx
  dukex thou hast prevailxdx i pardon themx and theex
    dispose of them as thou knowxst their desertsx
    comex let us gox we will include all jars
    with triumphsx mirthx and rare solemnityx
  valentinex andx as we walk alongx i dare be bold
    with our discourse to make your grace to smilex
    what think you of this pagex my lordx
  dukex i think the boy hath grace in himx he blushesx
  valentinex i warrant youx my lordx more grace than boyx
  dukex what mean you by that sayingx
  valentinex please youx ixll tell you as we pass alongx
    that you will wonder what hath fortunedx
    comex proteusx xtis your penance but to hear
    the story of your loves discoveredx
    that donex our day of marriage shall be yoursx
    one feastx one housex one mutual happinessx     exeunt




the two noble kinsmenx

presented at the blackfriers by the kings maiesties servantsx with
great applausex

written by the memorable worthies of their timex

mr john fletcherx gentxx and
mr william shakspearex gentx

printed at london by thox cotesx for john watersonx and are to be sold
at the signe of the crowne in pauls churchxyardx xxxxx

xthe persons represented in the playx

hymenx
theseusx
hippolitax bride to theseus
emeliax sister to theseus
xemeliaxs womanxx
nymphsx
three queensx
three valiant knightsx
palamonx and
arcitex the two noble kinsmenx in love with fair emelia
xvaleriusxx
perithousx
xa heraldxx
xa gentlemanxx
xa messengerxx
xa servantxx
xwooerxx
xkeeperxx
jaylorx
his daughterx in love with palamon
xhis brotherxx
xa doctorxx
xxx countreymenx
xx friends of the jaylorxx
xx knightsxx
xnelx and otherx
wenchesx
a taborerx
gerroldx a schoolmasterxx

prologuex

xflorishxx

new playesx and maydenheadsx are neare a kinx
much followxd bothx for both much mony gxynx
if they stand soundx and wellx and a good play
xwhose modest sceanes blush on his marriage dayx
and shake to loose his honourx is like hir
that after holy tye and first nights stir
yet still is modestiex and still retaines
more of the maid to sightx than husbands painesx
we pray our play may be sox for i am sure
it has a noble breederx and a purex
a learnedx and a poet never went
more famous yet twixt po and silver trentx
chaucer xof all admirxdx the story givesx
there constant to eternity it livesx
if we let fall the noblenesse of thisx
and the first sound this child hearex be a hissex
how will it shake the bones of that good manx
and make him cry from under groundx xo fan
from me the witles chaffe of such a wrighter
that blastes my bayesx and my famxd workes makes lighter
then robin hoodxx  this is the feare we bringx
for to say truthx it were an endlesse thingx
and too ambitiousx to aspire to himx
weake as we arex and almost breathlesse swim
in this deepe waterx  do but you hold out
your helping handsx and we shall take aboutx
and something doe to save usx you shall heare
sceanesx though below his artx may yet appeare
worth two houres travellx  to his bones sweet sleepex
content to youx  if this play doe not keepe
a little dull time from usx we perceave
our losses fall so thickex we must needs leavex  xflorishxx

act i

scene xx xathensx  before a templexx

xenter hymen with a torch burningx a boyx in a white robe before
 singingx and strewing flowresx after hymenx a nimphx encompast
in
 her tressesx bearing a wheaten garlandx  then theseus betweene
 two other nimphs with wheaten chaplets on their headesx  then
 hipolita the bridex lead by pirithousx and another holding a
 garland over her head xher tresses likewise hangingxx  after
 her emilia holding up her trainex  xartesius and attendantsxxx

the songx  xmusikexx

roses their sharpe spines being gonx
not royall in their smels alonex
but in their hewx
maiden pinckesx of odour faintx
dazies smelxlessex yet most quaint
and sweet time truex

primxrose first borne child of verx
merry spring times herbingerx
with her bels dimmex
oxlipsx in their cradles growingx
maryxgoldsx on death beds blowingx
larkesxheeles trymmex

all deere natures children sweetex
ly fore bride and bridegroomes feetex  xstrew flowersxx
blessing their sencex
not an angle of the airex
bird melodiousx or bird fairex
is absent hencex

the crowx the slaundrous cuckoex nor
the boding ravenx nor chough hore
nor chattring piex
may on our bridehouse pearch or singx
or with them any discord bringx
but from it flyx

xenter xx queenes in blackex with vailes staindx with imperiall
 crownesx  the xx queene fals downe at the foote of theseusx the
 xx fals downe at the foote of hypolitax  the xx before emiliaxx

xx queenx
for pitties sake and true gentilitiesx
hearex and respect mex

xx queenx
for your mothers sakex
and as you wish your womb may thrive with faire onesx
heare and respect mex

xx queen
now for the love of him whom iove hath markd
the honour of your bedx and for the sake
of cleere virginityx be advocate
for usx and our distressesx  this good deede
shall raze you out oxth booke of trespasses
all you are set downe therex

theseusx
sad ladyx risex

hippolitax
stand upx

emiliax
no knees to mex
what woman i may steed that is distrestx
does bind me to herx

theseusx
whatxs your requestx  deliver you for allx

xx queenx
we are xx queenesx whose soveraignes fel before
the wrath of cruell creonx who endured
the beakes of ravensx tallents of the kightsx
and pecks of crowesx in the fowle feilds of thebsx
he will not suffer us to burne their bonesx
to urne their ashesx nor to take thx offence
of mortall loathsomenes from the blest eye
of holy phoebusx but infects the windes
with stench of our slaine lordsx  o pittyx dukex
thou purger of the earthx draw thy feard sword
that does good turnes toxth worldx give us the bones
of our dead kingsx that we may chappell themx
and of thy boundles goodnes take some note
that for our crowned heades we have no roofex
save this which is the lyonsx and the bearesx
and vault to every thingx

theseusx
pray youx kneele notx
i was transported with your speechx and sufferxd
your knees to wrong themselvesx i have heard the fortunes
of your dead lordsx which gives me such lamenting
as wakes my vengeancex and revenge forxemx
king capaneus was your lordx the day
that he should marry youx at such a seasonx
as now it is with mex i met your groomex
by marsis altarx you were that time fairex
not iunos mantle fairer then your tressesx
nor in more bounty spread herx  your wheaten wreathe
was then nor threashdx nor blastedx fortune at you
dimpled her cheeke with smilesx hercules our kinesman
xthen weaker than your eiesx laide by his clubx
he tumbled downe upon his nemean hide
and swore his sinews thawdx o greifex and timex
fearefull consumersx you will all devourex

xx queenx
ox i hope some godx
some god hath put his mercy in your manhood
whereto heel infuse powrex and presse you forth
our undertakerx

theseusx
o no kneesx nonex widdowx
vnto the helmeted belona use themx
and pray for me your souldierx
troubled i amx  xturnes awayxx

xx queenx
honoured hypolitax
most dreaded amazonianx that hast slaine
the sithxtuskd borex that with thy arme as strong
as it is whitex wast neere to make the male
to thy sex captivex but that this thy lordx
borne to uphold creation in that honour
first nature stilde it inx shrunke thee into
the bownd thou wast orexflowingx at once subduing
thy forcex and thy affectionx soldiresse
that equally canst poize sternenes with pittyx
whom now i know hast much more power on him
then ever he had on theex who owxst his strength
and his love toox who is a servant for
the tenour of thy speechx deere glasse of ladiesx
bid him that wex whom flaming war doth scortchx
vnder the shaddow of his sword may coole usx
require him he advance it ore our headesx
speakxt in a womans keyx like such a woman
as any of us threex weepe ere you failex
lend us a kneex
but touch the ground for us no longer time
then a doves motionx when the headxs pluckt offx
tell him if he ixth blood cizd field lay swolnex
showing the sun his teethx grinning at the moonex
what you would doex

hippolitax
poore ladyx say no morex
i had as leife trace this good action with you
as that whereto i am goingx and never yet
went i so willing wayx  my lord is taken
hart deepe with your distressex let him considerx
ile speake anonx

xx queenx
o my petition was  xkneele to emiliaxx
set downe in ycex which by hot greefe uncandied
melts into dropsx so sorrowx wanting formex
is prest with deeper matterx

emiliax
pray stand upx
your greefe is written in your cheekex

xx queenx
o woex
you cannot reade it therex there through my tearesx
like wrinckled peobles in a glassie streame
you may behold xemx  ladyx ladyx alackex
he that will all the treasure know oxth earth
must know the center toox he that will fish
for my least minnowx let him lead his line
to catch one at my heartx  o pardon mex
extremityx that sharpens sundry witsx
makes me a foolex

emiliax
pray you say nothingx pray youx
who cannot feele nor see the rainex being inxtx
knowes neither wet nor dryx if that you were
the groundxpeece of some painterx i would buy you
txinstruct me gainst a capitall greefe indeedx
such heart peircxd demonstrationx butx alasx
being a naturall sifter of our sex
your sorrow beates so ardently upon mex
that it shall make a counter reflect gainst
my brothers heartx and warme it to some pittyx
though it were made of stonex prayx have good comfortx

theseusx
forward toxth templex leave not out a iot
oxth sacred ceremonyx

xx queenx
ox this celebration
will long lastx and be more costly then
your suppliants warx remember that your fame
knowles in the eare oxth worldx what you doe quickly
is not done rashlyx your first thought is more
then others laboured meditancex your premeditating
more then their actionsx butx oh iovex your actionsx
soone as they moovesx as asprayes doe the fishx
subdue before they touchx thinkex deere dukex thinke
what beds our slaine kings havex

xx queenx
what greifes our bedsx
that our deere lords have nonex

xx queenx
none fit for xth deadx
those that with cordesx knivesx drams precipitancex
weary of this worlds lightx have to themselves
beene deathes most horrid agentsx humaine grace
affords them dust and shaddowx

xx queenx
but our lords
ly blistring fore the visitating sunnex
and were good kingsx when livingx

theseusx
it is truex and i will give you comfortx
to give your dead lords gravesx the which to doex
must make some worke with creonx

xx queenx
and that worke presents it selfe toxth doingx
now twill take formex the heates are gone to morrowx
thenx booteles toyle must recompence it selfe
with itxs owne sweatx now hexs securex
not dreames we stand before your puissance
wrinching our holy begging in our eyes
to make petition cleerex

xx queenx
now you may take himx drunke with his victoryx

xx queenx
and his army full of breadx and slothx

theseusx
artesiusx that best knowest
how to draw out fit to this enterprise
the primxst for this proceedingx and the number
to carry such a businessex forth and levy
our worthiest instrumentsx whilst we despatch
this grand act of our lifex this daring deede
of fate in wedlockex

xx queenx
dowagersx take handsx
let us be widdowes to our woesx delay
commends us to a famishing hopex

allx
farewellx

xx queenx
we come unseasonablyx but when could greefe
cull forthx as unpanged judgement canx fitxst time
for best solicitationx

theseusx
whyx good ladiesx
this is a servicex whereto i am goingx
greater then any wasx it more imports me
then all the actions that i have foregonex
or futurely can copex

xx queenx
the more proclaiming
our suit shall be neglectedx when her armes
able to locke iove from a synodx shall
by warranting moonexlight corslet theex ohx when
her twyning cherries shall their sweetnes fall
vpon thy tastefull lipsx what wilt thou thinke
of rotten kings or blubberd queenesx what care
for what thou feelst notx what thou feelst being able
to make mars spurne his dromx  ox if thou couch
but one night with herx every howre inxt will
take hostage of thee for a hundredx and
thou shalt remember nothing more then what
that banket bids thee toox

hippolitax
though much unlike  xkneelingxx
you should be so transportedx as much sorry
i should be such a suitourx yet i thinkex
did i not by thxabstayning of my joyx
which breeds a deeper longingx cure their surfeit
that craves a present medcinex i should plucke
all ladies scandall on mex  thereforex sirx
as i shall here make tryall of my prayresx
either presuming them to have some forcex
or sentencing for ay their vigour dombex
prorogue this busines we are going aboutx and hang
your sheild afore your heartx about that necke
which is my ffeex and which i freely lend
to doe these poore queenes servicex

all queensx
oh helpe nowx
our cause cries for your kneex

emiliax
if you grant not  xkneelingxx
my sister her petition in that forcex
with that celerity and naturex which
shee makes it inx from henceforth ile not dare
to aske you any thingx nor be so hardy
ever to take a husbandx

theseusx
pray stand upx
i am entreating of my selfe to doe
that which you kneele to have mex  pyrithousx
leade on the bridex get you and pray the gods
for successex and returnex omit not any thing
in the pretended celebrationx  queenesx
follow your soldierx  as beforex hence you  xto artesiusx
and at the banckes of aulis meete us with
the forces you can raisex where we shall finde
the moytie of a numberx for a busines
more bigger lookxtx  since that our theame is hastex
i stamp this kisse upon thy currant lippex
sweetex keepe it as my tokenx  set you forwardx
for i will see you gonex  xexeunt towards the templexx
farewellx my beauteous sisterx pyrithousx
keepe the feast fullx bate not an howre onxtx

perithousx
sirx
ile follow you at heelesx the feasts solempnity
shall want till your returnex

theseusx
cosenx i charge you
boudge not from athensx we shall be returning
ere you can end this feastx of whichx i pray youx
make no abatementx once morex farewell allx

xx queenx
thus doxst thou still make good the tongue oxth worldx

xx queenx
and earnst a deity equal with marsx

xx queenx
if not above himx for
thou being but mortall makest affections bend
to godlike honoursx they themselvesx some sayx
grone under such a mastryx

theseusx
as we are menx
thus should we doex being sensually subdudex
we loose our humane tytlex  good cheerex ladiesx  xflorishxx
now turne we towards your comfortsx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xthebsxx

xenter palamonx and arcitexx

arcitex
deere palamonx deerer in love then blood
and our prime cosenx yet unhardned in
the crimes of naturex let us leave the citty
thebsx and the temptings inxtx before we further
sully our glosse of youthx
and here to keepe in abstinence we shame
as in incontinencex for not to swim
ixth aide oxth current were almost to sinckex
at least to frustrate strivingx and to follow
the common streamex twold bring us to an edy
where we should turne or drownex if labour throughx
our gaine but lifex and weakenesx

palamonx
your advice
is cride up with examplex what strange ruins
since first we went to schoolex may we perceive
walking in thebsx  skarsx and bare weedes
the gaine oxth martialistx who did propound
to his bold ends honourx and golden ingotsx
which though he wonx he had notx and now flurted
by peace for whom he foughtx who then shall offer
to marsis so scornd altarx i doe bleede
when such i meetex and wish great iuno would
resume her ancient fit of ielouzie
to get the soldier workex that peace might purge
for her repletionx and retaine anew
her charitable heart now hardx and harsher
then strife or war could bex

arcitex
are you not outx
meete you no ruine but the soldier in
the cranckes and turnes of thebsx you did begin
as if you met decaies of many kindesx
perceive you nonex that doe arowse your pitty
but thxunxconsiderd soldierx

palamonx
yesx i pitty
decaies where ere i finde themx but such most
thatx sweating in an honourable toylex
are paide with yce to coole xemx

arcitex
tis not this
i did begin to speake ofx this is vertue
of no respect in thebsx i spake of thebs
how dangerous if we will keepe our honoursx
it is for our resydingx where every evill
hath a good cullorx where evexry seeming goodxs
a certaine evillx where not to be evxn iumpe
as they arex here were to be strangersx and
such things to bex meere monstersx

palamonx
tis in our powerx
xvnlesse we feare that apes can tutorxsx to
be masters of our mannersx what neede i
affect anothers gatex which is not catching
where there is faithx or to be fond upon
anothers way of speechx when by mine owne
i may be reasonably conceivxdx savxd toox
speaking it trulyx why am i bound
by any generous bond to follow him
followes his taylorx haply so long untill
the followxd make pursuitx or let me knowx
why mine owne barber is unblestx with him
my poore chinne toox for tis not cizard iust
to such a favorites glassex what cannon is there
that does command my rapier from my hip
to danglext in my handx or to go tip toe
before the streete be foulex  either i am
the forexhorse in the teamex or i am none
that draw ixth sequent tracex these poore sleight sores
neede not a plantinx that which rips my bosome
almost toxth heartxsx

arcitex
our vncle creonx

palamonx
hex
a most unbounded tyrantx whose successes
makes heaven unfeardx and villany assured
beyond its power therexs nothingx almost puts
faith in a feavourx and deifies alone
voluble chancex who onely attributes
the faculties of other instruments
to his owne nerves and actx commands men servicex
and what they winne inxtx boot and gloryx onxex
that feares not to do harmx goodx dares notx let
the blood of mine thatxs sibbe to him be suckt
from me with leechesx let them breake and fall
off me with that corruptionx

arcitex
cleere spirited cozenx
lets leave his courtx that we may nothing share
of his lowd infamyx for our milke
will relish of the pasturex and we must
be vile or disobedientx not his kinesmen
in bloodx unlesse in qualityx

palamonx
nothing truerx
i thinke the ecchoes of his shames have deaxft
the eares of heavxnly iusticex widdows cryes
descend againe into their throatesx and have not

xenter valeriusxx

due audience of the godsxxvaleriusx

valeriusx
the king cals for youx yet be leaden footedx
till his great rage be off himx  phebusx when
he broke his whipstocke and exclaimd against
the horses of the sunx but whisperd too
the lowdenesse of his furyx

palamonx
small windes shake himx
but whats the matterx

valeriusx
theseus xwho where he threates appalsxx hath sent
deadly defyance to himx and pronounces
ruine to thebsx who is at hand to seale
the promise of his wrathx

arcitex
let him approachx
but that we feare the gods in himx he brings not
a jot of terrour to usx yet what man
thirds his owne worth xthe case is each of oursx
when that his actions dregd with minde assurd
tis bad he goes aboutx

palamonx
leave that unreasondx
our services stand now for thebsx not creonx
yet to be neutrall to him were dishonourx
rebellious to opposex therefore we must
with him stand to the mercy of our fatex
who hath bounded our last minutex

arcitex
so we mustx
ist sed this warres a footex or it shall bex
on faile of some conditionx

valeriusx
tis in motion
the intelligence of state came in the instant
with the defierx

palamonx
lets to the kingx whox were he
a quarter carrier of that honour which
his enemy come inx the blood we venture
should be as for our healthx which were not spentx
rather laide out for purchasex butx alasx
our hands advancxd before our heartsx what will
the fall oxth stroke doe damagex

arcitex
let thxeventx
that never erring arbitratourx tell us
when we know all our selvesx and let us follow
the becking of our chancex  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xbefore the gates of athensxx

xenter pirithousx hipolitax emiliaxx

perithousx
no furtherx

hippolitax
sirx farewellx repeat my wishes
to our great lordx of whose succes i dare not
make any timerous questionx yet i wish him
exces and overflow of powerx andxt might bex
to dure illxdealing fortunex speede to himx
store never hurtes good gouernoursx

perithousx
though i know
his ocean needes not my poore dropsx yet they
must yeild their tribute therex  my precious maidex
those best affectionsx that the heavens infuse
in their best temperd peicesx keepe enthroand
in your deare heartx

emiliax
thanckesx sirx  remember me
to our all royall brotherx for whose speede
the great bellona ile sollicitex and
since in our terrene state petitions are not
without giftes understoodx ile offer to her
what i shall be advised she likesx our hearts
are in his armyx in his tentx

hippolitax
inxs bosomex
we have bin soldiersx and wee cannot weepe
when our friends don their helmesx or put to seax
or tell of babes broachd on the launcex or women
that have sod their infants in xand after eate themx
the brinex they wept at killing xemx then if
you stay to see of us such spincstersx we
should hold you here for everx

perithousx
peace be to youx
as i pursue this warx which shall be then
beyond further requiringx  xexit pirxx

emiliax
how his longing
followes his friendx since his departx his sportes
though craving seriousnesx and skillx past slightly
his careles executionx where nor gaine
made him regardx or losse considerx but
playing one busines in his handx another
directing in his headx his mindex nurse equall
to these so diffring twynsxhave you observxd himx
since our great lord departedx

hippolitax
with much labourx
and i did love him fortx they two have cabind
in many as dangerousx as poore a cornerx
perill and want contendingx they have skift
torrents whose roring tyranny and power
ixth least of these was dreadfullx and they have
fought out togetherx where deathsxselfe was lodgdx
yet fate hath brought them offx their knot of lovex
tidex weauxdx intangledx with so truex so longx
and with a finger of so deepe a cunningx
may be outwornex never undonex  i thinke
theseus cannot be umpire to himselfex
cleaving his conscience into twaine and doing
each side like iusticex which he loves bestx

emiliax
doubtlesse
there is a bestx and reason has no manners
to say it is not youx i was acquainted
once with a timex when i enjoyd a playxfellowx
you were at warsx when she the grave enrichdx
who made too proud the bedx tooke leave o th moone
xwhich then lookt pale at partingx when our count
was each elevenx

hippolitax
twas flauixnxax

emiliax
yesx
you talke of pirithous and theseus lovex
theirs has more groundx is more maturely seasondx
more buckled with strong iudgement and their needes
the one of thxother may be said to water  xxx hearses ready
 with palamonx and arcitex the xx queenesx  theseusx and his
 lordes readyxx
their intertangled rootes of lovex but i
and shee i sigh and spoke of were things innocentx
louxd for we didx and like the elements
that know not whatx nor whyx yet doe effect
rare issues by their operancex our soules
did so to one anotherx what she likxdx
was then of me approovxdx what notx condemdx
no more arraignmentx the flowre that i would plucke
and put betweene my breasts xthen but beginning
to swell about the blossomex ohx she would long
till shee had such anotherx and commit it
to the like innocent cradlex where phenix like
they dide in perfumex on my head no toy
but was her patternex her affections xprettyx
thoughx happelyx her careles werex i followed
for my most serious deckingx had mine eare
stolne some new airex or at adventure humd on
from musicall coynadgex why it was a note
whereon her spirits would sojourne xrather dwell onx
and sing it in her slumbersx  this rehearsall
xwhich evxry innocent wots well comes in
like old importments bastardx has this endx
that the true love tweene maydex and maydex may be
more then in sex idividuallx

hippolitax
yxare out of breath
and this high speeded pacex is but to say
that you shall never like the maide flavina
love any thatxs calld manx

emiliax
i am sure i shall notx

hippolitax
nowx alackex weake sisterx
i must no more beleeve thee in this point
xthough inxt i know thou dost beleeve thy selfexx
then i will trust a sickely appetitex
that loathes even as it longsx butx surex my sisterx
if i were ripe for your perswasionx you
have saide enough to shake me from the arme
of the all noble theseusx for whose fortunes
i will now inx and kneele with great assurancex
that wex more then his pirothousx possesse
the high throne in his heartx

emiliax
i am not
against your faithx yet i continew minex  xexeuntx cornetsxx

scene xx  xa field before thebesx  dead bodies lying on the groundxx

xa battaile strooke withinx then a retraitx florishx  then
 enter theseus xvictorxx xherald and attendantsxx the three
 queenes meete himx and fall on their faces before himxx

xx queenx
to thee no starre be darkex

xx queenx
both heaven and earth
friend thee for everx

xx queenx
all the good that may
be wishd upon thy headx i cry amen tooxtx

theseusx
thximparciall godsx who from the mounted heavens
view us their mortall heardx behold who errex
and in their time chasticex goe and finde out
the bones of your dead lordsx and honour them
with treble ceremoniex rather then a gap
should be in their deere rightsx we would supplyxtx
but those we will deputex which shall invest
you in your dignitiesx and even each thing
our hast does leave imperfectx sox adiewx
and heavens good eyes looke on youx  what are thosex  xexeunt
queenesxx

heraldx
men of great qualityx as may be judgd
by their appointmentx sone of thebs have toldxs
they are sisters childrenx nephewes to the kingx

theseusx
byxth helme of marsx i saw them in the warx
like to a paire of lionsx smeard with preyx
make lanes in troopes agastx  i fixt my note
constantly on themx for they were a marke
worth a godxs viewx what prisoner wasxt that told me
when i enquired their namesx

heraldx
wixleavex theyxr called arcite and palamonx

theseusx
tis rightx thosex thosex  they are not deadx

heraldx
nor in a state of lifex had they bin takenx
when their last hurts were givenx twas possible  xxx hearses
readyxx
they might have bin recoveredx yet they breathe
and haue the name of menx

theseusx
then like men use xemx
the very lees of such xmillions of ratesx
exceede the wine of othersx all our surgions
convent in their behoofex our richest balmes
rather then niggardx waftx their lives concerne us
much more then thebs is worthx rather then have xem
freed of this plightx and in their morning state
xsound and at libertyx i would xem deadx
but forty thousand fold we had rather have xem
prisoners to us then deathx  beare xem speedily
from our kinde airex to them unkindex and minister
what man to man may doexfor our sake morex
since i have knowne frightsx furyx friends beheastesx
loves provocationsx zealex a mistris taskex
desire of libertyx a feavourx madnesx
hath set a marke which nature could not reach too
without some impositionx sicknes in will
or wrastling strength in reasonx  for our love
and great appollos mercyx all our best
their best skill tenderx  leade into the cittyx
where having bound things scatterdx we will post  xflorishxx
to athens forxex our army  xexeuntx  musickexx

scene xx  xanother part of the samexx

xenter the queenes with the hearses of their knightesx in a
 funerall solempnityx xcxx

vrnes and odours bring awayx
vapoursx sighesx darken the dayx
our dole more deadly lookes than dyingx
balmesx and gummesx and heavy cheeresx
sacred vials fillxd with tearesx
and clamors through the wild ayre flyingx

come all sad and solempne showesx
that are quickxeyd pleasures foesx
we convent nought else but woesx
we conventx xcx

xx queenx
this funeral path brings to your housholds gravex
ioy ceaze on you againex peace sleepe with himx

xx queenx
and this to yoursx

xx queenx
yours this wayx heavens lend
a thousand differing waies to one sure endx

xx queenx
this worldxs a citty full of straying streetesx and deathxs the market
placex where each one meetesx  xexeunt severallyxx

act ii

scene xx  xathensx  a gardenx with a prison in the backgroundxx

xenter iailorx and wooerxx

iailorx
i may depart with littlex while i livex some thing i may cast to youx
not muchx alasx the prison i keepex though it be for great onesx yet
they seldome comex before one salmonx you shall take a number of
minnowesx  i am given out to be better lynxd then it can appeare to me
report is a true speakerx i would i were really that i am deliverd to
bex  marryx what i have xbe it what it willx i will assure upon my
daughter at the day of my deathx

wooerx
sirx i demaund no more then your owne offerx and i will estate
your
daughter in what i have promisedx

iailorx
welx we will talke more of thisx when the solemnity is pastx  but have
you a full promise of herx  when that shall be seenex i tender my
consentx

xenter daughterxx

wooerx
i have sirx here shee comesx

iailorx
your friend and i have chanced to name you herex upon the old businesx
but no more of that nowx so soone as the court hurry is overx we will
have an end of itx ixth meane time looke tenderly to the two prisonersx
 i can tell you they are princesx

daughterx
these strewings are for their chamberx tis pitty they are in prisonx
and twer pitty they should be outx i doe thinke they have patience to
make any adversity ashamxdx the prison it selfe is proud of xemx and
they have all the world in their chamberx

iailorx
they are famxd to be a paire of absolute menx

daughterx
by my trothx i think fame but stammers xemx they stand a greise above
the reach of reportx

iailorx
i heard them reported in the battaile to be the only doersx

daughterx
nayx most likelyx for they are noble suffrersx i mervaile how they
would have lookd had they beene victorsx that with such a constant
nobility enforce a freedome out of bondagex making misery their mirthx
and affliction a toy to jest atx

iailorx
doe they sox

daughterx
it seemes to me they have no more sence of their captivityx then i of
ruling athensx they eate wellx looke merrilyx discourse of many thingsx
but nothing of their owne restraintx and disastersx yet sometime a
devided sighx martyrd as xtwer ixth deliverancex will breake from one
of themx when the other presently gives it so sweete a rebukex that i
could wish my selfe a sigh to be so chidx or at least a sigher to be
comfortedx

wooerx
i never saw xemx

iailorx
the duke himselfe came privately in the nightx

xenter palamonx and arcitex abovexx

and so did theyx what the reason of it isx i know notx lookex yonder
they arex thatxs arcite lookes outx

daughterx
nox sirx nox thatxs palamonx arcite is the lower of the twainex you may
perceive a part of himx

iailorx
goe toox leave your pointingx they would not make us their objectx out
of their sightx

daughterx
it is a holliday to looke on themx lordx the diffrence of menx
 xexeuntxx

scene xx  xthe prisonx

xenter palamonx and arcite in prisonxx

palamonx
how doe youx noble cosenx

arcitex
how doe youx sirx

palamonx
why strong inough to laugh at miseryx
and beare the chance of warrex yet we are prisonersx
i fearex for everx cosenx

arcitex
i beleeve itx
and to that destiny have patiently
laide up my houre to comex

palamonx
o cosen arcitex
where is thebs nowx where is our noble countryx
where are our friendsx and kindredsx never more
must we behold those comfortsx never see
the hardy youthes strive for the games of honour
xhung with the painted favours of their ladiesx
like tall ships under sailex then start amongxst xem
and as an eastwind leave xen all behinde usx
like lazy clowdesx whilst palamon and arcitex
even in the wagging of a wanton leg
outxstript the peoples praisesx won the garlandsx
ere they have time to wish xem oursx  o never
shall we two exercisex like twyns of honourx
our armes againex and feele our fyry horses
like proud seas under usx our good swords now
xbetter the redxeyd god of war nevxr worex
ravishd our sidesx like age must run to rustx
and decke the temples of those gods that hate usx
these hands shall never drawxem out like lightningx
to blast whole armies morex

arcitex
nox palamonx
those hopes are prisoners with usx here we are
and here the graces of our youthes must wither
like a tooxtimely springx here age must finde usx
andx which is heaviestx palamonx unmarriedx
the sweete embraces of a loving wifex
loden with kissesx armd with thousand cupids
shall never claspe our neckesx no issue know usx
no figures of our selves shall we evxr seex
to glad our agex and like young eagles teach xem
boldly to gaze against bright armesx and sayx
xremember what your fathers werex and conquerxx
the fairexeyd maidesx shall weepe our banishmentsx
and in their songsx curse everxblinded fortunex
till shee for shame see what a wrong she has done
to youth and naturex  this is all our worldx
we shall know nothing here but one anotherx
heare nothing but the clocke that tels our woesx
the vine shall growx but we shall never see itx
sommer shall comex and with her all delightsx
but deadxcold winter must inhabite here stillx

palamonx
tis too truex arcitex  to our theban houndesx
that shooke the aged forrest with their ecchoesx
no more now must we halloax no more shake
our pointed iavelynsx whilst the angry swine
flyes like a parthian quiver from our ragesx
strucke with our wellxsteeld dartsx all valiant uses
xthe foodex and nourishment of noble mindesxx
in us two here shall perishx we shall die
xwhich is the curse of honourx lastly
children of greifex and ignorancex

arcitex
yetx cosenx
even from the bottom of these miseriesx
from all that fortune can inflict upon usx
i see two comforts rysingx two meere blessingsx
if the gods pleasex to hold here a brave patiencex
and the enjoying of our greefes togetherx
whilst palamon is with mex let me perish
if i thinke this our prisonx

palamonx
certeinlyx
tis a maine goodnesx cosenx that our fortunes
were twynxd togetherx tis most truex two soules
put in two noble bodiesxlet xem suffer
the gaule of hazardx so they grow togetherx
will never sinckex they must notx say they couldx
a willing man dies sleepingx and allxs donex

arcitex
shall we make worthy uses of this place
that all men hate so muchx

palamonx
howx gentle cosenx

arcitex
letxs thinke this prison holy sanctuaryx
to keepe us from corruption of worse menx
we are young and yet desire the waies of honourx
that liberty and common conversationx
the poyson of pure spiritsx might like women
wooe us to wander fromx  what worthy blessing
can be but our imaginations
may make it oursx  and heere being thus togetherx
we are an endles mine to one anotherx
we are one anothers wifex ever begetting
new birthes of lovex we are fatherx friendsx acquaintancex
we arex in one anotherx familiesx
i am your heirex and you are minex this place
is our inheritancex no hard oppressour
dare take this from usx herex with a little patiencex
we shall live longx and lovingx no surfeits seeke usx
the hand of war hurts none herex nor the seas
swallow their youthx were we at libertyx
a wife might part us lawfullyx or businesx
quarrels consume usx envy of ill men
grave our acquaintancex i might sickenx cosenx
where you should never know itx and so perish
without your noble hand to close mine eiesx
or praiers to the godsx a thousand chauncesx
were we from hencex would seaver usx

palamonx
you have made me
xi thanke youx cosen arcitex almost wanton
with my captivityx what a misery
it is to live abroadex and every wherex
tis like a beastx me thinkesx i finde the court herex
i am surex a more contentx and all those pleasures
that wooe the wils of men to vanityx
i see through nowx and am sufficient
to tell the worldx tis but a gaudy shaddowx
that old timex as he passes byx takes with himx
what had we binx old in the court of creonx
where sin is iusticex lust and ignorance
the vertues of the great onesx cosen arcitex
had not the loving gods found this place for usx
we had died as they doex ill old menx unweptx
and had their epitaphesx the peoples cursesx
shall i say morex

arcitex
i would heare you stillx

palamonx
ye shallx
is there record of any two that lovxd
better then we doex arcitex

arcitex
surex there cannotx

palamonx
i doe not thinke it possible our friendship
should ever leave usx

arcitex
till our deathes it cannotx

xenter emilia and her woman xbelowxxx

and after death our spirits shall be led
to those that love eternallyx  speake onx sirx

emiliax
this garden has a world of pleasures inxtx
what flowre is thisx

womanx
tis calld narcissusx madamx

emiliax
that was a faire boyx certainex but a foolex
to love himselfex were there not maides enoughx

arcitex
pray forwardx

palamonx
yesx

emiliax
or were they all hard heartedx

womanx
they could not be to one so fairex

emiliax
thou wouldst notx

womanx
i thinke i should notx madamx

emiliax
thatxs a good wenchx
but take heede to your kindnes thoughx

womanx
whyx madamx

emiliax
men are mad thingsx

arcitex
will ye goe forwardx cosenx

emiliax
canst not thou worke such flowers in silkex wenchx

womanx
yesx

emiliax
ile have a gowne full of xemx and of thesex
this is a pretty colourx wilt not doe
rarely upon a skirtx wenchx

womanx
deintyx madamx

arcitex
cosenx cosenx how doe youx sirx  whyx palamonx

palamonx
never till now i was in prisonx arcitex

arcitex
why whats the matterx manx

palamonx
beholdx and wonderx
by heavenx shee is a goddessex

arcitex
hax

palamonx
doe reverencex  she is a goddessex arcitex

emiliax
of all flowresx me thinkes a rose is bestx

womanx
whyx gentle madamx

emiliax
it is the very embleme of a maidex
for when the west wind courts her gentlyx
how modestly she blowesx and paints the sunx
with her chaste blushesx  when the north comes neere herx
rude and impatientx thenx like chastityx
shee lockes her beauties in her bud againex
and leaves him to base briersx

womanx
yetx good madamx
sometimes her modesty will blow so far
she fals forxtx a maydex
if shee have any honourx would be loth
to take example by herx

emiliax
thou art wantonx

arcitex
she is wondrous fairex

palamonx
she is beauty extantx

emiliax
the sun grows highx lets walk inx keep these flowersx
weele see how neere art can come neere their coloursx
i am wondrous merry heartedx i could laugh nowx

womanx
i could lie downex i am surex

emiliax
and take one with youx

womanx
thatxs as we bargainex madamx

emiliax
wellx agree thenx  xexeunt emilia and womanxx

palamonx
what thinke you of this beautyx

arcitex
tis a rare onex

palamonx
isxt but a rare onex

arcitex
yesx a matchles beautyx

palamonx
might not a man well lose himselfe and love herx

arcitex
i cannot tell what you have donex i havex
beshrew mine eyes forxtx now i feele my shacklesx

palamonx
you love herx thenx

arcitex
who would notx

palamonx
and desire herx

arcitex
before my libertyx

palamonx
i saw her firstx

arcitex
thatxs nothingx

palamonx
but it shall bex

arcitex
i saw her toox

palamonx
yesx but you must not love herx

arcitex
i will not as you doex to worship herx
as she is heavenlyx and a blessed goddesx
i love her as a womanx to enjoy herx
so both may lovex

palamonx
you shall not love at allx

arcitex
not love at allx
who shall deny mex

palamonx
ix that first saw herx ix that tooke possession
first with mine eyes of all those beauties
in her reveald to mankindex if thou louxst herx
or entertainxst a hope to blast my wishesx
thou art a traytourx arcitex and a fellow
false as thy title to herx friendshipx bloodx
and all the tyes betweene us i disclaimex
if thou once thinke upon herx

arcitex
yesx i love herx
and if the lives of all my name lay on itx
i must doe sox i love her with my soulex
if that will lose yex farewellx palamonx
i say againex i lovex and in loving her maintaine
i am as worthy and as free a loverx
and have as just a title to her beauty
as any palamon or any living
that is a mans sonnex

palamonx
have i cald thee friendx

arcitex
yesx and have found me sox why are you movxd thusx
let me deale coldly with youx am not i
part of your bloodx part of your soulex you have told me
that i was palamonx and you were arcitex

palamonx
yesx

arcitex
am not i liable to those affectionsx
those joyesx greifesx angersx fearesx my friend shall sufferx

palamonx
ye may bex

arcitex
whyx thenx would you deale so cunninglyx
so strangelyx so vnlike a noble kinesmanx
to love alonex speake truelyx doe you thinke me
vnworthy of her sightx

palamonx
nox but unjustx
if thou pursue that sightx

arcitex
because an other
first sees the enemyx shall i stand still
and let mine honour downex and never chargex

palamonx
yesx if he be but onex

arcitex
but say that one
had rather combat mex

palamonx
let that one say sox
and use thy freedomex els if thou pursuest herx
be as that cursed man that hates his countryx
a branded villainex

arcitex
you are madx

palamonx
i must bex
till thou art worthyx arcitex it concernes mex
and in this madnesx if i hazard thee
and take thy lifex i deale but truelyx

arcitex
fiex sirx
you play the childe extreamelyx i will love herx
i mustx i ought to doe sox and i darex
and all this justlyx

palamonx
o that nowx that now
thy falsexselfe and thy friend had but this fortunex
to be one howre at libertyx and graspe
our good swords in our handsx i would quickly teach thee
what xtwer to filch affection from anotherx
thou art baser in it then a cutpursex
put but thy head out of this window morex
and as i have a soulex ile naile thy life tooxtx

arcitex
thou darxst notx foolex thou canst notx thou art feeblex
put my head outx  ile throw my body outx
and leape the gardenx when i see her next

xenter keeperxx

and pitch between her armes to anger theex

palamonx
no morex the keeperxs commingx i shall live
to knocke thy braines out with my shacklesx

arcitex
doex

keeperx
by your leavex gentlemenx

palamonx
nowx honest keeperx

keeperx
lord arcitex you must presently toxth dukex
the cause i know not yetx

arcitex
i am readyx keeperx

keeperx
prince palamonx i must awhile bereave you
of your faire cosens companyx  xexeunt arcitex and keeperxx

palamonx
and me toox
even when you pleasex of lifex  why is he sent forx
it may be he shall marry herx hexs goodlyx
and like enough the duke hath taken notice
both of his blood and bodyx but his falsehoodx
why should a friend be treacherousx  if that
get him a wife so noblex and so fairex
let honest men nexre love againex  once more
i would but see this faire onex  blessed gardenx
and fruitex and flowers more blessedx that still blossom
as her bright eies shine on yex would i werex
for all the fortune of my life hereafterx
yon little treex yon blooming apricockex
how i would spreadx and fling my wanton armes
in at her windowx i would bring her fruite
fit for the gods to feed onx youth and pleasure
still as she tasted should be doubled on herx
and if she be not heavenlyx i would make her
so neere the gods in naturex they should feare herx

xenter keeperxx

and then i am sure she would love mex  how nowx keeperx
wherxs arcitex

keeperx
banishdx prince pirithous
obtained his libertyx but never more
vpon his oth and life must he set foote
vpon this kingdomex

palamonx
hees a blessed manx
he shall see thebs againex and call to armes
the bold yong menx thatx when he bids xem chargex
fall on like firex arcite shall have a fortunex
if he dare make himselfe a worthy loverx
yet in the feild to strike a battle for herx
and if he lose her thenx hexs a cold cowardx
how bravely may he beare himselfe to win her
if he be noble arcitexthousand waiesx
were i at libertyx i would doe things
of such a vertuous greatnesx that this ladyx
this blushing virginex should take manhood to her
and seeke to ravish mex

keeperx
my lord for you
i have this charge toox

palamonx
to discharge my lifex

keeperx
nox but from this place to remoove your lordshipx
the windowes are too openx

palamonx
devils take xemx
that are so envious to mex prexthee kill mex

keeperx
and hang forxt afterwardx

palamonx
by this good lightx
had i a sword i would kill theex

keeperx
whyx my lordx

palamonx
thou bringst such pelting scuruy news continually
thou art not worthy lifex  i will not goex

keeperx
indeedex you mustx my lordx

palamonx
may i see the gardenx

keeperx
noex

palamonx
then i am resoludx i will not goex

keeperx
i must constraine you thenx and for you are dangerousx
ile clap more yrons on youx

palamonx
doex good keeperx
ile shake xem sox ye shall not sleepex
ile make ye a new morrissex must i goex

keeperx
there is no remedyx

palamonx
farewellx kinde windowx
may rude winde never hurt theex  ox my ladyx
if ever thou hast felt what sorrow wasx
dreame how i sufferx  comex now bury mex  xexeunt palamonx and
keeperxx

scene xx  xthe country near athensx

xenter arcitexx

arcitex
banishd the kingdomex tis a benefitx
a mercy i must thanke xem forx but banishd
the free enjoying of that face i die forx
oh twas a studdied punishmentx a death
beyond imaginationx such a vengeance
thatx were i old and wickedx all my sins
could never plucke upon mex  palamonx
thou haxst the start nowx thou shalt stay and see
her bright eyes breake each morning gainst thy windowx
and let in life into theex thou shalt feede
vpon the sweetenes of a noble beautyx
that nature nevxr exceededx nor nevxr shallx
good godsx what happines has palamonx
twenty to onex heexle come to speake to herx
and if she be as gentle as shexs fairex
i know shexs hisx he has a tongue will tame
tempestsx and make the wild rockes wantonx
come what can comex
the worst is deathx i will not leave the kingdomex
i know mine owne is but a heape of ruinsx
and no redresse therex if i goex he has herx
i am resoluxd an other shape shall make mex
or end my fortunesx  either wayx i am happyx
ile see herx and be neere herx or no morex

xenter xx country peoplex x one with a garlond before themxx

xx countreyman
my mastersx ile be therex thatxs certaine

xx countreyman
and ile be therex

xx countreyman
and ix

xx countreyman
whyx thenx have with yex boyesx tis but a chidingx
let the plough play to dayx ile tickxlt out
of the iades tailes to morrowx

xx countreyman
i am sure
to have my wife as jealous as a turkeyx
but thatxs all onex ile goe throughx let her mumblex

xx countreyman
clap her aboard to morrow nightx and stoa herx
and allxs made up againex

xx countreyman
ix doe but put a feskue in her fistx and you shall see her
take a new lesson outx and be a good wenchx
doe we all hold against the mayingx

xx countreyman
holdx what should aile usx

xx countreyman
arcas will be therex

xx countreyman
and sennoisx
and rycasx and xx better lads nevxr dancd
under green treex  and yee know what wenchesx hax
but will the dainty dominex the schoolemasterx
keep touchx doe you thinkex for he doxs allx ye knowx

xx countreyman
heexl eate a hornebooke ere he failex goe toox the matterxs too farre
driven betweene him and the tanners daughterx to let slip nowx and she
must see the dukex and she must daunce toox

xx countreyman
shall we be lustyx

xx countreyman
all the boyes in athens blow wind ixth breech onxsx and heere ile be
and there ile bex for our townex and here againex and there againex hax
boyesx heigh for the weaversx

xx countreyman
this must be done ixth woodsx

xx countreyman
ox pardon mex

xx countreyman
by any meanesx our thing of learning saies sox
where he himselfe will edifie the duke
most parlously in our behalfesx hees excellent ixth woodsx
bring him toxth plainesx his learning makes no cryx

xx countreyman
weele see the sportsx thenx every man toxs tacklex
andx sweete companionsx lets rehearse by any meanesx
before the ladies see usx and doe sweetlyx
and god knows what may come onxtx

xx countreyman
contentx the sports once endedx weexl performex
awayx boyes and holdx

arcitex
by your leavesx honest friendsx pray youx whither goe youx

xx countreyman
whitherx whyx what a questionxs thatx

arcitex
yesx tis a questionx to me that know notx

xx countreyman
to the gamesx my friendx

xx countreyman
where were you bredx you know it notx

arcitex
not farrex sirx
are there such games to dayx

xx countreyman
yesx marryx are therex
and such as you neuer sawx the duke himselfe
will be in person therex

arcitex
what pastimes are theyx

xx countreyman
wrastlingx and runningxxtis a pretty fellowx

xx countreyman
thou wilt not goe alongx

arcitex
not yetx sirx

xx countreyman
wellx sirx
take your owne timex comex boyesx

xx countreyman
my minde misgives mex
this fellow has a vengxance tricke oxth hipx
marke how his bodixs made forxt

xx countreyman
ile be hangdx thoughx
if he dare venturex hang himx plumb porredgex
he wrastlex he rost eggsx comex lets be gonx ladsx  xexeuntxx

arcitex
this is an offerd oportunity
i durst not wish forx  well i could have wrestledx
the best men calld it excellentx and runx
swifter the winde upon a feild of corne
xcurling the wealthy earesx never flewx ile venturex
and in some poore disguize be therex who knowes
whether my browes may not be girt with garlandsx
and happines preferre me to a placex
where i may ever dwell in sight of herx  xexit arcitexx

scene xx  xathensx  a room in the prisonxx

xenter iailors daughter alonexx

daughterx
why should i love this gentlemanx  tis odds
he never will affect mex i am basex
my father the meane keeper of his prisonx
and he a princex to marry him is hopelessex
to be his whore is witlesx  out uponxtx
what pushes are we wenches driven tox
when fifteene once has found usx  firstx i saw himx
i xseeingx thought he was a goodly manx
he has as much to please a woman in himx
xif he please to bestow it sox as ever
these eyes yet lookt onx  nextx i pittied himx
and so would any young wenchx ox my consciencex
that ever dreamxdx or vowxd her maydenhead
to a yong hansom manx then i lovxd himx
extreamely lovxd himx infinitely lovxd himx
and yet he had a cosenx faire as he toox
but in my heart was palamonx and therex
lordx what a coyle he keepesx  to heare him
sing in an eveningx what a heaven it isx
and yet his songs are sad onesx  fairer spoken
was never gentlemanx  when i come in
to bring him water in a morningx first
he bowes his noble bodyx then salutes mex thusx
xfairex gentle maydex good morrowx may thy goodnes
get thee a happy husbandxx  once he kist mex
i lovxd my lips the better ten daies afterx
would he would doe so evxry dayx  he greives muchx
and me as much to see his miseryx
what should i doex to make him know i love himx
for i would faine enjoy himx  say i venturxd
to set him freex what saies the law thenx  thus much
for lawx or kindredx  i will doe itx
and this nightx or to morrowx he shall love mex  xexitxx

scene xx  xan open place in athensxx

xenter theseusx hipolitax pirithousx emiliax arcite with a
garlandx xcxx

xthis short florish of cornets and showtes withinxx

theseusx
you have done worthilyx i have not seenex
since herculesx a man of tougher synewesx
what ere you arex you run the bestx and wrastlex
that these times can allowx

arcitex
i am proud to please youx

theseusx
what countrie bred youx

arcitex
thisx but far offx princex

theseusx
are you a gentlemanx

arcitex
my father said sox
and to those gentle uses gave me lifex

theseusx
are you his heirex

arcitex
his yongestx sirx

theseusx
your father
sure is a happy sire thenx what prooves youx

arcitex
a little of all noble quallitiesx
i could have kept a hawkex and well have holloaxd
to a deepe crie of doggesx i dare not praise
my feat in horsemanshipx yet they that knew me
would say it was my best peecex lastx and greatestx
i would be thought a souldierx

theseusx
you are perfectx

perithousx
vpon my soulex a proper manx

emiliax
he is sox

perithousx
how doe you like himx ladiex

hippolitax
i admire himx
i have not seene so yong a man so noble
xif he say truexx of his sortx

emiliax
beleevex
his mother was a wondrous handsome womanx
his facex me thinkesx goes that wayx

hippolitax
but his body
and firie minde illustrate a brave fatherx

perithousx
marke how his vertuex like a hidden sunx
breakes through his baser garmentsx

hippolitax
heexs well gotx surex

theseusx
what made you seeke this placex sirx

arcitex
noble theseusx
to purchase namex and doe my ablest service
to such a wellxfound wonder as thy worthx
for onely in thy courtx of all the worldx
dwells fairexeyd honorx

perithousx
all his words are worthyx

theseusx
sirx we are much endebted to your travellx
nor shall you loose your wishx perithousx
dispose of this faire gentlemanx

perithousx
thankesx theseusx
what ere you are yxar minex and i shall give you
to a most noble servicex to this ladyx
this bright yong virginx prayx observe her goodnessex
you have honourd hir faire birthxday with your vertuesx
and as your due yxar hirsx kisse her faire handx sirx

arcitex
sirx yxar a noble giverx dearest bewtiex
thus let me seale my vowd faithx when your servant
xyour most unworthie creaturex but offends youx
command him diex he shallx

emiliax
that were too cruellx
if you deserve wellx sirx i shall soone seextx
yxar minex and somewhat better than your rancke
ile use youx

perithousx
ile see you furnishxdx and because you say
you are a horsemanx i must needs intreat you
this after noone to ridex but tis a rough onex

arcitex
i like him betterx princex i shall not then
freeze in my saddlex

theseusx
sweetx you must be readiex
and youx emiliax and youx friendx and allx
to morrow by the sunx to doe observance
to flowry mayx in dians woodx waite wellx sirx
vpon your mistrisx  emelyx i hope
he shall not goe a footex

emiliax
that were a shamex sirx
while i have horsesx take your choicex and what
you want at any timex let me but know itx
if you serve faithfullyx i dare assure you
youxl finde a loving mistrisx

arcitex
if i doe notx
let me finde that my father ever hatedx
disgrace and blowesx

theseusx
gox leade the wayx you have won itx
it shall be sox you shall receave all dues
fit for the honour you have wonx twer wrong elsex
sisterx beshrew my heartx you have a servantx
thatx if i were a womanx would be masterx
but you are wisex  xflorishxx

emiliax
i hope too wise for thatx sirx  xexeunt omnesxx

scene xx  xbefore the prisonxx

xenter iaylors daughter alonexx

daughterx
let all the dukesx and all the divells rorex
he is at libertyx i have venturd for himx
and out i have brought him to a little wood
a mile hencex  i have sent himx where a cedarx
higher than all the restx spreads like a plane
fast by a brookex and there he shall keepe closex
till i provide him fyles and foodex for yet
his yron bracelets are not offx  o lovex
what a stout hearted child thou artx  my father
durst better have indurxd cold yronx than done itx
i love him beyond love and beyond reasonx
or witx or safetiex i have made him know itx
i care notx i am desperatex if the law
finde mex and then condemne me forxtx some wenchesx
some honest harted maidesx will sing my dirgex
and tell to memory my death was noblex
dying almost a martyrx that way he takesx
i purpose is my way toox sure he cannot
be so unmanlyx as to leave me herex
if he doex maides will not so easily
trust men againex and yet he has not thankxd me
for what i have donex no not so much as kist mex
and that xme thinkesx is not so wellx nor scarcely
could i perswade him to become a freemanx
he made such scruples of the wrong he did
to mex and to my fatherx  yet i hopex
when he considers morex this love of mine
will take more root within himx let him doe
what he will with mex so he use me kindlyx
for use me so he shallx or ile proclaime himx
and to his facex no manx  ile presently
provide him necessariesx and packe my cloathes upx
and where there is a patch of ground ile venturex
so hee be with mex by himx like a shadowx
ile ever dwellx within this houre the whoobub
will be all ore the prisonx i am then
kissing the man they looke forx farewellx fatherx
get many more such prisoners and such daughtersx
and shortly you may keepe your selfex  now to himx

