The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: X1v - Comedies, p. 242

Left Column


All's Well that Ends Well. you written to beare along.

Fren. G.
[1455]

We serue you Madam in that and all your

worthiest affaires.

La. Not so, but as we change our courtesies, Will you draw neere? Exit. Hel. Till I haue no wife I haue nothing in France.
[1460]
Nothing in France vntill he has no wife: Thou shalt haue none Rossillion, none in France, Then hast thou all againe: poore Lord, is't I That chase thee from thy Countrie, and expose Those tender limbes of thine, to the euent
[1465]
Of the none‑sparing warre? And is it I, That driue thee from the sportiue Court, where thou Was't shot at with faire eyes, to be the marke Of smoakie Muskets? O you leaden messengers, That ride vpon the violent speede of fire,
[1470]
Fly with false ayme, moue the still‑peering aire That sings with piercing, do not touch my Lord: Who euer shoots at him, I set him there. Who euer charges on his forward brest I am the Caitiffe that do hold him too't,
[1475]
And though I kill him not, I am the cause His death was so effected: Better 'twere I met the rauine Lyon when he roar'd With sharpe constraint of hunger: better 'twere, That all the miseries which nature owes
[1480]
Were mine at once. No come thou home Rossillion, Whence honor but of danger winnes a scarre, As oft it looses all. I will be gone: My being heere it is, that holds thee hence, Shall I stay heere to doo't? No, no, although
[1485]
The ayre of Paradise did fan the house, And Angels offic'd all: I will be gone, That pittifull rumour may report my flight To consolate thine eare. Come night, end day, For with the darke (poore theefe) Ile steale away.
Exit.
[Act 3, Scene 3] Flourish. Enter the Duke of Florence, Rossillion, drum and trumpets, soldiers, Parrolles. Duke.
[1490]
The Generall of our horse thou art, and we Great in our hope, lay our best loue and credence Vpon thy promising fortune.
Ber. Sir it is A charge too heauy for my strength, but yet
[1495]
Wee'l striue to beare it for your worthy sake, To th'extreme edge of hazard.
Duke. Then go thou forth, And fortune play vpon thy prosperous helme As thy auspicious mistris. Ber.
[1500]
This very day Great Mars I put my selfe into thy file, Make me but like my thoughts, and I shall proue A louer of thy drumme, hater of loue.
Exeunt omnes
[Act 3, Scene 4] Enter Countesse & Steward. La. Alas! and would you take the letter of her:
[1505]
Might you not know she would do, as she has done, By sending me a Letter. Reade it agen.

Letter.

I am S. Iaques Pilgrim, thither gone: Ambitious loue hath so in me offended,
[1510]
That bare‑foot plod I the cold ground vpon With sainted vow my faults to haue amended

Right Column


Write, write, that from the bloodie course of warre, My deerest Master your deare sonne, may hie, Blesse him at home in peace. Whilst I from farre,
[1515]
His name with zealous feruour sanctifie: His taken labours bid him me forgiue: I his despightfull Iuno sent him forth, From Courtly friends, with Camping foes to liue, Where death and danger dogges the heeles of worth.
[1520]
He is too good and faire for death, and mee, Whom I my selfe embrace, to set him free. Ah what sharpe stings are in her mildest words? Rynaldo, you did neuer lacke aduice so much, As letting her passe so: had I spoke with her,
[1525]
I could haue well diuerted her intents, Which thus she hath preuented. Ste. Pardon me Madam, If I had giuen you this at ouer‑night, She might haue beene ore‑tane: and yet she writes
[1530]
Pursuite would be but vaine.
La. What Angell shall Blesse this vnworthy husband, he cannot thriue, Vnlesse her prayers, whom heauen delights to heare And loues to grant, repreeue him from the wrath
[1535]
Of greatest Iustice. Write, write Rynaldo, To this vnworthy husband of his wife, Let euerie word waigh heauie of her worth, That he does waigh too light: my greatest greefe, Though little he do feele it, set downe sharpely.
[1540]
Dispatch the most conuenient messenger, When haply he shall heare that she is gone, He will returne, and hope I may that shee Hearing so much, will speede her foote againe, Led hither by pure loue: which of them both
[1545]
Is deerest to me, I haue no skill in sence To make distinction: prouide this Messenger: My heart is heauie, and mine age is weake, Greefe would haue teares, and sorrow bids me speake.
Exeunt
[Act 3, Scene 5] A Tucket afarre off. Enter old Widdow of Florence, her daughter, Violenta and Mariana, with other Citizens. Widdow. Nay come,
[1550]
For if they do approach the Citty, We shall loose all the sight.
Diana. They say, the French Count has done Most honourable seruice. Wid. It is reported,
[1555]
That he has taken their great'st Commander, And that with his owne hand he slew The Dukes brother: we haue lost our labour, They are gone a contrarie way: harke, you may know by their Trumpets.
Maria.
[1560]
Come lets returne againe, And suffice our selues with the report of it. Well Diana, take heed of this French Earle, The honor of a Maide is her name, And no Legacie is so rich
[1565]
As honestie.
Widdow. I haue told my neighbour How you haue beene solicited by a Gentleman His Companion. Maria

