As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2, 160-245
Arden 3 | Juliet Dusinberre | London: Bloomsbury, 2006 | 248-254
@1599
Celia: 36 lines
Rosalind: 50 lines
Total: 86 lines
“Didst thou hear these verses?”
Scene
Words + Pronunciation
Translation
Assonance
Alliteration
Consonance
Thoughts
Thought Count
Rhythm
Pacing
Beats
Full Scene
Rhetoric
Scene
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Words and Pronunciation +
Arden 3 | 2006
Words
O God: one of several apostrophes to the Deity by Juliet. (Weis)
honey: sweet, used here adjectivally; honey was the standard sweetener in Shakespeare’s day, and Juliet is humouring Nurse. (Weis)
aweary: tired (Leung); weary, tired (SW)
jaunt: fatiguing journey (cited in OED) (Weis)
have I: have I had (Weis)
would: 3. a. Denoting expression (usually authoritative) of a wish or intention: Determine, decree, ordain, enjoin, give order (that something be done). Obs. (OED)
Jesu: not yet banned at this date and, outside RJ, used exclusively in the history plays, particularly in the Henry IVs (Weis)
stay the circumstance: wait for the detail (see without circumstance, 5.3.181) (Weis)
circumstance: special argument, detailed explanation (SW); circumlocution, verbiage, unnecessary detail (SW): pageantry, ceremony, spectacle (SW)
simple: foolish; Nurse picks up Juliet’s formal dichotomy of good and bad while ignoring the substance of her question. (Weis); foolish, silly, stupid (SW)
flower of courtesy: effectively a non sequitur after flower of courtesy since gentleness could be thought to be part of courtesy; ‘as gentle as a lamb’ is proverbial (Dent, L34). (Weis)
go thy ways: ‘Lucky you!’ ways: well done (SW), carry on, go ahead (SW); get along, be off (SW)
wench: a term of endearment for a young woman (OED sb. c) (Weis)
serve God: ‘Be good.’ (Weis)
dined: had your midday meal (Weis)
as: as if (Weis, re: line 49)
beshrew your heart: a mild and humorous imprecation on Juliet’s romantic heart for sending Nurse on this ‘back-breaking’ trip (cf. MA 5.1.55) (Weis)
beshrew: blame, censure, take to task, wish mischief on (SW); curse, devil take, evil befall (SW)
jauncing: prancing about (cited under OED jaunce v.)(Weis); jaunce: jaunt, trudge about, run around (SW); jaunt, fatiguing journey (SW)
honest: honourable (Weis); honourable, respectable, upright (SW); genuine, real, true (SW); innocent, well-intentioned, innocuous (SW)
warrant: assure, promise, guarantee, confirm (SW)
oddly: unequally, unevenly; or unusually, in a peculiar way (SW)
O God’s Lady: ‘by the Virgin Mary’ (Weis)
hot: eager, with a teasing intimation of unbecoming sexual passion (Weis); active, vigourous (SW); hot-tempered, angry, passionate (SW); fast, hasty (SW); lecherous, lustful, hot-blooded (SW); amorous, sexually eager, ardent, appetent (Partridge)
marry come up: a proverbial expression of indignant or amused surprise (Dent, M699.2) (Weis); expression of (real or playful) impatience (SW)
marry: [exclamation] by Mary (SW)
I trow: here meaning ‘surely’ (OED v. 4b glosses ‘I suppose’) (Weis); trow: (I) wonder, (I) ask you (SW); think, expect, believe (SW); believe, give credence to, accept as true (SW); hope, trust, suppose (SW); think, be sure (SW); know, guess, imagine (SW)
poultice: soothing dressing (Shakespeare’s only usage of the word) (Weis);1. A moist, usually heated mass of a substance with a soft, pasty consistency, applied to the skin, usually by means of a bandage or dressing, in order to promote healing, reduce swelling, relieve pain, etc.; a fomentation, a cataplasm. Also figurative. (OED)
coil: ado, fuss; cf. ‘I am not worth this coil that’s made for me’ (KJ 2.1.165).(Weis); turmoil, disturbance, fuss (SW); 1. Noisy disturbance, ‘row’; ‘tumult, turmoil, bustle, stir, hurry, confusion’ (Johnson).2. Confused noise of inanimate things; clutter, rattle, confused din. 3. Fuss, ado; a ‘business’. 4.a. to keep a coil: to keep up a disturbance; make a fuss, bustle, much ado.