act iii

scene xx  xa forest near athensxx

xcornets in sundry placesx  noise and hallowing as people a
mayingxx

xenter arcite alonexx

arcitex
the duke has lost hypolitax each tooke
a severall landx  this is a solemne right
they owe bloomd mayx and the athenians pay it
toxth heart of ceremonyx  o queene emiliax
fresher then mayx sweeter
then hir gold buttons on the bowesx or all
thxenamelld knackes oxth meade or gardenx yeax
we challenge too the bancke of any nymph
that makes the streame seeme flowersx thoux o iewell
oxth woodx oxth worldx hast likewise blest a place
with thy sole presencex in thy rumination
that ix poore manx might eftsoones come betweene
and chop on some cold thoughtx thrice blessed chancex
to drop on such a mistrisx expectation
most giltlesse onxtx tell mex o lady fortunex
xnext after emely my soveraignex how far
i may be prowdx  she takes strong note of mex
hath made me neere herx and this beuteous morne
xthe primxst of all the yearex presents me with
a brace of horsesx two such steeds might well
be by a paire of kings backtx in a field
that their crownes titles tridex  alasx alasx
poore cosen palamonx poore prisonerx thou
so little dreamxst upon my fortunex that
thou thinkst thy selfe the happier thingx to be
so neare emiliax me thou deemxst at thebsx
and therein wretchedx although freex  but if
thou knewxst my mistris breathd on mex and that
i earxd her languagex livde in her eyex o cozx
what passion would enclose theex

xenter palamon as out of a bushx with his shacklesx bends his fist at
arcitexx

palamonx
traytor kinesmanx
thou shouldst perceive my passionx if these signes
of prisonment were off mex and this hand
but owner of a swordx by all othes in onex
i and the iustice of my love would make thee
a confest traytorx  o thou most perfidious
that ever gently lookdx the voydest of honourx
that euxr bore gentle tokenx falsest cosen
that ever blood made kinx callxst thou hir thinex
ile prove it in my shacklesx with these handsx
void of appointmentx that thou lyxstx and art
a very theefe in lovex a chaffy lordx
nor worth the name of villainex had i a sword
and these house clogges awayx

arcitex
deere cosin palamonx

palamonx
cosoner arcitex give me language such
as thou hast shewd me featex

arcitex
not finding in
the circuit of my breast any grosse stuffe
to forme me like your blazonx holds me to
this gentlenesse of answerx tis your passion
that thus mistakesx the which to you being enemyx
cannot to me be kindx honorx and honestie
i cherishx and depend onx how so evxr
you skip them in mex and with themx faire cozx
ile maintaine my proceedingsx prayx be pleasxd
to shew in generous termes your griefesx since that
your questionxs with your equallx who professes
to cleare his owne way with the minde and sword
of a true gentlemanx

palamonx
that thou durstx arcitex

arcitex
my cozx my cozx you have beene well advertisxd
how much i darex yxave seene me use my sword
against thxadvice of fearex surex of another
you would not heare me doubtedx but your silence
should breake outx though ixth sanctuaryx

palamonx
sirx
i have seene you move in such a placex which well
might justifie your manhoodx you were calld
a good knight and a boldx but the whole weekexs not fairex
if any day it raynex their valiant temper
men loose when they encline to trecheriex
and then they fight like coupelld bearesx would fly
were they not tydex

arcitex
kinsmanx you might as well
speake this and act it in your glassex as to
his eare which now disdaines youx

palamonx
come up to mex
quit me of these cold gyvesx give me a swordx
though it be rustiex and the charity
of one meale lend mex come before me thenx
a good sword in thy handx and doe but say
that emily is thinex i will forgive
the trespasse thou hast done mex yeax my lifex
if then thou carryxtx and brave soules in shades
that have dyde manlyx which will seeke of me
some newes from earthx they shall get none but thisx
that thou art brave and noblex

arcitex
be contentx
againe betake you to your hawthorne housex
with counsaile of the nightx i will be here
with wholesome viandsx these impediments
will i file offx you shall have garments and
perfumes to kill the smell oxth prisonx afterx
when you shall stretch your selfe and say butx xarcitex
i am in plightxx there shall be at your choyce
both sword and armourx

palamonx
oh you heavensx dares any
so noble beare a guilty businesx none
but onely arcitex therefore none but arcite
in this kinde is so boldx

arcitex
sweete palamonx

palamonx
i doe embrace you and your offerxxfor
your offer dooxt i onelyx sirx your personx
without hipocrisy i may not wish  xwinde hornes of cornetsxx
more then my swords edge ontx

arcitex
you heare the hornesx
enter your musite least this match betweenxs
be crostx er metx give me your handx farewellx
ile bring you every needfull thingx i pray youx
take comfort and be strongx

palamonx
pray hold your promisex
and doe the deede with a bent browx most certaine
you love me notx be rough with mex and powre
this oile out of your languagex by this ayrex
i could for each word give a cuffex my stomach
not reconcild by reasonx

arcitex
plainely spokenx
yet pardon me hard languagex when i spur  xwinde hornesxx
my horsex i chide him notx content and anger
in me have but one facex  harkex sirx they call
the scatterd to the banketx you must guesse
i have an office therex

palamonx
sirx your attendance
cannot please heavenx and i know your office
vnjustly is atcheevxdx

arcitex
if a good titlex
i am perswaded this question sicke betweenxs
by bleeding must be curxdx  i am a suitourx
that to your sword you will bequeath this plea
and talke of it no morex

palamonx
but this one wordx
you are going now to gaze upon my mistrisx
for note youx mine she isx

arcitex
nayx thenx

palamonx
nayx pray youx
you talke of feeding me to breed me strengthx
you are going now to looke upon a sun
that strengthens what it lookes onx there
you have a vantage ore mex but enjoyxt till
i may enforce my remedyx  farewellx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xanother part of the forestxx

xenter iaylors daughter alonexx

daughterx
he has mistooke the brake i meantx is gone
after his fancyx  tis now welnigh morningx
no matterx would it were perpetuall nightx
and darkenes lord oxth worldx  harkex tis a woolfex
in me hath greife slaine fearex and but for one thing
i care for nothingx and thatxs palamonx
i wreake not if the wolves would jaw mex so
he had this filex what if i hallowd for himx
i cannot hallowx if i whoopxdx what thenx
if he not answeardx i should call a wolfex
and doe him but that servicex  i have heard
strange howles this livexlong nightx why mayxt not be
they have made prey of himx he has no weaponsx
he cannot runx the iengling of his gives
might call fell things to listenx who have in them
a sence to know a man unarmdx and can
smell where resistance isx  ile set it downe
hexs torne to peecesx they howld many together
and then they fed on himx so much for thatx
be bold to ring the bellx how stand i thenx
allxs charxd when he is gonex  nox nox i lyex
my fatherxs to be hangxd for his escapex
my selfe to begx if i prizd life so much
as to deny my actx but that i would notx
should i try death by dussonsxxi am mopxtx
food tooke i none these two daiesx
sipt some waterx  i have not closd mine eyes
save when my lids scowrd off their brinex alasx
dissolue my lifex let not my sence unsettlex
least i should drownex or stab or hang my selfex
o state of naturex faile together in mex
since thy best props are warptx sox which way nowx
the best way is the next way to a gravex
each errant step beside is tormentx  loex
the moone is downx the cryckets chirpex the schreichowle
calls in the dawnex all offices are done
save what i faile inx but the point is thisx
an endx and that is allx  xexitxx

scene xx  xsame as scene ixx

xenter arcitex with meatex winex and filesxx

arcitex
i should be neere the placex hoax cosen palamonx  xenter
palamonxx

palamonx
arcitex

arcitex
the samex i have brought you foode and filesx
come forth and feare notx herexs no theseusx

palamonx
nor none so honestx arcitex

arcitex
thatxs no matterx
weexl argue that hereafterx comex take couragex
you shall not dye thus beastlyx herex sirx drinkex
i know you are faintx then ile talke further with youx

palamonx
arcitex thou mightst now poyson mex

arcitex
i mightx
but i must feare you firstx sit downex andx goodx now
no more of these vaine parliesx let us notx
having our ancient reputation with usx
make talke for fooles and cowardsx  to your healthx xcx

palamonx
doex

arcitex
prayx sit downe thenx and let me entreate youx
by all the honesty and honour in youx
no mention of this womanx txwill disturbe usx
we shall have time enoughx

palamonx
wellx sirx ile pledge youx

arcitex
drinke a good hearty draughtx it breeds good bloodx manx
doe not you feele it thaw youx

palamonx
stayx ile tell you after a draught or two morex

arcitex
spare it notx the duke has morex cuzx eate nowx

palamonx
yesx

arcitex
i am glad you have so good a stomachx

palamonx
i am gladder i have so good meate tooxtx

arcitex
isxt not mad lodging here in the wild woodsx cosenx

palamonx
yesx for them that have wilde consciencesx

arcitex
how tasts your vittailsx your hunger needs no sawcex i seex

palamonx
not muchx
but if it didx yours is too tartx sweete cosenx what is thisx

arcitex
venisonx

palamonx
tis a lusty meatex
giue me more winex herex arcitex to the wenches
we have known in our daiesx  the lord stewards daughterx
doe you remember herx

arcitex
after youx cuzx

palamonx
she lovxd a blackxhaird manx

arcitex
she did sox wellx sirx

palamonx
and i have heard some call him arcitex andx

arcitex
out withxtx faithx

palamonx
she met him in an arbourx
what did she therex cuzx play oxth virginalsx

arcitex
something she didx sirx

palamonx
made her groane a moneth forxtx or xx or xx or xxx

arcitex
the marshals sister
had her share toox as i rememberx cosenx
else there be tales abroadex youxl pledge herx

palamonx
yesx

arcitex
a pretty broune wench txisx  there was a time
when yong men went a huntingx and a woodx
and a broade beechx and thereby hangs a talexxheigh hox

palamonx
for emilyx upon my lifex  foolex
away with this straind mirthx i say againex
that sigh was breathd for emilyx base cosenx
darxst thou breake firstx

arcitex
you are widex

palamonx
by heaven and earthx therxs nothing in thee honestx

arcitex
then ile leave youx you are a beast nowx

palamonx
as thou makst mex traytourx

arcitex
therxs all things needfullx files and shirtsx and perfumesx
ile come againe some two howres hencex and bring
that that shall quiet allx

palamonx
a sword and armourx

arcitex
feare me notx you are now too fowlex farewellx
get off your trinketsx you shall want noughtx

palamonx
sirx hax

arcitex
ile heare no morex  xexitxx

palamonx
if he keepe touchx he dies forxtx  xexitxx

scene xx  xanother part of the forestxx

xenter iaylors daughterxx

daughterx
i am very coldx and all the stars are out toox
the little starsx and allx that looke like agletsx
the sun has seene my follyx  palamonx
alas nox hees in heavenx  where am i nowx
yonderxs the seax and therxs a shipx howxt tumblesx
and therxs a rocke lies watching under waterx
nowx nowx it beates upon itx nowx nowx nowx
therxs a leak sprungx a sound onex how they cryx
spoon her before the windex youxl loose all elsx
vp with a course or twox and take aboutx boyesx
good nightx good nightx yxar gonexxi am very hungryx
would i could finde a fine frogx he would tell me
newes from all parts oxth worldx then would i make
a carecke of a cockle shellx and sayle
by east and north east to the king of pigmesx
for he tels fortunes rarelyx  now my fatherx
twenty to onex is trust up in a trice
to morrow morningx ile say never a wordx

xsingxx

for ile cut my greene coat a foote above my kneex and ile clip my
yellow lockes an inch below mine eiex heyx nonnyx nonnyx nonnyx hexs
buy me a white cutx forth for to ride and ile goe seeke himx throw the
world that is so wide hey nonnyx nonnyx nonnyx

o for a pricke now like a nightingalex
to put my breast againstx  i shall sleepe like a top elsex
xexitxx

scene xx  xanother part of the forestxx

xenter a schoole masterx xx countrymenx and bavianx xx or xx wenchesx
with a taborerxx

schoolmasterx
fyx fyx what tediosityx x disensanity is here among yex have my
rudiments bin labourd so long with yex milkd unto yex and by a figure
even the very plumbroth x marrow of my understanding laid upon yex and
do you still cryx wherex and howx x wherforex you most course freeze
capacitiesx ye jane iudgementsx have i saidex thus let bex and there
let bex and then let bex and no man understand meex  proh deumx medius
fidiusx ye are all duncesx  for whyx here stand ix here the duke comesx
there are you close in the thicketx the duke appearesx i meete him and
unto him i utter learned things and many figuresx he hearesx and nodsx
and humsx and then criesx rarex and i goe forwardx at length i fling my
cap upx marke therex then do youx as once did meleager and the borex
break comly out before himx like true loversx cast your selves in a
body decentlyx and sweetlyx by a figure trace and turnex boyesx

xx countreymanx
and sweetly we will doe it master gerroldx

xx countreymanx
draw up the companyx  wherexs the taborourx

xx countreymanx
whyx timothyx

taborerx
herex my mad boyesx have at yex

schoolmasterx
but i sayx wherexs their womenx

xx countreymanx
herexs friz and maudlinex

xx countreymanx
and little luce with the white legsx and bouncing barberyx

xx countreymanx
and freckeled nelx that never faild her masterx

schoolmasterx
wher be your ribandsx maidsx swym with your bodies
and carry it sweetlyx and deliverly
and now and then a fauourx and a friskex

nelx
let us alonex sirx

schoolmasterx
wherxs the rest oxth musickex

xx countreymanx
dispersd as you commandedx

schoolmasterx
couplex thenx
and see whatxs wantingx wherxs the bavianx
my friendx carry your taile without offence
or scandall to the ladiesx and be sure
you tumble with audacity and manhoodx
and when you barkex doe it with judgementx

bavianx
yesx sirx

schoolmasterx
quo usque tandemx  here is a woman wantingx

xx countreymanx
we may goe whistlex all the fatxs ixth firex

schoolmasterx
we havex
as learned authours utterx washd a tilex
we have beene fatuusx and laboured vainelyx

xx countreymanx
this is that scornefull peecex that scurvy hildingx
that gave her promise faithfullyx she would be herex
cicely the sempsters daughterx
the next gloves that i give her shall be dog skinx
nay and she faile me oncexyou can tellx arcasx
she swore by wine and breadx she would not breakex

schoolmasterx
an eele and womanx
a learned poet sayesx unles byxth taile
and with thy teeth thou holdx will either failex
in manners this was false position

xx countreymanx
a fire ill take herx doxs she flinch nowx

xx countreymanx
what
shall we determinex sirx

schoolmasterx
nothingx
our busines is become a nullityx
yeax and a woefullx and a pittious nullityx

xx countreymanx
now when the credite of our towne lay on itx
now to be frampallx now to pisse oxth nettlex
goe thy waiesx ile remember theex ile fit theex

xenter iaylors daughterxx

daughterx
xsingsxx

the george alow came from the southx
from the coast of barbary ax
and there he met with brave gallants of war
by onex by twox by threex ax

well haildx well haildx you jolly gallantsx
and whither now are you bound ax
o let me have your company  xchaire and stooles outxx
till xix come to the sound ax

there was three foolesx fell out about an howletx
the one sed it was an owlex
the other he sed nayx
the third he sed it was a hawkex
and her bels wer cut awayx

xx countreymanx
therxs a dainty mad woman mxaistexr
comes ixth nickx as mad as a march harex
if wee can get her dauncex wee are made againex
i warrant herx sheexl doe the rarest gambolsx

xx countreymanx
a mad womanx we are madex boyesx

schoolmasterx
and are you madx good womanx

daughterx
i would be sorry elsex
give me your handx

schoolmasterx
whyx

daughterx
i can tell your fortunex
you are a foolex tell tenx  i have pozd himx buzx
friend you must eate no whitebreadx if you doex
your teeth will bleede extreamelyx  shall we dancex hox
i know youx yxar a tinkerx sirha tinkerx
stop no more holesx but what you shouldx

schoolmasterx
dij bonix  a tinkerx damzellx

daughterx
or a conjurerx
raise me a devill nowx and let him play
quipassa oxth bels and bonesx

schoolmasterx
goex take herx
and fluently perswade her to a peacex
et opus exegix quod nec iouis irax nec ignisx
strike upx and leade her inx

xx countreymanx
comex lassex lets trip itx

daughterx
ile leadex  xwinde hornesxx

xx countreymanx
doex doex

schoolmasterx
perswasivelyx and cunninglyx awayx boyesx  xexx all but
schoolemasterxx
i heare the hornesx give me some meditationx
and marke your cuexxpallas inspire mex

xenter thesx pirx hipx emilx arcitex and trainexx

theseusx
this way the stag tookex

schoolmasterx
stayx and edifiex

theseusx
what have we herex

perithousx
some countrey sportx upon my lifex sirx

theseusx
wellx sirx goe forwardx we will edifiex
ladiesx sit downex weexl stay itx

schoolmasterx
thoux doughtie dukex all hailex all hailex sweet ladiesx

theseusx
this is a cold beginningx

schoolmasterx
if you but favourx our country pastime made isx
we are a few of those collected herex
that ruder tongues distinguish villagerx
and to say veritiex and not to fablex
we are a merry routx or else a rablex
or companyx orx by a figurex chorisx
that fore thy dignitie will dance a morrisx
and ix that am the rectifier of allx
by title pedagogusx that let fall
the birch upon the breeches of the small onesx
and humble with a ferula the tall onesx
doe here present this machinex or this framex
and daintie dukex whose doughtie dismall fame
from dis to dedalusx from post to pillarx
is blowne abroadx helpe me thy poore well willerx
and with thy twinckling eyes looke right and straight
vpon this mighty morrxof mickle waightx
is now comes inx which being glewd togetherx
makes morrisx and the cause that we came hetherx
the body of our sportx of no small studyx
i first appearex though rudex and rawx and muddyx
to speake before thy noble grace this tennerx
at whose great feete i offer up my pennerx
the next the lord of may and lady brightx
the chambermaid and servingman by night
that seeke out silent hangingx then mine host
and his fat spowsex that welcomes to their cost
the gauled travellerx and with a beckning
informes the tapster to inflame the reckningx
then the beast eating clownex and next the foolex
the bavianx with long tayle and eke long toolex
cum multis alijs that make a dancex
say xixx and all shall presently advancex

theseusx
ix ix by any meanesx deere dominex

perithousx
producex

xschoolmasterxx
intratex filijx come forthx and foot itxx

xmusickex dancex  knocke for schoolexx

xenter the dancexx

ladiesx if we have beene merryx
and have pleasd yee with a derryx
and a derryx and a downex
say the schoolemasterxs no clownex
dukex if we have pleasd thee toox
and have done as good boyes should doex
give us but a tree or twaine
for a maypolex and againex
ere another yeare run outx
weexl make thee laugh and all this routx

theseusx
take xxxx dominex how does my sweet heartx

hippolitax
never so pleasdx sirx

emiliax
twas an excellent dancex and for a preface
i never heard a betterx

theseusx
schoolemasterx i thanke youxxone seexem all rewardedx

perithousx
and heerxs something to paint your pole withallx

theseusx
now to our sports againex

schoolmasterx
may the stag thou huntst stand longx
and thy dogs be swift and strongx
may they kill him without letsx
and the ladies eate his dowsetsx
comex we are all madex  xwinde hornesxx
dij deoeqxuex omnesx ye have dancxd rarelyx wenchesx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xsame as scene iiixx

xenter palamon from the bushxx

palamonx
about this houre my cosen gave his faith
to visit me againex and with him bring
two swordsx and two good armorsx if he failex
hexs neither man nor souldierx  when he left mex
i did not thinke a weeke could have restord
my lost strength to mex i was growne so lowx
and crestxfalne with my wantsx i thanke theex arcitex
thou art yet a faire foex and i feele my selfe
with this refreshingx able once againe
to out dure dangerx to delay it longer
would make the world thinkx when it comes to hearingx
that i lay fatting like a swine to fightx
and not a souldierx thereforex this blest morning
shall be the lastx and that sword he refusesx
if it but holdx i kill him withx tis iusticex
so lovex and fortune for mexxox good morrowx

xenter arcite with armors and swordsxx

arcitex
good morrowx noble kinesmanx

palamonx
i have put you to too much painesx sirx

arcitex
that too muchx faire cosenx
is but a debt to honourx and my dutyx

palamonx
would you were so in allx sirx i could wish ye
as kinde a kinsmanx as you force me finde
a beneficiall foex that my embraces
might thanke yex not my blowesx

arcitex
i shall thinke eitherx well donex
a noble recompencex

palamonx
then i shall quit youx

arcitex
defy me in these faire termesx and you show
more then a mistris to mex no more anger
as you love any thing thatxs honourablex
we were not bred to talkex manx when we are armxd
and both upon our guardsx then let our furyx
like meeting of two tidesx fly strongly from usx
and then to whom the birthright of this beauty
truely pertaines xwithout obbraidingsx scornesx
dispisings of our personsx and such powtingsx
fitter for girles and schooleboyesx will be seene
and quicklyx yoursx or minex wilt please you armex sirx
or if you feele your selfe not fitting yet
and furnishd with your old strengthx ile stayx cosenx
and evxry day discourse you into healthx
as i am spardx your person i am friends withx
and i could wish i had not saide i lovxd herx
though i had didex but loving such a lady
and justifying my lovex i must not fly fromxtx

palamonx
arcitex thou art so brave an enemyx
that no man but thy cosenxs fit to kill theex
i am well and lustyx choose your armesx

arcitex
choose youx sirx

palamonx
wilt thou exceede in allx or doxst thou doe it
to make me spare theex

arcitex
if you thinke sox cosenx
you are deceivedx for as i am a soldierx
i will not spare youx

palamonx
thatxs well saidx

arcitex
youxl finde itx

palamonx
thenx as i am an honest man and love
with all the justice of affectionx
ile pay thee soundlyx  this ile takex

arcitex
thatxs minex thenx
ile arme you firstx

palamonx
dox pray theex tell mex cosenx
where gotst thou this good armourx

arcitex
tis the dukesx
and to say truex i stole itx doe i pinch youx

palamonx
noex

arcitex
isxt not too heaviex

palamonx
i have worne a lighterx
but i shall make it servex

arcitex
ile bucklxt closex

palamonx
by any meanesx

arcitex
you care not for a grand guardx

palamonx
nox nox weexl use no horsesx i perceave
you would faine be at that fightx

arcitex
i am indifferentx

palamonx
faithx so am ix good cosenx thrust the buckle
through far enoughx

arcitex
i warrant youx

palamonx
my caske nowx

arcitex
will you fight barexarmdx

palamonx
we shall be the nimblerx

arcitex
but use your gauntlets thoughx those are oxth leastx
prethee take minex good cosenx

palamonx
thanke youx arcitex
how doe i lookex am i falne much awayx

arcitex
faithx very littlex love has usd you kindlyx

palamonx
ile warrant theex ile strike homex

arcitex
doex and spare notx
ile give you causex sweet cosenx

palamonx
now to youx sirx
me thinkes this armorxs very like thatx arcitex
thou worxst the day the xx kings fellx but lighterx

arcitex
that was a very good onex and that dayx
i well rememberx you outdid mex cosenx
i never saw such valourx when you chargd
vpon the left wing of the enemiex
i spurd hard to come upx and under me
i had a right good horsex

palamonx
you had indeedex a bright bayx i rememberx

arcitex
yesx but all
was vainely labourxd in mex you outwent mex
nor could my wishes reach youx yet a little
i did by imitationx

palamonx
more by vertuex
you are modestx cosenx

arcitex
when i saw you charge firstx
me thought i heard a dreadfull clap of thunder
breake from the troopex

palamonx
but still before that flew
the lightning of your valourx  stay a littlex
is not this peece too streightx

arcitex
nox nox tis wellx

palamonx
i would have nothing hurt thee but my swordx
a bruise would be dishonourx

arcitex
now i am perfectx

palamonx
stand offx thenx

arcitex
take my swordx i hold it betterx

palamonx
i thanke yex nox keepe itx your life lyes on itx
herexs onex if it but holdx i aske no more
for all my hopesx my cause and honour guard mex  xthey bow
 severall wayesx then advance and standxx

arcitex
and me my lovex  is there ought else to sayx

palamonx
this onelyx and no morex thou art mine aunts sonx
and that blood we desire to shed is mutuallx
in mex thinex and in theex minex  my sword
is in my handx and if thou killst mex
the gods and i forgive theex if there be
a place preparxd for those that sleepe in honourx
i wish his wearie soule that falls may win itx
fight bravelyx cosenx give me thy noble handx

arcitex
herex palamonx this hand shall never more
come neare thee with such friendshipx

palamonx
i commend theex

arcitex
if i fallx curse mex and say i was a cowardx
for none but such dare die in these just tryallsx
once more farewellx my cosenx

palamonx
farewellx arcitex  xfightxx

xhornes withinx they standxx

arcitex
loex cosenx loex our folly has undon usx

palamonx
whyx

arcitex
this is the dukex a hunting as i told youx
if we be foundx we are wretchedx  o retire
for honours sakex and safety presently
into your bush agenx sirx we shall finde
too many howres to dye inx gentle cosenx
if you be seene you perish instantly
for breaking prisonx and ix if you reveale mex
for my contemptx  then all the world will scorne usx
and say we had a noble differencex
but base disposers of itx

palamonx
nox nox cosenx
i will no more be hiddenx nor put off
this great adventure to a second tryallx
i know your cunningx and i know your causex
he that faints nowx shame take himx put thy selfe
vpon thy present guardx

arcitex
you are not madx

palamonx
or i will make thxadvantage of this howre
mine ownex and what to come shall threaten mex
i feare lesse then my fortunex knowx weake cosenx
i love emiliax and in that ile bury
theex and all crosses elsex

arcitex
thenx come what can comex
thou shalt knowx palamonx i dare as well
diex as discoursex or sleepex onely this feares mex
the law will have the honour of our endsx
have at thy lifex

palamonx
looke to thine owne wellx arcitex  xfight againex  hornesxx

xenter theseusx hipolitax emiliax perithous and trainexx

theseusx
what ignorant and mad malicious traitorsx
are youx that gainst the tenor of my lawes
are making battailex thus like knights appointedx
without my leavex and officers of armesx
by castorx both shall dyex

palamonx
hold thy wordx theseusx
we are certainly both traitorsx both despisers
of thee and of thy goodnessex i am palamonx
that cannot love theex he that broke thy prisonx
thinke well what that deservesx and this is arcitex
a bolder traytor never trod thy groundx
a falser neuxr seemxd friendx this is the man
was begd and banishxdx this is he contemnes thee
and what thou darxst doex and in this disguise
against thy owne edict followes thy sisterx
that fortunate bright starx the faire emiliax
whose servantx xif there be a right in seeingx
and first bequeathing of the soule tox justly
i amx andx which is morex dares thinke her hisx
this treacheriex like a most trusty loverx
i callxd him now to answerx if thou beexstx
as thou art spokenx great and vertuousx
the true descider of all injuriesx
sayx xfight againexx and thou shalt see mex theseusx
doe such a iusticex thou thy selfe wilt enviex
then take my lifex ile wooe thee tooxtx

perithousx
o heavenx
what more then man is thisx

theseusx
i have swornex

arcitex
we seeke not
thy breath of mercyx theseusx  tis to me
a thing as soone to dyex as thee to say itx
and no more movxdx where this man calls me traitorx
let me say thus muchx if in love be treasonx
in service of so excellent a beutiex
as i love mostx and in that faith will perishx
as i have brought my life here to confirme itx
as i have servxd her truestx worthiestx
as i dare kill this cosenx that denies itx
so let me be most traitorx and ye please mex
for scorning thy edictx dukex aske that lady
why she is fairex and why her eyes command me
stay here to love herx and if she say xtraytorxx
i am a villaine fit to lye unburiedx

palamonx
thou shalt have pitty of us bothx o theseusx
if unto neither thou shew mercyx stop
xas thou art justx thy noble eare against usx
as thou art valiantx for thy cosens soule
whose xxx strong labours crowne his memoryx
lets die togetherx at one instantx dukex
onely a little let him fall before mex
that i may tell my soule he shall not have herx

theseusx
i grant your wishx forx to say truex your cosen
has ten times more offendedx for i gave him
more mercy then you foundx sirx your offenses
being no more then hisx  none here speake for xemx
forx ere the sun setx both shall sleepe for everx

hippolitax
alas the pittyx now or neverx sisterx
speakex not to be denidex that face of yours
will beare the curses else of after ages
for these lost cosensx

emiliax
in my facex deare sisterx
i finde no anger to xemx nor no ruynx
the misadventure of their owne eyes kill xemx
yet that i will be womanx and have pittyx
my knees shall grow toxth ground but ile get merciex
helpe mex deare sisterx in a deede so vertuous
the powers of all women will be with usx
most royall brotherx

hippolitax
sirx by our tye of marriagex

emiliax
by your owne spotlesse honourx

hippolitax
by that faithx
that faire handx and that honest heart you gave mex

emiliax
by that you would have pitty in anotherx
by your owne vertues infinitex

hippolitax
by valourx
by all the chaste nights i have ever pleasd youx

theseusx
these are strange conjuringsx

perithousx
nayx thenx ile in toox
by all our friendshipx sirx by all our dangersx
by all you love mostx warres and this sweet ladyx

emiliax
by that you would have trembled to denyx
a blushing maidex

hippolitax
by your owne eyesx by strengthx
in which you swore i went beyond all womenx
almost all menx and yet i yeeldedx theseusx

perithousx
to crowne all thisx by your most noble soulex
which cannot want due merciex i beg firstx

hippolitax
nextx heare my prayersx

emiliax
lastx let me intreatex sirx

perithousx
for mercyx

hippolitax
mercyx

emiliax
mercy on these princesx

theseusx
ye make my faith reelex say i felt
compassion toxem bothx how would you place itx

emiliax
vpon their livesx but with their banishmentsx

theseusx
you are a right womanx sisterx you have pittyx
but want the vnderstanding where to use itx
if you desire their livesx invent a way
safer then banishmentx can these two live
and have the agony of love about xemx
and not kill one anotherx  every day
theyxld fight about youx howrely bring your honour
in publique question with their swordsx  be wisex thenx
and here forget xemx it concernes your credit
and my oth equallyx i have said they diex
better they fall byxth lawx then one anotherx
bow not my honorx

emiliax
o my noble brotherx
that oth was rashly madex and in your angerx
your reason will not hold itx if such vowes
stand for expresse willx all the world must perishx
besidex i have another oth gainst yoursx
of more authorityx i am sure more lovex
not made in passion neitherx but good heedex

theseusx
what is itx sisterx

perithousx
vrge it homex brave ladyx

emiliax
that you would nevxr deny me any thing
fit for my modest suitx and your free grantingx
i tye you to your word nowx if ye fall inxtx
thinke how you maime your honourx
xfor now i am set a beggingx sirx i am deafe
to all but your compassionxx  howx their lives
might breed the ruine of my namex opinionx
shall any thing that loves me perish for mex
that were a cruell wisedomex doe men proyne
the straight yong bowes that blush with thousand blossomsx
because they may be rottenx  o duke theseusx
the goodly mothers that have groand for thesex
and all the longing maides that ever lovxdx
if your vow standx shall curse me and my beautyx
and in their funerall songs for these two cosens
despise my crueltiex and cry woe worth mex
till i am nothing but the scorne of womenx
for heavens sake save their livesx and banish xemx

theseusx
on what conditionsx

emiliax
swearexem never more
to make me their contentionx or to know mex
to tread upon thy dukedomex and to bex
where ever they shall travelx ever strangers
to one anotherx

palamonx
ile be cut a peeces
before i take this othx forget i love herx
o all ye gods dispise mex thenx  thy banishment
i not mislikex so we may fairely carry
our swords and cause alongx elsex never triflex
but take our livesx dukex i must love and willx
and for that love must and dare kill this cosen
on any peece the earth hasx

theseusx
will youx arcitex
take these conditionsx

palamonx
hexs a villainex thenx

perithousx
these are menx

arcitex
nox neverx dukex tis worse to me than begging
to take my life so baselyx though i thinke
i never shall enjoy herx yet ile preserve
the honour of affectionx and dye for herx
make death a devillx

theseusx
what may be donex for now i feele compassionx

perithousx
let it not fall agenx sirx

theseusx
sayx emiliax
if one of them were deadx as one mustx are you
content to take thxother to your husbandx
they cannot both enjoy youx they are princes
as goodly as your owne eyesx and as noble
as ever fame yet spoke ofx looke upon xemx
and if you can lovex end this differencex
i give consentx are you content toox princesx

bothx
with all our soulesx

theseusx
he that she refuses
must dyex thenx

bothx
any death thou canst inventx dukex

palamonx
if i fall from that mouthx i fall with favourx
and lovers yet unborne shall blesse my ashesx

arcitex
if she refuse mex yet my grave will wed mex
and souldiers sing my epitaphx

theseusx
make choicex thenx

emiliax
i cannotx sirx they are both too excellentx
for mex a hayre shall never fall of these menx

hippolitax
what will become of xemx

theseusx
thus i ordaine itx
and by mine honorx once againex it standsx
or both shall dyexxyou shall both to your countreyx
and each within this monethx accompanied
with three faire knightsx appeare againe in this placex
in which ile plant a pyramidx and whetherx
before us that are herex can force his cosen
by fayre and knightly strength to touch the pillarx
he shall enjoy herx the other loose his headx
and all his friendsx nor shall he grudge to fallx
nor thinke he dies with interest in this ladyx
will this content yeex

palamonx
yesx herex cosen arcitex
i am friends againex till that howrex

arcitex
i embrace yex

theseusx
are you contentx sisterx

emiliax
yesx i mustx sirx
els both miscarryx

theseusx
comex shake hands againex thenx
and take heedex as you are gentlemenx this quarrell
sleepe till the howre prefixtx and hold your coursex

palamonx
we dare not faile theex theseusx

theseusx
comex ile give ye
now usage like to princesx and to friendsx
when ye returnex who winsx ile settle heerex
who loosesx yet ile weepe upon his beerex  xexeuntxx

act iv

scene xx  xathensx  a room in the prisonxx

xenter iailor and his friendxx

iailorx
heare you no morex was nothing saide of me
concerning the escape of palamonx
good sirx rememberx

xx friendx
nothing that i heardx
for i came home before the busines
was fully endedx yet i might perceivex
ere i departedx a great likelihood
of both their pardonsx for hipolitax
and fairexeyd emiliex upon their knees
begd with such hansom pittyx that the duke
me thought stood staggeringx whether he should follow
his rash othx or the sweet compassion
of those two ladiesx and to second themx
that truely noble prince perithousx
halfe his owne heartx set in toox that i hope
all shall be wellx neither heard i one question
of your name or his scapex

xenter xx friendxx

iailorx
pray heaven it hold sox

xx friendx
be of good comfortx manx i bring you newesx
good newesx

iailorx
they are welcomex

xx friendx
palamon has cleerd youx
and got your pardonx and discoverd how
and by whose meanes he escaptx which was your daughtersx
whose pardon is procurd toox and the prisonerx
not to be held ungratefull to her goodnesx
has given a summe of money to her marriagex
a large onex ile assure youx

iailorx
ye are a good man
and ever bring good newesx

xx friendx
how was it endedx

xx friendx
whyx as it should bex they that nevxr begd
but they prevaildx had their suites fairely grantedx
the prisoners have their livesx

xx friendx
i knew txwould be sox

xx friendx
but there be new conditionsx which youxl heare of
at better timex

iailorx
i hope they are goodx

xx friendx
they are honourablex
how good theyxl provex i know notx

xenter wooerxx

xx friendx
txwill be knownex

wooerx
alasx sirx wherxs your daughterx

iailorx
why doe you askex

wooerx
ox sirx when did you see herx

xx friendx
how he lookesx

iailorx
this morningx

wooerx
was she wellx was she in healthx sirx
when did she sleepex

xx friendx
these are strange questionsx

iailorx
i doe not thinke she was very wellx for now
you make me minde herx but this very day
i askxd her questionsx and she answered me
so farre from what she wasx so childishlyx
so sillilyx as if she were a foolex
an inocentx and i was very angryx
but what of herx sirx

wooerx
nothing but my pittyx
but you must know itx and as good by me
as by an other that lesse loves herx

iailorx
wellx sirx

xx friendx
not rightx

xx friendx
not wellx

wooerx
nox sirx not wellx
tis too truex she is madx

xx friendx
it cannot bex

wooerx
beleevex youxl finde it sox

iailorx
i halfe suspected
what you xhavex told mex the gods comfort herx
either this was her love to palamonx
or feare of my miscarrying on his scapex
or bothx

wooerx
tis likelyx

iailorx
but why all this hastex sirx

wooerx
ile tell you quicklyx  as i late was angling
in the great lake that lies behind the pallacex
from the far shorex thicke set with reedes and sedgesx
as patiently i was attending sportx
i heard a voycex a shrill onex and attentive
i gave my earex when i might well perceive
txwas one that sungx and by the smallnesse of it
a boy or womanx  i then left my angle
to his owne skillx came neerex but yet perceivd not
who made the soundx the rushes and the reeds
had so encompast itx i laide me downe
and listned to the words she sungx for thenx
through a small glade cut by the fisher menx
i saw it was your daughterx

iailorx
prayx goe onx sirx

wooerx
she sung muchx but no sencex onely i heard her
repeat this oftenx xpalamon is gonex
is gone toxth wood to gather mulberiesx
ile finde him out to morrowxx

xx friendx
pretty soulex

wooerx
xhis shackles will betray himx heexl be takenx
and what shall i doe thenx  ile bring a beavyx
a hundred blacke eyd maidesx that love as i doex
with chaplets on their heads of daffadilliesx
with cherryxlipsx and cheekes of damaske rosesx
and all weexl daunce an antique fore the dukex
and beg his pardonxx  then she talkxd of youx sirx
that you must loose your head to morrow morningx
and she must gather flowers to bury youx
and see the house made handsomex then she sung
nothing but xwillowx willowx willowxx and betweene
ever wasx xpalamonx faire palamonxx
and xpalamon was a tall yong manxx  the place
was knee deepe where she satx her careles tresses
a wreathe of bullxrush roundedx about her stucke
thousand fresh water flowers of severall cullorsx
that me thought she appeard like the faire nimph
that feedes the lake with watersx or as iris
newly dropt downe from heavenx rings she made
of rushes that grew byx and to xem spoke
the prettiest posiesx xthus our true lovexs tidexx
xthis you may loosex not mexx and many a onex
and then she weptx and sung againex and sighxdx
and with the same breath smilxdx and kist her handx

xx friendx
alasx what pitty it isx

wooerx
i made in to herx
she saw mex and straight sought the floodx i savxd herx
and set her safe to landx when presently
she slipt awayx and to the citty madex
with such a cry and swiftnesx thatx beleeve mex
shee left me farre behinde herx three or foure
i saw from farre off crosse herx one of xem
i knew to be your brotherx where she staidx
and fellx scarce to be got awayx i left them with herx  xenter
 brotherx daughterx and othersxx
and hether came to tell youx  here they arex

daughterx  xsingsxx

may you never more enjoy the lightx xcx

is not this a fine songx

brotherx
ox a very fine onex

daughterx
i can sing twenty morex

brotherx
i thinke you canx

daughterx
yesx truelyx can ix i can sing the broomex
and bony robinx  are not you a tailourx

brotherx
yesx

daughterx
wherxs my wedding gownex

brotherx
ile bring it to morrowx

daughterx
doex very rarelyx i must be abroad else
to call the maidesx and pay the minstrelsx
for i must loose my maydenhead by cockxlightx
twill never thrive elsex
xsingesxx  o fairex oh sweetex xcx

brotherx
you must evxn take it patientlyx

iailorx
tis truex

daughterx
good evxnx good menx prayx did you ever heare
of one yong palamonx

iailorx
yesx wenchx we know himx

daughterx
isxt not a fine yong gentlemanx

iailorx
tis lovex

brotherx
by no meane crosse herx she is then distemperd
far worse then now she showesx

xx friendx
yesx hexs a fine manx

daughterx
ox is he sox you have a sisterx

xx friendx
yesx

daughterx
but she shall never have himx tell her sox
for a tricke that i knowx yxhad best looke to herx
for if she see him oncex shexs gonex shexs donex
and undon in an howrex  all the young maydes
of our towne are in love with himx but i laugh at xem
and let xem all alonex isxt not a wise coursex

xx friendx
yesx

daughterx
there is at least two hundred now with child by himx
there must be fowrex yet i keepe close for all thisx
close as a cocklex and all these must be boyesx
he has the tricke onxtx and at ten yeares old
they must be all gelt for musitiansx
and sing the wars of theseusx

xx friendx
this is strangex

daughterx
as ever you heardx but say nothingx

xx friendx
nox

daughterx
they come from all parts of the dukedome to himx
ile warrant yex he had not so few last night
as twenty to dispatchx heexl ticklxt up
in two howresx if his hand be inx

iailorx
shexs lost
past all curex

brotherx
heaven forbidx manx

daughterx
come hitherx you are a wise manx

xx friendx
doxs she know himx

xx friendx
nox would she didx

daughterx
you are master of a shipx

iailorx
yesx

daughterx
wherxs your compassex

iailorx
heerex

daughterx
set it tooxth northx
and now direct your course toxth woodx wher palamon
lyes longing for mex for the tackling
let me alonex comex wayghx my heartsx cheerelyx

allx
owghx owghx owghx tis upx the windxs fairex
top the bowlingx out with the maine sailex
wherxs your whistlex masterx

brotherx
lets get her inx

iailorx
vp to the topx boyx

brotherx
wherxs the pilotx

xx friendx
heerex

daughterx
what kenxst thoux

xx friendx
a faire woodx

daughterx
beare for itx masterx take aboutx  xsingesxx
when cinthia with her borrowed lightx xcx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xa room in the palacexx

xenter emilia alonex with xx picturesxx

emiliax
yet i may binde those wounds upx that must open
and bleed to death for my sake elsex ile choosex
and end their strifex two such yong hansom men
shall never fall for mex their weeping mothersx
following the dead cold ashes of their sonnesx
shall never curse my crueltyx  good heavenx
what a sweet face has arcitex if wise naturex
with all her best endowmentsx all those beuties
she sowes into the birthes of noble bodiesx
were here a mortall womanx and had in her
the coy denialls of yong maydesx yet doubtlesx
she would run mad for this manx what an eyex
of what a fyry sparklex and quick sweetnesx
has this yong princex  here love himselfe sits smylingx
iust such another wanton ganimead
set jove a fire withx and enforcd the god
snatch up the goodly boyx and set him by him
a shining constellationx what a browx
of what a spacious majestyx he carriesx
archxd like the great eyd iunoxsx but far sweeterx
smoother then pelops shoulderx  fame and honourx
me thinksx from hencex as from a promontory
pointed in heavenx should clap their wingsx and sing
to all the under world the loves and fights
of godsx and such men neere xemx  palamon
is but his foylex to him a meere dull shadowx
heexs swarth and meagrex of an eye as heavy
as if he had lost his motherx a still temperx
no stirring in himx no alacrityx
of all this sprightly sharpenes not a smilex
yet these that we count errours may become himx
narcissus was a sad boyx but a heavenlyxx
oh who can finde the bent of womans fancyx
i am a foolex my reason is lost in mex
i have no choicex and i have lyxd so lewdly
that women ought to beate mex  on my knees
i aske thy pardonx palamonx thou art alonex
and only beutifullx and these the eyesx
these the bright lamps of beautyx that command
and threaten lovex and what yong mayd dare crosse xemx
what a bold gravityx and yet invitingx
has this browne manly facex  o lovex this only
from this howre is complexionx lye therex arcitex
thou art a changling to himx a meere gipseyx
and this the noble bodiex  i am sottedx
vtterly lostx my virgins faith has fled mex
for if my brother but even now had askxd me
whether i lovxdx i had run mad for arcitex
nowx if my sisterx more for palamonx
stand both togetherx nowx come aske mex brotherxx
alasx i know notx  aske me nowx sweet sisterxx
i may goe lookex  what a meere child is fanciex
thatx having two faire gawdes of equall sweetnessex
cannot distinguishx but must crie for bothx

xenter xax gentxlemanxxx

emiliax
how nowx sirx

gentlemanx
from the noble duke your brotherx
madamx i bring you newesx the knights are comex

emiliax
to end the quarrellx

gentlemanx
yesx

emiliax
would i might end firstx
what sinnes have i committedx chast dianax
that my unspotted youth must now be soyld
with blood of princesx and my chastitie
be made the altarx where the lives of lovers
xtwo greater and two better never yet
made mothers joyx must be the sacrifice
to my unhappy beautiex

xenter theseusx hipolitax perithous and attendantsxx

theseusx
bring xem in
quicklyx by any meanesx i long to see xemxx
your two contending lovers are returnxdx
and with them their faire knightsx nowx my faire sisterx
you must love one of themx

emiliax
i had rather bothx
so neither for my sake should fall untimelyx

xenter messengerx  xcurtisxxx

theseusx
who saw xemx

perithousx
ix a whilex

gentlemanx
and ix

theseusx
from whence come youx sirx

messengerx
from the knightsx

theseusx
prayx speakex
you that have seene themx what they arex

messengerx
i willx sirx
and truly what i thinkex six braver spirits
then these they have broughtx xif we judge by the outsidex
i never sawx nor read ofx  he that stands
in the first place with arcitex by his seemingx
should be a stout manx by his face a princex
xhis very lookes so say himx his complexionx
nearer a brownex than blackex sternex and yet noblex
which shewes him hardyx fearelessex proud of dangersx
the circles of his eyes show fire within himx
and as a heated lyonx so he lookesx
his haire hangs long behind himx blacke and shining
like ravens wingsx his shoulders broad and strongx
armd long and roundx and on his thigh a sword
hung by a curious bauldrickex when he frownes
to seale his will withx betterx oxmy conscience
was never souldiers friendx

theseusx
thou haxst well describde himx

perithousx
yet a great deale shortx
me thinkesx of him thatxs first with palamonx

theseusx
prayx speake himx friendx

perithousx
i ghesse he is a prince toox
andx if it may bex greaterx for his show
has all the ornament of honour inxtx
heexs somewhat biggerx then the knight he spoke ofx
but of a face far sweeterx his complexion
is xas a ripe grapex ruddyx he has feltx
without doubtx what he fights forx and so apter
to make this cause his ownex inxs face appeares
all the faire hopes of what he undertakesx
and when hexs angryx then a setled valour
xnot tainted with extreamesx runs through his bodyx
and guides his arme to brave thingsx feare he cannotx
he shewes no such soft temperx his headxs yellowx
hard hayrxdx and curldx thicke twind like ivy todsx
not to undoe with thunderx in his face
the liverie of the warlike maide appearesx
pure redx and whitex for yet no beard has blest himx
and in his rowling eyes sits victoryx
as if she ever ment to court his valourx
his nose stands highx a character of honourx
his red lipsx after fightsx are fit for ladiesx

emiliax
must these men die toox

perithousx
when he speakesx his tongue
sounds like a trumpetx all his lyneaments
are as a man would wish xemx strong and cleanex
he weares a wellxsteeld axex the staffe of goldx
his age some five and twentyx

messengerx
therxs anotherx
a little manx but of a tough soulex seeming
as great as anyx fairer promises
in such a body yet i never lookxd onx

perithousx
ox he thatxs freckle facxdx

messengerx
the samex my lordx
are they not sweet onesx

perithousx
yesx they are wellx

messengerx
me thinkesx
being so fewx and well disposdx they show
greatx and fine art in naturex hexs white hairxdx
not wanton whitex but such a manly colour
next to an abornex toughx and nimble setx
which showes an active soulex his armes are brawnyx
linde with strong sinewesx to the shoulder peece
gently they swellx like women new conceavxdx
which speakes him prone to labourx never fainting
vnder the waight of armesx stout hartedx stillx
but when he stirsx a tigerx hexs gray eydx
which yeelds compassion where he conquersx sharpe
to spy advantagesx and where he finds xemx
hexs swift to make xem hisx he doxs no wrongsx
nor takes nonex hexs round facxdx and when he smiles
he showes a loverx when he frownesx a souldierx
about his head he weares the winners okex
and in it stucke the favour of his ladyx
his agex some six and thirtiex  in his hand
he beares a charging staffex embost with silverx

theseusx
are they all thusx

perithousx
they are all the sonnes of honourx

theseusx
nowx as i have a soulex i long to seexemx
ladyx you shall see men fight nowx

hippolitax
i wish itx
but not the causex my lordx they would show
bravely about the titles of two kingdomesx
tis pitty love should be so tyrannousx
o my soft harted sisterx what thinke youx
weepe notx till they weepe bloodx wenchx it must bex

theseusx
you have steelxd xem with your beautiexxhonord friendx
to you i give the feildx prayx order it
fitting the persons that must use itx

perithousx
yesx sirx

theseusx
comex ile goe visit xemx i cannot stayx
their fame has firxd me sox till they appearex
good friendx be royallx

perithousx
there shall want no braveryx

emiliax
poore wenchx goe weepex for whosoever winsx
looses a noble cosen for thy sinsx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xa room in the prisonxx

xenter iailorx wooerx doctorxx

doctorx
her distraction is more at some time of the moonex then at other somex
is it notx

iailorx
she is continually in a harmelesse distemperx sleepes littlex
altogether without appetitex save often drinkingx dreaming of another
worldx and a betterx and what broken peece of matter soxere shexs
aboutx the name palamon lardes itx that she farces evxry busines
withallx fyts it to every questionxx

xenter daughterxx

looke where shee comesx you shall perceive her behaviourx

daughterx
i have forgot it quitex the burden onxtx was downe ax downe ax and pend
by no worse manx then giraldox emilias schoolemasterx hexs as
fantasticall toox as ever he may goe uponxs legsxxfor in the next world
will dido see palamonx and then will she be out of love with eneasx

doctorx
what stuffxs herex pore soulex

iailorx
evxn thus all day longx

daughterx
now for this charmex that i told you ofx you must bring a peece of
silver on the tip of your tonguex or no ferryx thenx if it be your
chance to come where the blessed spiritsx as therxs a sight nowxwe
maids that have our lyvers perishxdx crakt to peeces with lovex we
shall come therex and doe nothing all day long but picke flowers with
proserpinex then will i make palamon a nosegayx then let him marke
mexxthenx

doctorx
how prettily shexs amissex note her a little furtherx

daughterx
faithx ile tell youx sometime we goe to barly breakex we of the
blessedx alasx tis a sore life they have ixth other placex such
burningx fryingx boylingx hissingx howlingx chattringx cursingx oh they
have shrowd measurex take heedex if one be madx or hang or drowne
themselvesx thither they goex iupiter blesse vsx and there shall we be
put in a caldron of leadx and vsurers greasex amongst a whole million
of cutpursesx and there boyle like a gamon of bacon that will never be
enoughx  xexitxx

doctorx
how her braine coynesx

daughterx
lords and courtiersx that have got maids with childx they are in this
placex they shall stand in fire up to the navxlex and in yce up toxth
hartx and there thxoffending part burnesx and the deceaving part
freezesx in trothx a very greevous punishmentx as one would thinkex for
such a triflex beleve mex one would marry a leaprous witchx to be rid
onxtx ile assure youx

doctorx
how she continues this fanciex  tis not an engraffed madnessex but a
most thickex and profound mellenchollyx

daughterx
to heare there a proud ladyx and a proud citty wiffex howle togetherx i
were a beast and ilxd call it good sportx one criesx xo this smoakexx
anotherx xthis firexx  one criesx xox that ever i did it behind the
arrasxx and then howlesx thxother curses a suing fellow and her garden
housex  xsingsx  i will be truex my starsx my fatex xcx  xexit daughxx

iailorx
what thinke you of herx sirx

doctorx
i thinke she has a perturbed mindex which i cannot minister tox

iailorx
alasx what thenx

doctorx
vnderstand youx she ever affected any manx ere she beheld
palamonx

iailorx
i was oncex sirx in great hope she had fixd her liking on this
gentlemanx my friendx

wooerx
i did thinke so toox and would account i had a great penxworth onxtx to
give halfe my statex that both she and i at this present stood
unfainedly on the same tearmesx

doctorx
that intemprat surfeit of her eye hath distemperd the other sencesx
they may returne and settle againe to execute their preordaind
facultiesx but they are now in a most extravagant vagaryx  this you
must doex confine her to a placex where the light may rather seeme to
steale inx then be permittedx take vpon you xyong sirx her friendx the
name of palamonx say you come to eate with herx and to commune of lovex
this will catch her attentionx for this her minde beates uponx other
objects that are inserted tweene her minde and eye become the prankes
and friskins of her madnesx sing to her such greene songs of lovex as
she sayes palamon hath sung in prisonx come to herx stucke in as sweet
flowers as the season is mistres ofx and thereto make an addition of
som other compounded odoursx which are grateful to the sencex all this
shall become palamonx for palamon can singx and palamon is sweetx and
evxry good thingx desire to eate with herx carve herx drinke to herx
and still amongx intermingle your petition of grace and acceptance into
her favourx learne what maides have beene her companions and
playxpheeresx and let them repaire to her with palamon in their
mouthesx and appeare with tokensx as if they suggested for himx it is a
falsehood she is inx which is with falsehood to be combatedx this may
bring her to eatex to sleepex and reduce whatxs now out of square in
herx into their former lawx and regimentx i have seene it approvedx how
many times i know notx but to make the number morex i have great hope
in thisx  i willx betweene the passages of this projectx come in with
my applyancex let us put it in executionx and hasten the successex
whichx doubt notx will bring forth comfortx  xflorishx  exeuntxx

