ACTISCENEI。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterBERTRAM，theCOUNTESSofRousillon，HELENA，andLAFEU，allinblackCOUNTESSIndeliveringmysonfromme，Iburyasecondhusband。BERTRAMAndIingoing，madam，weepo’ermyfather’sdeathanew：butImustattendhismajesty’scommand，towhomIamnowinward，evermoreinsubjection。LAFEUYoushallfindofthekingahusband，madam；
　　you，sir，afather：hethatsogenerallyisatalltimesgoodmustofnecessityholdhisvirtuetoyou；
　　whoseworthinesswouldstiritupwhereitwantedratherthanlackitwherethereissuchabundance。COUNTESSWhathopeisthereofhismajesty’samendment？LAFEUHehathabandonedhisphysicians，madam；
　　underwhosepractiseshehathpersecutedtimewithhope，andfindsnootheradvantageintheprocessbutonlythelosingofhopebytime。COUNTESSThisyounggentlewomanhadafather，——O，that’had’!howsadapassage’tis!——whoseskillwasalmostasgreatashishonesty；haditstretchedsofar，wouldhavemadenatureimmortal，anddeathshouldhaveplayforlackofwork。Would，fortheking’ssake，hewereliving!Ithinkitwouldbethedeathoftheking’sdisease。LAFEUHowcalledyouthemanyouspeakof，madam？COUNTESSHewasfamous，sir，inhisprofession，anditwashisgreatrighttobeso：GerarddeNarbon。LAFEUHewasexcellentindeed，madam：thekingverylatelyspokeofhimadmiringlyandmourningly：
　　hewasskilfulenoughtohavelivedstill，ifknowledgecouldbesetupagainstmortality。BERTRAMWhatisit，mygoodlord，thekinglanguishesof？LAFEUAfistula，mylord。BERTRAMIheardnotofitbefore。LAFEUIwoulditwerenotnotorious。WasthisgentlewomanthedaughterofGerarddeNarbon？COUNTESSHissolechild，mylord，andbequeathedtomyoverlooking。Ihavethosehopesofhergoodthathereducationpromises；herdispositionssheinherits，whichmakesfairgiftsfairer；forwhereanuncleanmindcarriesvirtuousqualities，therecommendationsgowithpity；theyarevirtuesandtraitorstoo；inhertheyarethebetterfortheirsimpleness；shederivesherhonestyandachieveshergoodness。LAFEUYourcommendations，madam，getfromhertears。COUNTESS’Tisthebestbrineamaidencanseasonherpraisein。Theremembranceofherfatherneverapproachesherheartbutthetyrannyofhersorrowstakesalllivelihoodfromhercheek。Nomoreofthis，Helena；
　　goto，nomore；lestitberatherthoughtyouaffectasorrowthanhaveit。HELENAIdoaffectasorrowindeed，butIhaveittoo。LAFEUModeratelamentationistherightofthedead，excessivegrieftheenemytotheliving。COUNTESSIfthelivingbeenemytothegrief，theexcessmakesitsoonmortal。BERTRAMMadam，Idesireyourholywishes。LAFEUHowunderstandwethat？COUNTESSBethoublest，Bertram，andsucceedthyfatherInmanners，asinshape!thybloodandvirtueContendforempireinthee，andthygoodnessSharewiththybirthright!Loveall，trustafew，Dowrongtonone：beableforthineenemyRatherinpowerthanuse，andkeepthyfriendUnderthyownlife’skey：becheque’dforsilence，Butnevertax’dforspeech。Whatheavenmorewill，Thattheemayfurnishandmyprayerspluckdown，Fallonthyhead!Farewell，mylord；
　　’Tisanunseason’dcourtier；goodmylord，Advisehim。LAFEUHecannotwantthebestThatshallattendhislove。COUNTESSHeavenblesshim!Farewell，Bertram。
　　ExitBERTRAM[ToHELENA]Thebestwishesthatcanbeforgedinyourthoughtsbeservantstoyou!Becomfortabletomymother，yourmistress，andmakemuchofher。LAFEUFarewell，prettylady：youmustholdthecreditofyourfather。
　　ExeuntBERTRAMandLAFEUHELENAO，werethatall!Ithinknotonmyfather；
　　AndthesegreattearsgracehisremembrancemoreThanthoseIshedforhim。Whatwashelike？
　　Ihaveforgothim：myimaginationCarriesnofavourin’tbutBertram’s。
　　Iamundone：thereisnoliving，none，IfBertrambeaway。’TwerealloneThatIshouldloveabrightparticularstarAndthinktowedit，heissoaboveme：
　　InhisbrightradianceandcollaterallightMustIbecomforted，notinhissphere。
　　Theambitioninmylovethusplaguesitself：
　　ThehindthatwouldbematedbythelionMustdieforlove。’Twaspretty，thoughplague，Toseehimeveryhour；tositanddrawHisarchedbrows，hishawkingeye，hiscurls，Inourheart’stable；hearttoocapableOfeverylineandtrickofhissweetfavour：
　　Butnowhe’sgone，andmyidolatrousfancyMustsanctifyhisreliques。Whocomeshere？
　　EnterPAROLLES
　　AsideOnethatgoeswithhim：Ilovehimforhissake；
　　AndyetIknowhimanotoriousliar，Thinkhimagreatwayfool，solelyacoward；
　　Yetthesefixedevilssitsofitinhim，Thattheytakeplace，whenvirtue’ssteelybonesLookbleaki’thecoldwind：withal，fulloftweseeColdwisdomwaitingonsuperfluousfolly。PAROLLESSaveyou，fairqueen!HELENAAndyou，monarch!PAROLLESNo。HELENAAndno。PAROLLESAreyoumeditatingonvirginity？HELENAAy。Youhavesomestainofsoldierinyou：letmeaskyouaquestion。Manisenemytovirginity；
