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Enjoy a FREE sample of our No Fear Translations below.
Original Text |
Modern Text |
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Enter FERDINAND, KING OF NAVARRE, BEROWNE, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE.
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FERDINAND, the KING OF NAVARRE; BEROWNE; LONGAVILLE; and DUMAINE enter.
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KING
Let fame, that all hunt after in their lives,
Live registered upon our brazen tombs,
And then grace us in the disgrace of death,
When, spite of cormorant devouring time,
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Th’ endeavor of this present breath may buy
That honor which shall bate his scythe’s keen edge
And make us heirs of all eternity.
Therefore, brave conquerors, for so you are
That war against your own affections
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And the huge army of the world’s desires,
Our late edict shall strongly stand in force.
Navarre shall be the wonder of the world;
Our court shall be a little academe,
Still and contemplative in living art.
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You three, Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville,
Have sworn for three years’ term to live with me,
My fellow scholars, and to keep those statutes
That are recorded in this schedule here.
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KING
Let fame, which we chase after all our lives, be brazenly engraved on our tombs, and then grace us when death destroys us. Despite time’s gluttonous pace, our worthy endeavors can bestow us with honor and ensure we are remembered forever. Therefore, my brave conquerors—for that is what you are—our recent agreement will help us fight the war against our own emotions and the huge army of the world’s desires. Navarre will be the wonder of the world. Our court will be a little university, a quiet place where we can contemplate how to live our lives. You three, Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville, have sworn to live with me for three years as fellow scholars and to obey the rules that are documented in this agreement here.
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He holds up a scroll.
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He holds up a scroll.
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Your oaths are passed, and now subscribe your
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names,
That his own hand may strike his honor down
That violates the smallest branch herein.
If you are armed to do as sworn to do,
Subscribe to your deep oaths, and keep it too.
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Your oaths have been made, and now sign your names, so that your own hand will destroy your honor if you violate even the smallest detail of this agreement. If you are prepared to act as you swore to, sign here to confirm your oaths and keep them.
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LONGAVILLE
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I am resolved. ’Tis but a three years’ fast.
The mind shall banquet though the body pine.
Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bits
Make rich the ribs but bankrout quite the wits.
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LONGAVILLE
I’ll do it. It’s only for three years. My mind will be fed with knowledge even when my body starves. Fat stomachs have weak minds; delicious food plumps you up but bankrupts your intelligence.
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He signs his name.
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He signs his name.
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DUMAINE
My loving lord, Dumaine is mortified.
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The grosser manner of these world’s delights
He throws upon the gross world’s baser slaves.
To love, to wealth, to pomp I pine and die,
With all these living in philosophy.
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DUMAINE
My loving lord, Dumaine is dead to worldly pleasures. The crude nature of the world’s joys should be thrown away to the slaves of the world. Love, wealth, and splendor: I’ll suffer and die without them and just encounter them in philosophy instead.
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He signs his name.
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He signs his name.
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BEROWNE
I can but say their protestation over.
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So much, dear liege, I have already sworn,
That is, to live and study here three years.
But there are other strict observances:
As not to see a woman in that term,
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there;
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And one day in a week to touch no food,
And but one meal on every day besides,
The which I hope is not enrollèd there;
And then to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day—
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When I was wont to think no harm all night,
And make a dark night too of half the day—
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there.
O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep.
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BEROWNE
Now that they’re done talking, I have something to say. I have already sworn, dear liege, to live and study here for three years. But there are other strict rules, such as: not being able to see a woman during that time, which I really hope is not written down in there; and to fast one day a week, when we only eat one meal a day, which I hope is not written down in there; and to sleep just three hours a day andnot close your eyes all day, when I’m used to sleeping all night and also half the day, which I really hope is not written down in there. Oh, these strict rules are too hard to keep, to not see ladies, to study, fast, and not sleep.
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KING
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Your oath is passed to pass away from these.
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KING
You’ve sworn an oath to give up these things.
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BEROWNE
Let me say no, my liege, an if you please.
I only swore to study with your Grace
And stay here in your court for three years’ space.
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BEROWNE
Let me decline, my liege, if you’ll permit me. I only swore to study with your Grace and stay here in your court for three years’ time.
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LONGAVILLE
You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest.
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LONGAVILLE
You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest of it, too.
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BEROWNE
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By yea and nay, sir. Then I swore in jest.
What is the end of study, let me know?
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BEROWNE
Yes and no, sir. At the time, I swore as a joke. Tell me, what is the purpose of the study?
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KING
Why, that to know which else we should not know.
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KING
Well, to gain knowledge we wouldn’t know otherwise.
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BEROWNE
Things hid and barred, you mean, from common
sense.
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BEROWNE
Things that common sense hides from us, you mean.
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KING
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Ay, that is study’s godlike recompense.
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KING
Yes, that’s the divine payback that such study offers.
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BEROWNE
Come on, then, I will swear to study so,
To know the thing I am forbid to know:
As thus—to study where I well may dine,
When I to feast expressly am forbid;
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Or study where to meet some mistress fine
When mistresses from common sense are hid;
Or having sworn too hard-a-keeping oath,
Study to break it, and not break my troth.
If study’s gain be thus, and this be so,
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Study knows that which yet it doth not know.
Swear me to this, and I will ne’er say no.
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BEROWNE
Okay, then, I will swear to study accordingly, to learn about things I am not meant to learn. So, I’ll study where I eat, even though I am forbidden to eat, or learn where to meet a pretty woman, when ladies are hidden from common sense. Or, if I’ve sworn an oath too hard to keep, I’ll learn how to break it and not break my word. If this is the advantage of studying, then studying has a lot to learn. This I can swear to and never deny.
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KING
These be the stops that hinder study quite,
And train our intellects to vain delight.
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KING
These are the thoughts that hinder learning and train our minds to relish in pointless pleasures.
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BEROWNE
Why, all delights are vain, and that most vain
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Which with pain purchased doth inherit pain:
As painfully to pore upon a book
To seek the light of truth, while truth the while
Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look.
Light seeking light doth light of light beguile.
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So, ere you find where light in darkness lies,
Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes.
Study me how to please the eye indeed
By fixing it upon a fairer eye,
Who dazzling so, that eye shall be his heed
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And give him light that it was blinded by.
Study is like the heaven’s glorious sun,
That will not be deep-searched with saucy looks.
Small have continual plodders ever won,
Save base authority from others’ books.
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These earthly godfathers of heaven’s lights,
That give a name to every fixèd star,
Have no more profit of their shining nights
Than those that walk and wot not what they are.