act v

scene xx  xbefore the temples of marsx venusx and dianaxx

xenter thesiusx perithousx hipolitax attendantsxx

theseusx
now letxem enterx and before the gods
tender their holy prayersx let the temples
burne bright with sacred firesx and the altars
in hallowed clouds commend their swelling incense
to those above usx let no due be wantingx  xflorish of cornetsxx
they have a noble worke in handx will honour
the very powers that love xemx

xenter palamon and arcitex and their knightsxx

perithousx
sirx they enterx

theseusx
you valiant and strong harted enemiesx
you royall german foesx that this day come
to blow that furnesse out that flames betweene yex
lay by your anger for an hourex and dovexlikex
before the holy altars of your helpersx
xthe all feard godsx bow downe your stubborne bodiesx
your ire is more than mortallx so your helpe bex
and as the gods regard yex fight with iusticex
ile leave you to your prayersx and betwixt ye
i part my wishesx

perithousx
honour crowne the worthiestx  xexit theseusx and his trainexx

palamonx
the glasse is running now that cannot finish
till one of us expirex thinke you but thusx
that were there ought in me which strove to show
mine enemy in this businessex werxt one eye
against anotherx arme opprest by armex
i would destroy thxoffenderx cozx i wouldx
though parcell of my selfex then from this gather
how i should tender youx

arcitex
i am in labour
to push your namex your auncient lovex our kindred
out of my memoryx and ixth selfe same place
to seate something i would confoundx so hoyst we
the saylesx that must these vessells port even where
the heavenly lymiter pleasesx

palamonx
you speake wellx
before i turnex let me embrace theex cosenx
this i shall never doe agenx

arcitex
one farewellx

palamonx
whyx let it be sox farewellx cozx  xexeunt palamon and his
knightsxx

arcitex
farewellx sirxx
knightsx kinsemenx loversx yeax my sacrificesx
true worshippers of marsx whose spirit in you
expells the seedes of fearex and thxapprehension
which still is farther off itx goe with me
before the god of our professionx there
require of him the hearts of lyonsx and
the breath of tigersx yeax the fearcenesse toox
yeax the speed alsoxxto goe onx i meanex
else wish we to be snaylesx you know my prize
must be dragxd out of bloodx force and great feate
must put my garland onx where she stickes
the queene of flowersx our intercession then
must be to him that makes the campe a cestron
brymd with the blood of menx give me your aide
and bend your spirits towards himx  xthey kneelexx
thou mighty onex that with thy power hast turnd
greene neptune into purplex xwhose approachx
comets prewarnex whose havocke in vaste feild
vnearthed skulls proclaimex whose breath blowes downex
the teeming ceres foyzonx who doth plucke
with hand armypotent from forth blew clowdes
the masond turretsx that both makxst and breakxst
the stony girthes of cittiesx me thy puplex
yongest follower of thy dromx instruct this day
with military skillx that to thy lawde
i may advance my streamerx and by theex
be stilxd the lord oxth dayx give mex great marsx
some token of thy pleasurex

xhere they fall on their faces as formerlyx and there is heard
 clanging of armorx with a short thunder as the burst of a
battailex
 whereupon they all rise and bow to the altarxx

o great corrector of enormous timesx
shaker of orexrank statesx thou grand decider
of dustie and old tytlesx that healst with blood
the earth when it is sickex and curst the world
oxth pluresie of peoplex i doe take
thy signes auspiciouslyx and in thy name
to my designe march boldlyx  let us goex  xexeuntxx

xenter palamon and his knightsx with the former observancexx

palamonx
our stars must glister with new firex or be
to daie extinctx our argument is lovex
which if the goddesse of it grantx she gives
victory toox then blend your spirits with minex
youx whose free noblenesse doe make my cause
your personall hazardx to the goddesse venus
commend we our proceedingx and implore
her power unto our partiex  xhere they kneele as formerlyxx
hailex soveraigne queene of secretsx who hast power
to call the feircest tyrant from his ragex
and weepe unto a girlex that haxst the mightx
even with an eyxglancex to choke marsis drom
and turne thxallarme to whispersx that canst make
a criple florish with his crutchx and cure him
before apollox that mayxst force the king
to be his subjects vassailex and induce
stale gravitie to dauncex the pould bachelourx
whose youthx like wonton boyes through bonfyresx
have skipt thy flamexat seaventy thou canst catch
and make himx to the scorne of his hoarse throatex
abuse yong laies of lovex what godlike power
hast thou not power uponx  to phoebus thou
addxst flames hotter then hisx the heavenly fyres
did scortch his mortall sonx thine himx the huntresse
all moyst and coldx some sayx began to throw
her bow awayx and sighx  take to thy grace
mex thy vowd souldierx who doe beare thy yoke
as txwer a wreath of rosesx yet is heavier
then lead it selfex stings more than nettlesx
i have never beene foule mouthd against thy lawx
nevxr reveald secretx for i knew nonexwould notx
had i kend all that werex i never practised
vpon mans wifex nor would the libells reade
of liberall witsx i never at great feastes
sought to betray a beautiex but have blushxd
at simpring sirs that didx i have beene harsh
to large confessorsx and have hotly askxd them
if they had mothersx i had onex a womanx
and women txwer they wrongxdx  i knew a man
of eightie wintersx this i told themx who
a lasse of foureteene bridedx twas thy power
to put life into dustx the aged crampe
had screwxd his square foote roundx
the gout had knit his fingers into knotsx
torturing convulsions from his globie eyesx
had almost drawne their spheeresx that what was life
in him seemxd torturex this anatomie
had by his yong faire pheare a boyx and i
beleevxd it was himx for she swore it wasx
and who would not beleeve herx briefex i am
to those that prate and have done no companionx
to those that boast and have not a defyerx
to those that would and cannot a rejoycerx
yeax him i doe not lovex that tells close offices
the fowlest wayx nor names concealements in
the boldest languagex such a one i amx
and vow that lover never yet made sigh
truer then ix  ox thenx most softx sweet goddessex
give me the victory of this questionx which
is true loves meritx and blesse me with a signe
of thy great pleasurex

xhere musicke is heardx doves are seene to flutterx they fall
 againe upon their facesx then on their kneesxx

palamonx
o thoux that from eleven to ninetie raignxst
in mortall bosomesx whose chase is this worldx
and we in heards thy gamex i give thee thankes
for this faire tokenx whichx being layd unto
mine innocent true heartx armes in assurance  xthey bowxx
my body to this businessex  let us rise
and bow before the goddessex time comes onx  xexeuntxx

xstill musicke of recordsxx

xenter emilia in whitex her haire about her shouldersx xwearingx a
wheaten wreathx one in white holding up her trainex her haire stucke
with flowersx one before her carrying a silver hyndex in which is
conveyd incense and sweet odoursx which being set upon the altar xof
dianax her maides standing a loofex she sets fire to itx then they
curtsey and kneelexx

emiliax
o sacredx shadowiex cold and constant queenex
abandoner of revellsx mutex contemplativex
sweetx solitaryx white as chastex and pure
as windefand snowx who to thy femall knights
alowxst no more blood than will make a blushx
which is their orders robex i heerex thy priestx
am humbled fore thine altarx o vouchsafex
with that thy rare greene eyex which never yet
beheld thing maculatex looke on thy virginx
andx sacred silver mistrisx lend thine eare
xwhich nevxr heard scurrill termex into whose port
nexre entred wanton foundxx to my petition
seasond with holy fearex this is my last
of vestall officex i am bride habitedx
but mayden hartedx a husband i have pointedx
but doe not know himx out of two i should
choose one and pray for his successex but i
am guiltlesse of electionx of mine eyesx
were i to loose onex they are equall preciousx
i could doombe neitherx that which perishxd should
goe tooxt unsentencxdx thereforex most modest queenex
he of the two pretendersx that best loves me
and has the truest title inxtx let him
take off my wheaten gerlandx or else grant
the fyle and qualitie i holdx i may
continue in thy bandx

xhere the hynde vanishes under the altarx and in the place ascends
 a rose treex having one rose upon itxx

see what our generall of ebbs and flowes
out from the bowells of her holy altar
with sacred act advancesx  but one rosex
if well inspirdx this battaile shal confound
both these brave knightsx and ix a virgin flowre
must grow alone unpluckxdx

xhere is heard a sodaine twang of instrumentsx and the rose falsx
 from the tree xwhich vanishes under the altarxxx

the flowre is falnex the tree descendsx ox mistrisx
thou here dischargest mex i shall be gatherxdx
i thinke sox but i know not thine owne willx
vnclaspe thy misteriexxi hope shexs pleasxdx
her signes were gratiousx  xthey curtsey and exeuntxx

scene xx  xa darkened room in the prisonxx

xenter doctorx iaylor and wooerx in habite of palamonxx

doctorx
has this advice i told youx done any good upon herx

wooerx
o very muchx the maids that kept her company
have halfe perswaded her that i am palamonx
within this halfe houre she came smiling to mex
and asked me what i would eatex and when i would kisse herx
i told her presentlyx and kist her twicex

doctorx
twas well donex twentie times had bin far betterx
for there the cure lies mainelyx

wooerx
then she told me
she would watch with me to nightx for well she knew
what houre my fit would take mex

doctorx
let her doe sox
and when your fit comesx fit her homex
and presentlyx

wooerx
she would have me singx

doctorx
you did sox

wooerx
nox

doctorx
twas very ill donex thenx
you should observe her evxry wayx

wooerx
alasx
i have no voicex sirx to confirme her that wayx

doctorx
thatxs all onex if yee make a noysex
if she intreate againex doe any thingxx
lye with herx if she aske youx

iailorx
hoax therex doctorx

doctorx
yesx in the waie of curex

iailorx
but firstx by your leavex
ixth way of honestiex

doctorx
thatxs but a nicenessex
nevxr cast your child away for honestiex
cure her first this wayx then if shee will be honestx
she has the path before herx

iailorx
thanke yeex doctorx

doctorx
prayx bring her inx
and letxs see how shee isx

iailorx
i willx and tell her
her palamon staies for herx butx doctorx
me thinkes you are ixth wrong stillx  xexit iaylorxx

doctorx
goex goex
you fathers are fine foolesx her honestyx
and we should give her physicke till we finde thatx

wooerx
whyx doe you thinke she is not honestx sirx

doctorx
how old is shex

wooerx
shexs eighteenex

doctorx
she may bex
but thatxs all onex tis nothing to our purposex
what ere her father saiesx if you perceave
her moode inclining that way that i spoke ofx
videlicetx the way of fleshxyou have mex

wooerx
yetx very wellx sirx

doctorx
please her appetitex
and doe it homex it cures herx ipso factox
the mellencholly humour that infects herx

wooerx
i am of your mindex doctorx

xenter iaylorx daughterx maidexx

doctorx
youxl finde it sox she comesx pray humour herx

iailorx
comex your love palamon staies for youx childex
and has done this long hourex to visite youx

daughterx
i thanke him for his gentle patiencex
hexs a kind gentlemanx and i am much bound to himx
did you nevxr see the horse he gave mex

iailorx
yesx

daughterx
how doe you like himx

iailorx
hexs a very faire onex

daughterx
you never saw him dancex

iailorx
nox

daughterx
i have oftenx
he daunces very finelyx very comelyx
and for a iiggex come cut and long taile to himx
he turnes ye like a topx

iailorx
thatxs finex indeedex

daughterx
heexl dance the morris twenty mile an hourex
and that will founder the best hobbyxhorse
xif i have any skillx in all the parishx
and gallops to the turne of light ax lovex
what thinke you of this horsex

iailorx
having these vertuesx
i thinke he might be broght to play at tennisx

daughterx
alasx thatxs nothingx

iailorx
can he write and reade toox

daughterx
a very faire handx and casts himselfe thxaccounts
of all his hay and provenderx that hostler
must rise betime that cozens himx  you know
the chestnut mare the duke hasx

iailorx
very wellx

daughterx
she is horribly in love with himx poore beastx
but he is like his masterx coy and scornefullx

iailorx
what dowry has shex

daughterx
some two hundred bottlesx
and twenty strike of oatesx but heexl nexre have herx
he lispes inxs neighingx able to entice
a millars marex heexl be the death of herx

doctorx
what stuffe she uttersx

iailorx
make curtsiex here your love comesx

wooerx
pretty soulex
how doe yex thatxs a fine maidex therxs a curtsiex

daughterx
yours to command ith way of honestiex
how far isxt now toxth end oxth worldx my mastersx

doctorx
whyx a daies iorneyx wenchx

daughterx
will you goe with mex

wooerx
what shall we doe therex wenchx

daughterx
whyx play at stoole ballx
what is there else to doex

wooerx
i am contentx
if we shall keepe our wedding therex

daughterx
tis truex
for therex i will assure youx we shall finde
some blind priest for the purposex that will venture
to marry usx for here they are nicex and foolishx
besidesx my father must be hangxd to morrow
and that would be a blot ixth businessex
are not you palamonx

wooerx
doe not you know mex

daughterx
yesx but you care not for mex i have nothing
but this pore petticoatex and too corse smockesx

wooerx
thatxs all onex i will have youx

daughterx
will you surelyx

wooerx
yesx by this faire handx will ix

daughterx
weexl to bedx thenx

wooerx
evxn when you willx  xkisses herxx

daughterx
o sirx you would faine be niblingx

wooerx
why doe you rub my kisse offx

daughterx
tis a sweet onex
and will perfume me finely against the weddingx
is not this your cosen arcitex

doctorx
yesx sweet heartx
and i am glad my cosen palamon
has made so faire a choicex

daughterx
doe you thinke heexl have mex

doctorx
yesx without doubtx

daughterx
doe you thinke so toox

iailorx
yesx

daughterx
we shall have many childrenxxlordx how yxar grownex
my palamonx i hopex will growx toox finelyx
now hexs at libertyx alasx poore chickenx
he was kept downe with hard meate and ill lodgingx
but ile kisse him up againex

xemter a messengerxx

messengerx
what doe you herex youxl loose the noblest sight
that evxr was seenex

iailorx
are they ixth fieldx

messengerx
they arex
you beare a charge there toox

iailorx
ile away straightx
i must evxn leave you herex

doctorx
nayx weexl goe with youx
i will not loose the fightx

iailorx
how did you like herx

doctorx
ile warrant youx within these xx or xx daies
ile make her right againex  you must not from herx
but still preserve her in this wayx

wooerx
i willx

doctorx
lets get her inx

wooerx
comex sweetex weexl goe to dinnerx
and then weele play at cardesx

daughterx
and shall we kisse toox

wooerx
a hundred timesx

daughterx
and twentyx

wooerx
ix and twentyx

daughterx
and then weexl sleepe togetherx

doctorx
take her offerx

wooerx
yesx marryx will wex

daughterx
but you shall not hurt mex

wooerx
i will notx sweetex

daughterx
if you doex lovex ile cryx  xflorishx  exeuntx

scene xx  xa place near the listsxx

xenter theseusx hipolitax emiliax perithousx and some attendantsx
 xtx tuckex curtisxxx

emiliax
ile no step furtherx

perithousx
will you loose this sightx

emiliax
i had rather see a wren hawke at a fly
then this decisionx evxry blow that falls
threats a brave lifex each stroake laments
the place whereon it falsx and sounds more like
a bell then bladex i will stay herex
it is enough my hearing shall be punishd
with what shall happenxgainst the which there is
no deaffingx but to hearexnot taint mine eye
with dread sightsx it may shunx

perithousx
sirx my good lordx
your sister will no furtherx

theseusx
ohx she mustx
she shall see deeds of honour in their kindex
which sometime show wellx pencildx  nature now
shall make and act the storyx the beleife
both seald with eye and earex you must be presentx
you are the victours meedex the pricex and garlond
to crowne the questions titlex

emiliax
pardon mex
if i were therex ixld winkex

theseusx
you must be therex
this tryall is as txwer ixth nightx and you
the onely star to shinex

emiliax
i am extinctx
there is but envy in that lightx which showes
the one the otherx darkenesx which ever was
the dam of horrourx who doxs stand accurst
of many mortall millionsx may even nowx
by casting her blacke mantle over bothx
that neither coulde finde otherx get her selfe
some part of a good namex and many a murther
set off wherto shexs guiltyx

hippolitax
you must goex

emiliax
in faithx i will notx

theseusx
whyx the knights must kindle
their valour at your eyex knowx of this war
you are the treasurex and must needes be by
to give the service payx

emiliax
sirx pardon mex
the tytle of a kingdome may be tride
out of it selfex

theseusx
wellx wellx thenx at your pleasurex
those that remaine with you could wish their office
to any of their enemiesx

hippolitax
farewellx sisterx
i am like to know your husband fore your selfe
by some small start of timex he whom the gods
doe of the two know bestx i pray them he
be made your lotx

xexeunt theseusx hipolitax perithousx xcxx

emiliax
arcite is gently visagdx yet his eye
is like an engyn bentx or a sharpe weapon
in a soft sheathx mercy and manly courage
are bedfellowes in his visagex  palamon
has a most menacing aspectx his brow
is gravxdx and seemes to bury what it frownes onx
yet sometime tis not sox but alters to
the quallity of his thoughtsx long time his eye
will dwell upon his objectx  mellencholly
becomes him noblyx so doxs arcites mirthx
but palamons sadnes is a kinde of mirthx
so mingledx as if mirth did make him sadx
and sadnesx merryx those darker humours that
sticke misbecomingly on othersx on them
live in faire dwellingx  xcornetsx  trompets sound as to a
chargexx
harkex how yon spurs to spirit doe incite
the princes to their proofex arcite may win mex
and yet may palamon wound arcite to
the spoyling of his figurex  ox what pitty
enough for such a chancex if i were byx
i might doe hurtx for they would glance their eies
toward my seatx and in that motion might
omit a wardx or forfeit an offence
which cravxd that very timex it is much better
i am not therex oh better never borne
then minister to such harmex  xcornetsx  a great cry and noice withinx
 crying xa palamonxxx  what is the chancex

xenter servantxx

servantx
the criexs xa palamonxx

emiliax
then he has wonx  twas ever likelyx
he lookd all grace and successex and he is
doubtlesse the primxst of menx i prextheex run
and tell me how it goesx  xshowtx and cornetsx cryingx xa
palamonxxx

servantx
still palamonx

emiliax
run and enquirex  poore servantx thou hast lostx
vpon my right side still i wore thy picturex
palamons on the leftx why sox i know notx
i had no end inxt elsex chance would have it sox
on the sinister side the heart lyesx palamon
had the best boding chancex  xanother cryx and showt withinx and
 cornetsxx  this burst of clamour
is sure thxend oxth combatx

xenter servantxx

servantx
they saide that palamon had arcites body
within an inch oxth pyramidx that the cry
was generall xa palamonxx butx anonx
thxassistants made a brave redemptionx and
the two bold tytlersx at this instant are
hand to hand at itx

emiliax
were they metamorphisd
both into onex oh whyx there were no woman
worth so composd a manx their single sharex
their noblenes peculier to themx gives
the prejudice of disparityx values shortnesx  xcornetsx  cry withinx
 arcitex arcitexx
to any lady breathingxmore exultingx
palamon stillx

servantx
nayx now the sound is arcitex

emiliax
i prextheex lay attention to the cryx  xcornetsx  a great showt and
cryx xarcitex victoryxxx set both thine eares toxth businesx

servantx
the cry is
xarcitexx and xvictoryxx harkex xarcitex victoryxx
the combats consummation is proclaimxd
by the wind instrumentsx

emiliax
halfe sights saw
that arcite was no babex godxs lydx his richnes
and costlines of spirit lookxt through himx it could
no more be hid in him then fire in flaxx
then humble banckes can goe to law with watersx
that drift windes force to ragingx i did thinke
good palamon would miscarryx yet i knew not
why i did thinke sox our reasons are not prophetsx
when oft our fancies arex  they are comming offx
alasx poore palamonx  xcornetsxx

xenter theseusx hipolitax pirithousx arcite as victorx and
 attendantsx xcxx

theseusx
lox where our sister is in expectationx
yet quakingx and unsetledxxfairest emilyx
the gods by their divine arbitrament
have given you this knightx he is a good one
as ever strooke at headx  give me your handsx
receive you herx you himx be plighted with
a love that growesx as you decayx

arcitex
emilyx
to buy youx i have lost whatxs deerest to mex
save what is boughtx and yet i purchase cheapelyx
as i doe rate your valuex

theseusx
o loved sisterx
he speakes now of as brave a knight as ere
did spur a noble steedx surelyx the gods
would have him die a batchelourx least his race
should shew ixth world too godlikex his behaviour
so charmed mex that me thought alcides was
to him a sow of leadx if i could praise
each part of him toxth all i have spokex your arcite
did not loose byxtx for he that was thus good
encountred yet his betterx  i have heard
two emulous philomels beate the eare oxth night
with their contentious throatesx now one the higherx
anon the otherx then againe the firstx
and by and by out breastedx that the sence
could not be judge betweene xemx so it farxd
good space betweene these kinesmenx till heavens did
make hardly one the winnerx  weare the girlond
with joy that you have wonx for the subdudex
give them our present iusticex since i know
their lives but pinch xemx let it here be donex
the sceanexs not for our seeingx goe we hencex
right joyfullx with some sorrowxxarme your prizex
i know you will not loose herxxhipolitax
i see one eye of yours conceives a teare
the which it will deliverx  xflorishxx

emiliax
is this wynningx
oh all you heavenly powersx where is your mercyx
but that your wils have saide it must be sox
and charge me live to comfort this unfriendedx
this miserable princex that cuts away
a life more worthy from him then all womenx
i shouldx and wouldx die toox

hippolitax
infinite pittyx
that fowre such eies should be so fixd on one
that two must needes be blinde fortx

theseusx
so it isx  xexeuntxx

scene xx  xthe samex a block preparedxx

xenter palamon and his knightes pyniondx iaylorx executionerx xcx
gardxx

xpalamonxx
therxs many a man alive that hath out livxd
the love oxth peoplex yeax ixth selfesame state
stands many a father with his childex some comfort
we have by so consideringx we expire
and not without mens pittyx  to live stillx
have their good wishesx we prevent
the loathsome misery of agex beguile
the gowt and rheumex that in lag howres attend
for grey approachersx we come towards the gods
yong and unwapperxdx not halting under crymes
many and stalex that sure shall please the godsx
sooner than suchx to give us nectar with xemx
for we are more cleare spiritsx  my deare kinesmenx
whose lives xfor this poore comfortx are laid downex
you have sould xem too too cheapex

xx knightx
what ending could be
of more contentx ore us the victors have
fortunex whose title is as momentaryx
as to us death is certainex a graine of honour
they not orexxweigh usx

xx knightx
let us bid farewellx
and with our patience anger tottring fortunex
who at her certainxst reelesx

xx knightx
comex who beginsx

palamonx
evxn he that led you to this banket shall
taste to you allxxah hax my friendx my friendx
your gentle daughter gave me freedome oncex
youxl seext done now for everx prayx how doxes shex
i heard she was not wellx her kind of ill
gave me some sorrowx

iailorx
sirx shexs well restorxdx
and to be marryed shortlyx

palamonx
by my short lifex
i am most glad onxtx tis the latest thing
i shall be glad ofx prexthee tell her sox
commend me to herx and to peece her portionx
tender her thisx  xgives pursexx

xx knightx
nay lets be offerers allx

xx knightx
is it a maidex

palamonx
verilyx i thinke sox
a right good creaturex more to me deserving
then i can quight or speake ofx

all knightsx
commend us to herx  xthey give their pursesxx

iailorx
the gods requight you allx
and make her thankefullx

palamonx
adiewx and let my life be now as shortx
as my leave takingx  xlies on the blockexx

xx knightx
leadex couragious cosinx

xx knightx
weexl follow cheerefullyx  xa great noise within cryingx xrunx savex
holdxxx

xenter in hast a messengerxx

messengerx
holdx holdx  o holdx holdx holdx

xenter pirithous in hastexx

perithousx
holdx hoax  it is a cursed hast you madex
if you have done so quicklyx  noble palamonx
the gods will shew their glory in a lifex
that thou art yet to leadex

palamonx
can that bex
when venusx i have saidx is falsex  how doe things farex

perithousx
arisex great sirx and give the tydings eare
that are most dearly sweet and bitterx

palamonx
what
hath wakt us from our dreamex

perithousx
list thenx your cosenx
mounted upon a steed that emily
did first bestow on himx a blacke onex owing
not a hayre worth of whitexwhich some will say
weakens his pricex and many will not buy
his goodnesse with this notex which superstition
heere findes allowancexon this horse is arcite
trotting the stones of athensx which the calkins
did rather tell then tramplex for the horse
would make his length a milex ifxt pleasxd his rider
to put pride in himx as he thus went counting
the flinty pavementx dancingx as txwerx toxth musicke
his owne hoofes madex xfor as they say from iron
came musickes origenx what envious flintx
cold as old saturnex and like him possest
with fire malevolentx darted a sparkex
or what feirce sulphur elsex to this end madex
i comment notxxthe hot horsex hot as firex
tooke toy at thisx and fell to what disorder
his power could give his willx boundsx comes on endx
forgets schoole dooingx being therein traindx
and of kind mannadgex pigxlike he whines
at the sharpe rowellx which he freats at rather
then any jot obaiesx seekes all foule meanes
of boystrous and rough iadriex to disxseate
his lordx that kept it bravelyx when nought servxdx
when neither curb would crackex girth breake nor diffring plunges
disxroote his rider whence he grewx but that
he kept him tweene his leggesx on his hind hoofes on end he standsx
that arcites leggsx being higher then his headx
seemxd with strange art to handx his victors wreath
even then fell off his headx and presently
backeward the iade comes orex and his full poyze
becomes the riders loadex yet is he livingx
but such a vessell tisx that floates but for
the surge that next approachesx he much desires
to have some speech with youx loe he appearesx

xenter theseusx hipolitax emiliax arcite in a chairexx

palamonx
o miserable end of our alliancex
the gods are mightiex arcitex if thy heartx
thy worthiex manly heartx be yet unbrokenx
give me thy last wordsx i am palamonx
one that yet loves thee dyingx

arcitex
take emilia
and with her all the worlds joyx reach thy handx
farewellx i have told my last hourex  i was falsex
yet never treacherousx forgive mex cosenxx
one kisse from faire emiliax tis donex
take herx i diex

palamonx
thy brave soule seeke eliziumx

emiliax
ile close thine eyesx princex blessed soules be with theex
thou art a right good manx and while i livex
this day i give to tearesx

palamonx
and i to honourx

theseusx
in this place first you foughtx evxn very here
i sundred youx acknowledge to the gods
our thankes that you are livingx
his part is playdx and though it were too shortx
he did it wellx your day is lengthnedx and
the blissefull dew of heaven doxs arowze youx
the powerfull venus well hath gracxd her altarx
and given you your lovex our master mars
hath vouchxd his oraclex and to arcite gave
the grace of the contentionx so the deities
have shewd due justicex beare this hencex

palamonx
o cosenx
that we should things desirex which doe cost us
the losse of our desirex  that nought could buy
deare lovex but losse of deare lovex

theseusx
never fortune
did play a subtler gamex the conquerd triumphesx
the victor has the lossex yet in the passage
the gods have beene most equallx palamonx
your kinseman hath confest the right oxth lady
did lye in youx for you first saw herx and
even then proclaimd your fanciex he restord her
as your stolne iewellx and desirxd your spirit
to send him hence forgivenx the gods my justice
take from my handx and they themselves become
the executionersx leade your lady offx
and call your lovers from the stage of deathx
whom i adopt my frindsx  a day or two
let us looke sadlyx and give grace unto
the funerall of arcitex in whose end
the visages of bridegroomes weele put on
and smile with palamonx for whom an hourex
but one hourex sincex i was as dearely sorryx
as glad of arcitex and am now as gladx
as for him sorryx  o you heavenly charmersx
what things you make of usx  for what we lacke
we laughx for what we havex are sorryx still
are children in some kindx  let us be thankefull
for that which isx and with you leave dispute
that are above our questionx  letxs goe offx
and beare us like the timex  xflorishx  exeuntxx

epilogue

i would now aske ye how ye like the playx
butx as it is with schoole boyesx cannot sayx
i am cruell fearefullx prayx yet stay a whilex
and let me looke upon yex no man smilex
then it goes hardx i seex he that has
lovxd a yong hansome wenchx thenx show his facex
tis strange if none be heerexand if he will
against his consciencex let him hissex and kill
our marketx tis in vainex i seex to stay yeex
have at the worst can comex thenx  now what say yex
and yet mistake me notx i am not boldx
we have no such causex  if the tale we have told
xfor tis no otherx any way content ye
xfor to that honest purpose it was ment yex
we have our endx and ye shall have ere longx
i dare sayx many a betterx to prolong
your old loves to usx wex and all our might
rest at your servicex  gentlemenx good nightx  xflorishxx




the winterxs tale




contents

act i
scene ix siciliax an antechamber in leontesx palacex
scene iix the samex a room of state in the palacex

act ii
scene ix siciliax a room in the palacex
scene iix the samex the outer room of a prisonx
scene iiix the samex a room in the palacex

act iii
scene ix siciliax a street in some townx
scene iix the samex a court of justicex
scene iiix bohemiax a desert country near the seax

act iv
scene ix prologuex
scene iix bohemiax a room in the palace of polixenesx
scene iiix the samex a road near the shepherdxs cottagex
scene ivx the samex a shepherdxs cottagex

act v
scene ix siciliax a room in the palace of leontesx
scene iix the samex before the palacex
scene iiix the samex a room in paulinaxs housex

dramatis personx

leontesx king of sicilia
mamilliusx his son
camillox sicilian lord
antigonusx sicilian lord
cleomenesx sicilian lord
dionx sicilian lord
polixenesx king of bohemia
florizelx his son
archidamusx a bohemian lord
an old shepherdx reputed father of perdita
clownx his son
autolycusx a rogue
a mariner
a gaoler
servant to the old shepherd
other sicilian lords
sicilian gentlemen
officers of a court of judicature

hermionex queen to leontes
perditax daughter to leontes and hermione
paulinax wife to antigonus
emiliax a lady attending on the queen
mopsax shepherdess
dorcasx shepherdess
other ladiesx attending on the queen

lordsx ladiesx and attendantsx satyrs for a dancex shepherdsx
shepherdessesx guardsx xcx

timex as chorus

scenex sometimes in siciliax sometimes in bohemiax




act i

scene ix siciliax an antechamber in leontesx palacex

 enter camillo and archidamusx

archidamusx
if you shall chancex camillox to visit bohemiax on the like occasion
whereon my services are now on footx you shall seex as i have saidx
great difference betwixt our bohemia and your siciliax

camillox
i think this coming summer the king of sicilia means to pay bohemia the
visitation which he justly owes himx

archidamusx
wherein our entertainment shall shame usx we will be justified in our
lovesx for indeedxx

camillox
beseech youx

archidamusx
verilyx i speak it in the freedom of my knowledgex we cannot with such
magnificencexin so rarexi know not what to sayx we will give you sleepy
drinksx that your sensesx unintelligent of our insufficiencex mayx
though they cannot praise usx as little accuse usx

camillox
you pay a great deal too dear for whatxs given freelyx

archidamusx
believe mex i speak as my understanding instructs me and as mine
honesty puts it to utterancex

camillox
sicilia cannot show himself overxkind to bohemiax they were trained
together in their childhoodsx and there rooted betwixt them then such
an affection which cannot choose but branch nowx since their more
mature dignities and royal necessities made separation of their
societyx their encountersx though not personalx have been royally
attorneyed with interchange of giftsx lettersx loving embassiesx that
they have seemed to be togetherx though absentx shook handsx as over a
vastx and embraced as it were from the ends of opposed windsx the
heavens continue their lovesx

archidamusx
i think there is not in the world either malice or matter to alter itx
you have an unspeakable comfort of your young prince mamilliusx it is a
gentleman of the greatest promise that ever came into my notex

camillox
i very well agree with you in the hopes of himx it is a gallant childx
one that indeed physics the subjectx makes old hearts freshx they that
went on crutches ere he was born desire yet their life to see him a
manx

archidamusx
would they else be content to diex

camillox
yesx if there were no other excuse why they should desire to livex

archidamusx
if the king had no sonx they would desire to live on crutches till he
had onex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex a room of state in the palacex

 enter leontesx polixenesx hermionex mamilliusx camillo and attendantsx

polixenesx
nine changes of the watery star hath been
the shepherdxs note since we have left our throne
without a burdenx time as long again
would be fillxd upx my brotherx with our thanksx
and yet we shouldx for perpetuityx
go hence in debtx and thereforex like a cipherx
yet standing in rich placex i multiply
with one xwe thank youx many thousands more
that go before itx

leontesx
stay your thanks a whilex
and pay them when you partx

polixenesx
sirx thatxs tomorrowx
i am questionxd by my fearsx of what may chance
or breed upon our absencex that may blow
no sneaping winds at homex to make us say
xthis is put forth too trulyxx besidesx i have stayxd
to tire your royaltyx

leontesx
we are tougherx brotherx
than you can put us to xtx

polixenesx
no longer stayx

leontesx
one sevexnight longerx

polixenesx
very soothx tomorrowx

leontesx
wexll part the time between xs thenx and in that
ixll no gainsayingx

polixenesx
press me notx beseech youx sox
there is no tongue that movesx nonex none ix thx worldx
so soon as yoursx could win mex so it should nowx
were there necessity in your requestx although
xtwere needful i denied itx my affairs
do even drag me homewardx which to hinder
werex in your love a whip to mex my stay
to you a charge and troublex to save bothx
farewellx our brotherx

leontesx
tonguextiedx our queenx speak youx

hermionex
i had thoughtx sirx to have held my peace until
you had drawn oaths from him not to stayx youx sirx
charge him too coldlyx tell him you are sure
all in bohemiaxs wellx this satisfaction
the byxgone day proclaimedx say this to himx
hexs beat from his best wardx

leontesx
well saidx hermionex

hermionex
to tell he longs to see his son were strongx
but let him say so thenx and let him gox
but let him swear sox and he shall not stayx
wexll thwack him hence with distaffsx
xxto polixenesxxx yet of your royal presence ixll adventure
the borrow of a weekx when at bohemia
you take my lordx ixll give him my commission
to let him there a month behind the gest
prefixxd forxs partingxxyetx good deedx leontesx
i love thee not a jar of thx clock behind
what lady she her lordx youxll stayx

polixenesx
nox madamx

hermionex
nayx but you willx

polixenesx
i may notx verilyx

hermionex
verilyx
you put me off with limber vowsx but ix
though you would seek tx unsphere the stars with oathsx
should yet say xsirx no goingxx verilyx
you shall not gox a ladyxs verily is
as potent as a lordxsx will go yetx
force me to keep you as a prisonerx
not like a guestx so you shall pay your fees
when you departx and save your thanksx how say youx
my prisoner or my guestx by your dread xverilyxx
one of them you shall bex

polixenesx
your guestx thenx madamx
to be your prisoner should import offendingx
which is for me less easy to commit
than you to punishx

hermionex
not your gaoler thenx
but your kind hostessx comex ixll question you
of my lordxs tricks and yours when you were boysx
you were pretty lordings thenx

polixenesx
we werex fair queenx
two lads that thought there was no more behind
but such a day tomorrow as todayx
and to be boy eternalx

hermionex
was not my lord
the verier wag ox thx twox

polixenesx
we were as twinnxd lambs that did frisk ix thx sun
and bleat the one at thx otherx what we changxd
was innocence for innocencex we knew not
the doctrine of illxdoingx nor dreamxd
that any didx had we pursuxd that lifex
and our weak spirits nexer been higher rearxd
with stronger bloodx we should have answerxd heaven
boldly xnot guiltyxx the imposition clearxd
hereditary oursx

hermionex
by this we gather
you have trippxd sincex

polixenesx
o my most sacred ladyx
temptations have since then been born to xsx for
in those unfledgxd days was my wife a girlx
your precious self had then not crossxd the eyes
of my young playxfellowx

hermionex
grace to bootx
of this make no conclusionx lest you say
your queen and i are devilsx yet go onx
thx offences we have made you do wexll answerx
if you first sinnxd with usx and that with us
you did continue faultx and that you slippxd not
with any but with usx

leontesx
is he won yetx

hermionex
hexll stayx my lordx

leontesx
at my request he would notx
hermionex my dearestx thou never spokxst
to better purposex

hermionex
neverx

leontesx
never but oncex

hermionex
whatx have i twice said wellx when wasxt beforex
i prithee tell mex cram xs with praisex and make xs
as fat as tame thingsx one good deed dying tongueless
slaughters a thousand waiting upon thatx
our praises are our wagesx you may ride xs
with one soft kiss a thousand furlongs ere
with spur we heat an acrex but to thx goalx
my last good deed was to entreat his stayx
what was my firstx it has an elder sisterx
or i mistake youx ox would her name were gracex
but once before i spoke to the purposexwhenx
nayx let me havextx i longx

leontesx
whyx that was when
three crabbed months had sourxd themselves to deathx
ere i could make thee open thy white hand
and clap thyself my lovex then didst thou utter
xi am yours for everxx

hermionex
xtis grace indeedx
whyx lo you nowx i have spoke to thx purpose twicex
the one for ever earnxd a royal husbandx
thx other for some while a friendx

 xxgiving her hand to polixenesxxx

leontesx
xxasidexxx too hotx too hotx
to mingle friendship far is mingling bloodsx
i have xtremor cordisx on mex my heart dancesx
but not for joyxxnot joyx this entertainment
may a free face put onx derive a liberty
from heartinessx from bountyx fertile bosomx
and well become the agentx xt mayx i grantx
but to be paddling palms and pinching fingersx
as now they arex and making practisxd smiles
as in a lookingxglassx and then to sighx as xtwere
the mort ox thx deerx ox that is entertainment
my bosom likes notx nor my browsx mamilliusx
art thou my boyx

mamilliusx
ayx my good lordx

leontesx
ix fecksx
whyx thatxs my bawcockx whatx hast smutchxd thy nosex
they say it is a copy out of minex comex captainx
we must be neatx not neatx but cleanlyx captainx
and yet the steerx the heiferx and the calf
are all callxd neatxxstill virginalling
upon his palmxxhow nowx you wanton calfx
art thou my calfx

mamilliusx
yesx if you willx my lordx

leontesx
thou wantxst a rough pash and the shoots that i have
to be full like mexxyet they say we are
almost as like as eggsx women say sox
that will say anythingx but were they false
as oxerxdyxd blacksx as windx as watersx false
as dice are to be wishxd by one that fixes
no bourn xtwixt his and minex yet were it true
to say this boy were like mex comex sir pagex
look on me with your welkin eyex sweet villainx
most dearxstx my collopx can thy damxxmayxt bex
affectionx thy intention stabs the centrex
thou dost make possible things not so heldx
communicatxst with dreamsxxhow can this bexx
with whatxs unreal thou coactive artx
and fellowxst nothingx then xtis very credent
thou mayxst coxjoin with somethingx and thou dostx
and that beyond commissionx and i find itx
and that to the infection of my brains
and hardening of my browsx

polixenesx
what means siciliax

hermionex
he something seems unsettledx

polixenesx
howx my lordx
what cheerx how isxt with youx best brotherx

hermionex
you look
as if you held a brow of much distractionx
are you movxdx my lordx

leontesx
nox in good earnestx
how sometimes nature will betray its follyx
its tendernessx and make itself a pastime
to harder bosomsx looking on the lines
of my boyxs facex methoughts i did recoil
twentyxthree yearsx and saw myself unbreechxdx
in my green velvet coatx my dagger muzzled
lest it should bite its masterx and so provex
as ornaments oft dox too dangerousx
how likex methoughtx i then was to this kernelx
this squashx this gentlemanx mine honest friendx
will you take eggs for moneyx

mamilliusx
nox my lordx ixll fightx

leontesx
you willx whyx happy man be xs dolex my brotherx
are you so fond of your young prince as we
do seem to be of oursx

polixenesx
if at homex sirx
hexs all my exercisex my mirthx my matterx
now my sworn friendx and then mine enemyx
my parasitex my soldierx statesmanx allx
he makes a julyxs day short as decemberx
and with his varying childness cures in me
thoughts that would thick my bloodx

leontesx
so stands this squire
officxd with mex we two will walkx my lordx
and leave you to your graver stepsx hermionex
how thou lovxst us show in our brotherxs welcomex
let what is dear in sicily be cheapx
next to thyself and my young roverx hexs
apparent to my heartx

hermionex
if you would seek usx
we are yours ix the gardenx shall xs attend you therex

leontesx
to your own bents dispose youx youxll be foundx
be you beneath the skyx xxasidexxx i am angling nowx
though you perceive me not how i give linex
go tox go tox
how she holds up the nebx the bill to himx
and arms her with the boldness of a wife
to her allowing husbandx

 xxexeunt polixenesx hermione and attendantsxxx

gone alreadyx
inchxthickx kneexdeepx oxer head and ears a forkxd onexx
gox playx boyx playx thy mother playsx and i
play toox but so disgracxd a partx whose issue
will hiss me to my gravex contempt and clamour
will be my knellx gox playx boyx playx there have beenx
or i am much deceivxdx cuckolds ere nowx
and many a man there isx even at this presentx
now while i speak thisx holds his wife by thx armx
that little thinks she has been sluicxd in xs absencex
and his pond fishxd by his next neighbourx by
sir smilex his neighbourx nayx therexs comfort in xtx
whiles other men have gatesx and those gates openxdx
as minex against their willx should all despair
that hath revolted wivesx the tenth of mankind
would hang themselvesx physic forxt therexs nonex
it is a bawdy planetx that will strike
where xtis predominantx and xtis powerfulx think itx
from eastx westx northx and southx be it concludedx
no barricado for a bellyx knowxtx
it will let in and out the enemy
with bag and baggagex many thousand of us
have the diseasex and feelxt notxxhow nowx boyx

mamilliusx
i am like youx they sayx

leontesx
whyx thatxs some comfortx
whatx camillo therex

camillox
ayx my good lordx

leontesx
go playx mamilliusx thouxrt an honest manx

 xxexit mamilliusxxx

camillox this great sir will yet stay longerx

camillox
you had much ado to make his anchor holdx
when you cast outx it still came homex

leontesx
didst note itx

camillox
he would not stay at your petitionsx made
his business more materialx

leontesx
didst perceive itx
xxasidexxx theyxre here with me alreadyx whispxringx roundingx
xsicilia is a soxforthxx xtis far gone
when i shall gust it lastxxhow camextx camillox
that he did stayx

camillox
at the good queenxs entreatyx

leontesx
at the queenxs bextx xgoodx should be pertinentx
but so it isx it is notx was this taken
by any understanding pate but thinex
for thy conceit is soakingx will draw in
more than the common blocksx not notedx isxtx
but of the finer naturesx by some severals
of headxpiece extraordinaryx lower messes
perchance are to this business purblindx sayx

camillox
businessx my lordx i think most understand
bohemia stays here longerx

leontesx
hax

camillox
stays here longerx

leontesx
ayx but whyx

camillox
to satisfy your highnessx and the entreaties
of our most gracious mistressx

leontesx
satisfyx
thx entreaties of your mistressx satisfyx
let that sufficex i have trusted theex camillox
with all the nearest things to my heartx as well
my chamberxcounselsx whereinx priestxlikex thou
hast cleansxd my bosomx i from thee departed
thy penitent reformxdx but we have been
deceivxd in thy integrityx deceivxd
in that which seems sox

camillox
be it forbidx my lordx

leontesx
to bide uponxtx thou art not honestx orx
if thou inclinxst that wayx thou art a cowardx
which hoxes honesty behindx restraining
from course requirxdx or else thou must be counted
a servant grafted in my serious trustx
and therein negligentx or else a fool
that seest a game playxd homex the rich stake drawnx
and takxst it all for jestx

camillox
my gracious lordx
i may be negligentx foolishx and fearfulx
in every one of these no man is freex
but that his negligencex his follyx fearx
among the infinite doings of the worldx
sometime puts forthx in your affairsx my lordx
if ever i were wilfulxnegligentx
it was my follyx if industriously
i playxd the foolx it was my negligencex
not weighing well the endx if ever fearful
to do a thingx where i the issue doubtedx
whereof the execution did cry out
against the nonxperformancex xtwas a fear
which oft affects the wisestx thesex my lordx
are such allowxd infirmities that honesty
is never free ofx butx beseech your gracex
be plainer with mex let me know my trespass
by its own visagex if i then deny itx
xtis none of minex

leontesx
hax not you seenx camillox
xbut thatxs past doubtx you havex or your eyexglass
is thicker than a cuckoldxs hornx or heardx
xforx to a vision so apparentx rumour
cannot be mutex or thoughtx xfor cogitation
resides not in that man that does not thinkx
my wife is slipperyx if thou wilt confessx
or else be impudently negativex
to have nor eyes nor ears nor thoughtx then say
my wifexs a hobbyxhorsex deserves a name
as rank as any flaxxwench that puts to
before her trothxplightx sayxt and justifyxtx

camillox
i would not be a standerxby to hear
my sovereign mistress clouded sox without
my present vengeance takenx xshrew my heartx
you never spoke what did become you less
than thisx which to reiterate were sin
as deep as thatx though truex

leontesx
is whispering nothingx
is leaning cheek to cheekx is meeting nosesx
kissing with inside lipx stopping the career
of laughter with a sighxxa note infallible
of breaking honestyxxhorsing foot on footx
skulking in cornersx wishing clocks more swiftx
hoursx minutesx noonx midnightx and all eyes
blind with the pin and web but theirsx theirs onlyx
that would unseen be wickedx is this nothingx
whyx then the world and all thatxs inxt is nothingx
the covering sky is nothingx bohemia nothingx
my wife is nothingx nor nothing have these nothingsx
if this be nothingx

camillox
good my lordx be curxd
of this diseasxd opinionx and betimesx
for xtis most dangerousx

leontesx
say it bex xtis truex

camillox
nox nox my lordx

leontesx
it isx you liex you liex
i say thou liestx camillox and i hate theex
pronounce thee a gross loutx a mindless slavex
or else a hovering temporizer that
canst with thine eyes at once see good and evilx
inclining to them bothx were my wifexs liver
infected as her lifex she would not live
the running of one glassx

camillox
who does infect herx

leontesx
whyx he that wears her like her medalx hanging
about his neckx bohemiax whox if i
had servants true about mex that bare eyes
to see alike mine honour as their profitsx
their own particular thriftsx they would do that
which should undo more doingx ayx and thoux
his cupbearerxxwhom i from meaner form
have benchxd and rearxd to worshipx who mayst see
plainly as heaven sees earth and earth sees heavenx
how i am galledxxmightst bespice a cupx
to give mine enemy a lasting winkx
which draught to me were cordialx

camillox
sirx my lordx
i could do thisx and that with no rash potionx
but with a lingxring dramx that should not work
maliciously like poisonx but i cannot
believe this crack to be in my dread mistressx
so sovereignly being honourablex
i have lovxd theexx

leontesx
make that thy questionx and go rotx
dost think i am so muddyx so unsettledx
to appoint myself in this vexationx sully
the purity and whiteness of my sheetsx
xwhich to preserve is sleepx which being spotted
is goadsx thornsx nettlesx tails of waspsx
give scandal to the blood ox thx princex my sonx
xwho i do think is minex and love as minex
without ripe moving toxtx would i do thisx
could man so blenchx

camillox
i must believe youx sirx
i dox and will fetch off bohemia forxtx
provided thatx when hexs removxdx your highness
will take again your queen as yours at firstx
even for your sonxs sakex and thereby for sealing
the injury of tongues in courts and kingdoms
known and allied to yoursx

leontesx
thou dost advise me
even so as i mine own course have set downx
ixll give no blemish to her honourx nonex

camillox
my lordx
go thenx and with a countenance as clear
as friendship wears at feastsx keep with bohemia
and with your queenx i am his cupbearerx
if from me he have wholesome beveragex
account me not your servantx

leontesx
this is allx
doxtx and thou hast the one half of my heartx
doxt notx thou splittxst thine ownx

camillox
ixll doxtx my lordx

leontesx
i will seem friendlyx as thou hast advisxd mex

 xxexitxxx

camillox
o miserable ladyx butx for mex
what case stand i inx i must be the poisoner
of good polixenesx and my ground to doxt
is the obedience to a masterx one
whox in rebellion with himselfx will have
all that are his so toox to do this deedx
promotion followsx if i could find example
of thousands that had struck anointed kings
and flourishxd afterx ixd not doxtx but since
nor brassx nor stonex nor parchmentx bears not onex
let villainy itself forswearxtx i must
forsake the courtx to doxtx or nox is certain
to me a breakxneckx happy star reign nowx
here comes bohemiax

 enter polixenesx

polixenesx
this is strangex methinks
my favour here begins to warpx not speakx
good dayx camillox

camillox
hailx most royal sirx

polixenesx
what is the news ix thx courtx

camillox
none rarex my lordx

polixenesx
the king hath on him such a countenance
as he had lost some provincex and a region
lovxd as he loves himselfx even now i met him
with customary complimentx when hex
wafting his eyes to the contraryx and falling
a lip of much contemptx speeds from mex and
so leaves me to consider what is breeding
that changes thus his mannersx

camillox
i dare not knowx my lordx

polixenesx
howx dare notx do notx do you knowx and dare notx
be intelligent to mex xtis thereaboutsx
forx to yourselfx what you do knowx you mustx
and cannot say you dare notx good camillox
your changxd complexions are to me a mirror
which shows me mine changxd toox for i must be
a party in this alterationx finding
myself thus alterxd withxtx

camillox
there is a sickness
which puts some of us in distemperx but
i cannot name the diseasex and it is caught
of you that yet are wellx

polixenesx
how caught of mex
make me not sighted like the basiliskx
i have lookxd on thousands who have sped the better
by my regardx but killxd none sox camilloxx
as you are certainly a gentlemanx thereto
clerkxlikex experiencxdx which no less adorns
our gentry than our parentsx noble namesx
in whose success we are gentlexxi beseech youx
if you know aught which does behove my knowledge
thereof to be informxdx imprisonxt not
in ignorant concealmentx

camillox
i may not answerx

polixenesx
a sickness caught of mex and yet i wellx
i must be answerxdx dost thou hearx camillox
i conjure theex by all the parts of man
which honour does acknowledgex whereof the least
is not this suit of minex that thou declare
what incidency thou dost guess of harm
is creeping toward mex how far offx how nearx
which way to be preventedx if to bex
if notx how best to bear itx

camillox
sirx i will tell youx
since i am chargxd in honourx and by him
that i think honourablex therefore mark my counselx
which must be evxn as swiftly followxd as
i mean to utter itx or both yourself and me
cry lostx and so goodnightx

polixenesx
onx good camillox

camillox
i am appointed him to murder youx

polixenesx
by whomx camillox

camillox
by the kingx

polixenesx
for whatx

camillox
he thinksx nayx with all confidence he swearsx
as he had seenxt or been an instrument
to vice you toxtx that you have touchxd his queen
forbiddenlyx

polixenesx
ox then my best blood turn
to an infected jellyx and my name
be yokxd with his that did betray the bestx
turn then my freshest reputation to
a savour that may strike the dullest nostril
where i arrivex and my approach be shunnxdx
nayx hated toox worse than the greatxst infection
that exer was heard or readx

camillox
swear his thought over
by each particular star in heaven and
by all their influencesx you may as well
forbid the sea for to obey the moon
as or by oath remove or counsel shake
the fabric of his follyx whose foundation
is pilxd upon his faithx and will continue
the standing of his bodyx

polixenesx
how should this growx

camillox
i know notx but i am sure xtis safer to
avoid whatxs grown than question how xtis bornx
if therefore you dare trust my honestyx
that lies enclosed in this trunkx which you
shall bear along impawnxdx away tonightx
your followers i will whisper to the businessx
and will by twos and threesx at several posternsx
clear them ox thx cityx for myselfx ixll put
my fortunes to your servicex which are here
by this discovery lostx be not uncertainx
forx by the honour of my parentsx i
have utterxd truthx which if you seek to provex
i dare not stand byx nor shall you be safer
than one condemned by the kingxs own mouthx
thereon his execution swornx

polixenesx
i do believe theex
i saw his heart in xs facex give me thy handx
be pilot to mex and thy places shall
still neighbour minex my ships are readyx and
my people did expect my hence departure
two days agox this jealousy
is for a precious creaturex as shexs rarex
must it be greatx andx as his personxs mightyx
must it be violentx and as he does conceive
he is dishonourxd by a man which ever
professxd to himx whyx his revenges must
in that be made more bitterx fear oxershades mex
good expedition be my friendx and comfort
the gracious queenx part of his themex but nothing
of his illxtaxen suspicionx comex camillox
i will respect thee as a father if
thou bearxst my life off hencex let us avoidx