　　howmaywebarricadoitagainsthim？PAROLLESKeephimout。HELENAButheassails；andourvirginity，thoughvaliant，inthedefenceyetisweak：unfoldtoussomewarlikeresistance。PAROLLESThereisnone：man，sittingdownbeforeyou，willundermineyouandblowyouup。HELENABlessourpoorvirginityfromunderminersandblowersup!Istherenomilitarypolicy，howvirginsmightblowupmen？PAROLLESVirginitybeingblowndown，manwillquicklierbeblownup：marry，inblowinghimdownagain，withthebreachyourselvesmade，youloseyourcity。
　　Itisnotpoliticinthecommonwealthofnaturetopreservevirginity。Lossofvirginityisrationalincreaseandtherewasnevervirgingottillvirginitywasfirstlost。Thatyouweremadeofismetaltomakevirgins。Virginitybybeingoncelostmaybetentimesfound；bybeingeverkept，itiseverlost：’tistoocoldacompanion；awaywith’t!HELENAIwillstandfor’talittle，thoughthereforeIdieavirgin。PAROLLESThere’slittlecanbesaidin’t；’tisagainsttheruleofnature。Tospeakonthepartofvirginity，istoaccuseyourmothers；whichismostinfallibledisobedience。Hethathangshimselfisavirgin：
　　virginitymurdersitselfandshouldbeburiedinhighwaysoutofallsanctifiedlimit，asadesperateoffendressagainstnature。Virginitybreedsmites，muchlikeacheese；consumesitselftotheveryparing，andsodieswithfeedinghisownstomach。
　　Besides，virginityispeevish，proud，idle，madeofself—love，whichisthemostinhibitedsininthecanon。Keepitnot；youcannotchoosebutlooseby’t：outwith’t!withintenyearitwillmakeitselften，whichisagoodlyincrease；andtheprincipalitselfnotmuchtheworse：awaywith’t!HELENAHowmightonedo，sir，toloseittoherownliking？PAROLLESLetmesee：marry，ill，tolikehimthatne’eritlikes。’Tisacommoditywilllosetheglosswithlying；thelongerkept，thelessworth：offwith’twhile’tisvendible；answerthetimeofrequest。
　　Virginity，likeanoldcourtier，wearshercapoutoffashion：richlysuited，butunsuitable：justlikethebroochandthetooth—pick，whichwearnotnow。Yourdateisbetterinyourpieandyourporridgethaninyourcheek；andyourvirginity，youroldvirginity，islikeoneofourFrenchwitheredpears，itlooksill，iteatsdrily；
　　marry，’tisawitheredpear；itwasformerlybetter；
　　marry，yet’tisawitheredpear：willyouanythingwithit？HELENANotmyvirginityyet[]
　　Thereshallyourmasterhaveathousandloves，Amotherandamistressandafriend，Aphoenix，captainandanenemy，Aguide，agoddess，andasovereign，Acounsellor，atraitress，andadear；
　　Hishumbleambition，proudhumility，Hisjarringconcord，andhisdiscorddulcet，Hisfaith，hissweetdisaster；withaworldOfpretty，fond，adoptiouschristendoms，ThatblinkingCupidgossips。Nowshallhe——
　　Iknownotwhatheshall。Godsendhimwell!
　　Thecourt’salearningplace，andheisone——PAROLLESWhatone，i’faith？HELENAThatIwishwell。’Tispity——PAROLLESWhat’spity？HELENAThatwishingwellhadnotabodyin’t，Whichmightbefelt；thatwe，thepoorerborn，Whosebaserstarsdoshutusupinwishes，Mightwitheffectsofthemfollowourfriends，Andshowwhatwealonemustthink，whichneverReturnusthanks。
　　EnterPagePageMonsieurParolles，mylordcallsforyou。
　　ExitPAROLLESLittleHelen，farewell；ifIcanrememberthee，I
　　willthinkoftheeatcourt。HELENAMonsieurParolles，youwerebornunderacharitablestar。PAROLLESUnderMars，I。HELENAIespeciallythink，underMars。PAROLLESWhyunderMars？HELENAThewarshavesokeptyouunderthatyoumustneedsbebornunderMars。PAROLLESWhenhewaspredominant。HELENAWhenhewasretrograde，Ithink，rather。PAROLLESWhythinkyouso？HELENAYougosomuchbackwardwhenyoufight。PAROLLESThat’sforadvantage。HELENASoisrunningaway，whenfearproposesthesafety；
　　butthecompositionthatyourvalourandfearmakesinyouisavirtueofagoodwing，andIlikethewearwell。PAROLLESIamsofullofbusinesses，Icannotanswertheeacutely。Iwillreturnperfectcourtier；inthewhich，myinstructionshallservetonaturalizethee，sothouwiltbecapableofacourtier’scounselandunderstandwhatadviceshallthrustuponthee；elsethoudiestinthineunthankfulness，andthineignorancemakestheeaway：farewell。Whenthouhastleisure，saythyprayers；whenthouhastnone，rememberthyfriends；gettheeagoodhusband，andusehimasheusesthee；so，farewell。
　　ExitHELENAOurremediesoftinourselvesdolie，Whichweascribetoheaven：thefatedskyGivesusfreescope，onlydothbackwardpullOurslowdesignswhenweourselvesaredull。
　　Whatpowerisitwhichmountsmylovesohigh，Thatmakesmesee，andcannotfeedmineeye？
　　ThemightiestspaceinfortunenaturebringsTojoinlikelikesandkisslikenativethings。
　　ImpossiblebestrangeattemptstothoseThatweightheirpainsinsenseanddosupposeWhathathbeencannotbe：whoeverstroveSoshowhermerit，thatdidmissherlove？
