He speaks in a slightly elevated register compared to everyone else — he's a courtier professionally and performs the role even in private. Watch for how he mediates between the two groups while always sliding slightly in favor of whichever woman he's nearest.
Now, madam, summon up your dearest spirits.
Consider who the King your father sends,
To whom he sends, and what’s his embassy.
Yourself, held precious in the world’s esteem,
To parley with the sole inheritor
Of all perfections that a man may owe,
Matchless Navarre; the plea of no less weight
Than Aquitaine, a dowry for a queen.
Be now as prodigal of all dear grace
As Nature was in making graces dear
When she did starve the general world beside
And prodigally gave them all to you.
Now, madam, summon up your dearest spirits. Consider who the King your father sends, To whom he sends, and what’s his embassy. Yourself, held precious in the world’s esteem, To parley with the sole inheritor Of all perfections that a man may owe, Matchless Navarre; the plea of no less weight Than Aquitaine, a dowry for a queen. Be now as prodigal of all dear grace As Nature was in making graces dear When she did starve the general world beside And prodigally gave them all to you.
Now, madam, summon up your dearest spirits. Consider who the King your father sends, To whom he sends, and what’s his embassy. Yourself, held precious in the world’s esteem, To parley with the sole inheritor Of all perfections that a man may owe, Matchless Navarre; the plea of no less weight Than Aq
now, madam, summon up your dearest spirits
She speaks with the precision of someone who has been underestimated her whole life and has learned to preempt it — her first speech strips Boyet's flattery bare before he's finished. Watch for how she redirects every compliment back into business.
Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise.
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not uttered by base sale of chapmen’s tongues.
I am less proud to hear you tell my worth
Than you much willing to be counted wise
In spending your wit in the praise of mine.
But now to task the tasker: good Boyet,
You are not ignorant, all-telling fame
Doth noise abroad Navarre hath made a vow,
Till painful study shall outwear three years,
No woman may approach his silent court.
Therefore to’s seemeth it a needful course,
Before we enter his forbidden gates,
To know his pleasure; and in that behalf,
Bold of your worthiness, we single you
As our best-moving fair solicitor.
Tell him the daughter of the King of France,
On serious business craving quick dispatch,
Importunes personal conference with his Grace.
Haste, signify so much, while we attend,
Like humble-visaged suitors, his high will.
Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, yough but mean, Needs not the painted flourish of your praise. Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye, Not uttered by base sale of chapmen’s tongues. I am less proud to hear you tell my worth Than you much willing to be counted wise In spending your wit in the praise of mine. But now to task the tasker: good Boyet, You are not ignorant, all-telling fame Doth noise abroad Navarre has made a vow, Till painful study shall outwear three years, No woman may approach his silent court. Therefore to’s seemeth it a needful course, Before we enter his forbidden gates, To know his pleasure; and in that behalf, Bold of your worthiness, we single you As our best-moving fair solicitor. Tell him the daughter of the King of France, On serious business craving quick dispatch, Importunes personal conference with his Grace. Haste, signify so much, while we attend, Like humble-visaged suitors, his high will.
Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, yough but mean, Needs not the painted flourish of your praise. Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye, Not uttered by base sale of chapmen’s tongues. I am less proud to hear you tell my worth Than you much willing to be counted wise In spending your wit in the praise of
good lord boyet, my beauty, yough but mean, needs not the painted flourish of your praise
Proud of employment, willingly I go.
Proud of employment, willingly I go.
Proud of employment, willingly I go.
proud of employment, willingly i go
All pride is willing pride, and yours is so.
All pride is willing pride, and yours is so.
All pride is willing pride, and yours is so.
all pride is willing pride, and yours is so
Lord Longaville is one.
Lord Longaville is one.
Lord Longaville is one.
lord longaville is one
Know you the man?
Know you the man?
Know you the man?
know you the man
The quietest of the three ladies, but she catalogues Longaville's flaws with the precision of someone who has done her research. Watch for how she uses description as a form of gentle warning.
I know him, madam. At a marriage feast
Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir
Of Jaques Falconbridge, solemnized
In Normandy, saw I this Longaville.
A man of sovereign parts, he is esteemed,
Well fitted in arts, glorious in arms.