camillox
it is in mine authority to command
the keys of all the posternsx please your highness
to take the urgent hourx comex sirx awayx

 xxexeuntxxx



act ii

scene ix siciliax a room in the palacex

 enter hermionex mamillius and ladiesx

hermionex
take the boy to youx he so troubles mex
xtis past enduringx

first ladyx
comex my gracious lordx
shall i be your playfellowx

mamilliusx
nox ixll none of youx

first ladyx
whyx my sweet lordx

mamilliusx
youxll kiss me hardx and speak to me as if
i were a baby stillx i love you betterx

second ladyx
and why sox my lordx

mamilliusx
not for because
your brows are blackerx yet black browsx they sayx
become some women bestx so that there be not
too much hair therex but in a semicircle
or a halfxmoon made with a penx

second ladyx
who taught thisx

mamilliusx
i learnxd it out of womenxs facesx pray nowx
what colour are your eyebrowsx

first ladyx
bluex my lordx

mamilliusx
nayx thatxs a mockx i have seen a ladyxs nose
that has been bluex but not her eyebrowsx

first ladyx
hark yex
the queen your mother rounds apacex we shall
present our services to a fine new prince
one of these daysx and then youxd wanton with usx
if we would have youx

second ladyx
she is spread of late
into a goodly bulkx good time encounter herx

hermionex
what wisdom stirs amongst youx comex sirx now
i am for you againx pray you sit by usx
and tell xs a talex

mamilliusx
merry or sad shallxt bex

hermionex
as merry as you willx

mamilliusx
a sad talexs best for winterx i have one
of sprites and goblinsx

hermionex
letxs have thatx good sirx
come onx sit downx come onx and do your best
to fright me with your spritesx youxre powerful at itx

mamilliusx
there was a manxx

hermionex
nayx comex sit downx then onx

mamilliusx
dwelt by a churchyardx i will tell it softlyx
yond crickets shall not hear itx

hermionex
come on thenx
and givext me in mine earx

 enter leontesx antigonusx lords and guardsx

leontesx
was he met therex his trainx camillo with himx

first lordx
behind the tuft of pines i met themx never
saw i men scour so on their wayx i eyxd them
even to their shipsx

leontesx
how blest am i
in my just censurex in my true opinionx
alackx for lesser knowledgex how accursxd
in being so blestx there may be in the cup
a spider steepxdx and one may drinkx departx
and yet partake no venomx for his knowledge
is not infectedx but if one present
thx abhorrxd ingredient to his eyex make known
how he hath drunkx he cracks his gorgex his sidesx
with violent heftsx i have drunkx and seen the spiderx
camillo was his help in thisx his panderx
there is a plot against my lifex my crownx
allxs true that is mistrustedx that false villain
whom i employxdx was prexemployxd by himx
he has discoverxd my designx and i
remain a pinchxd thingx yeax a very trick
for them to play at willx how came the posterns
so easily openx

first lordx
by his great authorityx
which often hath no less prevailxd than so
on your commandx

leontesx
i knowxt too wellx
give me the boyx i am glad you did not nurse himx
though he does bear some signs of mex yet you
have too much blood in himx

hermionex
what is thisx sportx

leontesx
bear the boy hencex he shall not come about herx
away with himx and let her sport herself
with that shexs big withx for xtis polixenes
has made thee swell thusx

 xxexit mamillius with some of the guardsxxx

hermionex
but ixd say he had notx
and ixll be sworn you would believe my sayingx
howexer you learn thx naywardx

leontesx
youx my lordsx
look on herx mark her wellx be but about
to sayx xshe is a goodly ladyxx and
the justice of your hearts will thereto add
xxtis pity shexs not honestx honourablexx
praise her but for this her withoutxdoor formx
which on my faith deserves high speechx and straight
the shrugx the hum or hax these petty brands
that calumny doth usexox i am outx
that mercy doesx for calumny will sear
virtue itselfxthese shrugsx these humxsx and haxsx
when you have said xshexs goodlyxx come betweenx
ere you can say xshexs honestxx but be it knownx
from him that has most cause to grieve it should bex
shexs an adultressx

hermionex
should a villain say sox
the most replenishxd villain in the worldx
he were as much more villainx youx my lordx
do but mistakex

leontesx
you have mistookx my ladyx
polixenes for leontes o thou thingx
which ixll not call a creature of thy placex
lest barbarismx making me the precedentx
should a like language use to all degreesx
and mannerly distinguishment leave out
betwixt the prince and beggarx i have said
shexs an adultressx i have said with whomx
morex shexs a traitorx and camillo is
a federary with herx and one that knows
what she should shame to know herself
but with her most vile principalx that shexs
a bedxswerverx even as bad as those
that vulgars give boldxst titlesx ayx and privy
to this their late escapex

hermionex
nox by my lifex
privy to none of thisx how will this grieve youx
when you shall come to clearer knowledgex that
you thus have publishxd mex gentle my lordx
you scarce can right me throughly thenx to say
you did mistakex

leontesx
nox if i mistake
in those foundations which i build uponx
the centre is not big enough to bear
a schoolxboyxs topx away with her to prisonx
he who shall speak for her is afar off guilty
but that he speaksx

hermionex
therexs some ill planet reignsx
i must be patient till the heavens look
with an aspect more favourablex good my lordsx
i am not prone to weepingx as our sex
commonly arex the want of which vain dew
perchance shall dry your pitiesx but i have
that honourable grief lodgxd here which burns
worse than tears drownx beseech you allx my lordsx
with thoughts so qualified as your charities
shall best instruct youx measure mex and so
the kingxs will be performxdx

leontesx
shall i be heardx

hermionex
who isxt that goes with mex beseech your highness
my women may be with mex for you see
my plight requires itx do not weepx good foolsx
there is no causex when you shall know your mistress
has deservxd prisonx then abound in tears
as i come outx this action i now go on
is for my better gracex adieux my lordx
i never wishxd to see you sorryx now
i trust i shallx my womenx comex you have leavex

leontesx
gox do our biddingx hencex

 xxexeunt queen and ladies with guardsxxx

first lordx
beseech your highnessx call the queen againx

antigonusx
be certain what you dox sirx lest your justice
prove violencex in the which three great ones sufferx
yourselfx your queenx your sonx

first lordx
for herx my lordx
i dare my life lay downx and will doxtx sirx
please you to accept itx that the queen is spotless
ix thx eyes of heaven and to youxi mean
in this which you accuse herx

antigonusx
if it prove
shexs otherwisex ixll keep my stables where
i lodge my wifex ixll go in couples with herx
than when i feel and see her no further trust herx
for every inch of woman in the worldx
ayx every dram of womanxs fleshx is falsex
if she bex

leontesx
hold your peacesx

first lordx
good my lordxx

antigonusx
it is for you we speakx not for ourselvesx
you are abusxdx and by some putterxon
that will be damnxd forxtx would i knew the villainx
i would landxdamn himx be she honourxflawxdx
i have three daughtersx the eldest is elevenx
the second and the thirdx nine and some fivex
if this prove truex theyxll pay forxtx by mine honourx
ixll geld xem allx fourteen they shall not seex
to bring false generationsx they are coxheirsx
and i had rather glib myself than they
should not produce fair issuex

leontesx
ceasex no morex
you smell this business with a sense as cold
as is a dead manxs nosex but i do seext and feelxtx
as you feel doing thusx and see withal
the instruments that feelx

antigonusx
if it be sox
we need no grave to bury honestyx
therexs not a grain of it the face to sweeten
of the whole dungy earthx

leontesx
whatx lack i creditx

first lordx
i had rather you did lack than ix my lordx
upon this groundx and more it would content me
to have her honour true than your suspicionx
be blamxd forxt how you mightx

leontesx
whyx what need we
commune with you of thisx but rather follow
our forceful instigationx our prerogative
calls not your counselsx but our natural goodness
imparts thisx whichx if youx or stupified
or seeming so in skillx cannot or will not
relish a truthx like usx inform yourselves
we need no more of your advicex the matterx
the lossx the gainx the ordxring onxtx is all
properly oursx

antigonusx
and i wishx my liegex
you had only in your silent judgement tried itx
without more overturex

leontesx
how could that bex
either thou art most ignorant by agex
or thou wert born a foolx camilloxs flightx
added to their familiarityx
xwhich was as gross as ever touchxd conjecturex
that lackxd sight onlyx nought for approbation
but only seeingx all other circumstances
made up to thx deedx doth push on this proceedingx
yetx for a greater confirmation
xfor in an act of this importancex xtwere
most piteous to be wildxx i have dispatchxd in post
to sacred delphosx to apolloxs templex
cleomenes and dionx whom you know
of stuffxd sufficiencyx now from the oracle
they will bring allx whose spiritual counsel hadx
shall stop or spur mex have i done wellx

first lordx
well donex my lordx

leontesx
though i am satisfiedx and need no more
than what i knowx yet shall the oracle
give rest to the minds of othersx such as he
whose ignorant credulity will not
come up to thx truthx so have we thought it good
from our free person she should be confinxdx
lest that the treachery of the two fled hence
be left her to performx comex follow usx
we are to speak in publicx for this business
will raise us allx

antigonusx
xxasidexxx to laughterx as i take itx
if the good truth were knownx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex the outer room of a prisonx

 enter paulina a gentleman and attendantsx

paulinax
the keeper of the prisonx call to himx
let him have knowledge who i amx

 xxexit the gentlemanxxx

good ladyx
no court in europe is too good for theex
what dost thou then in prisonx

 enter gentleman with the gaolerx

nowx good sirx
you know mex do you notx

gaolerx
for a worthy lady
and one who much i honourx

paulinax
pray you thenx
conduct me to the queenx

gaolerx
i may notx madamx
to the contrary i have express commandmentx

paulinax
herexs adox to lock up honesty and honour from
thx access of gentle visitorsx isxt lawfulx pray youx
to see her womenx any of themx emiliax

gaolerx
so please youx madamx
to put apart these your attendantsx i
shall bring emilia forthx

paulinax
i pray nowx call herx
withdraw yourselvesx

 xxexeunt gentleman and attendantsxxx

gaolerx
andx madamx
i must be present at your conferencex

paulinax
wellx bext sox pritheex

 xxexit gaolerxxx

herexs such ado to make no stain a stain
as passes colouringx

 rexenter gaoler with emiliax

dear gentlewomanx
how fares our gracious ladyx

emiliax
as well as one so great and so forlorn
may hold togetherx on her frights and griefsx
xwhich never tender lady hath borne greaterx
she isx something before her timex deliverxdx

paulinax
a boyx

emiliax
a daughterx and a goodly babex
lustyx and like to livex the queen receives
much comfort in xtx says xmy poor prisonerx
i am as innocent as youxx

paulinax
i dare be swornx
these dangerous unsafe lunes ix thx kingx beshrew themx
he must be told onxtx and he shallx the office
becomes a woman bestx ixll takext upon mex
if i prove honeyxmouthxdx let my tongue blisterx
and never to my redxlookxd anger be
the trumpet any morex pray youx emiliax
commend my best obedience to the queenx
if she dares trust me with her little babex
ixll showxt the kingx and undertake to be
her advocate to thx loudxstx we do not know
how he may soften at the sight ox thx childx
the silence often of pure innocence
persuadesx when speaking failsx

emiliax
most worthy madamx
your honour and your goodness is so evidentx
that your free undertaking cannot miss
a thriving issuex there is no lady living
so meet for this great errandx please your ladyship
to visit the next roomx ixll presently
acquaint the queen of your most noble offerx
who but today hammerxd of this designx
but durst not tempt a minister of honourx
lest she should be deniedx

paulinax
tell herx emiliax
ixll use that tongue i havex if wit flow from xt
as boldness from my bosomx letxt not be doubted
i shall do goodx

emiliax
now be you blest for itx
ixll to the queenx please you come something nearerx

gaolerx
madamx if xt please the queen to send the babex
i know not what i shall incur to pass itx
having no warrantx

paulinax
you need not fear itx sirx
this child was prisoner to the wombx and isx
by law and process of great nature thence
freed and enfranchisxdx not a party to
the anger of the kingx nor guilty ofx
if any bex the trespass of the queenx

gaolerx
i do believe itx

paulinax
do not you fearx upon mine honourx i
will stand betwixt you and dangerx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a room in the palacex

 enter leontesx antigonusx lords and other attendantsx

leontesx
nor night nor day no restx it is but weakness
to bear the matter thusx mere weaknessx if
the cause were not in beingxxpart ox thx causex
she thx adultressx for the harlot king
is quite beyond mine armx out of the blank
and level of my brainx plotxproofx but she
i can hook to mex say that she were gonex
given to the firex a moiety of my rest
might come to me againx whoxs therex

first attendantx
my lordx

leontesx
how does the boyx

first attendantx
he took good rest tonightx
xtis hopxd his sickness is dischargxdx

leontesx
to see his noblenessx
conceiving the dishonour of his motherx
he straight declinxdx droopxdx took it deeplyx
fastenxd and fixxd the shame onxt in himselfx
threw off his spiritx his appetitex his sleepx
and downright languishxdx leave me solelyx gox
see how he faresx

 xxexit first attendantxxx

fiex fiex no thought of himx
the very thought of my revenges that way
recoil upon mex in himself too mightyx
and in his partiesx his alliancex let him bex
until a time may servex for present vengeancex
take it on herx camillo and polixenes
laugh at mex make their pastime at my sorrowx
they should not laugh if i could reach themx nor
shall shex within my powerx

 enter paulina carrying a babyx with antigonusx lords and servantsx

first lordx
you must not enterx

paulinax
nayx ratherx good my lordsx be second to mex
fear you his tyrannous passion morex alasx
than the queenxs lifex a gracious innocent soulx
more free than he is jealousx

antigonusx
thatxs enoughx

servantx
madamx he hath not slept tonightx commanded
none should come at himx

paulinax
not so hotx good sirx
i come to bring him sleepx xtis such as youx
that creep like shadows by himx and do sigh
at each his needless heavingsxxsuch as you
nourish the cause of his awakingx i
do come with words as medxcinal as truex
honest as eitherx to purge him of that humour
that presses him from sleepx

leontesx
what noise therex hox

paulinax
no noisex my lordx but needful conference
about some gossips for your highnessx

leontesx
howx
away with that audacious ladyx antigonusx
i chargxd thee that she should not come about mex
i knew she wouldx

antigonusx
i told her sox my lordx
on your displeasurexs peril and on minex
she should not visit youx

leontesx
whatx canst not rule herx

paulinax
from all dishonesty he canx in thisx
unless he take the course that you have donex
commit me for committing honourxtrust itx
he shall not rule mex

antigonusx
la you nowx you hearx
when she will take the rein i let her runx
but shexll not stumblex

paulinax
good my liegex i comexx
andx i beseech you hear mex who professes
myself your loyal servantx your physicianx
your most obedient counsellorx yet that dares
less appear sox in comforting your evilsx
than such as most seem yoursxi say i come
from your good queenx

leontesx
good queenx

paulinax
good queenx my lordx good queenx i sayx good queenx
and would by combat make her goodx so were i
a manx the worst about youx

leontesx
force her hencex

paulinax
let him that makes but trifles of his eyes
first hand mex on mine own accord ixll offx
but first ixll do my errandx the good queenx
xfor she is goodx hath brought you forth a daughterx
here xtisx commends it to your blessingx

 xxlaying down the childxxx

leontesx
outx
a mankind witchx hence with herx out ox doorx
a most intelligencing bawdx

paulinax
not sox
i am as ignorant in that as you
in so entitling mex and no less honest
than you are madx which is enoughx ixll warrantx
as this world goesx to pass for honestx

leontesx
traitorsx
will you not push her outx xxto antigonusxxx give her the bastardx
thou dotardx thou art womanxtirxdx unroosted
by thy dame partlet herex take up the bastardx
takext upx i sayx givext to thy cronex

paulinax
for ever
unvenerable be thy handsx if thou
takxst up the princess by that forced baseness
which he has put upon xtx

leontesx
he dreads his wifex

paulinax
so i would you didx then xtwere past all doubt
youxd call your children yoursx

leontesx
a nest of traitorsx

antigonusx
i am nonex by this good lightx

paulinax
nor ix nor any
but one thatxs herex and thatxs himselfx for he
the sacred honour of himselfx his queenxsx
his hopeful sonxsx his babexsx betrays to slanderx
whose sting is sharper than the swordxsx and will notx
xforx as the case now standsx it is a curse
he cannot be compellxd toxtx once remove
the root of his opinionx which is rotten
as ever oak or stone was soundx

leontesx
a callat
of boundless tonguex who late hath beat her husbandx
and now baits mex this brat is none of minex
it is the issue of polixenesx
hence with itx and together with the dam
commit them to the firex

paulinax
it is yoursx
andx might we lay thx old proverb to your chargex
so like you xtis the worsex beholdx my lordsx
although the print be littlex the whole matter
and copy of the fatherx eyex nosex lipx
the trick of xs frownx his foreheadx nayx the valleyx
the pretty dimples of his chin and cheekx his smilesx
the very mould and frame of handx nailx fingerx
and thoux good goddess naturex which hast made it
so like to him that got itx if thou hast
the ordering of the mind toox xmongst all colours
no yellow in xtx lest she suspectx as he doesx
her children not her husbandxsx

leontesx
a gross hagx
andx loselx thou art worthy to be hangxd
that wilt not stay her tonguex

antigonusx
hang all the husbands
that cannot do that featx youxll leave yourself
hardly one subjectx

leontesx
once morex take her hencex

paulinax
a most unworthy and unnatural lord
can do no morex

leontesx
ixll have thee burntx

paulinax
i care notx
it is an heretic that makes the firex
not she which burns in xtx ixll not call you tyrantx
but this most cruel usage of your queenx
not able to produce more accusation
than your own weakxhingxd fancyx something savours
of tyrannyx and will ignoble make youx
yeax scandalous to the worldx

leontesx
on your allegiancex
out of the chamber with herx were i a tyrantx
where were her lifex she durst not call me sox
if she did know me onex away with herx

paulinax
i pray youx do not push mex ixll be gonex
look to your babex my lordx xtis yoursx jove send her
a better guiding spiritx what needs these handsx
you that are thus so tender oxer his folliesx
will never do him goodx not one of youx
sox sox farewellx we are gonex

 xxexitxxx

leontesx
thoux traitorx hast set on thy wife to thisx
my childx away withxtx even thoux that hast
a heart so tender oxer itx take it hencex
and see it instantly consumxd with firex
even thoux and none but thoux take it up straightx
within this hour bring me word xtis donex
and by good testimonyx or ixll seize thy lifex
with that thou else callxst thinex if thou refuse
and wilt encounter with my wrathx say sox
the bastard brains with these my proper hands
shall i dash outx gox take it to the firex
for thou setxst on thy wifex

antigonusx
i did notx sirx
these lordsx my noble fellowsx if they pleasex
can clear me in xtx

lords
we canx my royal liegex
he is not guilty of her coming hitherx

leontesx
youxre liars allx

first lordx
beseech your highnessx give us better creditx
we have always truly servxd youx and beseech
so to esteem of usx and on our knees we begx
as recompense of our dear services
past and to comex that you do change this purposex
which being so horriblex so bloodyx must
lead on to some foul issuex we all kneelx

leontesx
i am a feather for each wind that blowsx
shall i live on to see this bastard kneel
and call me fatherx better burn it now
than curse it thenx but be itx let it livex
it shall not neitherx xxto antigonusxxx youx sirx come you hitherx
you that have been so tenderly officious
with lady margeryx your midwifex therex
to save this bastardxs lifexfor xtis a bastardx
so sure as this beardxs greyx what will you adventure
to save this bratxs lifex

antigonusx
anythingx my lordx
that my ability may undergox
and nobleness imposex at least thus muchx
ixll pawn the little blood which i have left
to save the innocentx anything possiblex

leontesx
it shall be possiblex swear by this sword
thou wilt perform my biddingx

antigonusx
i willx my lordx

leontesx
markx and perform itx seest thoux for the fail
of any point inxt shall not only be
death to thyselfx but to thy lewdxtonguxd wifex
whom for this time we pardonx we enjoin theex
as thou art liegeman to usx that thou carry
this female bastard hencex and that thou bear it
to some remote and desert placex quite out
of our dominionsx and that there thou leave itx
without more mercyx to it own protection
and favour of the climatex as by strange fortune
it came to usx i do in justice charge theex
on thy soulxs peril and thy bodyxs torturex
that thou commend it strangely to some place
where chance may nurse or end itx take it upx

antigonusx
i swear to do thisx though a present death
had been more mercifulx come onx poor babex
some powerful spirit instruct the kites and ravens
to be thy nursesx wolves and bearsx they sayx
casting their savageness asidex have done
like offices of pityx sirx be prosperous
in more than this deed does requirex and blessing
against this crueltyx fight on thy sidex
poor thingx condemnxd to lossx

 xxexit with the childxxx

leontesx
nox ixll not rear
anotherxs issuex

 enter a servantx

servantx
please your highnessx posts
from those you sent to thx oracle are come
an hour sincex cleomenes and dionx
being well arrivxd from delphosx are both landedx
hasting to thx courtx

first lordx
so please youx sirx their speed
hath been beyond accountx

leontesx
twentyxthree days
they have been absentx xtis good speedx foretells
the great apollo suddenly will have
the truth of this appearx prepare youx lordsx
summon a sessionx that we may arraign
our most disloyal ladyx forx as she hath
been publicly accusxdx so shall she have
a just and open trialx while she livesx
my heart will be a burden to mex leave mex
and think upon my biddingx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iii

scene ix siciliax a street in some townx

 enter cleomenes and dionx

cleomenes
the climatexs delicatex the air most sweetx
fertile the islex the temple much surpassing
the common praise it bearsx

dionx
i shall reportx
for most it caught mex the celestial habits
xmethinks i so should term themx and the reverence
of the grave wearersx ox the sacrificex
how ceremoniousx solemnx and unearthlyx
it was ix thx offeringx

cleomenes
but of allx the burst
and the earxdeafxning voice ox thx oraclex
kin to jovexs thunderx so surprised my sense
that i was nothingx

dionx
if the event ox thx journey
prove as successful to the queenxxox bext soxx
as it hath been to us rarex pleasantx speedyx
the time is worth the use onxtx

cleomenes
great apollo
turn all to thx bestx these proclamationsx
so forcing faults upon hermionex
i little likex

dionx
the violent carriage of it
will clear or end the businessx when the oraclex
xthus by apolloxs great divine sealxd upx
shall the contents discoverx something rare
even then will rush to knowledgex gox fresh horsesx
and gracious be the issuex

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex a court of justicex

 enter leontesx lords and officers appearx properly seatedx

leontesx
this sessions xto our great grief we pronouncex
even pushes xgainst our heartx the party tried
the daughter of a kingx our wifex and one
of us too much belovxdx let us be clearxd
of being tyrannousx since we so openly
proceed in justicex which shall have due coursex
even to the guilt or the purgationx
produce the prisonerx

officerx
it is his highnessx pleasure that the queen
appear in person here in courtx silencex

 hermione is brought in guardedx paulina and ladies attendingx

leontesx
read the indictmentx

officerx
xxreadsxxx xhermionex queen to the worthy leontesx king of siciliax
thou art here accused and arraigned of high treasonx in committing
adultery with polixenesx king of bohemiax and conspiring with camillo
to take away the life of our sovereign lord the kingx thy royal
husbandx the pretence whereof being by circumstances partly laid openx
thoux hermionex contrary to the faith and allegiance of a true subjectx
didst counsel and aid themx for their better safetyx to fly away by
nightxx

hermionex
since what i am to say must be but that
which contradicts my accusationx and
the testimony on my part no other
but what comes from myselfx it shall scarce boot me
to say xnot guiltyxx mine integrityx
being counted falsehoodx shallx as i express itx
be so receivxdx but thusx if powers divine
behold our human actionsx as they dox
i doubt notx thenx but innocence shall make
false accusation blushx and tyranny
tremble at patiencex youx my lordx best knowx
who least will seem to do sox my past life
hath been as continentx as chastex as truex
as i am now unhappyx which is more
than history can patternx though devisxd
and playxd to take spectatorsx for behold mex
a fellow of the royal bedx which owe
a moiety of the thronex a great kingxs daughterx
the mother to a hopeful princex here standing
to prate and talk for life and honour xfore
who please to come and hearx for lifex i prize it
as i weigh griefx which i would sparex for honourx
xtis a derivative from me to minex
and only that i stand forx i appeal
to your own consciencex sirx before polixenes
came to your courtx how i was in your gracex
how merited to be sox since he camex
with what encounter so uncurrent i
have strainxd tx appear thusx if one jot beyond
the bound of honourx or in act or will
that way incliningx hardenxd be the hearts
of all that hear mex and my nearxst of kin
cry fie upon my gravex

leontesx
i nexer heard yet
that any of these bolder vices wanted
less impudence to gainsay what they did
than to perform it firstx

hermionex
thatxs true enoughx
though xtis a sayingx sirx not due to mex

leontesx
you will not own itx

hermionex
more than mistress of
which comes to me in name of faultx i must not
at all acknowledgex for polixenesx
with whom i am accusxdx i do confess
i lovxd him as in honour he requirxdx
with such a kind of love as might become
a lady like mex with a love even suchx
so and no otherx as yourself commandedx
which not to have donex i think had been in me
both disobedience and ingratitude
to you and toward your friendx whose love had spokex
ever since it could speakx from an infantx freelyx
that it was yoursx nowx for conspiracyx
i know not how it tastesx though it be dishxd
for me to try howx all i know of it
is that camillo was an honest manx
and why he left your courtx the gods themselvesx
wotting no more than ix are ignorantx

leontesx
you knew of his departurex as you know
what you have undertaxen to do in xs absencex

hermionex
sirx
you speak a language that i understand notx
my life stands in the level of your dreamsx
which ixll lay downx

leontesx
your actions are my dreamsx
you had a bastard by polixenesx
and i but dreamxd itx as you were past all shame
xthose of your fact are sox so past all truthx
which to deny concerns more than availsx for as
thy brat hath been cast outx like to itselfx
no father owning it xwhich isx indeedx
more criminal in thee than itxx so thou
shalt feel our justicex in whose easiest passage
look for no less than deathx

hermionex
sirx spare your threatsx
the bug which you would fright me withx i seekx
to me can life be no commodityx
the crown and comfort of my lifex your favourx
i do give lostx for i do feel it gonex
but know not how it wentx my second joyx
and firstxfruits of my bodyx from his presence
i am barrxdx like one infectiousx my third comfortx
starrxd most unluckilyx is from my breastx
xthe innocent milk in its most innocent mouthx
halxd out to murderx myself on every post
proclaimxd a strumpetx with immodest hatred
the childxbed privilege deniedx which xlongs
to women of all fashionx lastlyx hurried
here to this placex ix thx open airx before
i have got strength of limitx nowx my liegex
tell me what blessings i have here alivex
that i should fear to diex therefore proceedx
but yet hear thisx mistake me notx no lifex
i prize it not a strawx but for mine honourx
which i would freex if i shall be condemnxd
upon surmisesx all proofs sleeping else
but what your jealousies awake i tell you
xtis rigourx and not lawx your honours allx
i do refer me to the oraclex
apollo be my judgex

first lordx
this your request
is altogether justx therefore bring forthx
and in apolloxs namex his oraclex

 xxexeunt certain officersxxx

hermionex
the emperor of russia was my fatherx
o that he were alivex and here beholding
his daughterxs trialx that he did but see
the flatness of my miseryx yet with eyes
of pityx not revengex

 enter officers with cleomenes and dionx

officerx
you here shall swear upon this sword of justicex
that youx cleomenes and dionx have
been both at delphosx and from thence have brought
this sealxdxup oraclex by the hand deliverxd
of great apolloxs priestx and that since then
you have not dared to break the holy sealx
nor read the secrets inxtx

cleomenesx dionx
all this we swearx

leontesx
break up the seals and readx

officerx
xxreadsxxx xhermione is chastex polixenes blamelessx camillo a true
subjectx leontes a jealous tyrantx his innocent babe truly begottenx
and the king shall live without an heirx if that which is lost be not
foundxx

lords
now blessed be the great apollox

hermionex
praisedx

leontesx
hast thou read truthx

officerx
ayx my lordx even so
as it is here set downx

leontesx
there is no truth at all ix thx oraclex
the sessions shall proceedx this is mere falsehoodx

 enter a servant hastilyx

servantx
my lord the kingx the kingx

leontesx
what is the businessx

servantx
o sirx i shall be hated to report itx
the prince your sonx with mere conceit and fear
of the queenxs speedx is gonex

leontesx
howx gonex

servantx
is deadx

leontesx
apolloxs angryx and the heavens themselves
do strike at my injusticex

 xxhermione faintsxxx

how now therex

paulinax
this news is mortal to the queenx look down
and see what death is doingx

leontesx
take her hencex
her heart is but oxerchargxdx she will recoverx
i have too much believxd mine own suspicionx
beseech you tenderly apply to her
some remedies for lifex

 xxexeunt paulina and ladies with hermionexxx

apollox pardon
my great profaneness xgainst thine oraclex
ixll reconcile me to polixenesx
new woo my queenxx recall the good camillox
whom i proclaim a man of truthx of mercyx
forx being transported by my jealousies
to bloody thoughts and to revengex i chose
camillo for the minister to poison
my friend polixenesx which had been donex
but that the good mind of camillo tardied
my swift commandx though i with death and with
reward did threaten and encourage himx
not doing it and being donex hex most humane
and fillxd with honourx to my kingly guest
unclaspxd my practicex quit his fortunes herex
which you knew greatx and to the certain hazard
of all incertainties himself commendedx
no richer than his honourx how he glisters
thorough my rustx and how his piety
does my deeds make the blackerx

 enter paulinax

paulinax
woe the whilex
ox cut my lacex lest my heartx cracking itx
break toox

first lordx
what fit is thisx good ladyx

paulinax
what studied tormentsx tyrantx hast for mex
what wheelsx racksx firesx what flayingx boiling
in leads or oilsx what old or newer torture
must i receivex whose every word deserves
to taste of thy most worstx thy tyrannyx
together working with thy jealousiesx
fancies too weak for boysx too green and idle
for girls of ninex ox think what they have donex
and then run mad indeedx stark madx for all
thy byxgone fooleries were but spices of itx
that thou betrayxdst polixenesx xtwas nothingx
that did but show theex of a foolx inconstant
and damnable ingratefulx nor wasxt much
thou wouldst have poisonxd good camilloxs honourx
to have him kill a kingx poor trespassesx
more monstrous standing byx whereof i reckon
the casting forth to crows thy baby daughterx
to be or none or littlex though a devil
would have shed water out of fire ere donextx
nor isxt directly laid to thee the death
of the young princex whose honourable thoughtsx
thoughts high for one so tenderx cleft the heart
that could conceive a gross and foolish sire
blemishxd his gracious damx this is notx nox
laid to thy answerx but the lastxo lordsx
when i have saidx cry woexxthe queenx the queenx
the sweetxstx dearxst creaturexs deadx and vengeance forxt
not droppxd down yetx

first lordx
the higher powers forbidx

paulinax
i say shexs deadx ixll swearxtx if word nor oath
prevail notx go and seex if you can bring
tincturex or lustrex in her lipx her eyex
heat outwardly or breath withinx ixll serve you
as i would do the godsx butx o thou tyrantx
do not repent these thingsx for they are heavier
than all thy woes can stirx therefore betake thee
to nothing but despairx a thousand knees
ten thousand years togetherx nakedx fastingx
upon a barren mountainx and still winter
in storm perpetualx could not move the gods
to look that way thou wertx

leontesx
go onx go onx
thou canst not speak too muchx i have deservxd
all tongues to talk their bitterestx

first lordx
say no morex
howexer the business goesx you have made fault
ix thx boldness of your speechx

paulinax
i am sorry for xtx
all faults i makex when i shall come to know themx
i do repentx alasx i have showxd too much
the rashness of a womanx he is touchxd
to thx noble heartx whatxs gone and whatxs past helpx
should be past griefx do not receive affliction
at my petitionx i beseech youx rather
let me be punishxdx that have minded you
of what you should forgetx nowx good my liegex
sirx royal sirx forgive a foolish womanx
the love i bore your queenxlox fool againx
ixll speak of her no morex nor of your childrenx
ixll not remember you of my own lordx
who is lost toox take your patience to youx
and ixll say nothingx

leontesx
thou didst speak but well
when most the truthx which i receive much better
than to be pitied of theex pritheex bring me
to the dead bodies of my queen and sonx
one grave shall be for bothx upon them shall
the causes of their death appearx unto
our shame perpetualx once a day ixll visit
the chapel where they liex and tears shed there
shall be my recreationx so long as nature
will bear up with this exercisex so long
i daily vow to use itx comex and lead me
to these sorrowsx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix bohemiax a desert country near the seax

 enter antigonus with the child and a marinerx

antigonusx
thou art perfectx thenx our ship hath touchxd upon
the deserts of bohemiax

marinerx
ayx my lordx and fear
we have landed in ill timex the skies look grimlyx
and threaten present blustersx in my consciencex
the heavens with that we have in hand are angryx
and frown upon xsx

antigonusx
their sacred wills be donex gox get aboardx
look to thy barkx ixll not be long before
i call upon theex

marinerx
make your best hastex and go not
too far ix thx landx xtis like to be loud weatherx
besidesx this place is famous for the creatures
of prey that keep upon xtx

antigonusx
go thou awayx
ixll follow instantlyx

marinerx
i am glad at heart
to be so rid ox thx businessx

 xxexitxxx

antigonusx
comex poor babex
i have heardx but not believxdx the spirits of the dead
may walk againx if such thing bex thy mother
appearxd to me last nightx for nexer was dream
so like a wakingx to me comes a creaturex
sometimes her head on one sidex some anotherx
i never saw a vessel of like sorrowx
so fillxd and so becomingx in pure white robesx
like very sanctityx she did approach
my cabin where i layx thrice bowxd before mex
andx gasping to begin some speechx her eyes
became two spoutsx the fury spentx anon
did this break from herx xgood antigonusx
since fatex against thy better dispositionx
hath made thy person for the throwerxout
of my poor babex according to thine oathx
places remote enough are in bohemiax
there weepx and leave it cryingx andx for the babe
is counted lost for everx perdita
i prithee callxtx for this ungentle businessx
put on thee by my lordx thou nexer shalt see
thy wife paulina morexx and sox with shrieksx
she melted into airx affrighted muchx
i did in time collect myself and thought
this was sox and no slumberx dreams are toysx
yet for this oncex yeax superstitiouslyx
i will be squarxd by thisx i do believe
hermione hath sufferxd deathx and that
apollo wouldx this being indeed the issue
of king polixenesx it should here be laidx
either for life or deathx upon the earth
of its right fatherx blossomx speed thee wellx there liex and there thy
characterx there thesex

 xxlaying down the child and a bundlexxx

which may if fortune pleasex both breed theex prettyx
and still rest thinex the storm beginsx poor wretchx
that for thy motherxs fault art thus exposxd
to loss and what may followx weep i cannotx
but my heart bleedsx and most accursxd am i
to be by oath enjoinxd to thisx farewellx
the day frowns more and morex thouxrt like to have
a lullaby too roughx i never saw
the heavens so dim by dayx a savage clamourx
well may i get aboardx this is the chasex
i am gone for everx

 xxexitx pursued by a bearxxx

 enter an old shepherdx

shepherdx
i would there were no age between ten and threexandxtwentyx or that
youth would sleep out the restx for there is nothing in the between but
getting wenches with childx wronging the ancientryx stealingx
fightingxhark you nowx would any but these boiled brains of nineteen
and twoxandxtwenty hunt this weatherx they have scared away two of my
best sheepx which i fear the wolf will sooner find than the masterx if
anywhere i have themx xtis by the seaxsidex browsing of ivyx good luckx
an xt be thy willx what have we herex

 xxtaking up the childxxx

 mercy on xsx a bairnx a very pretty bairnx a boy or a childx i wonderx
 a pretty onex a very pretty onex surex some scapex though i am not
 bookishx yet i can read waitingxgentlewoman in the scapex this has
 been some stairxworkx some trunkxworkx some behindxdoorxworkx they
 were warmer that got this than the poor thing is herex ixll take it up
 for pityx yet ixll tarry till my son comex he halloed but even nowx
 whoaxhoxhoax

 enter clownx

clownx
hilloax loax

shepherdx
whatx art so nearx if thouxlt see a thing to talk on when thou art dead
and rottenx come hitherx what ailxst thoux manx

clownx
i have seen two such sightsx by sea and by landx but i am not to say it
is a seax for it is now the skyx betwixt the firmament and itx you
cannot thrust a bodkinxs pointx

shepherdx
whyx boyx how is itx

clownx
i would you did but see how it chafesx how it ragesx how it takes up
the shorex but thatxs not to the pointx ox the most piteous cry of the
poor soulsx sometimes to see xemx and not to see xemx now the ship
boring the moon with her mainmastx and anon swallowed with yest and
frothx as youxd thrust a cork into a hogsheadx and then for the land
servicex to see how the bear tore out his shoulderxbonex how he cried
to me for helpx and said his name was antigonusx a noblemanx but to
make an end of the shipx to see how the sea flapxdragonxd itx but
firstx how the poor souls roaredx and the sea mocked themx and how the
poor gentleman roaredx and the bear mocked himx both roaring louder
than the sea or weatherx

shepherdx
name of mercyx when was thisx boyx

clownx
nowx nowx i have not winked since i saw these sightsx the men are not
yet cold under waterx nor the bear half dined on the gentlemanx hexs at
it nowx

shepherdx
would i had been by to have helped the old manx

clownx
i would you had been by the ship sidex to have helped herx there your
charity would have lacked footingx

shepherdx
heavy mattersx heavy mattersx but look thee herex boyx now bless
thyselfx thou metxst with things dyingx i with things newxbornx herexs
a sight for theex look theex a bearingxcloth for a squirexs childx look
thee herex take upx take upx boyx openxtx sox letxs seex it was told me
i should be rich by the fairiesx this is some changelingx openxtx
whatxs withinx boyx

clownx
youxre a made old manx if the sins of your youth are forgiven youx
youxre well to livex goldx all goldx

shepherdx
this is fairy goldx boyx and xtwill prove sox up with itx keep it
closex homex homex the next wayx we are luckyx boyx and to be so still
requires nothing but secrecyx let my sheep gox comex good boyx the next
way homex

clownx
go you the next way with your findingsx ixll go see if the bear be gone
from the gentlemanx and how much he hath eatenx they are never curst
but when they are hungryx if there be any of him leftx ixll bury itx

shepherdx
thatxs a good deedx if thou mayest discern by that which is left of him
what he isx fetch me to thx sight of himx

clownx
marryx will ix and you shall help to put him ix thx groundx

shepherdx
xtis a lucky dayx boyx and wexll do good deeds on xtx

 xxexeuntxxx



act iv

scene ix

 enter timex the chorusx

timex
i that please somex try allx both joy and terror
of good and badx that makes and unfolds errorx
now take upon mex in the name of timex
to use my wingsx impute it not a crime
to me or my swift passagex that i slide
oxer sixteen yearsx and leave the growth untried
of that wide gapx since it is in my power
to oxerthrow lawx and in one selfxborn hour
to plant and oxerwhelm customx let me pass
the same i amx ere ancientxst order was
or what is now receivedx i witness to
the times that brought them inx so shall i do
to thx freshest things now reigningx and make stale
the glistering of this presentx as my tale
now seems to itx your patience this allowingx
i turn my glassx and give my scene such growing
as you had slept betweenx leontes leaving
thx effects of his fond jealousiesx so grieving
that he shuts up himselfx imagine mex
gentle spectatorsx that i now may be
in fair bohemiax and remember wellx
i mentioned a son ox thx kingxsx which florizel
i now name to youx and with speed so pace
to speak of perditax now grown in grace
equal with wonderingx what of her ensues
i list not prophesyx but let timexs news
be known when xtis brought forthx a shepherdxs daughterx
and what to her adheresx which follows afterx
is thx argument of timex of this allowx
if ever you have spent time worse ere nowx
if neverx yet that time himself doth say
he wishes earnestly you never mayx

 xxexitxxx

scene iix bohemiax a room in the palace of polixenesx

 enter polixenes and camillox

polixenesx
i pray theex good camillox be no more importunatex xtis a sickness
denying thee anythingx a death to grant thisx

camillox
it is fifteen years since i saw my countryx though i have for the most
part been aired abroadx i desire to lay my bones therex besidesx the
penitent kingx my masterx hath sent for mex to whose feeling sorrows i
might be some allayx or i oxerween to think soxxwhich is another spur
to my departurex

polixenesx
as thou lovxst mex camillox wipe not out the rest of thy services by
leaving me nowx the need i have of theex thine own goodness hath madex
better not to have had thee than thus to want theex thoux having made
me businesses which none without thee can sufficiently managex must
either stay to execute them thyselfx or take away with thee the very
services thou hast donex which if i have not enough considered xas too
much i cannotx to be more thankful to thee shall be my studyx and my
profit therein the heaping friendshipsx of that fatal country siciliax
prithee speak no morex whose very naming punishes me with the
remembrance of that penitentx as thou callxst himx and reconciled kingx
my brotherx whose loss of his most precious queen and children are even
now to be afresh lamentedx say to mex when sawest thou the prince
florizelx my sonx kings are no less unhappyx their issue not being
graciousx than they are in losing them when they have approved their
virtuesx

camillox
sirx it is three days since i saw the princex what his happier affairs
may bex are to me unknownx but i have missingly noted he is of late
much retired from courtx and is less frequent to his princely exercises
than formerly he hath appearedx

polixenesx
i have considered so muchx camillox and with some carex so far that i
have eyes under my service which look upon his removednessx from whom i
have this intelligencex that he is seldom from the house of a most
homely shepherdx a manx they sayx that from very nothingx and beyond
the imagination of his neighboursx is grown into an unspeakable estatex

camillox
i have heardx sirx of such a manx who hath a daughter of most rare
notex the report of her is extended more than can be thought to begin
from such a cottagex

polixenesx
thatxs likewise part of my intelligencex butx i fearx the angle that
plucks our son thitherx thou shalt accompany us to the placex where we
willx not appearing what we arex have some question with the shepherdx
from whose simplicity i think it not uneasy to get the cause of my
sonxs resort thitherx pritheex be my present partner in this businessx
and lay aside the thoughts of siciliax

camillox
i willingly obey your commandx

polixenesx
my best camillox we must disguise ourselvesx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a road near the shepherdxs cottagex

 enter autolycusx singingx

autolycusx
xwhen daffodils begin to peerx
    withx heyx the doxy over the dalex
whyx then comes in the sweet ox the yearx
    for the red blood reigns in the winterxs palexx

xthe white sheet bleaching on the hedgex
    withx heyx the sweet birdsx ox how they singx
doth set my pugging tooth on edgex
    for a quart of ale is a dish for a kingxx

xthe larkx that tirraxlirra chantsx
    withx heyx withx heyx the thrush and the jayx
are summer songs for me and my auntsx
    while we lie tumbling in the hayxx

i have served prince florizelx and in my time wore threexpilex but now
i am out of servicex

xbut shall i go mourn for thatx my dearx
    the pale moon shines by nightx
and when i wander here and therex
    i then do most go rightxx

xif tinkers may have leave to livex
    and bear the sowxskin budgetx
then my account i well may give
    and in the stocks avouch itxx

my traffic is sheetsx when the kite buildsx look to lesser linenx my
father named me autolycusx who beingx i as amx littered under mercuryx
was likewise a snapperxup of unconsidered triflesx with die and drab i
purchased this caparisonx and my revenue is the silly cheatx gallows
and knock are too powerful on the highwayx beating and hanging are
terrors to mex for the life to comex i sleep out the thought of itx a
prizex a prizex

 enter clownx

clownx
let me seex every xleven wether todsx every tod yields pound and odd
shillingx fifteen hundred shornx what comes the wool tox

autolycusx
xxasidexxx if the springe holdx the cockxs minex

clownx
i cannot doxt without countersx let me seex what am i to buy for our
sheepxshearing feastx xthree pound of sugarx five pound of currantsx
ricexxwhat will this sister of mine do with ricex but my father hath
made her mistress of the feastx and she lays it onx she hath made me
fourxandxtwenty nosegays for the shearersx threexman songxmen allx and
very good onesx but they are most of them means and bassesx but one
puritan amongst themx and he sings psalms to hornpipesx i must have
saffron to colour the warden piesx xmacex datesxx nonex thatxs out of
my notex xnutmegsx sevenx a race or two of gingerxx but that i may begx
xfour pound of prunesx and as many of raisins ox thx sunxx

autolycusx
xxgrovelling on the groundxxx o that ever i was bornx

clownx
ix thx name of mex

autolycusx
ox help mex help mex pluck but off these ragsx and thenx deathx deathx

clownx
alackx poor soulx thou hast need of more rags to lay on theex rather
than have these offx

autolycusx
o sirx the loathsomeness of them offends me more than the stripes i
have receivedx which are mighty ones and millionsx

clownx
alasx poor manx a million of beating may come to a great matterx

autolycusx
i am robbedx sirx and beatenx my money and apparel taxen from mex and
these detestable things put upon mex

clownx
whatx by a horseman or a footmanx

autolycusx
a footmanx sweet sirx a footmanx

clownx
indeedx he should be a footman by the garments he has left with theex
if this be a horsemanxs coatx it hath seen very hot servicex lend me
thy handx ixll help theex comex lend me thy handx

 xxhelping him upxxx

autolycusx
ox good sirx tenderlyx ox

clownx
alasx poor soulx

autolycusx
ox good sirx softlyx good sirx i fearx sirx my shoulder blade is outx

clownx
how nowx canst standx

autolycusx
softlyx dear sirx xxpicks his pocketxxx good sirx softlyx you hax done
me a charitable officex

clownx
dost lack any moneyx i have a little money for theex

autolycusx
nox good sweet sirx nox i beseech youx sirx i have a kinsman not past
threexquarters of a mile hencex unto whom i was goingx i shall there
have money or anything i wantx offer me no moneyx i pray youx that
kills my heartx

clownx
what manner of fellow was he that robbed youx

autolycusx
a fellowx sirx that i have known to go about with trollxmyxdamesx i
knew him once a servant of the princex i cannot tellx good sirx for
which of his virtues it wasx but he was certainly whipped out of the
courtx

clownx
his vicesx you would sayx therexs no virtue whipped out of the courtx
they cherish it to make it stay therex and yet it will no more but
abidex

autolycusx
vicesx i would sayx sirx i know this man wellx he hath been since an
apexbearerx then a processxserverx a bailiffx then he compassed a
motion of the prodigal sonx and married a tinkerxs wife within a mile
where my land and living liesx andx having flown over many knavish
professionsx he settled only in roguex some call him autolycusx

clownx
out upon himx prigx for my lifex prigx he haunts wakesx fairsx and
bearxbaitingsx

autolycusx
very truex sirx hex sirx hex thatxs the rogue that put me into this
apparelx

clownx
not a more cowardly rogue in all bohemiax if you had but looked big and
spit at himx hexd have runx

autolycusx
i must confess to youx sirx i am no fighterx i am false of heart that
wayx and that he knewx i warrant himx

clownx
how do you nowx

autolycusx
sweet sirx much better than i wasx i can stand and walkx i will even
take my leave of you and pace softly towards my kinsmanxsx

clownx
shall i bring thee on the wayx

autolycusx
nox goodxfaced sirx nox sweet sirx

clownx
then fare thee wellx i must go buy spices for our sheepxshearingx

autolycusx
prosper youx sweet sirx

 xxexit clownxxx

 your purse is not hot enough to purchase your spicex ixll be with you
 at your sheepxshearing toox if i make not this cheat bring out
 anotherx and the shearers prove sheepx let me be unrolledx and my name
 put in the book of virtuex
xxsingsxxx
xjog onx jog onx the footpath wayx
    and merrily hent the stilexax
a merry heart goes all the dayx
    your sad tires in a milexaxx

 xxexitxxx

scene ivx the samex a shepherdxs cottagex

 enter florizel and perditax

florizelx
these your unusual weeds to each part of you
do give a lifex no shepherdessx but flora
peering in aprilxs frontx this your sheepxshearing
is as a meeting of the petty godsx
and you the queen on xtx

perditax
sirx my gracious lordx
to chide at your extremes it not becomes mex
ox pardon that i name themx your high selfx
the gracious mark ox thx landx you have obscurxd
with a swainxs wearingx and mex poor lowly maidx
most goddessxlike prankxd upx but that our feasts
in every mess have follyx and the feeders
digest it with a customx i should blush
to see you so attirxdx swoonx i thinkx
to show myself a glassx

florizelx
i bless the time
when my good falcon made her flight across
thy fatherxs groundx

perditax
now jove afford you causex
to me the difference forges dreadx your greatness
hath not been usxd to fearx even now i tremble
to think your fatherx by some accidentx
should pass this wayx as you didx ox the fatesx
how would he look to see his workx so noblex
vilely bound upx what would he sayx or how
should ix in these my borrowxd flauntsx behold
the sternness of his presencex

florizelx
apprehend
nothing but jollityx the gods themselvesx
humbling their deities to lovex have taken
the shapes of beasts upon themx jupiter
became a bull and bellowxdx the green neptune
a ram and bleatedx and the firexrobxd godx
golden apollox a poor humble swainx
as i seem nowx their transformations
were never for a piece of beauty rarerx
nor in a way so chastex since my desires
run not before mine honourx nor my lusts
burn hotter than my faithx

perditax
ox butx sirx
your resolution cannot hold when xtis
opposxdx as it must bex by the power of the kingx
one of these two must be necessitiesx
which then will speakx that you must change this purposex
or i my lifex

florizelx
thou dearest perditax
with these forcxd thoughtsx i pritheex darken not
the mirth ox thx feastx or ixll be thinex my fairx
or not my fatherxsx for i cannot be
mine ownx nor anything to anyx if
i be not thinex to this i am most constantx
though destiny say nox be merryx gentlex
strangle such thoughts as these with anything
that you behold the whilex your guests are comingx
lift up your countenancex as it were the day
of celebration of that nuptial which
we two have sworn shall comex

perditax
o lady fortunex
stand you auspiciousx

florizelx
seex your guests approachx
address yourself to entertain them sprightlyx
and letxs be red with mirthx

 enter shepherd with polixenes and camillox disguisedx clownx mopsax
 dorcas with othersx

shepherdx
fiex daughterx when my old wife livxdx upon
this day she was both pantlerx butlerx cookx
both dame and servantx welcomxd allx servxd allx
would sing her song and dance her turnx now here
at upper end ox thx tablex now ix thx middlex
on his shoulderx and hisx her face ox fire
with labourx and the thing she took to quench it
she would to each one sipx you are retiredx
as if you were a feasted onex and not
the hostess of the meetingx pray youx bid
these unknown friends to xs welcomex for it is
a way to make us better friendsx more knownx
comex quench your blushesx and present yourself
that which you arex mistress ox thx feastx come onx
and bid us welcome to your sheepxshearingx
as your good flock shall prosperx

perditax
xxto polixenesxxx sirx welcomex
it is my fatherxs will i should take on me
the hostessxship ox the dayx
xxto camilloxxx youxre welcomex sirx
give me those flowers therex dorcasx reverend sirsx
for you therexs rosemary and ruex these keep
seeming and savour all the winter longx
grace and remembrance be to you bothx
and welcome to our shearingx

polixenesx
shepherdessx
a fair one are youxwell you fit our ages
with flowers of winterx

perditax
sirx the year growing ancientx
not yet on summerxs death nor on the birth
of trembling winterx the fairest flowers ox thx season
are our carnations and streakxd gillyvorsx
which some call naturexs bastardsx of that kind
our rustic gardenxs barrenx and i care not
to get slips of themx

polixenesx
whereforex gentle maidenx
do you neglect themx

perditax
for i have heard it said
there is an art whichx in their piednessx shares
with great creating naturex

polixenesx
say there bex
yet nature is made better by no mean
but nature makes that meanx sox over that art
which you say adds to naturex is an art
that nature makesx you seex sweet maidx we marry
a gentler scion to the wildest stockx
and make conceive a bark of baser kind
by bud of nobler racex this is an art
which does mend naturex change it ratherx but
the art itself is naturex

perditax
so it isx

polixenesx
then make your garden rich in gillyvorsx
and do not call them bastardsx

perditax
ixll not put
the dibble in earth to set one slip of themx
no more thanx were i paintedx i would wish
this youth should say xtwere wellx and only therefore
desire to breed by mex herexs flowers for youx
hot lavenderx mintsx savoryx marjoramx
the marigoldx that goes to bed with thx sun
and with him rises weepingx these are flowers
of middle summerx and i think they are given
to men of middle agex youxre very welcomex

