it is base for a
Souldier to loue; so am I in loue with a
base wench. If drawing
my sword against the humour
of affection, would deliuer mee
from the reprobate
thought of it, I would take Desire prisoner,
and ransome
him to any French Courtier for a new deuis'd
curtsie. I
[365]
thinke scorne to sigh, me thinkes I should
out‑sweare
Cupid. Comfort me Boy, What great men haue
beene
in loue?
Boy.
Hercules Master.
Brag.
Most sweete
Hercules: more authority
deare
[370]
Boy, name more; and sweet my childe let them be men
of good repute and carriage.
Boy.
Sampson Master, he was a man of good carriage,
great carriage:
for hee carried the Towne‑gates on his
backe like a
Porter: and he was in loue.
Brag.
[375]
O well‑knit
Sampson, strong ioynted
Sampson;
I doe excell thee in my rapier, as much as thou didst mee
in
carrying gates. I am in loue too. Who was
Sampsons
loue my deare
Moth?
Boy.
A Woman, Master.
Brag.
[380]
Of what complexion?
Boy.
Of all the foure, or the three, or the two, or one
of the
foure.
Brag.
Tell me precisely of what complexion?
Boy.
Of the sea‑water Greene sir.
Brag.
[385]
Is that one of the foure complexions?
Boy.
As I haue read sir, and the best of them too.
Brag.
Greene indeed is the colour of Louers: but to
haue a Loue of
that colour, methinkes
Sampson had small
reason for it. He surely affected her for her wit.
Boy.
[390]
It was so sir, for she had a greene wit.
Brag.
My Loue is most immaculate white and red.
Boy.
Most immaculate thoughts Master, are mask'd
vnder such
colours.
Brag.
Define, define, well educated infant.
Boy.
[395]
My fathers witte, and my mothers tongue assist
mee.
Brag.
Sweet inuocation of a childe, most pretty and
patheticall.
Boy.If shee be made of white and red,
[400]
Her faults will nere be knowne:For blush‑in cheekes by faults are bred,And feares by pale white showne:Then if she feare, or be to blame,By this you shall not know,
[405]
For still her cheekes possesse the same,Which natiue she doth owe:A dangerous rime master against the reason of white
and
redde.
Brag.
Is there not a ballet Boy, of the King and the
Begger?
Boy.
[410]
The world was very guilty of such a Ballet some
three ages
since, but I thinke now 'tis not to be found: or
if it were, it
would neither serue for the writing, nor the
tune.
Brag.
I will haue that subiect newly writ ore, that I
[415]
may example my
digression by some mighty president.
Boy, I doe loue that
Countrey girle that I tooke in
the Parke with the rationall
hinde
Costard: she deserues
Actus primus.
[Act 1, Scene 1]
Enter Ferdinand King of Nauarre,
Berowne, Longauill, and
Dumane.
Ferdinand.LEt
Fame, that
all hunt after in their liues,
Liue registred vpon our brazen Tombes,And then grace vs in the disgrace of death:
when spight of
cormorant deuouring Time,
Th'endeuour of this present breath may buy:
[5]
That honour which shall bate his sythes keene edge,And make vs heyres of all eternitie.Therefore braue Conquerours, for so you are,That warre against your owne affections,And the huge Armie of the worlds desires.
[10]
Our late edict shall strongly stand in force,Nauar shall be the wonder of the world.
Our Court shall be a little Achademe,Still and contemplatiue in liuing Art.You three,
Berowne, Dumaine, and
Longauill,
[15]
Haue sworne for three yeeres terme, to liue with me:My fellow Schollers, and to keepe those statutesThat are recorded in this scedule heere.Your oathes are past, and now subscribe your names:That his owne hand may strike his honour downe,
[20]
That violates the smallest branch heerein:If you are arm'd to doe, as sworne to do,Subscribe to your deepe oathes, and keepe it to.Longauill.I am resolu'd, 'tis but a three yeeres fast:The minde shall banquet, though the body pine,
[25]
Fat paunches haue leane pates: and dainty bits,Make rich the ribs, but bankerout the wits.Dumane.My louing Lord,
Dumane is mortified,
The grosser manner of these worlds delights,He throwes vpon the grosse worlds baser slaues:
[30]
To loue, to wealth, to pompe, I pine and die,With all these liuing in Philosophie.Berowne.I can but say their protestation ouer,So much, deare Liege, I haue already sworne,That is, to liue and study heere three yeeres.