Too much to know is to know naught but fame,
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And every godfather can give a name.
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BEROWNE
Well, all pleasures are pointless, and the most pointless, which requires work to obtain, also come with suffering, like poring tirelessly over a book in search of the truth, a truth that blindsides the seeker, making them unable to see clearly. Like staring at a bright light, it eventually blinds you. Let me study how to please an eye instead, by looking into beautiful eyes, and bedazzled by focusing on those eyes, I will return the light I was blinded by. Knowledge is like the heaven’s glorious sun; it shouldn’t be scrutinized with a critical eye. Dull work never teaches people much, except common knowledge from other people’s books. The astronomers who give a name to every star don’t benefit any more from the shining night sky than those who walk around not knowing what they are. People who are too knowledgeable only do that to become a famous name, but everyone is given a name at
birthThis kind of egotistical learning brings on a kind of fame that only results in people knowing a person’s name, which anyone can acquire, as every baby is given a name at baptism. |
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KING
How well he’s read to reason against reading.
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KING
He’s so well-read, he’s reasoning against reading.
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DUMAINE
Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding.
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DUMAINE
He’s so advanced, he’s stopped advancing.
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LONGAVILLE
He weeds the corn, and still lets grow the weeding.
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LONGAVILLE
He removes the wheat, but lets the weeds grow.
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BEROWNE
The spring is near when green geese are a-breeding.
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BEROWNE
Spring is near when the geese start
breedingBerowne says this to mock his companions’ rhyming. Geese, like sheep, have the reputation of stupidly following each other. |
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DUMAINE
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How follows that?
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DUMAINE
How is that relevant?
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BEROWNE
Fit in his place and time.
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BEROWNE
It’s relevant to the place and time.
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DUMAINE
In reason nothing.
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DUMAINE
That makes no sense.
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BEROWNE
Something then in rhyme.
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BEROWNE
Perhaps if I made it rhyme.
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KING
Berowne is like an envious sneaping frost
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That bites the firstborn infants of the spring.
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KING
Berowne is like a greedy, nipping frost that bites spring’s first foliage.
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BEROWNE
Well, say I am. Why should proud summer boast
Before the birds have any cause to sing?
Why should I joy in any abortive birth?
At Christmas I no more desire a rose
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Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows,
But like of each thing that in season grows.
So you, to study now it is too late,
Climb o’er the house to unlock the little gate.
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BEROWNE
Well, maybe I am. Why should arrogant summer brag before the birds have a chance to sing? Why should I enjoy any failed beginning? I don’t want fresh flowers at Christmas any more than I want snow covering the blossoms in May. I like each thing to grow in its own season. Like you, your decision to study now is too late, like climbing over the house to unlock the little gate.
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KING
Well, sit you out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu.
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KING
Well, then sit this one out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu.
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BEROWNE
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No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you.
And though I have for barbarism spoke more
Than for that angel knowledge you can say,
Yet, confident, I’ll keep what I have sworn
And bide the penance of each three years’ day.
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Give me the paper. Let me read the same,
And to the strictest decrees I’ll write my name.
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BEROWNE
No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you. And even though I have spoken more for the uncultured than you have about divine knowledge, I’ll absolutely stick to what I have sworn and endure the restrictions every day for the next three years. Give me the paper. Let me read what’s written, and I’ll sign my name under these strict rules.
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KING
How well this yielding rescues thee from shame.
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KING
How well you’ve rescued yourself from shame.
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BEROWNE reads
Item, That no woman shall come within
a mile of my court. Hath this been proclaimed?
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BEROWNE (
reading)
Note: No woman shall come within a mile of my court. Has this been proclaimed?
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LONGAVILLE
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Four days ago.
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LONGAVILLE
Four days ago.
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BEROWNE
Let’s see the penalty.
Reads:
On pain of
losing her tongue. Who devised this penalty?
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BEROWNE
Let’s see what the penalty is. (
reading) She would lose her tongue. Who came up with this penalty?
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LONGAVILLE
Marry, that did I.
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LONGAVILLE
Well, I did.
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BEROWNE
Sweet lord, and why?
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BEROWNE
Good lord, and why?
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LONGAVILLE
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To fright them hence with that dread penalty.
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LONGAVILLE
To scare them off with such an awful punishment.
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BEROWNE
A dangerous law against gentility.
Reads:
Item, If any man be seen to talk with a
woman within the term of three years, he shall endure
such public shame as the rest of the court can possible
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devise.
This article, my liege, yourself must break,
For well you know here comes in embassy
The French king’s daughter with yourself to speak—
A maid of grace and complete majesty—
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About surrender up of Aquitaine
To her decrepit, sick, and bedrid father.
Therefore this article is made in vain,
Or vainly comes th’ admirèd princess hither.
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BEROWNE
It’s a dangerous law that’s contrary to all civility.
(reading)
Note: If any man is seen talking to a woman within the three-year term, he will endure as much public shame as the entire court can possibly devise.
This rule, my lord, you are going to break yourself. As you well know, the French king’s daughter is coming here as an ambassador to speak with you—a woman of grace and utter majesty—about surrendering Aquitaine to her decrepit, sick, bedridden father. Therefore, this rule is pointless, or else it’s pointless for the princess to come here.
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KING
What say you, lords? Why, this was quite forgot.
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KING
What do you think, lords? I completely forgot about this.
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BEROWNE
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So study evermore is overshot.
While it doth study to have what it would,
It doth forget to do the thing it should.
And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,
’Tis won as towns with fire—so won, so lost.
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BEROWNE
So studying has already overstepped its boundaries. While it wants you to learn what you wish to know, it forgets the thing you should know. And when it has the thing it seeks most, it’s destroyed, like towns captured with fire—won, then lost.
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KING
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We must of force dispense with this decree.
She must lie here on mere necessity.
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KING
We must dispense with this rule at once. It’s an absolute necessity that she stays here.
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BEROWNE
Necessity will make us all forsworn
Three thousand times within this three years’
space;
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For every man with his affects is born,
Not by might mastered, but by special grace.
If I break faith, this word shall speak for me:
I am forsworn on mere necessity.
So to the laws at large I write my name,
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And he that breaks them in the least degree
Stands in attainder of eternal shame.
Suggestions are to other as to me,
But I believe, although I seem so loath,
I am the last that will last keep his oath.
He signs his name.
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But is there no quick recreation granted?
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BEROWNE
Necessity will make us all break these rules three thousand times within three years’ time. For every man is born with his own desires that can’t be controlled, except by God. If I break my word, these words will speak for me: I did it only out of necessity. So I’ll sign my name to the oath here, and the man that breaks it even a little is condemned to eternal shame. I am tempted just like other men, but I believe, even though I was hesitant, that I will be the only one to keep his oath.