shrift: confession (Leung, SW); absolution (SW); confessional, place for hearing confession (SW)
hie: hasten, go quickly (also at 72, 77, 78) (Weis); hasten, hurry, speed (SW)
cell: small, humble dwelling (SW)
stays: waits (Leung); stay: stay in hiding, remain hidden (SW); staying, remaining, continued presence (SW); remain, continue, endure (SW); wait (for), await (SW)
wanton blood: Juliet is starting to blush (Weis)
blood: spirit, vigour, mettle (SW); anger, temper, passion (SW); colouring, healthy complexion, blushing (SW); hot blood, the blood as affected by sexual passion (Partridge, 67)
wanton: feminine; or: childlike (SW); lascivious, lewd, obscene (SW); carefree, lighthearted, frolicsome, playful (SW)
climb: to climb a woman’s legs (as though they were the limb of a tree) and then enjoy her (Partridge, 80)
bird’s nest: i.e. Juliet’s bedroom; the idiom ‘to climb a bird’s nest’ may have been proverbial (Dent, N124.1). (Weis) pudend and pubic hair (Partridge, 66)
at any: hasten, go quickly (also at 72, 77, 78) (Weis)
drudge and toil in your delight: ‘I am a mean labourer and hack, and I labour for your pleasure.’ (Weis)
drudge: slave, serf, lackey (SW)
bear the burden: assume responsibility for what will ensue; but also suggesting that Juliet will experience the weight of Romeo’s body during love-making (cf. AC 1.5.22).(Weis); bear: to bear children; to bear, support, a superincumbent man (Partridge, 63)
soon at night: tonight (proverbial; Dent, S639.1) (Weis); quickly, in a short time (SW)
hie to high fortune: Wish me luck. (No Fear Shakespeare Translation)
Pronunciation +
lookest: possibly “look’st” (Leung, also: Arden CWRE, 1998)
shamest: (line 23) Q2–3; sham’st Q4, F; not in Q1 (Weis)
Jesu: (line 29) jeez-yoo or jee-zoo; jayz-yoo or jay-zoo
you: (line 29) The more formal pronoun is used consistently by Nurse when addressing Juliet, while the 13-year-old uses the familiar thou, thee, thy to her servant, in conformity with the etiquette of the day in which social class overrides age. (Weis)
marry: (line 62) mah-ree (UK); meh-ree (US) (OED)
trow: (line 62) tr-ah-oo (UK); tr-oh (US) (OED)
hie: (line 68) hah-ee
wanton: (line 70) want-en or want-in
+prose: (lines 38-45) The nurse switches to prose for this speech.
Translation
No Fear Shakespeare
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Assonance
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Pronunciation +
shamest: (line 23) Q2–3; sham’st Q4, F; not in Q1 (Weis)
Jesu: (line 29) jeez-yoo or jee-zoo; jayz-yoo or jay-zoo
you: (line 29) The more formal pronoun is used consistently by Nurse when addressing Juliet, while the 13-year-old uses the familiar thou, thee, thy to her servant, in conformity with the etiquette of the day in which social class overrides age. (Weis)
marry: (line 62) mah-ree (UK); meh-ree (US) (OED)
trow: (line 62) tr-ah-oo (UK); tr-oh (US) (OED)
hie: (line 68) hah-ee
wanton: (line 70) want-en or want-in
Alliteration
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Consonance
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Thoughts
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
CELIA
Long:
Medium:
Short:
Complex:
End stopped:
Midline:
Period:
Exclamation:
Question:
Dash:
Total:
ROSALIND
Long:
Medium:
Short:
Complex:
End stopped:
Midline:
Period:
Exclamation:
Question:
Dash:
Total:
Rhythm
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Pacing
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Beats
Arden 3 | 2006
Beat 1: Celia discovers they have privacy | Rosalind discovers Celia wants to know if she heard her reading the poem she just read.
ACTION: Celia to get Rosalind to say whether she has overheard her reading the poem to the shepherds | Rosalind: To get Celia to join her in making fun of the poems
OBSTACLES: Celia doesn’t know if Rosalind has seen Orlando or not for sure.
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
Beat 2: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers Rosalind has and thinks the there are too many feet in the verses | Rosalind discovers that Celia appears to think the poems are all right
ACTIONS: Celia to get Rosalind on the topic of who wrote the poems | Rosalind to get Celia to laugh at her jokes.
