Enter Thisbe.

Hip. Methinks, she should not use a long one, for such a Pyramus: I hope she will be brief. Dem. A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus, which Thisbe is the better.

Lys. She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.

Dem. And thus she moans, videlicet.-
This. "Asleep, my love?
"What, dead, my dove?

"O, Pyramus, arise,

"Speak, speak. Quite dumb? "Dead, dead. A tomb "Must cover thy sweet eyes. "These lily brows, "This cherry nose, "These yellow cowslip cheeks, "Are gone, are gone: "Lovers, make moan! "His eyes were green as leeks. "O sisters three, "Come, come, to me, "With hands as pale as milk; "Lay them in gore, "Since you have shore "With shears his thread of silk. "Tongue, not a word:"Come, trusty sword; "Come, blade, my breast imbrue: "And farewell, friends;"Thus Thisbe ends

[Dies.

"Adieu, adieu, adieu." T. Moonshine and lion are left to bury the

dead.

Dem. Ay, and wall too.

SCENE II.

Enter Puck.

[Exeunt.

Puck. Now the hungry lion roars,
And the wolf behowls the moon;
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.1
Now the wasted brands do glow,

Whilst the scritch-owl, scritching loud,

Puts the wretch, that lies in woe,
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night,
That the graves, all gaping wide,
Every one lets forth his sprite,

In the church-way paths to glide:
And we fairies that do run
By the triple Hecat's team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream,
Now are frolick; not a mouse
Shall disturb this hallow'd house:
I am sent, with broom, before,
To sweep the dust behind the door.

Enter Oberon and Titania, with their Train. Ob. Through this house give glimmering light, By the dead and drowsy fire:

Every elf, and fairy sprite,

Hop as light as bird from brier;

And his ditty, after me,
Sing, and dance it trippingly.

Tita. First, rehearse this song by rote:

To each word a warbling note,
Hand in hand, with fairy grace,
Will we sing, and bless this place.

SONG, AND DANCE.

Obe. Now, until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bride-bed will we,
Which by us shall blessed be;
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be;
And the blots of nature's hand
Shall not in their issue stand;
Never mole, hare-lip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despised in nativity,

Shall upon their children be.-
With this field-dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gate2;
And each several chamber bless,
Through this palace with sweet peace:
E'er shall it in safety rest,
And the owner of it blest.
Trip away;
Make no stay:

Meet me all by break of day.

[Exeunt Oberon, Titania, and Train.

Puck. If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, (and all is mended,)
That you have but slumber'd here,
While these visions did appear,
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a drım,
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you pardon, we will menà.
And, as I am honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends, ere long:
Else the Puck a liar call.

So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.

[Exit.

Act First.

SCENE I.

MOTH, Page to Armado. A Forester.

PRINCESS OF FRANCE.
ROSALINE,
MARIA,
KATHARINE,
JAQUENETTA, a Country Girl.

Ladies attending on the
Princess.

}

Officers and Others, attendants on the King

NAVARRE, A PARK, WITH A PALACE IN IT. Enter the King, Biron, Longaville, & Dumain. King. Let fame, that all hunt after in their Live register'd upon our brazen tombs, [lives, And then grace us in the disgrace of death; When, spite of cormorant devouring time, The endeavour of this present breath may buy That honour, which shall bate his scythe's keen And make us heirs of all eternity. [edge, Therefore, brave conquerors: -for so you are, That war against your own affections, 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.

You three, Birón, Dumain, 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:

Your oaths are past, and now subscribe your

names;

That his own hand may strike his honour down,
That violates the smallest branch herein:
If you are arm'd to do, as sworn to do,
Subscribe to your deep oath, and keep it too.

Lon. I am resolv'd: 'tis butathree years' fast; The mind shall banquet, though the body pine: Fat paunches have lean pates; and dainty bits Make rich the ribs, but bank'rout quite the wits. Dum. My loving lord, Dumain is mortified; 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.

Biron. I can but say their protestation over, So much, dear liege, I have already sworn, That is, To live and study here three years. But there are other strict observances:

and Princess.

As, not to see a woman in that term;
Which, I hope well, is not enrolled there:
And, one day in a week to touch no food;
And but one meal on every day beside;
The which, I hope, is not enrolled there:
And then to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day;
(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 enrolled there:
O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep;
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep.
K. Your oath is pass'd to pass away from these.
B. 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.
Long. You swore to that, Biron, and to the rest.
B. By yea and nay, sir, then I swore in jest.-
What is the end of study? let me know.

King. Why, that to know, which else we

should not know.

Biron. Things hid and barr'd, you mean, from common sense?

