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Scene IV.—: Another Part of the Forest. - William Shakespeare, As You Like It [1623]

Edition used:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare), ed. with a glossary by W.J. Craig M.A. (Oxford University Press, 1916).

Part of: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare)

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Scene IV.—

Another Part of the Forest.

EnterRosalindandCelia.

Ros.

Never talk to me: I will weep.

Cel.

Do, I prithee; but yet have the grace to consider that tears do not become a man.

Ros.

But have I not cause to weep?

Cel.

As good cause as one would desire; therefore weep.

Ros.

His very hair is of the dissembling colour.

Cel.

Something browner than Judas’s; marry, his kisses are Judas’s own children.

Ros.

I’ faith, his hair is of a good colour.

Cel.

An excellent colour: your chesnut was ever the only colour.

Ros.

And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of holy bread.

Cel.

He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana: a nun of winter’s sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of chastity is in them.

Ros.

But why did he swear he would come this morning, and comes not?

Cel.

Nay, certainly, there is no truth in him.

Ros.

Do you think so?

Cel.

Yes: I think he is not a pick-purse nor a horse-stealer; but for his verity in love, I do think him as concave as a covered goblet or a worm-eaten nut.

Ros.

Not true in love?

Cel.

Yes, when he is in; but I think he is not in.

Ros.

You have heard him swear downright he was.

Cel.

‘Was’ is not ‘is:’ besides, the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster; they are both the confirmers of false reckonings. He attends here in the forest on the duke your father.

Ros.

I met the duke yesterday and had much question with him. He asked me of what parentage I was; I told him, of as good as he; so he laughed, and let me go. But what talk we of fathers, when there is such a man as Orlando?

Cel.

O, that’s a brave man! he writes brave verses, speaks brave words, swears brave oaths, and breaks them bravely, quite traverse, athwart the heart of his lover; as a puisny tilter, that spurs his horse but on one side, breaks his staff like a noble goose. But all’s brave that youth mounts and folly guides. Who comes here?

EnterCorin.

Cor.

Mistress and master, you have oft inquir’d

After the shepherd that complain’d of love,

Who you saw sitting by me on the turf,

Praising the proud disdainful shepherdess

That was his mistress.

Cel.

Well, and what of him?

Cor.

If you will see a pageant truly play’d,

Between the pale complexion of true love

And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain,

Go hence a little, and I shall conduct you,

If you will mark it.

Ros.

O! come, let us remove:

The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.

Bring us to this sight, and you shall say

I’ll prove a busy actor in their play.

[Exeunt.