The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 2 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 2 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Cha._ Come, where is this young gallant that is so
desirous to lie with his mother earth? 180
_Orl._ Ready, sir; but his will hath in it a more modest
working.
_Duke F._ You shall try but one fall.
_Cha._ No, I warrant your Grace, you shall not entreat
him to a second, that have so mightily persuaded him from 185
a first.
_Orl._ You mean to mock me after; you should not have
mocked me before: but come your ways.
_Ros._ Now Hercules be thy speed, young man!
_Cel._ I would I were invisible, to catch the strong fellow 190
by the leg. [_They wrestle._
_Ros._ O excellent young man!
_Cel._ If I had a thunderbolt in mine eye, I can tell who
should down. [_Shout. Charles is thrown._
_Duke F._ No more, no more. 195
_Orl._ Yes, I beseech your Grace: I am not yet well
breathed.
_Duke F._ How dost thou, Charles?
_Le Beau._ He cannot speak, my lord.
_Duke F._ Bear him away. What is thy name, young man? 200
_Orl._ Orlando, my liege; the youngest son of Sir Rowland
de Boys.
_Duke F._ I would thou hadst been son to some man else:
The world esteem’d thy father honourable,
But I did find him still mine enemy: 205
Thou shouldst have better pleased me with this deed,
Hadst thou descended from another house.
But fare thee well; thou art a gallant youth:
I would thou hadst told me of another father.
[_Exeunt Duke Fred., train, and Le Beau._
_Cel._ Were I my father, coz, would I do this? 210
_Orl._ I am more proud to be Sir Rowland’s son,
His youngest son; and would not change that calling,
To be adopted heir to Frederick.
_Ros._ My father loved Sir Rowland as his soul,
And all the world was of my father’s mind: 215
Had I before known this young man his son,
I should have given him tears unto entreaties,
Ere he should thus have ventured.
_Cel._ Gentle cousin,
Let us go thank him and encourage him:
My father’s rough and envious disposition 220
Sticks me at heart. Sir, you have well deserved:
If you do keep your promises in love
But justly, as you have exceeded all promise,
Your mistress shall be happy.
_Ros._ Gentleman,
[_Giving him a chain from her neck._
Wear this for me, one out of suits with fortune, 225
That could give more, but that her hand lacks means.
Shall we go, coz?
_Cel._ Ay. Fare you well, fair gentleman.
_Orl._ Can I not say, I thank you? My better parts
Are all thrown down, and that which here stands up
Is but a quintain, a mere lifeless block. 230
_Ros._ He calls us back: my pride fell with my fortunes;
I’ll ask him what he would. Did you call, sir?
Sir, you have wrestled well and overthrown
More than your enemies.
_Cel._ Will you go, coz?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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