King. Ay, that is study's god-like recompense. Biron. 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; 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, Study knows that, which yet it doth not know: Swear me to this, and I will ne'er say, no. K. These be the stops that hinder study quite, And train our intellects to vain delight. Biron. Why, all delights are vain; but that

most vain, Which, with pain purchas'd, 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: 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,
And give him light that was it blinded by.
Study is like the heaven's glorious sun,
That will not be deep-search'd with saucy
looks;

Small have continual plodders ever won,
Save base authority from others' books.
These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights,
That give a name to every fixed star,
Have no more profit of their shining nights,
Than those that walk, and wot not what they

space;

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:
[Subscribes.

And he, that breaks them in the least degree, Stands in attainder of perpetual shame: Suggestions 1 are to others, as to me; But, I believe, although I seem so loth, I am the last that will last keep his oath. But is there no quick recreation granted? King. Ay, that there is: our court, you know, With a refined traveller of Spain; [is haunted A man in all the world's new fashion planted, That hath a mint of phrases in his brain: One, whom the musick 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, 2

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, And I will use him for my minstrelsy.

Biron. Armado is a most illustrious wight, A man of fire-new words, fashion's own knight. Long. Costard the swain, and he, shall be our sport;

And, so to study, three years is but short.

Enter Dull, with a letter, and Costard, Dull. Which is the duke's own person? Biron. This, fellow; What would'st? Dull. I myself reprehend his own person, for I am his grace's tharborough: but I would see his own person in flesh and blood.

Biron. This is he.

Dull. Signior Arme-Arme-commends you. There's villany abroad; this letter will tell you more.

Cost. Sir, the contempts thereof are as touching me.

King. A letter from the magnificent Armado. 1 Temptations. 2 Called. 8 Constable

Biron. How low soever the matter I hope for high words.

Long. A high hope for a low heaven: Heaven grant us patience!

Biron. To hear? or forbear hearing?

Long. To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately; or to forbear both.

Biron. Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us cause to climb in the merriness.

Cost. The matter is to me, sir, as concerning Jaquenetta. In manner and form following, 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.

King. Will you hear this letter with attention? Biron. As we would hear an oracle.

Cost. Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after the flesh.

King. [Reads.] Great Deputy, the welkin's vicegerent, and sole dominator of Navarre, my body's fostering patron,

Cost. Not a word of Costard yet.

King. So it is,

King. For Jaquenetta, (so is the weaker vessel called, which I apprehend with the aforesaid), I keep her as a vessel of thy law's fury; and shall, at the least of thy sweet notice, bring her to trial. Thine, in all compliments of devoted and heart-burning heat of duty.

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO. Biron. This is the best that ever I heard. King. Ay, the best for the worst. But, sirrah, what say you to this? Did you hear the proclamation?

Cost. I do confess much of the hearing it, but little of the marking of it.

King. Sir, I will pronounce your sentence; You shall fast a week with bran and water. Cost. I had rather pray a month with mutton and porridge.

King. And Don Armado shall be your keeper. -My lord Biron, see him deliver'd o'er.And go we, lords, to put in practice that Which each to other hath so strongly sworn.

[Exeunt King, Longaville, and Dumain. Biron. I'll lay my head to any good man's hat, These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn.

is, in telling true, but so, so.

King. Peace!

Cost. I suffer for the truth, sir; for true it is. Jaquenetta is a true girl; and therefore, Wel

King. No words.

Cost. of other men's secrets, I beseech you. King. So it is, besieged with sable coloured melancholy, I did commend the black oppressing humour to the most wholesome physick 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 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 ycleped thy park. Then for the place where; where, I mean, I did encounter that most preposterous event, that draweth from my snow-white pen the eben-coloured 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 garden: There did I see that low-spirited swain, that base minnow of thy mirth.

Cost. Me.

one day smile again, and till then, sit thee down, [Exeunt.

sorrow!

SCENE II.-ARMADO'S HOUSE.
Enter Armado and Moth.

Arm. Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit grows melancholy ?

Moth. A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
Arm. Why, sadness is one and the self-same

thing, dear imp.
Moth. No, no, sir, no.

Arm. How canst thou part sadness and melancholy, my tender juvenal?1

Moth. By a familiar demonstration of the working, my tough senior.

Arm. Why tough senior? why tough senior? M. Why tenderjuvenal? why tender juvenal? Arm. I spoke it, tender juvenal, as a congruent epitheton, appertaining to thy young days, which we may nominate tender.

Moth. And I, tough senior, as an appertinent title to your old time, which we may name

Cost. Me.

King. that shallow vassal.

Cost. Still me.

King. which, as I remember, hight Costard, Cost. O me!

King. -sorted and consorted, contrary to thy established proclaimed edict and canon, withwith,-O with a child of our grandmother Eve, a 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, Antony Dull; a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, and estimation.

Dull. Me, an't shall please you; I am Antony Duli

Arm. Pretty and apt.

