Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: All's Well That Ends Well (Modern)
  • Editors: Andrew Griffin, Helen Ostovich
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-432-5

    Copyright Helen Ostovich and Andrew Griffin. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editors: Andrew Griffin, Helen Ostovich
    Not Peer Reviewed

    All's Well That Ends Well (Modern)

    5.[1]
    Enter Helen, Widow, and Diana, with two Attendants.
    2595Helen
    But this exceeding posting day and night
    Must wear your spirits low. We cannot help it,
    But since you have made the days and nights as one,
    To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,
    Be bold: you do so grow in my requital
    2600As nothing can unroot you. -- In happy time!
    Enter a gentle Austringer.
    This man may help me to his majesty's ear,
    If he would spend his power. -- [To the Austringer] God save you, sir.
    Austringer
    And you.
    Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.
    Austringer
    I have been sometimes there.
    I do presume, sir, that you are not fall'n
    From the report that goes upon your goodness,
    And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions
    2610Which lay nice manners by, I put you to
    The use of your own virtues, for the which
    I shall continue thankful.
    Gentleman
    What's your will?
    That it will please you
    2615To give this poor petition to the King,
    And aid me with that store of power you have
    To come into his presence.
    Austringer
    The King's not here.
    Not here, sir?
    2620Austringer
    Not, indeed.
    He hence removed last night, and with more haste
    Than is his use.
    Widow
    Lord, how we lose our pains!
    All's well that ends well yet,
    2625Though time seem so adverse, and means unfit.
    I do beseech you, whither is he gone?
    Austringer
    Marry, as I take it, to Roussillon,
    Whither I am going.
    Helen
    I do beseech you, sir,
    2630Since you are like to see the King before me,
    Commend the paper to his gracious hand,
    Which I presume shall render you no blame,
    But rather make you thank your pains for it.
    I will come after you with what good speed
    2635Our means will make us means.
    Austringer
    This I'll do for you.
    And you shall find yourself to be well thanked,
    Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.
    [To the Attendants] Go, go, provide.