[35]
But there are other strict obseruances:As not to see a woman in that terme,Which I hope well is not enrolled there.And one day in a weeke to touch no foode:And but one meale on euery day beside:
[40]
The which I hope is not enrolled there.And then to sleepe but three houres in the night,And not be seene to winke of all the day.When I was wont to thinke no harme all night,And make a darke night too of halfe the day:
[45]
Which I hope well is not enrolled there.O, these are barren taskes, too hard to keepe,Not to see Ladies, study, fast, not sleepe.Ferd.Your oath is past, to passe away from these.Berow.Let me say no my Liedge, and if you please,
[50]
I onely swore to study with your grace,And stay heere in your Court for three yeeres space.Longa.You swore to that
Berowne, and to the
rest.
Berow.By yea and nay sir, than I swore in iest.What is the end of study, let me know?Fer.
[55]
Why that to know which else wee should not
know.
Ber.Things hid & bard (you meane)
frō
from
cōmon
common sense.
Ferd.I, that is studies god‑like recompence.Bero.Come on then, I will sweare to studie so,
[60]
To know the thing I am forbid to know:As thus, to study where I well may dine,When I to fast expressely am forbid.Or studie where to meet some Mistresse fine,When Mistresses from common sense are hid.
[65]
Or hauing sworne too hard a keeping oath,Studie to breake it, and not breake my troth.If studies gaine be thus, and this be so,Studie knowes that which yet it doth not know,Sweare me to this; and I will nere say no.Ferd.
[70]
These be the stops that hinder studie quite,And traine our intellects to vaine delight.Ber.Why? all delights are vaine, and that most vaineWhich with paine purchas'd, doth inherit paine,As painefully to poare vpon a Booke,
[75]
To seeke the light of truth, while truth the whileDoth falsely blinde the eye‑sight of his looke:Light
seeekingseeking light, doth light of light beguile:
So ere you finde where light in darkenesse lies,Your light growes darke by losing of your eyes.
[80]
Studie me how to please the eye indeede,By fixing it vpon a fairer eye,Who dazling so, that eye shall be his heed,And giue him light that it was blinded by.Studie is like the heauens glorious Sunne,
[85]
That will not be deepe search'd with sawcy lookes:Small haue continuall plodders euer wonne,Saue base authoritie from others Bookes.These earthly Godfathers of heauens lights,That giue a name to euery fixed Starre,
[90]
Haue no more profit of their shining nights,Then those that walke and wot not what they are.Too much to know, is to know nought but fame:And euery Godfather can giue a name.Fer.How well hee's read, to reason against reading.Dum.
[95]
Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding.Lon.Hee weedes the corne, and still lets grow the
weeding.
Ber.The Spring is neare when greene geesse are a
breeding.
Dum.How followes that?Ber.Fit in his place and time.Dum.
[100]
In reason nothing.Ber.Something then in rime.Ferd.Berowne is like an enuious sneaping
Frost,
That bites the first borne infants of the Spring.Ber.Wel, say I am, why should proud Summer boast,
[105]
Before the Birds haue any cause to sing?Why should I ioy in any abortiue birth?At Christmas I no more desire a Rose,Then wish a Snow in Mayes new fangled showes:But like of each thing that in season growes.
[110]
So you to studie now it is too late,That were to clymbe ore the house to vnlocke the gate.Fer.Well, sit you out: go home
Berowne: adue.
Ber.No my good Lord, I haue sworn to stay with you.And though I haue for barbarisme spoke more,
[115]
Then for that Angell knowledge you can say,Yet confident Ile keepe what I haue sworne,And bide the pennance of each three yeares day.Giue me the paper, let me reade the same,And to the strictest decrees Ile write my name.Fer.
[120]
How well this yeelding rescues thee from shame.Ber.Item. That no woman shall come within a mile
of my Court.
Hath this bin proclaimed?Lon.Foure dayes agoe.Ber.Let's see the penaltie.
[125]
On paine of loosing her tongue.Who deuis'd this penaltie?Lon.Marry that did I.Ber.Sweete Lord, and why?Lon.To fright them hence with that dread penaltie,
[130]
A dangerous law against gentilitie.
Item, If any man be seene to talke with a
woman with
in the tearme of three yeares, hee shall
indure such
publique shame as the rest of the Court shall
possibly
deuise.
Ber.
[135]
This Article my Liedge your selfe must breake,For well you know here comes in EmbassieThe
French Kings daughter, with your selfe to
speake:
A Maide of grace and compleate maiestie,About surrender vp of
Aquitaine:
[140]
To her decrepit, sicke, and bed‑rid Father.Therefore this Article is made in vaine,Or vainly comes th'admired Princesse hither.Fer.What say you Lords?Why, this was quite forgot.Ber.
[145]
So Studie euermore is ouershot,While it doth study to haue what it would,It doth forget to doe the thing it should:And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,'Tis won as townes with fire, so won, so lost.Fer.