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[Act 3, Scene 5] A Tucket afarre off. Enter old Widdow of Florence, her daughter, Violenta and Mariana, with other Citizens. Widdow. Nay come,
[1550]
For if they do approach the Citty, We shall loose all the sight.
Diana. They say, the French Count has done Most honourable seruice. Wid. It is reported,
[1555]
That he has taken their great'st Commander, And that with his owne hand he slew The Dukes brother: we haue lost our labour, They are gone a contrarie way: harke, you may know by their Trumpets.
Maria.
[1560]
Come lets returne againe, And suffice our selues with the report of it. Well Diana, take heed of this French Earle, The honor of a Maide is her name, And no Legacie is so rich
[1565]
As honestie.
Widdow. I haue told my neighbour How you haue beene solicited by a Gentleman His Companion. Maria.

I know that knaue, hang him, one Parolles,

[1570]

a filthy Officer he is in those suggestions for the young

Earle, beware of them Diana; their promises, entise­

ments, oathes, tokens, and all these engines of lust, are

not the things they go vnder: many a maide hath beene

seduced by them, and the miserie is example, that so

[1575]

terrible shewes in the wracke of maidenߛhood, cannot

for all that disswade succession, but that they are limed

with the twigges that threatens them. I hope I neede

not to aduise you further, but I hope your owne grace

will keepe you where you are, though there were no

[1580]

further danger knowne, but the modestie which is so

lost.

Dia.

You shall not neede to feare me.

Enter Hellen. Wid.

I hope so: looke here comes a pilgrim, I know

she will lye at my house, thither they send one another,

[1585]

Ile question her. God saue you pilgrim, whether are

bound?

Hel. To S. Iaques la grand. Where do the Palmers lodge, I do beseech you? Wid.

At the S. Francis heere beside the Port.

Hel.
[1590]

Is this the way?

A march afarre. Wid. I marrie ist. Harke you, they come this way: If you will tarrie holy Pilgrime But till the troopes come by, I will conduct you where you shall be lodg'd,
[1595]
The rather for I thinke I know your hostesse As ample as my selfe.
Hel.

Is it your selfe?

Wid.

If you shall please so Pilgrime.

Hel.

I thanke you, and will stay vpon your leisure.

Wid.
[1600]

you came I thinke from France?

Hel.

I did so.

Wid. Heere you shall see a Countriman of yours That has done worthy seruice. Hel.

His name I pray you?

Dia.
[1605]

The Count Rossillion: know you such a one?

Hel. But by the eare that heares most nobly of him: His face I know not. Dia. What somere he is He's brauely taken heere. He stole from France
[1610]
As 'tis reported: for the King had married him Against his liking. Thinke you it is so?
Hel.

I surely meere the truth, I know his Lady.

Dia. There is a Gentleman that serues the Count, Reports but coursely of her. Hel.
[1615]

What's his name?

Dia.

Monsieur Parrolles.

Hel. Oh I beleeue with him, In argument of praise, or to the worth Of the great Count himselfe, she is too meane
[1620]
To haue her name repeated, all her deseruing Is a reserued honestie, and that I haue not heard examin'd.
Dian. Alas poore Ladie, 'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife
[1625]
Of a detesting Lord.
Wid. I write good creature, wheresoere she is, Her hart waighes sadly: this yong maid might do her A shrewd turne if she pleas'd. Hel. How do you meane?
[1630]
May be the amorous Count solicites her In the vnlawfull purpose.
Wid. He does indeede, And brokes with all that can in such a suite Corrupt the tender honour of a Maide:
[1635]
But she is arm'd for him, and keepes her guard In honestest defence.
Drumme and Colours. Enter Count Rossillion, Parrolles, and the whole Armie. Mar.

The goddes forbid else.

Wid. So, now they come: That is Anthonio the Dukes eldest sonne,
[1640]
That Escalus.
Hel.

Which is the Frenchman?