Moth. How mean you, sir? I pretty, and my saying apt? or, I apt, and my saying pretty? Arm. Thou pretty because little.

Moth. Little pretty, because little: Wherefore apt?

Arm. And therefore apt, because quick.
Moth. Speak you this in my praise, master?
Arm. In thy condign praise.

Moth. I will praise an eel with the same praise.
Arm. What? that an eel is ingenious?
Moth. That an eel is quick.

Arm. I do say, thou art quick in answers: Thon heatest my blood.

Moth. I am answered, sir.

spirit of a tapster.

M. You are a gentleman, and a gamester, sir. Arm. I confess both; they are both the varnish of a complete man.

Moth. Then, I am sure you know how much the gross sum of deuce-ace amounts to.

Arm. It doth amount to one more than two. Moth. Which the base vulgar do call three. Arm. True.

Moth. Why, sir, is this such a piece of study? Now here is three studied, ere you'll thrice wink: and how easy it is to put years to the word three, and study three years in two words, the dancing horse will tell you.

Arm. A most fine figure!

[Aside.

Moth. To prove you a cipher. Arm. I will hereupon confess, I am in love: and, as it is base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a base wench. If drawing my sword against the humour of affection would deliver me from the reprobate thought of it, I would take desire prisoner, and ransom him to any French courtier for a new devised courtesy. I think scorn to sigh; methinks, I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy: What great men have been in love?

Moth. Hercules, master.

Arm. Most sweet Hercules!-More authority, dear boy, name more; and, sweet my child, let them be men of good repute and carriage.

Moth. Samson, master: he was a man of good carriage, great carriage! for he carried the town-gates on his back, like a porter: and he was in love.

Arm. O well knit Samson! strong jointed Samson! I do excel thee in my rapier, as much as thou didst me in carrying gates. I am in love too.-Who was Samson's love, my dear Moth? Moth. A woman, master. Arm. Of what complexion?

Moth. Of all the four, or the three, or the

two; or one of the four.

Arm. Tell me precisely of what complexion?
Moth. Of the sea-water green, sir.
Arm. Is that one of the four complexions?
Moth. As I have read, sir; and the best of

them too.

Arm. Green, indeed, is the colour of lovers: but to have a love of that colour, methinks, Samson had small reason for it. He, surely, affected her for her wit.

Moth. It was so, sir; for she had a green wit. Arm. My love is most immaculate white and red.

Moth. Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked under such colours.

Arm. Define, define, well-educated infant. M. My father's wit, and my mother's tongue assist me!

Arm. Sweet invocation of a child; most pretty, and pathetical!

Moth. If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne'er be known;
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred,
And fears by pale white shown:
Then, if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know;
For still her cheeks possess the same,
Which native she doth owe.1

A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of white and red.

Arm. Is there not a ballad, boy, of the King and the Beggar?

Moth. The world was very guilty of such a ballad some three ages since: but, I think, now 'tis not to be found; or, if it were, it would neither serve for the writing nor the tune.

Arm. I will have the subject newly writ o'er, that I may example my digression by some mighty precedent. Boy, I do love that country girl, that I took in the park with the rational hind, Costard; she deserves well.

Moth. To be whipped; and yet a better love than my master. [Aside.

Arm. Sing, boy; my spirit grows heavy in love. Moth. And that's great marvel, loving a light woman.

Arm. I say sing.

Moth. Forbear till this company be past.

Enter Dull, Costard, and Jaquenetta. Dull. Sir, the duke's pleasure is, that you keep Costard safe: and you must let him take no delight, nor no penance; but a' must fast three days a-week: For this damsel, I must keep her at the park; she is allowed for the day-woman.2 Fare you well.

A. I do betray myself with blushing.-Maid.
Jaq. Man.

Arm, I will visit thee at the lodge.
Jaq. That's here-by.

Arm. I know where it is situate.
Jaq. How wise you are!
Arm. I will tell thee wonders.

Jag. With that face?

Arm. I love thee.

Jaq. So I heard you say.

Arm. And so farewell.

Jaq. Fair weather after you!

Dull. Come, Jaquenetta, away.

[Exeunt Dull and Jaquenetta.

Arm. Villain, thou shalt fast for thy offences,

ere thou be pardoned.

Cost. Well, sir, I hope, when I do it, I shall do it on a full stomach.

Arm. Thou shalt be heavily punished.

Cost. I am more bound to you, than your fellows, for they are but lightly rewarded. Arm. Take away this villain; shut him up. Moth. Come, you transgressing slave; away. Cost. Let me not be pent up, sir, I will fast,

being loose.

Moth. No, sir, that were fast and loose: thou shalt to prison.

Cost. Weil, if ever I do see the merry days of desolation that I have seen, some shall see1 Own.