[150]
We must of force dispence with this Decree,She must lye here on meere necessitie.Ber.Necessity will make vs all forsworneThree thousand times within this three yeeres space:For euery man with his affects is borne,
[155]
Not by might mastred, but by speciall grace.If I breake faith, this word shall breake for me,I am forsworne on meere necessitie.So to the Lawes at large I write my name,And he that breakes them in the least degree,
[160]
Stands in attainder of eternall shame.Suggestions are to others as to me:But I beleeue although I seeme so loth,I am the last that will last keepe his oth.But is there no quicke recreation granted?Fer.
[165]
I that there is, our Court you know is hantedWith a refined trauailer of
Spaine,
A man in all the worlds new fashion planted,That hath a mint of phrases in his braine:One, who the musicke of his owne vaine tongue,
[170]
Doth rauish like inchanting harmonie:A man of complements whom right and wrongHaue chose as vmpire of their mutinie.This childe of fancie that
Armado hight,
For interim to our studies shall relate,
[175]
In high‑borne words the worth of many a Knight:From tawnie
Spaine lost in the worlds
debate.
How you delight my Lords, I know not I,But I protest I loue to heare him lie,And I will vse him for my Minstrelsie.Bero.
[180]
Armado is a most illustrious wight,
A man of fire, new words, fashions owne Knight.Lon.Costard the swaine and he, shall be our
sport,
And so to studie, three yeeres is but short.Enter a Constable with Costard
with a Letter.
Const.
Which is the Dukes owne person.
Ber.
[185]
This fellow, What would'st?
Con.
I my selfe reprehend his owne person, for I am
his graces
Tharborough: But I would see his own person
in flesh and
blood.
Ber.
This is he.
Con.
[190]
Signeor
Arme, Arme commends you:
Ther's villanie abroad, this letter will tell you more.Clow.
Sir the Contempts thereof are as touching
mee.
Fer.
A letter from the magnificent
Armado.
Ber.
[195]
How low soeuer the matter, I hope in God for
high words.
Lon.
A high hope for a low heauen, God grant vs pa
tience.
Ber.
To heare, or forbeare hearing.
Lon.
[200]
To heare meekely sir, and to laugh moderately,
or to forbeare
both.
Ber.
Well sir, be it as the stile shall giue vs cause to
clime in the
merrinesse.
Clo.The matter is to me sir, as concerning
Iaquenetta.
[205]
The manner of it is, I was taken with the manner.Ber.In what manner?Clo.In manner and forme following sir all those three.
I was seene with her in the Mannor house, sitting with
her vpon
the Forme, and taken following her into the
[210]
Parke: which put to
gether, is in manner and forme
following. Now sir for the
manner; It is the manner
of a man to speake to a woman, for the
forme in some
forme.
Ber.For the following sir.Clo.
[215]
As it shall follow in my correction, and God de
fend the
right.
Fer.Will you heare this Letter with attention?Ber.As we would heare an Oracle.Clo.
Such is the simplicitie of man to harken after the
flesh.
Ferdinand.
[220]
GReat Deputie, the
Welkins Vicegerent, and sole domi
nator of
Nauar,
my soules earths God, and bodies
fo
string patrone:
Cost.
Not a vvord of
Costard yet.
Ferd.
So it is.
Cost.
[225]
It may be so: but if he say it is so, he is in telling
true: but
so.
Ferd.
Peace,
Clow.Be to me, and euery man that dares not fight.Ferd.
No words,
Clow.
[230]
Of other mens secrets I beseech you.Ferd.
So it is besieged with sable coloured melancholie,
I
did commend the blacke oppressing humour to the most
whole
some Physicke of thy health‑giuing
ayre: And as I am a Gen
tleman, betooke my selfe to
walke: the time When? about the
sixt houre, When beasts
most grase, birds best pecke, and men
sit downe to that
nourishment which is called supper: So much
for the time
When. Now for the ground Which? which I
meane I walkt vpon,
it is ycliped, Thy Parke. Then for the
place Where? where I
meane I did encounter that obscene and
most preposterous
euent that draweth from my snow‑white pen
the ebon
coloured Inke, which heere thou viewest, beholdest
suruayest, or seest. But to the place Where? It standeth
North North‐east and by East from the West corner of
thy
curious knotted garden; There did I see that low
spiri
ted Swaine, that base Minow of thy myrth,
Clown.
Mee?
that vnletered small knowing soule,
Clow
Me?
that shallow
vassall
Clow.
Still mee?
which as I remember, hight
Co
stard,
Clow.
O me
[255]
sorted and consorted contrary to thy
e
stablished proclaymed Edict and Continet, Cannon:
Which
with, ô with, but with this I passion to say wherewith:
Clo.
With a Wench.
Ferd.