OBSTACLE: Rosalind seems to want to make fun of the poems
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
Beat 3: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers that Rosalind is blushing (and must know who it is) | Rosalind discovers it’s almost certainly Orlando who wrote the poems
ACTIONS: Celia to get Rosalind to say admit she knows who it is by playing her game | Rosalind to get Celia to say who it is
OBSTACLES: Rosalind keeps pretending not to know | Celia keeps teasing her
CELIA
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
Beat 3b:
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping!
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
Beat 4: DISCOVERIES: Rosalind discovers Celia is being crude | Celia discovers Rosalind wants a hint
ACTIONS: Rosalind gets Celia to give her a clue | Celia gets Rosalind to understand it’s Orlando.
OBSTACLES: Celia’s clue is not entirely helpful, or it fans the flame of her suspicion | She can only give clues.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
Beat 5: DISCOVERIES: Rosalind discovers the description of the beard matches Orlando | Celia discovers Rosalind can bear it no more.
ACTION: Rosalind to get Celia to tell her who it is forthwith | Celia to get Rosalind to wait for her decision
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
Beat 6: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers it’s time to tell Rosalind | Rosalind discovers Celia says it’s Orlando
ACTIONS: Celia makes Rosalind understand it’s Orlando who wrote the poems | Rosalind gets Celia to make her believe it’s not too good to be true.
OBSTACLES: Rosalind won’t believe Celia | Rosalind doesn’t want to rejoice until she’s sure as sure can be!
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
Beat 7: DISCOVERIES: Rosalind discovers it’s Orlando for certain | Celia discovers Rosalind wants to know everything about the past and the future
ACTIONS: Rosalind to get Celia to be omniscient about her and Orlando instantly | Celia to share her amusement at Rosalind’s overabundance of questions
OBSTACLES: Rosalind can’t know enough quickly enough
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
Beat 8: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers Rosalind persists in asking more questions | Rosalind discovers Celia is going to make a big show of telling her
ACTIONS: Celia to make Rosalind experience her encounter with Orlando vicariously | Rosalind to get Celia to share in her delight at the imagery she’s offering.
OBSTACLES: Rosalind keeps interrupting her | Celia keeps trying to control the story
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart!
Beat 9: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers Rosalind is not likely to stop any time soon | Rosalind discovers Celia is being thrown off by her interruptions.
ACTIONS: Celia to get Rosalind to understand she’s wrecking her flow | Rosalind to get Celia to forgive her and keep going
OBSTACLES: Celia remains pissed off. Rosalind makes no promise to stop.
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out.
Beat 10: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers Orlando and Jaques are arriving. Rosalind discovers she’s really throwing her friend off.
ACTIONS: Celia makes Rosalind understand Orlando is approaching | Rosalind gets Celia to hide with her to spy on him.
OBSTACLES: They don’t have a lot of time.
CELIA
Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Beat 11: DISCOVERIES: Celia discovers Rosalind wants to hide and spy on them | Rosalind discovers Celia is game
ACTIONS: Celia and Rosalind go and hide.
OBSTACLES: There is not a lot of time to hide. There aren’t too many good places to hide nearby.
Beats +
shamest: (line 23) Q2–3; sham’st Q4, F; not in Q1 (Weis)
Jesu: (line 29) jeez-yoo or jee-zoo; jayz-yoo or jay-zoo
you: (line 29) The more formal pronoun is used consistently by Nurse when addressing Juliet, while the 13-year-old uses the familiar thou, thee, thy to her servant, in conformity with the etiquette of the day in which social class overrides age. (Weis)
marry: (line 62) mah-ree (UK); meh-ree (US) (OED)
trow: (line 62) tr-ah-oo (UK); tr-oh (US) (OED)
hie: (line 68) hah-ee
wanton: (line 70) want-en or want-in
Full Scene
Arden 3 | 2006
3.2
Enter Orlando [ with a writing ].
ORLANDO
Hang there, my verse, in witness of my love.
And thou, thrice-crowned queen of night, survey
With thy chaste eye, from thy pale sphere above,
Thy huntress’ name that my full life doth sway.
236
5O Rosalind, these trees shall be my books,
And in their barks my thoughts I’ll character,
That every eye which in this forest looks
Shall see thy virtue witnessed everywhere.
Run, run, Orlando, carve on every tree
10The fair, the chaste and unexpressive she!(Exit.)
Enter Corin and Touchstone.
CORIN
And how like you this shepherd’s life, Master
Touchstone?
