Act II, Scene 5

Paris - The KING’s palace

[Enter LAFEU and BERTRAM]

Lafeu. But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier.

Bertram. Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof.

Lafeu. You have it from his own deliverance.

Bertram. And by other warranted testimony.

Lafeu. Then my dial goes not true: I took this lark for a bunting.

Bertram. I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in

            knowledge and accordingly valiant.

Lafeu. I have then sinned against his experience and

            transgressed against his valour; and my state that

            way is dangerous, since I cannot yet find in my

            heart to repent. Here he comes: I pray you, make

            us friends; I will pursue the amity.

[Enter PAROLLES]

Parolles. [To BERTRAM] These things shall be done, sir.

Lafeu. Pray you, sir, who's his tailor?

Parolles. Sir?

Lafeu. O, I know him well, I, sir; he, sir, 's a good

            workman, a very good tailor.

Bertram. [Aside to PAROLLES] Is she gone to the king?

Parolles. She is.

Bertram. Will she away to-night?

Parolles. As you'll have her.

Bertram. I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure,

            Given order for our horses; and to-night,

            When I should take possession of the bride,

            End ere I do begin.

Lafeu. A good traveller is something at the latter end of a

            dinner; but one that lies three thirds and uses a

            known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should

            be once heard and thrice beaten. God save you, captain.

Bertram. Is there any unkindness between my lord and you, monsieur?

Parolles. I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord's

            displeasure.

Lafeu. You have made shift to run into 't, boots and spurs

            and all, like him that leaped into the custard; and

            out of it you'll run again, rather than suffer

            question for your residence.

Bertram. It may be you have mistaken him, my lord.

Lafeu. And shall do so ever, though I took him at 's

            prayers. Fare you well, my lord; and believe this

            of me, there can be no kernel in this light nut; the

            soul of this man is his clothes. Trust him not in

            matter of heavy consequence; I have kept of them

            tame, and know their natures. Farewell, monsieur:

            I have spoken better of you than you have or will to

            deserve at my hand; but we must do good against evil.

[Exit]

Parolles. An idle lord. I swear.

Bertram. I think so.

Parolles. Why, do you not know him?

Bertram. Yes, I do know him well, and common speech

            Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog.

[Enter HELENA]

Helena. I have, sir, as I was commanded from you,

            Spoke with the king and have procured his leave

            For present parting; only he desires

            Some private speech with you.

Bertram. I shall obey his will.

            You must not marvel, Helen, at my course,

            Which holds not colour with the time, nor does

            The ministration and required office

            On my particular. Prepared I was not

            For such a business; therefore am I found

            So much unsettled: this drives me to entreat you

            That presently you take our way for home;

            And rather muse than ask why I entreat you,

            For my respects are better than they seem

            And my appointments have in them a need

            Greater than shows itself at the first view

            To you that know them not. This to my mother:

            [Giving a letter]

            'Twill be two days ere I shall see you, so

            I leave you to your wisdom.

Helena. Sir, I can nothing say,

            But that I am your most obedient servant.

Bertram. Come, come, no more of that.

Helena. And ever shall

            With true observance seek to eke out that

            Wherein toward me my homely stars have fail'd

            To equal my great fortune.

Bertram. Let that go:

            My haste is very great: farewell; hie home.

Helena. Pray, sir, your pardon.

Bertram. Well, what would you say?

Helena. I am not worthy of the wealth I owe,

            Nor dare I say 'tis mine, and yet it is;

            But, like a timorous thief, most fain would steal

            What law does vouch mine own.

Bertram. What would you have?

Helena. Something; and scarce so much: nothing, indeed.

            I would not tell you what I would, my lord:

            Faith yes;

            Strangers and foes do sunder, and not kiss.

Bertram. I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse.

Helena. I shall not break your bidding, good my lord.

Bertram. Where are my other men, monsieur? Farewell.

            [Exit HELENA]

            Go thou toward home; where I will never come

            Whilst I can shake my sword or hear the drum.

            Away, and for our flight.

Parolles. Bravely, coragio!

[Exeunt]