With a childe of our Grandmother Eue,
a female;
[260]
or for thy more sweet understanding a woman: him,
I
(
as my
euer esteemed dutie prickes
me on
)
haue sent to thee, to receiue
the meed of punishment by thy sweet Graces Officer
Anthony
Dull,
a man of good repute, carriage,
bearing, & estimation
Anth.Me, an't shall please you? I am
Anthony DullFerd.
[265]
For Iaquenetta (
so is the weaker vessell
called
)
which I apprehended with the aforesaid Swaine, I
keeper her
as a vessell of thy Lawes furie, and shall at
the least of thy
sweet notice, bring her to triall. Thine
in all complements of
deuoted and heart‑burning heat
of dutie
.
[270]
Don Adriana de Armado.
Ber.
This is not so well as I looked for, but the best
that euer I
heard.
Fer.
I the best, for the worst. But sirra, What say you
to this?
Clo.
[275]
Sir I confesse the Wench.
Fer.
Did you heare the Proclamation?
Clo.
I doe confesse much of the hearing it, but little
of the marking
of it.
Fer.
It was proclaimed a yeeres imprisonment to bee
[280]
taken with a
Wench.
Clow.
I was taken with none sir, I was taken vvith a
Damosell.
Fer.
Well, it was proclaimed Damosell.
Clo.
This was no Damosell neyther sir, shee was a
[285]
Virgin.
Fer.
It is so varried to, for it was proclaimed Virgin.
Clo.
If it were, I denie her Virginitie: I was taken
with a
Maide.
Fer.
This Maid will not serue your turne sir.
Clo.
[290]
This Maide will serue my turne sir.
Kin.
Sir I will pronounce your sentence: You shall
fast a Weeke with
Branne and water.
Clo.
I had rather pray a Moneth with Mutton and
Porridge.
Kin.
[295]
And
Don Armado shall be your keeper.
My Lord
Berowne, see him deliuer'd ore,
And goe we Lords to put in practice that,Which each to other hath so strongly sworne.Bero.Ile lay my head to any good mans hat,
[300]
These oathes and lawes will proue an idle scorne.Sirra, come on.Clo.
I suffer for the truth sir: for true it is, I was ta
ken
with
Iaquenetta, and
Iaquenetta is a true girle, and
therefore welcome the
sowre cup of prosperitie, afflicti
[305]
on may one day smile
againe, and vntill then sit downe
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<div type="scene" n="1">
<head rend="italic center">Actus primus.</head>
<head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 1]</head>
<cb n="1"/>
<stage rend="italic" type="entrance">Enter Ferdinand King of Nauarre, Berowne, Longauill, and
<lb/>Dumane.</stage>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferdinand.</speaker>
<l n="1">
<c rend="decoratedCapital">L</c>Et<hi rend="italic">Fame</hi>, that all hunt after in their liues,</l>
<l n="2">Liue registred vpon our brazen Tombes,</l>
<l n="3">And then grace vs in the disgrace of death:
<lb/>when spight of cormorant deuouring Time,</l>
<l n="4">Th'endeuour of this present breath may buy:</l>
<l n="5">That honour which shall bate his sythes keene edge,</l>
<l n="6">And make vs heyres of all eternitie.</l>
<l n="7">Therefore braue Conquerours, for so you are,</l>
<l n="8">That warre against your owne affections,</l>
<l n="9">And the huge Armie of the worlds desires.</l>
<l n="10">Our late edict shall strongly stand in force,</l>
<l n="11">
<hi rend="italic">Nauar</hi>shall be the wonder of the world.</l>
<l n="12">Our Court shall be a little Achademe,</l>
<l n="13">Still and contemplatiue in liuing Art.</l>
<l n="14">You three,<hi rend="italic">Berowne, Dumaine</hi>, and<hi rend="italic">Longauill</hi>,</l>
<l n="15">Haue sworne for three yeeres terme, to liue with me:</l>
<l n="16">My fellow Schollers, and to keepe those statutes</l>
<l n="17">That are recorded in this scedule heere.</l>
<l n="18">Your oathes are past, and now subscribe your names:</l>
<l n="19">That his owne hand may strike his honour downe,</l>
<l n="20">That violates the smallest branch heerein:</l>
<l n="21">If you are arm'd to doe, as sworne to do,</l>
<l n="22">Subscribe to your deepe oathes, and keepe it to.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Longauill.</speaker>
<l n="23">I am resolu'd, 'tis but a three yeeres fast:</l>
<l n="24">The minde shall banquet, though the body pine,</l>
<l n="25">Fat paunches haue leane pates: and dainty bits,</l>
<l n="26">Make rich the ribs, but bankerout the wits.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dum">
<speaker rend="italic">Dumane.</speaker>
<l n="27">My louing Lord,<hi rend="italic">Dumane</hi>is mortified,</l>
<l n="28">The grosser manner of these worlds delights,</l>
<l n="29">He throwes vpon the grosse worlds baser slaues:</l>
<l n="30">To loue, to wealth, to pompe, I pine and die,</l>
<l n="31">With all these liuing in Philosophie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Berowne.</speaker>
<l n="32">I can but say their protestation ouer,</l>
<l n="33">So much, deare Liege, I haue already sworne,</l>
<l n="34">That is, to liue and study heere three yeeres.</l>
<l n="35">But there are other strict obseruances:</l>
<l n="36">As not to see a woman in that terme,</l>
<l n="37">Which I hope well is not enrolled there.</l>
<l n="38">And one day in a weeke to touch no foode:</l>
<l n="39">And but one meale on euery day beside:</l>
<l n="40">The which I hope is not enrolled there.</l>
<l n="41">And then to sleepe but three houres in the night,</l>
<l n="42">And not be seene to winke of all the day.</l>