He signs his name.
Can’t we have even a little entertainment before we start?
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KING
Ay, that there is. Our court, you know, is haunted
With a refinèd traveler of Spain,
A man in all the world’s new fashion planted,
That hath a mint of phrases in his brain;
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One who the music of his own vain tongue
Doth ravish like enchanting harmony,
A man of compliments, whom right and wrong
Have chose as umpire of their mutiny.
This child of fancy, that Armado hight,
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For interim to our studies shall relate
In high-born words the worth of many a knight
From tawny Spain lost in the world’s debate.
How you delight, my lords, I know not, I,
But I protest I love to hear him lie,
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And I will use him for my minstrelsy.
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KING
Yes, of course. Our court, as you know, is often visited by a refined Spanish traveler, a man who dresses in all the latest fashions and has a variety of witty thoughts in his brain. He loves to hear himself speak and charm others with his words like an enchanting harmony. And, believing himself to be a man of manners, he sits in judgment of others like an umpire of their discord. Before we begin our studies, this imaginative creature, named Armado, will tell us intriguing stories about the accomplishments of many knights from sunny Spain that have perished in the world’s wars. I don’t know if you will like it, my lords, but I’ll tell you, I love to hear his stories, and I will consider him my entertainment.
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BEROWNE
Armado is a most illustrious wight,
A man of fire-new words, fashion’s own knight.
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BEROWNE
Armado is a very famous person, a man of creative improvisation, a truly fashionable knight.
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LONGAVILLE
Costard the swain and he shall be our sport,
And so to study three years is but short.
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LONGAVILLE
He and the servant Costard will be our entertainment. Studying for three years is not that long.
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Enter DULL, a CONSTABLE, with a letter, and COSTARD.
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DULL, a CONSTABLE with a letter, and COSTARD enter.
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DULL
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Which is the Duke’s own person?
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DULL
Who represents the Duke?
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BEROWNE
This, fellow. What wouldst?
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BEROWNE
I do. What do you want?
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DULL
I myself reprehend his own person, for I am his
Grace’s farborough. But I would see his own
person in flesh and blood.
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DULL
I, myself, also represent the Duke. I am his Grace’s parish
officerDull misspeaks here, using the word “farborough” but meaning “thirdborough,” or parish officer, a low-ranked officer. |
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BEROWNE
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This is he.
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BEROWNE
I am him.
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DULL,
to KING
Signior Arm-, Arm-, commends you.
There’s villainy abroad. This letter will tell you
more.
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DULL,
to KING
Signior Arm-,
Arm-Dull has trouble pronouncing “Armado.” |
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He gives the letter to the KING.
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He gives the letter to the KING.
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COSTARD
Sir, the contempts thereof are as touching
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me.
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COSTARD
Sir, the
contemptsCostard misspeaks here - he means to say "the contents of the letter". |
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KING
A letter from the magnificent Armado.
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KING
A letter from the magnificent Armado.
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BEROWNE
How low soever the matter, I hope in God
for high words.
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BEROWNE
However bad things are, I hope to God he has optimistic things to say.
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LONGAVILLE
A high hope for a low heaven. God grant
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us patience!
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LONGAVILLE
High hopes for a low bar. God grant us patience!
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BEROWNE
To hear, or forbear hearing?
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BEROWNE
To listen to the letter, or stop from laughing?
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LONGAVILLE
To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately,
or to forbear both.
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LONGAVILLE
To listen quietly, sir, and to laugh only a little, or to do neither.
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BEROWNE
Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us cause
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to climb in the merriness.
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BEROWNE
Well, sir, hopefully its tone will give us a reason to be happy.
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COSTARD
The matter is to me, sir, as concerning
Jaquenetta. The manner of it is, I was taken with
the manner.
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COSTARD
The issue has to do with me, sir, concerning Jaquenetta. The nature of it is, I was caught in the nature.
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BEROWNE
In what manner?
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BEROWNE
Caught in what nature?
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COSTARD
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In manner and form following, sir, all those
three. I was seen with her in the manor house,
sitting with her upon the form, and taken following
her into the park, which, put together, is “in manner
and form following.” Now, sir, for the manner.
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It is the manner of a man to speak to a woman. For
the form—in some form.
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COSTARD
Both figuratively and, afterward, literally, too, sir, all three things. I was seen with her in the manor house, sitting with her on the bench, and following her into the park, which, all together is “in a manner of speaking and in real pursuit.” Now, sir, about customs. It is customary for a man to speak to a woman, a habit, in some habitual way.
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BEROWNE
For the “following,” sir?
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BEROWNE
And what “follows” that, sir?
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COSTARD
As it shall follow in my correction, and God
defend the right.
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COSTARD
It will follow that I will be punished, and may God defend me.
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KING
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Will you hear this letter with attention?
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KING
Will you listen attentively to this letter?
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BEROWNE
As we would hear an oracle.
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BEROWNE
As if we are listening to an oracle.
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COSTARD
Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after
the flesh.
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COSTARD
It’s natural for a man to be lustful.
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KING reads
Great deputy, the welkin’s vicegerent and
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sole dominator of Navarre, my soul’s earth’s god, and
body’s fost’ring patron—
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KING (
reading)
Great leader, the heaven’s deputy and sole ruler of Navarre, my soul’s god on earth, and my body’s guardian—
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COSTARD
Not a word of Costard yet.
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COSTARD
No word about Costard yet.
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KING reads
So it is—
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KING (
reading)
So it is—
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COSTARD
It may be so, but if he say it is so, he is, in
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telling true, but so.
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COSTARD
It may be so, but if he says it’s so, he is, in telling the truth, only so-so.
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KING
Peace.
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KING
Peace.
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COSTARD
Be to me, and every man that dares not fight.
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COSTARD
Peace be with me and every man that dares not to fight.
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KING
No words.
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KING
I mean, say no more words.
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COSTARD
Of other men’s secrets, I beseech you.
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COSTARD
—about other men’s private affairs, please.