　　Theking’sdisease——myprojectmaydeceiveme，Butmyintentsarefix’dandwillnotleaveme。
　　ExitSCENEII。Paris。TheKING’spalace。Flourishofcornets。EntertheKINGofFrance，withletters，anddiversAttendantsKINGTheFlorentinesandSenoysarebytheears；
　　HavefoughtwithequalfortuneandcontinueAbravingwar。FirstLordSo’tisreported，sir。KINGNay，’tismostcredible；weherereceiveditAcertainty，vouch’dfromourcousinAustria，WithcautionthattheFlorentinewillmoveusForspeedyaid；whereinourdearestfriendPrejudicatesthebusinessandwouldseemTohaveusmakedenial。FirstLordHisloveandwisdom，Approvedsotoyourmajesty，maypleadForamplestcredence。KINGHehatharm’douranswer，AndFlorenceisdeniedbeforehecomes：
　　Yet，forourgentlementhatmeantoseeTheTuscanservice，freelyhavetheyleaveTostandoneitherpart。SecondLordItwellmayserveAnurserytoourgentry，whoaresickForbreathingandexploit。KINGWhat’shecomeshere？
　　EnterBERTRAM，LAFEU，andPAROLLESFirstLordItistheCountRousillon，mygoodlord，YoungBertram。KINGYouth，thoubear’stthyfather’sface；
　　Franknature，rathercuriousthaninhaste，Hathwellcomposedthee。Thyfather’smoralpartsMaystthouinherittoo!WelcometoParis。BERTRAMMythanksanddutyareyourmajesty’s。KINGIwouldIhadthatcorporalsoundnessnow，AswhenthyfatherandmyselfinfriendshipFirsttriedoursoldiership!HedidlookfarIntotheserviceofthetimeandwasDiscipledofthebravest：helastedlong；
　　ButonusbothdidhaggishagestealonAndworeusoutofact。ItmuchrepairsmeTotalkofyourgoodfather。InhisyouthHehadthewitwhichIcanwellobserveTo—dayinouryounglords；buttheymayjestTilltheirownscornreturntothemunnotedEretheycanhidetheirlevityinhonour；
　　Solikeacourtier，contemptnorbitternessWereinhisprideorsharpness；iftheywere，Hisequalhadawakedthem，andhishonour，Clocktoitself，knewthetrueminutewhenExceptionbidhimspeak，andatthistimeHistongueobey’dhishand：whowerebelowhimHeusedascreaturesofanotherplaceAndbow’dhiseminenttoptotheirlowranks，Makingthemproudofhishumility，Intheirpoorpraisehehumbled。SuchamanMightbeacopytotheseyoungertimes；
　　Which，follow’dwell，woulddemonstratethemnowButgoersbackward。BERTRAMHisgoodremembrance，sir，Liesricherinyourthoughtsthanonhistomb；
　　SoinapprooflivesnothisepitaphAsinyourroyalspeech。KINGWouldIwerewithhim!Hewouldalwayssay——
　　MethinksIhearhimnow；hisplausivewordsHescatter’dnotinears，butgraftedthem，Togrowthereandtobear，——’Letmenotlive，’——
　　Thishisgoodmelancholyoftbegan，Onthecatastropheandheelofpastime，Whenitwasout，——’Letmenotlive，’quothhe，’Aftermyflamelacksoil，tobethesnuffOfyoungerspirits，whoseapprehensivesensesAllbutnewthingsdisdain；whosejudgmentsareMerefathersoftheirgarments；whoseconstanciesExpirebeforetheirfashions。’Thishewish’d；
　　Iafterhimdoafterhimwishtoo，SinceInorwaxnorhoneycanbringhome，Iquicklyweredissolvedfrommyhive，Togivesomelabourersroom。SecondLordYouareloved，sir：
　　Theythatleastlendityoushalllackyoufirst。KINGIfillaplace，Iknow’t。Howlongis’t，count，Sincethephysicianatyourfather’sdied？
　　Hewasmuchfamed。BERTRAMSomesixmonthssince，mylord。KINGIfhewereliving，Iwouldtryhimyet。
　　Lendmeanarm；theresthavewornmeoutWithseveralapplications；natureandsicknessDebateitattheirleisure。Welcome，count；
　　Myson’snodearer。BERTRAMThankyourmajesty。
　　Exeunt。FlourishSCENEIII。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterCOUNTESS，Steward，andClownCOUNTESSIwillnowhear；whatsayyouofthisgentlewoman？StewardMadam，thecareIhavehadtoevenyourcontent，I
　　wishmightbefoundinthecalendarofmypastendeavours；forthenwewoundourmodestyandmakefoultheclearnessofourdeservings，whenofourselveswepublishthem。COUNTESSWhatdoesthisknavehere？Getyougone，sirrah：
　　thecomplaintsIhaveheardofyouIdonotallbelieve：’tismyslownessthatIdonot；forI
　　knowyoulacknotfollytocommitthem，andhaveabilityenoughtomakesuchknaveriesyours。Clown’Tisnotunknowntoyou，madam，Iamapoorfellow。COUNTESSWell，sir。ClownNo，madam，’tisnotsowellthatIampoor，thoughmanyofthericharedamned：but，ifImayhaveyourladyship’sgoodwilltogototheworld，IsbelthewomanandIwilldoaswemay。COUNTESSWiltthouneedsbeabeggar？ClownIdobegyourgoodwillinthiscase。COUNTESSInwhatcase？ClownInIsbel’scaseandmineown。Serviceisnoheritage：andIthinkIshallneverhavetheblessingofGodtillIhaveissueo’mybody；