TOUCHSTONE
Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a
good life; but in respect that it is a shepherd’s life, it is
15naught. In respect that it is solitary, I like it very well;237
but in respect that it is private, it is a very vile life. Now
in respect it is in the fields, it pleaseth me well; but in
respect it is not in the court, it is tedious. As it is a spare
life, look you, it fits my humour well; but as there is no
20more plenty in it, it goes much against my stomach.
Hast any philosophy in thee, shepherd?
CORIN
No more but that I know the more one sickens the
worse at ease he is; and that he that wants money,
means and content is without three good friends; that
25the property of rain is to wet and fire to burn; that good
pasture makes fat sheep; and that a great cause of the
night is lack of the sun; that he that hath learned no wit
by nature nor art may complain of poor breeding or
comes of a very dull kindred.
TOUCHSTONE
30Such a one is a natural philosopher. Wast
ever in court, shepherd?
238
CORIN
No, truly.
TOUCHSTONE
Then thou art damned.
CORIN
Nay, I hope.
TOUCHSTONE
35Truly, thou art damned, like an ill-roasted
egg, all on one side.
CORIN
For not being at court? Your reason?
TOUCHSTONE
Why, if thou never wast at court thou
never sawst good manners; if thou never sawst good
40manners then thy manners must be wicked, and
wickedness is sin and sin is damnation. Thou art in a
parlous state, shepherd.
CORIN
Not a whit, Touchstone. Those that are good
manners at the court are as ridiculous in the country as
45the behaviour of the country is most mockable at the
court. You told me you salute not at the court but you
kiss your hands. That courtesy would be uncleanly if
courtiers were shepherds.
TOUCHSTONE
Instance, briefly. Come, instance.
CORIN
50Why, we are still handling our ewes, and their fells,
you know, are greasy.
239
TOUCHSTONE
Why, do not your courtier’s hands sweat?
And is not the grease of a mutton as wholesome as the
sweat of a man? Shallow, shallow. A better instance, I
55say. Come.
CORIN
Besides, our hands are hard.
TOUCHSTONE
Your lips will feel them the sooner –
shallow again. A more sounder instance, come.
CORIN
And they are often tarred over with the surgery
60of our sheep, and would you have us kiss tar? The
courtier’s hands are perfumed with civet.
TOUCHSTONE
Most shallow man ! Thou worm’s meat in
respect of a good piece of flesh indeed! Learn of the
wise and perpend. Civet is of a baser birth than tar, the240
65very uncleanly flux of a cat. Mend the instance,
shepherd.
CORIN
You have too courtly a wit for me, I’ll rest.
TOUCHSTONE
Wilt thou rest damned? God help thee,
shallow man! God make incision in thee, thou art raw!
CORIN
70Sir, I am a true labourer. I earn that I eat, get that
I wear; owe no man hate, envy no man’s happiness; glad
of other men’s good, content with my harm; and the
greatest of my pride is to see my ewes graze and my
lambs suck.
TOUCHSTONE
75That is another simple sin in you: to bring
the ewes and the rams together and to offer to get your
living by the copulation of cattle; to be bawd to a bell-
wether and to betray a she-lamb of a twelvemonth to a
crooked-pated old cuckoldly ram, out of all reasonable241
80match. If thou be’st not damned for this, the devil
himself will have no shepherds. I cannot see else how
thou shouldst scape.
Enter Rosalind [ as Ganymede, with a writing ]
CORIN
Here comes young Master Ganymede, my new
mistress’s brother.
ROSALIND
[Reads.]
85From the east to western Inde
No jewel is like Rosalind.
Her worth being mounted on the wind
Through all the world bears Rosalind.
All the pictures fairest lined
242
90 Are but black to Rosalind.
Let no fair be kept in mind
But the fair of Rosalind.
TOUCHSTONE
I’ll rhyme you so eight years together,
dinners and suppers and sleeping-hours excepted. It is
95the right butter-women’s rank to market.
ROSALIND
Out, fool!
TOUCHSTONE
For a taste –
If a hart do lack a hind,
Let him seek out Rosalind.
100If the cat will after kind,
So be sure will Rosalind.
243
Winter garments must be lined,
So must slender Rosalind.
They that reap must sheaf and bind,
105 Then to cart with Rosalind.
Sweetest nut hath sourest rind,
Such a nut is Rosalind.
He that sweetest rose will find
Must find love’s prick – and Rosalind.
110This is the very false gallop of verses. Why do you
infect yourself with them?
ROSALIND
Peace, you dull fool, I found them on a tree.
TOUCHSTONE
Truly, the tree yields bad fruit.