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KING reads
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So it is, besieged with sable-colored melancholy,
I did commend the black oppressing humor
to the most wholesome physic of thy health-giving air;
and, as I am a gentleman, betook myself to walk. The
time when? About the sixth hour, when beasts most
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graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that
nourishment which is called supper. So much for the
time when. Now for the ground which—which, I
mean, I walked upon. It is yclept thy park. Then for the
place where—where, I mean, I did encounter that
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obscene and most prepost’rous event that draweth
from my snow-white pen the ebon-colored ink, which
here thou viewest, beholdest, surveyest, or seest. But to
the place where. It standeth north-north-east and by
east from the west corner of thy curious-knotted
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garden. There did I see that low-spirited swain, that
base minnow of thy mirth,—
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KING (reading)
So here’s what happened. Filled with dark sorrow, I decided to relieve my depression by giving it the remedy of fresh air, and on my word as a gentleman, simply went on a walk. What time was it? About six o’clock, when most animals graze, birds peck at food, and men sit down to that meal we call supper. So much for that. Now which ground—which ground, in fact, I was walking upon: it’s called the park. And as for the place where—where, in fact, I encountered that obscene and most preposterous event that compelled me to write in black ink from my snow-white quill, which you now must view, behold, analyze, and see. But back to the location. I stood somewhere north of the northeast and east of the western corner of your elaborate garden. It was there I saw that appalling servant, that low-life that amuses you—
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COSTARD
Me?
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COSTARD
Me?
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KING reads
that unlettered, small-knowing soul,—
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KING (reading)
that illiterate, ignorant soul,—
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COSTARD
Me?
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COSTARD
Me?
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KING reads
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that shallow vassal,—
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KING (reading)
that idiotic slavish fellow,—
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COSTARD
Still me?
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COSTARD
Still me?
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KING reads
which, as I remember, hight Costard,—
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KING (reading)
who, as I recall, is named Costard,—
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COSTARD
O, me!
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COSTARD
Oh, it is me!
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KING reads
sorted and consorted, contrary to thy
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established proclaimed edict and continent canon,
which with—O with—but with this I passion to say
wherewith—
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KING (reading)
who planned and schemed, despite your declared oath and restrictive rules, with—oh, with—it pains me to say who with—
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COSTARD
With a wench.
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COSTARD
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KING reads
with a child of our grandmother Eve, a
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female; or, for thy more sweet understanding, a
woman: him, I, as my ever-esteemed duty pricks
me on, have sent to thee, to receive the meed of
punishment by thy sweet Grace’s officer, Anthony
Dull, a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, and
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estimation.
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KING (reading)
with a child of our grandmother Eve, a female; or to clearer, a woman. As is my duty, I have sent him to you to receive his punishment, with your sweet Grace’s officer, Anthony Dull, a man with a good reputation, conduct, manners, and judgment.
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DULL
Me, an ’t shall please you. I am Anthony Dull.
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DULL
That’s me, if you please. I am Anthony Dull.
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KING reads
For Jaquenetta—so is the weaker vessel
called which I apprehended with the aforesaid
swain—I keep her as a vessel of thy law’s fury, and
275
shall, at the least of thy sweet notice, bring her to trial.
Thine, in all compliments of devoted and heartburning
heat of duty,
Don Adriano de Armado.
|
KING (reading)
As for Jaquenetta—the name of the weaker
vesselThis refers to the biblical quote: “A woman is the weaker vessel.”
Don Adriano de Armado.
|
|
BEROWNE
This is not so well as I looked for, but the
280
best that ever I heard.
|
BEROWNE
This is not as good as I’d hoped for, yet the best I’ve ever heard.
|
|
KING
Ay, the best, for the worst.
To COSTARD. But,
sirrah, what say you to this?
|
KING
Yes, the best of the worst.
To COSTARD. So, sir, what do you have to say about this?
|
|
COSTARD
Sir, I confess the wench.
|
COSTARD
Sir, I confess I know the woman.
|
|
KING
Did you hear the proclamation?
|
KING
Did you hear what was just said?
|
|
COSTARD
285
I do confess much of the hearing it, but little
of the marking of it.
|
COSTARD
I admit to listening to most of it, but I paid little attention to it.
|
|
KING
It was proclaimed a year’s imprisonment to be
taken with a wench.
|
KING
It was proposed that you be imprisoned for a year for being caught with a woman.
|
|
COSTARD
I was taken with none, sir. I was taken with a
290
damsel.
|
COSTARD
I was caught with no such person, sir. I was caught with a damsel.
|
|
KING
Well, it was proclaimed “damsel.”
|
KING
Well a “damsel” applies too.
|
|
COSTARD
This was no damsel neither, sir. She was a
virgin.
|
COSTARD
She was no damsel either, sir. She was a virgin.
|
|
BEROWNE
It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed
295
“virgin.”
|
BEROWNE
It’s the same for “virgin” as well.
|
|
COSTARD
If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken
with a maid.
|
COSTARD
If that’s so, then I deny she was a virgin. I was found with a maid.
|
|
KING
This “maid” will not serve your turn, sir.
|
KING
This so-called “maid” will not help your case either, sir.
|
|
COSTARD
This maid will serve my turn, sir.
|
COSTARD
This maid did serve me, sir.
|
|
KING
300
Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall
fast a week with bran and water.
|
KING
Sir, I will announce your sentence: you will fast for a week with only bread and water.
|
|
COSTARD
I had rather pray a month with mutton and
porridge.
|
COSTARD
I would rather pray for a month with meat and porridge.
|
|
KING
And Don Armado shall be your keeper.
305
My Lord Berowne, see him delivered o’er,
And go we, lords, to put in practice that
Which each to other hath so strongly sworn.
|
KING
And Don Armado will look after you. My Lord Berowne, see that he is taken there. As for us, lords, let’s start living our lives as we have passionately promised to.
|
|
KING, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE exit.
|
KING, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE exit.
|
|
BEROWNE
I’ll lay my head to any goodman’s hat,
These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn.
310
Sirrah, come on.
|
BEROWNE
I’ll bet my head on any good man’s hat that these oaths and rules will prove to be useless stupidity. Sir, let’s go.
|
|
COSTARD
I suffer for the truth, sir; for true it is I was
taken with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true
girl. And therefore welcome the sour cup of prosperity.
Affliction may one day smile again, and till
315
then, sit thee down, sorrow.
|
COSTARD
I’m being punished for the truth, sir, for it’s true I was found with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a real girl. Therefore, bring on bitter
prosperityCostard uses the wrong word here, as he often does. He probably means "adversity" (difficulty), not “prosperity" (success). AfflictionCostard is misspeaking again. A common saying was that “the heavens” would smile upon one, not “affliction” (suffering). |
|
They exit.
|
They exit.
|
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter FERDINAND, KING OF NAVARRE, BEROWNE, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE.
|
FERDINAND, the KING OF NAVARRE; BEROWNE; LONGAVILLE; and DUMAINE enter.
|
|
KING
Let fame, that all hunt after in their lives,
Live registered upon our brazen tombs,
And then grace us in the disgrace of death,
When, spite of cormorant devouring time,
5
Th’ endeavor of this present breath may buy
That honor which shall bate his scythe’s keen edge
And make us heirs of all eternity.