　　fortheysaybarnesareblessings。COUNTESSTellmethyreasonwhythouwiltmarry。ClownMypoorbody，madam，requiresit：Iamdrivenonbytheflesh；andhemustneedsgothatthedevildrives。COUNTESSIsthisallyourworship’sreason？ClownFaith，madam，Ihaveotherholyreasonssuchastheyare。COUNTESSMaytheworldknowthem？ClownIhavebeen，madam，awickedcreature，asyouandallfleshandbloodare；and，indeed，IdomarrythatImayrepent。COUNTESSThymarriage，soonerthanthywickedness。ClownIamouto’friends，madam；andIhopetohavefriendsformywife’ssake。COUNTESSSuchfriendsarethineenemies，knave。ClownYou’reshallow，madam，ingreatfriends；
　　fortheknavescometodothatformewhichIamawearyof。
　　Hethatearsmylandsparesmyteamandgivesmeleavetointhecrop；ifIbehiscuckold，he’smydrudge：hethatcomfortsmywifeisthecherisherofmyfleshandblood；hethatcherishesmyfleshandbloodlovesmyfleshandblood；hethatlovesmyfleshandbloodismyfriend：ergo，hethatkissesmywifeismyfriend。Ifmencouldbecontentedtobewhattheyare，therewerenofearinmarriage；
　　foryoungCharbonthePuritanandoldPoysamthePapist，howsome’ertheirheartsareseveredinreligion，theirheadsarebothone；theymayjowlhornstogether，likeanydeeri’theherd。COUNTESSWiltthoueverbeafoul—mouthedandcalumniousknave？ClownAprophetI，madam；andIspeakthetruththenextway：
　　ForItheballadwillrepeat，Whichmenfulltrueshallfind；
　　Yourmarriagecomesbydestiny，Yourcuckoosingsbykind。COUNTESSGetyougone，sir；I’lltalkwithyoumoreanon。StewardMayitpleaseyou，madam，thathebidHelencometoyou：ofherIamtospeak。COUNTESSSirrah，tellmygentlewomanIwouldspeakwithher；
　　Helen，Imean。ClownWasthisfairfacethecause，quothshe，WhytheGrecianssackedTroy？
　　Fonddone，donefond，WasthisKingPriam’sjoy？
　　Withthatshesighedasshestood，Withthatshesighedasshestood，Andgavethissentencethen；
　　Amongninebadifonebegood，Amongninebadifonebegood，There’syetonegoodinten。COUNTESSWhat，onegoodinten？youcorruptthesong，sirrah。ClownOnegoodwomaninten，madam；whichisapurifyingo’thesong：wouldGodwouldservetheworldsoalltheyear!we’ldfindnofaultwiththetithe—woman，ifIweretheparson。Oneinten，quotha’!Anwemighthaveagoodwomanbornbutoneeveryblazingstar，oratanearthquake，’twouldmendthelotterywell：amanmaydrawhisheartout，erea’pluckone。COUNTESSYou’llbegone，sirknave，anddoasI
　　commandyou。ClownThatmanshouldbeatwoman’scommand，andyetnohurtdone!Thoughhonestybenopuritan，yetitwilldonohurt；itwillwearthesurpliceofhumilityovertheblackgownofabigheart。I
　　amgoing，forsooth：thebusinessisforHelentocomehither。
　　ExitCOUNTESSWell，now。StewardIknow，madam，youloveyourgentlewomanentirely。COUNTESSFaith，Ido：herfatherbequeathedhertome；andsheherself，withoutotheradvantage，maylawfullymaketitletoasmuchloveasshefinds：thereismoreowingherthanispaid；andmoreshallbepaidherthanshe’lldemand。StewardMadam，IwasverylatemorenearherthanIthinkshewishedme：aloneshewas，anddidcommunicatetoherselfherownwordstoherownears；shethought，Idarevowforher，theytouchednotanystrangersense。Hermatterwas，shelovedyourson：
　　Fortune，shesaid，wasnogoddess，thathadputsuchdifferencebetwixttheirtwoestates；Lovenogod，thatwouldnotextendhismight，onlywherequalitieswerelevel；Diannoqueenofvirgins，thatwouldsufferherpoorknightsurprised，withoutrescueinthefirstassaultorransomafterward。
　　Thisshedeliveredinthemostbittertouchofsorrowthate’erIheardvirginexclaimin：whichI
　　heldmydutyspeedilytoacquaintyouwithal；
　　sithence，inthelossthatmayhappen，itconcernsyousomethingtoknowit。COUNTESSYouhavedischargedthishonestly；keepittoyourself：manylikelihoodsinformedmeofthisbefore，whichhungsototteringinthebalancethatIcouldneitherbelievenormisdoubt。Prayyou，leaveme：stallthisinyourbosom；andIthankyouforyourhonestcare：Iwillspeakwithyoufurtheranon。
　　ExitStewardEnterHELENA
　　EvensoitwaswithmewhenIwasyoung：
　　Ifeverwearenature’s，theseareours；thisthornDothtoourroseofyouthrightlybelong；
　　Ourbloodtous，thistoourbloodisborn；
　　Itistheshowandsealofnature’struth，Wherelove’sstrongpassionisimpress’dinyouth：
　　Byourremembrancesofdaysforegone，Suchwereourfaults，orthenwethoughtthemnone。
　　Hereyeissickon’t：Iobservehernow。HELENAWhatisyourpleasure，madam？COUNTESSYouknow，Helen，Iamamothertoyou。HELENAMinehonourablemistress。COUNTESSNay，amother：
　　Whynotamother？WhenIsaid’amother，’
　　Methoughtyousawaserpent：what’sin’mother，’
　　Thatyoustartatit？Isay，Iamyourmother；
　　AndputyouinthecatalogueofthoseThatwereenwombedmine：’tisoftenseenAdoptionstriveswithnatureandchoicebreedsAnativesliptousfromforeignseeds：
　　Youne’eroppress’dmewithamother’sgroan，YetIexpresstoyouamother’scare：
　　God’smercy，maiden!doesitcurdthybloodTosayIamthymother？What’sthematter，Thatthisdistemper’dmessengerofwet，Themany—colour’dIris，roundsthineeye？