camillox
i should leave grazingx were i of your flockx
and only live by gazingx

perditax
outx alasx
youxd be so lean that blasts of january
would blow you through and throughx xxto florizelxx nowx my fairxst
friendx
i would i had some flowers ox thx springx that might
become your time of dayx and yoursx and yoursx
that wear upon your virgin branches yet
your maidenheads growingx o proserpinax
from the flowers now thatx frightedx thou letxst fall
from disxs waggonx daffodilsx
that come before the swallow daresx and take
the winds of march with beautyx violets dimx
but sweeter than the lids of junoxs eyes
or cythereaxs breathx pale primrosesx
that die unmarried ere they can behold
bright phoebus in his strength xa malady
most incident to maidsxx bold oxlips and
the crown imperialx lilies of all kindsx
the flowerxdexluce being onex ox these i lackx
to make you garlands ofx and my sweet friendx
to strew him oxer and oxerx

florizelx
whatx like a corsex

perditax
nox like a bank for love to lie and play onx
not like a corsex or ifx not to be buriedx
but quickx and in mine armsx comex take your flowersx
methinks i play as i have seen them do
in whitsun pastoralsx sure this robe of mine
does change my dispositionx

florizelx
what you do
still betters what is donex when you speakx sweetx
ixd have you do it everx when you singx
ixd have you buy and sell sox so give almsx
pray sox andx for the ordxring your affairsx
to sing them toox when you do dancex i wish you
a wave ox thx seax that you might ever do
nothing but thatx move stillx still sox
and own no other functionx each your doingx
so singular in each particularx
crowns what you are doing in the present deedsx
that all your acts are queensx

perditax
o doriclesx
your praises are too largex but that your youthx
and the true blood which peeps fairly through xtx
do plainly give you out an unstained shepherdx
with wisdom i might fearx my doriclesx
you wooxd me the false wayx

florizelx
i think you have
as little skill to fear as i have purpose
to put you to xtx butx comex our dancex i prayx
your handx my perditax so turtles pair
that never mean to partx

perditax
ixll swear for xemx

polixenesx
this is the prettiest lowxborn lass that ever
ran on the greenxswardx nothing she does or seems
but smacks of something greater than herselfx
too noble for this placex

camillox
he tells her something
that makes her blood look outx good soothx she is
the queen of curds and creamx

clownx
come onx strike upx

dorcasx
mopsa must be your mistressx marryx garlicx to mend her kissing withx

mopsax
nowx in good timex

clownx
not a wordx a wordx we stand upon our mannersx
comex strike upx

 xxmusicx here a dance of shepherds and shepherdessesxxx

polixenesx
prayx good shepherdx what fair swain is this
which dances with your daughterx

shepherdx
they call him doriclesx and boasts himself
to have a worthy feedingx but i have it
upon his own reportx and i believe itx
he looks like soothx he says he loves my daughterx
i think so toox for never gazxd the moon
upon the water as hexll stand and readx
as xtwerex my daughterxs eyesx andx to be plainx
i think there is not half a kiss to choose
who loves another bestx

polixenesx
she dances featlyx

shepherdx
so she does anythingx though i report it
that should be silentx if young doricles
do light upon herx she shall bring him that
which he not dreams ofx

 enter a servantx

servantx
o masterx if you did but hear the pedlar at the doorx you would never
dance again after a tabor and pipex nox the bagpipe could not move youx
he sings several tunes faster than youxll tell moneyx he utters them as
he had eaten balladsx and all menxs ears grew to his tunesx

clownx
he could never come betterx he shall come inx i love a ballad but even
too wellx if it be doleful matter merrily set downx or a very pleasant
thing indeed and sung lamentablyx

servantx
he hath songs for man or woman of all sizesx no milliner can so fit his
customers with glovesx he has the prettiest lovexsongs for maidsx so
without bawdryx which is strangex with such delicate burdens of dildos
and fadingsx xjump her and thump herxx and where some stretchxmouthed
rascal wouldx as it werex mean mischief and break a foul gap into the
matterx he makes the maid to answer xwhoopx do me no harmx good manxx
puts him offx slights himx with xwhoopx do me no harmx good manxx

polixenesx
this is a brave fellowx

clownx
believe mex thou talkest of an admirable conceited fellowx has he any
unbraided waresx

servantx
he hath ribbons of all the colours ix thx rainbowx pointsx more than
all the lawyers in bohemia can learnedly handlex though they come to
him by thx grossx inklesx caddissesx cambricsx lawnsx why he sings xem
over as they were gods or goddessesx you would think a smock were a
shexangelx he so chants to the sleevexhand and the work about the
square on xtx

clownx
prithee bring him inx and let him approach singingx

perditax
forewarn him that he use no scurrilous words in xs tunesx

 xxexit servantxxx

clownx
you have of these pedlars that have more in them than youxd thinkx
sisterx

perditax
ayx good brotherx or go about to thinkx

 enter autolycusx singingx

autolycusx
xlawn as white as driven snowx
cypress black as exer was crowx
gloves as sweet as damask rosesx
masks for faces and for nosesx
buglexbraceletx necklace amberx
perfume for a ladyxs chamberx
golden quoifs and stomachers
for my lads to give their dearsx
pins and pokingxsticks of steelx
what maids lack from head to heelx
come buy of mex comex come buyx come buyx
buyx ladsx or else your lasses cryx
comex buyxx

clownx
if i were not in love with mopsax thou shouldst take no money of mex
but being enthralled as i amx it will also be the bondage of certain
ribbons and glovesx

mopsax
i was promised them against the feastx but they come not too late nowx

dorcasx
he hath promised you more than thatx or there be liarsx

mopsax
he hath paid you all he promised youx maybe he has paid you morex which
will shame you to give him againx

clownx
is there no manners left among maidsx will they wear their plackets
where they should bear their facesx is there not milkingxtimex when you
are going to bedx or kilnxholex to whistle of these secretsx but you
must be tittlextattling before all our guestsx xtis well they are
whisperingx clamour your tonguesx and not a word morex

mopsax
i have donex comex you promised me a tawdry lace and a pair of sweet
glovesx

clownx
have i not told thee how i was cozened by the way and lost all my
moneyx

autolycusx
and indeedx sirx there are cozeners abroadx therefore it behoves men to
be waryx

clownx
fear not thoux manx thou shalt lose nothing herex

autolycusx
i hope sox sirx for i have about me many parcels of chargex

clownx
what hast herex balladsx

mopsax
pray nowx buy somex i love a ballad in print alifex for then we are
sure they are truex

autolycusx
herexs one to a very doleful tunex how a usurerxs wife was brought to
bed of twenty moneyxbags at a burdenx and how she longed to eat addersx
heads and toads carbonadoedx

mopsax
is it truex think youx

autolycusx
very truex and but a month oldx

dorcasx
bless me from marrying a usurerx

autolycusx
herexs the midwifexs name toxtx one mistress taleporterx and five or
six honest wives that were presentx why should i carry lies abroadx

mopsax
pray you nowx buy itx

clownx
come onx lay it byx and letxs first see more balladsx wexll buy the
other things anonx

autolycusx
herexs another balladx of a fish that appeared upon the coast on
wednesday the fourscore of aprilx forty thousand fathom above waterx
and sung this ballad against the hard hearts of maidsx it was thought
she was a womanx and was turned into a cold fish for she would not
exchange flesh with one that loved herx the ballad is very pitifulx and
as truex

dorcasx
is it true toox think youx

autolycusx
five justicesx hands at itx and witnesses more than my pack will holdx

clownx
lay it by toox anotherx

autolycusx
this is a merry balladx but a very pretty onex

mopsax
letxs have some merry onesx

autolycusx
whyx this is a passing merry one and goes to the tune of xtwo maids
wooing a manxx therexs scarce a maid westward but she sings itx xtis in
requestx i can tell youx

mopsax
we can both sing itx if thouxlt bear a partx thou shalt hearx xtis in
three partsx

dorcasx
we had the tune on xt a month agox

autolycusx
i can bear my partx you must know xtis my occupationx have at it with
youx

songx

autolycusx
xget you hencex for i must go
where it fits not you to knowxx

dorcasx
xwhitherxx

mopsax
xox whitherxx

dorcasx
xwhitherxx

mopsax
xit becomes thy oath full well
thou to me thy secrets tellxx

dorcasx
xme toox let me go thitherxx

mopsax
or thou goest to thx grange or millx

dorcasx
xif to eitherx thou dost illxx

autolycusx
xneitherxx

dorcasx
xwhatx neitherxx

autolycusx
xneitherxx

dorcasx
xthou hast sworn my love to bexx

mopsax
xthou hast sworn it more to mex
then whither goestx sayx whitherxx

clownx
wexll have this song out anon by ourselvesx my father and the gentlemen
are in sad talkx and wexll not trouble themx comex bring away thy pack
after mex wenchesx ixll buy for you bothx pedlarx letxs have the first
choicex follow mex girlsx

 xxexit with dorcas and mopsaxxx

autolycusx
xxasidexxx and you shall pay well for xemx

songx


    xwill you buy any tapex
    or lace for your capex
my dainty duckx my dearxax
    any silkx any threadx
    any toys for your headx
of the newxst and finxstx finxst wearxax
    come to the pedlarx
    moneyxs a meddler
that doth utter all menxs warexaxx

 xxexitxxx

 enter servantx

servantx
masterx there is three cartersx three shepherdsx three neatxherdsx
three swinexherdsx that have made themselves all men of hairx they call
themselves saltiersx and they have dance which the wenches say is a
gallimaufry of gambolsx because they are not in xtx but they themselves
are ox the mind xif it be not too rough for some that know little but
bowlingx it will please plentifullyx

shepherdx
awayx wexll none on xtx here has been too much homely foolery alreadyx
i knowx sirx we weary youx

polixenesx
you weary those that refresh usx prayx letxs see these four threes of
herdsmenx

servantx
one three of themx by their own reportx sirx hath danced before the
kingx and not the worst of the three but jumps twelve foot and a half
by thx squarex

shepherdx
leave your pratingx since these good men are pleasedx let them come inx
but quickly nowx

servantx
whyx they stay at doorx sirx

 xxexitxxx

 enter twelve rusticsx habited like satyrsx they dancex and then
 exeuntx

polixenesx
ox fatherx youxll know more of that hereafterx
xxto camilloxxx is it not too far gonex xtis time to part themx
hexs simple and tells muchx xxto florizelxxx how nowx fair shepherdx
your heart is full of something that does take
your mind from feastingx soothx when i was young
and handed lovex as you dox i was wont
to load my she with knacksx i would have ransackxd
the pedlarxs silken treasury and have pourxd it
to her acceptancex you have let him gox
and nothing marted with himx if your lass
interpretation should abusex and call this
your lack of love or bountyx you were straited
for a replyx at least if you make a care
of happy holding herx

florizelx
old sirx i know
she prizes not such trifles as these arex
the gifts she looks from me are packxd and lockxd
up in my heartx which i have given alreadyx
but not deliverxdx ox hear me breathe my life
before this ancient sirx whox it should seemx
hath sometime lovxdx i take thy handx this handx
as soft as dovexs down and as white as itx
or ethiopianxs toothx or the fannxd snow thatxs bolted
by thx northern blasts twice oxerx

polixenesx
what follows thisx
how prettily the young swain seems to wash
the hand was fair beforex i have put you outx
but to your protestationx let me hear
what you professx

florizelx
dox and be witness to xtx

polixenesx
and this my neighbourx toox

florizelx
and hex and more
than hex and menx the earthx the heavensx and allx
that were i crownxd the most imperial monarchx
thereof most worthyx were i the fairest youth
that ever made eye swervex had force and knowledge
more than was ever manxsx i would not prize them
without her lovex for her employ them allx
commend them and condemn them to her servicex
or to their own perditionx

polixenesx
fairly offerxdx

camillox
this shows a sound affectionx

shepherdx
but my daughterx
say you the like to himx

perditax
i cannot speak
so wellx nothing so wellx nox nor mean betterx
by thx pattern of mine own thoughts i cut out
the purity of hisx

shepherdx
take handsx a bargainx
andx friends unknownx you shall bear witness toxtx
i give my daughter to himx and will make
her portion equal hisx

florizelx
ox that must be
ix thx virtue of your daughterx one being deadx
i shall have more than you can dream of yetx
enough then for your wonderx but come onx
contract us xfore these witnessesx

shepherdx
comex your handx
andx daughterx yoursx

polixenesx
softx swainx awhilex beseech youx
have you a fatherx

florizelx
i havex but what of himx

polixenesx
knows he of thisx

florizelx
he neither does nor shallx

polixenesx
methinks a father
is at the nuptial of his son a guest
that best becomes the tablex pray you once morex
is not your father grown incapable
of reasonable affairsx is he not stupid
with age and altxring rheumsx can he speakx hearx
know man from manx dispute his own estatex
lies he not bedxridx and again does nothing
but what he did being childishx

florizelx
nox good sirx
he has his healthx and ampler strength indeed
than most have of his agex

polixenesx
by my white beardx
you offer himx if this be sox a wrong
something unfilialx reason my son
should choose himself a wifex but as good reason
the fatherx all whose joy is nothing else
but fair posterityx should hold some counsel
in such a businessx

florizelx
i yield all thisx
but for some other reasonsx my grave sirx
which xtis not fit you knowx i not acquaint
my father of this businessx

polixenesx
let him know xtx

florizelx
he shall notx

polixenesx
prithee let himx

florizelx
nox he must notx

shepherdx
let himx my sonx he shall not need to grieve
at knowing of thy choicex

florizelx
comex comex he must notx
mark our contractx

polixenesx
xxdiscovering himselfxxx mark your divorcex young sirx
whom son i dare not callx thou art too base
to be acknowledgedx thou a sceptrexs heirx
that thus affects a sheepxhookx thoux old traitorx
i am sorry thatx by hanging theex i can
but shorten thy life one weekx and thoux fresh piece
of excellent witchcraftx whom of force must know
the royal fool thou copxst withxx

shepherdx
ox my heartx

polixenesx
ixll have thy beauty scratchxd with briers and made
more homely than thy statex for theex fond boyx
if i may ever know thou dost but sigh
that thou no more shalt see this knack xas never
i mean thou shaltxx wexll bar thee from successionx
not hold thee of our bloodx nox not our kinx
far than deucalion offx mark thou my wordsx
follow us to the courtx thou churlx for this timex
though full of our displeasurex yet we free thee
from the dead blow of itx and youx enchantmentx
worthy enough a herdsmanx yeax him too
that makes himselfx but for our honour thereinx
unworthy theex if ever henceforth thou
these rural latches to his entrance openx
or hoop his body more with thy embracesx
i will devise a death as cruel for thee
as thou art tender to xtx

 xxexitxxx

perditax
even here undonex
i was not much afeardx for once or twice
i was about to speakx and tell him plainly
the selfsame sun that shines upon his court
hides not his visage from our cottagex but
looks on alikex xxto florizelxxx willxt please youx sirx be gonex
i told you what would come of thisx beseech youx
of your own state take carex this dream of minex
being now awakex ixll queen it no inch fartherx
but milk my ewesx and weepx

camillox
whyx how nowx fatherx
speak ere thou diestx

shepherdx
i cannot speakx nor thinkx
nor dare to know that which i knowx o sirx
you have undone a man of fourscore threex
that thought to fill his grave in quietx yeax
to die upon the bed my father diedx
to lie close by his honest bonesx but now
some hangman must put on my shroud and lay me
where no priest shovels in dustx o cursed wretchx
that knewxst this was the princex and wouldst adventure
to mingle faith with himx undonex undonex
if i might die within this hourx i have livxd
to die when i desirex

 xxexitxxx

florizelx
why look you so upon mex
i am but sorryx not afeardx delayxdx
but nothing altxredx what i wasx i amx
more straining on for plucking backx not following
my leash unwillinglyx

camillox
gracious my lordx
you know your fatherxs temperx at this time
he will allow no speech xwhich i do guess
you do not purpose to himx and as hardly
will he endure your sight as yetx i fearx
thenx till the fury of his highness settlex
come not before himx

florizelx
i not purpose itx
i think camillox

camillox
even hex my lordx

perditax
how often have i told you xtwould be thusx
how often said my dignity would last
but till xtwere knownx

florizelx
it cannot fail but by
the violation of my faithx and then
let nature crush the sides ox thx earth together
and mar the seeds withinx lift up thy looksx
from my succession wipe mex fatherx i
am heir to my affectionx

camillox
be advisxdx

florizelx
i amx and by my fancyx if my reason
will thereto be obedientx i have reasonx
if notx my sensesx better pleasxd with madnessx
do bid it welcomex

camillox
this is desperatex sirx

florizelx
so call itx but it does fulfil my vowx
i needs must think it honestyx camillox
not for bohemiax nor the pomp that may
be thereat gleanxdx for all the sun sees or
the close earth wombsx or the profound seas hides
in unknown fathomsx will i break my oath
to this my fair belovxdx thereforex i pray youx
as you have ever been my fatherxs honourxd friendx
when he shall miss mexxasx in faithx i mean not
to see him any morexxcast your good counsels
upon his passionx let myself and fortune
tug for the time to comex this you may knowx
and so deliverx i am put to sea
with her whom here i cannot hold on shorex
andx most opportune to her needx i have
a vessel rides fast byx but not preparxd
for this designx what course i mean to hold
shall nothing benefit your knowledgex nor
concern me the reportingx

camillox
o my lordx
i would your spirit were easier for advicex
or stronger for your needx

florizelx
harkx perditax xxtakes her asidexxx
xxto camilloxxx ixll hear you by and byx

camillox
hexs irremovablex
resolvxd for flightx now were i happy if
his going i could frame to serve my turnx
save him from dangerx do him love and honourx
purchase the sight again of dear sicilia
and that unhappy kingx my masterx whom
i so much thirst to seex

florizelx
nowx good camillox
i am so fraught with curious business that
i leave out ceremonyx

camillox
sirx i think
you have heard of my poor servicesx ix thx love
that i have borne your fatherx

florizelx
very nobly
have you deservxdx it is my fatherxs music
to speak your deedsx not little of his care
to have them recompensxd as thought onx

camillox
wellx my lordx
if you may please to think i love the kingx
andx through himx whatxs nearest to himx which is
your gracious selfx embrace but my directionx
if your more ponderous and settled project
may suffer alterationx on mine honourx
ixll point you where you shall have such receiving
as shall become your highnessx where you may
enjoy your mistressx from the whomx i seex
therexs no disjunction to be madex but byx
as heavens forfendx your ruinx marry herx
and with my best endeavours in your absence
your discontenting father strive to qualify
and bring him up to likingx

florizelx
howx camillox
may thisx almost a miraclex be donex
that i may call thee something more than manx
and after that trust to theex

camillox
have you thought on
a place whereto youxll gox

florizelx
not any yetx
but as thx unthoughtxon accident is guilty
to what we wildly dox so we profess
ourselves to be the slaves of chancex and flies
of every wind that blowsx

camillox
then list to mex
this followsx if you will not change your purposex
but undergo this flightx make for siciliax
and there present yourself and your fair princessx
for sox i seex she must bex xfore leontesx
she shall be habited as it becomes
the partner of your bedx methinks i see
leontes opening his free arms and weeping
his welcomes forthx asks theex the sonx forgivenessx
as xtwere ix thx fatherxs personx kisses the hands
of your fresh princessx oxer and oxer divides him
xtwixt his unkindness and his kindnessx thx one
he chides to hellx and bids the other grow
faster than thought or timex

florizelx
worthy camillox
what colour for my visitation shall i
hold up before himx

camillox
sent by the king your father
to greet him and to give him comfortsx sirx
the manner of your bearing towards himx with
what you xas from your fatherx shall deliverx
things known betwixt us threex ixll write you downx
the which shall point you forth at every sitting
what you must sayx that he shall not perceive
but that you have your fatherxs bosom there
and speak his very heartx

florizelx
i am bound to youx
there is some sap in thisx

camillox
a course more promising
than a wild dedication of yourselves
to unpathxd watersx undreamxd shoresx most certain
to miseries enoughx no hope to help youx
but as you shake off one to take anotherx
nothing so certain as your anchorsx who
do their best office if they can but stay you
where youxll be loath to bex besidesx you know
prosperityxs the very bond of lovex
whose fresh complexion and whose heart together
affliction altersx

perditax
one of these is truex
i think affliction may subdue the cheekx
but not take in the mindx

camillox
yeax say you sox
there shall not at your fatherxs housex these seven years
be born another suchx

florizelx
my good camillox
she is as forward of her breeding as
she is ix thx rear our birthx

camillox
i cannot say xtis pity
she lacks instructionsx for she seems a mistress
to most that teachx

perditax
your pardonx sirx for this
ixll blush you thanksx

florizelx
my prettiest perditax
butx ox the thorns we stand uponx camillox
preserver of my fatherx now of mex
the medicine of our housex how shall we dox
we are not furnishxd like bohemiaxs sonx
nor shall appear in siciliax

camillox
my lordx
fear none of thisx i think you know my fortunes
do all lie therex it shall be so my care
to have you royally appointed as if
the scene you play were minex for instancex sirx
that you may know you shall not wantxxone wordx
xxthey talk asidexxx

 enter autolycusx

autolycusx
hax hax what a fool honesty isx and trustx his sworn brotherx a very
simple gentlemanx i have sold all my trumperyx not a counterfeit stonex
not a ribbonx glassx pomanderx broochx tablexbookx balladx knifex tapex
glovex shoextiex braceletx hornxringx to keep my pack from fastingx
they throng who should buy firstx as if my trinkets had been hallowed
and brought a benediction to the buyerx by which means i saw whose
purse was best in picturex and what i sawx to my good use i rememberedx
my clown xwho wants but something to be a reasonable manx grew so in
love with the wenchesx song that he would not stir his pettitoes till
he had both tune and wordsx which so drew the rest of the herd to me
that all their other senses stuck in earsx you might have pinched a
placketx it was senselessx xtwas nothing to geld a codpiece of a pursex
i would have filed keys off that hung in chainsx no hearingx no
feelingx but my sirxs songx and admiring the nothing of itx so that in
this time of lethargy i picked and cut most of their festival pursesx
and had not the old man come in with a whoobub against his daughter and
the kingxs sonx and scared my choughs from the chaffx i had not left a
purse alive in the whole armyx

 camillox florizel and perdita come forwardx

camillox
nayx but my lettersx by this means being there
so soon as you arrivex shall clear that doubtx

florizelx
and those that youxll procure from king leontesx

camillox
shall satisfy your fatherx

perditax
happy be youx
all that you speak shows fairx

camillox
xxseeing autolycusxxx who have we herex
wexll make an instrument of thisx omit
nothing may give us aidx

autolycusx
xxasidexxx if they have overheard me nowxxwhyx hangingx

camillox
how nowx good fellowx why shakest thou sox fear notx manx herexs no
harm intended to theex

autolycusx
i am a poor fellowx sirx

camillox
whyx be so stillx herexs nobody will steal that from theex yetx for the
outside of thy poverty we must make an exchangex therefore discase thee
instantlyxxthou must think therexs a necessity inxtxand change garments
with this gentlemanx though the pennyworth on his side be the worstx
yet hold theex therexs some bootx

 xxgiving moneyxxx

autolycusx
i am a poor fellowx sirx xxasidexxx i know ye well enoughx

camillox
nayx prithee dispatchx the gentleman is half flayed alreadyx

autolycusx
are you in earnestx sirx xxasidexxx i smell the trick onxtx

florizelx
dispatchx i pritheex

autolycusx
indeedx i have had earnestx but i cannot with conscience take itx

camillox
unbucklex unbucklex

 xxflorizel and autolycus exchange garmentsxxx

fortunate mistressxxlet my prophecy
come home to youxxyou must retire yourself
into some covertx take your sweetheartxs hat
and pluck it oxer your browsx muffle your facex
dismantle youx andx as you canx disliken
the truth of your own seemingx that you may
xfor i do fear eyes overx to shipboard
get undescriedx

perditax
i see the play so lies
that i must bear a partx

camillox
no remedyx
have you done therex

florizelx
should i now meet my fatherx
he would not call me sonx

camillox
nayx you shall have no hatx xxgiving it to perditaxxx
comex ladyx comex farewellx my friendx

autolycusx
adieux sirx

florizelx
o perditax what have we twain forgotx
pray you a wordx

 xxthey converse apartxxx

camillox
xxasidexxx what i do nextx shall be to tell the king
of this escapex and whither they are boundx
wherein my hope is i shall so prevail
to force him afterx in whose company
i shall rexview siciliax for whose sight
i have a womanxs longingx

florizelx
fortune speed usx
thus we set onx camillox to the seaxsidex

camillox
the swifter speed the betterx

 xxexeunt florizelx perdita and camilloxxx

autolycusx
i understand the businessx i hear itx to have an open earx a quick eyex
and a nimble handx is necessary for a cutxpursex a good nose is
requisite alsox to smell out work for the other sensesx i see this is
the time that the unjust man doth thrivex what an exchange had this
been without bootx what a boot is here with this exchangex sure the
gods do this year connive at usx and we may do anything extemporex the
prince himself is about a piece of iniquityx stealing away from his
father with his clog at his heelsx if i thought it were a piece of
honesty to acquaint the king withalx i would not doxtx i hold it the
more knavery to conceal itx and therein am i constant to my professionx

 enter clown and shepherdx

asidex asidex here is more matter for a hot brainx every lanexs endx
every shopx churchx sessionx hangingx yields a careful man workx

clownx
seex seex what a man you are nowx there is no other way but to tell the
king shexs a changelingx and none of your flesh and bloodx

shepherdx
nayx but hear mex

clownx
nayx but hear mex

shepherdx
go tox thenx

clownx
she being none of your flesh and bloodx your flesh and blood has not
offended the kingx and so your flesh and blood is not to be punished by
himx show those things you found about herx those secret thingsx all
but what she has with herx this being donex let the law go whistlex i
warrant youx

shepherdx
i will tell the king allx every wordx yeax and his sonxs pranks toox
whox i may sayx is no honest man neither to his father nor to mex to go
about to make me the kingxs brotherxinxlawx

clownx
indeedx brotherxinxlaw was the farthest off you could have been to himx
and then your blood had been the dearer by i know how much an ouncex

autolycusx
xxasidexxx very wiselyx puppiesx

shepherdx
wellx let us to the kingx there is that in this fardel will make him
scratch his beardx

autolycusx
xxasidexxx i know not what impediment this complaint may be to the
flight of my masterx

clownx
pray heartily he be atx palacex

autolycusx
xxasidexxx though i am not naturally honestx i am so sometimes by
chancex let me pocket up my pedlarxs excrementx xxtakes off his false
beardxxx how nowx rusticsx whither are you boundx

shepherdx
to the palacex an it like your worshipx

autolycusx
your affairs therex whatx with whomx the condition of that fardelx the
place of your dwellingx your namesx your agesx of what havingx
breedingx and anything that is fitting to be knownx discoverx

clownx
we are but plain fellowsx sirx

autolycusx
a liex you are rough and hairyx let me have no lyingx it becomes none
but tradesmenx and they often give us soldiers the liex but we pay them
for it with stamped coinx not stabbing steelx therefore they do not
give us the liex

clownx
your worship had like to have given us onex if you had not taken
yourself with the mannerx

shepherdx
are you a courtierx an xt like youx sirx

autolycusx
whether it like me or nox i am a courtierx seest thou not the air of
the court in these enfoldingsx hath not my gait in it the measure of
the courtx receives not thy nose courtxodour from mex reflect i not on
thy baseness courtxcontemptx thinkxst thoux for that i insinuatex or
toaze from thee thy businessx i am therefore no courtierx i am courtier
xcapxaxpexx and one that will either push on or pluck back thy business
therex whereupon i command thee to open thy affairx

shepherdx
my businessx sirx is to the kingx

autolycusx
what advocate hast thou to himx

shepherdx
i know notx an xt like youx

clownx
advocatexs the courtxword for a pheasantx say you have nonex

shepherdx
nonex sirx i have no pheasantx cock nor henx

autolycusx
how blessxd are we that are not simple menx
yet nature might have made me as these arex
therefore i will not disdainx

clownx
this cannot be but a great courtierx

shepherdx
his garments are richx but he wears them not handsomelyx

clownx
he seems to be the more noble in being fantasticalx a great manx ixll
warrantx i know by the picking onxs teethx

autolycusx
the fardel therex whatxs ix thx fardelx wherefore that boxx

shepherdx
sirx there lies such secrets in this fardel and box which none must
know but the kingx and which he shall know within this hourx if i may
come to thx speech of himx

autolycusx
agex thou hast lost thy labourx

shepherdx
whyx sirx

autolycusx
the king is not at the palacex he is gone aboard a new ship to purge
melancholy and air himselfx forx if thou beest capable of things
seriousx thou must know the king is full of griefx

shepherdx
so xtis saidx sirx about his sonx that should have married a shepherdxs
daughterx

autolycusx
if that shepherd be not in handxfastx let him flyx the curses he shall
havex the tortures he shall feelx will break the back of manx the heart
of monsterx

clownx
think you sox sirx

autolycusx
not he alone shall suffer what wit can make heavy and vengeance bitterx
but those that are germane to himx though removed fifty timesx shall
all come under the hangmanx whichx though it be great pityx yet it is
necessaryx an old sheepxwhistling roguex a ramxtenderx to offer to have
his daughter come into gracex some say he shall be stonedx but that
death is too soft for himx say ix draw our throne into a sheepcotex all
deaths are too fewx the sharpest too easyx

clownx
has the old man exer a sonx sirx do you hearx an xt like youx sirx

autolycusx
he has a sonx who shall be flayed alivex then xnointed over with honeyx
set on the head of a waspxs nestx then stand till he be three quarters
and a dram deadx then recovered again with aquaxvitx or some other hot
infusionx thenx raw as he isx and in the hottest day prognostication
proclaimsx shall he be set against a brick wallx the sun looking with a
southward eye upon himx where he is to behold him with flies blown to
deathx but what talk we of these traitorly rascalsx whose miseries are
to be smiled atx their offences being so capitalx tell me xfor you seem
to be honest plain menx what you have to the kingx being something
gently consideredx ixll bring you where he is aboardx tender your
persons to his presencex whisper him in your behalfsx and if it be in
man besides the king to effect your suitsx here is man shall do itx

clownx
he seems to be of great authorityx close with himx give him goldx and
though authority be a stubborn bearx yet he is oft led by the nose with
goldx show the inside of your purse to the outside of his handx and no
more adox rememberx xstonxdx and xflayed alivexx

shepherdx
an xt please youx sirx to undertake the business for usx here is that
gold i havex ixll make it as much morex and leave this young man in
pawn till i bring it youx

autolycusx
after i have done what i promisedx

shepherdx
ayx sirx

autolycusx
wellx give me the moietyx are you a party in this businessx

clownx
in some sortx sirx but though my case be a pitiful onex i hope i shall
not be flayed out of itx

autolycusx
ox thatxs the case of the shepherdxs sonx hang himx hexll be made an
examplex

clownx
comfortx good comfortx we must to the king and show our strange sightsx
he must know xtis none of your daughter nor my sisterx we are gone
elsex sirx i will give you as much as this old man does when the
business is performedx and remainx as he saysx your pawn till it be
brought youx

autolycusx
i will trust youx walk before toward the seaxsidex go on the
rightxhandx i will but look upon the hedgex and follow youx

clownx
we are blessed in this manx as i may sayx even blessedx

shepherdx
letxs beforex as he bids usx he was provided to do us goodx

 xxexeunt shepherd and clownxxx

autolycusx
if i had a mind to be honestx i see fortune would not suffer mex she
drops booties in my mouthx i am courted now with a double occasionx
goldx and a means to do the prince my master goodx which who knows how
that may turn back to my advancementx i will bring these two molesx
these blind onesx aboard himx if he think it fit to shore them again
and that the complaint they have to the king concerns him nothingx let
him call me rogue for being so far officiousx for i am proof against
that title and what shame else belongs to xtx to him will i present
themx there may be matter in itx

 xxexitxxx



act v

scene ix siciliax a room in the palace of leontesx

 enter leontesx cleomenesx dionx paulina and othersx

cleomenes
sirx you have done enoughx and have performxd
a saintxlike sorrowx no fault could you make
which you have not redeemxdx indeedx paid down
more penitence than done trespassx at the lastx
do as the heavens have donex forget your evilx
with themx forgive yourselfx

leontesx
whilst i remember
her and her virtuesx i cannot forget
my blemishes in themx and so still think of
the wrong i did myselfx which was so much
that heirless it hath made my kingdomx and
destroyxd the sweetxst companion that exer man
bred his hopes out ofx

paulinax
truex too truex my lordx
ifx one by onex you wedded all the worldx
or from the all that are took something goodx
to make a perfect womanx she you killxd
would be unparallelxdx

leontesx
i think sox killxdx
she i killxdx i did sox but thou strikxst me
sorelyx to say i didx it is as bitter
upon thy tongue as in my thoughtx nowx good nowx
say so but seldomx

cleomenes
not at allx good ladyx
you might have spoken a thousand things that would
have done the time more benefit and gracxd
your kindness betterx

paulinax
you are one of those
would have him wed againx

dionx
if you would not sox
you pity not the statex nor the remembrance
of his most sovereign namex consider little
what dangersx by his highnessx fail of issuex
may drop upon his kingdomx and devour
incertain lookersxonx what were more holy
than to rejoice the former queen is wellx
what holier thanx for royaltyxs repairx
for present comfortx and for future goodx
to bless the bed of majesty again
with a sweet fellow to xtx

paulinax
there is none worthyx
respecting her thatxs gonex besidesx the gods
will have fulfillxd their secret purposesx
for has not the divine apollo saidx
is xt not the tenor of his oraclex
that king leontes shall not have an heir
till his lost child be foundx which that it shallx
is all as monstrous to our human reason
as my antigonus to break his grave
and come again to mex whox on my lifex
did perish with the infantx xtis your counsel
my lord should to the heavens be contraryx
oppose against their willsx xxto leontesxxx care not for issuex
the crown will find an heirx great alexander
left his to thx worthiestx so his successor
was like to be the bestx

leontesx
good paulinax
who hast the memory of hermionex
i knowx in honourx o that ever i
had squarxd me to thy counselx thenx even nowx
i might have lookxd upon my queenxs full eyesx
have taken treasure from her lipsxx

paulinax
and left them
more rich for what they yieldedx

leontesx
thou speakxst truthx
no more such wivesx thereforex no wifex one worsex
and better usxdx would make her sainted spirit
again possess her corpsex and on this stagex
xwhere we offenders now appearx soulxvexedx
and begin xwhy to mexx

paulinax
had she such powerx
she had just causex

leontesx
she hadx and would incense me
to murder her i marriedx

paulinax
i should sox
were i the ghost that walkxdx ixd bid you mark
her eyex and tell me for what dull part in xt
you chose herx then ixd shriekx that even your ears
should rift to hear mex and the words that followxd
should be xremember minexx

leontesx
starsx starsx
and all eyes else dead coalsx fear thou no wifex
ixll have no wifex paulinax

paulinax
will you swear
never to marry but by my free leavex

leontesx
neverx paulinax so be blessxd my spiritx

paulinax
thenx good my lordsx bear witness to his oathx

cleomenes
you tempt him overxmuchx

paulinax
unless anotherx
as like hermione as is her picturex
affront his eyex

cleomenes
good madamxx

paulinax
i have donex
yetx if my lord will marryxxif you willx sirx
no remedy but you willxxgive me the office
to choose you a queenx she shall not be so young
as was your formerx but she shall be such
asx walkxd your first queenxs ghostx it should take joy
to see her in your armsx

leontesx
my true paulinax
we shall not marry till thou bidxst usx

paulinax
that
shall be when your first queenxs again in breathx
never till thenx

 enter a servantx

servantx
one that gives out himself prince florizelx
son of polixenesx with his princess xshe
the fairest i have yet beheldx desires access
to your high presencex

leontesx
what with himx he comes not
like to his fatherxs greatnessx his approachx
so out of circumstance and suddenx tells us
xtis not a visitation framxdx but forcxd
by need and accidentx what trainx

servantx
but fewx
and those but meanx

leontesx
his princessx say youx with himx

servantx
ayx the most peerless piece of earthx i thinkx
that exer the sun shone bright onx

paulinax
o hermionex
as every present time doth boast itself
above a better gonex so must thy grave
give way to whatxs seen nowx sirx you yourself
have said and writ soxxbut your writing now
is colder than that themexxxshe had not beenx
nor was not to be equallxdxx thus your verse
flowxd with her beauty oncex xtis shrewdly ebbxdx
to say you have seen a betterx

servantx
pardonx madamx
the one i have almost forgotxxyour pardonxx
the otherx when she has obtainxd your eyex
will have your tongue toox this is a creaturex
would she begin a sectx might quench the zeal
of all professors elsex make proselytes
of who she but bid followx

paulinax
howx not womenx

servantx
women will love her that she is a woman
more worth than any manx menx that she is
the rarest of all womenx

leontesx
gox cleomenesx
yourselfx assisted with your honourxd friendsx
bring them to our embracementx

 xxexeunt cleomenes and othersxxx

stillx xtis strange
he thus should steal upon usx

paulinax
had our princex
jewel of childrenx seen this hourx he had pairxd
well with this lordx there was not full a month
between their birthsx

leontesx
prithee no morex ceasex thou knowxst
he dies to me again when talkxd ofx surex
when i shall see this gentlemanx thy speeches
will bring me to consider that which may
unfurnish me of reasonx they are comex

 enter florizelx perditax cleomenes and othersx

your mother was most true to wedlockx princex
for she did print your royal father offx
conceiving youx were i but twentyxonex
your fatherxs image is so hit in youx
his very airx that i should call you brotherx
as i did himx and speak of something wildly
by us performxd beforex most dearly welcomex
and your fair princessxxgoddessx ox alasx
i lost a couple that xtwixt heaven and earth
might thus have stoodx begetting wonderx as
youx gracious couplex dox and then i lostxx
all mine own follyxxthe societyx
amity toox of your brave fatherx whomx
though bearing miseryx i desire my life
once more to look on himx

florizelx
by his command
have i here touchxd siciliax and from him
give you all greetings that a kingx at friendx
can send his brotherx andx but infirmityx
which waits upon worn timesx hath something seizxd
his wishxd abilityx he had himself
the lands and waters xtwixt your throne and his
measurxdx to look upon youx whom he lovesx
he bade me say soxxmore than all the sceptres
and those that bear them livingx

leontesx
o my brotherxx
good gentlemanxxthe wrongs i have done thee stir
afresh within mex and these thy officesx
so rarely kindx are as interpreters
of my behindxhand slacknessx welcome hitherx
as is the spring to the earthx and hath he too
exposxd this paragon to the fearful usagex
at least ungentlex of the dreadful neptunex
to greet a man not worth her painsx much less
thx adventure of her personx

florizelx
goodx my lordx
she came from libyax

leontesx
where the warlike smalusx
that noble honourxd lordx is fearxd and lovxdx

florizelx
most royal sirx from thencex from himx whose daughter
his tears proclaimxd hisx parting with herx thencex
a prosperous southxwind friendlyx we have crossxdx
to execute the charge my father gave me
for visiting your highnessx my best train
i have from your sicilian shores dismissxdx
who for bohemia bendx to signify
not only my success in libyax sirx
but my arrivalx and my wifexsx in safety
herex where we arex

leontesx
the blessed gods
purge all infection from our air whilst you
do climate herex you have a holy fatherx
a graceful gentlemanx against whose personx
so sacred as it isx i have done sinx
for which the heavensx taking angry notex
have left me issuelessx and your fatherxs blessxdx
as he from heaven merits itx with youx
worthy his goodnessx what might i have beenx
might i a son and daughter now have lookxd onx
such goodly things as youx

 enter a lordx

lordx
most noble sirx
that which i shall report will bear no creditx
were not the proof so nighx please youx great sirx
bohemia greets you from himself by mex
desires you to attach his sonx who hasx
his dignity and duty both cast offx
fled from his fatherx from his hopesx and with
a shepherdxs daughterx

leontesx
wherexs bohemiax speakx

lordx
here in your cityx i now came from himx
i speak amazedlyx and it becomes
my marvel and my messagex to your court
whiles he was hastxningxin the chasex it seemsx
of this fair couplexmeets he on the way
the father of this seeming lady and
her brotherx having both their country quitted
with this young princex

florizelx
camillo has betrayxd mex
whose honour and whose honesty till nowx
endurxd all weathersx

lordx
lay xt so to his chargex
hexs with the king your fatherx

leontesx
whox camillox

lordx
camillox sirx i spake with himx who now
has these poor men in questionx never saw i
wretches so quakex they kneelx they kiss the earthx
forswear themselves as often as they speakx
bohemia stops his earsx and threatens them
with divers deaths in deathx

perditax
o my poor fatherx
the heaven sets spies upon usx will not have
our contract celebratedx

leontesx
you are marriedx

florizelx
we are notx sirx nor are we like to bex
the starsx i seex will kiss the valleys firstx
the odds for high and lowxs alikex

leontesx
my lordx
is this the daughter of a kingx

florizelx
she isx
when once she is my wifex

leontesx
that xoncexx i see by your good fatherxs speedx
will come on very slowlyx i am sorryx
most sorryx you have broken from his likingx
where you were tied in dutyx and as sorry
your choice is not so rich in worth as beautyx
that you might well enjoy herx

florizelx
dearx look upx
though fortunex visible an enemyx
should chase us with my fatherx power no jot
hath she to change our lovesx beseech youx sirx
remember since you owxd no more to time
than i do nowx with thought of such affectionsx
step forth mine advocatex at your request
my father will grant precious things as triflesx

leontesx
would he do sox ixd beg your precious mistressx
which he counts but a triflex

paulinax
sirx my liegex
your eye hath too much youth in xtx not a month
xfore your queen diedx she was more worth such gazes
than what you look on nowx

leontesx
i thought of her
even in these looks i madex xxto florizelxxx but your petition
is yet unanswerxdx i will to your fatherx
your honour not oxerthrown by your desiresx
i am friend to them and youx upon which errand
i now go toward himx therefore follow mex
and mark what way i makex comex good my lordx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iix the samex before the palacex

 enter autolycus and a gentlemanx

autolycusx
beseech youx sirx were you present at this relationx

first gentlemanx
i was by at the opening of the fardelx heard the old shepherd deliver
the manner how he found itx whereuponx after a little amazednessx we
were all commanded out of the chamberx only thisx methought i heard the
shepherd say he found the childx

autolycusx
i would most gladly know the issue of itx

first gentlemanx
i make a broken delivery of the businessx but the changes i perceived
in the king and camillo were very notes of admirationx they seemed
almostx with staring on one anotherx to tear the cases of their eyesx
there was speech in their dumbnessx language in their very gesturex
they looked as they had heard of a world ransomedx or one destroyedx a
notable passion of wonder appeared in themx but the wisest beholderx
that knew no more but seeing could not say if thx importance were joy
or sorrowx but in the extremity of the onex it must needs bex here
comes a gentleman that happily knows morex

 enter a gentlemanx

the newsx rogerox

second gentlemanx
nothing but bonfiresx the oracle is fulfilledx the kingxs daughter is
foundx such a deal of wonder is broken out within this hour that
balladxmakers cannot be able to express itx here comes the lady
paulinaxs stewardx he can deliver you morex

 enter a third gentlemanx

 how goes it nowx sirx this newsx which is called truex is so like an
 old tale that the verity of it is in strong suspicionx has the king
 found his heirx

third gentlemanx
most truex if ever truth were pregnant by circumstancex that which you
hear youxll swear you seex there is such unity in the proofsx the
mantle of queen hermionexsx her jewel about the neck of itx the letters
of antigonus found with itx which they know to be his characterx the
majesty of the creature in resemblance of the motherx the affection of
nobleness which nature shows above her breedingx and many other
evidences proclaim her with all certainty to be the kingxs daughterx
did you see the meeting of the two kingsx

second gentlemanx
nox

third gentlemanx
then you have lost a sight which was to be seenx cannot be spoken ofx
there might you have beheld one joy crown anotherx so and in such
manner that it seemed sorrow wept to take leave of themx for their joy
waded in tearsx there was casting up of eyesx holding up of handsx with
countenance of such distraction that they were to be known by garmentx
not by favourx our kingx being ready to leap out of himself for joy of
his found daughterx as if that joy were now become a lossx cries xox
thy motherx thy motherxx then asks bohemia forgivenessx then embraces
his sonxinxlawx then again worries he his daughter with clipping herx
now he thanks the old shepherdx which stands by like a weatherxbitten
conduit of many kingsx reignsx i never heard of such another encounterx
which lames report to follow itx and undoes description to do itx

second gentlemanx
whatx pray youx became of antigonusx that carried hence the childx

third gentlemanx
like an old tale stillx which will have matter to rehearsex though
credit be asleep and not an ear openx he was torn to pieces with a
bearx this avouches the shepherdxs sonx who has not only his innocencex
which seems muchx to justify himx but a handkerchief and rings of his
that paulina knowsx

first gentlemanx
what became of his bark and his followersx

third gentlemanx
wrecked the same instant of their masterxs deathx and in the view of
the shepherdx so that all the instruments which aided to expose the
child were even then lost when it was foundx but ox the noble combat
that xtwixt joy and sorrow was fought in paulinax she had one eye
declined for the loss of her husbandx another elevated that the oracle
was fulfilledx she lifted the princess from the earthx and so locks her
in embracingx as if she would pin her to her heartx that she might no
more be in danger of losingx

first gentlemanx
the dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings and princesx
for by such was it actedx

third gentlemanx
one of the prettiest touches of allx and that which angled for mine
eyes xcaught the waterx though not the fishx wasx when at the relation
of the queenxs death xwith the manner how she came to it bravely
confessed and lamented by the kingx how attentivenes wounded his
daughterx tillx from one sign of dolour to anotherx she didx with an
xalasxx i would fain sayx bleed tearsx for i am sure my heart wept
bloodx who was most marble there changed colourx some swoonedx all
sorrowedx if all the world could have seen itx the woe had been
universalx

first gentlemanx
are they returned to the courtx

third gentlemanx
nox the princess hearing of her motherxs statuex which is in the
keeping of paulinaxxa piece many years in doing and now newly performed
by that rare italian masterx julio romanox whox had he himself
eternityx and could put breath into his workx would beguile nature of
her customx so perfectly he is her apex he so near to hermione hath
done hermione that they say one would speak to her and stand in hope of
answerx thither with all greediness of affection are they gonex and
there they intend to supx

second gentlemanx
i thought she had some great matter there in handx for she hath
privately twice or thrice a dayx ever since the death of hermionex
visited that removed housex shall we thitherx and with our company
piece the rejoicingx

first gentlemanx
who would be thence that has the benefit of accessx every wink of an
eye some new grace will be bornx our absence makes us unthrifty to our
knowledgex letxs alongx

 xxexeunt gentlemenxxx

autolycusx
nowx had i not the dash of my former life in mex would preferment drop
on my headx i brought the old man and his son aboard the princex told
him i heard them talk of a fardel and i know not whatx but he at that
time overxfond of the shepherdxs daughter xso he then took her to bexx
who began to be much seaxsickx and himself little betterx extremity of
weather continuingx this mystery remained undiscoverxdx but xtis all
one to mex for had i been the finderxout of this secretx it would not
have relishxd among my other discreditsx

 enter shepherd and clownx

here come those i have done good to against my willx and already
appearing in the blossoms of their fortunex

shepherdx
comex boyx i am past more childrenx but thy sons and daughters will be
all gentlemen bornx

clownx
you are well metx sirx you denied to fight with me this other dayx
because i was no gentleman bornx see you these clothesx say you see
them not and think me still no gentleman bornx you were best say these
robes are not gentlemen bornx give me the liex dox and try whether i am
not now a gentleman bornx

autolycusx
i know you are nowx sirx a gentleman bornx

clownx
ayx and have been so any time these four hoursx

shepherdx
and so have ix boyx

clownx
so you havex but i was a gentleman born before my fatherx for the
kingxs son took me by the hand and called me brotherx and then the two
kings called my father brotherx and then the princex my brotherx and
the princessx my sisterx called my father fatherx and so we weptx and
there was the first gentlemanxlike tears that ever we shedx

shepherdx
we may livex sonx to shed many morex

clownx
ayx or else xtwere hard luckx being in so preposterous estate as we
arex

autolycusx
i humbly beseech youx sirx to pardon me all the faults i have committed
to your worshipx and to give me your good report to the prince my
masterx

shepherdx
pritheex sonx dox for we must be gentlex now we are gentlemenx

clownx
thou wilt amend thy lifex

autolycusx
ayx an it like your good worshipx

clownx
give me thy handx i will swear to the prince thou art as honest a true
fellow as any is in bohemiax

shepherdx
you may say itx but not swear itx

clownx
not swear itx now i am a gentlemanx let boors and franklins say itx
ixll swear itx

shepherdx
how if it be falsex sonx

clownx
if it be nexer so falsex a true gentleman may swear it in the behalf of
his friendx and ixll swear to the prince thou art a tall fellow of thy
hands and that thou wilt not be drunkx but i know thou art no tall
fellow of thy hands and that thou wilt be drunkx but ixll swear itx and
i would thou wouldst be a tall fellow of thy handsx

autolycusx
i will prove sox sirx to my powerx

clownx
ayx by any meansx prove a tall fellowx if i do not wonder how thou
darxst venture to be drunkx not being a tall fellowx trust me notx
harkx the kings and the princesx our kindredx are going to see the
queenxs picturex comex follow usx wexll be thy good mastersx

 xxexeuntxxx

scene iiix the samex a room in paulinaxs housex

 enter leontesx polixenesx florizelx perditax camillox paulinax lords
 and attendantsx

leontesx
o grave and good paulinax the great comfort
that i have had of theex

paulinax
whatx sovereign sirx
i did not wellx i meant wellx all my services
you have paid homex but that you have vouchsafxdx
with your crownxd brother and these your contracted
heirs of your kingdomsx my poor house to visitx
it is a surplus of your grace which never
my life may last to answerx

leontesx
o paulinax
we honour you with troublex but we came
to see the statue of our queenx your gallery
have we passxd throughx not without much content
in many singularitiesx but we saw not
that which my daughter came to look uponx
the statue of her motherx

paulinax
as she livxd peerlessx
so her dead likenessx i do well believex
excels whatever yet you lookxd upon
or hand of man hath donex therefore i keep it
lonelyx apartx but here it isx prepare
to see the life as lively mockxd as ever
still sleep mockxd deathx beholdx and say xtis wellx

 paulina undraws a curtainx and discovers hermione standing as a
 statuex

i like your silencex it the more shows off
your wonderx but yet speakx first youx my liegex
comes it not something nearx

leontesx
her natural posturex
chide mex dear stonex that i may say indeed
thou art hermionex or ratherx thou art she
in thy not chidingx for she was as tender
as infancy and gracex but yetx paulinax
hermione was not so much wrinkledx nothing
so aged as this seemsx

polixenesx
ox not by muchx

paulinax
so much the more our carverxs excellencex
which lets go by some sixteen years and makes her
as she livxd nowx

leontesx
as now she might have donex
so much to my good comfort as it is
now piercing to my soulx ox thus she stoodx
even with such life of majestyx warm lifex
as now it coldly standsx when first i wooxd herx
i am ashamxdx does not the stone rebuke me
for being more stone than itx o royal piecex
therexs magic in thy majestyx which has
my evils conjurxd to remembrance and
from thy admiring daughter took the spiritsx
standing like stone with theex

perditax
and give me leavex
and do not say xtis superstitionx that
i kneelx and then implore her blessingx ladyx
dear queenx that ended when i but beganx
give me that hand of yours to kissx

paulinax
ox patiencex
the statue is but newly fixxdx the colourxs
not dryx

camillox
my lordx your sorrow was too sore laid onx
which sixteen winters cannot blow awayx
so many summers dryx scarce any joy
did ever so long livex no sorrow
but killxd itself much soonerx

polixenesx
dear my brotherx
let him that was the cause of this have power
to take off so much grief from you as he
will piece up in himselfx

paulinax
indeedx my lordx
if i had thought the sight of my poor image
would thus have wrought youxfor the stone is minex
ixd not have showxd itx

leontesx
do not draw the curtainx

paulinax
no longer shall you gaze onxtx lest your fancy
may think anon it movesx

leontesx
let bex let bex
would i were deadx but that methinks alreadyx
what was he that did make itx seex my lordx
would you not deem it breathxdx and that those veins
did verily bear bloodx

polixenesx
masterly donex
the very life seems warm upon her lipx

leontesx
the fixture of her eye has motion in xtx
as we are mockxd with artx

paulinax
ixll draw the curtainx
my lordxs almost so far transported that
hexll think anon it livesx

leontesx
o sweet paulinax
make me to think so twenty years togetherx
no settled senses of the world can match
the pleasure of that madnessx let xt alonex

paulinax
i am sorryx sirx i have thus far stirrxd youx but
i could afflict you furtherx

leontesx
dox paulinax
for this affliction has a taste as sweet
as any cordial comfortx still methinks
there is an air comes from herx what fine chisel
could ever yet cut breathx let no man mock mex
for i will kiss herx