Therefore, brave conquerors, for so you are
That war against your own affections
10
And the huge army of the world’s desires,
Our late edict shall strongly stand in force.
Navarre shall be the wonder of the world;
Our court shall be a little academe,
Still and contemplative in living art.
15
You three, Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville,
Have sworn for three years’ term to live with me,
My fellow scholars, and to keep those statutes
That are recorded in this schedule here.
|
KING
Let fame, which we chase after all our lives, be brazenly engraved on our tombs, and then grace us when death destroys us. Despite time’s gluttonous pace, our worthy endeavors can bestow us with honor and ensure we are remembered forever. Therefore, my brave conquerors—for that is what you are—our recent agreement will help us fight the war against our own emotions and the huge army of the world’s desires. Navarre will be the wonder of the world. Our court will be a little university, a quiet place where we can contemplate how to live our lives. You three, Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville, have sworn to live with me for three years as fellow scholars and to obey the rules that are documented in this agreement here.
|
|
He holds up a scroll.
|
He holds up a scroll.
|
|
Your oaths are passed, and now subscribe your
20
names,
That his own hand may strike his honor down
That violates the smallest branch herein.
If you are armed to do as sworn to do,
Subscribe to your deep oaths, and keep it too.
|
Your oaths have been made, and now sign your names, so that your own hand will destroy your honor if you violate even the smallest detail of this agreement. If you are prepared to act as you swore to, sign here to confirm your oaths and keep them.
|
|
LONGAVILLE
25
I am resolved. ’Tis but a three years’ fast.
The mind shall banquet though the body pine.
Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bits
Make rich the ribs but bankrout quite the wits.
|
LONGAVILLE
I’ll do it. It’s only for three years. My mind will be fed with knowledge even when my body starves. Fat stomachs have weak minds; delicious food plumps you up but bankrupts your intelligence.
|
|
He signs his name.
|
He signs his name.
|
|
DUMAINE
My loving lord, Dumaine is mortified.
30
The grosser manner of these world’s delights
He throws upon the gross world’s baser slaves.
To love, to wealth, to pomp I pine and die,
With all these living in philosophy.
|
DUMAINE
My loving lord, Dumaine is dead to worldly pleasures. The crude nature of the world’s joys should be thrown away to the slaves of the world. Love, wealth, and splendor: I’ll suffer and die without them and just encounter them in philosophy instead.
|
|
He signs his name.
|
He signs his name.
|
|
BEROWNE
I can but say their protestation over.
35
So much, dear liege, I have already sworn,
That is, to live and study here three years.
But there are other strict observances:
As not to see a woman in that term,
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there;
40
And one day in a week to touch no food,
And but one meal on every day besides,
The which I hope is not enrollèd there;
And then to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day—
45
When I was wont to think no harm all night,
And make a dark night too of half the day—
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there.
O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep.
|
BEROWNE
Now that they’re done talking, I have something to say. I have already sworn, dear liege, to live and study here for three years. But there are other strict rules, such as: not being able to see a woman during that time, which I really hope is not written down in there; and to fast one day a week, when we only eat one meal a day, which I hope is not written down in there; and to sleep just three hours a day andnot close your eyes all day, when I’m used to sleeping all night and also half the day, which I really hope is not written down in there. Oh, these strict rules are too hard to keep, to not see ladies, to study, fast, and not sleep.
|
|
KING
50
Your oath is passed to pass away from these.
|
KING
You’ve sworn an oath to give up these things.
|
|
BEROWNE
Let me say no, my liege, an if you please.
I only swore to study with your Grace
And stay here in your court for three years’ space.
|
BEROWNE
Let me decline, my liege, if you’ll permit me. I only swore to study with your Grace and stay here in your court for three years’ time.
|
|
LONGAVILLE
You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest.
|
LONGAVILLE
You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest of it, too.
|
|
BEROWNE
55
By yea and nay, sir. Then I swore in jest.
What is the end of study, let me know?
|
BEROWNE
Yes and no, sir. At the time, I swore as a joke. Tell me, what is the purpose of the study?
|
|
KING
Why, that to know which else we should not know.
|
KING
Well, to gain knowledge we wouldn’t know otherwise.
|
|
BEROWNE
Things hid and barred, you mean, from common
sense.
|
BEROWNE
Things that common sense hides from us, you mean.
|
|
KING
60
Ay, that is study’s godlike recompense.
|
KING
Yes, that’s the divine payback that such study offers.
|
|
BEROWNE
Come on, then, I will swear to study so,
To know the thing I am forbid to know:
As thus—to study where I well may dine,
When I to feast expressly am forbid;
65
Or study where to meet some mistress fine
When mistresses from common sense are hid;
Or having sworn too hard-a-keeping oath,
Study to break it, and not break my troth.
If study’s gain be thus, and this be so,
70
Study knows that which yet it doth not know.
Swear me to this, and I will ne’er say no.
|
BEROWNE
Okay, then, I will swear to study accordingly, to learn about things I am not meant to learn. So, I’ll study where I eat, even though I am forbidden to eat, or learn where to meet a pretty woman, when ladies are hidden from common sense. Or, if I’ve sworn an oath too hard to keep, I’ll learn how to break it and not break my word. If this is the advantage of studying, then studying has a lot to learn. This I can swear to and never deny.
|
|
KING
These be the stops that hinder study quite,
And train our intellects to vain delight.
|
KING
These are the thoughts that hinder learning and train our minds to relish in pointless pleasures.
|
|
BEROWNE
Why, all delights are vain, and that most vain
75
Which with pain purchased doth inherit pain:
As painfully to pore upon a book
To seek the light of truth, while truth the while
Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look.
Light seeking light doth light of light beguile.
80
So, ere you find where light in darkness lies,
Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes.
Study me how to please the eye indeed
By fixing it upon a fairer eye,
Who dazzling so, that eye shall be his heed
85
And give him light that it was blinded by.
Study is like the heaven’s glorious sun,
That will not be deep-searched with saucy looks.
Small have continual plodders ever won,
Save base authority from others’ books.
90
These earthly godfathers of heaven’s lights,
That give a name to every fixèd star,
Have no more profit of their shining nights
Than those that walk and wot not what they are.