ROSALIND
I’ll graft it with you, and then I shall graft it
115with a medlar. Then it will be the earliest fruit i’th’244
country, for you’ll be rotten ere you be half ripe, and
that’s the right virtue of the medlar.
TOUCHSTONE
You have said. – But whether wisely or no,
let the forest judge.
Enter Celia [ as Aliena ] with a writing.
ROSALIND
120Peace, here comes my sister reading. Stand
aside.
CELIA
[Reads.]
Why should this a desert be,
For it is unpeopled? No!
Tongues I’ll hang on every tree
125 That shall civil sayings show :
245
Some, how brief the life of man
Runs his erring pilgrimage,
That the stretching of a span
Buckles in his sum of age;
130Some, of violated vows
’Twixt the souls of friend and friend.
But upon the fairest boughs,
Or at every sentence’ end,
Will I ‘Rosalinda’ write,
135 Teaching all that read to know
The quintessence of every sprite
Heaven would in little show.
246
Therefore heaven Nature charged
That one body should be filled
140With all graces wide-enlarged .
Nature presently distilled
Helen’s cheek but not her heart,
Cleopatra’s majesty,
Atalanta’s better part,
145 Sad Lucretia’s modesty.
Thus Rosalind of many parts
247
By heavenly synod was devised,
Of many faces, eyes and hearts
To have the touches dearest prized.
150Heaven would that she these gifts should have,
And I to live and die her slave.
ROSALIND
O most gentle pulpiter , what tedious homily
of love have you wearied your parishioners withal, and
never cried: ‘Have patience, good people!’
CELIA
155How now! Back, friends . – Shepherd, go off a little;
go with him, sirrah.
TOUCHSTONE
Come, shepherd, let us make an
honourable retreat, though not with bag and baggage248
yet with scrip and scrippage.
Exit [ with Corin ].
CELIA
160Didst thou hear these verses?
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
165Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
170I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-249
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
175Is it a man?
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
180meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
250
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence185, tell me who it is.
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
190though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it251
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
195mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
200Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard?
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
205It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
210Orlando?
CELIA
Orlando.
252
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
215makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he?
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
220ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
225It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
253
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such 230fruit.
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
235Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
254
CELIA
240I would sing my song without a burden – thou
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
245’Tis he! Slink by and note him.
JAQUES
I thank you for your company but, good faith, I
had as lief have been myself alone.
ORLANDO
And so had I, but yet for fashion’ sake
I thank you too for your society.
JAQUES
250God b’wi’ you , let’s meet as little as we can.
ORLANDO
I do desire we may be better strangers.
255
JAQUES
I pray you, mar no more trees with writing lovesongs
in their barks.
ORLANDO
I pray you, mar no more of my verses with
255reading them ill-favouredly.
JAQUES
Rosalind is your love’s name?
ORLANDO
Yes, just.
JAQUES
I do not like her name.
ORLANDO
There was no thought of pleasing you when
260she was christened.
JAQUES
What stature is she of?
ORLANDO
Just as high as my heart.
JAQUES
You are full of pretty answers. Have you not been
acquainted with goldsmiths’ wives, and conned them
265out of rings?
ORLANDO
Not so; but I answer you right painted cloth,256
from whence you have studied your questions.
JAQUES
You have a nimble wit; I think ’twas made of
Atalanta’s heels. Will you sit down with me, and we two
270will rail against our mistress the world and all our
misery?
ORLANDO
I will chide no breather in the world but
myself, against whom I know most faults.
JAQUES
The worst fault you have is to be in love.
ORLANDO
275’Tis a fault I will not change for your best
virtue. I am weary of you.
JAQUES
By my troth, I was seeking for a fool when I
found you.
ORLANDO
He is drowned in the brook. Look but in and
280you shall see him.
JAQUES
There I shall see mine own figure.
ORLANDO
Which I take to be either a fool or a cipher.
JAQUES
I’ll tarry no longer with you. Farewell, good
257
Signior Love.[Exit Jaques.]
ORLANDO
285I am glad of your departure. Adieu, good
Monsieur Melancholy .
ROSALIND
I will speak to him like a saucy lackey and
under that habit play the knave with him. – Do you
hear, forester?
ORLANDO
290Very well; what would you?
ROSALIND
I pray you, what is’t o’clock?
ORLANDO
You should ask me what time o’day. There’s
no clock in the forest.
ROSALIND
Then there is no true lover in the forest, else
295sighing every minute and groaning every hour would
detect the lazy foot of time as well as a clock.