<l n="43">When I was wont to thinke no harme all night,</l>
<l n="44">And make a darke night too of halfe the day:</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="45">Which I hope well is not enrolled there.</l>
<l n="46">O, these are barren taskes, too hard to keepe,</l>
<l n="47">Not to see Ladies, study, fast, not sleepe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<l n="48">Your oath is past, to passe away from these.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Berow.</speaker>
<l n="49">Let me say no my Liedge, and if you please,</l>
<l n="50">I onely swore to study with your grace,</l>
<l n="51">And stay heere in your Court for three yeeres space.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Longa.</speaker>
<l n="52">You swore to that<hi rend="italic">Berowne</hi>, and to the rest.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Berow.</speaker>
<l n="53">By yea and nay sir, than I swore in iest.</l>
<l n="54">What is the end of study, let me know?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="55">Why that to know which else wee should not
<lb n="56"/>know.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="57">Things hid & bard (you meane)<choice>
<abbr>frō</abbr>
<expan>from</expan>
</choice>
<choice>
<abbr>cōmon</abbr>
<expan>common</expan>
</choice>sense.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<l n="58">I, that is studies god‑like recompence.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Bero.</speaker>
<l n="59">Come on then, I will sweare to studie so,</l>
<l n="60">To know the thing I am forbid to know:</l>
<l n="61">As thus, to study where I well may dine,</l>
<l n="62">When I to fast expressely am forbid.</l>
<l n="63">Or studie where to meet some Mistresse fine,</l>
<l n="64">When Mistresses from common sense are hid.</l>
<l n="65">Or hauing sworne too hard a keeping oath,</l>
<l n="66">Studie to breake it, and not breake my troth.</l>
<l n="67">If studies gaine be thus, and this be so,</l>
<l n="68">Studie knowes that which yet it doth not know,</l>
<l n="69">Sweare me to this; and I will nere say no.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<l n="70">These be the stops that hinder studie quite,</l>
<l n="71">And traine our intellects to vaine delight.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="72">Why? all delights are vaine, and that most vaine</l>
<l n="73">Which with paine purchas'd, doth inherit paine,</l>
<l n="74">As painefully to poare vpon a Booke,</l>
<l n="75">To seeke the light of truth, while truth the while</l>
<l n="76">Doth falsely blinde the eye‑sight of his looke:</l>
<l n="77">Light<choice>
<orig>seeeking</orig>
<corr>seeking</corr>
</choice>light, doth light of light beguile:</l>
<l n="78">So ere you finde where light in darkenesse lies,</l>
<l n="79">Your light growes darke by losing of your eyes.</l>
<l n="80">Studie me how to please the eye indeede,</l>
<l n="81">By fixing it vpon a fairer eye,</l>
<l n="82">Who dazling so, that eye shall be his heed,</l>
<l n="83">And giue him light that it was blinded by.</l>
<l n="84">Studie is like the heauens glorious Sunne,</l>
<l n="85">That will not be deepe search'd with sawcy lookes:</l>
<l n="86">Small haue continuall plodders euer wonne,</l>
<l n="87">Saue base authoritie from others Bookes.</l>
<l n="88">These earthly Godfathers of heauens lights,</l>
<l n="89">That giue a name to euery fixed Starre,</l>
<l n="90">Haue no more profit of their shining nights,</l>
<l n="91">Then those that walke and wot not what they are.</l>
<l n="92">Too much to know, is to know nought but fame:</l>
<l n="93">And euery Godfather can giue a name.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="94">How well hee's read, to reason against reading.</l>
</sp>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0143-0.jpg" n="123"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<sp who="#F-lll-dum">
<speaker rend="italic">Dum.</speaker>
<l n="95">Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<l n="96">Hee weedes the corne, and still lets grow the
<lb/>weeding.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="97">The Spring is neare when greene geesse are a
<lb/>breeding.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dum">
<speaker rend="italic">Dum.</speaker>
<l n="98">How followes that?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="99">Fit in his place and time.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dum">
<speaker rend="italic">Dum.</speaker>
<l n="100">In reason nothing.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="101">Something then in rime.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<l n="102">
<hi rend="italic">Berowne</hi>is like an enuious sneaping Frost,</l>
<l n="103">That bites the first borne infants of the Spring.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="104">Wel, say I am, why should proud Summer boast,</l>
<l n="105">Before the Birds haue any cause to sing?</l>
<l n="106">Why should I ioy in any abortiue birth?</l>
<l n="107">At Christmas I no more desire a Rose,</l>
<l n="108">Then wish a Snow in Mayes new fangled showes:</l>
<l n="109">But like of each thing that in season growes.</l>
<l n="110">So you to studie now it is too late,</l>