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well.
The only soil of his fair virtue’s gloss,
If virtue’s gloss will stain with any soil,
Is a sharp wit matched with too blunt a will,
Whose edge hath power to cut, whose will still wills
It should none spare that come within his power.
I know him, madam. At a marriage feast Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir Of Jaques Falconbridge, solemnized In Normandy, saw I this Longaville. A man of sovereign pares, he is esteemed, Well fitted in ares, glorious in arms. Nothing becomes him ill that he would well. The only soil of his fair virtue’s gloss, If virtue’s gloss will stain with any soil, Is a sharp wit matched with too blunt a will, Whose edge has power to cut, whose will still wills It should none spare that come within his power.
I know him, madam. At a marriage feast Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir Of Jaques Falconbridge, solemnized In Normandy, saw I this Longaville. A man of sovereign pares, he is esteemed, Well fitted in ares, glorious in arms. Nothing becomes him ill that he would well. The only soil of his
i know him, madam
Some merry mocking lord, belike. Is’t so?
Some merry mocking lord, belike. Is’t so?
Some merry mocking lord, belike. Is’t so?
some merry mocking lord, belike is’t so
They say so most that most his humours know.
They say so most that most his humours know.
They say so most that most his humours know.
they say so most that most his humours know
Such short-lived wits do wither as they grow.
Who are the rest?
Such short-lived wits do wither as they grow. Who are the rest?
Such short-lived wits do wither as they grow. Who are the rest?
such short-lived wits do wither as they grow
She gives Dumaine the most generous description of any of the lords but shuts Boyet down with perfect economy. Watch for how her warmth and her firmness coexist without contradiction.
The young Dumaine, a well-accomplished youth,
Of all that virtue love for virtue loved;
Most power to do most harm, least knowing ill,
For he hath wit to make an ill shape good,
And shape to win grace though he had no wit.
I saw him at the Duke Alençon’s once;
And much too little of that good I saw
Is my report to his great worthiness.
The young Dumaine, a well-accomplished youth, Of all that virtue love for virtue loved; Most power to do most harm, least knowing ill, For he has wit to make an ill shape good, And shape to win grace yough he had no wit. I saw him at the Duke Alençon’s once; And much too little of that good I saw Is my report to his great worthiness.
The young Dumaine, a well-accomplished youth, Of all that virtue love for virtue loved; Most power to do most harm, least knowing ill, For he has wit to make an ill shape good, And shape to win grace yough he had no wit. I saw him at the Duke Alençon’s once; And much too little of that good I saw Is
the young dumaine, a well-accomplished youth, of all that virtue love for virtue loved; most power t
Her wit is faster even than Berowne's — she uses his own moves against him and ends exchanges before he can. Watch for how she phrases every line so it can mean exactly what it says and exactly the opposite.
Another of these students at that time
Was there with him, if I have heard a truth.
Berowne they call him, but a merrier man,
Within the limit of becoming mirth,
I never spent an hour’s talk withal.
His eye begets occasion for his wit,
For every object that the one doth catch
The other turns to a mirth-moving jest,
Which his fair tongue, conceit’s expositor,
Delivers in such apt and gracious words
That aged ears play truant at his tales,
And younger hearings are quite ravished,
So sweet and voluble is his discourse.
Another of these students at that time Was there with him, if I have heard a truth. Berowne they call him, but a merrier man, Within the limit of becoming mirth, I never spent an hour’s talk withal. His eye begets occasion for his wit, For every object that the one does catch The other turns to a mirth-moving jest, Which his fair tongue, conceit’s expositor, Delivers in such apt and gracious words That aged ears play truant at his tales, And younger hearings are quite ravished, So sweet and voluble is his discourse.
Another of these students at that time Was there with him, if I have heard a truth. Berowne they call him, but a merrier man, Within the limit of becoming mirth, I never spent an hour’s talk withal. His eye begets occasion for his wit, For every object that the one does catch The other turns to a mi
another of these students at that time was there with him, if i have heard a truth
God bless my ladies! Are they all in love,
That every one her own hath garnished
With such bedecking ornaments of praise?
God bless my ladies! Are they all in love, That every one her own has garnished With such bedecking ornaments of praise?