258
ORLANDO
And why not the swift foot of time? Had not
that been as proper?
ROSALIND
By no means, sir. Time travels in divers paces
300with divers persons. I’ll tell you who Time ambles
withal, who Time trots withal, who Time gallops
withal and who he stands still withal.
ORLANDO
I prithee, who doth he trot withal?
ROSALIND
Marry, he trots hard with a young maid
305between the contract of her marriage and the day it is
solemnized. If the interim be but a se’nnight, Time’s
pace is so hard that it seems the length of seven year.
ORLANDO
Who ambles Time withal?
ROSALIND
With a priest that lacks Latin, and a rich man
310that hath not the gout; for the one sleeps easily because
he cannot study, and the other lives merrily because he
feels no pain; the one lacking the burden of lean and
wasteful learning, the other knowing no burden of
heavy tedious penury. These Time ambles withal.
ORLANDO
315Who doth he gallop withal?
ROSALIND
With a thief to the gallows; for though he go
as softly as foot can fall, he thinks himself too soon
there.
ORLANDO
Who stays it still withal?
259
ROSALIND
320With lawyers in the vacation; for they sleep
between term and term and then they perceive not how
time moves.
ORLANDO
Where dwell you, pretty youth?
ROSALIND
With this shepherdess, my sister, here in the
325skirts of the forest, like fringe upon a petticoat.
ORLANDO
Are you native of this place?
ROSALIND
As the coney that you see dwell where she is
kindled.
ORLANDO
Your accent is something finer than you could
330purchase in so removed a dwelling.
ROSALIND
I have been told so of many. But indeed, an
old religious uncle of mine taught me to speak, who
was in his youth an inland man – one that knew
courtship too well, for there he fell in love. I have heard
335him read many lectures against it, and I thank God I am260
not a woman, to be touched with so many giddy
offences as he hath generally taxed their whole sex
withal.
ORLANDO
Can you remember any of the principal evils
340that he laid to the charge of women?
ROSALIND
There were none principal – they were all like
one another as ha’pence are, every one fault seeming
monstrous till his fellow-fault came to match it.
ORLANDO
I prithee, recount some of them.
ROSALIND
345No. I will not cast away my physic but on
those that are sick. There is a man haunts the forest that
abuses our young plants with carving ‘Rosalind’ on
their barks; hangs odes upon hawthorns and elegies on
brambles; all, forsooth, deifying the name of Rosalind.
350If I could meet that fancy-monger I would give him
some good counsel, for he seems to have the quotidian
of love upon him.
261
ORLANDO
I am he that is so love-shaked. I pray you tell
me your remedy.
ROSALIND
355There is none of my uncle’s marks upon you.
He taught me how to know a man in love, in which cage
of rushes I am sure you are not prisoner.
ORLANDO
What were his marks?
ROSALIND
A lean cheek, which you have not; a blue eye
360and sunken, which you have not; an unquestionable
spirit, which you have not; a beard neglected, which
you have not – but I pardon you for that, for simply
your having in beard is a younger brother’s revenue.
Then your hose should be ungartered, your bonnet
unbanded365, your sleeve unbuttoned, your shoe untied,
and everything about you demonstrating a careless
desolation. But you are no such man. You are rather262
point-device in your accoutrements, as loving yourself
than seeming the lover of any other.
ORLANDO
370Fair youth, I would I could make thee believe
I love.
ROSALIND
Me believe it? You may as soon make her that
you love believe it, which I warrant she is apter to do
than to confess she does. That is one of the points in
375the which women still give the lie to their consciences.
But in good sooth, are you he that hangs the verses on
the trees, wherein Rosalind is so admired?
ORLANDO
I swear to thee, youth, by the white hand of
Rosalind, I am that he, that unfortunate he.
ROSALIND
380But are you so much in love as your rhymes
speak?
ORLANDO
Neither rhyme nor reason can express how
much.
ROSALIND
Love is merely a madness, and I tell you
385deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do;
and the reason why they are not so punished and cured263
is that the lunacy is so ordinary that the whippers are in
love too. Yet I profess curing it by counsel.
ORLANDO
Did you ever cure any so?
