The forest
Enter ROSALIND and CELIA
Rosalind. Never talk to me; I will weep. 1595
Celia. Do, I prithee; but yet have the grace to consider that tears
do not become a man.
Rosalind. But have I not cause to weep?
Celia. As good cause as one would desire; therefore weep.
Rosalind. His very hair is of the dissembling colour. 1600
Celia. Something browner than Judas's.
Marry, his kisses are Judas's own children.
Rosalind. I' faith, his hair is of a good colour.
Celia. An excellent colour: your chestnut was ever the only colour.
Rosalind. And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of 1605
holy bread.
Celia. He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana. A nun of
winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of
chastity is in them.
Rosalind. But why did he swear he would come this morning, and 1610
comes not?
Celia. Nay, certainly, there is no truth in him.
Rosalind. Do you think so?
Celia. Yes; I think he is not a pick-purse nor a horse-stealer; but
for his verity in love, I do think him as concave as covered 1615
goblet or a worm-eaten nut.
Rosalind. Not true in love?
Celia. Yes, when he is in; but I think he is not in.
Rosalind. You have heard him swear downright he was.
Celia. 'Was' is not 'is'; besides, the oath of a lover is no 1620
stronger than the word of a tapster; they are both the confirmer
of false reckonings. He attends here in the forest on the Duke,
your father.
Rosalind. I met the Duke yesterday, and had much question with him.
He asked me of what parentage I was; I told him, of as good as 1625
he; so he laugh'd and let me go. But what talk we of fathers when
there is such a man as Orlando?
Celia. O, that's a brave man! He writes brave verses, speaks brave
words, swears brave oaths, and breaks them bravely, quite
traverse, athwart the heart of his lover; as a puny tilter, that 1630
spurs his horse but on one side, breaks his staff like a noble
goose. But all's brave that youth mounts and folly guides. Who
comes here?
Enter CORIN
Corin. Mistress and master, you have oft enquired 1635
After the shepherd that complain'd of love,
Who you saw sitting by me on the turf,
Praising the proud disdainful shepherdess
That was his mistress.
Celia. Well, and what of him? 1640
Corin. If you will see a pageant truly play'd
Between the pale complexion of true love
And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain,
Go hence a little, and I shall conduct you,
If you will mark it. 1645
Rosalind. O, come, let us remove!
The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.
Bring us to this sight, and you shall say
I'll prove a busy actor in their play. Exeunt
YOU ARE READING
As You Like It
General FictionAs You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio in 1623. The play's first performance is uncertain, though a performance at Wilton House in 1603 has been suggest...