Too much to know is to know naught but fame,
95
And every godfather can give a name.
|
BEROWNE
Well, all pleasures are pointless, and the most pointless, which requires work to obtain, also come with suffering, like poring tirelessly over a book in search of the truth, a truth that blindsides the seeker, making them unable to see clearly. Like staring at a bright light, it eventually blinds you. Let me study how to please an eye instead, by looking into beautiful eyes, and bedazzled by focusing on those eyes, I will return the light I was blinded by. Knowledge is like the heaven’s glorious sun; it shouldn’t be scrutinized with a critical eye. Dull work never teaches people much, except common knowledge from other people’s books. The astronomers who give a name to every star don’t benefit any more from the shining night sky than those who walk around not knowing what they are. People who are too knowledgeable only do that to become a famous name, but everyone is given a name at
birthThis kind of egotistical learning brings on a kind of fame that only results in people knowing a person’s name, which anyone can acquire, as every baby is given a name at baptism. |
|
KING
How well he’s read to reason against reading.
|
KING
He’s so well-read, he’s reasoning against reading.
|
|
DUMAINE
Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding.
|
DUMAINE
He’s so advanced, he’s stopped advancing.
|
|
LONGAVILLE
He weeds the corn, and still lets grow the weeding.
|
LONGAVILLE
He removes the wheat, but lets the weeds grow.
|
|
BEROWNE
The spring is near when green geese are a-breeding.
|
BEROWNE
Spring is near when the geese start
breedingBerowne says this to mock his companions’ rhyming. Geese, like sheep, have the reputation of stupidly following each other. |
|
DUMAINE
100
How follows that?
|
DUMAINE
How is that relevant?
|
|
BEROWNE
Fit in his place and time.
|
BEROWNE
It’s relevant to the place and time.
|
|
DUMAINE
In reason nothing.
|
DUMAINE
That makes no sense.
|
|
BEROWNE
Something then in rhyme.
|
BEROWNE
Perhaps if I made it rhyme.
|
|
KING
Berowne is like an envious sneaping frost
105
That bites the firstborn infants of the spring.
|
KING
Berowne is like a greedy, nipping frost that bites spring’s first foliage.
|
|
BEROWNE
Well, say I am. Why should proud summer boast
Before the birds have any cause to sing?
Why should I joy in any abortive birth?
At Christmas I no more desire a rose
110
Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows,
But like of each thing that in season grows.
So you, to study now it is too late,
Climb o’er the house to unlock the little gate.
|
BEROWNE
Well, maybe I am. Why should arrogant summer brag before the birds have a chance to sing? Why should I enjoy any failed beginning? I don’t want fresh flowers at Christmas any more than I want snow covering the blossoms in May. I like each thing to grow in its own season. Like you, your decision to study now is too late, like climbing over the house to unlock the little gate.
|
|
KING
Well, sit you out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu.
|
KING
Well, then sit this one out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu.
|
|
BEROWNE
115
No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you.
And though I have for barbarism spoke more
Than for that angel knowledge you can say,
Yet, confident, I’ll keep what I have sworn
And bide the penance of each three years’ day.
120
Give me the paper. Let me read the same,
And to the strictest decrees I’ll write my name.
|
BEROWNE
No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you. And even though I have spoken more for the uncultured than you have about divine knowledge, I’ll absolutely stick to what I have sworn and endure the restrictions every day for the next three years. Give me the paper. Let me read what’s written, and I’ll sign my name under these strict rules.
|
|
KING
How well this yielding rescues thee from shame.
|
KING
How well you’ve rescued yourself from shame.
|
|
BEROWNE reads
Item, That no woman shall come within
a mile of my court. Hath this been proclaimed?
|
BEROWNE (
reading)
Note: No woman shall come within a mile of my court. Has this been proclaimed?
|
|
LONGAVILLE
125
Four days ago.
|
LONGAVILLE
Four days ago.
|
|
BEROWNE
Let’s see the penalty.
Reads:
On pain of
losing her tongue. Who devised this penalty?
|
BEROWNE
Let’s see what the penalty is. (
reading) She would lose her tongue. Who came up with this penalty?
|
|
LONGAVILLE
Marry, that did I.
|
LONGAVILLE
Well, I did.
|
|
BEROWNE
Sweet lord, and why?
|
BEROWNE
Good lord, and why?
|
|
LONGAVILLE
130
To fright them hence with that dread penalty.
|
LONGAVILLE
To scare them off with such an awful punishment.
|
|
BEROWNE
A dangerous law against gentility.
Reads:
Item, If any man be seen to talk with a
woman within the term of three years, he shall endure
such public shame as the rest of the court can possible
135
devise.
This article, my liege, yourself must break,
For well you know here comes in embassy
The French king’s daughter with yourself to speak—
A maid of grace and complete majesty—
140
About surrender up of Aquitaine
To her decrepit, sick, and bedrid father.
Therefore this article is made in vain,
Or vainly comes th’ admirèd princess hither.
|
BEROWNE
It’s a dangerous law that’s contrary to all civility.
(reading)
Note: If any man is seen talking to a woman within the three-year term, he will endure as much public shame as the entire court can possibly devise.
This rule, my lord, you are going to break yourself. As you well know, the French king’s daughter is coming here as an ambassador to speak with you—a woman of grace and utter majesty—about surrendering Aquitaine to her decrepit, sick, bedridden father. Therefore, this rule is pointless, or else it’s pointless for the princess to come here.
|
|
KING
What say you, lords? Why, this was quite forgot.
|
KING
What do you think, lords? I completely forgot about this.
|
|
BEROWNE
145
So study evermore is overshot.
While it doth study to have what it would,
It doth forget to do the thing it should.
And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,
’Tis won as towns with fire—so won, so lost.
|
BEROWNE
So studying has already overstepped its boundaries. While it wants you to learn what you wish to know, it forgets the thing you should know. And when it has the thing it seeks most, it’s destroyed, like towns captured with fire—won, then lost.
|
|
KING
150
We must of force dispense with this decree.
She must lie here on mere necessity.
|
KING
We must dispense with this rule at once. It’s an absolute necessity that she stays here.
|
|
BEROWNE
Necessity will make us all forsworn
Three thousand times within this three years’
space;
155
For every man with his affects is born,
Not by might mastered, but by special grace.
If I break faith, this word shall speak for me:
I am forsworn on mere necessity.
So to the laws at large I write my name,
160
And he that breaks them in the least degree
Stands in attainder of eternal shame.
Suggestions are to other as to me,
But I believe, although I seem so loath,
I am the last that will last keep his oath.
He signs his name.