ROSALIND
390Yes, one, and in this manner. He was to
imagine me his love, his mistress, and I set him every
day to woo me. At which time would I – being but a
moonish youth – grieve, be effeminate, changeable,
longing and liking, proud, fantastical, apish, shallow,
395inconstant, full of tears, full of smiles; for every passion
something and for no passion truly anything, as boys
and women are for the most part cattle of this colour;
would now like him, now loath him; then entertain
him, then forswear him; now weep for him, then spit at
400him; that I drave my suitor from his mad humour of
love to a living humour of madness, which was to
forswear the full stream of the world and to live in a
nook merely monastic. And thus I cured him, and this
way will I take upon me to wash your liver as clean as a264
405sound sheep’s heart, that there shall not be one spot of
love in’t.
ORLANDO
I would not be cured, youth.
ROSALIND
I would cure you, if you would but call me
Rosalind and come every day to my cote and woo me.
ORLANDO
410Now by the faith of my love, I will. Tell me
where it is.
ROSALIND
Go with me to it and I’ll show it you; and by
the way you shall tell me where in the forest you live.
Will you go?
ORLANDO
415With all my heart, good youth.
ROSALIND
Nay, you must call me Rosalind. Come, sister,
will you go?
Exeunt.
Rhetoric
Arden 3 | 2006
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses? 160
ROSALIND
O yes, I heard them all, and more too, for
some of them had in them more feet than the verses
would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter – the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear 165
themselves without the verse, and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear, without wondering, how thy
name should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder 170
before you came; for look here what I found on a palm-
tree. I was never so berhymed since Pythagoras’ time
that I was an Irish rat, which I can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man? 175
CELIA
And a chain that you once wore about his neck –
change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord, it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes 180
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now, with most petitionary
vehemence, tell me who it is. 185
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out
of all hooping !
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! Dost thou think,
though I am caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet 190
and hose in my disposition? One inch of delay more is
a South Sea of discovery. I prithee tell me who is it
quickly and speak apace. I would thou couldst stammer,
that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy
mouth as wine comes out of a narrow-mouthed bottle 195
– either too much at once or none at all. I prithee take
the cork out of thy mouth that I may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man?
Is his head worth a hat? Or his chin worth a beard? 200
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more if the man will be
thankful. Let me stay the growth of his beard, if thou
delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s 205
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking! Speak sad
brow and true maid.
CELIA
I’faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando? 210
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day, what shall I do with my doublet
and hose? What did he when thou sawst him? What
said he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What
makes he here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he? 215
How parted he with thee? And when shalt thou see him
again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ’Tis
a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To say
ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in 220
a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and
in man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the day
he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the 225
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my finding
him and relish it with good observance. I found him
under a tree, like a dropped acorn –
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree when it drops
forth such fruit. 230
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he stretched along like a wounded
knight –
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well 235
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry holla to thy tongue, I prithee: it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter –
ROSALIND
O ominous, he comes to kill my heart !
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden – thou 240
bring’st me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? When I
think, I must speak. Sweet, say on.
Enter Orlando and Jaques.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft, comes he not here?
ROSALIND
’Tis he! Slink by and note him. 245
Pronunciation +
shamest: (line 23) Q2–3; sham’st Q4, F; not in Q1 (Weis)
Jesu: (line 29) jeez-yoo or jee-zoo; jayz-yoo or jay-zoo
you: (line 29) The more formal pronoun is used consistently by Nurse when addressing Juliet, while the 13-year-old uses the familiar thou, thee, thy to her servant, in conformity with the etiquette of the day in which social class overrides age. (Weis)
marry: (line 62) mah-ree (UK); meh-ree (US) (OED)
trow: (line 62) tr-ah-oo (UK); tr-oh (US) (OED)
hie: (line 68) hah-ee
wanton: (line 70) want-en or want-in
Didst thou hear these verses? | Text and analysis.
Didst thou hear these verses?
Source
RSC | Jonathan Bate & Eric Rasmussen. London: RSC Shakespeare, 2009
CELIA
Didst thou hear these verses?
ROSALIND
O, yes, I heard them all, and more too; for some of
them had in them more feet than the verses would bear.
CELIA
That’s no matter: the feet might bear the verses.
ROSALIND
Ay, but the feet were lame and could not bear
themselves without the verse and therefore stood
lamely in the verse.
CELIA
But didst thou hear without wondering how thy name
should be hanged and carved upon these trees?
ROSALIND
I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder
before you came; for look here what I found on a
palm-tree. I was never so be-rhymed since
Pythagoras’ time, that I was an Irish rat, which I
can hardly remember.
CELIA
Trow you who hath done this?
ROSALIND
Is it a man?
CELIA
And a chain, that you once wore, about his neck.
Change you colour?
ROSALIND
I prithee, who?