　　Why？thatyouaremydaughter？HELENAThatIamnot。COUNTESSIsay，Iamyourmother。HELENAPardon，madam；
　　TheCountRousilloncannotbemybrother：
　　Iamfromhumble，hefromhonour’dname；
　　Nonoteuponmyparents，hisallnoble：
　　Mymaster，mydearlordheis；andI
　　Hisservantlive，andwillhisvassaldie：
　　Hemustnotbemybrother。COUNTESSNorIyourmother？HELENAYouaremymother，madam；wouldyouwere，——
　　Sothatmylordyoursonwerenotmybrother，——
　　Indeedmymother!orwereyoubothourmothers，IcarenomoreforthanIdoforheaven，SoIwerenothissister。Can’tnoother，But，Iyourdaughter，hemustbemybrother？COUNTESSYes，Helen，youmightbemydaughter—in—law：
　　Godshieldyoumeanitnot!daughterandmotherSostriveuponyourpulse。What，paleagain？
　　Myfearhathcatch’dyourfondness：nowIseeThemysteryofyourloneliness，andfindYoursalttears’head：nowtoallsense’tisgrossYoulovemyson；inventionisashamed，Againsttheproclamationofthypassion，Tosaythoudostnot：thereforetellmetrue；
　　Buttellmethen，’tisso；for，lookthycheeksConfessit，th’onetoth’other；andthineeyesSeeitsogrosslyshowninthybehaviorsThatintheirkindtheyspeakit：onlysinAndhellishobstinacytiethytongue，Thattruthshouldbesuspected。Speak，is’tso？
　　Ifitbeso，youhavewoundagoodlyclew；
　　Ifitbenot，forswear’t：howe’er，Ichargethee，Asheavenshallworkinmeforthineavail，Tellmetruly。HELENAGoodmadam，pardonme!COUNTESSDoyoulovemyson？HELENAYourpardon，noblemistress!COUNTESSLoveyoumyson？HELENADonotyoulovehim，madam？COUNTESSGonotabout；mylovehathin’tabond，Whereoftheworldtakesnote：come，come，discloseThestateofyouraffection；foryourpassionsHavetothefullappeach’d。HELENAThen，Iconfess，Hereonmyknee，beforehighheavenandyou，Thatbeforeyou，andnextuntohighheaven，Iloveyourson。
　　Myfriendswerepoor，buthonest；so’smylove：
　　Benotoffended；forithurtsnothimThatheislovedofme：IfollowhimnotByanytokenofpresumptuoussuit；
　　NorwouldIhavehimtillIdodeservehim；
　　Yetneverknowhowthatdesertshouldbe。
　　IknowIloveinvain，striveagainsthope；
　　YetinthiscaptiousandinteniblesieveIstillpourinthewatersofmyloveAndlacknottolosestill：thus，Indian—like，Religiousinmineerror，IadoreThesun，thatlooksuponhisworshipper，Butknowsofhimnomore。Mydearestmadam，LetnotyourhateencounterwithmyloveForlovingwhereyoudo：butifyourself，Whoseagedhonourcitesavirtuousyouth，DideverinsotrueaflameoflikingWishchastelyandlovedearly，thatyourDianWasbothherselfandlove：O，then，givepityToher，whosestateissuchthatcannotchooseButlendandgivewheresheissuretolose；
　　Thatseeksnottofindthathersearchimplies，Butriddle—likelivessweetlywhereshedies!COUNTESSHadyounotlatelyanintent，——speaktruly，——
　　TogotoParis？HELENAMadam，Ihad。COUNTESSWherefore？telltrue。HELENAIwilltelltruth；bygraceitselfI
　　swear。
　　YouknowmyfatherleftmesomeprescriptionsOfrareandprovedeffects，suchashisreadingAndmanifestexperiencehadcollectedForgeneralsovereignty；andthathewill’dmeInheedfull’streservationtobestowthem，AsnoteswhosefacultiesinclusivewereMorethantheywereinnote：amongsttherest，Thereisaremedy，approved，setdown，TocurethedesperatelanguishingswhereofThekingisrender’dlost。COUNTESSThiswasyourmotiveForParis，wasit？speak。HELENAMylordyoursonmademetothinkofthis；
　　ElseParisandthemedicineandthekingHadfromtheconversationofmythoughtsHaplybeenabsentthen。COUNTESSButthinkyou，Helen，Ifyoushouldtenderyoursupposedaid，Hewouldreceiveit？heandhisphysiciansAreofamind；he，thattheycannothelphim，They，thattheycannothelp：howshalltheycreditApoorunlearnedvirgin，whentheschools，Embowell’doftheirdoctrine，haveleftoffThedangertoitself？HELENAThere’ssomethingin’t，Morethanmyfather’sskill，whichwasthegreatestOfhisprofession，thathisgoodreceiptShallformylegacybesanctifiedBytheluckieststarsinheaven：and，wouldyourhonourButgivemeleavetotrysuccess，I’ldventureThewell—lostlifeofmineonhisgrace’scureBysuchadayandhour。COUNTESSDostthoubelieve’t？HELENAAy，madam，knowingly。COUNTESSWhy，Helen，thoushalthavemyleaveandlove，MeansandattendantsandmylovinggreetingsTothoseofmineincourt：I’llstayathomeAndprayGod’sblessingintothyattempt：
　　Begoneto—morrow；andbesureofthis，WhatIcanhelptheetothoushaltnotmiss。
　　ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Paris。TheKING’spalace。Flourishofcornets。EntertheKING，attendedwithdiversyoungLordstakingleavefortheFlorentinewar；BERTRAM，andPAROLLESKINGFarewell，younglords；thesewarlikeprinciplesDonotthrowfromyou：andyou，mylords，farewell：