paulinax
good my lordx forbearx
the ruddiness upon her lip is wetx
youxll mar it if you kiss itx stain your own
with oily paintingx shall i draw the curtainx

leontesx
nox not these twenty yearsx

perditax
so long could i
stand byx a looker onx

paulinax
either forbearx
quit presently the chapelx or resolve you
for more amazementx if you can behold itx
ixll make the statue move indeedx descendx
and take you by the handx but then youxll think
xwhich i protest againstx i am assisted
by wicked powersx

leontesx
what you can make her do
i am content to look onx what to speakx
i am content to hearx for xtis as easy
to make her speak as movex

paulinax
it is requirxd
you do awake your faithx then all stand stillx
or those that think it is unlawful business
i am aboutx let them departx

leontesx
proceedx
no foot shall stirx

paulinax
musicx awake herx strikex xxmusicxxx
xtis timex descendx be stone no morex approachx
strike all that look upon with marvelx comex
ixll fill your grave upx stirx nayx come awayx
bequeath to death your numbnessx for from him
dear life redeems youx you perceive she stirsx

 hermione comes down from the pedestalx

start notx her actions shall be holy as
you hear my spell is lawfulx do not shun her
until you see her die againx for then
you kill her doublex nayx present your handx
when she was young you wooxd herx now in age
is she become the suitorx

leontesx
xxembracing herxxx ox shexs warmx
if this be magicx let it be an art
lawful as eatingx

polixenesx
she embraces himx

camillox
she hangs about his neckx
if she pertain to lifex let her speak toox

polixenesx
ayx and make it manifest where she has livxdx
or how stolxn from the deadx

paulinax
that she is livingx
were it but told youx should be hooted at
like an old talex but it appears she livesx
though yet she speak notx mark a little whilex
please you to interposex fair madamx kneel
and pray your motherxs blessingx turnx good ladyx
our perdita is foundx

 xxpresenting perdita who kneels to hermionexxx

hermionex
you godsx look downx
and from your sacred vials pour your graces
upon my daughterxs headx tell mex mine ownx
where hast thou been preservxdx where livxdx how found
thy fatherxs courtx for thou shalt hear that ix
knowing by paulina that the oracle
gave hope thou wast in beingx have preservxd
myself to see the issuex

paulinax
therexs time enough for thatx
lest they desire upon this push to trouble
your joys with like relationx go togetherx
you precious winners allx your exultation
partake to everyonex ix an old turtlex
will wing me to some witherxd boughx and there
my matex thatxs never to be found againx
lament till i am lostx

leontesx
o peacex paulinax
thou shouldst a husband take by my consentx
as i by thine a wifex this is a matchx
and made between xs by vowsx thou hast found minex
but howx is to be questionxdx for i saw herx
as i thoughtx deadx and have in vain said many
a prayer upon her gravex ixll not seek farx
for himx i partly know his mindxto find thee
an honourable husbandx comex camillox
and take her by the handx whose worth and honesty
is richly notedx and here justified
by usx a pair of kingsx letxs from this placex
whatx look upon my brotherx both your pardonsx
that exer i put between your holy looks
my ill suspicionx this your sonxinxlawx
and son unto the kingx whom heavens directingx
is trothxplight to your daughterx good paulinax
lead us from hencex where we may leisurely
each one demandx and answer to his part
performxd in this wide gap of timex since first
we were disseverxdx hastily lead awayx

 xxexeuntxxx





a loverxs complaint



from off a hill whose concave womb reworded
a plaintful story from a sistxring valex
my spirits txattend this double voice accordedx
and down i laid to list the sadxtunxd talex
ere long espied a fickle maid full palex
tearing of papersx breaking rings axtwainx
storming her world with sorrowxs wind and rainx

upon her head a platted hive of strawx
which fortified her visage from the sunx
whereon the thought might think sometime it saw
the carcass of a beauty spent and donex
time had not scythed all that youth begunx
nor youth all quitx but spite of heavenxs fell rage
some beauty peeped through lattice of searxd agex

oft did she heave her napkin to her eynex
which on it had conceited charactersx
laundxring the silken figures in the brine
that seasoned woe had pelleted in tearsx
and often reading what contents it bearsx
as often shrieking undistinguishxd woex
in clamours of all sizex both high and lowx

sometimes her levellxd eyes their carriage ridex
as they did battxry to the spheres intendx
sometime diverted their poor balls are tied
to thxorbed earthx sometimes they do extend
their view right onx anon their gazes lend
to every place at oncex and nowhere fixxdx
the mind and sight distractedly commixxdx

her hairx nor loose nor tied in formal platx
proclaimxd in her a careless hand of pridex
for some untuckxd descended her sheavxd hatx
hanging her pale and pined cheek besidex
some in her threaden fillet still did bidex
andx true to bondagex would not break from thencex
though slackly braided in loose negligencex

a thousand favours from a maund she drewx
of amberx crystalx and of beaded jetx
which one by one she in a river threwx
upon whose weeping margent she was setx
like usury applying wet to wetx
or monarchsx handsx that lets not bounty fall
where want cries xsomexx but where excess begs xallxx

of folded schedules had she many a onex
which she perusxdx sighxdx tore and gave the floodx
crackxd many a ring of posied gold and bonex
bidding them find their sepulchres in mudx
found yet mo letters sadly pennxd in bloodx
with sleided silkx feat and affectedly
enswathxdx and sealxd to curious secrecyx

these often bathxd she in her fluxive eyesx
and often kissxdx and often gave to tearx
criedx xo false bloodx thou register of liesx
what unapproved witness dost thou bearx
ink would have seemxd more black and damned herexx
this saidx in top of rage the lines she rentsx
big discontent so breaking their contentsx

a reverend man that grazed his cattle nighx
sometime a blustererx that the ruffle knew
of courtx of cityx and had let go by
the swiftest hours observed as they flewx
towards this afflicted fancy fastly drewx
andx privilegxd by agex desires to know
in brief the grounds and motives of her woex

so slides he down upon his grained batx
and comely distant sits he by her sidex
when he again desires herx being satx
her grievance with his hearing to dividex
if that from him there may be aught applied
which may her suffering ecstasy assuagex
xtis promised in the charity of agex

xfatherxx she saysx xthough in me you behold
the injury of many a blasting hourx
let it not tell your judgement i am oldx
not agex but sorrowx over me hath powerx
i might as yet have been a spreading flowerx
fresh to myselfx if i had selfxapplied
love to myselfx and to no love besidex

xbut woe is mex too early i attended
a youthful suitx it was to gain my gracex
o one by naturexs outwards so commendedx
that maidenxs eyes stuck over all his facex
love lackxd a dwelling and made him her placex
and when in his fair parts she did abidex
she was new lodgxd and newly deifiedx

xhis browny locks did hang in crooked curlsx
and every light occasion of the wind
upon his lips their silken parcels hurlsx
whatxs sweet to dox to do will aptly findx
each eye that saw him did enchant the mindx
for on his visage was in little drawnx
what largeness thinks in paradise was sawnx

xsmall show of man was yet upon his chinx
his phoenix down began but to appearx
like unshorn velvetx on that termless skinx
whose bare outxbraggxd the web it seemed to wearx
yet showxd his visage by that cost more dearx
and nice affections wavering stood in doubt
if best were as it wasx or best withoutx

xhis qualities were beauteous as his formx
for maidenxtongued he wasx and thereof freex
yet if men movxd himx was he such a storm
as oft xtwixt may and april is to seex
when winds breathe sweetx unruly though they bex
his rudeness so with his authorizxd youth
did livery falseness in a pride of truthx

xwell could he ridex and often men would say
that horse his mettle from his rider takesx
proud of subjectionx noble by the swayx
what roundsx what boundsx what coursex what stop he makesx
and controversy hence a question takesx
whether the horse by him became his deedx
or he his manage by thx wellxdoing steedx

xbut quickly on this side the verdict wentx
his real habitude gave life and grace
to appertainings and to ornamentx
accomplishxd in himselfx not in his casex
all aidsx themselves made fairer by their placex
came for additionsx yet their purposxd trim
piecxd not his gracex but were all gracxd by himx

xso on the tip of his subduing tongue
all kind of arguments and question deepx
all replication promptx and reason strongx
for his advantage still did wake and sleepx
to make the weeper laughx the laugher weepx
he had the dialect and different skillx
catching all passions in his craft of willx

xthat he did in the general bosom reign
of youngx of oldx and sexes both enchantedx
to dwell with him in thoughtsx or to remain
in personal dutyx following where he hauntedx
consentxs bewitchxdx ere he desirex have grantedx
and dialogued for him what he would sayx
askxd their own willsx and made their wills obeyx

xmany there were that did his picture get
to serve their eyesx and in it put their mindx
like fools that in thx imagination set
the goodly objects which abroad they find
of lands and mansionsx theirs in thought assignxdx
and labouring in moe pleasures to bestow themx
than the true gouty landlord which doth owe themx

xso many havex that never touchxd his handx
sweetly supposxd them mistress of his heartx
my woeful self that did in freedom standx
and was my own feexsimple xnot in partx
what with his art in youthx and youth in artx
threw my affections in his charmed powerx
reservxd the stalk and gave him all my flowerx

xyet did i notx as some my equals didx
demand of himx nor being desired yieldedx
finding myself in honour so forbidx
with safest distance i mine honour shieldedx
experience for me many bulwarks builded
of proofs newxbleedingx which remainxd the foil
of this false jewelx and his amorous spoilx

xbut ahx who ever shunnxd by precedent
the destinxd ill she must herself assayx
or forcexd examples xgainst her own contentx
to put the byxpassxd perils in her wayx
counsel may stop a while what will not stayx
for when we ragex advice is often seen
by blunting us to make our wills more keenx

xnor gives it satisfaction to our bloodx
that we must curb it upon othersx proofx
to be forbode the sweets that seems so goodx
for fear of harms that preach in our behoofx
o appetitex from judgement stand aloofx
the one a palate hath that needs will tastex
though reason weep and cryx xit is thy lastxx

xfor further i could sayx xthis manxs untruexx
and knew the patterns of his foul beguilingx
heard where his plants in othersx orchards grewx
saw how deceits were gilded in his smilingx
knew vows were ever brokers to defilingx
thought characters and words merely but artx
and bastards of his foul adulterate heartx

xand long upon these terms i held my cityx
till thus he xgan besiege mex xgentle maidx
have of my suffering youth some feeling pityx
and be not of my holy vows afraidx
thatxs to ye swornx to none was ever saidx
for feasts of love i have been callxd untox
till now did nexer invitex nor never woox

xxall my offences that abroad you see
are errors of the bloodx none of the mindx
love made them notx with acture they may bex
where neither party is nor true nor kindx
they sought their shame that so their shame did findx
and so much less of shame in me remainsx
by how much of me their reproach containsx

xxamong the many that mine eyes have seenx
not one whose flame my heart so much as warmedx
or my affection put to thx smallest teenx
or any of my leisures ever charmedx
harm have i done to themx but nexer was harmedx
kept hearts in liveriesx but mine own was freex
and reignxd commanding in his monarchyx

xxlook here what tributes wounded fancies sent mex
of pallid pearls and rubies red as bloodx
figuring that they their passions likewise lent me
of grief and blushesx aptly understood
in bloodless white and the encrimsonxd moodx
effects of terror and dear modestyx
encampxd in heartsx but fighting outwardlyx

xxandx lox behold these talents of their hairx
with twisted metal amorously empleachxdx
i have receivxd from many a several fairx
their kind acceptance weepingly beseechxdx
with thx annexions of fair gems enrichxdx
and deepxbrainxd sonnets that did amplify
each stonexs dear naturex worth and qualityx

xxthe diamondx why xtwas beautiful and hardx
whereto his invisxd properties did tendx
the deep green emeraldx in whose fresh regard
weak sights their sickly radiance do amendx
the heavenxhued sapphire and the opal blend
with objects manifoldx each several stonex
with wit well blazonxd smilxdx or made some moanx

xxlox all these trophies of affections hotx
of pensivxd and subdued desires the tenderx
nature hath chargxd me that i hoard them notx
but yield them up where i myself must renderx
that isx to youx my origin and enderx
for these of force must your oblations bex
since i their altarx you empatron mex

xxo then advance of yours that phraseless handx
whose white weighs down the airy scale of praisex
take all these similes to your own commandx
hallowed with sighs that burning lungs did raisex
what mex your minister for youx obeysx
works under youx and to your audit comes
their distract parcels in combined sumsx

xxlox this device was sent me from a nunx
or sister sanctified of holiest notex
which late her noble suit in court did shunx
whose rarest havings made the blossoms dotex
for she was sought by spirits of richest coatx
but kept cold distancex and did thence remove
to spend her living in eternal lovex

xxbut ox my sweetx what labour isxt to leave
the thing we have notx mastxring what not strivesx
planing the place which did no form receivex
playing patient sports in unconstrained gyvesx
she that her fame so to herself contrivesx
the scars of battle xscapeth by the flightx
and makes her absence valiantx not her mightx

xxo pardon mex in that my boast is truex
the accident which brought me to her eyex
upon the moment did her force subduex
and now she would the caged cloister flyx
religious love put out religionxs eyex
not to be tempted would she be immurxdx
and now to tempt allx liberty procurxdx

xxhow mighty then you arex o hear me tellx
the broken bosoms that to me belong
have emptied all their fountains in my wellx
and mine i pour your ocean all amongx
i strong oxer themx and you oxer me being strongx
must for your victory us all congestx
as compound love to physic your cold breastx

xxmy parts had powxr to charm a sacred nunx
whox disciplinxd and dieted in gracex
believxd her eyes when they txassail begunx
all vows and consecrations giving placex
o most potential lovex vowx bondx nor spacex
in thee hath neither stingx knotx nor confinex
for thou art all and all things else are thinex

xxwhen thou impressestx what are precepts worth
of stale examplex when thou wilt inflamex
how coldly those impediments stand forthx
of wealthx of filial fearx lawx kindredx famex
lovexs arms are peacex xgainst rulex xgainst sensex xgainst shamex
and sweetensx in the suffxring pangs it bearsx
the aloes of all forcesx shocks and fearsx

xxnow all these hearts that do on mine dependx
feeling it breakx with bleeding groans they pinex
and supplicant their sighs to your extendx
to leave the battxry that you make xgainst minex
lending soft audience to my sweet designx
and credent soul to that strongxbonded oathx
that shall prefer and undertake my trothxx

xthis saidx his watxry eyes he did dismountx
whose sights till then were levellxd on my facex
each cheek a river running from a fount
with brinish current downward flowed apacex
o how the channel to the stream gave gracex
whox glazxd with crystal gate the glowing roses
that flame through water which their hue enclosesx

xo fatherx what a hell of witchcraft lies
in the small orb of one particular tearx
but with the inundation of the eyes
what rocky heart to water will not wearx
what breast so cold that is not warmed herex
o cleft effectx cold modestyx hot wrathx
both fire from hence and chill extincture hathx

xfor lox his passionx but an art of craftx
even there resolvxd my reason into tearsx
there my white stole of chastity i daffxdx
shook off my sober guardsx and civil fearsx
appear to him as he to me appearsx
all meltingx though our drops this diffxrence borex
his poisonxd mex and mine did him restorex

xin him a plenitude of subtle matterx
applied to cautelsx all strange forms receivesx
of burning blushesx or of weeping waterx
or swooning palenessx and he takes and leavesx
in eitherxs aptnessx as it best deceivesx
to blush at speeches rankx to weep at woesx
or to turn white and swoon at tragic showsx

xthat not a heart which in his level came
could xscape the hail of his allxhurting aimx
showing fair nature is both kind and tamex
and veilxd in themx did win whom he would maimx
against the thing he sought he would exclaimx
when he most burned in heartxwishxd luxuryx
he preachxd pure maidx and praisxd cold chastityx

xthus merely with the garment of a gracex
the naked and concealed fiend he coverxdx
that thxunexperient gave the tempter placex
whichx like a cherubinx above them hoverxdx
whox young and simplex would not be so loverxdx
ay mex i fellx and yet do question make
what i should do again for such a sakex

xox that infected moisture of his eyex
ox that false fire which in his cheek so glowxdx
ox that forcxd thunder from his heart did flyx
ox that sad breath his spongy lungs bestowxdx
ox all that borrowed motionx seeming owedx
would yet again betray the forexbetrayedx
and new pervert a reconciled maidxx




the passionate pilgrim

ix

did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eyex
xgainst whom the world could not hold argumentx
persuade my heart to this false perjuryx
vows for thee broke deserve not punishmentx
a woman i forsworex but i will provex
thou being a goddessx i forswore not theex
my vow was earthlyx thou a heavenly lovex
thy grace being gainxd cures all disgrace in mex
my vow was breathx and breath a vapour isx
thenx thou fair sunx that on this earth doth shinex
exhale this vapour vowx in thee it isx
if brokenx then it is no fault of minex
  if by me brokex what fool is not so wise
  to break an oathx to win a paradisex

iix

sweet cythereax sitting by a brook
with young adonisx lovelyx freshx and greenx
did court the lad with many a lovely lookx
such looks as none could look but beautyxs queenx
she told him stories to delight his earx
she showxd him favours to allure his eyex
to win his heartx she touchxd him here and therex
touches so soft still conquer chastityx
but whether unripe years did want conceitx
or he refusxd to take her figurxd profferx
the tender nibbler would not touch the baitx
but smile and jest at every gentle offerx
  then fell she on her backx fair queenx and towardx
  he rose and ran awayx ahx fool too frowardx

iiix

if love make me forswornx how shall i swear to lovex
o never faith could holdx if not to beauty vowxdx
though to myself forswornx to thee ixll constant provex
those thoughtsx to me like oaksx to thee like osiers bowxdx
study his bias leavesx and makes his book thine eyesx
where all those pleasures live that art can comprehendx
if knowledge be the markx to know thee shall sufficex
well learned is that tongue that well can thee commendx
all ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonderx
which is to me some praisex that i thy parts admirex
thy eye jovexs lightning seemsx thy voice his dreadful thunderx
which xnot to anger bentx is music and sweet firex
  celestial as thou artx o do not love that wrongx
  to sing heavensx praise with such an earthly tonguex

ivx

scarce had the sun dried up the dewy mornx
and scarce the herd gone to the hedge for shadex
when cythereax all in love forlornx
a longing tarriance for adonis madex
under an osier growing by a brookx
a brook where adon used to cool his spleenx
hot was the dayx she hotter that did look
for his approachx that often there had beenx
anon he comesx and throws his mantle byx
and stood stark naked on the brookxs green brimx
the sun lookxd on the world with glorious eyex
yet not so wistly as this queen on himx
  hex spying herx bouncxd inx whereas he stoodx
  o jovex quoth shex why was not i a floodx

vx

fair is my lovex but not so fair as ficklex
mild as a dovex but neither true nor trustyx
brighter than glassx and yetx as glass isx brittlex
softer than waxx and yetx as ironx rustyx
  a lily palex with damask die to grace herx
  none fairerx nor none falser to deface herx

her lips to mine how often hath she joinxdx
between each kiss her oaths of true love swearingx
how many tales to please me hath she coinxdx
dreading my lovex the loss thereof still fearingx
  yet in the midst of all her pure protestingsx
  her faithx her oathsx her tearsx and all were jestingsx

she burnxd with lovex as straw with fire flamethx
she burnxd out lovex as soon as straw outburnethx
she framxd the lovex and yet she foilxd the framingx
she bade love lastx and yet she fell a turningx
  was this a loverx or a lecher whetherx
  bad in the bestx though excellent in neitherx

vix

if music and sweet poetry agreex
as they must needsx the sister and the brotherx
then must the love be great xtwixt thee and mex
because thou lovest the onex and i the otherx
dowland to thee is dearx whose heavenly touch
upon the lute doth ravish human sensex
spenser to mex whose deep conceit is such
asx passing all conceitx needs no defencex
thou lovxst to hear the sweet melodious sound
that phoebusx lutex the queen of musicx makesx
and i in deep delight am chiefly drownxd
whenas himself to singing he betakesx
  one god is god of bothx as poets feignx
  one knight loves bothx and both in thee remainx

viix

fair was the morn when the fair queen of lovex
    x     x     x     x     x     x
paler for sorrow than her milkxwhite dovex
for adonxs sakex a youngster proud and wildx
her stand she takes upon a steepxup hillx
anon adonis comes with horn and houndsx
shex silly queenx with more than lovexs good willx
forbade the boy he should not pass those groundsx
oncex quoth shex did i see a fair sweet youth
here in these brakes deepxwounded with a boarx
deep in the thighx a spectacle of ruthx
seex in my thighx quoth shex here was the sorex
  she showed hersx he saw more wounds than onex
  and blushing fledx and left her all alonex

viiix

sweet rosex fair flowerx untimely pluckxdx soon vadedx
pluckxd in the budx and vaded in the springx
bright orient pearlx alackx too timely shadedx
fair creaturex killxd too soon by deathxs sharp stingx
  like a green plum that hangs upon a treex
  and fallsx through windx before the fall should bex

i weep for theex and yet no cause i havex
for whyx thou leftxst me nothing in thy willx
and yet thou leftxst me more than i did cravex
for whyx i craved nothing of thee stillx
  o yesx dear friendx i pardon crave of theex
  thy discontent thou didst bequeath to mex

ixx

venusx with young adonis sitting by herx
under a myrtle shadex began to woo himx
she told the youngling how god mars did try herx
and as he fell to herx so fell she to himx
even thusx quoth shex the warlike god embracxd mex
and then she clippxd adonis in her armsx
even thusx quoth shex the warlike god unlaced mex
as if the boy should use like loving charmsx
even thusx quoth shex he seized on my lipsx
and with her lips on his did act the seizurex
and as she fetched breathx away he skipsx
and would not take her meaning nor her pleasurex
  ahx that i had my lady at this bayx
  to kiss and clip me till i run awayx

xx

   crabbed age and youth
     cannot live together
   youth is full of pleasancex
     age is full of carex
   youth like summer mornx
     age like winter weatherx
   youth like summer bravex
     age like winter barex
   youth is full of sportx
   agexs breath is shortx
     youth is nimblex age is lamex
   youth is hot and boldx
   age is weak and coldx
     youth is wildx and age is tamex
   agex i do abhor theex
   youthx i do adore theex
     ox my lovex my love is youngx
   agex i do defy theex
   ox sweet shepherdx hie theex
   for methinks thou stayxst too longx

xix

beauty is but a vain and doubtful goodx
a shining gloss that vadeth suddenlyx
a flower that dies when first it xgins to budx
a brittle glassx thatxs broken presentlyx
  a doubtful goodx a glossx a glassx a flowerx
  lostx vadedx brokenx dead within an hourx

and as goods lost are seld or never foundx
as vaded gloss no rubbing will refreshx
as flowers dead lie witherxd on the groundx
as broken glass no cement can redressx
  so beauty blemishxd oncex for everxs lostx
  in spite of physicx paintingx pain and costx

xiix

good nightx good restx  ahx neither be my sharex
she bade good night that kept my rest awayx
and daffxd me to a cabin hangxd with carex
to descant on the doubts of my decayx
 farewellx quoth shex and come again tomorrowx
 fare well i could notx for i suppxd with sorrowx

yet at my parting sweetly did she smilex
in scorn or friendshipx nill i construe whetherx
xt may bex she joyxd to jest at my exilex
xt may bex again to make me wander thitherx
  xwanderxx a word for shadows like myselfx
  as take the painx but cannot pluck the pelfx

xiiix

lordx how mine eyes throw gazes to the eastx
my heart doth charge the watchx the morning rise
doth cite each moving sense from idle restx
not daring trust the office of mine eyesx
  while philomela sits and singsx i sit and markx
  and wish her lays were tuned like the larkx

for she doth welcome daylight with her dittyx
and drives away dark dismalxdreaming nightx
the night so packxdx i post unto my prettyx
heart hath his hopex and eyes their wished sightx
  sorrow changxd to solacex solace mixxd with sorrowx
  for whyx she sighxd and bade me come tomorrowx

were i with herx the night would post too soonx
but now are minutes added to the hoursx
to spite me nowx each minute seems a moonx
yet not for mex shine sun to succour flowersx
  pack nightx peep dayx good dayx of night now borrowx
  shortx nightx toxnightx and length thyself toxmorrowx



the phoenix and the turtle



let the bird of loudest layx
on the sole arabian treex
herald sad and trumpet bex
to whose sound chaste wings obeyx

but thou shrieking harbingerx
foul precurrer of the fiendx
augur of the feverxs endx
to this troop come thou not nearx

from this session interdict
every fowl of tyrant wingx
save the eaglex featherxd kingx
keep the obsequy so strictx

let the priest in surplice whitex
that defunctive music canx
be the deathxdivining swanx
lest the requiem lack his rightx

and thou treblexdated crowx
that thy sable gender makxst
with the breath thou givxst and takxstx
xmongst our mourners shalt thou gox

here the anthem doth commencex
love and constancy is deadx
phoenix and the turtle fled
in a mutual flame from hencex

so they lovxdx as love in twain
had the essence but in onex
two distinctsx division nonex
number there in love was slainx

hearts remotex yet not asunderx
distance and no space was seen
xtwixt this turtle and his queenx
but in them it were a wonderx

so between them love did shinex
that the turtle saw his right
flaming in the phoenixx sightx
either was the otherxs minex

property was thus appalledx
that the self was not the samex
single naturexs double name
neither two nor one was calledx

reasonx in itself confoundedx
saw division grow togetherx
to themselves yet either neitherx
simple were so well compoundedx

that it criedx how true a twain
seemeth this concordant onex
love hath reasonx reason nonex
if what parts can so remainx

whereupon it made this threne
to the phoenix and the dovex
coxsupremes and stars of lovex
as chorus to their tragic scenex


       threnos

beautyx truthx and rarityx
grace in all simplicityx
here enclosxd in cinders liex

death is now the phoenixx nestx
and the turtlexs loyal breast
to eternity doth restx

leaving no posterityxx
xtwas not their infirmityx
it was married chastityx

truth may seemx but cannot bex
beauty bragx but xtis not shex
truth and beauty buried bex

to this urn let those repair
that are either true or fairx
for these dead birds sigh a prayerx



the rape of lucrece

                      to the

          right honourable henry wriotheslyx

        earl of southamptonx and baron of titchfieldx

the love i dedicate to your lordship is without endx whereof this
pamphletx without beginningx is but a superfluous moietyx  the warrant
i have of your honourable dispositionx not the worth of my untutored
linesx makes it assured of acceptancex  what i have done is yoursx what
i have to do is yoursx being part in all i havex devoted yoursx  were
my worth greaterx my duty would show greaterx meantimex as it isx it is
bound to your lordshipx to whom i wish long lifex still lengthened with
all happinessx

                         your lordshipxs in all dutyx
                              william shakespearex

                        the argumentx

lucius tarquinius xfor his excessive pride surnamed superbusxx after he
had caused his own fatherxinxlawx servius tulliusx to be cruelly
murderedx andx contrary to the roman laws and customsx not requiring or
staying for the peoplexs suffragesx had possessed himself of the
kingdomx wentx accompanied with his sons and other noblemen of romex to
besiege ardeax  during which siege the principal men of the army
meeting one evening at the tent of sextus tarquiniusx the kingxs sonx
in their discourses after supperx every one commended the virtues of
his own wifex among whom collatinus extolled the incomparable chastity
of his wife lucretiax in that pleasant humour they all posted to romex
and intendingx by their secret and sudden arrivalx to make trial of
that which every one had before avouchedx only collatinus finds his
wifex though it were late in the nightx spinning amongst her maidsx the
other ladies were all found dancing and revellingx or in several
disportsx  whereupon the noblemen yielded collatinus the victoryx and
his wife the famex  at that time sextus tarquinius being inflamed with
lucrecexs beautyx yet smothering his passions for the presentx departed
with the rest back to the campx from whence he shortly after privily
withdrew himselfx and was xaccording to his estatex royally entertained
and lodged by lucrece at collatiumx  the same night he treacherously
stealeth into her chamberx violently ravished herx and early in the
morning speedeth awayx lucrecex in this lamentable plightx hastily
dispatched messengersx one to rome for her fatherx another to the camp
for collatinex  they camex the one accompanied with junius brutusx the
other with publius valeriusx and finding lucrece attired in mourning
habitx demanded the cause of her sorrowx  shex first taking an oath of
them for her revengex revealed the actorx and whole manner of his
dealingx and withal suddenly stabbed herselfx  which donex with one
consent they all vowed to root out the whole hated family of the
tarquinsx and bearing the dead body to romex brutus acquainted the
people with the doer and manner of the vile deedx with a bitter
invective against the tyranny of the kingx wherewith the people were so
movedx that with one consent and a general acclamation the tarquins
were all exiledx and the state government changed from kings to
consulsx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

from the besieged ardea all in postx
borne by the trustless wings of false desirex
lustxbreathed tarquin leaves the roman hostx
and to collatium bears the lightless fire
whichx in pale embers hidx lurks to aspire
  and girdle with embracing flames the waist
  of collatinexs fair lovex lucrece the chastex

haply that name of chaste unhappxly set
this bateless edge on his keen appetitex
when collatine unwisely did not let
to praise the clear unmatched red and white
which triumphxd in that sky of his delightx
  where mortal starsx as bright as heavenxs beautiesx
  with pure aspects did him peculiar dutiesx

for he the night beforex in tarquinxs tentx
unlockxd the treasure of his happy statex
what priceless wealth the heavens had him lent
in the possession of his beauteous matex
reckoning his fortune at such highxproud ratex
  that kings might be espoused to more famex
  but king nor peer to such a peerless damex

o happiness enjoyxd but of a fewx
andx if possessxdx as soon decayxd and done
as is the morningxs silverxmelting dew
against the golden splendour of the sunx
an expirxd datex cancellxd ere well begunx
  honour and beautyx in the ownerxs armsx
  are weakly fortressxd from a world of harmsx

beauty itself doth of itself persuade
the eyes of men without an oratorx
what needeth then apologies be madex
to set forth that which is so singularx
or why is collatine the publisher
  of that rich jewel he should keep unknown
  from thievish earsx because it is his ownx

perchance his boast of lucrecex sovereignty
suggested this proud issue of a kingx
for by our ears our hearts oft tainted bex
perchance that envy of so rich a thingx
braving comparex disdainfully did sting
  his highxpitchxd thoughtsx that meaner men should vaunt
  that golden hap which their superiors wantx

but some untimely thought did instigate
his allxtooxtimeless speedx if none of thosex
his honourx his affairsx his friendsx his statex
neglected allx with swift intent he goes
to quench the coal which in his liver glowsx
  o rash false heatx wrappxd in repentant coldx
  thy hasty spring still blastsx and nexer grows oldx

when at collatium this false lord arrivxdx
well was he welcomxd by the roman damex
within whose face beauty and virtue strivxd
which of them both should underprop her famex
when virtue braggxdx beauty would blush for shamex
  when beauty boasted blushesx in despite
  virtue would stain that or with silver whitex

but beautyx in that white intituledx
from venusx doves doth challenge that fair fieldx
then virtue claims from beauty beautyxs redx
which virtue gave the golden agex to gild
their silver cheeksx and callxd it then their shieldx
  teaching them thus to use it in the fightxx
  when shame assailxdx the red should fence the whitex

this heraldry in lucrecex face was seenx
argued by beautyxs redx and virtuexs whitex
of eitherxs colour was the other queenx
proving from worldxs minority their rightx
yet their ambition makes them still to fightx
  the sovereignty of either being so greatx
  that oft they interchange each otherxs seatx

their silent war of lilies and of rosesx
which tarquin viewxd in her fair facexs fieldx
in their pure ranks his traitor eye enclosesx
wherex lest between them both it should be killxdx
the coward captive vanquishxd doth yield
  to those two armies that would let him gox
  rather than triumph in so false a foex

now thinks he that her husbandxs shallow tonguex
xthe niggard prodigal that praisxd her sox
in that high task hath done her beauty wrongx
which far exceeds his barren skill to showx
therefore that praise which collatine doth owe
  enchanted tarquin answers with surmisex
  in silent wonder of stillxgazing eyesx

this earthly saintx adored by this devilx
little suspecteth the false worshipperx
for unstainxd thoughts do seldom dream on evilx
birds never limxd no secret bushes fearx
so guiltless she securely gives good cheer
  and reverend welcome to her princely guestx
  whose inward ill no outward harm expressxdx

for that he colourxd with his high estatex
hiding base sin in plaits of majestyx
that nothing in him seemxd inordinatex
save sometime too much wonder of his eyex
whichx having allx all could not satisfyx
  butx poorly richx so wanteth in his storex
  thatx cloyxd with muchx he pineth still for morex

but shex that never copxd with stranger eyesx
could pick no meaning from their parling looksx
nor read the subtlexshining secrecies
writ in the glassy margents of such booksx
she touchxd no unknown baitsx nor fearxd no hooksx
  nor could she moralize his wanton sightx
  more than his eyes were openxd to the lightx

he stories to her ears her husbandxs famex
won in the fields of fruitful italyx
and decks with praises collatinexs high namex
made glorious by his manly chivalry
with bruised arms and wreaths of victoryx
  her joy with heavxdxup hand she doth expressx
  andx wordlessx so greets heaven for his successx

far from the purpose of his coming hitherx
he makes excuses for his being therex
no cloudy show of stormy blustering weather
doth yet in his fair welkin once appearx
till sable nightx mother of dread and fearx
  upon the world dim darkness doth displayx
  and in her vaulty prison stows the dayx

for then is tarquin brought unto his bedx
intending weariness with heavy sprightx
forx after supperx long he questioned
with modest lucrecex and wore out the nightx
now leaden slumber with lifexs strength doth fightx
  and every one to rest themselves betakex
  save thievesx and caresx and troubled mindsx that wakex

as one of which doth tarquin lie revolving
the sundry dangers of his willxs obtainingx
yet ever to obtain his will resolvingx
though weakxbuilt hopes persuade him to abstainingx
despair to gain doth traffic oft for gainingx
  and when great treasure is the meed proposxdx
  though death be adjunctx therexs no death supposxdx

those that much covet are with gain so fondx
for what they have notx that which they possess
they scatter and unloose it from their bondx
and sox by hoping morex they have but lessx
orx gaining morex the profit of excess
  is but to surfeitx and such griefs sustainx
  that they prove bankrupt in this poorxrich gainx

the aim of all is but to nurse the life
with honourx wealthx and easex in waning agex
and in this aim there is such thwarting strifex
that one for allx or all for one we gagex
as life for honour in fell battlesx ragex
  honour for wealthx and oft that wealth doth cost
  the death of allx and all together lostx

so that in ventxring ill we leave to be
the things we arex for that which we expectx
and this ambitious foul infirmityx
in having muchx torments us with defect
of that we havex so then we do neglect
  the thing we havex andx all for want of witx
  make something nothingx by augmenting itx

such hazard now must doting tarquin makex
pawning his honour to obtain his lustx
and for himself himself he must forsakex
then where is truthx if there be no selfxtrustx
when shall he think to find a stranger justx
  when he himself himself confoundsx betrays
  to slanderous tongues and wretched hateful daysx

now stole upon the time the dead of nightx
when heavy sleep had closed up mortal eyesx
no comfortable star did lend his lightx
no noise but owlsx and wolvesx deathxboding criesx
now serves the season that they may surprise
  the silly lambsx pure thoughts are dead and stillx
  while lust and murder wake to stain and killx

and now this lustful lord leapxd from his bedx
throwing his mantle rudely oxer his armx
is madly tossxd between desire and dreadx
thx one sweetly flattersx thx other feareth harmx
but honest fearx bewitchxd with lustxs foul charmx
  doth too too oft betake him to retirex
  beaten away by brainxsick rude desirex

his falchion on a flint he softly smitethx
that from the cold stone sparks of fire do flyx
whereat a waxen torch forthwith he lightethx
which must be lodexstar to his lustful eyex
and to the flame thus speaks advisedlyx
  xas from this cold flint i enforced this firex
  so lucrece must i force to my desirexx

here pale with fear he doth premeditate
the dangers of his loathsome enterprisex
and in his inward mind he doth debate
what following sorrow may on this arisex
then looking scornfullyx he doth despise
  his naked armour of stillxslaughterxd lustx
  and justly thus controls his thoughts unjustx

xfair torchx burn out thy lightx and lend it not
to darken her whose light excelleth thinex
and diex unhallowxd thoughtsx before you blot
with your uncleanness that which is divinex
offer pure incense to so pure a shrinex
  let fair humanity abhor the deed
  that spots and stains lovexs modest snowxwhite weedx

xo shame to knighthood and to shining armsx
o foul dishonour to my householdxs gravex
o impious actx including all foul harmsx
a martial man to be soft fancyxs slavex
true valour still a true respect should havex
  then my digression is so vilex so basex
  that it will live engraven in my facex

xyeax though i diex the scandal will survivex
and be an eyexsore in my golden coatx
some loathsome dash the herald will contrivex
to cipher me how fondly i did dotex
that my posterityx shamxd with the notex
  shall curse my bonesx and hold it for no sin
  to wish that i their father had not beenx

xwhat win ix if i gain the thing i seekx
a dreamx a breathx a froth of fleeting joyx
who buys a minutexs mirth to wail a weekx
or sells eternity to get a toyx
for one sweet grape who will the vine destroyx
  or what fond beggarx but to touch the crownx
  would with the sceptre straight be strucken downx

xif collatinus dream of my intentx
will he not wakex and in a desperate rage
post hitherx this vile purpose to preventx
this siege that hath engirt his marriagex
this blur to youthx this sorrow to the sagex
  this dying virtuex this surviving shamex
  whose crime will bear an everxduring blamex

xox what excuse can my invention make
when thou shalt charge me with so black a deedx
will not my tongue be mutex my frail joints shakex
mine eyes forego their lightx my false heart bleedx
the guilt being greatx the fear doth still exceedx
  and extreme fear can neither fight nor flyx
  butx cowardxlikex with trembling terror diex

xhad collatinus killxd my son or sirex
or lain in ambush to betray my lifex
or were he not my dear friendx this desire
might have excuse to work upon his wifex
as in revenge or quittal of such strifex
  but as he is my kinsmanx my dear friendx
  the shame and fault finds no excuse nor endx

xshameful it isxxayx if the fact be knownx
hateful it isxx there is no hate in lovingx
ixll beg her lovexxbut she is not her ownx
the worst is but denial and reprovingx
my will is strongx past reasonxs weak removingx
  who fears a sentence or an old manxs saw
  shall by a painted cloth be kept in awexx

thusx gracelessx holds he disputation
xtween frozen conscience and hotxburning willx
and with good thoughts makes dispensationx
urging the worser sense for vantage stillx
which in a moment doth confound and kill
  all pure effectsx and doth so far proceedx
  that what is vile shows like a virtuous deedx

quoth hex xshe took me kindly by the handx
and gazxd for tidings in my eager eyesx
fearing some hard news from the warlike bandx
where her beloved collatinus liesx
o how her fear did make her colour risex
  first red as roses that on lawn we layx
  then white as lawnx the roses took awayx

xand how her handx in my hand being lockxdx
forcxd it to tremble with her loyal fearx
which struck her sadx and then it faster rockxdx
until her husbandxs welfare she did hearx
whereat she smiled with so sweet a cheerx
  that had narcissus seen her as she stoodx
  selfxlove had never drownxd him in the floodx

xwhy hunt i then for colour or excusesx
all orators are dumb when beauty pleadethx
poor wretches have remorse in poor abusesx
love thrives not in the heart that shadows dreadethx
affection is my captainx and he leadethx
  and when his gaudy banner is displayxdx
  the coward fights and will not be dismayxdx

xthenx childish fearx avauntx debatingx diex
respect and reason wait on wrinkled agex
my heart shall never countermand mine eyex
sad pause and deep regard beseem the sagex
my part is youthx and beats these from the stagex
  desire my pilot isx beauty my prizex
  then who fears sinking where such treasure liesxx

as corn oxergrown by weedsx so heedful fear
is almost chokxd by unresisted lustx
away he steals with openingx listening earx
full of foul hopex and full of fond mistrustx
both whichx as servitors to the unjustx
  so cross him with their opposite persuasionx
  that now he vows a leaguex and now invasionx

within his thought her heavenly image sitsx
and in the selfxsame seat sits collatinex
that eye which looks on her confounds his witsx
that eye which him beholdsx as more divinex
unto a view so false will not inclinex
  but with a pure appeal seeks to the heartx
  which once corrupted takes the worser partx

and therein heartens up his servile powersx
whox flatterxd by their leaderxs jocund showx
stuff up his lustx as minutes fill up hoursx
and as their captainx so their pride doth growx
paying more slavish tribute than they owex
  by reprobate desire thus madly ledx
  the roman lord marcheth to lucrecex bedx

the locks between her chamber and his willx
each one by him enforcxd retires his wardx
butx as they open they all rate his illx
which drives the creeping thief to some regardx
the threshold grates the door to have him heardx
  nightxwandxring weasels shriek to see him therex
  they fright himx yet he still pursues his fearx

as each unwilling portal yields him wayx
through little vents and crannies of the place
the wind wars with his torchx to make him stayx
and blows the smoke of it into his facex
extinguishing his conduct in this casex
  but his hot heartx which fond desire doth scorchx
  puffs forth another wind that fires the torchx

and being lightedx by the light he spies
lucretiaxs glovex wherein her needle sticksx
he takes it from the rushes where it liesx
and griping itx the neeld his finger pricksx
as who should say this glove to wanton tricks
  is not inurxdx return again in hastex
  thou seexst our mistressx ornaments are chastex

but all these poor forbiddings could not stay himx
he in the worst sense construes their denialx
the doorsx the windx the glove that did delay himx
he takes for accidental things of trialx
or as those bars which stop the hourly dialx
  who with a lingering stay his course doth letx
  till every minute pays the hour his debtx

xsox soxx quoth hex xthese lets attend the timex
like little frosts that sometime threat the springx
to add a more rejoicing to the primex
and give the sneaped birds more cause to singx
pain pays the income of each precious thingx
  huge rocksx high windsx strong piratesx shelves and sandsx
  the merchant fearsx ere rich at home he landsxx

now is he come unto the chamber doorx
that shuts him from the heaven of his thoughtx
which with a yielding latchx and with no morex
hath barrxd him from the blessed thing he soughtx
so from himself impiety hath wroughtx
  that for his prey to pray he doth beginx
  as if the heavens should countenance his sinx

but in the midst of his unfruitful prayerx
having solicited the eternal powerx
that his foul thoughts might compass his fair fairx
and they would stand auspicious to the hourx
even there he startsxxquoth hex xi must dexflowerx
  the powers to whom i pray abhor this factx
  how can they then assist me in the actx

xthen love and fortune be my godsx my guidex
my will is backxd with resolutionx
thoughts are but dreams till their effects be triedx
the blackest sin is clearxd with absolutionx
against lovexs fire fearxs frost hath dissolutionx
  the eye of heaven is outx and misty night
  covers the shame that follows sweet delightxx

this saidx his guilty hand pluckxd up the latchx
and with his knee the door he opens widex
the dove sleeps fast that this nightxowl will catchx
thus treason works ere traitors be espiedx
who sees the lurking serpent steps asidex
  but shex sound sleepingx fearing no such thingx
  lies at the mercy of his mortal stingx

into the chamber wickedly he stalksx
and gazeth on her yet unstained bedx
the curtains being closex about he walksx
rolling his greedy eyeballs in his headx
by their high treason is his heart misledx
  which gives the watchxword to his hand full soon
  to draw the cloud that hides the silver moonx

lookx as the fair and fieryxpointed sunx
rushing from forth a cloudx bereaves our sightx
even sox the curtain drawnx his eyes begun
to winkx being blinded with a greater lightx
whether it is that she reflects so brightx
  that dazzleth themx or else some shame supposedx
  but blind they arex and keep themselves enclosedx

ox had they in that darksome prison diedx
then had they seen the period of their illx
then collatine again by lucrecex side
in his clear bed might have reposed stillx
but they must opex this blessed league to killx
  and holyxthoughted lucrece to their sight
  must sell her joyx her lifex her worldxs delightx

her lily hand her rosy cheek lies underx
cozening the pillow of a lawful kissx
whox therefore angryx seems to part in sunderx
swelling on either side to want his blissx
between whose hills her head entombed isx
  wherex like a virtuous monumentx she liesx
  to be admirxd of lewd unhallowxd eyesx

without the bed her other fair hand wasx
on the green coverletx whose perfect white
showxd like an april daisy on the grassx
with pearly sweatx resembling dew of nightx
her eyesx like marigoldsx had sheathxd their lightx
  and canopied in darkness sweetly layx
  till they might open to adorn the dayx

her hairx like golden threadsx playxd with her breathx
o modest wantonsx wanton modestyx
showing lifexs triumph in the map of deathx
and deathxs dim look in lifexs mortalityx
each in her sleep themselves so beautifyx
  as if between them twain there were no strifex
  but that life livxd in deathx and death in lifex

her breastsx like ivory globes circled with bluex
a pair of maiden worlds unconqueredx
save of their lord no bearing yoke they knewx
and him by oath they truly honouredx
these worlds in tarquin new ambition bredx
  whox like a foul usurperx went about
  from this fair throne to heave the owner outx

what could he see but mightily he notedx
what did he note but strongly he desirxdx
what he beheldx on that he firmly dotedx
and in his will his wilful eye he tirxdx
with more than admiration he admirxd
  her azure veinsx her alabaster skinx
  her coral lipsx her snowxwhite dimpled chinx

as the grim lion fawneth oxer his preyx
sharp hunger by the conquest satisfiedx
so oxer this sleeping soul doth tarquin stayx
his rage of lust by grazing qualifiedx
slackxdx not suppressxdx for standing by her sidex
  his eyex which late this mutiny restrainsx
  unto a greater uproar tempts his veinsx

and theyx like straggling slaves for pillage fightingx
obdurate vassalsx fell exploits effectingx
in bloody death and ravishment delightingx
nor childrenxs tears nor mothersx groans respectingx
swell in their pridex the onset still expectingx
  anon his beating heartx alarum strikingx
  gives the hot charge and bids them do their likingx

his drumming heart cheers up his burning eyex
his eye commends the leading to his handx
his handx as proud of such a dignityx
smoking with pridex marchxd on to make his stand
on her bare breastx the heart of all her landx
  whose ranks of blue veinsx as his hand did scalex
  left their round turrets destitute and palex

theyx mustering to the quiet cabinet
where their dear governess and lady liesx
do tell her she is dreadfully besetx
and fright her with confusion of their criesx
shex much amazxdx breaks ope her lockxdxup eyesx
  whox peeping forth this tumult to beholdx
  are by his flaming torch dimmxd and controllxdx

imagine her as one in dead of night
from forth dull sleep by dreadful fancy wakingx
that thinks she hath beheld some ghastly spritex
whose grim aspect sets every joint a shakingx
what terror xtisx but shex in worser takingx
  from sleep disturbedx heedfully doth view
  the sight which makes supposed terror truex

wrappxd and confounded in a thousand fearsx
like to a newxkillxd bird she trembling liesx
she dares not lookx yetx winkingx there appears
quickxshifting anticsx ugly in her eyesx
such shadows are the weak brainxs forgeriesx
  whox angry that the eyes fly from their lightsx
  in darkness daunts them with more dreadful sightsx

his handx that yet remains upon her breastx
xrude ramx to batter such an ivory wallxx
may feel her heartx poor citizenx distressxdx
wounding itself to deathx rise up and fallx
beating her bulkx that his hand shakes withalx
  this moves in him more ragex and lesser pityx
  to make the breachx and enter this sweet cityx

firstx like a trumpetx doth his tongue begin
to sound a parley to his heartless foex
who oxer the white sheet peers her whiter chinx
the reason of this rash alarm to knowx
which he by dumb demeanour seeks to showx
  but she with vehement prayers urgeth still
  under what colour he commits this illx

thus he repliesx xthe colour in thy facex
xthat even for anger makes the lily palex
and the red rose blush at her own disgracex
shall plead for me and tell my loving talex
under that colour am i come to scale
  thy neverxconquerxd fortx the fault is thinex
  for those thine eyes betray thee unto minex

xthus i forestall theex if thou mean to chidex
thy beauty hath ensnared thee to this nightx
where thou with patience must my will abidex
my will that marks thee for my earthxs delightx
which i to conquer sought with all my mightx
  but as reproof and reason beat it deadx
  by thy bright beauty was it newly bredx

xi see what crosses my attempt will bringx
i know what thorns the growing rose defendsx
i think the honey guarded with a stingx
all thisx beforehandx counsel comprehendsx
but will is deafx and hears no heedful friendsx
  only he hath an eye to gaze on beautyx
  and dotes on what he looksx xgainst law or dutyx

xi have debatedx even in my soulx
what wrongx what shamex what sorrow i shall breedx
but nothing can affectionxs course controlx
or stop the headlong fury of his speedx
i know repentant tears ensue the deedx
  reproachx disdainx and deadly enmityx
  yet strike i to embrace mine infamyxx

this saidx he shakes aloft his roman bladex
whichx like a falcon towering in the skiesx
coucheth the fowl below with his wingsx shadex
whose crooked beak threats if he mount he diesx
so under his insulting falchion lies
  harmless lucretiax marking what he tells
  with trembling fearx as fowl hear falconxs bellsx

xlucrecexx quoth hex xthis night i must enjoy theex
if thou denyx then force must work my wayx
for in thy bed i purpose to destroy theex
that donex some worthless slave of thine ixll slayx
to kill thine honour with thy lifexs decayx
  and in thy dead arms do i mean to place himx
  swearing i slew himx seeing thee embrace himx

xso thy surviving husband shall remain
the scornful mark of every open eyex
thy kinsmen hang their heads at this disdainx
thy issue blurrxd with nameless bastardyx
and thoux the author of their obloquyx
  shalt have thy trespass cited up in rhymesx
   and sung by children in succeeding timesx

xbut if thou yieldx i rest thy secret friendx
the fault unknown is as a thought unactedx
a little harmx done to a great good endx
for lawful policy remains enactedx
the poisonous simple sometimes is compacted
  in a pure compoundx being so appliedx
  his venom in effect is purifiedx

xthenx for thy husband and thy childrenxs sakex
tender my suitx bequeath not to their lot
the shame that from them no device can takex
the blemish that will never be forgotx
worse than a slavish wipex or birthxhourxs blotx
  for marks descried in menxs nativity
  are naturexs faultsx not their own infamyxx

here with a cockatricex deadxkilling eye
he rouseth up himself and makes a pausex
while shex the picture of pure pietyx
like a white hind under the grypexs sharp clawsx
pleads in a wilderness where are no lawsx
  to the rough beast that knows no gentle rightx
  nor aught obeys but his foul appetitex

but when a blackxfacxd cloud the world doth threatx
in his dim mist the aspiring mountains hidingx
from earthxs dark womb some gentle gust doth getx
which blows these pitchy vapours from their bidingx
hindering their present fall by this dividingx
  so his unhallowxd haste her words delaysx
  and moody pluto winks while orpheus playsx

yetx foul nightxworking catx he doth but dallyx
while in his holdxfast foot the weak mouse pantethx
her sad behaviour feeds his vulture follyx
a swallowing gulf that even in plenty wantethx
his ear her prayers admitsx but his heart granteth
  no penetrable entrance to her plainingx
  tears harden lustx though marble wear with rainingx

her pityxpleading eyes are sadly fixxd
in the remorseless wrinkles of his facex
her modest eloquence with sighs is mixxdx
which to her oratory adds more gracex
she puts the period often from his placex
  and midst the sentence so her accent breaksx
  that twice she doth begin ere once she speaksx

she conjures him by high almighty jovex
by knighthoodx gentryx and sweet friendshipxs oathx
by her untimely tearsx her husbandxs lovex
by holy human lawx and common trothx
by heaven and earthx and all the power of bothx
  that to his borrowxd bed he make retirex
  and stoop to honourx not to foul desirex

quoth shex xreward not hospitality
with such black payment as thou hast pretendedx
mud not the fountain that gave drink to theex
mar not the thing that cannot be amendedx
end thy ill aim before the shoot be endedx
  he is no woodman that doth bend his bow
  to strike a poor unseasonable doex

xmy husband is thy friendx for his sake spare mex
thyself art mightyx for thine own sake leave mex
myself a weaklingx do not then ensnare mex
thou lookxst not like deceitx do not deceive mex
my sighsx like whirlwindsx labour hence to heave theex
  if ever man were movxd with womanxs moansx
  be moved with my tearsx my sighsx my groansx

xall which togetherx like a troubled oceanx
beat at thy rocky and wreckxthreatening heartx
to soften it with their continual motionx
for stones dissolvxd to water do convertx
ox if no harder than a stone thou artx
  melt at my tearsx and be compassionatex
  soft pity enters at an iron gatex