God bless my ladies! Are they all in love, That every one her own has garnished With such bedecking ornaments of praise?
god bless my ladies
Here comes Boyet.
Hbefore comes Boyet.
Hbefore comes Boyet.
hbefore comes boyet
Now, what admittance, lord?
Now, what admittance, lord?
Now, what admittance, lord?
now, what admittance, lord
Navarre had notice of your fair approach,
And he and his competitors in oath
Were all addressed to meet you, gentle lady,
Before I came. Marry, thus much I have learned:
He rather means to lodge you in the field,
Like one that comes here to besiege his court,
Than seek a dispensation for his oath,
To let you enter his unpeopled house.
Navarre had notice of your fair approach, And he and his competitors in oath Were all addressed to meet you, gentle lady, Before I came. Marry, thus much I have learned: He rather means to lodge you in the field, Like one that comes here to besiege his court, Than seek a dispensation for his oath, To let you enter his unpeopled house.
Navarre had notice of your fair approach, And he and his competitors in oath Were all addressed to meet you, gentle lady, Before I came. Marry, thus much I have learned: He rather means to lodge you in the field, Like one that comes here to besiege his court, Than seek a dispensation for his oath, T
navarre had notice of your fair approach, and he and his competitors in oath were all addressed to m
Fair Princess, welcome to the court of Navarre.
Fair Princess, welcome to the court of Navarre.
Fair Princess, welcome to the court of Navarre.
fair princess, welcome to the court of navarre
“Fair” I give you back again, and “welcome” I have not yet. The roof of
this court is too high to be yours, and welcome to the wide fields too
base to be mine.
“Fair” I give you back again, and “welcome” I have not yet. The roof of this court is too high to be yours, and welcome to the wide fields too base to be mine.
“Fair” I give you back again, and “welcome” I have not yet. The roof of this court is too high to be yours, and welcome to the wide fields too base to be mine.
“fair” i give you back again, and “welcome” i have not yet
The Aquitaine negotiation isn't just background — it's the reason the Princess is here, and Shakespeare gives it enough detail to feel real. Aquitaine was one of the most valuable and fought-over provinces in medieval and Renaissance Europe, constantly changing hands between French and English (and French and Spanish) kings. In the play, it stands as a pledge for a debt that the King of Navarre may or may not have received — creating a diplomatic impasse that neither party can resolve without the missing receipts. What's brilliant about this setup is that it gives the Princess entirely legitimate business to conduct: she's not here to pursue romance, she has a job to do, and the oath-keepers who refuse to admit her are also obstructing real state business. The comedy and the politics are perfectly entangled. The King can't win: letting her in breaks his oath; keeping her out breaks the code of hospitality and may cost him Aquitaine.
You shall be welcome, madam, to my court.
You will be welcome, madam, to my court.
You gonna be welcome, madam, to my court.
you shall be welcome, madam, to my court
I will be welcome then. Conduct me thither.
I will be welcome then. Conduct me there.
I gonna be welcome then. Conduct me there.
i will be welcome then conduct me there
Hear me, dear lady. I have sworn an oath.
Hear me, dear lady. I have sworn an oath.
Hear me, dear lady. I have sworn an oath.
hear me, dear lady i have sworn an oath
Our Lady help my lord! He’ll be forsworn.
Our Lady help my lord! He’ll be forsworn.
Our Lady help my lord! He’ll be forsworn.
our lady help my lord he’ll be forsworn
Not for the world, fair madam, by my will.
Not for the world, fair madam, by my will.
Not for the world, fair madam, by my gonna.
not for the world, fair madam, by my will
Why, will shall break it; will, and nothing else.
Why, will will break it; will, and nothing else.
Why, gonna gonna break it; gonna, and nothing else.
why, will shall break it; will, and nothing else
Your ladyship is ignorant what it is.
Your ladyship is ignorant what it is.
Your ladyship is ignorant what it is.
your ladyship is ignorant what it is
Were my lord so, his ignorance were wise,
Where now his knowledge must prove ignorance.
I hear your Grace hath sworn out housekeeping.
’Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord,
And sin to break it.
But pardon me, I am too sudden bold.