Dia. Hee, That with the plume, 'tis a most gallant fellow, I would he lou'd his wife: if he were honester
[1645]
He were much goodlier. Is't not a handsom Gentleman
Hel.

I like him well.

Di. 'Tis pitty he is not honest: yonds that same knaue That leades him to these places: were I his Ladie, I would poison that vile Rascall. Hel.
[1650]

Which is he?

Dia.

That Iacke an‑apes with scarfes. Why is hee

melancholly?

Hel.

Perchance he's hurt i'th battaile.

Par.

Loose our drum? Well.

Mar.
[1655]

He's shrewdly vext at something. Looke he

has spyed vs.

Wid.

Marrie hang you.

Mar.

And your curtesie, for a ring‑carrier.

Exit. Wid.

The troope is past: Come pilgrim, I wil bring

[1660]

you, Where you shall host: Of inioyn'd penitents

There's foure or fiue, to great S. Iaques bound,

Alreadie at my house.

Hel. I humbly thanke you: Please it this Matron, and this gentle Maide
[1665]
To eate with vs to night, the charge and thanking Shall be for me, and to requite you further, I will bestow some precepts of this Virgin, Worthy the note.
Both.

Wee'l take your offer kindly.

Exeunt.
 

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<div type="scene" n="5" rend="notPresent">
   <head type="supplied">[Act 3, Scene 5]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">A Tucket afarre off.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter old Widdow of Florence, her daughter, Violenta
      <lb/>and Mariana, with other
      <lb/>Citizens.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Widdow.</speaker>
      <l n="1549">Nay come,</l>
      <l n="1550">For if they do approach the Citty,</l>
      <l n="1551">We shall loose all the sight.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Diana.</speaker>
      <l n="1552">They say, the French Count has done</l>
      <l n="1553">Most honourable seruice.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1554">It is reported,</l>
      <l n="1555">That he has taken their great'st Commander,</l>
      <l n="1556">And that with his owne hand he slew</l>
      <l n="1557">The Dukes brother: we haue lost our labour,</l>
      <l n="1558">They are gone a contrarie way: harke,</l>
      <l n="1559">you may know by their Trumpets.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Maria.</speaker>
      <l n="1560">Come lets returne againe,</l>
      <l n="1561">And suffice our selues with the report of it.</l>
      <l n="1562">Well<hi rend="italic">Diana</hi>, take heed of this French Earle,</l>
      <l n="1563">The honor of a Maide is her name,</l>
      <l n="1564">And no Legacie is so rich</l>
      <l n="1565">As honestie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Widdow.</speaker>
      <l n="1566">I haue told my neighbour</l>
      <l n="1567">How you haue beene solicited by a Gentleman</l>
      <l n="1568">His Companion.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0263-0.jpg" n="243"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Maria.</speaker>
      <p n="1569">I know that knaue, hang him, one<hi rend="italic">Parolles</hi>,
      <lb n="1570"/>a filthy Officer he is in those suggestions for the young
      <lb n="1571"/>Earle, beware of them<hi rend="italic">Diana</hi>; their promises, entise­
      <lb n="1572"/>ments, oathes, tokens, and all these engines of lust, are
      <lb n="1573"/>not the things they go vnder: many a maide hath beene
      <lb n="1574"/>seduced by them, and the miserie is example, that so
      <lb n="1575"/>terrible shewes in the wracke of maidenߛhood, cannot
      <lb n="1576"/>for all that disswade succession, but that they are limed
      <lb n="1577"/>with the twigges that threatens them. I hope I neede
      <lb n="1578"/>not to aduise you further, but I hope your owne grace
      <lb n="1579"/>will keepe you where you are, though there were no
      <lb n="1580"/>further danger knowne, but the modestie which is so
      <lb n="1581"/>lost.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <p n="1582">You shall not neede to feare me.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hellen.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1583">I hope so: looke here comes a pilgrim, I know
      <lb n="1584"/>she will lye at my house, thither they send one another,
      <lb n="1585"/>Ile question her. God saue you pilgrim, whether are
      <lb n="1586"/>bound?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <l n="1587">To S.<hi rend="italic">Iaques la grand</hi>.</l>
      <l n="1588">Where do the Palmers lodge, I do beseech you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1589">At the S.<hi rend="italic">Francis</hi>heere beside the Port.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1590">Is this the way?</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">A march afarre.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1591">I marrie ist. Harke you, they come this way:</l>
      <l n="1592">If you will tarrie holy Pilgrime</l>
      <l n="1593">But till the troopes come by,</l>
      <l n="1594">I will conduct you where you shall be lodg'd,</l>
      <l n="1595">The rather for I thinke I know your hostesse</l>
      <l n="1596">As ample as my selfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1597">Is it your selfe?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1598">If you shall please so Pilgrime.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1599">I thanke you, and will stay vpon your leisure.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1600">you came I thinke from<hi rend="italic">France</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1601">I did so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1602">Heere you shall see a Countriman of yours</l>