　　Sharetheadvicebetwixtyou；ifbothgain，allThegiftdothstretchitselfas’tisreceived，Andisenoughforboth。FirstLord’Tisourhope，sir，Afterwellenter’dsoldiers，toreturnAndfindyourgraceinhealth。KINGNo，no，itcannotbe；andyetmyheartWillnotconfessheowesthemaladyThatdothmylifebesiege。Farewell，younglords；
　　WhetherIliveordie，beyouthesonsOfworthyFrenchmen：lethigherItaly，——
　　ThosebatedthatinheritbutthefallOfthelastmonarchy，——seethatyoucomeNottowoohonour，buttowedit；whenThebravestquestantshrinks，findwhatyouseek，Thatfamemaycryyouloud：Isay，farewell。SecondLordHealth，atyourbidding，serveyourmajesty!KINGThosegirlsofItaly，takeheedofthem：
　　Theysay，ourFrenchlacklanguagetodeny，Iftheydemand：bewareofbeingcaptives，Beforeyouserve。BothOurheartsreceiveyourwarnings。KINGFarewell。Comehithertome。
　　Exit，attendedFirstLordO，mysweetlord，thatyouwillstaybehindus!PAROLLES’Tisnothisfault，thespark。SecondLordO，’tisbravewars!PAROLLESMostadmirable：Ihaveseenthosewars。BERTRAMIamcommandedhere，andkeptacoilwith’Tooyoung’and’thenextyear’and’’tistooearly。’PAROLLESAnthymindstandto’t，boy，stealawaybravely。BERTRAMIshallstayheretheforehorsetoasmock，Creakingmyshoesontheplainmasonry，TillhonourbeboughtupandnoswordwornButonetodancewith!Byheaven，I’llstealaway。FirstLordThere’shonourinthetheft。PAROLLESCommitit，count。SecondLordIamyouraccessary；andso，farewell。BERTRAMIgrowtoyou，andourpartingisatorturedbody。FirstLordFarewell，captain。SecondLordSweetMonsieurParolles!PAROLLESNobleheroes，myswordandyoursarekin。
　　Goodsparksandlustrous，aword，goodmetals：youshallfindintheregimentoftheSpiniioneCaptainSpurio，withhiscicatrice，anemblemofwar，hereonhissinistercheek；itwasthisveryswordentrenchedit：saytohim，Ilive；andobservehisreportsforme。FirstLordWeshall，noblecaptain。
　　ExeuntLordsPAROLLESMarsdoteonyouforhisnovices!whatwillyedo？BERTRAMStay：theking。
　　Re—enterKING。BERTRAMandPAROLLESretirePAROLLES[ToBERTRAM]Useamorespaciousceremonytothenoblelords；youhaverestrainedyourselfwithinthelistoftoocoldanadieu：bemoreexpressivetothem：fortheywearthemselvesinthecapofthetime，theredomustertruegait，eat，speak，andmoveundertheinfluenceofthemostreceivedstar；
　　andthoughthedevilleadthemeasure，sucharetobefollowed：afterthem，andtakeamoredilatedfarewell。BERTRAMAndIwilldoso。PAROLLESWorthyfellows；andliketoprovemostsinewysword—men。
　　ExeuntBERTRAMandPAROLLES
　　EnterLAFEULAFEU[Kneeling]Pardon，mylord，formeandformytidings。KINGI’llfeetheetostandup。LAFEUThenhere’samanstands，thathasbroughthispardon。
　　Iwouldyouhadkneel’d，mylord，toaskmemercy，Andthatatmybiddingyoucouldsostandup。KINGIwouldIhad；soIhadbrokethypate，Andask’dtheemercyfor’t。LAFEUGoodfaith，across：but，mygoodlord’tisthus；
　　Willyoubecuredofyourinfirmity？KINGNo。LAFEUO，willyoueatnograpes，myroyalfox？
　　Yes，butyouwillmynoblegrapes，anifMyroyalfoxcouldreachthem：IhaveseenamedicineThat’sabletobreathelifeintoastone，Quickenarock，andmakeyoudancecanaryWithspritelyfireandmotion；whosesimpletouch，IspowerfultoaraiseKingPepin，nay，TogivegreatCharlemainapenin’shand，Andwritetoheralove—line。KINGWhat’her’isthis？LAFEUWhy，DoctorShe：mylord，there’sonearrived，Ifyouwillseeher：now，bymyfaithandhonour，IfseriouslyImayconveymythoughtsInthismylightdeliverance，IhavespokeWithonethat，inhersex，heryears，profession，Wisdomandconstancy，hathamazedmemoreThanIdareblamemyweakness：willyouseeherForthatisherdemand，andknowherbusiness？
　　Thatdone，laughwellatme。KINGNow，goodLafeu，Bringintheadmiration；thatwewiththeeMayspendourwondertoo，ortakeoffthineBywonderinghowthoutook’stit。LAFEUNay，I’llfityou，Andnotbealldayneither。
　　ExitKINGThushehisspecialnothingeverprologues。
　　Re—enterLAFEU，withHELENALAFEUNay，comeyourways。KINGThishastehathwingsindeed。LAFEUNay，comeyourways：
　　Thisishismajesty；sayyourmindtohim：
　　Atraitoryoudolooklike；butsuchtraitorsHismajestyseldomfears：IamCressid’suncle，Thatdareleavetwotogether；fareyouwell。
　　ExitKINGNow，fairone，doesyourbusinessfollowus？HELENAAy，mygoodlord。
　　GerarddeNarbonwasmyfather；
　　Inwhathedidprofess，wellfound。KINGIknewhim。HELENATheratherwillIsparemypraisestowardshim：
　　Knowinghimisenough。On’sbedofdeathManyreceiptshegaveme：chieflyone。
　　Which，asthedearestissueofhispractise，Andofhisoldexperiencetheoilydarling，Hebademestoreup，asatripleeye，Saferthanmineowntwo，moredear；Ihaveso；
　　Andhearingyourhighmajestyistouch’dWiththatmalignantcausewhereinthehonourOfmydearfather’sgiftstandschiefinpower，IcometotenderitandmyapplianceWithallboundhumbleness。KINGWethankyou，maiden；