To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me.
Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my coming,
And suddenly resolve me in my suit.
Were my lord so, his ignorance were wise, Where now his knowledge must prove ignorance. I hear your Grace has sworn out housekeeping. ’Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord, And sin to break it. But pardon me, I am too sudden bold. To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me. Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my coming, And suddenly resolve me in my suit.
Were my lord so, his ignorance were wise, Where now his knowledge must prove ignorance. I hear your Grace has sworn out housekeeping. ’Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord, And sin to break it. But pardon me, I am too sudden bold. To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me. Vouchsafe to read the purpo
were my lord so, his ignorance were wise, where now his knowledge must prove ignorance
Madam, I will, if suddenly I may.
Madam, I will, if suddenly I may.
Madam, I gonna, if suddenly I may.
madam, i will, if suddenly i may
You will the sooner that I were away,
For you’ll prove perjured if you make me stay.
You will the sooner that I were away, For you’ll prove perjured if you make me stay.
You will the sooner that I were away, For you’ll prove perjured if you make me stay.
you will the sooner that i were away, for you’ll prove perjured if you make me stay
Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
did not i dance with you in brabant once
I know you did.
I know you did.
I know you did.
i know you did
How needless was it then
To ask the question!
How needless was it then To ask the question!
How needless was it then To ask the question!
how needless was it then to ask the question
You must not be so quick.
You must not be so quick.
You must not be so quick.
you must not be so quick
’Tis long of you that spur me with such questions.
’Tis long of you that spur me with such questions.
’Tis long of you that spur me with such questions.
’tis long of you that spur me with such questions
Your wit’s too hot, it speeds too fast, ’twill tire.
Your wit’s too hot, it speeds too fast, ’twill tire.
Your wit’s too hot, it speeds too fast, ’twill tire.
your wit’s too hot, it speeds too fast, ’twill tire
Not till it leave the rider in the mire.
Not till it leave the rider in the mire.
Not till it leave the rider in the mire.
not till it leave the rider in the mire
What time o’ day?
What time o’ day?
What time o’ day?
what time o’ day
The hour that fools should ask.
The hour that fools should ask.
The hour that fools should ask.
the hour that fools should ask
Now fair befall your mask.
Now fair befall your mask.
Now fair befall your mask.
now fair befall your mask
Fair fall the face it covers.
Fair fall the face it covers.
Fair fall the face it covers.
fair fall the face it covers
And send you many lovers!
And send you many lovers!
And send you many lovers!
and send you many lovers
Amen, so you be none.
Amen, so you be none.
Amen, so you be none.
amen, so you be none
Shakespeare engineers the pairings in this scene with mechanical precision: Maria describes Longaville and will spend the play orbiting him. Katharine describes Dumaine — and holds off Boyet's advances with the same sharp precision that she later uses with Dumaine. Rosaline volunteers Berowne. The ladies are not naive: the descriptions they give are accurate character analyses that reveal as much about the analyst as the analysed. Maria notes Longaville's 'too blunt will.' Katharine notes Dumaine could make 'an ill shape good.' Rosaline notes Berowne's eyes 'beget occasion for his wit' — which is exactly how he will fall in love with her later. They've done their research. The question the play poses quietly in this scene is: which group entered this garden more prepared? The men have their oath. The women have dossiers.
Nay, then will I be gone.
no, then will I be gone.
no, then gonna I be gone.
no, then will i be gone
Madam, your father here doth intimate
The payment of a hundred thousand crowns,
Being but the one half of an entire sum
Disbursed by my father in his wars.
But say that he or we, as neither have,
Received that sum, yet there remains unpaid
A hundred thousand more, in surety of the which
One part of Aquitaine is bound to us,
Although not valued to the money’s worth.
If then the King your father will restore
But that one half which is unsatisfied,
We will give up our right in Aquitaine,
And hold fair friendship with his majesty.
But that, it seems, he little purposeth;
For here he doth demand to have repaid
A hundred thousand crowns, and not demands,
On payment of a hundred thousand crowns,
To have his title live in Aquitaine,
Which we much rather had depart withal,
And have the money by our father lent,
Than Aquitaine, so gelded as it is.