165
But is there no quick recreation granted?
|
BEROWNE
Necessity will make us all break these rules three thousand times within three years’ time. For every man is born with his own desires that can’t be controlled, except by God. If I break my word, these words will speak for me: I did it only out of necessity. So I’ll sign my name to the oath here, and the man that breaks it even a little is condemned to eternal shame. I am tempted just like other men, but I believe, even though I was hesitant, that I will be the only one to keep his oath.
He signs his name.
Can’t we have even a little entertainment before we start?
|
|
KING
Ay, that there is. Our court, you know, is haunted
With a refinèd traveler of Spain,
A man in all the world’s new fashion planted,
That hath a mint of phrases in his brain;
170
One who the music of his own vain tongue
Doth ravish like enchanting harmony,
A man of compliments, whom right and wrong
Have chose as umpire of their mutiny.
This child of fancy, that Armado hight,
175
For interim to our studies shall relate
In high-born words the worth of many a knight
From tawny Spain lost in the world’s debate.
How you delight, my lords, I know not, I,
But I protest I love to hear him lie,
180
And I will use him for my minstrelsy.
|
KING
Yes, of course. Our court, as you know, is often visited by a refined Spanish traveler, a man who dresses in all the latest fashions and has a variety of witty thoughts in his brain. He loves to hear himself speak and charm others with his words like an enchanting harmony. And, believing himself to be a man of manners, he sits in judgment of others like an umpire of their discord. Before we begin our studies, this imaginative creature, named Armado, will tell us intriguing stories about the accomplishments of many knights from sunny Spain that have perished in the world’s wars. I don’t know if you will like it, my lords, but I’ll tell you, I love to hear his stories, and I will consider him my entertainment.
|
|
BEROWNE
Armado is a most illustrious wight,
A man of fire-new words, fashion’s own knight.
|
BEROWNE
Armado is a very famous person, a man of creative improvisation, a truly fashionable knight.
|
|
LONGAVILLE
Costard the swain and he shall be our sport,
And so to study three years is but short.
|
LONGAVILLE
He and the servant Costard will be our entertainment. Studying for three years is not that long.
|
|
Enter DULL, a CONSTABLE, with a letter, and COSTARD.
|
DULL, a CONSTABLE with a letter, and COSTARD enter.
|
|
DULL
185
Which is the Duke’s own person?
|
DULL
Who represents the Duke?
|
|
BEROWNE
This, fellow. What wouldst?
|
BEROWNE
I do. What do you want?
|
|
DULL
I myself reprehend his own person, for I am his
Grace’s farborough. But I would see his own
person in flesh and blood.
|
DULL
I, myself, also represent the Duke. I am his Grace’s parish
officerDull misspeaks here, using the word “farborough” but meaning “thirdborough,” or parish officer, a low-ranked officer. |
|
BEROWNE
190
This is he.
|
BEROWNE
I am him.
|
|
DULL,
to KING
Signior Arm-, Arm-, commends you.
There’s villainy abroad. This letter will tell you
more.
|
DULL,
to KING
Signior Arm-,
Arm-Dull has trouble pronouncing “Armado.” |
|
He gives the letter to the KING.
|
He gives the letter to the KING.
|
|
COSTARD
Sir, the contempts thereof are as touching
195
me.
|
COSTARD
Sir, the
contemptsCostard misspeaks here - he means to say "the contents of the letter". |
|
KING
A letter from the magnificent Armado.
|
KING
A letter from the magnificent Armado.
|
|
BEROWNE
How low soever the matter, I hope in God
for high words.
|
BEROWNE
However bad things are, I hope to God he has optimistic things to say.
|
|
LONGAVILLE
A high hope for a low heaven. God grant
200
us patience!
|
LONGAVILLE
High hopes for a low bar. God grant us patience!
|
|
BEROWNE
To hear, or forbear hearing?
|
BEROWNE
To listen to the letter, or stop from laughing?
|
|
LONGAVILLE
To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately,
or to forbear both.
|
LONGAVILLE
To listen quietly, sir, and to laugh only a little, or to do neither.
|
|
BEROWNE
Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us cause
205
to climb in the merriness.
|
BEROWNE
Well, sir, hopefully its tone will give us a reason to be happy.
|
|
COSTARD
The matter is to me, sir, as concerning
Jaquenetta. The manner of it is, I was taken with
the manner.
|
COSTARD
The issue has to do with me, sir, concerning Jaquenetta. The nature of it is, I was caught in the nature.
|
|
BEROWNE
In what manner?
|
BEROWNE
Caught in what nature?
|
|
COSTARD
210
In manner and form following, sir, all those
three. I was seen with her in the manor house,
sitting with her upon the form, and taken following
her into the park, which, put together, is “in manner
and form following.” Now, sir, for the manner.
215
It is the manner of a man to speak to a woman. For
the form—in some form.
|
COSTARD
Both figuratively and, afterward, literally, too, sir, all three things. I was seen with her in the manor house, sitting with her on the bench, and following her into the park, which, all together is “in a manner of speaking and in real pursuit.” Now, sir, about customs. It is customary for a man to speak to a woman, a habit, in some habitual way.
|
|
BEROWNE
For the “following,” sir?
|
BEROWNE
And what “follows” that, sir?
|
|
COSTARD
As it shall follow in my correction, and God
defend the right.
|
COSTARD
It will follow that I will be punished, and may God defend me.
|
|
KING
220
Will you hear this letter with attention?
|
KING
Will you listen attentively to this letter?
|
|
BEROWNE
As we would hear an oracle.
|
BEROWNE
As if we are listening to an oracle.
|
|
COSTARD
Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after
the flesh.
|
COSTARD
It’s natural for a man to be lustful.
|
|
KING reads
Great deputy, the welkin’s vicegerent and
225
sole dominator of Navarre, my soul’s earth’s god, and
body’s fost’ring patron—
|
KING (
reading)
Great leader, the heaven’s deputy and sole ruler of Navarre, my soul’s god on earth, and my body’s guardian—
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COSTARD
Not a word of Costard yet.
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COSTARD
No word about Costard yet.
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KING reads
So it is—
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KING (
reading)
So it is—
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COSTARD
It may be so, but if he say it is so, he is, in
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telling true, but so.
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COSTARD
It may be so, but if he says it’s so, he is, in telling the truth, only so-so.
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KING
Peace.
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KING
Peace.
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COSTARD
Be to me, and every man that dares not fight.
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COSTARD
Peace be with me and every man that dares not to fight.
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KING
No words.
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KING
I mean, say no more words.
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COSTARD
Of other men’s secrets, I beseech you.
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COSTARD
—about other men’s private affairs, please.