CELIA
O Lord, Lord! it is a hard matter for friends to
meet; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes
and so encounter.
ROSALIND
Nay, but who is it?
CELIA
Is it possible?
ROSALIND
Nay, I prithee now with most petitionary vehemence,
tell me who it is.
CELIA
O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful
wonderful! and yet again wonderful, and after that,
out of all hooping!
ROSALIND
Good my complexion! dost thou think, though I am
caparisoned like a man, I have a doublet and hose in
my disposition? One inch of delay more is a
South-sea of discovery; I prithee, tell me who is it
quickly, and speak apace. I would thou couldst
stammer, that thou mightst pour this concealed man
out of thy mouth, as wine comes out of a narrow-
mouthed bottle, either too much at once, or none at
all. I prithee, take the cork out of thy mouth that
may drink thy tidings.
CELIA
So you may put a man in your belly.
ROSALIND
Is he of God’s making? What manner of man? Is his
head worth a hat, or his chin worth a beard?
CELIA
Nay, he hath but a little beard.
ROSALIND
Why, God will send more, if the man will be
thankful: let me stay the growth of his beard, if
thou delay me not the knowledge of his chin.
CELIA
It is young Orlando, that tripped up the wrestler’s
heels and your heart both in an instant.
ROSALIND
Nay, but the devil take mocking: speak, sad brow and
true maid.
CELIA
I’ faith, coz, ’tis he.
ROSALIND
Orlando?
CELIA
Orlando.
ROSALIND
Alas the day! what shall I do with my doublet and
hose? What did he when thou sawest him? What said
he? How looked he? Wherein went he? What makes
him here? Did he ask for me? Where remains he?
How parted he with thee? and when shalt thou see
him again? Answer me in one word.
CELIA
You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first: ’tis a
word too great for any mouth of this age’s size. To
say ay and no to these particulars is more than to
answer in a catechism.
ROSALIND
But doth he know that I am in this forest and in
man’s apparel? Looks he as freshly as he did the
day he wrestled?
CELIA
It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the
propositions of a lover; but take a taste of my
finding him, and relish it with good observance.
I found him under a tree, like a dropped acorn.
ROSALIND
It may well be called Jove’s tree, when it drops
forth such fruit.
CELIA
Give me audience, good madam.
ROSALIND
Proceed.
CELIA
There lay he, stretched along, like a wounded knight.
ROSALIND
Though it be pity to see such a sight, it well
becomes the ground.
CELIA
Cry ‘holla’ to thy tongue, I prithee; it curvets
unseasonably. He was furnished like a hunter.
ROSALIND
O, ominous! he comes to kill my heart.
CELIA
I would sing my song without a burden: thou bringest
me out of tune.
ROSALIND
Do you not know I am a woman? when I think, I must
speak. Sweet, say on.
CELIA
You bring me out. Soft! comes he not here?
Enter ORLANDO and JAQUES
ROSALIND
‘Tis he: slink by, and note him.
Line Analysis
RSC | 2009
Thoughts
Short: 9
Medium: 5
Long: 2
Total: 16
End-stopped: 5
Mid-line: 11
Periods: 7
Exclamations: 1
Questions: 7
Unfinished: 1
PAULINA
What studied torments, tyrant, hast for me?
What wheels? Racks? Fires? What flaying? Boiling?
In leads or oils? what old or newer torture
Must I receive, whose every word deserves
To taste of thy most worst? Thy tyranny,
Together working with thy jealousies–
Fancies too weak for boys, too green and idle
For girls of nine– O, think what they have done
And then run mad indeed, stark mad! for all
Thy by-gone fooleries were but spices of it.
That thou betray’dst Polixenes,’twas nothing:
That did but show thee, of a fool, inconstant
And damnable ingrateful. Nor was’t much,
Thou wouldst have poison’d good Camillo’s honour,
To have him kill a king. Poor trespasses.
More monstrous standing by: whereof I reckon
The casting forth to crows thy baby-daughter
To be or none or little; though a devil
Would have shed water out of fire ere done’t.
Nor is’t directly laid to thee, the death
Of the young prince, whose honourable thoughts–
Thoughts high for one so tender– cleft the heart
That could conceive a gross and foolish sire
Blemish’d his gracious dam: this is not, no,
Laid to thy answer. But the last,–O, lords,
When I have said, cry ‘woe!’ The queen, the queen,
The sweet’st, dear’st creature’s dead, and vengeance for’t
Not dropp’d down yet.