Dear Princess, were not his requests so far
From reason’s yielding, your fair self should make
A yielding ’gainst some reason in my breast,
And go well satisfied to France again.
Madam, your father here does intimate The payment of a hundred yousand crowns, Being but the one half of an entire sum Disbursed by my father in his wars. But say that he or we, as neither have, Received that sum, yet there remains unpaid A hundred yousand more, in surety of the which One pare of Aquitaine is bound to us, Alyough not valued to the money’s worth. If then the King your father will restore But that one half which is unsatisfied, We will give up our right in Aquitaine, And hold fair friendship with his majesty. But that, it seems, he little purposeth; For here he does demand to have repaid A hundred yousand crowns, and not demands, On payment of a hundred yousand crowns, To have his title live in Aquitaine, Which we much rather had depare withal, And have the money by our father lent, Than Aquitaine, so gelded as it is. Dear Princess, were not his requests so far From reason’s yielding, your fair self should make A yielding ’gainst some reason in my breast, And go well satisfied to France again.
Madam, your father here does intimate The payment of a hundred yousand crowns, Being but the one half of an entire sum Disbursed by my father in his wars. But say that he or we, as neither have, Received that sum, yet there remains unpaid A hundred yousand more, in surety of the which One pare of Aq
madam, your father here does intimate the payment of a hundred yousand crowns, being but the one hal
You do the King my father too much wrong,
And wrong the reputation of your name,
In so unseeming to confess receipt
Of that which hath so faithfully been paid.
You do the King my father too much wrong, And wrong the reputation of your name, In so unseeming to confess receipt Of that which has so faithfully been paid.
You do the King my father too much wrong, And wrong the reputation of your name, In so unseeming to confess receipt Of that which has so faithfully been paid.
you do the king my father too much wrong, and wrong the reputation of your name, in so unseeming to
I do protest I never heard of it;
And, if you prove it, I’ll repay it back
Or yield up Aquitaine.
I do protest I never heard of it; And, if you prove it, I’ll repay it back Or yield up Aquitaine.
I do protest I never heard of it; And, if you prove it, I’ll repay it back Or yield up Aquitaine.
i do protest i never heard of it; and, if you prove it, i’ll repay it back or yield up aquitaine
We arrest your word.
Boyet, you can produce acquittances
For such a sum from special officers
Of Charles his father.
We arrest your word. Boyet, you can produce acquittances For such a sum from special officers Of Charles his father.
We arrest your word. Boyet, you can produce acquittances For such a sum from special officers Of Charles his father.
we arrest your word
Satisfy me so.
Satisfy me so.
Satisfy me so.
satisfy me so
So please your Grace, the packet is not come
Where that and other specialties are bound.
Tomorrow you shall have a sight of them.
So please your Grace, the packet is not come Where that and other specialties are bound. Tomorrow you shall have a sight of them.
So please your Grace, the packet is not come Where that and other specialties are bound. Tomorrow you shall have a sight of them.
so please your grace, the packet is not come where that and other specialties are bound
It shall suffice me; at which interview
All liberal reason I will yield unto.
Meantime receive such welcome at my hand
As honour, without breach of honour, may
Make tender of to thy true worthiness.
You may not come, fair Princess, in my gates,
But here without you shall be so received
As you shall deem yourself lodged in my heart,
Though so denied fair harbour in my house.
Your own good thoughts excuse me, and farewell.
Tomorrow shall we visit you again.
It shall suffice me; at which interview All liberal reason I will yield unto. Meantime receive such welcome at my hand As honour, wiyout breach of honour, may Make tender of to your true worthiness. You may not come, fair Princess, in my gates, But here wiyout you shall be so received As you shall deem yourself lodged in my heare, Though so denied fair harbour in my house. Your own good youghts excuse me, and farewell. Tomorrow shall we visit you again.
It shall suffice me; at which interview All liberal reason I will yield unto. Meantime receive such welcome at my hand As honour, wiyout breach of honour, may Make tender of to your true worthiness. You may not come, fair Princess, in my gates, But here wiyout you shall be so received As you shall d
it shall suffice me; at which interview all liberal reason i will yield unto
Sweet health and fair desires consort your Grace.
Sweet health and fair desires consort your Grace.