<l n="111">That were to clymbe ore the house to vnlocke the gate.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="112">Well, sit you out: go home<hi rend="italic">Berowne</hi>: adue.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="113">No my good Lord, I haue sworn to stay with you.</l>
<l n="114">And though I haue for barbarisme spoke more,</l>
<l n="115">Then for that Angell knowledge you can say,</l>
<l n="116">Yet confident Ile keepe what I haue sworne,</l>
<l n="117">And bide the pennance of each three yeares day.</l>
<l n="118">Giue me the paper, let me reade the same,</l>
<l n="119">And to the strictest decrees Ile write my name.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="120">How well this yeelding rescues thee from shame.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="121">
<hi rend="italic">Item.</hi>That no woman shall come within a mile
<lb/>of my Court.</l>
<l n="122">Hath this bin proclaimed?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<l n="123">Foure dayes agoe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="124">Let's see the penaltie.</l>
<l n="125">On paine of loosing her tongue.</l>
<l n="126">Who deuis'd this penaltie?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<l n="127">Marry that did I.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="128">Sweete Lord, and why?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<l n="129">To fright them hence with that dread penaltie,</l>
<l n="130">A dangerous law against gentilitie.</l>
<p n="131">
<hi rend="italic">Item</hi>, If any man be seene to talke with a woman with
<lb n="132"/>in the tearme of three yeares, hee shall indure such
<lb n="133"/>publique shame as the rest of the Court shall possibly
<lb n="134"/>deuise.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="135">This Article my Liedge your selfe must breake,</l>
<l n="136">For well you know here comes in Embassie</l>
<l n="137">The<hi rend="italic">French</hi>Kings daughter, with your selfe to speake:</l>
<l n="138">A Maide of grace and compleate maiestie,</l>
<l n="139">About surrender vp of<hi rend="italic">Aquitaine</hi>:</l>
<l n="140">To her decrepit, sicke, and bed‑rid Father.</l>
<l n="141">Therefore this Article is made in vaine,</l>
<l n="142">Or vainly comes th'admired Princesse hither.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="143">What say you Lords?</l>
<l n="144">Why, this was quite forgot.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="145">So Studie euermore is ouershot,</l>
<l n="146">While it doth study to haue what it would,</l>
<l n="147">It doth forget to doe the thing it should:</l>
<l n="148">And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,</l>
<l n="149">'Tis won as townes with fire, so won, so lost.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="150">We must of force dispence with this Decree,</l>
<l n="151">She must lye here on meere necessitie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="152">Necessity will make vs all forsworne</l>
<l n="153">Three thousand times within this three yeeres space:</l>
<l n="154">For euery man with his affects is borne,</l>
<l n="155">Not by might mastred, but by speciall grace.</l>
<l n="156">If I breake faith, this word shall breake for me,</l>
<l n="157">I am forsworne on meere necessitie.</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="158">So to the Lawes at large I write my name,</l>
<l n="159">And he that breakes them in the least degree,</l>
<l n="160">Stands in attainder of eternall shame.</l>
<l n="161">Suggestions are to others as to me:</l>
<l n="162">But I beleeue although I seeme so loth,</l>
<l n="163">I am the last that will last keepe his oth.</l>
<l n="164">But is there no quicke recreation granted?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="165">I that there is, our Court you know is hanted</l>
<l n="166">With a refined trauailer of<hi rend="italic">Spaine</hi>,</l>
<l n="167">A man in all the worlds new fashion planted,</l>
<l n="168">That hath a mint of phrases in his braine:</l>
<l n="169">One, who the musicke of his owne vaine tongue,</l>
<l n="170">Doth rauish like inchanting harmonie:</l>
<l n="171">A man of complements whom right and wrong</l>
<l n="172">Haue chose as vmpire of their mutinie.</l>
<l n="173">This childe of fancie that<hi rend="italic">Armado</hi>hight,</l>
<l n="174">For interim to our studies shall relate,</l>
<l n="175">In high‑borne words the worth of many a Knight:</l>
<l n="176">From tawnie<hi rend="italic">Spaine</hi>lost in the worlds debate.</l>
<l n="177">How you delight my Lords, I know not I,</l>
<l n="178">But I protest I loue to heare him lie,</l>
<l n="179">And I will vse him for my Minstrelsie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Bero.</speaker>
<l n="180">
<hi rend="italic">Armado</hi>is a most illustrious wight,</l>
<l n="181">A man of fire, new words, fashions owne Knight.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<l n="182">
<hi rend="italic">Costard</hi>the swaine and he, shall be our sport,</l>
<l n="183">And so to studie, three yeeres is but short.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Constable with Costard with a Letter.</stage>
<sp who="#F-lll-dul">
<speaker rend="italic">Const.</speaker>
<p n="184">Which is the Dukes owne person.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="185">This fellow, What would'st?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dul">