　　Butmaynotbesocredulousofcure，WhenourmostlearneddoctorsleaveusandThecongregatedcollegehaveconcludedThatlabouringartcanneverransomnatureFromherinaidibleestate；IsaywemustnotSostainourjudgment，orcorruptourhope，Toprostituteourpast—curemaladyToempirics，ortodisseversoOurgreatselfandourcredit，toesteemAsenselesshelpwhenhelppastsensewedeem。HELENAMydutythenshallpaymeformypains：
　　Iwillnomoreenforcemineofficeonyou。
　　HumblyentreatingfromyourroyalthoughtsAmodestone，tobearmebackaagain。KINGIcannotgivetheeless，tobecall’dgrateful：
　　Thouthought’sttohelpme；andsuchthanksI
　　giveAsoneneardeathtothosethatwishhimlive：
　　ButwhatatfullIknow，thouknow’stnopart，Iknowingallmyperil，thounoart。HELENAWhatIcandocandonohurttotry，Sinceyousetupyourrest’gainstremedy。
　　HethatofgreatestworksisfinisherOftdoesthembytheweakestminister：
　　Soholywritinbabeshathjudgmentshown，Whenjudgeshavebeenbabes；greatfloodshaveflownFromsimplesources，andgreatseashavedriedWhenmiracleshavebythegreatestbeendenied。
　　OftexpectationfailsandmostoftthereWheremostitpromises，andoftithitsWherehopeiscoldestanddespairmostfits。KINGImustnothearthee；faretheewell，kindmaid；
　　Thypainsnotusedmustbythyselfbepaid：
　　Proffersnottookreapthanksfortheirreward。HELENAInspiredmeritsobybreathisbarr’d：
　　ItisnotsowithHimthatallthingsknowsAs’tiswithusthatsquareourguessbyshows；
　　ButmostitispresumptioninuswhenThehelpofheavenwecounttheactofmen。
　　Dearsir，tomyendeavoursgiveconsent；
　　Ofheaven，notme，makeanexperiment。
　　IamnotanimpostorthatproclaimMyselfagainstthelevelofmineaim；
　　ButknowIthinkandthinkIknowmostsureMyartisnotpastpowernoryoupastcure。KINGArethousoconfident？withinwhatspaceHopestthoumycure？HELENAThegreat’stgracelendinggraceEretwicethehorsesofthesunshallbringTheirfierytorcherhisdiurnalring，EretwiceinmurkandoccidentaldampMoistHesperushathquench’dhissleepylamp，Orfourandtwentytimesthepilot’sglassHathtoldthethievishminuteshowtheypass，Whatisinfirmfromyoursoundpartsshallfly，Healthshalllivefreeandsicknessfreelydie。KINGUponthycertaintyandconfidenceWhatdarestthouventure？HELENATaxofimpudence，Astrumpet’sboldness，adivulgedshameTraducedbyodiousballads：mymaiden’snameSear’dotherwise；nay，worse——ifworse——extendedWithvilesttortureletmylifebeended。KINGMethinksintheesomeblessedspiritdothspeakHispowerfulsoundwithinanorganweak：
　　AndwhatimpossibilitywouldslayIncommonsense，sensesavesanotherway。
　　Thylifeisdear；forallthatlifecanrateWorthnameoflifeintheehathestimate，Youth，beauty，wisdom，courage，allThathappinessandprimecanhappycall：
　　ThouthistohazardneedsmustintimateSkillinfiniteormonstrousdesperate。
　　Sweetpractiser，thyphysicIwilltry，ThatministersthineowndeathifIdie。HELENAIfIbreaktime，orflinchinpropertyOfwhatIspoke，unpitiedletmedie，Andwelldeserved：nothelping，death’smyfee；
　　But，ifIhelp，whatdoyoupromiseme？KINGMakethydemand。HELENAButwillyoumakeiteven？KINGAy，bymysceptreandmyhopesofheaven。HELENAThenshaltthougivemewiththykinglyhandWhathusbandinthypowerIwillcommand：
　　ExemptedbefrommethearroganceTochoosefromforththeroyalbloodofFrance，MylowandhumblenametopropagateWithanybranchorimageofthystate；
　　Butsuchaone，thyvassal，whomIknowIsfreeformetoask，theetobestow。KINGHereismyhand；thepremisesobserved，Thywillbymyperformanceshallbeserved：
　　Somakethechoiceofthyowntime，forI，Thyresolvedpatient，ontheestillrely。
　　MoreshouldIquestionthee，andmoreImust，Thoughmoretoknowcouldnotbemoretotrust，Fromwhencethoucamest，howtendedon：butrestUnquestion’dwelcomeandundoubtedblest。
　　Givemesomehelphere，ho!IfthouproceedAshighasword，mydeedshallmatchthymeed。
　　Flourish。ExeuntSCENEII。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterCOUNTESSandClownCOUNTESSComeon，sir；Ishallnowputyoutotheheightofyourbreeding。ClownIwillshowmyselfhighlyfedandlowlytaught：I