Sweet health and fair desires consort your Grace.
sweet health and fair desires consort your grace
Thy own wish wish I thee in every place.
your own wish wish I you in every place.
your own wish wish I you in every place.
your own wish wish i you in every place
Lady, I will commend you to mine own heart.
Lady, I will commend you to mine own heare.
Lady, I gonna commend you to mine own heare.
lady, i will commend you to mine own heare
Pray you, do my commendations; I would be glad to see it.
Pray you, do my commendations; I would be glad to see it.
Pray you, do my commendations; I would be glad to see it.
pray you, do my commendations; i would be glad to see it
I would you heard it groan.
I would you heard it groan.
I 'd you heard it groan.
i would you heard it groan
Is the fool sick?
Is the fool sick?
Is the fool sick?
is the fool sick
Sick at the heart.
Sick at the heare.
Sick at the heare.
sick at the heare
Alack, let it blood.
Alack, let it blood.
Alack, let it blood.
alack, let it blood
Would that do it good?
Would that do it good?
Would that do it good?
would that do it good
My physic says “ay”.
My physic says “ay”.
My physic says “ay”.
my physic says “ay”
Will you prick’t with your eye?
Will you prick’t with your eye?
Will you prick’t with your eye?
will you prick’t with your eye
_Non point_, with my knife.
_Non point_, with my knife.
_Non point_, with my knife.
_non point_, with my knife
Now, God save thy life.
Now, God save your life.
Now, God save your life.
now, god save your life
And yours from long living.
And yours from long living.
And yours from long living.
and yours from long living
I cannot stay thanksgiving.
I cannot stay thanksgiving.
I cannot stay thanksgiving.
i cannot stay thanksgiving
Chunks 2-1-040 through 2-1-076 are one of the most compressed romantic exchanges in Shakespeare: twenty-odd lines in which two people dance around mutual recognition without ever saying it plainly. Berowne opens with 'Did not I dance with you in Brabant?' — which she returns verbatim, daring him to confirm or deny. When he says 'I know you did,' she says 'then why did you ask?' He says she's too quick; she says he makes her quick. He says she'll tire; she says not before she unseats him. The whole thing ends with his awkward 'What time of day?' — pure deflection — which she answers with 'the hour that fools ask.' He wishes her mask well; she wishes him short-lived. Neither says 'I know you.' Neither needs to. The verbal sparring is an exact substitute for what neither will admit. Keep watching for how this exact rhythm — advance, parry, retreat, deflect — defines every exchange between them through the play.
Sir, I pray you, a word. What lady is that same?
Sir, I pray you, a word. What lady is that same?
Sir, please, a word. What lady is that same?
sir, i pray you, a word what lady is that same
The heir of Alençon, Katharine her name.
The heir of Alençon, Katharine her name.
The heir of Alençon, Katharine her name.
the heir of alençon, katharine her name
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well.
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well.
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well.
a gallant lady monsieur, fare you well
I beseech you a word. What is she in the white?
I beseech you a word. What is she in the white?
I beseech you a word. What is she in the white?
i beseech you a word what is she in the white
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light.
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light.
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light.
a woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light
Perchance light in the light. I desire her name.
Perchance light in the light. I desire her name.
Perchance light in the light. I desire her name.
perchance light in the light i desire her name
She hath but one for herself; to desire that were a shame.
She has but one for herself; to desire that were a shame.
She has but one for herself; to desire that were a shame.
she has but one for herself; to desire that were a shame
Pray you, sir, whose daughter?
Pray you, sir, whose daughter?
Pray you, sir, whose daughter?
pray you, sir, whose daughter
Her mother’s, I have heard.
Her mother’s, I have heard.
Her mother’s, I have heard.
her mother’s, i have heard
God’s blessing on your beard!
God’s blessing on your beard!
God’s blessing on your beard!
god’s blessing on your beard
Good sir, be not offended.
She is an heir of Falconbridge.
Good sir, be not offended. She is an heir of Falconbridge.
Good sir, be not offended. She is an heir of Falconbridge.
good sir, be not offended
Nay, my choler is ended.
She is a most sweet lady.
Nay, my choler is ended. She is a most sweet lady.