xin tarquinxs likeness i did entertain theex
hast thou put on his shape to do him shamex
to all the host of heaven i complain mex
thou wrongxst his honourx woundxst his princely namex
thou art not what thou seemxstx and if the samex
  thou seemxst not what thou artx a godx a kingx
  for kings like gods should govern every thingx

xhow will thy shame be seeded in thine agex
when thus thy vices bud before thy springx
if in thy hope thou darxst do such outragex
what darxst thou not when once thou art a kingx
ox be rememberxdx no outrageous thing
  from vassal actors can he wipxd awayx
  then kingsx misdeeds cannot be hid in clayx

xthis deed will make thee only lovxd for fearx
but happy monarchs still are fearxd for lovex
with foul offenders thou perforce must bearx
when they in thee the like offences provex
if but for fear of thisx thy will removex
  for princes are the glassx the schoolx the bookx
  where subjects eyes do learnx do readx do lookx

xand wilt thou be the school where lust shall learnx
must he in thee read lectures of such shamex
wilt thou be glassx wherein it shall discern
authority for sinx warrant for blamex
to privilege dishonour in thy namex
  thou backxst reproach against longxliving laudx
  and makxst fair reputation but a bawdx

xhast thou commandx by him that gave it theex
from a pure heart command thy rebel willx
draw not thy sword to guard iniquityx
for it was lent thee all that brood to killx
thy princely office how canst thou fulfillx
  whenx patternxd by thy faultx foul sin may say
  he learnxd to sinx and thou didst teach the wayx

xthink but how vile a spectacle it were
to view thy present trespass in anotherx
menxs faults do seldom to themselves appearx
their own transgressions partially they smotherx
this guilt would seem deathxworthy in thy brotherx
  o how are they wrappxd in with infamies
  that from their own misdeeds askaunce their eyesx

xto theex to theex my heavxdxup hands appealx
not to seducing lustx thy rash relierx
i sue for exilxd majestyxs repealx
let him returnx and flattering thoughts retirex
his true respect will xprison false desirex
  and wipe the dim mist from thy doting eynex
  that thou shalt see thy statex and pity minexx

xhave donexx quoth hex xmy uncontrolled tide
turns notx but swells the higher by this letx
small lights are soon blown outx huge fires abidex
and with the wind in greater fury fretx
the petty streams that pay a daily debt
  to their salt sovereignx with their fresh fallsx hastex
  add to his flowx but alter not his tastexx

xthou artxx quoth shex xa seax a sovereign kingx
andx lox there falls into thy boundless flood
black lustx dishonourx shamex misgoverningx
who seek to stain the ocean of thy bloodx
if all these petty ills shall change thy goodx
  thy sea within a puddlexs womb is hearsxdx
  and not the puddle in thy sea dispersxdx

xso shall these slaves be kingx and thou their slavex
thou nobly basex they basely dignifiedx
thou their fair lifex and they thy fouler gravex
thou loathed in their shamex they in thy pridex
the lesser thing should not the greater hidex
  the cedar stoops not to the base shrubxs footx
  but low shrubs whither at the cedarxs rootx

xso let thy thoughtsx low vassals to thy statexx
xno morexx quoth hex xby heavenx i will not hear theex
yield to my lovex if notx enforced hatex
instead of lovexs coy touchx shall rudely tear theex
that donex despitefully i mean to bear thee
  unto the base bed of some rascal groomx
  to be thy partner in this shameful doomxx

this saidx he sets his foot upon the lightx
for light and lust are deadly enemiesx
shame folded up in blind concealing nightx
when most unseenx then most doth tyrannizex
the wolf hath seizxd his preyx the poor lamb criesx
  till with her own white fleece her voice controllxd
  entombs her outcry in her lipsx sweet foldx

for with the nightly linen that she wears
he pens her piteous clamours in her headx
cooling his hot face in the chastest tears
that ever modest eyes with sorrow shedx
ox that prone lust should stain so pure a bedx
  the spots whereof could weeping purifyx
  her tears should drop on them perpetuallyx

but she hath lost a dearer thing than lifex
and he hath won what he would lose againx
this forced league doth force a further strifex
this momentary joy breeds months of painx
this hot desire converts to cold disdainx
  pure chastity is rifled of her storex
  and lustx the thiefx far poorer than beforex

lookx as the fullxfed hound or gorged hawkx
unapt for tender smell or speedy flightx
make slow pursuitx or altogether balk
the prey wherein by nature they delightx
so surfeitxtaking tarquin fares this nightx
  his taste deliciousx in digestion souringx
  devours his willx that livxd by foul devouringx

o deeper sin than bottomless conceit
can comprehend in still imaginationx
drunken desire must vomit his receiptx
ere he can see his own abominationx
while lust is in his pride no exclamation
  can curb his heatx or rein his rash desirex
  tillx like a jadex selfxwill himself doth tirex

and then with lank and lean discolourxd cheekx
with heavy eyex knit browx and strengthless pacex
feeble desirex all recreantx poorx and meekx
like to a bankrupt beggar wails his casex
the flesh being proudx desire doth fight with gracex
  for there it revelsx and when that decaysx
  the guilty rebel for remission praysx

so fares it with this faultful lord of romex
who this accomplishment so hotly chasxdx
for now against himself he sounds this doomx
that through the length of times he stands disgracxdx
besidesx his soulxs fair temple is defacxdx
  to whose weak ruins muster troops of caresx
  to ask the spotted princess how she faresx

she saysx her subjects with foul insurrection
have batterxd down her consecrated wallx
and by their mortal fault brought in subjection
her immortalityx and made her thrall
to living deathx and pain perpetualx
  which in her prescience she controlled stillx
  but her foresight could not forestall their willx

even in this thought through the dark night he stealethx
a captive victor that hath lost in gainx
bearing away the wound that nothing healethx
the scar that willx despite of curex remainx
leaving his spoil perplexxd in greater painx
  she hears the load of lust he left behindx
  and he the burthen of a guilty mindx

he like a thievish dog creeps sadly thencex
she like a wearied lamb lies panting therex
he scowlsx and hates himself for his offencex
shex desperatex with her nails her flesh doth tearx
he faintly fliesx sweating with guilty fearx
  she staysx exclaiming on the direful nightx
  he runsx and chides his vanishxdx loathxd delightx

he thence departs a heavy convertitex
she there remains a hopeless castawayx
he in his speed looks for the morning lightx
she prays she never may behold the dayx
xfor dayxx quoth shex xnightxs scapes doth open layx
  and my true eyes have never practisxd how
  to cloak offences with a cunning browx

xthey think not but that every eye can see
the same disgrace which they themselves beholdx
and therefore would they still in darkness bex
to have their unseen sin remain untoldx
for they their guilt with weeping will unfoldx
  and gravex like water that doth eat in steelx
  upon my cheeks what helpless shame i feelxx

here she exclaims against repose and restx
and bids her eyes hereafter still be blindx
she wakes her heart by beating on her breastx
and bids it leap from thencex where it may find
some purer chestx to close so pure a mindx
  frantic with grief thus breathes she forth her spite
  against the unseen secrecy of nightx

xo comfortxkilling nightx image of hellx
dim register and notary of shamex
black stage for tragedies and murders fellx
vast sinxconcealing chaosx nurse of blamex
blind muffled bawdx dark harbour for defamex
  grim cave of deathx whispering conspirator
  with closextongued treason and the ravisherx

xo hatefulx vaporousx and foggy nightx
since thou art guilty of my cureless crimex
muster thy mists to meet the eastern lightx
make war against proportionxd course of timex
or if thou wilt permit the sun to climb
  his wonted heightx yet ere he go to bedx
  knit poisonous clouds about his golden headx

xwith rotten damps ravish the morning airx
let their exhalxd unwholesome breaths make sick
the life of purityx the supreme fairx
ere he arrive his weary noontide prickx
and let thy misty vapours march so thickx
  that in their smoky ranks his smotherxd light
  may set at noon and make perpetual nightx

xwere tarquin night xas he is but nightxs childxx
the silverxshining queen he would distainx
her twinkling handmaids toox by him defilxdx
through  nightxs  black  bosom  should not peep againx
so should i have coxpartners in my painx
  and fellowship in woe doth woe assuagex
  as palmersx chat makes short their pilgrimagex

xwhere now i have no one to blush with mex
to cross their arms and hang their heads with minex
to mask their browsx and hide their infamyx
but i alone alone must sit and pinex
seasoning the earth with showers of silver brinex
  mingling my talk with tearsx my grief with groansx
  poor wasting monuments of lasting moansx

xo nightx thou furnace of foulxreeking smokex
let not the jealous day behold that face
which underneath thy black allxhiding cloak
immodesty lies martyrxd with disgracex
keep still possession of thy gloomy placex
  that all the faults which in thy reign are madex
  may likewise be sepulchred in thy shadex

xmake me not object to the tellxtale dayx
the light will showx characterxd in my browx
the story of sweet chastityxs decayx
the impious breach of holy wedlock vowx
yeax the illiteratex that know not how
  to cipher what is writ in learned booksx
  will quote my loathsome trespass in my looksx

xthe nursex to still her childx will tell my story
and fright her crying babe with tarquinxs namex
the oratorx to deck his oratoryx
will couple my reproach to tarquinxs shamex
feastxfinding minstrelsx tuning my defamex
  will tie the hearers to attend each linex
  how tarquin wronged mex i collatinex

xlet my good namex that senseless reputationx
for collatinexs dear love be kept unspottedx
if that be made a theme for disputationx
the branches of another root are rottedx
and undeserved reproach to him allottedx
  that is as clear from this attaint of mine
  as ix ere thisx was pure to collatinex

xo unseen shamex invisible disgracex
o unfelt sorex crestxwoundingx private scarx
reproach is stampxd in collatinusx facex
and tarquinxs eye may read the mot afarx
how he in peace is woundedx not in warx
  alasx how many bear such shameful blowsx
  which not themselvesx but he that gives them knowsx

xifx collatinex thine honour lay in mex
from me by strong assault it is bereftx
my honey lostx and ix a dronexlike beex
have no perfection of my summer leftx
but robbxd and ransackxd by injurious theftx
  in thy weak hive a wandering wasp hath creptx
  and suckxd the honey which thy chaste bee keptx

xyet am i guilty of thy honourxs wrackxx
yet for thy honour did i entertain himx
coming from theex i could not put him backx
for it had been dishonour to disdain himx
besidesx of weariness he did complain himx
  and talkxd of virtuexxo unlookxdxfor evilx
  when virtue is profanxd in such a devilx

xwhy should the worm intrude the maiden budx
or hateful cuckoos hatch in sparrowsx nestsx
or toads infect fair founts with venom mudx
or tyrant folly lurk in gentle breastsx
or kings be breakers of their own behestsx
  but no perfection is so absolutex
  that some impurity doth not pollutex

xthe aged man that coffers up his gold
is plagued with crampsx and goutsx and painful fitsx
and scarce hath eyes his treasure to beholdx
but like stillxpining tantalus he sitsx
and useless barns the harvest of his witsx
  having no other pleasure of his gain
  but torment that it cannot cure his painx

xso then he hath it when he cannot use itx
and leaves it to be masterxd by his youngx
who in their pride do presently abuse itx
their father was too weakx and they too strongx
to hold their cursedxblessed fortune longx
  the sweets we wish for turn to loathed soursx
  even in the moment that we call them oursx

xunruly blasts wait on the tender springx
unwholesome weeds take root with precious flowersx
the adder hisses where the sweet birds singx
what virtue breeds iniquity devoursx
we have no good that we can say is oursx
  but illxannexed opportunity
  or kills his life or else his qualityx

xo opportunityx thy guilt is greatx
xtis thou that executest the traitorxs treasonx
thou setxst the wolf where he the lamb may getx
whoever plots the sinx thou xpointxst the seasonx
xtis thou that spurnxst at rightx at lawx at reasonx
  and in thy shady cellx where none may spy himx
  sits sinx to seize the souls that wander by himx

xthou makxst the vestal violate her oathx
thou blowxst the fire when temperance is thawxdx
thou smotherxst honestyx thou murtherxst trothx
thou foul abettorx thou notorious bawdx
thou plantest scandal and displacest laudx
  thou ravisherx thou traitorx thou false thiefx
  thy honey turns to gallx thy joy to griefx

xthy secret pleasure turns to open shamex
thy private feasting to a public fastx
thy smoothing titles to a ragged namex
thy sugarxd tongue to bitter wormwood tastex
thy violent vanities can never lastx
  how comes it thenx vile opportunityx
  being so badx such numbers seek for theex

xwhen wilt thou be the humble suppliantxs friendx
and bring him where his suit may be obtainxdx
when wilt thou sort an hour great strifes to endx
or free that soul which wretchedness hath chainxdx
give physic to the sickx ease to the painxdx
  the poorx lamex blindx haltx creepx cry out for theex
  but they nexer meet with opportunityx

xthe patient dies while the physician sleepsx
the orphan pines while the oppressor feedsx
justice is feasting while the widow weepsx
advice is sporting while infection breedsx
thou grantxst no time for charitable deedsx
  wrathx envyx treasonx rapex and murderxs ragesx
  thy heinous hours wait on them as their pagesx

xwhen truth and virtue have to do with theex
a thousand crosses keep them from thy aidx
they buy thy helpx but sin nexer gives a feex
he gratis comesx and thou art well appayxd
as well to hear as grant what he hath saidx
  my collatine would else have come to me
  when tarquin didx but he was stayxd by theex

xguilty thou art of murder and of theftx
guilty of perjury and subornationx
guilty of treasonx forgeryx and shiftx
guilty of incestx that abominationx
an accessory by thine inclination
  to all sins pastx and all that are to comex
  from the creation to the general doomx

xmisxshapen timex copesmate of ugly nightx
swift subtle postx carrier of grisly carex
eater of youthx false slave to false delightx
base watch of woesx sinxs packxhorsex virtuexs snarex
thou nursest all and murtherest all that arex
  o hear me thenx injuriousx shifting timex
  be guilty of my deathx since of my crimex

xwhy hath thy servantx opportunityx
betrayxd the hours thou gavxst me to reposex
cancellxd my fortunesx and enchained me
to endless date of neverxending woesx
timexs office is to fine the hate of foesx
  to eat up errors by opinion bredx
  not spend the dowry of a lawful bedx

xtimexs glory is to calm contending kingsx
to unmask falsehoodx and bring truth to lightx
to stamp the seal of time in aged thingsx
to wake the mornx and sentinel the nightx
to wrong the wronger till he render rightx
  to ruinate proud buildings with thy hoursx
  and smear with dust their glittering golden towersx

xto fill with wormxholes stately monumentsx
to feed oblivion with decay of thingsx
to blot old books and alter their contentsx
to pluck the quills from ancient ravensx wingsx
to dry the old oakxs sap and cherish springsx
  to spoil antiquities of hammerxd steelx
  and turn the giddy round of fortunexs wheelx

xto show the beldame daughters of her daughterx
to make the child a manx the man a childx
to slay the tiger that doth live by slaughterx
to tame the unicorn and lion wildx
to mock the subtlex in themselves beguilxdx
  to cheer the ploughman with increaseful cropsx
  and waste huge stones with little waterxdropsx

xwhy workxst thou mischief in thy pilgrimagex
unless thou couldst return to make amendsx
one poor retiring minute in an age
would purchase thee a thousand thousand friendsx
lending him wit that to bad debtors lendsx
  ox this dread nightx wouldst thou one hour come backx
  i could prevent this stormx and shun thy wrackx

xthou ceasexess lackey to eternityx
with some mischance cross tarquin in his flightx
devise extremes beyond extremityx
to make him curse this cursed crimeful nightx
let ghastly shadows his lewd eyes affrightx
  and the dire thought of his committed evil
  shape every bush a hideous shapeless devilx

xdisturb his hours of rest with restless trancesx
afflict him in his bed with bedrid groansx
let there bechance him pitiful mischancesx
to make him moanx but pity not his moansx
stone him with hardenxd heartsx harder than stonesx
  and let mild women to him lose their mildnessx
  wilder to him than tigers in their wildnessx

xlet him have time to tear his curled hairx
let him have time against himself to ravex
let him have time of timexs help to despairx
let him have time to live a loathed slavex
let him have time a beggarxs orts to cravex
  and time to see one that by alms doth live
  disdain to him disdained scraps to givex

xlet him have time to see his friends his foesx
and merry fools to mock at him resortx
let him have time to mark how slow time goes
in time of sorrowx and how swift and short
his time of folly and his time of sportx
  and ever let his unrecalling crime
  have time to wail the abusing of his timex

xo timex thou tutor both to good and badx
teach me to curse him that thou taughtxst this illx
at his own shadow let the thief run madx
himself himself seek every hour to killx
such wretched hands such wretched blood should spillx
  for who so base would such an office have
  as slanderous deathsman to so base a slavex

the baser is hex coming from a kingx
to shame his hope with deeds degeneratex
the mightier manx the mightier is the thing
that makes him honourxdx or begets him hatex
for greatest scandal waits on greatest statex
  the moon being clouded presently is missxdx
  but little stars may hide them when they listx

xthe crow may bathe his coalxblack wings in mirex
and unperceived fly with the filth awayx
but if the like the snowxwhite swan desirex
the stain upon his silver down will stayx
poor grooms are sightless nightx kings glorious dayx
  gnats are unnoted wheresoexer they flyx
  but eagles gazed upon with every eyex

xoutx idle wordsx servants to shallow foolsx
unprofitable soundsx weak arbitratorsx
busy yourselves in skillxcontending schoolsx
debate where leisure serves with dull debatersx
to trembling clients be you mediatorsx
  for mex i force not argument a strawx
  since that my case is past the help of lawx

xin vain i rail at opportunityx
at timex at tarquinx and uncheerful nightx
in vain i cavil with mine infamyx
in vain i spurn at my confirmxd despitex
this helpless smoke of words doth me no rightx
  the remedy indeed to do me good
  is to let forth my foulxdefilxd bloodx

xpoor handx why quiverxst thou at this decreex
honour thyself to rid me of this shamex
for if i diex my honour lives in theex
but if i livex thou livest in my defamex
since thou couldst not defend thy loyal damex
  and wast afearxd to scratch her wicked foex
  kill both thyself and her for yielding soxx

this saidx from her bextumbled couch she startethx
to find some desperate instrument of deathx
but this no slaughterxhouse no tool impartethx
to make more vent for passage of her breathx
whichx thronging through her lipsx so vanisheth
  as smoke from aetnax that in air consumesx
  or that which from discharged cannon fumesx

xin vainxx quoth shex xi livex and seek in vain
some happy mean to end a hapless lifex
i fearxd by tarquinxs falchion to be slainx
yet for the selfxsame purpose seek a knifex
but when i fearxd i was a loyal wifex
  so am i nowxxo nox that cannot bex
  of that true type hath tarquin rifled mex

xox that is gone for which i sought to livex
and therefore now i need not fear to diex
to clear this spot by deathx at least i give
a badge of fame to slanderxs liveryx
a dying life to living infamyx
  poor helpless helpx the treasure stolen awayx
  to burn the guiltless casket where it layx

xwellx wellx dear collatinex thou shalt not know
the stained taste of violated trothx
i will not wrong thy true affection sox
to flatter thee with an infringed oathx
this bastard graff shall never come to growthx
  he shall not boast who did thy stock pollute
  that thou art doting father of his fruitx

nor shall he smile at thee in secret thoughtx
nor laugh with his companions at thy statex
but thou shalt know thy interest was not bought
basely with goldx but stolen from forth thy gatex
for mex i am the mistress of my fatex
  and with my trespass never will dispensex
  till life to death acquit my forced offencex

xi will not poison thee with my attaintx
nor fold my fault in cleanlyxcoinxd excusesx
my sable ground of sin i will not paintx
to hide the truth of this false nightxs abusesx
my tongue shall utter allx mine eyesx like sluicesx
  as from a mountainxspring that feeds a dalex
  shall gush pure streams to purge my impure talexx

by thisx lamenting philomel had ended
the wellxtunxd warble of her nightly sorrowx
and solemn night with slowxsad gait descended
to ugly hellx whenx lox the blushing morrow
lends light to all fair eyes that light will borrowx
  but cloudy lucrece shames herself to seex
  and therefore still in night would cloisterxd bex

revealing day through every cranny spiesx
and seems to point her out where she sits weepingx
to whom she sobbing speaksx xo eye of eyesx
why pryest thou through my windowx leave thy peepingx
mock with thy tickling beams eyes that are sleepingx
  brand not my forehead with thy piercing lightx
  for day hath nought to do whatxs done by nightxx

thus cavils she with every thing she seesx
true grief is fond and testy as a childx
who wayward oncex his mood with nought agreesx
old woesx not infant sorrowsx bear them mildx
continuance tames the onex the other wildx
  like an unpractisxd swimmer plunging still
  with too much labour drowns for want of skillx

so shex deepxdrenched in a sea of carex
holds disputation with each thing she viewsx
and to herself all sorrow doth comparex
no object but her passionxs strength renewsx
and as one shiftsx another straight ensuesx
  sometime her grief is dumb and hath no wordsx
  sometime xtis madx and too much talk affordsx

the little birds that tune their morningxs joy
make her moans mad with their sweet melodyx
for mirth doth search the bottom of annoyx
sad souls are slain in merry companyx
grief best is pleasxd with griefxs societyx
  true sorrow then is feelingly sufficxd
  when with like semblance it is sympathizxdx

xtis double death to drown in ken of shorex
he ten times pines that pines beholding foodx
to see the salve doth make the wound ache morex
great grief grieves most at that would do it goodx
deep woes roll forward like a gentle floodx
  whox being stoppxdx the bounding banks oxerflowsx
  grief dallied with nor law nor limit knowsx

xyou mocking birdsxx quoth shex xyour tunes entomb
within your hollowxswelling featherxd breastsx
and in my hearing be you mute and dumbx
xmy restless discord loves no stops nor restsx
a woeful hostess brooks not merry guestsxx
  relish your nimble notes to pleasing earsx
  distress likes dumps when time is kept with tearsx

xcomex philomelx that singxst of ravishmentx
make thy sad grove in my dishevellxd hairx
as the dank earth weeps at thy languishmentx
so i at each sad strain will strain a tearx
and with deep groans the diapason bearx
  for burthenxwise ixll hum on tarquin stillx
  while thou on tereus descantxst better skillx

xand whiles against a thorn thou bearxst thy partx
to keep thy sharp woes wakingx wretched ix
to imitate thee wellx against my heart
will fix a sharp knifex to affright mine eyex
whox if it winkx shall thereon fall and diex
  these meansx as frets upon an instrumentx
  shall tune our heartxstrings to true languishmentx

xand forx poor birdx thou singxst not in the dayx
as shaming any eye should thee beholdx
some dark deep desertx seated from the wayx
that knows not parching heat nor freezing coldx
will we find outx and there we will unfold
  to creatures stern sad tunesx to change their kindsx
  since men prove beastsx let beasts bear gentle mindsxx

as the poor frighted deerx that stands at gazex
wildly determining which way to flyx
or one encompassxd with a winding mazex
that cannot tread the way out readilyx
so with herself is she in mutinyx
  to live or die which of the twain were betterx
  when life is shamxdx and death reproachxs debtorx

xto kill myselfxx quoth shex xalackx what were itx
but with my body my poor soulxs pollutionx
they that lose half with greater patience bear it
than they whose whole is swallowxd in confusionx
that mother tries a merciless conclusion
  whox having two sweet babesx when death takes onex
  will slay the otherx and be nurse to nonex

xmy body or my soulx which was the dearerx
when the one purex the other made divinex
whose love of either to myself was nearerx
when both were kept for heaven and collatinex
ahx mex the bark peelxd from the lofty pinex
  his leaves will witherx and his sap decayx
  so must my soulx her bark being peelxd awayx

xher house is sackxdx her quiet interruptedx
her mansion batterxd by the enemyx
her sacred temple spottedx spoilxdx corruptedx
grossly engirt with daring infamyx
then let it not be callxd impietyx
  if in this blemishxd fort i make some hole
  through which i may convey this troubled soulx

xyet die i will not till my collatine
have heard the cause of my untimely deathx
that he may vowx in that sad hour of minex
revenge on him that made me stop my breathx
my stained blood to tarquin ixll bequeathx
  which by him tainted shall for him be spentx
  and as his due writ in my testamentx

xmy honour ixll bequeath unto the knife
that wounds my body so dishonouredx
xtis honour to deprive dishonourxd lifex
the one will livex the other being deadx
so of shamexs ashes shall my fame be bredx
  for in my death i murther shameful scornx
  my shame so deadx mine honour is newxbornx

xdear lord of that dear jewel i have lostx
what legacy shall i bequeath to theex
my resolutionx lovex shall be thy boastx
by whose example thou revengxd mayst bex
how tarquin must be usedx read it in mex
  myselfx thy friendx will kill myselfx thy foex
  andx for my sakex serve thou false tarquin sox

xthis brief abridgement of my will i makex
my soul and body to the skies and groundx
my resolutionx husbandx do thou takex
mine honour be the knifexs that makes my woundx
my shame be his that did my fame confoundx
  and all my fame that lives disbursxd be
  to those that livex and think no shame of mex

xthoux collatinex shalt oversee this willx
how was i overseen that thou shalt see itx
my blood shall wash the slander of mine illx
my lifexs foul deed my lifexs fair end shall free itx
faint notx faint heartx but stoutly say xso be itxx
  yield to my handx my hand shall conquer theex
  thou deadx both diex and both shall victors bexx

this plot of death when sadly she had laidx
and wipxd the brinish pearl from her bright eyesx
with untunxd tongue she hoarsely callxd her maidx
whose swift obedience to her mistress hiesx
for fleetxwingxd duty with thoughtxs feathers fliesx
  poor lucrecex cheeks unto her maid seem so
  as winter meads when sun doth melt their snowx

her mistress she doth give demure goodxmorrowx
with softxslow tonguex true mark of modestyx
and sorts a sad look to her ladyxs sorrowx
xfor why her face wore sorrowxs liveryxx
but durst not ask of her audaciously
  why her two suns were cloudxeclipsed sox
  nor why her fair cheeks overxwashxd with woex

but as the earth doth weepx the sun being setx
each flower moistenxd like a melting eyex
even so the maid with swelling drops xgan wet
her circled eynex enforcxd by sympathy
of those fair sunsx set in her mistressx skyx
  who in a saltxwavxd ocean quench their lightx
  which makes the maid weep like the dewy nightx

a pretty while these pretty creatures standx
like ivory conduits coral cisterns fillingx
one justly weepsx the other takes in hand
no causex but companyx of her drops spillingx
their gentle sex to weep are often willingx
  grieving themselves to guess at othersx smartsx
  and then they drown their eyes or break their heartsx

for men have marblex women waxen mindsx
and therefore are they formxd as marble willx
the weak oppressxdx the impression of strange kinds
is formxd in them by forcex by fraudx or skillx
then call them not the authors of their illx
  no more than wax shall be accounted evilx
  wherein is stampxd the semblance of a devilx

their smoothnessx like a goodly champaign plainx
lays open all the little worms that creepx
in menx as in a roughxgrown grovex remain
cavexkeeping evils that obscurely sleepx
through crystal walls each little mote will peepx
  though men can cover crimes with bold stern looksx
  poor womenxs faces are their own faultsx booksx

no man inveigb against the witherxd flowerx
but chide rough winter that the flower hath killxdx
not that devourxdx but that which doth devourx
is worthy blamex  ox let it not be hild
poor womenxs faultsx that they are so fulfillxd
  with menxs abusesx those proud lordsx to blamex
  make weakxmade women tenants to their shamex

the precedent whereof in lucrece viewx
assailxd by night with circumstances strong
of present deathx and shame that might ensue
by that her deathx to do her husband wrongx
such danger to resistance did belongx
  the dying fear through all her body spreadx
  and who cannot abuse a body deadx

by thisx mild patience bid fair lucrece speak
to the poor counterfeit of her complainingx
xmy girlxx quoth shex xon what occasion break
those tears from theex that down thy cheeks are rainingx
if thou dost weep for grief of my sustainingx
  knowx gentle wenchx it small avails my moodx
  if tears could helpx mine own would do me goodx

xbut tell mex girlx when wentxxxand there she stayxd
till after a deep groanx xtarquin fromx hencexx
xmadamx ere i was upxx replied the maidx
xthe more to blame my sluggard negligencex
yet with the fault i thus far can dispensex
  myself was stirring ere the break of dayx
  andx ere i rosex was tarquin gone awayx

xbutx ladyx if your maid may be so boldx
she would request to know your heavinessxx
xo peacexx quoth lucrecex xif it should be toldx
the repetition cannot make it lessx
for more it is than i can well expressx
  and that deep torture may be callxd a hellx
  when more is felt than one hath power to tellx

xgox get me hither paperx inkx and penx
yet save that labourx for i have them herex
what should i sayxxone of my husbandxs men
bid thou be readyx by and byx to bear
a letter to my lordx my lovex my dearx
  bid him with speed prepare to carry itx
  the cause craves hastex and it will soon be writxx

her maid is gonex and she prepares to writex
first hovering oxer the paper with her quillx
conceit and grief an eager combat fightx
what wit sets down is blotted straight with willx
this is too curiousxgoodx this blunt and illx
  much like a press of people at a doorx
  throng her inventionsx which shall go beforex

at last she thus beginsxxxthou worthy lord
of that unworthy wife that greeteth theex
health to thy personx next vouchsafe to afford
xif everx lovex thy lucrece thou wilt seex
some present speed to come and visit mex
  sox i commend me from our house in griefx
  my woes are tediousx though my words are briefxx

here folds she up the tenor of her woex
her certain sorrow writ uncertainlyx
by this short schedule collatine may know
her griefx but not her griefxs true qualityx
she dares not thereof make discoveryx
  lest he should hold it her own gross abusex
  ere she with blood had stainxd her stainxd excusex

besidesx the life and feeling of her passion
she hoardsx to spend when he is by to hear herx
when sighsx and groansx and tears may grace the fashion
of her disgracex the better so to clear her
from that suspicion which the world my might bear herx
  to shun this blotx she would not blot the letter
  with wordsx till action might become them betterx

to see sad sights moves more than hear them toldx
for then the eye interprets to the ear
the heavy motion that it doth beholdx
when every part a part of woe doth bearx
xtis but a part of sorrow that we hearx
  deep sounds make lesser noise than shallow fordsx
  and sorrow ebbsx being blown with wind of wordsx

her letter now is sealxdx and on it writ
xat ardea to my lord with more than hastexx
the post attendsx and she delivers itx
charging the sourxfacxd groom to hie as fast
as lagging fowls before the northern blastx
  speed more than speed but dull and slow she deemsx
  extremely still urgeth such extremesx

the homely villain courtxsies to her lowx
andx blushing on herx with a steadfast eye
receives the scrollx without or yea or nox
and forth with bashful innocence doth hiex
but they whose guilt within their bosoms lie
  imagine every eye beholds their blamex
  for lucrece thought he blushxd to see her shamex

whenx silly groomx god wotx it was defect
of spiritx lifex and bold audacityx
such harmless creatures have a true respect
to talk in deedsx while others saucily
promise more speedx but do it leisurelyx
  even so this pattern of the wornxout age
  pawnxd honest looksx but laid no words to gagex

his kindled duty kindled her mistrustx
that two red fires in both their faces blazxdx
she thought he blushxdx as knowing tarquinxs lustx
andx blushing with himx wistly on him gazxdx
her earnest eye did make him more amazxdx
  the more saw the blood his cheeks replenishx
  the more she thought he spied in her some blemishx

but long she thinks till he return againx
and yet the duteous vassal scarce is gonex
the weary time she cannot entertainx
for now xtis stale to sighx to weepx to groanx
so woe hath wearied woex moan tired moanx
  that she her plaints a little while doth stayx
  pausing for means to mourn some newer wayx

at last she calls to mind where hangs a piece
of skilful paintingx made for priamxs troyx
before the which is drawn the power of greecex
for helenxs rape the city to destroyx
threatxning cloudxkissing ilion with annoyx
  which the conceited painter drew so proudx
  as heaven xit seemxdx to kiss the turrets bowxdx

a thousand lamentable objects therex
in scorn of naturex art gave lifeless lifex
many a dry drop seemxd a weeping tearx
shed for the slaughterxd husband by the wifex
the red blood reekxdx to show the painterxs strifex
  the dying eyes gleamxd forth their ashy lightsx
  like dying coals burnt out in tedious nightsx

there might you see the labouring pioner
begrimxd with sweatx and smeared all with dustx
and from the towers of troy there would appear
the very eyes of men through loopholes thrustx
gazing upon the greeks with little lustx
  such sweet observance in this work was hadx
  that one might see those farxoff eyes look sadx

in great commanders grace and majesty
you might beholdx triumphing in their facesx
in youthx quick bearing and dexterityx
and here and there the painter interlaces
pale cowardsx marching on with trembling pacesx
  which heartless peasants did so well resemblex
  that one would swear he saw them quake and tremblex

in ajax and ulyssesx ox what art
of physiognomy might one beholdx
the face of either xcipherxd eitherxs heartx
their face their manners most expressly toldx
in ajaxx eyes blunt rage and rigour rollxdx
  but the mild glance that sly ulysses lent
  showxd deep regard and smiling governmentx

there pleading might you see grave nestor standx
asxt were encouraging the greeks to fightx
making such sober action with his hand
that it beguiled attentionx charmxd the sightx
in speechx it seemxdx his beardx all silver whitex
  waggxd up and downx and from his lips did fly
  thin winding breathx which purlxd up to the skyx

about him were a press of gaping facesx
which seemxd to swallow up his sound advicex
all jointly listeningx but with several gracesx
as if some mermaid did their ears enticex
some highx some lowx the painter was so nicex
  the scalps of manyx almost hid behindx
  to jump up higher seemxd to mock the mindx

here one manxs hand leanxd on anotherxs headx
his nose being shadowxd by his neighbourxs earx
here one being throngxd bears backx all bollxn and redx
another smotherxd seems to pelt and swearx
and in their rage such signs of rage they bearx
  asx but for loss of nestorxs golden wordsx
  it seemxd they would debate with angry swordsx

for much imaginary work was therex
conceit deceitfulx so compactx so kindx
that for achillesx image stood his spearx
gripxd in an armed handx himselfx behindx
was left unseenx save to the eye of mindx
  a handx a footx a facex a legx a headx
  stood for the whole to be imaginedx

and from the walls of strongxbesieged troy
when their brave hopex bold hectorx marchxd to fieldx
stood many trojan mothersx sharing joy
to see their youthful sons bright weapons wieldx
and to their hope they such odd action yieldx
  that through their light joy seemed to appearx
  xlike bright things stainxdx a kind of heavy fearx

andx from the strond of dardanx where they foughtx
to simoisx reedy banksx the red blood ranx
whose waves to imitate the battle sought
with swelling ridgesx and their ranks began
to break upon the galled shorex and than
  retire againx tillx meeting greater ranksx
  they joinx and shoot their foam at simoisx banksx

to this wellxpainted piece is lucrece comex
to find a face where all distress is stellxdx
many she sees where cares have carved somex
but none where all distress and dolour dwellxdx
till she despairing hecuba beheldx
  staring on priamxs wounds with her old eyesx
  which bleeding under pyrrhusx proud foot liesx

in her the painter had anatomizxd
timexs ruinx beautyxs wrackx and grim carexs reignx
her cheeks with chops and wrinkles were disguisxdx
of what she was no semblance did remainx
her blue bloodx changxd to black in every veinx
  wanting the spring that those shrunk pipes had fedx
  showxd life imprisonxd in a body deadx

on this sad shadow lucrece spends her eyesx
and shapes her sorrow to the beldamexs woesx
who nothing wants to answer her but criesx
and bitter words to ban her cruel foesx
the painter was no god to lend her thosex
  and therefore lucrece swears he did her wrongx
  to give her so much griefx and not a tonguex

xpoor instrumentxx quoth shex xwithout a soundx
ixll tune thy woes with my lamenting tonguex
and drop sweet balm in priamxs painted woundx
and rail on pyrrhus that hath done him wrongx
and with my tears quench troy that burns so longx
  and with my knife scratch out the angry eyes
  of all the greeks that are thine enemiesx

xshow me the strumpet that began this stirx
that with my nails her beauty i may tearx
thy heat of lustx fond parisx did incur
this load of wrath that burning troy doth bearx
thy eye kindled the fire that burneth herex
  and here in troyx for trespass of thine eyex
  the sirex the sonx the damex and daughter diex

xwhy should the private pleasure of some one
become the public plague of many mox
let sinx alone committedx light alone
upon his head that hath transgressed sox
let guiltless souls be freed from guilty woex
  for onexs offence why should so many fallx
  to plague a private sin in generalx

xlox here weeps hecubax here priam diesx
here manly hector faintsx here troilus swoundsx
here friend by friend in bloody channel liesx
and friend to friend gives unadvised woundsx
and one manxs lust these many lives confoundsx
  had doting priam checkxd his sonxs desirex
  troy had been bright with fame and not with firexx

here feelingly she weeps troyxs painted woesx
for sorrowx like a heavyxhanging bellx
once set on ringingx with his own weight goesx
then little strength rings out the doleful knellx
so lucrece set axwork sad tales doth tell
  to pencillxd pensiveness and colourxd sorrowx
  she lends them wordsx and she their looks doth borrowx

she throws her eyes about the painting roundx
and whom she finds forlorn she doth lamentx
at last she sees a wretched image boundx
that piteous looks to phrygian shepherds lentx
his facex though full of caresx yet showxd contentx
  onward to troy with the blunt swains he goesx
  so mildx that patience seemxd to scorn his woesx

in him the painter labourxd with his skill
to hide deceitx and give the harmless show
an humble gaitx calm looksx eyes wailing stillx
a brow unbentx that seemxd to welcome woex
cheeks neither red nor palex but mingled so
  that blushing red no guilty instance gavex
  nor ashy pale the fear that false hearts havex

butx like a constant and confirmed devilx
he entertainxd a show so seeming justx
and therein so ensconcxd his secret evilx
that jealousy itself cold not mistrust
falsexcreeping craft and perjury should thrust
  into so bright a day such blackxfacxd stormsx
  or blot with hellxborn sin such saintxlike formsx

the wellxskillxd workman this mild image drew
for perjurxd sinonx whose enchanting story
the credulous old priam after slewx
whose wordsx like wildfirex burnt the shining glory
of richxbuilt ilionx that the skies were sorryx
  and little stars shot from their fixed placesx
  when their glass fell wherein they viewxd their facesx

this picture she advisedly perusxdx
and chid the painter for his wondrous skillx
sayingx some shape in sinonxs was abusxdx
so fair a form lodged not a mind so illx
and still on him she gazxdx and gazing stillx
  such signs of truth in his plain face she spiedx
  that she concludes the picture was beliedx

xit cannot bexx quoth shex xthat so much guilexx
xshe would have saidx xcan lurk in such a lookxx
but tarquinxs shape came in her mind the whilex
and from her tongue xcan lurkx from xcannotx tookx
xit cannot bex she in that sense forsookx
  and turnxd it thusx xit cannot bex i findx
  but such a face should bear a wicked mindx

xfor even as subtle sinon here is paintedx
so soberxsadx so wearyx and so mildx
xas if with grief or travail he had faintedxx
to me came tarquin armedx so beguilxd
with outward honestyx but yet defilxd
  with inward vicex as priam him did cherishx
  so did i tarquinx so my troy did perishx

xlookx lookx how listening priam wets his eyesx
to see those borrowxd tears that sinon shedsx
priamx why art thou old and yet not wisex
for every tear he falls a trojan bleedsx
his eye drops firex no water thence proceedsx
  those round clear pearls of his that move thy pityx
  are balls of quenchless fire to burn thy cityx

xsuch devils steal effects from lightless hellx
for sinon in his fire doth quake with coldx
and in that cold hotxburning fire doth dwellx
these contraries such unity do holdx
only to flatter foolsx and make them boldx
  so priamxs trust false sinonxs tears doth flatterx
  that he finds means to burn his troy with waterxx

herex all enragxdx such passion her assailsx
that patience is quite beaten from her breastx
she tears the senseless sinon with her nailsx
comparing him to that unhappy guest
whose deed hath made herself herself detestx
  at last she smilingly with this gives oxerx
  xfoolx foolxx quoth shex xhis wounds will not be sorexx

thus ebbs and flows the current of her sorrowx
and time doth weary time with her complainingx
she looks for nightx and then she longs for morrowx
and both she thinks too long with her remainingx
short time seems long in sorrowxs sharp sustainingx
  though woe be heavyx yet it seldom sleepsx
  and they that watch see time how slow it creepsx

which all this time hath overslippxd her thoughtx
that she with painted images hath spentx
being from the feeling of her own grief brought
by deep surmise of othersx detrimentx
losing her woes in shows of discontentx
  it easeth somex though none it ever curxdx
  to think their dolour others have endurxdx

but now the mindful messengerx come backx
brings home his lord and other companyx
who finds his lucrece clad in mourning blackx
and round about her tearxdistained eye
blue circles streamxdx like rainbows in the skyx
  these waterxgalls in her dim element
  foretell new storms to those already spentx

which when her sadxbeholding husband sawx
amazedly in her sad face he staresx
her eyesx though sod in tearsx lookxd red and rawx
her lively colour killxd with deadly caresx
he hath no power to ask her how she faresx
  both stoodx like old acquaintance in a trancex
  met far from homex wondering each otherxs chancex

at last he takes her by the bloodless handx
and thus beginsx xwhat uncouth ill event
hath thee befallxnx that thou dost trembling standx
sweet lovex what spite hath thy fair colour spentx
why art thou thus attirxd in discontentx
  unmaskx dear dearx this moody heavinessx
  and tell thy griefx that we may give redressxx

three times with sighs she gives her sorrow firex
ere once she can discharge one word of woex
at length addressxd to answer his desirex
she modestly prepares to let them know
her honour is taxen prisoner by the foex
  while collatine and his consorted lords
  with sad attention long to hear her wordsx

and now this pale swan in her watery nest
begins the sad dirge of her certain endingx
xfew wordsxx quoth shex xshall fit the trespass bestx
where no excuse can give the fault amendingx
in me more woes than words are now dependingx
  and my laments would be drawn out too longx
  to tell them all with one poor tired tonguex

xthen be this all the task it hath to sayxx
dear husbandx in the interest of thy bed
a stranger camex and on that pillow lay
where thou wast wont to rest thy weary headx
and what wrong else may be imagined
  by foul enforcement might be done to mex
  from thatx alasx thy lucrece is not freex

xfor in the dreadful dead of dark midnightx
with shining falchion in my chamber came
a creeping creaturex with a flaming lightx
and softly cried awakex thou roman damex
and entertain my lovex else lasting shame
  on thee and thine this night i will inflictx
  if thou my lovexs desire do contradictx

xfor some hardxfavourxd groom of thinex quoth hex
unless thou yoke thy liking to my willx
ixll murder straightx and then ixll slaughter thee
and swear i found you where you did fulfil
the loathsome act of lustx and so did kill
  the lechers in their deedx this act will be
  my fame and thy perpetual infamyx

xwith thisx i did begin to start and cryx
and then against my heart he sets his swordx
swearingx unless i took all patientlyx
i should not live to speak another wordx
so should my shame still rest upon recordx
  and never be forgot in mighty rome
  the adulterate death of lucrece and her groomx

xmine enemy was strongx my poor self weakx
and far the weaker with so strong a fearx
my bloody judge forbade my tongue to speakx
no rightful plea might plead for justice therex
his scarlet lust came evidence to swear
  that my poor beauty had purloinxd his eyesx
  and when the judge is robbxd the prisoner diesx

xox teach me how to make mine own excusex
or at the least this refuge let me findx
though my gross blood be stainxd with this abusex
immaculate and spotless is my mindx
that was not forcxdx that never was inclinxd
  to accessary yieldingsx but still pure
  doth in her poisonxd closet yet endurexx

lox herex the hopeless merchant of this lossx
with head declinxdx and voice dammxd up with woex
with sad set eyesx and wretched arms acrossx
from lips newxwaxen pale begins to blow
the grief away that stops his answer sox
  but wretched as he is he strives in vainx
  what he breathes out his breath drinks up againx

as through an arch the violent roaring tide
outruns the eye that doth behold his hastex
yet in the eddy boundeth in his pride
back to the strait that forcxd him on so fastx
in rage sent outx recallxd in ragex being pastx
  even so his sighsx his sorrows make a sawx
  to push grief onx and back the same grief drawx

which speechless woe of his poor she attendethx
and his untimely frenzy thus awakethx
xdear lordx thy sorrow to my sorrow lendeth
another powerx no flood by raining slakethx
my woe too sensible thy passion maketh
  more feelingxpainfulx let it then suffice
  to drown one woex one pair of weeping eyesx

xand for my sakex when i might charm thee sox
for she that was thy lucrecexxnow attend mex
be suddenly revenged on my foex
thinex minex his ownx suppose thou dost defend me
from what is pastx the help that thou shalt lend me
  comes all too latex yet let the traitor diex
  for sparing justice feeds iniquityx

xbut ere i name himx you fair lordsxx quoth shex
xspeaking to those that came with collatinex
xshall plight your honourable faiths to mex
with swift pursuit to venge this wrong of minex
for xtis a meritorious fair design
  to chase injustice with revengeful armsx
  knightsx by their oathsx should right poor ladiesx harmsxx

at this requestx with noble disposition
each present lord began to promise aidx
as bound in knighthood to her impositionx
longing to hear the hateful foe bewrayxdx
but shex that yet her sad task hath not saidx
  the protestation stopsx xox speakxx quoth shex
 xhow may this forced stain be wipxd from mex

xwhat is the quality of mine offencex
being constrainxd with dreadful circumstancex
may my pure mind with the foul act dispensex
my lowxdeclined honour to advancex
may any terms acquit me from this chancex
  the poisonxd fountain clears itself againx
  and why not i from this compelled stainx

with thisx they all at once began to sayx
her bodyxs stain her mind untainted clearsx
while with a joyless smile she turns away
the facex that map which deep impression bears
of hard misfortunex carvxd in it with tearsx
  xnox noxx quoth shex xno damex hereafter livingx
  by my excuse shall claim excusexs givingx

here with a sighx as if her heart would breakx
she throws forth tarquinxs namex xhex hexx she saysx
but more than xhex her poor tongue could not speakx
till after many accents and delaysx
untimely breathingsx sick and short assaysx
  she utters thisx xhex hex fair lordsx xtis hex
  that guides this hand to give this wound to mexx

even here she sheathed in her harmless breast
a harmful knifex that thence her soul unsheathxdx
that blow did bail it from the deep unrest
of that polluted prison where it breathxdx
her contrite sighs unto the clouds bequeathxd
  her winged spritex and through her wounds doth fly
  lifexs lasting date from cancellxd destinyx

stonexstillx astonishxd with this deadly deedx
stood collatine and all his lordly crewx
till lucrecex father that beholds her bleedx
himself on her selfxslaughterxd body threwx
and from the purple fountain brutus drew
  the murderous knifex andx as it left the placex
  her bloodx in poor revengex held it in chasex

and bubbling from her breastx it doth divide
in two slow riversx that the crimson blood
circles her body in on every sidex
whox like a latexsackxd islandx vastly stood
bare and unpeopledx in this fearful floodx
  some of her blood still pure and red remainxdx
  and some lookxd blackx and that false tarquin stainxdx

about the mourning and congealed face
of that black blood a watery rigol goesx
which seems to weep upon the tainted placex
and ever sincex as pitying lucrecex woesx
corrupted blood some watery token showsx
  and blood untainted still doth red abidex
  blushing at that which is so putrifiedx

xdaughterx dear daughterxx old lucretius criesx
xthat life was mine which thou hast here deprivxdx
if in the child the fatherxs image liesx
where shall i live now lucrece is unlivxdx
thou wast not to this end from me derivxd
  if children prexdecease progenitorsx
  we are their offspringx and they none of oursx

xpoor broken glassx i often did behold
in thy sweet semblance my old age new bornx
but now that fair fresh mirrorx dim and oldx
shows me a barexbonxd death by time outwornx
ox from thy cheeks my image thou hast tornx
  and shiverxd all the beauty of my glassx
  that i no more can see what once i wasx

xo timex cease thou thy course and last no longerx
if they surcease to be that should survivex
shall rotten death make conquest of the strongerx
and leave the faltering feeble souls alivex
the old bees diex the young possess their hivex
  then livex sweet lucrecex live againx and see
  thy father diex and not thy father theexx

by this starts collatine as from a dreamx
and bids lucretius give his sorrow placex
and then in keyxcold lucrecex bleeding stream
he fallsx and bathes the pale fear in his facex
and counterfeits to die with her a spacex
  till manly shame bids him possess his breathx
  and livex to be revenged on her deathx

the deep vexation of his inward soul
hath servxd a dumb arrest upon his tonguex
whox mad that sorrow should his use controlx
or keep him from heartxeasing words so longx
begins to talkx but through his lips do throng
  weak wordsx so thick come in his poor heartxs aidx
  that no man could distinguish what he saidx

yet sometime xtarquinx was pronounced plainx
but through his teethx as if the name he torex
this windy tempestx till it blow up rainx
held back his sorrowxs tidex to make it morex
at last it rainsx and busy winds give oxerx
  then son and father weep with equal strifex
  who should weep mostx for daughter or for wifex

the one doth call her hisx the other hisx
yet neither may possess the claim they layx
the father says xshexs minexx xox mine she isxx
replies her husbandx xdo not take away
my sorrowxs interestx let no mourner say
  he weeps for herx for she was only minex
  and only must be wailxd by collatinexx

xoxx quoth lucretiusx xi did give that life
which she too early and too late hath spillxdxx
xwoex woexx quoth collatinex xshe was my wifex
i owed herx and xtis mine that she hath killxdxx
xmy daughterx and xmy wifex with clamours fillxd
  the dispersxd airx whox holding lucrecex lifex
  answerxd their criesx xmy daughterxx and xmy wifexx

brutusx who pluckxd the knife from lucrecex sidex
seeing such emulation in their woex
began to clothe his wit in state and pridex
burying in lucrecex wound his follyxs showx
he with the romans was esteemed so
  as sillyxjeering idiots are with kingsx
  for sportive wordsx and uttering foolish thingsx

but now he throws that shallow habit byx
wherein deep policy did him disguisex
and armxd his longxhid wits advisedlyx
to check the tears in collatinusx eyesx
xthou wronged lord of romexx quoth hex xarisex
  let my unsounded selfx supposxd a foolx
  now set thy longxexperiencxd wit to schoolx

xwhyx collatinex is woe the cure for woex
do wounds help woundsx or grief help grievous deedsx
is it revenge to give thyself a blowx
for his foul act by whom thy fair wife bleedsx
such childish humour from weak minds proceedsx
  thy wretched wife mistook the matter sox
  to slay herselfx that should have slain her foex

xcourageous romanx do not steep thy heart
in such relenting dew of lamentationsx
but kneel with mex and help to bear thy partx
to rouse our roman gods with invocationsx
that they will suffer these abominationsx
 xsince rome herself in them doth stand disgracxdxx
  by our strong arms from forth her fair streets chasxdx

xnowx by the capitol that we adorex
and by this chaste blood so unjustly stainxdx
by heavenxs fair sun that breeds the fat earthxs storex
by all our country rights in rome maintainxdx
and by chaste lucrecex soul that late complainxd
  her wrongs to usx and by this bloody knifex
  we will revenge the death of this true wifexx

this saidx he struck his hand upon his breastx
and kissxd the fatal knifex to end his vowx
and to his protestation urgxd the restx
whox wondering at himx did his words allowx
then jointly to the ground their knees they bowx
  and that deep vowx which brutus made beforex
  he doth again repeatx and that they sworex

when they had sworn to this advised doomx
they did conclude to bear dead lucrece thencex
to show her bleeding body thorough romex
and so to publish tarquinxs foul offencex
which being done with speedy diligencex
  the romans plausibly did give consent
  to tarquinxs everlasting banishmentx






 venus and adonis



            xvilia miretur vulgusx mihi flavus apollo
            pocula castalia plena ministret aquaxx




to the right honourable
henry wriothesleyx  earl of southamptonx
and baron of titchfieldx

right honourablex i know not how i shall offend in dedicating my
unpolished lines to your lordshipx nor how the world will censure me
for choosing so strong a prop to support so weak a burthenx onlyx if
your honour seem but pleasedx i account myself highly praisedx and vow
to take advantage of all idle hoursx till i have honoured you with some
graver labourx but if the first heir of my invention prove deformedx i
shall be sorry it had so noble a godfatherx and never after ear so
barren a landx for fear it yield me still so bad a harvestx i leave it
to your honourable surveyx and your honour to your heartxs contentx
which i wish may always answer your own wish and the worldxs hopeful
expectationx

your honourxs in all dutyx
william shakespearex






 venus and adonis

even as the sun with purplexcolourxd face
had taxen his last leave of the weeping mornx
rosexcheekxd adonis tried him to the chasex
hunting he lovxdx but love he laughxd to scornx        x
  sickxthoughted venus makes amain unto himx
  and like a boldxfacxd suitor xgins to woo himx