　　knowmybusinessisbuttothecourt。COUNTESSTothecourt!why，whatplacemakeyouspecial，whenyouputoffthatwithsuchcontempt？Buttothecourt!ClownTruly，madam，ifGodhavelentamananymanners，hemayeasilyputitoffatcourt：hethatcannotmakealeg，putoff’scap，kisshishandandsaynothing，hasneitherleg，hands，lip，norcap；andindeedsuchafellow，tosayprecisely，werenotforthecourt；butforme，Ihaveananswerwillserveallmen。COUNTESSMarry，that’sabountifulanswerthatfitsallquestions。ClownItislikeabarber’schairthatfitsallbuttocks，thepin—buttock，thequatch—buttock，thebrawnbuttock，oranybuttock。COUNTESSWillyouranswerservefittoallquestions？ClownAsfitastengroatsisforthehandofanattorney，asyourFrenchcrownforyourtaffetapunk，asTib’srushforTom’sforefinger，asapancakeforShroveTuesday，amorrisforMay—day，asthenailtohishole，thecuckoldtohishorn，asascoldingqueentoawranglingknave，asthenun’sliptothefriar’smouth，nay，asthepuddingtohisskin。COUNTESSHaveyou，Isay，ananswerofsuchfitnessforallquestions？ClownFrombelowyourduketobeneathyourconstable，itwillfitanyquestion。COUNTESSItmustbeananswerofmostmonstroussizethatmustfitalldemands。ClownButatrifleneither，ingoodfaith，ifthelearnedshouldspeaktruthofit：hereitis，andallthatbelongsto’t。AskmeifIamacourtier：itshalldoyounoharmtolearn。COUNTESSTobeyoungagain，ifwecould：Iwillbeafoolinquestion，hopingtobethewiserbyyouranswer。
　　I
　　prayyou，sir，areyouacourtier？ClownOLord，sir!There’sasimpleputtingoff。More，more，ahundredofthem。COUNTESSSir，Iamapoorfriendofyours，thatlovesyou。ClownOLord，sir!Thick，thick，sparenotme。COUNTESSIthink，sir，youcaneatnoneofthishomelymeat。ClownOLord，sir!Nay，putmeto’t，Iwarrantyou。COUNTESSYouwerelatelywhipped，sir，asIthink。ClownOLord，sir!sparenotme。COUNTESSDoyoucry，’OLord，sir!’atyourwhipping，and’sparenotme？’Indeedyour’OLord，sir!’isverysequenttoyourwhipping：youwouldanswerverywelltoawhipping，ifyouwerebutboundto’t。ClownIne’erhadworseluckinmylifeinmy’OLord，sir!’Iseethingsmayservelong，butnotserveever。COUNTESSIplaythenoblehousewifewiththetimeToentertain’tsomerrilywithafool。ClownOLord，sir!why，there’tserveswellagain。COUNTESSAnend，sir；toyourbusiness。GiveHelenthis，Andurgehertoapresentanswerback：
　　Commendmetomykinsmenandmyson：
　　Thisisnotmuch。ClownNotmuchcommendationtothem。COUNTESSNotmuchemploymentforyou：youunderstandme？ClownMostfruitfully：Iamtherebeforemylegs。COUNTESSHasteyouagain。
　　ExeuntseverallySCENEIII。Paris。TheKING’spalace。EnterBERTRAM，LAFEU，andPAROLLESLAFEUTheysaymiraclesarepast；andwehaveourphilosophicalpersons，tomakemodernandfamiliar，thingssupernaturalandcauseless。Henceisitthatwemaketriflesofterrors，ensconcingourselvesintoseemingknowledge，whenweshouldsubmitourselvestoanunknownfear。PAROLLESWhy，’tistherarestargumentofwonderthathathshotoutinourlattertimes。BERTRAMAndso’tis。LAFEUToberelinquish’doftheartists，——PAROLLESSoIsay。LAFEUBothofGalenandParacelsus。PAROLLESSoIsay。LAFEUOfallthelearnedandauthenticfellows，——PAROLLESRight；soIsay。LAFEUThatgavehimoutincurable，——PAROLLESWhy，there’tis；sosayItoo。LAFEUNottobehelped，——PAROLLESRight；as’twere，amanassuredofa——LAFEUUncertainlife，andsuredeath。PAROLLESJust，yousaywell；sowouldIhavesaid。LAFEUImaytrulysay，itisanoveltytotheworld。PAROLLESItis，indeed：ifyouwillhaveitinshowing，youshallreaditin——whatdoyoucallthere？LAFEUAshowingofaheavenlyeffectinanearthlyactor。PAROLLESThat’sit；Iwouldhavesaidtheverysame。LAFEUWhy，yourdolphinisnotlustier：’foreme，Ispeakinrespect——PAROLLESNay，’tisstrange，’tisverystrange，thatisthebriefandthetediousofit；andhe’sofamostfacineriousspiritthatwillnotacknowledgeittobethe——LAFEUVeryhandofheaven。PAROLLESAy，soIsay。LAFEUInamostweak——
　　pausinganddebileminister，greatpower，greattranscendence：whichshould，indeed，giveusafurtherusetobemadethanalonetherecoveryoftheking，astobe——
　　pausinggenerallythankful。PAROLLESIwouldhavesaidit；yousaywell。Herecomestheking。
　　EnterKING，HELENA，andAttendants。LAFEUandPAROLLESretireLAFEULustig，astheDutchmansays：I’lllikeamaidthebetter，whilstIhaveatoothinmyhead：why，he’sabletoleadheracoranto。PAROLLESMortduvinaigre!isnotthisHelen？LAFEU’ForeGod，Ithinkso。KINGGo，callbeforemeallthelordsincourt。
　　Sit，mypreserver，bythypatient’sside；
　　Andwiththishealthfulhand，whosebanish’dsenseThouhastrepeal’d，asecondtimereceiveTheconfirmationofmypromisedgift，Whichbutattendsthynaming。
　　EnterthreeorfourLordsFairmaid，sendforththineeye：thisyouthfulparcelOfnoblebachelorsstandatmybestowing，O’erwhombothsovereignpowerandfather’svoiceIhavetouse：thyfrankelectionmake；
　　Thouhastpowertochoose，andtheynonetoforsake。HELENAToeachofyouonefairandvirtuousmistressFall，whenLoveplease!marry，toeach，butone!LAFEUI’ldgivebayCurtalandhisfurniture，Mymouthnomorewerebrokenthantheseboys’，Andwritaslittlebeard。KINGPerusethemwell：
　　Notoneofthosebuthadanoblefather。HELENAGentlemen，Heavenhaththroughmerestoredthekingtohealth。AllWeunderstandit，andthankheavenforyou。HELENAIamasimplemaid，andthereinwealthiest，ThatIprotestIsimplyamamaid。