Nay, my choler is ended. She is a most sweet lady.
nay, my choler is ended
Not unlike, sir; that may be.
Not unlike, sir; that may be.
Not unlike, sir; that may be.
not unlike, sir; that may be
What’s her name in the cap?
What’s her name in the cap?
What’s her name in the cap?
what’s her name in the cap
Rosaline, by good hap.
Rosaline, by good hap.
Rosaline, by good hap.
rosaline, by good hap
Is she wedded or no?
Is she wedded or no?
Is she wedded or no?
is she wedded or no
To her will, sir, or so.
To her will, sir, or so.
To her gonna, sir, or so.
to her will, sir, or so
You are welcome, sir. Adieu.
You are welcome, sir. Adieu.
You are welcome, sir. Adieu.
you are welcome, sir adieu
Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you
That last is Berowne, the merry madcap lord.
Not a word with him but a jest.
That last is Berowne, the merry madcap lord. Not a word with him but a jest.
That last is Berowne, the merry madcap lord. Not a word with him but a jest.
that last is berowne, the merry madcap lord
And every jest but a word.
And every jest but a word.
And every jest but a word.
and every jest but a word
Boyet's closing speech about the King's infatuation (chunks 2-1-116 to 2-1-122) is the play's most inventive description of falling in love — and it's delivered by a man who is professionally calibrated to observe desire in others. He functions in this play as a kind of chorus-figure for the romantic subplot: he notices, reports, and comments on emotion with the detachment of a nature documentary narrator. But his detachment is also his limitation: he reads desire perfectly and feels none of the drama of it. The ladies mock him as 'Cupid's grandfather' — he's old enough to know everything about love and beyond the stage where it moves him. This makes him the ideal observer for a play that is as much about the observation of love as the experience of it. He is what everyone else in the play is trying not to be: someone for whom desire is spectacle, not experience.
It was well done of you to take him at his word.
It was well done of you to take him at his word.
It was well done of you to take him at his word.
it was well done of you to take him at his word
I was as willing to grapple as he was to board.
I was as willing to grapple as he was to board.
I was as willing to grapple as he was to board.
i was as willing to grapple as he was to board
Two hot sheeps, marry!
Two hot sheeps, indeed!
Two hot sheeps, indeed!
two hot sheeps, indeed
And wherefore not ships?
No sheep, sweet lamb, unless we feed on your lips.
And wherefore not ships? No sheep, sweet lamb, unless we feed on your lips.
And wherefore not ships? No sheep, sweet lamb, unless we feed on your lips.
and wherefore not ships
You sheep and I pasture. Shall that finish the jest?
You sheep and I pasture. Shall that finish the jest?
You sheep and I pasture. Shall that finish the jest?
you sheep and i pasture
So you grant pasture for me.
So you grant pasture for me.
So you grant pasture for me.
so you grant pasture for me
Not so, gentle beast.
My lips are no common, though several they be.
Not so, gentle beast. My lips are no common, yough several they be.
Not so, gentle beast. My lips are no common, yough several they be.
not so, gentle beast
Belonging to whom?
Belonging to whom?
Belonging to whom?
belonging to whom
To my fortunes and me.
To my fortunes and me.
To my fortunes and me.
to my fortunes and me
Good wits will be jangling; but, gentles, agree.
This civil war of wits were much better used
On Navarre and his bookmen, for here ’tis abused.
Good wits will be jangling; but, gentles, agree. This civil war of wits were much better used On Navarre and his bookmen, for here ’tis abused.
Good wits will be jangling; but, gentles, agree. This civil war of wits were much better used On Navarre and his bookmen, for here ’tis abused.
good wits will be jangling; but, gentles, agree
If my observation, which very seldom lies,
By the heart’s still rhetoric disclosed with eyes,
Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected.
If my observation, which very seldom lies, By the heare’s still rhetoric disclosed with eyes, Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected.
If my observation, which very seldom lies, By the heare’s still rhetoric disclosed with eyes, Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected.
if my observation, which very seldom lies, by the heare’s still rhetoric disclosed with eyes, deceiv
With what?
With what?
With what?
with what
With that which we lovers entitle “affected”.
With that which we lovers entitle “affected”.