xthrice fairer than myselfxx thus she beganx
xthe fieldxs chief flowerx sweet above comparex        x
stain to all nymphsx more lovely than a manx
more white and red than doves or roses arex
  nature that made theex with herself at strifex
  saith that the world hath ending with thy lifex     xx

xvouchsafex thou wonderx to alight thy steedx
and rein his proud head to the saddlexbowx
if thou wilt deign this favourx for thy meed
a thousand honey secrets shalt thou knowx             xx
  here come and sitx where never serpent hissesx
  and being setx ixll smother thee with kissesx

xand yet not cloy thy lips with loathxd satietyx
but rather famish them amid their plentyx             xx
making them redx and palex with fresh varietyx
ten kisses short as onex one long as twentyx
  a summerxs day will seem an hour but shortx
  being wasted in such timexbeguiling sportxx         xx

with this she seizeth on his sweating palmx
the precedent of pith and livelihoodx
and trembling in her passionx calls it balmx
earthxs sovereign salve to do a goddess goodx         xx
  being so enragxdx desire doth lend her force
  courageously to pluck him from his horsex

over one arm the lusty courserxs reinx
under her other was the tender boyx                   xx
who blushxd and pouted in a dull disdainx
with leaden appetitex unapt to toyx
  she red and hot as coals of glowing firex
  he red for shamex but frosty in desirex             xx

the studded bridle on a ragged bough
nimbly she fastensxxox how quick is lovexx
the steed is stalled upx and even now
to tie the rider she begins to provex                 xx
  backward she pushxd himx as she would be thrustx
  and governxd him in strengthx though not in lustx

so soon was she alongx as he was downx
each leaning on their elbows and their hipsx          xx
now doth she stroke his cheekx now doth he frownx
and xgins to chidex but soon she stops his lipsx
  and kissing speaksx with lustful language brokenx
  xif thou wilt chidex thy lips shall never openxx    xx

he burns with bashful shamex she with her tears
doth quench the maiden burning of his cheeksx
then with her windy sighs and golden hairs
to fan and blow them dry again she seeksx             xx
  he saith she is immodestx blames her missx
  what follows morex she murders with a kissx

even as an empty eaglex sharp by fastx
tires with her beak on feathersx flesh and bonex      xx
shaking her wingsx devouring all in hastex
till either gorge be stuffxd or prey be gonex
  even so she kissxd his browx his cheekx his chinx
  and where she ends she doth anew beginx             xx

forcxd to contentx but never to obeyx
panting he liesx and breatheth in her facex
she feedeth on the steamx as on a preyx
and calls it heavenly moisturex air of gracex         xx
  wishing her cheeks were gardens full of flowers
  so they were dewxd with such distilling showersx

look how a bird lies tangled in a netx
so fastenxd in her arms adonis liesx                  xx
pure shame and awxd resistance made him fretx
which bred more beauty in his angry eyesx
  rain added to a river that is rank
  perforce will force it overflow the bankx           xx

still she entreatsx and prettily entreatsx
for to a pretty ear she tunes her talex
still is he sullenx still he lours and fretsx
xtwixt crimson shame and anger ashy palex             xx
  being red she loves him bestx and being whitex
  her best is betterxd with a more delightx

look how he canx she cannot choose but lovex
and by her fair immortal hand she swearsx             xx
from his soft bosom never to removex
till he take truce with her contending tearsx
  which long have rainxdx making her cheeks all wetx
  and one sweet kiss shall pay this countless debtx

upon this promise did he raise his chinx               xx
like a divexdapper peering through a wavex
whox being lookxd onx ducks as quickly inx
so offers he to give what she did cravex               xx
  but when her lips were ready for his payx
  he winksx and turns his lips another wayx

never did passenger in summerxs heat
more thirst for drink than she for this good turnx    xx
her help she seesx but help she cannot getx
she bathes in waterx yet her fire must burnx
  xox pityxx xgan she cryx xflintxhearted boyx
  xtis but a kiss i begx why art thou coyx            xx

xi have been wooxd as i entreat thee nowx
even by the stern and direful god of warx
whose sinewy neck in battle nexer did bowx
who conquers where he comes in every jarx             xxx
  yet hath he been my captive and my slavex
  and beggxd for that which thou unaskxd shalt havex

xover my altars hath he hung his lancex
his batterxd shieldx his uncontrolled crestx          xxx
and for my sake hath learnxd to sport and dancex
to toyx to wantonx dallyx smilex and jestx
  scorning his churlish drum and ensign red
  making my arms his fieldx his tent my bedx         xxx

xthus he that overrulxd i overswayxdx
leading him prisoner in a red rose chainx
strongxtemperxd steel his stronger strength obeyxdx
yet was he servile to my coy disdainx                xxx
  oh be not proudx nor brag not of thy mightx
  for mastxring her that foilxd the god of fightx

xtouch but my lips with those fair lips of thinex
though mine be not so fairx yet are they redx        xxx
the kiss shall be thine own as well as minex
what seexst thou in the groundx hold up thy headx
  look in mine eyeballsx there thy beauty liesx
  then why not lips on lipsx since eyes in eyesx     xxx

xart thou ashamxd to kissx then wink againx
and i will winkx so shall the day seem nightx
love keeps his revels where there are but twainx
be bold to playx our sport is not in sightx          xxx
  these bluexveinxd violets whereon we lean
  never can blabx nor know not what we meanx

xthe tender spring upon thy tempting lip             xxx
shows thee unripex yet mayst thou well be tastedx
make use of timex let not advantage slipx
beauty within itself should not be wastedx
  fair flowers that are not gatherxd in their prime
  rotx and consume themselves in little timex         xxx

xwere i hardxfavourxdx foulx or wrinkled oldx
illxnurturxdx crookedx churlishx harsh in voicex
oxerwornx despisedx rheumaticx and coldx
thickxsightedx barrenx leanx and lacking juicex      xxx
  then mightst thou pausex for then i were not for theex
  but having no defectsx why dost abhor mex

xthou canst not see one wrinkle in my browx           xxx
mine eyes are grey and brightx and quick in turningx
my beauty as the spring doth yearly growx
my flesh is soft and plumpx my marrow burningx
  my smooth moist handx were it with thy hand feltx
  would in thy palm dissolvex or seem to meltx       xxx

xbid me discoursex i will enchant thine earx
or like a fairyx trip upon the greenx
or like a nymphx with long dishevellxd hairx
dance on the sandsx and yet no footing seenx         xxx
  love is a spirit all compact of firex
  not gross to sinkx but lightx and will aspirex

xwitness this primrose bank whereon i liex           xxx
these forceless flowers like sturdy trees support mex
two strengthless doves will draw me through the skyx
from morn till nightx even where i list to sport mex
  is love so lightx sweet boyx and may it be
  that thou shouldst think it heavy unto theex       xxx

xis thine own heart to thine own face affectedx
can thy right hand seize love upon thy leftx
then woo thyselfx be of thyself rejectedx
steal thine own freedomx and complain on theftx      xxx
  narcissus so himself himself forsookx
  and died to kiss his shadow in the brookx

xtorches are made to lightx jewels to wearx
dainties to tastex fresh beauty for the usex         xxx
herbs for their smellx and sappy plants to bearx
things growing to themselves are growthxs abusex
  seeds spring from seedsx and beauty breedeth beautyx
  thou wast begotx to get it is thy dutyx            xxx

xupon the earthxs increase why shouldst thou feedx
unless the earth with thy increase be fedx
by law of nature thou art bound to breedx
that thine may live when thou thyself art deadx      xxx
  and so in spite of death thou dost survivex
  in that thy likeness still is left alivexx

by this the lovexsick queen began to sweatx
for where they lay the shadow had forsook themx      xxx
and titanx tired in the midday heatx
with burning eye did hotly overlook themx
  wishing adonis had his team to guidex
  so he were like him and by venusx sidex            xxx

and now adonis with a lazy sprightx
and with a heavyx darkx disliking eyex
his louring brows oxerwhelming his fair sightx
like misty vapours when they blot the skyx           xxx
  souring his cheeksx criesx xfiex no more of lovex
  the sun doth burn my facex i must removexx

xay mexx quoth venusx xyoungx and so unkindx
what bare excuses makxst thou to be gonex            xxx
ixll sigh celestial breathx whose gentle wind
shall cool the heat of this descending sunx
  ixll make a shadow for thee of my hairsx
  if they burn toox ixll quench them with my tearsx  xxx

xthe sun that shines from heaven shines but warmx
and lo i lie between that sun and theex
the heat i have from thence doth little harmx
thine eye darts forth the fire that burneth mex      xxx
  and were i not immortalx life were donex
  between this heavenly and earthly sunx

xart thou obduratex flintyx hard as steelx
nay more than flintx for stone at rain relentethx    xxx
art thou a womanxs son and canst not feel
what xtis to lovex how want of love tormentethx
  o had thy mother borne so hard a mindx
  she had not brought forth theex but died unkindx   xxx

xwhat am i that thou shouldst contemn me thisx
or what great danger dwells upon my suitx
what were thy lips the worse for one poor kissx
speakx fairx but speak fair wordsx or else be mutex  xxx
  give me one kissx ixll give it thee againx
  and one for intxrestx if thou wilt have twainx

xfiex lifeless picturex cold and senseless stonex
wellxpainted idolx image dull and deadx              xxx
statue contenting but the eye alonex
thing like a manx but of no woman bredx
  thou art no manx though of a manxs complexionx
  for men will kiss even by their own directionxx    xxx

this saidx impatience chokes her pleading tonguex
and swelling passion doth provoke a pausex
red cheeks and fiery eyes blaze forth her wrongx
being judge in lovex she cannot right her causex     xxx
  and now she weepsx and now she fain would speakx
  and now her sobs do her intendments breakx

sometimes she shakes her headx and then his handx
now gazeth she on himx now on the groundx            xxx
sometimes her arms infold him like a bandx
she wouldx he will not in her arms be boundx
  and when from thence he struggles to be gonex
  she locks her lily fingers one in onex             xxx

xfondlingxx she saithx xsince i have hemmxd thee here
within the circuit of this ivory palex
ixll be a parkx and thou shalt be my deerx
feed where thou wiltx on mountain or in dalex        xxx
  graze on my lipsx and if those hills be dryx
  stray lowerx where the pleasant fountains liex

xwithin this limit is relief enoughx
sweet bottom grass and high delightful plainx        xxx
round rising hillocksx brakes obscure and roughx
to shelter thee from tempest and from rainx
  then be my deerx since i am such a parkx           xxx
  no dog shall rouse theex though a thousand barkxx

at this adonis smiles as in disdainx
that in each cheek appears a pretty dimplex
love made those hollowsx if himself were slainx
he might be buried in a tomb so simplex              xxx
  foreknowing wellx if there he came to liex
  why there love livxdx and there he could not diex

these lovely cavesx these round enchanting pitsx
openxd their mouths to swallow venusx likingx        xxx
being mad beforex how doth she now for witsx
struck dead at firstx what needs a second strikingx
  poor queen of lovex in thine own law forlornx
  to love a cheek that smiles at thee in scornx      xxx

now which way shall she turnx what shall she sayx
her words are donex her woes the more increasingx
the time is spentx her object will awayx
and from her twining arms doth urge releasingx       xxx
  xpityxx she criesx xsome favourx some remorsexx
  away he springsx and hasteth to his horsex

but lo from forth a copse that neighbours byx
a breeding jennetx lustyx youngx and proudx          xxx
adonisx tramping courser doth espyx
and forth she rushesx snorts and neighs aloudx
  the strongxneckxd steedx being tied unto a treex
  breaketh his reinx and to her straight goes hex    xxx

imperiously he leapsx he neighsx he boundsx
and now his woven girths he breaks asunderx
the bearing earth with his hard hoof he woundsx
whose hollow womb resounds like heavenxs thunderx
  the iron bit he crusheth xtween his teethx         xxx
  controlling what he was controlled withx

his ears upxprickxdx his braided hanging mane
upon his compassxd crest now stand on endx           xxx
his nostrils drink the airx and forth againx
as from a furnacex vapours doth he sendx
  his eyex which scornfully glisters like firex
  shows his hot courage and his high desirex         xxx

sometime he trotsx as if he told the stepsx
with gentle majesty and modest pridex
anon he rears uprightx curvets and leapsx
as who should sayx xlo thus my strength is triedx
  and this i do to captivate the eye                 xxx
  of the fair breeder that is standing byxx

what recketh he his riderxs angry stirx
his flattering xhollaxx or his xstandx i sayxx       xxx
what cares he now for curb or pricking spurx
for rich caparisons or trappings gayx
  he sees his lovex and nothing else he seesx
  nor nothing else with his proud sight agreesx      xxx

look when a painter would surpass the lifex
in limning out a wellxproportionxd steedx
his art with naturexs workmanship at strifex
as if the dead the living should exceedx             xxx
  so did this horse excel a common onex
  in shapex in couragex colourx pace and bonex

roundxhoofxdx shortxjointedx fetlocks shag and longx
broad breastx full eyex small headx and nostril widex
high crestx short earsx straight legs and passing strongx
thin manex thick tailx broad buttockx tender hidex
  lookx what a horse should have he did not lackx
  save a proud rider on so proud a backx             xxx

sometimes he scuds far offx and there he staresx
anon he starts at stirring of a featherx
to bid the wind a base he now preparesx
and where he run or fly they know not whetherx       xxx
  for through his mane and tail the high wind singsx
  fanning the hairsx who wave like featherxd wingsx

he looks upon his lovex and neighs unto herx
she answers him as if she knew his mindx             xxx
being proudx as females arex to see him woo herx
she puts on outward strangenessx seems unkindx
  spurns at his love and scorns the heat he feelsx
  beating his kind embracements with her heelsx      xxx

then like a melancholy malcontentx
he vails his tail that like a falling plumex
cool shadow to his melting buttock lentx
he stampsx and bites the poor flies in his fumex     xxx
  his lovex perceiving how he was enragxdx
  grew kinderx and his fury was assuagxdx

his testy master goeth about to take himx
when lo the unbackxd breederx full of fearx         xxx
jealous of catchingx swiftly doth forsake himx
with her the horsex and left adonis therex
  as they were madx unto the wood they hie themx
  outstripping crows that strive to overfly themx    xxx

all swoln with chafingx down adonis sitsx
banning his boisterous and unruly beastx
and now the happy season once more fits
that lovexsick love by pleading may be blestx        xxx
  for lovers sayx the heart hath treble wrongx
  when it is barrxd the aidance of the tonguex

an oven that is stoppxdx or river stayxdx
burneth more hotlyx swelleth with more ragex         xxx
so of concealed sorrow may be saidx
free vent of words lovexs fire doth assuagex
  but when the heartxs attorney once is mutex
  the client breaksx as desperate in his suitx       xxx

he sees her comingx and begins to glowx
even as a dying coal revives with windx
and with his bonnet hides his angry browx
looks on the dull earth with disturbed mindx         xxx
  taking no notice that she is so nighx
  for all askance he holds her in his eyex

o what a sight it wasx wistly to view
how she came stealing to the wayward boyx            xxx
to note the fighting conflict of her huex
how white and red each other did destroyx
  but now her cheek was palex and by and by
  it flashxd forth firex as lightning from the skyx  xxx

now was she just before him as he satx
and like a lowly lover down she kneelsx
with one fair hand she heaveth up his hatx
her other tender hand his fair cheek feelsx          xxx
  his tendxrer cheek receives her soft handxs printx
  as apt as newxfallxn snow takes any dintx

oh what a war of looks was then between themx
her eyes petitioners to his eyes suingx              xxx
his eyes saw her eyesx as they had not seen themx
her eyes wooxd stillx his eyes disdainxd the wooingx
  and all this dumb play had his acts made plain
  with tearsx whichx chorusxlikex her eyes did rainx

full gently now she takes him by the handx           xxx
a lily prisonxd in a gaol of snowx
or ivory in an alabaster bandx
so white a friend engirts so white a foex            xxx
  this beauteous combatx wilful and unwillingx
  showxd like two silver doves that sit axbillingx

once more the engine of her thoughts beganx
xo fairest mover on this mortal roundx               xxx
would thou wert as i amx and i a manx
my heart all whole as thinex thy heart my woundx
  for one sweet look thy help i would assure theex
  though nothing but my bodyxs bane would cure theexx

xgive me my handxx saith hex xwhy dost thou feel itxx
xgive me my heartxx saith shex xand thou shalt have itx
o give it me lest thy hard heart do steel itx
and being steelxdx soft sighs can never grave itx    xxx
  then lovexs deep groans i never shall regardx
  because adonisx heart hath made mine hardxx

xfor shamexx he criesx xlet gox and let me gox
my dayxs delight is pastx my horse is gonex          xxx
and xtis your fault i am bereft him sox
i pray you hencex and leave me here alonex
  for all my mindx my thoughtx my busy carex
  is how to get my palfrey from the marexx           xxx

thus she repliesx xthy palfrey as he shouldx
welcomes the warm approach of sweet desirex
affection is a coal that must be coolxdx
elsex sufferxdx it will set the heart on firex       xxx
  the sea hath boundsx but deep desire hath nonex
  therefore no marvel though thy horse be gonex

xhow like a jade he stood tied to the treex
servilely masterxd with a leathern reinx             xxx
but when he saw his lovex his youthxs fair feex
he held such petty bondage in disdainx
  throwing the base thong from his bending crestx
  enfranchising his mouthx his backx his breastx     xxx

xwho sees his truexlove in her naked bedx
teaching the sheets a whiter hue than whitex
but when his glutton eye so full hath fedx
his other agents aim at like delightx                xxx
  who is so faint that dare not be so bold
  to touch the firex the weather being coldx

xlet me excuse thy courserx gentle boyx
and learn of himx i heartily beseech theex           xxx
to take advantage on presented joyx
though i were dumbx yet his proceedings teach theex
  o learn to lovex the lesson is but plainx
  and once made perfectx never lost againxx          xxx

xi know not lovexx quoth hex xnor will not know itx
unless it be a boarx and then i chase itx
xtis much to borrowx and i will not owe itx
my love to love is love but to disgrace itx          xxx
  for i have heardx it is a life in deathx
  that laughs and weepsx and all but with a breathx

xwho wears a garment shapeless and unfinishxdx
who plucks the bud before one leaf put forthx        xxx
if springing things be any jot diminishxdx
they wither in their primex prove nothing worthx
  the colt thatxs backxd and burdenxd being youngx
  loseth his pridex and never waxeth strongx         xxx

xyou hurt my hand with wringingx let us partx
and leave this idle themex this bootless chatx
remove your siege from my unyielding heartx
to lovexs alarms it will not ope the gatex           xxx
  dismiss your vowsx your feigned tearsx your flattxryx
  for where a heart is hard they make no battxryxx

xwhatx canst thou talkxx quoth shex xhast thou a tonguex
o would thou hadst notx or i had no hearingx        xxx
thy mermaidxs voice hath done me double wrongx
i had my load beforex now pressxd with bearingx
  melodious discordx heavenly tunex harshxsoundingx
  earxs deep sweet musicx and heartxs deep sore woundingx

xhad i no eyes but earsx my ears would love          xxx
that inward beauty and invisiblex
or were i deafx thy outward parts would move
each part in me that were but sensiblex              xxx
  though neither eyes nor earsx to hear nor seex
  yet should i be in love by touching theex

xsay that the sense of feeling were bereft mex
and that i could not seex nor hearx nor touchx       xxx
and nothing but the very smell were left mex
yet would my love to thee be still as muchx
  for from the stillitory of thy face excelling
  comes breath perfumxdx that breedeth love by smellingx

xbut oh what banquet wert thou to the tastex         xxx
being nurse and feeder of the other fourx
would they not wish the feast might ever lastx
and bid suspicion doublexlock the doorx
  lest jealousyx that sour unwelcome guestx
  should by his stealing in disturb the feastxx      xxx

once more the rubyxcolourxd portal openxdx
which to his speech did honey passage yieldx         xxx
like a red morn that ever yet betokenxd
wrack to the seamanx tempest to the fieldx
  sorrow to shepherdsx woe unto the birdsx
  gusts and foul flaws to herdmen and to herdsx      xxx

this ill presage advisedly she markethx
even as the wind is hushxd before it rainethx
or as the wolf doth grin before he barkethx
or as the berry breaks before it stainethx           xxx
  or like the deadly bullet of a gunx
  his meaning struck her ere his words begunx

and at his look she flatly falleth down
for looks kill lovex and love by looks revivethx     xxx
a smile recures the wounding of a frownx
but blessed bankroutx that by love so thrivethx
  the silly boyx believing she is deadx
  claps her pale cheekx till clapping makes it redx  xxx

and all amazxd brake off his late intentx
for sharply he did think to reprehend herx
which cunning love did wittily preventx
fair fall the wit that can so well defend herx       xxx
  for on the grass she lies as she were slainx
  till his breath breatheth life in her againx

he wrings her nosex he strikes her on the cheeksx
he bends her fingersx holds her pulses hardx         xxx
he chafes her lipsx a thousand ways he seeks
to mend the hurt that his unkindness marrxdx
  he kisses herx and shex by her good willx
  will never risex so he will kiss her stillx        xxx

the night of sorrow now is turnxd to dayx
her two blue windows faintly she upxheavethx
like the fair sun when in his fresh array
he cheers the mornx and all the world relievethx     xxx
  and as the bright sun glorifies the skyx
  so is her face illuminxd with her eyex

whose beams upon his hairless face are fixxdx
as if from thence they borrowxd all their shinex     xxx
were never four such lamps together mixxdx
had not his clouded with his browxs repinex
  but hersx which through the crystal tears gave light
  shone like the moon in water seen by nightx        xxx

xo where am ixx quoth shex xin earth or heavenx
or in the ocean drenchxdx or in the firex
what hour is thisx or morn or weary evenx
do i delight to diex or life desirex                 xxx
  but now i livxdx and life was deathxs annoyx
  but now i diedx and death was lively joyx

xo thou didst kill mex kill me once againx
thy eyesx shrewd tutorx that hard heart of thinex    xxx
hath taught them scornful tricksx and such disdainx
that they have murderxd this poor heart of minex
  and these mine eyesx true leaders to their queenx
  but for thy piteous lips no more had seenx         xxx

xlong may they kiss each other for this curex
oh never let their crimson liveries wearx
and as they lastx their verdure still endurex
to drive infection from the dangerous yearx          xxx
  that the starxgazersx having writ on deathx
  may sayx the plague is banishxd by thy breathx

xpure lipsx sweet seals in my soft lips imprintedx
what bargains may i makex still to be sealingx       xxx
to sell myself i can be well contentedx
so thou wilt buyx and payx and use good dealingx
  which purchase if thou makex for fear of slipsx
  set thy seal manual on my waxxred lipsx            xxx

xa thousand kisses buys my heart from mex
and pay them at thy leisurex one by onex
what is ten hundred touches unto theex
are they not quickly told and quickly gonex          xxx
  sayx for nonxpayment that the debt should doublex
  is twenty hundred kisses such a troublexx

xfair queenxx quoth hex xif any love you owe mex
measure my strangeness with my unripe yearsx         xxx
before i know myselfx seek not to know mex
no fisher but the ungrown fry forbearsx
  the mellow plum doth fallx the green sticks fastx
  or being early pluckxdx is sour to tastex          xxx

xlook the worldxs comforterx with weary gait
his dayxs hot task hath ended in the westx
the owlx nightxs heraldx shrieksx xtis very latex
the sheep are gone to foldx birds to their nestx     xxx
  and coalxblack clouds that shadow heavenxs light
  do summon us to partx and bid good nightx

xnow let me say good nightx and so say youx
if you will say sox you shall have a kissxx          xxx
xgood nightxx quoth shex and ere he says adieux
the honey fee of parting tenderxd isx
  her arms do lend his neck a sweet embracex
  incorporate then they seemx face grows to facex    xxx

till breathless he disjoinxdx and backward drew
the heavenly moisturex that sweet coral mouthx
whose precious taste her thirsty lips well knewx
whereon they surfeitx yet complain on drouthx        xxx
  he with her plenty pressxdx she faint with dearthx
  their lips together gluedx fall to the earthx

now quick desire hath caught the yielding preyx
and gluttonxlike she feedsx yet never fillethx       xxx
her lips are conquerorsx his lips obeyx
paying what ransom the insulter willethx
  whose vulture thought doth pitch the price so highx
  that she will draw his lipsx rich treasure dryx    xxx

and having felt the sweetness of the spoilx
with blindfold fury she begins to foragex
her face doth reek and smokex her blood doth boilx
and careless lust stirs up a desperate couragex      xxx
  planting oblivionx beating reason backx
  forgetting shamexs pure blush and honourxs wrackx

hotx faintx and wearyx with her hard embracingx
like a wild bird being tamxd with too much handlingx
or as the fleetxfoot roe thatxs tirxd with chasingx  xxx
or like the froward infant stillxd with dandlingx
  he now obeysx and now no more resistethx
  while she takes all she canx not all she listethx  xxx

what wax so frozen but dissolves with tempxringx
and yields at last to every light impressionx
things out of hope are compassxd oft with ventxringx
chiefly in lovex whose leave exceeds commissionx     xxx
  affection faints not like a palexfacxd cowardx
  but then woos best when most his choice is frowardx

when he did frownx o had she then gave overx
such nectar from his lips she had not suckxdx        xxx
foul words and frowns must not repel a loverx
what though the rose have pricklesx yet xtis pluckxdx
  were beauty under twenty locks kept fastx
  yet love breaks throughx and picks them all at lastx

for pity now she can no more detain himx             xxx
the poor fool prays her that he may departx
she is resolvxd no longer to restrain himx
bids him farewellx and look well to her heartx       xxx
  the which by cupidxs bow she doth protestx
  he carries thence encaged in his breastx

xsweet boyxx she saysx xthis night ixll waste in sorrowx
for my sick heart commands mine eyes to watchx       xxx
tell mex lovexs masterx shall we meet tomorrow
sayx shall wex shall wex wilt thou make the matchxx
  he tells her nox tomorrow he intends
  to hunt the boar with certain of his friendsx      xxx

xthe boarxx quoth shex whereat a sudden palex
like lawn being spread upon the blushing rosex
usurps her cheekx she trembles at his talex
and on his neck her yoking arms she throwsx          xxx
  she sinketh downx still hanging by his neckx
  he on her belly fallsx she on her backx

now is she in the very lists of lovex
her champion mounted for the hot encounterx          xxx
all is imaginary she doth provex
he will not manage herx although he mount herx
  that worse than tantalusx is her annoyx
  to clip elysium and to lack her joyx               xxx

even as poor birdsx deceivxd with painted grapesx
do surfeit by the eye and pine the mawx
even so she languisheth in her mishapsx
as those poor birds that helpless berries sawx       xxx
  the warm effects which she in him finds missingx
  she seeks to kindle with continual kissingx

but all in vainx good queenx it will not bex
she hath assayxd as much as may be provxdx           xxx
her pleading hath deservxd a greater feex
shexs lovex she lovesx and yet she is not lovxdx
  xfiex fiexx he saysx xyou crush mex let me gox
  you have no reason to withhold me soxx             xxx

xthou hadst been gonexx quoth shex xsweet boyx ere thisx
but that thou toldxst me thou wouldst hunt the boarx
oh be advisxdx thou knowxst not what it isx
with javelinxs point a churlish swine to gorex       xxx
  whose tushes never sheathxd he whetteth stillx
  like to a mortal butcherx bent to killx

xon his bowxback he hath a battle set
of bristly pikesx that ever threat his foesx         xxx
his eyes like glowxworms shine when he doth fretx
his snout digs sepulchres wherexer he goesx
  being movxdx he strikes whatexer is in his wayx
  and whom he strikes his crooked tushes slayx       xxx

xhis brawny sidesx with hairy bristles armedx
are better proof than thy spearxs point can enterx
his short thick neck cannot be easily harmedx
being irefulx on the lion he will venturex           xxx
  the thorny brambles and embracing bushesx
  as fearful of himx partx through whom he rushesx

xalasx he naught esteems that face of thinex
to which lovexs eyes pay tributary gazesx            xxx
nor thy soft handsx sweet lipsx and crystal eynex
whose full perfection all the world amazesx
  but having thee at vantagex wondrous dreadx
  would root these beauties as he roots the meadx

xoh let him keep his loathsome cabin stillx          xxx
beauty hath naught to do with such foul fiendsx
come not within his danger by thy willx
they that thrive wellx take counsel of their friendsx
  when thou didst name the boarx not to dissemblex
  i fearxd thy fortunex and my joints did tremblex

xdidst thou not mark my facex was it not whitex
sawxst thou not signs of fear lurk in mine eyex      xxx
grew i not faintx and fell i not downrightx
within my bosomx whereon thou dost liex
  my boding heart pantsx beatsx and takes no restx
  but like an earthquakex shakes thee on my breastx

xfor where love reignsx disturbing jealousy          xxx
doth call himself affectionxs sentinelx
gives false alarmsx suggesteth mutinyx
and in a peaceful hour doth cry xkillx killxx        xxx
  distempxring gentle love in his desirex
  as air and water do abate the firex

xthis sour informerx this batexbreeding spyx
this canker that eats up lovexs tender springx       xxx
this carryxtalex dissentious jealousyx
that sometime true newsx sometime false doth bringx
  knocks at my heartx and whispers in mine earx
  that if i love theex i thy death should fearx      xxx

xand more than sox presenteth to mine eye
the picture of an angry chafing boarx
under whose sharp fangs on his back doth lie
an image like thyselfx all stainxd with gorex        xxx
  whose blood upon the fresh flowers being shedx
  doth make them droop with grief and hang the headx

xwhat should i dox seeing thee so indeedx
that tremble at thximaginationx                      xxx
the thought of it doth make my faint heart bleedx
and fear doth teach it divinationx
  i prophesy thy deathx my living sorrowx
  if thou encounter with the boar tomorrowx          xxx

xbut if thou needs wilt huntx be rulxd by mex
uncouple at the timorous flying harex
or at the fox which lives by subtiltyx
or at the roe which no encounter darex               xxx
  pursue these fearful creatures oxer the downsx
  and on thy wellxbreathxd horse keep with thy houndsx

xand when thou hast on foot the purblind harex
mark the poor wretchx to overshoot his troubles      xxx
how he outruns the windx and with what care
he cranks and crosses with a thousand doublesx
  the many musits through the which he goes
  are like a labyrinth to amaze his foesx            xxx

xsometime he runs among a flock of sheepx
to make the cunning hounds mistake their smellx
and sometime where earthxdelving conies keepx
to stop the loud pursuers in their yellx             xxx
  and sometime sorteth with a herd of deerx
  danger deviseth shiftsx wit waits on fearx

xfor there his smell with others being mingledx      xxx
the hot scentxsnuffing hounds are driven to doubtx
ceasing their clamorous cryx till they have singled
with much ado the cold fault cleanly outx
  then do they spend their mouthsx echo repliesx
  as if another chase were in the skiesx             xxx

xby thisx poor watx far off upon a hillx
stands on his hinder legs with listxning earx
to hearken if his foes pursue him stillx
anon their loud alarums he doth hearx                xxx
  and now his grief may be compared well
  to one sore sick that hears the passing bellx

xthen shalt thou see the dewxbedabbled wretch
turnx and returnx indenting with the wayx            xxx
each envious briar his weary legs do scratchx
each shadow makes him stopx each murmur stayx
  for misery is trodden on by manyx
  and being low never relievxd by anyx               xxx

xlie quietlyx and hear a little morex
nayx do not strugglex for thou shalt not risex
to make thee hate the hunting of the boarx
unlike myself thou hearxst me moralizex              xxx
  applying this to thatx and so to sox
  for love can comment upon every woex

xwhere did i leavexx xno matter wherexx quoth he
xleave mex and then the story aptly endsx            xxx
the night is spentxx xwhyx what of thatxx quoth shex
xi amxx quoth hex xexpected of my friendsx
  and now xtis darkx and going i shall fallxx
  xin nightxx quoth shex xdesire sees best of allxx  xxx

but if thou fallx oh then imagine thisx
the earthx in love with theex thy footing tripsx
and all is but to rob thee of a kissx                xxx
rich preys make true men thievesx so do thy lips
  make modest dian cloudy and forlornx
  lest she should steal a kiss and die forswornx

xnow of this dark night i perceive the reasonx
cynthia for shame obscures her silver shine          xxx
till forging nature be condemnxd of treasonx
for stealing moulds from heavenx that were divinex
  wherein she framxd theex in high heavenxs despitex
  to shame the sun by day and her by nightx          xxx

xand therefore hath she bribxd the destiniesx
to cross the curious workmanship of naturex
to mingle beauty with infirmitiesx
and pure perfection with impure defeaturex           xxx
  making it subject to the tyranny
  of mad mischances and much miseryx

xas burning feversx agues pale and faintx
lifexpoisoning pestilence and frenzies woodx         xxx
the marrowxeating sicknessx whose attaint
disorder breeds by heating of the bloodx
  surfeitsx imposthumesx griefx and damnxd despairx
  swear naturexs deathx for framing thee so fairx    xxx

xand not the least of all these maladies
but in one minutexs fight brings beauty underx
both favourx savourx hue and qualitiesx
whereat thximpartial gazer late did wonderx          xxx
  are on the sudden wastedx thawxd and donex
  as mountain snow melts with the midday sunx

xtherefore despite of fruitless chastityx
lovexlacking vestals and selfxloving nunsx           xxx
that on the earth would breed a scarcity
and barren dearth of daughters and of sonsx
  be prodigalx the lamp that burns by night
  dries up his oil to lend the world his lightx      xxx

xwhat is thy body but a swallowing gravex
seeming to bury that posterityx
which by the rights of time thou needs must havex
if thou destroy them not in dark obscurityx          xxx
  if sox the world will hold thee in disdainx
  sith in thy pride so fair a hope is slainx

xso in thyself thyself art made awayx
a mischief worse than civil homexbred strifex        xxx
or theirs whose desperate hands themselves do slayx
or butcher sire that reeves his son of lifex
  foul cankxring rust the hidden treasure fretsx
  but gold thatxs put to use more gold begetsxx      xxx

xnay thenxx quoth adonx xyou will fall again
into your idle overxhandled themex
the kiss i gave you is bestowxd in vainx
and all in vain you strive against the streamx       xxx
  for by this blackxfacxd nightx desirexs foul nursex
  your treatise makes me like you worse and worsex

xif love have lent you twenty thousand tonguesx
and every tongue more moving than your ownx          xxx
bewitching like the wanton mermaidxs songsx
yet from mine ear the tempting tune is blownx
  for knowx my heart stands armed in mine earx
  and will not let a false sound enter therex        xxx

xlest the deceiving harmony should run
into the quiet closure of my breastx
and then my little heart were quite undonex
in his bedchamber to be barrxd of restx              xxx
  nox ladyx nox my heart longs not to groanx
  but soundly sleepsx while now it sleeps alonex

xwhat have you urgxd that i cannot reprovex
the path is smooth that leadeth on to dangerx        xxx
i hate not lovex but your device in love
that lends embracements unto every strangerx
  you do it for increasex o strange excusex
  when reason is the bawd to lustxs abusex           xxx

xcall it notx lovex for love to heaven is fledx
since sweating lust on earth usurpxd his namex
under whose simple semblance he hath fed
upon fresh beautyx blotting it with blamex           xxx
  which the hot tyrant stains and soon bereavesx
  as caterpillars do the tender leavesx

xlove comforteth like sunshine after rainx
but lustxs effect is tempest after sunx              xxx
lovexs gentle spring doth always fresh remainx
lustxs winter comes ere summer half be donex
  love surfeits notx lust like a glutton diesx
  love is all truthx lust full of forged liesx       xxx

xmore i could tellx but more i dare not sayx
the text is oldx the orator too greenx
thereforex in sadnessx now i will awayx
my face is full of shamex my heart of teenx          xxx
  mine earsx that to your wanton talk attended
  do burn themselves for having so offendedxx

with this he breaketh from the sweet embrace         xxx
of those fair arms which bound him to her breastx
and homeward through the dark laund runs apacex
leaves love upon her back deeply distressxdx
  look how a bright star shooteth from the skyx
  so glides he in the night from venusx eyex         xxx

which after him she dartsx as one on shore
gazing upon a late embarked friendx
till the wild waves will have him seen no morex
whose ridges with the meeting clouds contendx        xxx
  so did the merciless and pitchy night
  fold in the object that did feed her sightx

whereat amazxdx as one that unaware
hath droppxd a precious jewel in the floodx          xxx
or xstonishxd as nightxwanderers often arex
their light blown out in some mistrustful woodx
  even so confounded in the dark she layx
  having lost the fair discovery of her wayx         xxx

and now she beats her heartx whereat it groansx
that all the neighbour cavesx as seeming troubledx
make verbal repetition of her moansx
passion on passion deeply is redoubledx              xxx
  xay mexx she criesx and twenty timesx xwoex woexx
  and twenty echoes twenty times cry sox

she marking themx begins a wailing notex
and sings extemporally a woeful dittyx               xxx
how love makes young men thrallx and old men dotex
how love is wise in folly foolish wittyx
  her heavy anthem still concludes in woex
  and still the choir of echoes answer sox           xxx

her song was tediousx and outwore the nightx
for loversx hours are longx though seeming shortx
if pleasxd themselvesx others they thinkx delight
in such like circumstancex with such like sportx     xxx
  their copious stories oftentimes begunx
  end without audiencex and are never donex

for who hath she to spend the night withalx
but idle sounds resembling parasitesx                xxx
like shrillxtonguxd tapsters answering every callx
soothing the humour of fantastic witsx
  she saysx xxtis soxx they answer allx xxtis soxx
  and would say after herx if she said xnoxx         xxx

lo here the gentle larkx weary of restx
from his moist cabinet mounts up on highx
and wakes the morningx from whose silver breast
the sun ariseth in his majestyx                      xxx
  who doth the world so gloriously beholdx
  that cedar tops and hills seem burnishxd goldx

venus salutes him with this fair good morrowx
xoh thou clear godx and patron of all lightx         xxx
from whom each lamp and shining star doth borrow
the beauteous influence that makes him brightx
  there lives a son that suckxd an earthly motherx
  may lend thee lightx as thou dost lend to otherxx

this saidx she hasteth to a myrtle grovex            xxx
musing the morning is so much oxerwornx
and yet she hears no tidings of her lovex
she hearkens for his hounds and for his hornx        xxx
  anon she hears them chant it lustilyx
  and all in haste she coasteth to the cryx

and as she runsx the bushes in the way
some catch her by the neckx some kiss her facex      xxx
some twine about her thigh to make her stayx
she wildly breaketh from their strict embracex
  like a milch doex whose swelling dugs do achex
  hasting to feed her fawn hid in some brakex        xxx

by this she hears the hounds are at a bayx
whereat she starts like one that spies an adder
wreathxd up in fatal folds just in his wayx
the fear whereof doth make him shake and shudderx    xxx
  even so the timorous yelping of the hounds
  appals her sensesx and her spirit confoundsx

for now she knows it is no gentle chasex
but the blunt boarx rough bearx or lion proudx       xxx
because the cry remaineth in one placex
where fearfully the dogs exclaim aloudx
  finding their enemy to be so curstx
  they all strain courtxsy who shall cope him firstx xxx

this dismal cry rings sadly in her earx
through which it enters to surprise her heartx
who overcome by doubt and bloodless fearx
with coldxpale weakness numbs each feeling partx     xxx
  like soldiers when their captain once doth yieldx
  they basely fly and dare not stay the fieldx

thus stands she in a trembling ecstasyx
till cheering up her senses sore dismayxdx           xxx
she tells them xtis a causeless fantasyx
and childish errorx that they are afraidx
  bids them leave quakingx bids them fear no morex
  and with that wordx she spied the hunted boarx     xxx

whose frothy mouth bepainted all with redx
like milk and blood being mingled both togetherx
a second fear through all her sinews spreadx
which madly hurries her she knows not whitherx       xxx
  this way she runsx and now she will no furtherx
  but back retiresx to rate the boar for murtherx

a thousand spleens bear her a thousand waysx
she treads the path that she untreads againx         xxx
her more than haste is mated with delaysx
like the proceedings of a drunken brainx
  full of respectsx yet naught at all respectingx
  in hand with all thingsx naught at all effectingx

here kennelxd in a brake she finds a houndx          xxx
and asks the weary caitiff for his masterx
and there another licking of his woundx
xgainst venomxd sores the only sovereign plasterx    xxx
  and here she meets another sadly scowlingx
  to whom she speaksx and he replies with howlingx

when he hath ceasxd his illxresounding noisex
another flapxmouthxd mournerx black and grimx        xxx
against the welkin volleys out his voicex
another and another answer himx
  clapping their proud tails to the ground belowx
  shaking their scratchxd earsx bleeding as they gox

look how the worldxs poor people are amazed          xxx
at apparitionsx signsx and prodigiesx
whereon with fearful eyes they long have gazedx
infusing them with dreadful propheciesx              xxx
  so she at these sad sighs draws up her breathx
  and sighing it againx exclaims on deathx

xhardxfavourxd tyrantx uglyx meagrex leanx           xxx
hateful divorce of lovexx thus chides she deathx
xgrimxgrinning ghostx earthxs wormx what dost thou meanx
to stifle beauty and to steal his breathx
  who when he livxdx his breath and beauty set
  gloss on the rosex smell to the violetx            xxx

xif he be deadx o nox it cannot bex
seeing his beautyx thou shouldst strike at itx
o yesx it mayx thou hast no eyes to seex
but hatefully at random dost thou hitx               xxx
  thy mark is feeble agex but thy false dart
  mistakes that aimx and cleaves an infantxs heartx

xhadst thou but bid bewarex then he had spokex
and hearing himx thy power had lost his powerx       xxx
the destinies will curse thee for this strokex
they bid thee crop a weedx thou pluckxst a flowerx
  lovexs golden arrow at him should have fledx
  and not deathxs ebon dart to strike him deadx      xxx

xdost thou drink tearsx that thou provokxst such weepingx
what may a heavy groan advantage theex
why hast thou cast into eternal sleeping
those eyes that taught all other eyes to seex        xxx
  now nature cares not for thy mortal vigourx
  since her best work is ruinxd with thy rigourxx

here overcomex as one full of despairx
she vailxd her eyelidsx who like sluices stoppxd     xxx
the crystal tide that from her two cheeks fair
in the sweet channel of her bosom droppxd
  but through the floodxgates breaks the silver rainx
  and with his strong course opens them againx       xxx

o how her eyes and tears did lend and borrowx
her eyes seen in the tearsx tears in her eyex
both crystalsx where they viewxd each otherxs sorrowx
sorrow that friendly sighs sought still to dryx      xxx
  but like a stormy dayx now windx now rainx
  sighs dry her cheeksx tears make them wet againx

variable passions throng her constant woex
as striving who should best become her griefx        xxx
all entertainxdx each passion labours sox
that every present sorrow seemeth chiefx
  but none is bestx then join they all togetherx
  like many clouds consulting for foul weatherx      xxx

by thisx far off she hears some huntsman hollax
a nursexs song nexer pleasxd her babe so wellx
the dire imagination she did follow
this sound of hope doth labour to expelx             xxx
  for now reviving joy bids her rejoicex
  and flatters her it is adonisx voicex

whereat her tears began to turn their tidex
being prisonxd in her eyex like pearls in glassx     xxx
yet sometimes falls an orient drop besidex
which her cheek meltsx as scorning it should pass
  to wash the foul face of the sluttish groundx
  who is but drunken when she seemeth drownxdx

o hardxbelieving lovex how strange it seems          xxx
not to believex and yet too credulousx
thy weal and woe are both of them extremesx
despair and hope make thee ridiculousx               xxx
  the one doth flatter thee in thoughts unlikelyx
  in likely thoughts the other kills thee quicklyx

now she unweaves the web that she hath wroughtx
adonis livesx and death is not to blamex             xxx
it was not she that callxd him all to naughtx
now she adds honours to his hateful namex
  she clepes him king of gravesx and grave for kingsx
  imperious supreme of all mortal thingsx            xxx

xnox noxx quoth shex xsweet deathx i did but jestx
yet pardon mex i felt a kind of fear
whenas i met the boarx that bloody beastx
which knows no pityx but is still severex           xxxx
  thenx gentle shadowxxtruth i must confessx
  i railxd on theex fearing my lovexs deceasex

xxtis not my faultx the boar provokxd my tonguex
be wreakxd on himx invisible commanderx             xxxx
xtis hex foul creaturex that hath done thee wrongx
i did but actx hexs author of my slanderx
  grief hath two tonguesx and never woman yetx
  could rule them bothx without ten womenxs witxx

thus hoping that adonis is alivex                   xxxx
her rash suspect she doth extenuatex
and that his beauty may the better thrivex
with death she humbly doth insinuatex               xxxx
  tells him of trophiesx statuesx tombs and stories
  his victoriesx his triumphs and his gloriesx

xo lovexx quoth shex xhow much a fool was ix
to be of such a weak and silly mindx                xxxx
to wail his death who livesx and must not die
till mutual overthrow of mortal kindx
  for he being deadx with him is beauty slainx
  and beauty deadx black chaos comes againx         xxxx

xfiex fiex fond lovex thou art as full of fear
as one with treasure ladenx hemmxd with thievesx
trifles unwitnessed with eye or earx
thy coward heart with false bethinking grievesxx    xxxx
  even at this word she hears a merry hornx
  whereat she leaps that was but late forlornx

as falcon to the lurex away she fliesx
the grass stoops notx she treads on it so lightx    xxxx
and in her haste unfortunately spies
the foul boarxs conquest on her fair delightx
  which seenx her eyesx as murderxd with the viewx
  like stars ashamxd of dayx themselves withdrewx

or as the snailx whose tender horns being hitx      xxxx
shrinks backwards in his shelly cave with painx
and there all smotherxd upx in shade doth sitx
long after fearing to creep forth againx            xxxx
  so at his bloody view her eyes are fled
  into the deep dark cabins of her headx

where they resign their office and their light
to the disposing of her troubled brainx             xxxx
who bids them still consort with ugly nightx
and never wound the heart with looks againx
  who like a king perplexed in his thronex
  by their suggestion gives a deadly groanx         xxxx

whereat each tributary subject quakesx
as when the wind imprisonxd in the groundx
struggling for passagex earthxs foundation shakesx
which with cold terror doth menxs minds confoundx
  this mutiny each part doth so surprise            xxxx
  that from their dark beds once more leap her eyesx

and being openxdx threw unwilling light
upon the wide wound that the boar had trenchxd
in his soft flankx whose wonted lily white          xxxx
with purple tears that his wound weptx was drenchxdx
  no flower was nighx no grassx herbx leaf or weedx
  but stole his blood and seemxd with him to bleedx

this solemn sympathy poor venus notethx             xxxx
over one shoulder doth she hang her headx
dumbly she passionsx franticly she dotethx
she thinks he could not diex he is not deadx        xxxx
  her voice is stoppxdx her joints forget to bowx
  her eyes are madx that they have wept till nowx

upon his hurt she looks so steadfastlyx
that her sight dazzling makes the wound seem threex
and then she reprehends her mangling eyex           xxxx
that makes more gashesx where no breach should bex
  his face seems twainx each several limb is doubledx
  for oft the eye mistakesx the brain being troubledx

xmy tongue cannot express my grief for onex         xxxx
and yetxx quoth shex xbehold two adons deadx
my sighs are blown awayx my salt tears gonex
mine eyes are turnxd to firex my heart to leadx     xxxx
  heavy heartxs leadx melt at mine eyesx red firex
  so shall i die by drops of hot desirex

xalas poor worldx what treasure hast thou lostx
what face remains alive thatxs worth the viewingx
whose tongue is music nowx what canst thou boast
of things long sincex or anything ensuingx          xxxx
  the flowers are sweetx their colours fresh and trimx
  but true sweet beauty livxd and died with himx

xbonnet nor veil henceforth no creature wearx       xxxx
nor sun nor wind will ever strive to kiss youx
having no fair to losex you need not fearx
the sun doth scorn youx and the wind doth hiss youx
  but when adonis livxdx sun and sharp air          xxxx
  lurkxd like two thievesx to rob him of his fairx

xand therefore would he put his bonnet onx
under whose brim the gaudy sun would peepx          xxxx
the wind would blow it offx and being gonex
play with his locksx then would adonis weepx
  and straightx in pity of his tender yearsx
  they both would strive who first should dry his tearsx

xto see his face the lion walkxd along              xxxx
behind some hedgex because he would not fear himx
to recreate himself when he hath sungx
the tiger would be tame and gently hear himx        xxxx
  if he had spokex the wolf would leave his preyx
  and never fright the silly lamb that dayx

xwhen he beheld his shadow in the brookx
the fishes spread on it their golden gillsx         xxxx
when he was byx the birds such pleasure tookx
that some would singx some other in their bills
  would bring him mulberries and ripexred cherriesx
  he fed them with his sightx they him with berriesx

xbut this foulx grimx and urchinxsnouted boarx      xxxx
whose downward eye still looketh for a gravex
nexer saw the beauteous livery that he worex
witness the entertainment that he gavex             xxxx
  if he did see his facex why then i know
  he thought to kiss himx and hath killxd him sox

xxtis truex xtis truex thus was adonis slainx
he ran upon the boar with his sharp spearx          xxxx
who did not whet his teeth at him againx
but by a kiss thought to persuade him therex
  and nuzzling in his flankx the loving swine
  sheathxd unaware the tusk in his soft groinx      xxxx

xhad i been toothxd like himx i must confessx
with kissing him i should have killxd him firstx
but he is deadx and never did he bless
my youth with hisx the more am i accurstxx          xxxx
  with this she falleth in the place she stoodx
  and stains her face with his congealed bloodx

she looks upon his lipsx and they are palex
she takes him by the handx and that is coldx        xxxx
she whispers in his ears a heavy talex
as if they heard the woeful words she toldx
she lifts the cofferxlids that close his eyesx
where lox two lamps burnt out in darkness liesx

two glasses where herself herself beheld            xxxx
a thousand timesx and now no more reflectx
their virtue lostx wherein they late excellxdx
and every beauty robbxd of his effectx              xxxx
  xwonder of timexx quoth shex xthis is my spitex
  that thou being deadx the day should yet be lightx

xsince thou art deadx lo here i prophesyx
sorrow on love hereafter shall attendx              xxxx
it shall be waited on with jealousyx
find sweet beginningx but unsavoury endx
  nexer settled equallyx but high or lowx
  that all lovexs pleasure shall not match his woex

xit shall be ficklex false and full of fraudx       xxxx
budx and be blasted in a breathing whilex
the bottom poisonx and the top oxerstrawxd
with sweets that shall the truest sight beguilex    xxxx
  the strongest body shall it make most weakx
  strike the wise dumbx and teach the fool to speakx

xit shall be sparingx and too full of riotx
teaching decrepit age to tread the measuresx        xxxx
the staring ruffian shall it keep in quietx
pluck down the richx enrich the poor with treasuresx
  it shall be raging madx and silly mildx
  make the young oldx the old become a childx       xxxx

xit shall suspect where is no cause of fearx
it shall not fear where it should most mistrustx
it shall be mercifulx and too severex
and most deceiving when it seems most justx         xxxx
  perverse it shall bex where it shows most towardx
  put fear to valourx courage to the cowardx

xit shall be cause of war and dire eventsx
and set dissension xtwixt the son and sirex         xxxx
subject and servile to all discontentsx
as dry combustious matter is to firex
  sith in his prime death doth my love destroyx
  they that love best their love shall not enjoyxx  xxxx

by this the boy that by her side lay killxd
was melted like a vapour from her sightx
and in his blood that on the ground lay spillxdx
a purple flower sprung upx chequerxd with whitex    xxxx
  resembling well his pale cheeksx and the blood
  which in round drops upon their whiteness stoodx

she bows her headx the newxsprung flower to smellx
comparing it to her adonisx breathx                 xxxx
and says within her bosom it shall dwellx
since he himself is reft from her by deathx
  she drops the stalkx and in the breach appears
  greenxdropping sapx which she compares to tearsx

xpoor flowerxx quoth shex xthis was thy fatherxs guisex
sweet issue of a more sweetxsmelling sirex
for every little grief to wet his eyesx
to grow unto himself was his desirex                xxxx
  and so xtis thinex but knowx it is as good
  to wither in my breast as in his bloodx

xhere was thy fatherxs bedx here in my breastx
thou art the next of bloodx and xtis thy rightx     xxxx
lo in this hollow cradle take thy restx
my throbbing heart shall rock thee day and nightx
  there shall not be one minute in an hour
  wherein i will not kiss my sweet lovexs flowerxx

thus weary of the worldx away she hiesx             xxxx
and yokes her silver dovesx by whose swift aid
their mistress mounted through the empty skiesx
in her light chariot quickly is conveyxdx           xxxx
  holding their course to paphosx where their queen
  means to immure herself and not be seenx




  finis













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