      <l n="1603">That has done worthy seruice.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1604">His name I pray you?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <p n="1605">The Count<hi rend="italic">Rossillion</hi>: know you such a one?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <l n="1606">But by the eare that heares most nobly of him:</l>
      <l n="1607">His face I know not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <l n="1608">What somere he is</l>
      <l n="1609">He's brauely taken heere. He stole from<hi rend="italic">France</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1610">As 'tis reported: for the King had married him</l>
      <l n="1611">Against his liking. Thinke you it is so?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1612">I surely meere the truth, I know his Lady.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <l n="1613">There is a Gentleman that serues the Count,</l>
      <l n="1614">Reports but coursely of her.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1615">What's his name?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <p n="1616">Monsieur<hi rend="italic">Parrolles</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <l n="1617">Oh I beleeue with him,</l>
      <l n="1618">In argument of praise, or to the worth</l>
      <l n="1619">Of the great Count himselfe, she is too meane</l>
      <l n="1620">To haue her name repeated, all her deseruing</l>
      <l n="1621">Is a reserued honestie, and that</l>
      <l n="1622">I haue not heard examin'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dian.</speaker>
      <l n="1623">Alas poore Ladie,</l>
      <l n="1624">'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife</l>
      <l n="1625">Of a detesting Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1626">I write good creature, wheresoere she is,</l>
      <l n="1627">Her hart waighes sadly: this yong maid might do her</l>
      <l n="1628">A shrewd turne if she pleas'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <l n="1629">How do you meane?</l>
      <l n="1630">May be the amorous Count solicites her</l>
      <l n="1631">In the vnlawfull purpose.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1632">He does indeede,</l>
      <l n="1633">And brokes with all that can in such a suite</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1634">Corrupt the tender honour of a Maide:</l>
      <l n="1635">But she is arm'd for him, and keepes her guard</l>
      <l n="1636">In honestest defence.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="mixed">Drumme and Colours.
      <lb/>Enter Count Rossillion, Parrolles, and the whole Armie.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="1637">The goddes forbid else.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <l n="1638">So, now they come:</l>
      <l n="1639">That is<hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>the Dukes eldest sonne,</l>
      <l n="1640">That<hi rend="italic">Escalus</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1641">Which is the Frenchman?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <l n="1642">Hee,</l>
      <l n="1643">That with the plume, 'tis a most gallant fellow,</l>
      <l n="1644">I would he lou'd his wife: if he were honester</l>
      <l n="1645">He were much goodlier. Is't not a handsom Gentleman</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1646">I like him well.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Di.</speaker>
      <l n="1647">'Tis pitty he is not honest: yonds that same knaue</l>
      <l n="1648">That leades him to these places: were I his Ladie,</l>
      <l n="1649">I would poison that vile Rascall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1650">Which is he?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia">
      <speaker rend="italic">Dia.</speaker>
      <p n="1651">That Iacke an‑apes with scarfes. Why is hee
      <lb n="1652"/>melancholly?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <p n="1653">Perchance he's hurt i'th battaile.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-par">
      <speaker rend="italic">Par.</speaker>
      <p n="1654">Loose our drum? Well.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="1655">He's shrewdly vext at something. Looke he
      <lb n="1656"/>has spyed vs.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1657">Marrie hang you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="1658">And your curtesie, for a ring‑carrier.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-aww-wid">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wid.</speaker>
      <p n="1659">The troope is past: Come pilgrim, I wil bring
      <lb n="1660"/>you, Where you shall host: Of inioyn'd penitents
      <lb n="1661"/>There's foure or fiue, to great S.<hi rend="italic">Iaques</hi>bound,
      <lb n="1662"/>Alreadie at my house.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-hel">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hel.</speaker>
      <l n="1663">I humbly thanke you:</l>
      <l n="1664">Please it this Matron, and this gentle Maide</l>
      <l n="1665">To eate with vs to night, the charge and thanking</l>
      <l n="1666">Shall be for me, and to requite you further,</l>
      <l n="1667">I will bestow some precepts of this Virgin,</l>
      <l n="1668">Worthy the note.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-aww-dia #F-aww-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <p n="1669">Wee'l take your offer kindly.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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