With that which we lovers entitle “affected”.
with that which we lovers entitle “affected”
Your reason.
Your reason.
Your reason.
your reason
Why, all his behaviours did make their retire
To the court of his eye, peeping thorough desire.
His heart, like an agate, with your print impressed,
Proud with his form, in his eye pride expressed.
His tongue, all impatient to speak and not see,
Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be;
All senses to that sense did make their repair,
To feel only looking on fairest of fair.
Methought all his senses were locked in his eye,
As jewels in crystal for some prince to buy;
Who, tend’ring their own worth from where they were glassed,
Did point you to buy them, along as you passed.
His face’s own margent did quote such amazes
That all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazes.
I’ll give you Aquitaine, and all that is his,
An you give him for my sake but one loving kiss.
Why, all his behaviours did make their retire To the court of his eye, peeping thorough desire. His heare, like an agate, with your print impressed, Proud with his form, in his eye pride expressed. His tongue, all impatient to speak and not see, Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be; All senses to that sense did make their repair, To feel only looking on fairest of fair. Meyought all his senses were locked in his eye, As jewels in crystal for some prince to buy; Who, tend’ring their own worth from where they were glassed, Did point you to buy them, along as you passed. His face’s own margent did quote such amazes That all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazes. I’ll give you Aquitaine, and all that is his, An you give him for my sake but one loving kiss.
Why, all his behaviours did make their retire To the court of his eye, peeping thorough desire. His heare, like an agate, with your print impressed, Proud with his form, in his eye pride expressed. His tongue, all impatient to speak and not see, Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be; All sens
why, all his behaviours did make their retire to the court of his eye, peeping thorough desire
Come, to our pavilion. Boyet is disposed.
Come, to our pavilion. Boyet is disposed.
Come, to our pavilion. Boyet is disposed.
come, to our pavilion boyet is disposed
But to speak that in words which his eye hath disclosed.
I only have made a mouth of his eye
By adding a tongue which I know will not lie.
But to speak that in words which his eye has disclosed. I only have made a mouth of his eye By adding a tongue which I know will not lie.
But to speak that in words which his eye has disclosed. I only have made a mouth of his eye By adding a tongue which I know will not lie.
but to speak that in words which his eye has disclosed
Thou art an old love-monger, and speakest skilfully.
Thou are an old love-monger, and speakest skilfully.
Thou are an old love-monger, and speakest skilfully.
thou are an old love-monger, and speakest skilfully
He is Cupid’s grandfather, and learns news of him.
He is Cupid’s grandfather, and learns news of him.
He is Cupid’s grandfather, and learns news of him.
he is cupid’s grandfather, and learns news of him
Then was Venus like her mother; for her father is but grim.
Then was Venus like her mother; for her father is but grim.
Then was Venus like her mother; for her father is but grim.
then was venus like her mother; for her father is but grim
Do you hear, my mad wenches?
Do you hear, my mad wenches?
Do you hear, my mad wenches?
do you hear, my mad wenches
No.
No.
No.
no
What, then, do you see?
What, then, do you see?
What, then, do you see?
what, then, do you see
Ay, our way to be gone.
Ay, our way to be gone.
Ay, our way to be gone.
ay, our way to be gone
You are too hard for me.
You are too hard for me.
You are too hard for me.
you are too hard for me
The Reckoning
The play tilts on its axis in this scene: the women arrive and they are, flatly, better at this than the men. The Princess strips the King's welcome bare in three lines, and every subsequent exchange between lord and lady runs the same way — the women win. We leave with the delightful suspicion that five marriages and a very embarrassing oath-breaking are now inevitable.
If this happened today…
A French tech executive flies to a startup campus in Silicon Valley for a meeting about a major licensing dispute involving money her father's company paid years ago. The startup founder — who has publicly committed to a 'no meetings, heads-down work' policy with his co-founders — meets her in the parking lot because he literally cannot invite her inside. She produces the receipts (figuratively: her legal team has the documentation). He says he hasn't seen those documents. She says: check your email, we'll send them tomorrow. Meanwhile, one of his engineers slides up to her assistant to ask if that woman in the blue jacket is single. She is not. None of this is going according to anyone's plan.