<speaker rend="italic">Con.</speaker>
<p n="186">I my selfe reprehend his owne person, for I am
<lb n="187"/>his graces Tharborough: But I would see his own person
<lb n="188"/>in flesh and blood.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="189">This is he.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dul">
<speaker rend="italic">Con.</speaker>
<l n="190">Signeor<hi rend="italic">Arme, Arme</hi>commends you:</l>
<l n="191">Ther's villanie abroad, this letter will tell you more.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<p n="192">Sir the Contempts thereof are as touching
<lb n="193"/>mee.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="194">A letter from the magnificent<hi rend="italic">Armado</hi>.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="195">How low soeuer the matter, I hope in God for
<lb n="196"/>high words.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<p n="197">A high hope for a low heauen, God grant vs pa
<lb n="198"/>tience.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="199">To heare, or forbeare hearing.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-lon">
<speaker rend="italic">Lon.</speaker>
<p n="200">To heare meekely sir, and to laugh moderately,
<lb n="201"/>or to forbeare both.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="202">Well sir, be it as the stile shall giue vs cause to
<lb n="203"/>clime in the merrinesse.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<l n="204">The matter is to me sir, as concerning<hi rend="italic">Iaquenetta</hi>.</l>
<l n="205">The manner of it is, I was taken with the manner.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="206">In what manner?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<l n="207">In manner and forme following sir all those three.</l>
<p n="208">I was seene with her in the Mannor house, sitting with
<lb n="209"/>her vpon the Forme, and taken following her into the
<lb n="210"/>Parke: which put to gether, is in manner and forme
<lb n="211"/>following. Now sir for the manner; It is the manner
<lb n="212"/>of a man to speake to a woman, for the forme in some
<lb n="213"/>forme.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="214">For the following sir.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<l n="215">As it shall follow in my correction, and God de
<lb/>fend the right.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<l n="216">Will you heare this Letter with attention?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<l n="217">As we would heare an Oracle.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="218">Such is the simplicitie of man to harken after the
<lb n="219"/>flesh.</p>
</sp>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0144-0.jpg" n="124"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic center">Ferdinand.</speaker>
<p n="220">
<c rend="droppedCapital">G</c>
<hi rend="italic">Reat Deputie, the Welkins Vicegerent, and sole domi
<lb n="221"/>nator of</hi>Nauar,<hi rend="italic">my soules earths God, and bodies fo
<lb n="222"/>string patrone:</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Cost.</speaker>
<p n="223">Not a vvord of<hi rend="italic">Costard</hi>yet.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="224">
<hi rend="italic">So it is.</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Cost.</speaker>
<p n="225">It may be so: but if he say it is so, he is in telling
<lb n="226"/>true: but so.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="227">Peace,</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<l n="228">Be to me, and euery man that dares not fight.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="229">No words,</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<l n="230">Of other mens secrets I beseech you.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="231">
<hi rend="italic">So it is besieged with sable coloured melancholie, I
<lb n="232"/>did commend the blacke oppressing humour to the most whole
<lb n="233"/>some Physicke of thy health‑giuing ayre: And as I am a Gen
<lb n="234"/>tleman, betooke my selfe to walke: the time When? about the
<lb n="235"/>sixt houre, When beasts most grase, birds best pecke, and men
<lb n="236"/>sit downe to that nourishment which is called supper: So much
<lb n="237"/>for the time When. Now for the ground Which? which I
<lb n="238"/>meane I walkt vpon, it is ycliped, Thy Parke. Then for the
<lb n="239"/>place Where? where I meane I did encounter that obscene and
<lb n="240"/>most preposterous euent that draweth from my snow‑white pen
<lb n="241"/>the ebon coloured Inke, which heere thou viewest, beholdest<gap/>
<lb n="242"/>suruayest, or seest. But to the place Where? It standeth
<lb n="243"/>North North‐east and by East from the West corner of thy
<lb n="244"/>curious knotted garden; There did I see that low spiri
<lb n="245"/>ted Swaine, that base Minow of thy myrth,</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp rend="inlineAside inParentheses" who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clown.</speaker>
<p n="246">Mee?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<p n="247">