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KING reads
235
So it is, besieged with sable-colored melancholy,
I did commend the black oppressing humor
to the most wholesome physic of thy health-giving air;
and, as I am a gentleman, betook myself to walk. The
time when? About the sixth hour, when beasts most
240
graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that
nourishment which is called supper. So much for the
time when. Now for the ground which—which, I
mean, I walked upon. It is yclept thy park. Then for the
place where—where, I mean, I did encounter that
245
obscene and most prepost’rous event that draweth
from my snow-white pen the ebon-colored ink, which
here thou viewest, beholdest, surveyest, or seest. But to
the place where. It standeth north-north-east and by
east from the west corner of thy curious-knotted
250
garden. There did I see that low-spirited swain, that
base minnow of thy mirth,—
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KING (reading)
So here’s what happened. Filled with dark sorrow, I decided to relieve my depression by giving it the remedy of fresh air, and on my word as a gentleman, simply went on a walk. What time was it? About six o’clock, when most animals graze, birds peck at food, and men sit down to that meal we call supper. So much for that. Now which ground—which ground, in fact, I was walking upon: it’s called the park. And as for the place where—where, in fact, I encountered that obscene and most preposterous event that compelled me to write in black ink from my snow-white quill, which you now must view, behold, analyze, and see. But back to the location. I stood somewhere north of the northeast and east of the western corner of your elaborate garden. It was there I saw that appalling servant, that low-life that amuses you—
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COSTARD
Me?
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COSTARD
Me?
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KING reads
that unlettered, small-knowing soul,—
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KING (reading)
that illiterate, ignorant soul,—
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COSTARD
Me?
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COSTARD
Me?
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KING reads
255
that shallow vassal,—
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KING (reading)
that idiotic slavish fellow,—
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COSTARD
Still me?
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COSTARD
Still me?
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KING reads
which, as I remember, hight Costard,—
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KING (reading)
who, as I recall, is named Costard,—
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COSTARD
O, me!
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COSTARD
Oh, it is me!
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KING reads
sorted and consorted, contrary to thy
260
established proclaimed edict and continent canon,
which with—O with—but with this I passion to say
wherewith—
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KING (reading)
who planned and schemed, despite your declared oath and restrictive rules, with—oh, with—it pains me to say who with—
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COSTARD
With a wench.
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COSTARD
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KING reads
with a child of our grandmother Eve, a
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female; or, for thy more sweet understanding, a
woman: him, I, as my ever-esteemed duty pricks
me on, have sent to thee, to receive the meed of
punishment by thy sweet Grace’s officer, Anthony
Dull, a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, and
270
estimation.
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KING (reading)
with a child of our grandmother Eve, a female; or to clearer, a woman. As is my duty, I have sent him to you to receive his punishment, with your sweet Grace’s officer, Anthony Dull, a man with a good reputation, conduct, manners, and judgment.
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DULL
Me, an ’t shall please you. I am Anthony Dull.
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DULL
That’s me, if you please. I am Anthony Dull.
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KING reads
For Jaquenetta—so is the weaker vessel
called which I apprehended with the aforesaid
swain—I keep her as a vessel of thy law’s fury, and
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shall, at the least of thy sweet notice, bring her to trial.
Thine, in all compliments of devoted and heartburning
heat of duty,
Don Adriano de Armado.
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KING (reading)
As for Jaquenetta—the name of the weaker
vesselThis refers to the biblical quote: “A woman is the weaker vessel.”
Don Adriano de Armado.
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BEROWNE
This is not so well as I looked for, but the
280
best that ever I heard.
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BEROWNE
This is not as good as I’d hoped for, yet the best I’ve ever heard.
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KING
Ay, the best, for the worst.
To COSTARD. But,
sirrah, what say you to this?
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KING
Yes, the best of the worst.
To COSTARD. So, sir, what do you have to say about this?
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COSTARD
Sir, I confess the wench.
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COSTARD
Sir, I confess I know the woman.
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KING
Did you hear the proclamation?
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KING
Did you hear what was just said?
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COSTARD
285
I do confess much of the hearing it, but little
of the marking of it.
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COSTARD
I admit to listening to most of it, but I paid little attention to it.
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KING
It was proclaimed a year’s imprisonment to be
taken with a wench.
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KING
It was proposed that you be imprisoned for a year for being caught with a woman.
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COSTARD
I was taken with none, sir. I was taken with a
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damsel.
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COSTARD
I was caught with no such person, sir. I was caught with a damsel.
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KING
Well, it was proclaimed “damsel.”
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KING
Well a “damsel” applies too.
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COSTARD
This was no damsel neither, sir. She was a
virgin.
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COSTARD
She was no damsel either, sir. She was a virgin.
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BEROWNE
It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed
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“virgin.”
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BEROWNE
It’s the same for “virgin” as well.
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COSTARD
If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken
with a maid.
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COSTARD
If that’s so, then I deny she was a virgin. I was found with a maid.
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KING
This “maid” will not serve your turn, sir.
|
KING
This so-called “maid” will not help your case either, sir.
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COSTARD
This maid will serve my turn, sir.
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COSTARD
This maid did serve me, sir.
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KING
300
Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall
fast a week with bran and water.
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KING
Sir, I will announce your sentence: you will fast for a week with only bread and water.
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COSTARD
I had rather pray a month with mutton and
porridge.
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COSTARD
I would rather pray for a month with meat and porridge.
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KING
And Don Armado shall be your keeper.
305
My Lord Berowne, see him delivered o’er,
And go we, lords, to put in practice that
Which each to other hath so strongly sworn.
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KING
And Don Armado will look after you. My Lord Berowne, see that he is taken there. As for us, lords, let’s start living our lives as we have passionately promised to.
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KING, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE exit.
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KING, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAINE exit.
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BEROWNE
I’ll lay my head to any goodman’s hat,
These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn.
310
Sirrah, come on.
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BEROWNE
I’ll bet my head on any good man’s hat that these oaths and rules will prove to be useless stupidity. Sir, let’s go.
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COSTARD
I suffer for the truth, sir; for true it is I was
taken with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true
girl. And therefore welcome the sour cup of prosperity.
Affliction may one day smile again, and till
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then, sit thee down, sorrow.
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COSTARD
I’m being punished for the truth, sir, for it’s true I was found with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a real girl. Therefore, bring on bitter
prosperityCostard uses the wrong word here, as he often does. He probably means "adversity" (difficulty), not “prosperity" (success). AfflictionCostard is misspeaking again. A common saying was that “the heavens” would smile upon one, not “affliction” (suffering). |
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They exit.
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They exit.
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