<hi rend="italic">that vnletered small knowing soule,</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp rend="inlineAside inParentheses" who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow</speaker>
<p n="248">Me?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<p n="249">
<hi rend="italic">that shallow
<lb n="250"/>vassall</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp rend="inlineAside inParentheses" who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<p n="251">Still mee?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<p n="252">
<hi rend="italic">which as I remember, hight</hi>Co
<lb n="253"/>stard,</p>
</sp>
<sp rend="inlineAside inParentheses" who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<p n="254">O me</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<p n="255">
<hi rend="italic">sorted and consorted contrary to thy e
<lb n="256"/>stablished proclaymed Edict and Continet, Cannon: Which
<lb n="257"/>with, ô with, but with this I passion to say wherewith:</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="258">With a Wench.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="259">
<hi rend="italic">With a childe of our Grandmother</hi>Eue,<hi rend="italic">a female</hi>;
<lb n="260"/>
<hi rend="italic">or for thy more sweet understanding a woman: him, I</hi>(<hi rend="italic">as my
<lb n="261"/>euer esteemed dutie prickes me on</hi>)<hi rend="italic">haue sent to thee, to receiue
<lb n="262"/>the meed of punishment by thy sweet Graces Officer</hi>Anthony
<lb n="263"/>Dull,<hi rend="italic">a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, & estimation</hi>
</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-dul">
<speaker rend="italic">Anth.</speaker>
<l n="264">Me, an't shall please you? I am<hi rend="italic">Anthony Dull</hi>
</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Ferd.</speaker>
<p n="265">For Iaquenetta (<hi rend="italic">so is the weaker vessell called</hi>)
<lb n="266"/>
<hi rend="italic">which I apprehended with the aforesaid Swaine, I keeper her
<lb n="267"/>as a vessell of thy Lawes furie, and shall at the least of thy
<lb n="268"/>sweet notice, bring her to triall. Thine in all complements of
<lb n="269"/>deuoted and heart‑burning heat of dutie</hi>.</p>
<p rend="rightJustified" n="270">Don Adriana de Armado.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Ber.</speaker>
<p n="271">This is not so well as I looked for, but the best
<lb n="272"/>that euer I heard.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="273">I the best, for the worst. But sirra, What say you
<lb n="274"/>to this?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="275">Sir I confesse the Wench.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="276">Did you heare the Proclamation?</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="277">I doe confesse much of the hearing it, but little
<lb n="278"/>of the marking of it.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="279">It was proclaimed a yeeres imprisonment to bee
<lb n="280"/>taken with a Wench.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clow.</speaker>
<p n="281">I was taken with none sir, I was taken vvith a
<lb n="282"/>Damosell.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="283">Well, it was proclaimed Damosell.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="284">This was no Damosell neyther sir, shee was a
<lb n="285"/>Virgin.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="286">It is so varried to, for it was proclaimed Virgin.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="287">If it were, I denie her Virginitie: I was taken
<lb n="288"/>with a Maide.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Fer.</speaker>
<p n="289">This Maid will not serue your turne sir.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="290">This Maide will serue my turne sir.</p>
</sp>
<cb n="2"/>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
<p n="291">Sir I will pronounce your sentence: You shall
<lb n="292"/>fast a Weeke with Branne and water.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="293">I had rather pray a Moneth with Mutton and
<lb n="294"/>Porridge.</p>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-fer">
<speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
<l n="295">And<hi rend="italic">Don Armado</hi>shall be your keeper.</l>
<l n="296">My Lord<hi rend="italic">Berowne</hi>, see him deliuer'd ore,</l>
<l n="297">And goe we Lords to put in practice that,</l>
<l n="298">Which each to other hath so strongly sworne.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-bir">
<speaker rend="italic">Bero.</speaker>
<l n="299">Ile lay my head to any good mans hat,</l>
<l n="300">These oathes and lawes will proue an idle scorne.</l>
<l n="301">Sirra, come on.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-lll-cos">
<speaker rend="italic">Clo.</speaker>
<p n="302">I suffer for the truth sir: for true it is, I was ta
<lb n="303"/>ken with<hi rend="italic">Iaquenetta</hi>, and<hi rend="italic">Iaquenetta</hi>is a true girle, and
<lb n="304"/>therefore welcome the sowre cup of prosperitie, afflicti
<lb n="305"/>on may one day smile againe, and vntill then sit downe
<lb n="306"/>sorrow.</p>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
</div>
